Effect of Spacing on Growth and Yield of Kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees)

Abstract

kalmegh (Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees) is one of the most important medicinal plants
in Thailand. However, very few studies have been carried out in development of agro-techniques for its
commercial cultivation. The crop geometry or plant spatial arrangements were considered to be very
important for crop yield. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of five planting
distances on growth and yield of 4 local Kalmegh cultivars. The experiment was done during October 2015
to January 2016, at Faculty of Agricultural Technology, King Mongkut’s Institute of Technology Ladkrabang,
Bangkok. A split-plot in randomized complete block design with 3 replications was used. Four local
kalmegh cultivars. (Phitsanulok 5-4, Prachinburi, Ratchaburi and Phichit 4-4) and 5 spacings (20x20, 30x30,
40x40, 50x50 and 60x60 cm) were arranged as main plots and sub plots, respectively. The results showed
that plant height, dry weight of stem, leaf and root and total dry weight per plant of Prachinburi were the

highest followed by Ratchaburi, Phichit 4-4 and Phitsanulok 5-4, respectively. The increase in spacing
caused the increase in stem, leaf, root and total dry weight (g plant-1) compared to the decrease in spacing.
The narrowest spacing (20x20 cm) gave the highest leaf fresh and dry weight (g m-2) while
the widest spacing (60x60 cm) exhibited the lowest leaf fresh and dry weight.