Growth performance of hempedu bumi (Andographis paniculata) as affected by organic fertilizer rates

Andographis paniculata which contains a bitter compound called andographolide, is commonly used for medicinal purposes. For herbs, where leaf is the major plant part used for medicinal purpose, promoting vegetative growth is the priority. Attempts to improve foliar production through proper management of fertilizer application should become the main concern for commercial production. There is limited information regarding fertilization of Andographis paniculata under local environment. Hence, the effects of bio-organic fertilizer (JITU 3:3:3) rate was studied on growth of 'hempedu bumi' under netted structure. Seedlings in polyethyulene bags were fertilized after transplanting and at week four, at the rates: 0, 90, 180 and 270 kg/ha. A field experiment consisting of 100 plants were laid out in a completely randomized design with five replications. Plant height and biomass, root to shoot ratio, number of branches, total and specific leaf area, ascorbic acid and nutrient content in leaf were determined at harvest. For relative growth rate, plants were harvested at two week intervals. Leaf relative chlorophyll content was recorded at weeks four and eight. Relative growth rate, total leaf area and leaf dry mass were significantly increased upon higher application of fertilizer. Fertilizer supplied at 180 kg/ha nitrogen produced higher dry weight of roots. Leaf dry mass of plants receiving 270 kg/ha nitrogen was 54% higher than control while the number of branches also increased by two fold. However, there was no significant difference between the rates 90, 180 and 270 kg/ha nitrogen. Another outcome also confirmed that there were no significant effects on dry weight of stem, root to shoot ratio, specific leaf area, ascorbic acid and nutrient content in leaf. Total leaf area was maximum in plants supplied with 270 kg/ha nitrogen. Increment also took place when applied with 90 and 180 kg/ha nitrogen. The relative chlorophyll content increased with fertilizer at 180 kg/ha nitrogen since leaf biomass is most valued in the herb industry, fertilizer rate of 270 kg/ha nitrogen can be potentially used for optimum leaf production of Andographis paniculata.