Influence of Different Water Frequency on the Growth and Yield of Cymbopogon schoenanthus (Camel Grass)

Abstract

Cymbopogon schoenanthus is a biennial or perennial grass that grows in a dried stony environment, capable of withstanding harsh environmental condition. In this research, the influence of different water frequency on the yield of Cymbopogon schoenanthus was assessed. Plant sample was watered after three days, two days and one-day continuing for an interval of 12 months, But the controlled sample was watered daily. The growth of the grass was evaluated each week, up to the period when the plants were expected to reach vegetative and reproductive phase. The growth parameters estimated are plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, number of seeds, flowers and stem or shoots bearing flowers. The result shows that samples were irrigated daily and yielded more followed by samples irrigated after one day or two days intervals. The yield and productivity of the grass samples examined was higher under conducive environmental condition. The seeds and inflorescent were obtained after four methods of cultivation in the samples which were watered daily. The seeds and flowers were dispersed by wind as the plant produced new seeds. This resulted in decrease in the number of seeds in some of the treatment, leading to less number of seeds in some of the treatments. From the research it shows that the water frequency has the effect on the growth of plant species.