Developing a Fertilizer Recommendation for Gurmar (Gymnema sylvestre) in the Wet Zone of Sri Lanka

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.