Lemon Grass

Botanical Name: Cymbopogon flexuosus
Family: Graminae
Plant Part Used: Leaves

Types of Lemon Grass

1. East Indian Lemon Grass (C. flexuosus) – Grown commercially in Kerala and nearby states, its oil is known as “Cochin oil.” 90% of the oil is exported.
2. West Indian Lemon Grass (C. citratus) – Originates from Malaysia and Sri Lanka, cultivated in West Indies.
3. Jammu Lemon Grass (C. pendulus)

India’s Production & Export:

• India produces nearly 1000 MT of lemon grass oil annually, with exports worth approximately Rs. 5 crores.
• Faces competition from Guatemala in the international market.

Uses of Lemon Grass

• Oil Constituents: Citral, which is used for ionone production.
  • A-Ionone: Used in flavors, cosmetics, and perfumes.
  • P-Ionone: Used in the manufacture of synthetic vitamin A.
• Medicinal Uses: Bactericidal, insect repellent.
• Animal Feed: Spent grass can be used as cattle feed and silage.
• Paper & Fuel: Used for cardboard, paper manufacturing, and as fuel.
• Culinary Uses: Used in beverages, dairy products, candies, baked goods, gelatin, pudding, and meat products.
• Industrial Uses: Used in soap and detergent manufacturing.

Climate & Soil

• Climate: Tropical, warm and humid with 250-280 cm annual rainfall. Day temperature of 25-30°C is optimal for oil production.
• Soil: Can grow in poor soils, including hill slopes. Prefers soil with pH 4.5-7.5.
• Soil Conservation: Useful for soil binding in eroded areas.

Varieties of Lemon Grass

East Indian Lemon Grass Varieties

1. Sugandhi (OD-19) – Developed by The Medicinal and Aromatic Plants Research Station, Odakkali, Kerala.
   • Herbage yield: 50-55 t/ha
   • Oil yield: 80-85 kg/ha
   • Oil recovery: 1.2-1.5%
   • Citral content: 80-85%
2. SD-68 – Developed by CIMAP, Lucknow.
   • Oil yield: 375 kg/ha/year
   • Citral content: 90-92%
3. Pragati (LS-48) – Developed through clonal selection from OD-19 by CIMAP, Lucknow.
   • Oil content: 63-86% citral
4. Kavery
5. Krishna

Jammu Lemon Grass Varieties

1. RRL-16
2. Praman
3. VKP-25
4. Chirharit

Propagation Methods

• Seeds
• Slips (Vegetative Propagation) – Commonly used in Andhra Pradesh.

Seed Propagation (Nursery)

• Seed Collection: January-February.
• Sowing Time: April-May.
• Seed Rate: 10 kg per 25 cents nursery per hectare.
• Nursery Preparation: Seeds are sown in beds and lightly irrigated.
• Seedling Readiness: 60-75 days, at 5-7 leaf stage and 12-15 cm height.

Slip Propagation

• Mature clumps are divided into slips.
• Slips are treated for rooting before planting.
• Rooted slips are used for field propagation.

Field Preparation

• Land Preparation: Land is cleared, and pits of 5 cm cube are made.
• Layout: Ridges & furrows.
• Planting Season: June-July.
• Spacing: 60 x 45 cm.
• Planting Method: 2-3 slips per hill.

Manures & Fertilizers Recommended Dose: 100:50:50 NPK kg/ha.

Irrigation

• Irrigation is required only in low rainfall areas.
• Schedule:
  • Daily for the first month.
  • Once every 7-10 days thereafter.

Harvesting of Lemon Grass

• First Harvest: 90 days after planting.
• Subsequent Harvests: Every 50-55 days.
• Cutting Height: 10 cm above ground level.
• Harvest Cycles: 5-6 harvests per year.
• Crop Longevity: Can be maintained in the field for 5-6 years.

Yield & Oil Extraction

• First Year Yield: 25 kg oil/ha/year.
• Second Year Yield: 80-100 kg oil/ha/year.
• Rainfed Conditions: 80-100 kg oil/ha/year.
• Irrigated Conditions: 150-200 kg oil/ha/year.
• Oil Extraction Method: Steam distillation.

Oil Constituents Citral Content: 80-85%.