Improvement of Cymbopogon flexuosus biomass and essential oil production with organic manures

Abstract

Cymbopogon flexuosus is a medicinal species with relevant commercial value and widely used in flavors, fragrances, toiletries, cosmetics, soaps, detergents, and pharmaceutical products. The objective of this study was evaluate the effects of different doses and sources of two manures and one compost on plant growth, leaf nutrient accumulation, content, yield, and chemical composition of the essential oil. The sources were cattle manure, quail manure, and organic compost applied in four doses and control treatment. The species increased the growth and productions of secondary metabolites by use the manures and organic compost. The highest weight gain was obtained with fertilization between 300 and 450 g pot-1 of quail manure, but the yield of essential oil in the doses from 150 to 300 g pot-1. Overall, lemon grass plants fertilized with quail manure accumulated greater concentrations of nutrients in leaf tissue than cattle manure and compost. The neral content in the essential oil was increased with the use of quail manure compared to compost and cattle manure. The results from this study demonstrated that dose and source can alter dry weight, leaf nutrients accumulation, and essential oil content and yield.