Abstract

VILLA-CASTORENA, Magdalena et al. Influence of irrigation frequency on oregano (Lippia graveolens HKB) growth. Rev. Chapingo ser. cienc. for. ambient [online]. 2011, vol.17, n.spe, pp.183-193. ISSN 2007-4018.  https://doi.org/10.5154/r.rchscfa.2010.10.088.

Oregano (Lippia graveolens HKB) is a species native to arid areas and thus it can be an alternative crop for areas with low water availability. This study evaluated the effects of four irrigation frequencies (every 30, 45 and 60 days, and a single watering at the time of transplanting (T1, T2, T3 and T4, respectively) on growth and water use efficiency. The experimental design was randomized blocks with four replications. At 85 days after sowing in a greenhouse nursery, the seedlings were transplanted and a water depth of 15 cm was applied. The response to irrigation occurred at 110 days after transplanting (dat). The highest values of leaf area index, leaf dry biomass, total plant biomass and plant growth rate were reached at the end of the study, with maximum values obtained in T1 and T2. Treatments T2 and T4 were more efficient in water use. The above results suggest that oregano plants do not require frequent watering in the early stages of growth.

Keywords : total dry biomass; net assimilation rate; water use efficiency.