Upadhyaya, A.Singh, Bheem2016-08-292016-08-292013http://krishikosh.egranth.ac.in/handle/1/74293ABSTRACT The present research investigations entitled ““Effect of nitrogen and plant spacing on root productivity, processing and quality of Coleus (Coleus forskohlii Briq.)” was conducted during Rabi session of2011-2012 at The Research Farm Dusty Acres, Department of Plant Physiology, JNKVV, Jabalpur (M.P.)”. The research experiment was laid out in split plot design comprised of 5 main plot treatments viz; plant spacing S1(60X20), S2(60X30), S3(60X40), S4(60X50) and S5 (60X60) and 4 sub plot treatments viz; nitrogen levels 0, 30, 45 and 60 kg /ha. The various treatments of plant spacing and nitrogen levels individually as well as in combination exhibited a significant influence on various physiological parameters and growth determinantns, physiological, biochemical constituents and morphological yield attributing components and dry root yield in coleus. Maximum LAI was noted up to 90-120 DAS with 60 X 20 cm (S1) and 60 kg N /ha. (N3). SLA and SLW showed a declining pattern with successive stage of crop growth. Maximum SLA was obtained with wider spacing S5 and SLW at S3 while N2 exhibited higher value of both the parameters. CGR was higher up to S3 and N3. Narrow spacing S1 and higher level of nitrogen N3 exhibited maximum RGR at early stage of crop growth. Maximum PAR was measured at optimum plant spacing S3 and higher nitrogen level N3 however the physiological parameters viz., net photosynthesis, transpiration rate, stomatal conductance were maximum at S2N3. Proximate parameters were significantly influenced by both spacing and nitrogen level. Maximum root protein, fibre, fat and moisture were noted with S3 and N3. It was interesting to note here that plant spacing failed to influence root forskolin content with while N3 level of nitrogen recorded its maximum value. The improvement in morphological structural components of yield caused significant impact on maximum obtaining root yield of coleus. Narrow spacing S1 (60x20 cm) and N2 (45kg/ha) registered maximum root yield (19. 69 q/ha) due to higher biological yield (51.03 q/ha). Under post harvest processing forskolin content varied significanty in different types of drying technique. The maximum forskolin content was recorded in shed drying and the minimum in sun drying. The dried root bits were stored under different packages at room temperature viz., open polythene bag, airtight polythene bag, cotton bag, gunny bag . The enhanced shelf life of coleus dry roots interms of minimum reduction of forskolin contents was estimated when raw drug material was stored in open polythene bags.enThesis