Vol. 10, Issue 8 (2021)

Author(s):
C Shwetha, Dr. E Padma, Dr. L Naram Naidu and Dr. Uma Krishna

Abstract:
Kalmegh is widely used in Indian system of medicine as a blood purifier and recommended for use in cases of leprosy, boils, skin eruptions, and chronic and seasonal fevers. Juice or an infusion of fresh leaves is given to infants to relive in griping, irregular bowel habits, and in case of loss of appetite kalmegh is very useful. The active principle of kalmegh, andrographolide, has highly bitter taste and is colourless crystalline in appearance. The andrographolide contents are very sensitive to both seasonal and regional variations. The present investigation on integrated nutrient management was conducted to offer better package of practices for increased herbagae yield and andrographolide content in kalemgh. The experiment was carried out during rabi season, 2020-2021 at college farm, college of horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural university, Venkataramannagudem, west godavari district, Andhra pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomised block design consists of ten treatment combinations with three replications. From the experiment revealed that the application of 75% of RDN through chemical fertilizers + 25% RDN through vermicompost + biofertilizers (Azotobacter+PSB+KMB) (T₁₀) has shown significantly highest growth and yield parameters viz., plant height, plant spread, number of primary branches per plant, number of secondary branches per plant, leaf area and fresh and herbage yield.