Influence of light intensity on growth, yield and lawsone content of henna (Lawsonia Inermis l.)

A study was conducted to assess the effect of varying light intensities on henna (Lawsonia inermis L.), an important industrial crop, cultivated for orange-red dye present in leaves, for its adoption in agro-forestry system. Results indicate that decreasing light increased shoot growth and leaf yield but decreased dye concentration in leaf tissue. However, due to increased leaf growth, the lawsone yield increased in shaded plants. The results suggest suitability of this crop for adoption in agro-forestry system.