Lemon Grass

 

Lemon Grass

 

Cymbopogon citratus is a tropical, evergreen, perennial plant belonging to the grass family which is commonly known as lemongrass, which is aromatic and grows up to 1.5 m tall. Lemongrass grows in dense clumps and has several stiff stems and blade-like long leaves. The inflorescence of the plant is known as a spike. Lemongrass is one of the potential aromatic plants that is cultivated in India Owing to its great medicinal properties and health benefits the demand for lemongrass is increasing day by day. Oil extracted from leaves and shoots of the plant by distillation has high demand in perfumery industries. Lemongrass tea is also becoming popular among people who are very health conscious.

 

Benefits of Lemongrass:

 

• Lemongrass is known to contain flavonoids and phenolic compounds, which contain antioxidants.
• Lemongrass is used to cure a cold and cough.
• Lemongrass has antibacterial and antifungal property hence use to prepare disinfectants
• Lemongrass contains quercetin a flavonoid and has an anti-inflammatory effect hence use in massage oil.
• Lemongrass has a therapeutic effect that can cope with stress hence use to prepare room freshener or aromatic candles.
• Lemongrass is used as flavoring agents in many southeast Asian cuisines.
• Lemongrass can use as a vegetable (heart of young shoots).
• Lemongrass tea is tasty
• Lemongrass when planted across the slopes in hilly terrain can control erosion in addition to the generation of income to the farmer. 

 

Cultivation of Lemongrass:

 

Climate and soil:

The plants can be grown at temperatures ranging from 10 to 33°C but thrive best at temperatures between 25 and 30°C. The plant can grow in a wide range of soils but grows best in fertile loam with a pH between 5.0 and 8.4 and with a good drainage facility. The plant loves the sun but they can tolerate shade up to some extent.

 

Propagation:

 

Lemongrass can be propagated through seeds. A seed rate of 4-5kg/ha is generally recommended. Seedlings can be raised in a one-tenth area of the main field. The seeds usually germinate one week after sowing and are ready for transplanting 45-50 days after sowing. Seedlings can be raised in early summer and transplanting can be done at the onset of the monsoon.

The plant can also be propagated vegetatively by dividing the slits from the main stem of a well-established plant. 

The seedlings or divided slits can be planted at 60x80 cm spacing to maintain proper crop stand also providing enough space for individual plants to flourish to their fullest without facing any competition.

 

Nutrient Management:

FYM or compost at 20 - 25 t/ha should be applied as basal. In the first year, application 50 kg N/ha, half at planting and a half one month after planting is recommended. But from the second year onwards, the first dose of fertilizer should be applied right after cutting, followed by a second dose after one month.

 

Plant protection:

 

The plant is hardy and the problem of disease and pests is not very common.

 

Harvesting:

 

The first harvest can be done 90 days after planting and thereafter 75 - 90 days interval. Cut the bush by leaving 10 - 15 cm above the ground level.

 

Postharvest Management

 

Oil is extracted either by water or steam distillation method from leaves and young shoots. Oil recovery 0.2 - 0.3 %.

 

For tea, the leaves should be cleaned and shade dried and chopped. The tea can be stored in an air-tight container. Then, tea can be boiled with water and enjoy.