FARMER'S NOTEBOOK
Aromatic plant with multifarious uses
M.J. PRABU
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It grows well in loamy soil and can be propagated through cuttings
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From About 12 tonnes of green leaves nearly 100 kilograms of oil can be extracted
BETTER YIELDER: Three harvests at an interval of three to four months can be done in a year. — Photo: TNAU
ROSEMARY (ROSMARINUS officinalis) is an aromatic plant, mainly cultivated for its oil that is used in perfumery, antiseptic, cosmetics and medicine.
It is also used in aromatherapy. The leaves are used for preparing tea, which has a good flavour and aroma.
Researchers have developed a new, disease-resistant rosemary variety named Rosemary-Ooty (RM) 1, at the Horticultural Research Station (HRS) of the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU), Vijayanagaram, Udhagamandalam.
Higher yield
The variety has recorded a yield of about12 tonnes of green leaves per hectare, which is 46 per cent higher than that of local varieties, according to M. Selvaraj, Head, HRS.
He said the crop is mostly cultivated as an irrigated and rainfed crop in higher elevations of 900 to 2500 metres above mean sea level. It is resistant to drought and frost conditions.
In Tamil Nadu, rosemary cultivation is confined to The Nilgiris district and some parts of Kolli hills and Valparai regions.
Perennial herb
The plant is a perennial herb reaching a height of about 60 cm with long, cylindrical and inwardly folded leaves. The leaves are dark green, thick and leathery.
It is found to grow well in loamy soil and can be propagated through cuttings of about 10-15 cm length. About 50,000 cuttings are required for planting in one hectare.
Before planting, the cuttings should be treated with 10 per cent cow pat pit (a biodynamic preparation) for 20 minutes to increase rooting," Prof. Selvaraj said.
About 50 tonnes of farmyard manure, one tonne of neem cake, two tonnes of vermicompost, 5 kg of Azospirillum and 5 kg of phosphobacterium should be mixed with the soil.
The ideal time for planting is during June-July and September-October. The cuttings must be planted in rows with a distance of about 1.5 metres between them.
Weeding may be required a month after planting and then every two months.
Foliar application
Thirty days after planting, foliar application of about 3 per cent Panchakavya, (fermented mixture of cow dung, cow urine, milk, curd and ghee) 10 per cent vermiwash must be sprayed five times at one month's interval to promote growth.
A second application of about 5 kg of Phosphobacterium and Azospirillum, and 10 kg of farmyard manure must be done as side dressing from the second year of planting. The crop is resistant to major pests and infestations and can be harvested in 215 days after planting. Three harvests at an interval of 3-4 months can be done in a year.
Good price
"About 12 tonnes of green leaves can be harvested from which 80-100 kgs of oil can be extracted," he said. The green leaves are sold at Rs.15-20 per kilo in the local market, according to him.
For more information readers may contact the office of the Prof and Head, Horticultural Research Station, Vijayanagaram, Udhagamandalam - 643 001, Phone: 0423-2442170,email: hrsooty@tnau.co.in
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