ABSTRACT:
Gypsum is a naturally occurring mineral and it contains 23.28% calcium (Ca) and 18.62% sulfur (S) in the readily available sulfate form (SO4). Lemongrass is a tropical perennial grass which yields aromatic oil containing 70-90% Citral. The present study focused on the influence of different doses of gypsum on the essential oil yield of lemongrass var. Krishna In the experiment, five different doses of gypsum (0- 4.0 tons/ha) was applied and during the course of investigation the essential oil from the herbs was collected at three different stages (i.e. at 60, 120, 180 days after planting) and it was noticed that the essential content did not follow any particular pattern. Similarly, the chemical constituents of the oil were not influenced by the treatments. It was also observed that reduction in plant height and number of tillers/clump that was manifested in reduced herb yield was compensated by a higher oil concentration in the leaves. The highest content of the Citral-1, Citral-2, Geraniol and Geranyl acetate was present in the essential oil component.