Hedychium spicatum,

Two trials on agro-techniques were laid to determine the following parameters: optimal plant spacing, suitable mulching material and optimal rhizome size in terms of crop growth, rhizome yield and quality of essential oil. Mulch materials (Eupatorium odenophorum, Lantana camara, Imperata cylindrica and Grevillea robusta) were applied @ 15 t/ha on fresh weight basis. Plant spacing showed no distinct effect on plant height, number of leaves/plant, and number of plantlets/plant at flowering. Crop-growth at flowering was, however, influenced by mulch materials (Fig. 5.17). Imperata, Eupatorium and Grevillea mulches showed adverse effect on plant height as compared to no mulch. Number of leaves/plant was lower in case of all four mulch materials as compared to no mulch. Such trends need further confirmation. Plant spacing showed no distinct effect on plant height, number of leaves/plant, and number of plantlets/plant at flowering. Crop-growth at flowering was, however, influenced by mulch materials (Fig. 5.17). Imperata, Eupatorium and Grevillea mulches showed adverse effect on plant height as compared to no mulch. Number of leaves/plant was lower in case of all four mulch materials as compared to no mulch.