Secondary Metabolites Production Influenced with Soil Fertility and Irrigation in Medicinal Plant; Mandukaparni (Centella asiatica L.)

Enhanced production of secondary metabolites per unit of inputs is prime requirement for quality raw drugs production. The effects of soil fertility and irrigation on secondary metabolites were studied in mandukaparni through field experiments for two years. Secondary metabolites content variably influenced with soil fertility as well as irrigation levels. Significantly highest asiaticoside, madecassoside and total secondary metabolites content were recorded with FYM 10 t ha −1 , whereas, asiatic acid and madecassic acid were found maximum with FYM 15 t ha −1 . Among inorganic fertilizers, application of NPK 40:30:40 kg ha −1 recorded highest AS and total secondary metabolites content, NPK 60:50:60 + N20 kg ha −1 as TD recorded AA and MA content, and NPK 30:40:50 + N15 kg ha −1 as TD recorded highest MS content. The Pearson’s correlation matrix revealed that N P and K content significantly correlated with AA and MA content. The various irrigation levels markedly influenced secondary metabolites and recorded highest madecassoside, madecassic acid and total secondary metabolites content at 0.6 IW/CPE ratio. The highest asiaticoside, asiatic acid found when water applied at 0.4 and 0.8 IW/CPE ratio, respectively.