Application of nitrogen, sulphur and neem cake improves biomass and yield of quercetin in a medicinal plant, Pluchea Lanceolata

Field experiments were conducted to study the effect of nitrogen, sulphur and neem cake on biomass and yield of active constituent, quercetin in a medicinal plant, Pluchea lanceolata. Application of urea at the rate of 60,100 and 150 kg ha⁻¹ significantly enhanced both, biomass as well as quercetin. The combined effect of sulphur and nitrogen along with neem cake proved better than N (urea) alone. Our results indicate that a judicious and balanced application of inorganic fertilizers, and/or neem cake can be effective in increasing the productivity of medicinal herbs.