Growth,photosynthetic pigment content and oil yield ofPogostemon cablin grown under sun and shade conditions

Patchouli (Pogostemon cablin Benth.) plants grown under shade (LI) showed an increased height due to internodal elongation, leaf area, leaf area index, and chlorophyll (Chl)b, Chl (a+b) and carotenoid (Car) contents compared to the plants grown in sunlight (HI). The number of branches and green leaves decreased under LI treatment, with a marginal variation in the patchouli oil yield. A comparison between the relative contents of photosynthetic pigments indicated that Chlb and Car accumuled preferentially over Chla in the LI grown plants.