MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Harvesting and yield

The essential oil is distributed in all the parts of the grass, viz. the flower heads, leaves and stems. The flower heads containing the major portion. The grass is harvested when it is 4 months old and in full bloom. Usually the grass is cut at a height of 5-8 cm from the ground level and the whole plant is used for distillation. The maximum yield of oil is obtained when the entire plant is at full flowering stage.

The number of harvests depends upon the climatic conditions. During the first year, usually one crop is obtained during October- November, whereas 2-3 crops are obtained in the subsequent years. An oil yield of 250-300kg can be expected per ha. per year.

Palmarosa plantations remain productive for about 8 years. However the yield of grass and oil starts decreasing from the fourth year onwards. It is therefore recommended that the plantation is kept only for 4 years.