Good Agriculture Practices in Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli)

Family: Lamiaceae

Summary
Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli.) is a plant from Lamiaceae family, well known
for its medicinal and aromatic properties. Patchouli is grown for its essential oil.
Patchouli essential oil is mainly obtained by steam distillation of the shade dried leaves.
It is widely appreciated for its characteristic pleasant and long lasting woody, earthy,
odour. It is especially notable as the essential oil extracted is internationally important
and valuable, principally for the aromatherapy, perfumery, cosmetics, and food
flavouring industries. This review attempted to give an overview of Botanical
Description, Agro climatic condition, Cultivation Practices, Crop Protection measures,
cost of cultivation, harvesting pattern, basics of Post Harvest Management Practices of
Patchouli crop, essential oil application and its importance to mankind.

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 Good Agriculture Practices in Patchouli (Pogostemon patchouli)
Family: Lamiaceae

Introduction
Patchouli is a perennial, branched, aromatic herb with fragrant leaves. The patchouli
plant was first described by botanist Pelletier- Sautelet in Philippines in 1845 and was named
Pogostemon patchouli. It is believed to be a native of the Philippines. It grows wild in several parts
of the world. It grows wild in Malaysia, Indonesia and Singapore as well. Patchouli was introduced
to India during the year 1941 in Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Karnataka. In India, it is
cultivated in coastal areas of South India, West Bengal, Assam, Karnataka, Madhya Pradesh and
coastal regions of Gujarat. Commercial cultivation of this crop in India was first attempted by Tata
Oil Mills in 1942. After the initial stray attempts to grow the crop, its systematic cultivation started
in 1962 by CIMAP. Since the demand for patchouli oil is increasing in domestic and international
markets, there is huge scope to increase its production by increasing its area. Patchouli oil is a key
constituent in exotic perfumes to which it gives a rich, spicy fragrance.

Botanical Description

The plant is a perennial, small bushy herb which yields fragrant leaves containing very sweet
smelling oil. The leaves are simple, ovate to oblong ovate, leathery, dentate margins pale to purplish
green in colour. Flowers are borne both in axillary and terminal spikes. But seed is not produced. The
propagation of the crop is through stem cutting.

Area and Production

The world production of oil is around 800 t/annum. Java produces 2/3 of this quantity followed
by China and Malaysia. Cultivation in India has been meager but is picking up in the last 5 years and
is around 600 ha, producing 20 tonnes of oil per annum. It is cultivated in coastal regions of Tamil
Nadu, Karnataka, Assam and West Bengal.

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Agro-Climatic Requirements
It is a tropical crop which can also be grown under sub- tropical conditions. Patchouli grows
successfully up to an altitude of 800-1000m above the MSL. It prefers a warm and humid climate. The
crop can be grown successfully under a fairly heavy and evenly distributed rainfall, ranging from 150-
300 cm per annum.
Patchouli is a hardy plant and adapts itself to a wide range of soil conditions. It requires deep,
well-drained, fertile, slightly acidic, deep loamy soil, rich in humus and nutrients. It flourishes best in
loose deep loamy soils, rich in organic matter which makes a loose friable texture. The pH of the soil
should range from 5.5 to 7.5 and a temperature of 20 – 35℃ for good growth. Patchouli is grown for
its essential oil which is found mainly in the leaves and a small quantity of oil is also present in the
tender parts of the stem.

Varieties

The cultivated varieties are named after countries of origin viz. cv. Java, Singapore etc. Oil
obtained from these varieties is of best quality in terms of chemical composition and odour value. The
others are Johore and Malaysia with harsh odour.

Propagation
Patchouli is vegetatively propagated. The nursery is raised in shade by planting 10-12 cm.
long cuttings at 10 X 10 cm. spacing during the rainy season and the seed beds are kept continuously
moist. Under favorable conditions, about 85-90 % cuttings put forth roots in a fortnight and they are
ready for planting in the field in next six to eight weeks at 60 x 60 or 60 X 90 cm. spacing. The nursery
should be located under partial shade. Cuttings from fairly developed branches, 4-5 nodes in length
and with a crown of 2-3 leaves, are ideal for planting in the nursery. Application of a commercial
hormone like Seradix B-2 to the basal end of the cutting encourages early rooting. The cuttings should
then be planted in seed pans, nursery beds or in polythene bags with the help of a suitable dibbler at a
spacing of about 5-10 cm. Aeration, partial shade and regular watering are essential for early rooting.
The cuttings take about 30-35 days for rooting in the nursery.

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Land Preparation
The land is prepared to good tilth by ploughing, harrowing and planting. The main field
is thoroughly disced and tilled. It is given 10 to 20 tonnes of FYM or compost in land preparation.
Suitable nematicide, viz., Furadan @ 20 kg/ha.(a.i. 30%) or Dasanit @ 150 kg/ha (a.i. 5%) is
broadcast and mixed well into the soil a few days before transplanting the rooted plants. The plot is
then laid out into ridges and furrows. The ridge should be 20-25 cm high and 18-22 cm broad with a
spacing of 60 cm between the rows. The beds should be irrigated a day before the transplantation. It
is found that growing of Periwinkle on borders of the field protects the crop from nematode infestation
and may be tried commercially.

Shading
Patchouli is a shade loving plant. It has been successfully grown as an undercrop in arecanut
and coconut orchards (under irrigated conditions) in Kerala state. It could also be taken up by planting
suitable shade trees. Gliricidia or Erythrina could be planted well in advance at 5 X 5 m spacing in
patchouli field in order to provide the necessary shade.

Method of Planting
Rooted cuttings are transplanted generally in the evening in the field. Usually, the planting is
done at 60 x 60 cm apart and around 28,000 rooted plants are required per hectare. However, a spacing
of 60x60 cm. with a population of 12,000 plants per acre has been considered in the present model.

Irrigation
The field is irrigated immediately after transplantation. During early stages shade and
sufficient moisture are most important requirements for survival of these plants. The field is irrigated
frequently until the plants establish, thereafter irrigation schedule is modified depending on water
holding capacity of the soil and weather conditions. Immediately after transplanting the field must be
irrigated every day for the first 3 to 4 days and subsequently on alternate days for 10 to 15
days. Depending on the type of soil and climatic conditions, irrigation is provided once or twice a
week for a period of three weeks. The crop is highly susceptible to water logging.

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Nutrition
Patchouli requires rich soil in order to obtain optimum yield and better quality of the oil.
Normally, a basal dose of 25 kg N, 50 kg P2 O5 and 50 kg K2 O per hectare is given in the form of
Urea, Superphosphate and Muriate of potash. After about two months, 25 kg N in the form of urea is
applied as top dressing. Likewise, for each harvest 50 kg N is applied in two split doses, the first dose
just after the harvest and the other about two months later. In total, 150 kg N per hectare per year is
applied to the crop. In zinc deficient soil, 25 - 50 kg zinc sulphate per hectare is applied. Micronutrients
and growth regulators are sprayed after every harvest and after soil tests.

Intercultural Operations
The crop is kept free of weeds by two weedings before first harvest and one weeding cum
hoeing after each harvest. The field should be kept weed-free during the first 2 to 3 months of crop
growth either by wheel hoeing (2 to 3 times) or by hand weeding. Weeding is also necessary after
about a month of each harvest. After planting do one or two weedings in the early stages and after that
regular earth up and topdressing after every harvest.

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 Plant Protection Measures
Insect Pests
The crop is suspect to Root-knot Nematode attacks (Meloidogyne Incognita). Heavily infected
plants are stunted in growth and wilt. The infested plants droop and perish during the next 2 or 3
months. Application of Furadan @ 20 kg / ha (3% a.i.) or Dasanit 150 kg /ha (5% a.i.) checks the
infection. Pre-planting treatment with nematicide as first dose and the second dose after one year of
transplanting is recommended. Nursery should be raised from healthy mother stock under nematode-
free conditions. To control Nematode apply Carbofuran 2kg/ha will control the infestation in the
nursery. To control root rot by drenching the soil with Copper oxy chloride 2g/l. Proper drainage
facilities must be made.
Diseases
The crop is suspect to Leaf Blight (Cercospora sp). Brown spots appear near the margin or
at the apical region of the leaves when the plants are almost one year old. Spots enlarge irregularly,
coalesce, and cover the entire lamina and the leaves gradually dry up. Application of two sprays of
Dithane Z-78 0.5%, at one-month interval is the recommended control measure.

Harvesting and Yield

The first crop is ready for harvesting 4 to 6 months after transplanting. Subsequent harvests
can be taken after every 3-4 months, depending upon the soil fertility, climate and management
practices. The first 2 or 3 harvests of newly planted plantation give good yield and high quality
oil. The crop can be maintained for 3 years.
The crop should not be harvested prematurely as it gives less yield and oil of inferior quality.
The harvested leaves are dried in thin layers in shade for 3-4 days when these develop their
characteristic odour. Mature thick stalks are removed as these contain no oil. Ageing on storage
improves odour of the leaves and therefore, the crop is stored for six months before distillation.
A good crop stand yields about 2 tonnes of dry leaves per annum. The oil is found mainly in
the leaf and small quantity is present in the tender parts of the stem. The yield of fresh leaves/acre/year
from three harvests is about 8,000kg which on shade drying reduces to 1600kg and on distillation
yields about 40kg of oil. The oil content varies from 2.5 to 3.5% in shade dried leaves.

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 POST HARVEST MANAGEMENT

Drying
The harvested material is spread out under shade in thin layers and is turned periodically to
ensure proper drying. For higher recovery and good quality of oil, moisture content of herbage should
be between 8-10 %. Drying normally requires 3-6 days. Properly dried leaves develop characteristic
patchouli aroma, which is less noticeable in fresh leaves.

Distillation
The oil is distilled from the air-dried herb by using steam or hydro distillation process. The
recovery of oil from the shade dried herb varies between 2.5 - 3.5 per cent. The duration of distillation
is 8 to 11 hours for complete recovery of the oil. Properly dried leaves produce good oil yield and
better quality of oil.

Storage & Packing of Oil

It is to be ensured that the essential oil does not contain any water before storage. The oil is
stored in glass bottles or drums made up of steel or aluminum depending upon the quantity of oil to
be stored. The containers are filled up to the brim, tightly capped and stored in a cool, dry & dark
place.

Yield
In economic conditions around 30 – 40 kg oil/ha/year can be obtained. The crop yields 1750 -
2500 kg dried leaves, 45 - 65 kg oil and net profit of Rs. 40,000 – 60,000 per hectare per year. Dried
leaves can be sold at Rs. 40 per kg.

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 Cost of Cultivation of Patchouli for one Acre
Component Expenditure

Cultivation Expenses

(i) Cost of planting material 12,000

(ii) Manures & fertilizers 8,500

(iii) Insecticides & pesticides 2,600

(iv) Cost of Labour 6,700

(v) Others, if any, (Power) 3,600

Total 33,400

Irrigation materials 20,000

Infrastructure

(i) Pump house and labour shed 22,500

(ii) Distillation unit & Store 22,500

(iii) Agriculture Equipments & Machinery 20,000

(iv) Others, if any (Drying platform) 8,000

Total 73,000

Land Development

(i) Soil Leveling 4,000

(iii) Fencing 29,600

Total 33,600

Grand Total 1,60,000

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Benefits of Patchouli Essential Oil

The health benefits of patchouli essential oil can be attributed to its properties as an
antidepressant, antiphlogistic, antiseptic, aphrodisiac, astringent, cicatrizant, cytophylactic,
deodorant, diuretic, febrifuge, fungicide, insecticide, sedative, and a tonic substance. The insecticidal
and insect repellent properties of this oil have been known for many years, particularly as it was used
in the protection of clothes and fabrics from insects. More health benefits of patchouli essential oil
have been discovered and it is now one of the most versatile and celebrated essential oils on the market.

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Patchouli’s medicinal properties include the following health benefits.

Relieves Depression

This oil works great for people suffering from depression. It helps them to get over the feelings
of sadness or loss and fills them with new hope. That is why patchouli essential oil is so frequently
used in aromatherapy. It uplifts the mood, drives away disappointment, and relaxes tension in a
majority of people. This is due to the impact that inhaling patchouli essential oil has on the hormones
and various chemical reactions in the body and mind. By stimulating the release of pleasure hormones
like serotonin and dopamine, feelings of anxiety, anger, and sadness simply disappear.

Soothes Inflammation

It soothes inflammation, particularly if the inflammation or irritation is a result of fever, and it

also provides relief from the fever itself. This means that patchouli essential oil could be useful in
treating a wide array of skin conditions, as well as internal inflammation from conditions
like arthritis and gout.

Prevents Infections

Patchouli essential oil protects wounds and ulcers from developing infections and becoming
septic. This is perhaps the most important property of this oil since small wounds in the skin can lead
to many serious infections, including tetanus, if the wound was inflicted with a rusty, iron object.
Patchouli essential oil protects against that possibility as well.

Aphrodisiac

Patchouli oil is also good for treating sexual problems including impotence, loss of libido,
disinterest in sex, erectile dysfunctions, frigidity, and sexual anxiety. It is good for both men and
women to put a spark back in the bedroom by stimulating the sexual hormones, estrogen, and
testosterone, which boosts the sex drive. Patchouli essential oil has been used as an aphrodisiac for
hundreds of years.

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Astringent Property

This powerful essential oil stimulates contractions of muscles, nerves, and skin. This helps to
strengthen the hold of gums on the teeth, prevent sagging skin, hair loss, and loosening of muscle
tissue. The astringency of patchouli oil also helps to stop hemorrhaging by contracting the blood
vessels. It can act as an anti-aging substance in this way since loosening of muscle and skin is
commonly associated with getting old.

Speeds up Healing

Patchouli essential oil helps to speed the healing process of cuts and wounds, and also
hastens the fading of scars. It is similarly effective in eliminating marks left by boils, acne, pox,
and measles.

Stimulates Blood Circulation

This property of the essential oil of patchouli promotes growth by stimulating the generation
of new bodily cells. It also helps in the production of red blood cells, which can boost energy levels.
By increasing the circulation, it also increases the oxygenation of organs and cells throughout the
body, increasing their functionality and boosting the metabolism. Patchouli essential oil is good at
regenerating new skin cells, thus keeping the skin looking healthy, young, and vibrant.

Eliminates Bad Odor

The strong sweet, spicy, and musky aroma of this essential oil eliminates or masks body odor.
However, it should be used in a diluted form as the aroma of patchouli oil might be very strong to
some people’s olfactory senses. It remains a popular oil to use as a cologne in many demographics.
Some people find the smell wonderful, while others are somewhat irritated by its distinctive aroma.

Stimulates Urination

It increases the frequency of urination as well as the quantity of urine. This helps to lose
weight, lower blood pressure, increase appetite, lower cholesterol, and remove toxins from the body.

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Urination removes excess water, unnecessary salts, and uric acid, which reduce your chances of
developing gallbladder stones and kidney stones, as well as conditions like gout.

Fights Fever

Patchouli essential oil reduces body temperature in cases of fever by fighting the infections
that cause it. As an antiphlogistic, it relieves inflammation, which simultaneously helps to bring it
down, since fever can be reduced to some extent if the pain and inflammation associated with it are
eliminated.

Inhibits Fungal Growth

Patchouli essential oil has been found to be quite effective at inhibiting fungal growth and
infection, thereby providing protection from some notorious infections like Athlete’s foot. Fungal
infections can be quite serious, especially when they attack the respiratory system through inhalation.
Patchouli essential oil becomes very valuable at that point to keep your body fully protected.

Kills Insects

As mentioned earlier, the insecticidal property of patchouli oil was recognized all the way back
in ancient times. Despite smelling sweet, it is very effective at keeping insects at a distance. It is
frequently used in sprays, body lotions, fumigants, vaporizers, and incense sticks or it can be mixed
with water to wash clothes and bed linen to drive away mosquitoes, ants, bed bugs, lice, fleas, flies,
and moths. Only a few drops are required to keep insects away or you can burn the oil in a room and
have the effects last even longer. However, be careful about burning the oil inside, as its distinct smell
can quickly seep into your fabric and furniture.

Sedates Hypersensitivity
It soothes inflammation and sedates convulsions, cough, and epileptic attacks resulting from
hypersensitivity or hyper-reactivity of the nerves. It can also stop breakouts due to allergies by
sedating the hypersensitivity of the body towards certain elements. Patchouli essential oil has
antidepressant and sedative qualities, which are good for relaxing the body by promoting a healthy

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and restful night of sleep. Reducing the signs of insomnia and getting a full night’s sleep can improve
your cognitive function, metabolic rate, and mood.

Acts as Tonic
This property of patchouli oil tones up the whole body. It optimizes metabolic functions like
the decomposition of food and absorption of nutrients by toning up the liver, stomach, and intestines,
thereby helping you grow stronger and healthier. Patchouli essential oil also takes care of proper
excretion, regulates the endocrinal secretions of hormones and enzymes, and also tones up the nervous
system, thus making you more alert and active. Finally, it boosts the immune system, which aids in
protecting you from a wide range of infections.

Other Benefits
It has been known to help in the treatment of eczema, dermatitis, psoriasis, and sores. It
provides relief from constipation and can be used as a temporary antidote or salve against insect bites.
These peripheral benefits are closely related to one or more of the other qualities already explained
above.

Word of Caution:
The long-lasting aroma of patchouli essential oil, though sweet, may be too strong and
unpleasant to some people. Be cautious about using or inhaling too much of it, as the aroma can be
irritating.

Blending:

Patchouli essential oil blends well with essential oils of Bergamot, Clary Sage, Geranium,
Lavender, and Myrrh.

Conclusion:

By growing Patchouli as a intercrop between arecanut and coconut, soil fertility

can be maintained and soil erosion is avoided. Farmers income can be increased by
diversification.

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References:

www.organicfacts.net
http://nhb.gov.in
http://www.agrifarming.in
http://www.nedfi.com

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