Effect of nitrogen and phosphorus rates on growth, yield and oil content of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus L.)

Abstract

   Lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus L.) is one of the most important medicinal plants because it produces an essential oil which has a high economical value. It is a tropical grass which can be successfully produced in Sudan at the commercial level.  This study was carried out to investigate the effect of N and P fertilizers on vegetative growth, herbage yield and oil content of lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuosus L.). The experiment was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences, University of Gezira, Wad Medani, Sudan. Treatments consisted of three levels of N (0, 43 and 86 kg N ha^-1) and two levels of P (0 and 41 kg P₂O₅ha^-1). The treatments were arranged in a randomized block design with four replicates. Application of N and P had significant effects on vegetative growth, herbage yield and oil content in both cuts. The best results were obtained by the application of 86 kg N ha^{-1 in combination with 41 kg P}₂O₅ha^{-1 in both cuts, and the control treatment resulted in the lowest values. Lemongrass oil content was higher in the first cut as compared to the second cut.}