Assessment of Growth Characteristics of Medicinal Plants Ocimum tenuiflorum L. and Plectranthus amboinicus (Lour.) Spreng. Under Shade Net and Open Conditions

Aim: To study the effect of shade net on the growth characteristics of two medicinal plants viz., Tulsi and Indian Borage in terms of plant height, number of leaves, leaf area and flowering in relation to open condition.

Place and Duration of Study: Lawspet, Puducherry, India between June 2018 and October 2018.

Methodology: Tulsi and Indian Borage plants were grown in similar type of soil. The potted plants were kept in open, 35% and 75% shade net conditions and studied for 3 months. The plant height, number of leaves, and leaf area were measured including number of inflorescence branches for Tulsi.

Results: The average air temperature was lower under shade net. Relative humidity was more in shade net conditions with maximum in 75% shade and least in open conditions. The number of leaves of Tulsi and Indian Borage recorded was maximum when grown under 35% shade and least in open conditions. Plant height was maximum in 75% shade for Tulsi and 35% shade in Indian Borage and least in open conditions on both the cases. Leaf area was maximum for both Tulsi and Indian Borage in 75% shade.

Conclusion: Growth of the two medicinal plants was influenced by the microclimate conditions. The present study shows that the medicinal plants can be grown in shade net conditions to increase the yield of medicinally useful parts.