MARIKOLUNDU (DHAVANAM)
Artemisia pallens Walls.
Asteraceae

Varieties
The local varieties are used for cultivation.

Soil and climate
A well-drained loamy soil with good irrigation facilities preferably under cooler climate is suitable.

Seeds and sowing
During November, 1.5 kg of seeds per ha is sown in raised bed and seedlings are transplanted after 30 days at 15 x 7.5 cm spacing in beds.

Aftercultivation and manuring
Crop is irrigated once in four or five days. Apply NPK at 125:125:75 kg/ha with 25 t FYM among which P and K is applied as basal and 125 kg N/ha as top dressing with 50 kg N as first dose on 25th day of transplanting followed by 25 kg N every time after 75, 110 and 150 days of transplanting (after every cuttings)

Crop duration
It extends from 5 to 6 months.

Harvest
The plants become ready for cuttings in two and half months after transplanting. Subsequent cuttings are taken at 30 - 40 days intervals. Oil recovery will be 0.13 % on 50th day and 0.23 % on the 75th day.