Economics of rosemary (Rosemarinus Officinalis L.) as influenced by foliar application of different growth regulators and elicitors

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) is a perennial aromatic shrub belongs to the mint family Lamiaceae. It is one of the most important cultivated aromatic crops grown in world for its diverse utility in cosmetics, pharmaceutical, perfumery and culinary purpose. A field experiment was conducted at Department of Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops, College of Horticulture, Bengaluru, during the year 2022-23 form July 2022 to August 2023, to evaluate the impact of different growth regulators and elicitors on economics of dry herbage and essential oil yield of rosemary. The experiment was laid out in randomized complete block design with replication. There were thirteen treatments viz., Ascorbic acid at 150 ppm, NAA at 200 ppm, GA₃ at 300 ppm, Chlormequat at 3000 ppm, Chlormequat at 4000 ppm, Kinetin at 10 ppm, Chitosan at 5000 ppm, Humic acid at 200 ppm, Brassinosteroid at 3 ppm, Potassium silicate at 200 ppm, Paclobutrazol at 200 ppm, Citric acid at 1000 ppm and Control. The variety was Oooty-1 all the treatment showed notable impact on economics of dried herbage and essential oil yield. In terms of essential oil yield Chlormequat at 4000 ppm recorded highest net returns (Rs. 20,95,068 ha^-1) and benefit cost ration (4.58). Whereas, maximum net returns (Rs. 12,76,113 ha^-1) and benefit cost ration (3.77) on dry herbage yield was registered in chlormequat at 3000 ppm.