Weather modification for off-season production of coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) for leaf

Abstract

Coriander is produced almost throughout the year for leaf purpose, however the demand for leaf during summer is high. The present investigation is under taken to study the weather modifications and their influence on production of coriander for leaf purpose during summer. Nine different production systems and their effect on micro-climate were studied. The study indicated that among the various weather factors studied, soil temperatures significantly influenced the germination, crop growth and yield. Soil temperature was significantly negatively correlated with number of leaves, leaf length, green biomass, shoot weight, leaf weight and yield. The mean afternoon (both ambient and soil) temperatures were also significantly negatively correlated with above growth parameters. The overall results of the experiment suggest that the soil temperatures are the most crucial factor in summer production of coriander. The afternoon soil temperature if ameliorated and maintained between 28. 0O C to 32.5O C, coriander production can be taken up successfully without any modification of other weather factors like air temperature and relative humidity. However, amelioration in ambient air temperature further improves the efficiency of the production system.

Keywords

• Coriander
• off-season production
• temperature and relative humidity