Impact of gibberellic acid on lemongrass growth, herbage and oil yield and economics

Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus) is a useful plant with applications in culinary, medicinal, and industrial sectors, making it highly significant due to its diverse uses. An experiment was conducted to optimize the concentration and spraying time of GA₃ for improved growth and yield of lemongrass. The study tested three concentrations of GA₃: 75 ppm, 100 ppm, and 125 ppm, with four different spraying timings. The results revealed that spraying 125 ppm GA₃, with the first spray applied 60 days after planting and the second spray 30 days after the first cutting, produced superior outcomes. This treatment enhanced growth parameters such as plant height, tiller number, leaf number, leaf area, leaf area index, and herbage yield, including oil yield. These improvements led to a significant increase in essential oil yield, highlighting the potential of GA₃ as an effective tool for enhancing lemongrass production efficiency in agricultural practices. The study provides valuable insights for optimizing lemongrass cultivation, particularly in maximizing herbage and oil yield.