Vol. 11, Issue 2 (2022)

Author(s):
Durgadevi M, Dr. Vijayakumumar B Narayanapur, Dr. YC Vishwanath, Dr. Laxminarayan Hegde, Dr. Bhuvaneshwari G and Dr. Kantesh Gandolkar

Abstract:
Davana is an annual aromatic herb whose flower heads are used as economic part. Because of its fruity odour it is used in bouquets, flower garlands and pharmaceutical industries. It smells differently on different persons, because of this peculiar character it is widely used in high grade perfumes. India occupies monopoly in production and export of davana essential oil. It is a hardy crop widely grown in South India as a winter crop during February-March and it is commercially propagated by seeds. Wet method of sowing gives better and good quality seedlings. The growth was very slow in nursery so urea spray at 0.1% after 3 weeks in nursery will improve the growth of seedling. FYM at 6t/ha and NPK at 120:40:40kg /ha is recommended for good yield. GA₃ @ 200ppm after 5 weeks of transplanting will give better yield and quality of oil. Damping-off is the only disease affecting the crop during nursery and at field. The crop is harvested during 50% flowering stage because the oil content is maximum in flower heads.