Effect of agronomic practices on the yield and oil quality of kesum (Polygonum minus)

I. Abdul Rahman Azmil, T. Omar and A. W. Ahmad

Abstract

Agronomic practices on kesum (Polygonum minus) for the production of essential oil were studied at MARDI Research Station Kluang. The studies include propagation/establishment methods, plant density, nitrogen fertilizer requirement and harvesting index. Extraction of kesum essential oil using a test distiller was carried out in the laboratory. Results obtained showed that the cultivation of kesum was relatively easy, if all the necessary requirements are met. For high biomass yield, a plant density of around 70 000 plants/ha and fertilizer application of about 80–100 kg N/ha, 50 kg P₂O₅/ha and 70 kg K₂O/ha are recommended. Yield of around 80–100 t/ha of fresh kesum or 40–50 kg/ha of kesum oil could be obtained in three harvesting cycles in a year. The oil contained high aliphatic aldehyde of more than 50% and is not affected by the age of kesum.

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