Effect of different media and bioinoculants on growth and yield characters of vetiver (Chrysopogon zizanioides (L.) Roberty)

The present study was conducted with the principal aim to identify a suitable medium for sustainable vetiver production. The essential oil of vetiver is globally known for its use in perfumery and cosmetic industry. The roots are the economic part of this crop. Harvesting of vetiver from open field results in detainment of the core roots and reduction in root yield. About 40% of the roots are retained in the soil after harvest. This can be prevented by either maintaining a loose textured soil or by growing the plants in grow bags, which facilitates easy harvesting. In order to study the effect of different medium on growth and biomass of vetiver, the slips were grown in bags containing combinations of media components supplemented with organic manures. The medium was also supplemented with a consortium of bioinoculants (VAM, Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria). The highest morphological and biomass parameters were obtained in the treatment M3B2 (FYM + red earth (1: 4) + biofertilizers) resulting in increased root yield per plant. However, the highest oil content was observed inM1B2 (Coir + red soil + vermicompost (2:2:1) + neem cake (175g/ 25 kg of medium + bioinoculants).