Some Environmental Factors in Each Season of Hom (Strobilanthes cusia) Production Quality in Muang District, Phrae Province

Abstract

    The studies of growth performance and color quality of Hom during three seasons which are valuable in planting and harvesting. The aim of this research was to study of some environmental factors in each season that effected to growth and color quality of Hom. By collecting of Hom in 3 areas in Muang district, Phrae province, namely Ban Na Khu Ha, Ban Mae Lua and Ban Na Tong. The results of the study showed that, In rainy season provided the highest growth performance, especially Hom from Ban Mae Lua which highly located 798 meters above sea level provided the best of stem height equal to 71.29 centimeters but the result of wet sludge weight found that Ban Na Tong provided the highest equal to 15.93 grams. In winter season can provide the highest of average dry sludge weight, especially Ban Na Khu Ha and Ban Na Tong by 1.21 grams. As for the color quality of Hom for all three seasons, it was found that summer in all areas provided the best color quality, especially Ban Mae Lua with the mean brightness value (L*) of 29.22, mean of green intensity (a*) was -8.37 and the mean of blue intensity (b*) is -1.13. In addition, some soil quality studies on the growth performance showed that Ban Na Tong had the highest of phosphorus and potassium yield that equal to 51.87 and 155.12, respectively. However, Ban Mae Lua still provided the highest growth performance and color quality. To encourage Hom planting and harvesting, Start planting in summer for best growing in rainy season and harvesting during winter to next summer. This is the best suggestion for Hom production.