MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Cultivation

Soil
It is a very hardy plant and is found growing on rocky terrains in the temperate parts of the world. In India, the plant comes up well on the light, loamy soils of the Nilgiris and the sandy loam soils of Bangalore. The crop requires a soil pH ranging from 6.5 – 7.0 for its successful growth.

Climate
Rosemary prefers a Mediterranean type of climate with low humidity, warm winters and mild summers for its successful growth. However, any place where frost occurs frequently should be avoided as the plant is susceptible to it. The climate of the Nilgiris and Bangalore, in India, has been found suitable for its cultivation.

Land preparation
The land is prepared well by repeated ploughing and harrowing. About 20 t of well decomposed FYM is incorporated into the soil at the time of the final ploughing.

Propagation
Vegetative propagation
It is best propagated by vegetative method by stem-cuttings. Cuttings from healthy mother-plants, 10-15 cm in length, are taken. All leaves about half of the length from bottom should be removed. The cuttings are then planted in nursery beds of sandy soil under partial shade at a depth of about 6 to 10 cm. Thereafter, regular watering and weeding is provided to the nursery for about a month. After about 6-8 weeks, the cuttings are ready for transplanting into the main field. They can also be raised in small polybags or seed-pans. This helps in easy transportation of the rooted cuttings.

Seed propagation
The crop can be propagated by seeds also. The ideal season for raising the nursery is between September and November. The seeds are very small and about 0.2 to 2.5 g seeds are required to cover 1 sq. m area and are sown to a depth of 1-2 cm.
After they are sown in well-prepared nursery beds, regular watering and weeding of the nursery is continued. The seeds germinate best at a soil temperature ranging from 14-15°C. When the seedlings are about 8 to 10 weeks old, they are ready for transplanting into the main field.

Transplanting
Eight to ten weeks-old rooted cuttings or seedlings are planted in the main field at a spacing of 45 x 120 cm. About 20,000 plants/ha give the highest yield of oil. It is reported from the CIMAP, Lucknow, that a spacing of 45 cm x 45 cm between plants is optimum and gives the best yield.

Manures and fertilizers
Prior to transplanting, 20 t of FYM, along with 40 kg of P2O5, 40 kg of K2O and 20 kg of N is applied to the soil as a basal dose. After each harvest, 80 kg/ha of N is applied in 4 equal split doses as a side-dressing to promote vegetative growth. For obtaining the highest yield, the CIMAP, Lucknow has recommended the application of 300 kg N/ha/year.

Irrigation
Initially the crop is irrigated twice a week till the plants establish. Afterwards, once a week is enough. By nature, this crop is drought-resistant and can withstand long drought periods.

Inter-cultivation
About 5-6 cultivations between the rows and an equal number of weedings within the rows are required to keep the weeds under control.

Pruning
After 2 to 3 years, the bushes are cut frequently to keep them from becoming leggy and to promote the formation of numerous shoots, which can be harvested for the oil.