Abstract:
Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) is a rare medicinal
plant native to Asia, Africa, and Australia with valuable
properties in Ayurveda medicine. This vine helps treat diabetes in
patients. As this plant is rare and valuable, it requires
development as plantations to increase production and meet the
demand. However, there is no proper fertilizer recommendation
for this plant. As such, this study aimed to identify optimal
fertilizers for high Gurmar plant yield. For this, Urea, TSP (Triple
Super Phosphate), and MOP (Muriate Of Potash) were used as a
mixture and tested from different rates (Control, +50% controls’
weight, -50% controls’ weight) with a basal dressing and two top
dressings, mainly aiming the vegetative growth of the plants. The
number of leaves and plant height were evaluated for 13 Weeks
After Planting (WAP). Results showed a significantly higher
number of leaves and plant heights in all basal and top dressings
with +50% controls’ weight. This finding can be used in further
research and effectively utilized in the maintenance of large-scale
G. sylvestre plantations in the wet zone of Sri Lanka.
