Enhancement of drought tolerance in patchouli (Pogostemon cablin, benth) by modifying micro climate and frequency of fertilization

Abstract

Drought stress is one of abiotic stresses and has caused a significant deterioration in growth and yield of patchouli. This research was conducted in Reuleut Timu Village, Muara Batu District, Aceh Utara Regency, from July to December 2016, using split plot design in a Randomized Block Design with three replications. The main plot was mulch treatments (without mulch, rice straw mulch and black silver plastic mulch). The subplots were treated with different frequency of fertilizer application (once, twice and three times). The results revealed that the application of rice straw mulch has reduced the effects of drought stress, suppressed the soil temperature fluctuations, maintained soil moisture, which resulted in an increase of patchouli growth. Different frequency of fertilizer application did improve the oil yield, proline accumulation and drought resistance.