Effects of harvest frequency on leaf biomass and triterpenoid content of Centella asiatica (L.) Urb from Madagascar

Voninavoko RAHAJANIRINA, Miadana Harisoa FARAMALALA, Edmond ROGER, Cyrille ZEBROWSKI, Jean Michel LEONG POCK TSY and Pascal DANTHU

 

Research Paper I Published January,2016

 

Journal of Agricultural Science and Food Technology  Vol. 2 (1), pp.1-8

 

 

ABSTRACT

 

Centella asiatica, is a wild plant used extensively for its healing properties. In order to establish a rational management, the present study evaluates the effects of time and rate of collection on biomass yield and content of active ingredients. Six collection frequencies were considered (monthly, bi monthly, quarterly, four-monthly, semi-annual and annual). This study shows that the yield of leaf biomass and content of active ingredients vary seasonally according to rainfall, increasing during the rainy season (November to April).The reconstruction of the biomass is maximal if collections are spaced at least three to four months apart. The annual recurrence of repetitive collections causes a loss of productivity of leaf biomass, is significant in the second year of operation. These results offer the best compromise between least effort required for gathering by farmers and greatest yield of biomass and active material, advocating a rate of quarterly collection during the rainy season.

Key Words: Centella asiatica, inter-annual variability, leaf biomass, Madagascar, seasonal variability, triterpenoid yields.
 

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