Growth, photosynthetic pigment content and oil yield of Pogostemon cablin grown under sun and shade conditions

Abstract

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) plants grown under shade (LI) showed an increased height due to internodal elongation, leaf area, leaf area index, and chlorophyll (Chl)b, Chl (a+b) and carotenoid (Car) contents compared to the plants grown in sunlight (HI). The number of branches and green leaves decreased under LI treatment, with a marginal variation in the patchouli oil yield. A comparison between the relative contents of photosynthetic pigments indicated that Chl b and Car accumuled preferentially over Chl a in the LI grown plants. © 1995 Institute of Experimental Botany, ASCR.