LemongrassCymbopogon citratusProduction in Southwest Mississippi

Abstract

ABSTRACT Field experiments were used to determine the effect of three within-row plant spacings (30.0, 45.0, and 60.0 cm) on lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) survival, growth, yield, and quality. Studies were conducted on a Memphis silt loam (fine, silty, mixed thermic; Typic Hapludalfs) soil in southwest Mississippi. Field plot design was a randomized complete block (RCB) with four replications of each within-row plant spacing (treatment). Plant survival ranged from 75.0 to 82.0% in 2002, and from 49.3 to 95.8% in 2003. In both cases, survival was more at wider plant spacing compared to closer plant spacing. Plant growth components per unit area generally increased in response to decrease in within-row plant spacing during both study periods. The relationship between growth components and shoot fresh weight was positively significant for plant width and number of tillers. Leaf quality (volatile oils) were higher at closer plant spacing, compared to wider plant spacing. Soil potassium level at the end of the study period was highest for the 45.0 cm plant spacing, but was not different from the 30.0 cm plant spacing.