Influence of spacing, cut height and harvest time on biomass yield and essential oil of citronella grass.

Abstract

This work aimed to evaluate biomass yield and essential oil content on citronella grass (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt.). Experimental data were analyzed as a complete randomized block in a factorial scheme 3 x 3 x 2, with three replicates. The factors studied were planting space (0.5 x 0.5 m; 0.5 x 0.8 m; and 0.8 x 0.8 m), time after planting (4, 6, and 8 months), and plant height at cut (0.15 and 0.30 m). It was observed that plants cut at 6 and 8 months after planting and plant space of 0.5 x 0.5 m yield higher dry matter and higher essential oil content. Plant height at cut did not affect plant dry matter nor essential oil content.