EFFECT OF IRRIGATION METHODS ON GROWTH, ELEMENTAL COMPOSITION AND ESSENTIAL OIL YIELD OF GERANIUM [Pelargonium graveolens (L.) Herit] PLANT
Y. VIJAY KUMAR
Central Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (CIMAP), Resource Centre, Hyderabad, India.
B. V. VARDHINI *
Department of Botany, Telangana University, Nizamabad, India.
K. N. SWAMY
Department of Botany, Plant Physiology Laboratory, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
S. S. R. RAO
Department of Botany, Plant Physiology Laboratory, Osmania University, Hyderabad, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
The effect of both drip and flood irrigation systems on plant growth, elemental composition and essential oil content of geranium in three seasonal harvests under field conditions was studied. The highest growth was obtained in drip irrigated treatment. Maximum values of leaf area were obtained in drip irrigation system. Metabolite content also significantly varied in drip irrigation. Drip system irrigation influenced the nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium concentration in geranium plants to a great extent. Herbage yield also varied in both the irrigations. The essential oil quality measured in terms of citronellol, geraniol, did not vary in both the systems. The present investigation clearly demonstrated that drip mode of irrigation has positive impact on the performance of geranium plants.
Keywords: Drip irrigation, elements, essential oil, flooding irrigation, geranium, growth