Influence of oil palm shade on the physiology of galanga

A study on the influence of different oil palm shade conditions on growth and physiology of galanga (Kaempferia galanga L.), grown as an intercrop, showed that it could perform well under shade. The highest PAR was recorded in plants under open condition and the values decreased with increasing shade levels. Specific leaf weight, leaf water potential and stomatal conductance decreased with shade while there was an increase in chlorophyll content. Dry matter production was significantly higher in the intercropped plants. The highest yield was under young palms closely followed by medium and mature palms. Volatile oil content was the highest under young palms while oleoresin, under open condition. The results clearly depict the adaptability of galanga under different oil palm shade conditions.