Effect of herbal Kunapjala (a traditional form of liquid organic manure) on plant growth, oil yield and oil quality of chamomile (Matricaria chamomilla L.)

Abstract

Kunapjala, a liquid organic manure of antiquity mentioned in Surpala’s Vrikshayurveda, acts as an efficient source of plant nutrients. To check the impact of Kunapjala on cultivation of chamomile, an important essential oil- bearing plant, a field experiment was conducted at Medicinal Plant Research and Development Centre, Pantnagar using three different doses (D1-D3) of three types of herbal Kunapjala (K1-K3). The experiment was performed in Randomized Block Design consisting of 10 treatments (T1-T10) with three replications each and results were compared to recommended dose of inorganic fertilizers (RDF). Various treatments of Kunapjala significantly affected different floral parameters. Highest concentration of nettle based Kunapjala (T3) initiated early bud formation along with increased flower size. Similarly, essential oil content (0.27%) and number of bioactive compounds (33) in chamomile oil was also maximum with nettle based Kunapjala (T3). Contrary to floral parameters, vegetative parameters were significantly promoted with RDF. Maximum number of flowers and flower yield was also seen in T10 (RDF). From the results of the current investigation, it can be concluded that nettle based herbal Kunapjala can be used as an effective and viable alternative to the conventional methods for increasing flower size as well as yield and quality of essential oil of chamomile.