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Sustainability Indicators of the Banana and Lemongrass Intercropping System in Different Harvest Seasons: Growth, Yield, Seasonality and Essential Oil Properties

Author

Listed:
  • Paulo Ricardo Rodrigues de Jesus

    (Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agriculture (FCA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

  • Sarita Leonel

    (Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agriculture (FCA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

  • Marcelo de Souza Silva

    (Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agriculture (FCA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

  • Filipe Pereira Giardini Bonfim

    (Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agriculture (FCA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

  • Magali Leonel

    (Center for Tropical Root and Starches (CERAT), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

  • Hebert Teixeira Cândido

    (Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agriculture (FCA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

  • Marco Antonio Tecchio

    (Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agriculture (FCA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

  • Nicholas Zanette Molha

    (Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agriculture (FCA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

  • Vinicius Martins Domiciano

    (Department of Crop Sciences, School of Agriculture (FCA), São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu 18610-034, SP, Brazil)

Abstract

Lemongrass ( Cymbopogon citratus ) has potential for intercropping with banana ( Musa spp.) plants, thus contributing to the sustainability of plantations. The study evaluated the growth and yield of ‘Prata Anã’ banana and seasonality, yield and essential oil properties of lemongrass grown in intercropping and the land equivalent ratio. A randomized block design in a split plot arrangement was used, evaluating two cropping systems (sole crop and intercropping) and three harvest seasons during the year for lemongrass and two harvest seasons for banana, separately. The banana can be intercropped with lemongrass without interfering with its growth and production. The biomass production and essential oil yield of lemongrass differed according to cropping system and seasonality. The chemical composition of the essential oil showed stability in the concentration of citral (mixture of neral and geranial), with an average of 94.43%. Seasonal variations were observed in the content of these compounds and other components of the essential oil, emphasizing the importance of the time of harvest in the overall value of the oil. The result demonstrates the viability of intercropping, which not only provides crop yields for both species and produces more per unit area than a sole crop but also optimizes the use of resources and promotes more sustainable farming practices.

Suggested Citation

  • Paulo Ricardo Rodrigues de Jesus & Sarita Leonel & Marcelo de Souza Silva & Filipe Pereira Giardini Bonfim & Magali Leonel & Hebert Teixeira Cândido & Marco Antonio Tecchio & Nicholas Zanette Molha & , 2025. "Sustainability Indicators of the Banana and Lemongrass Intercropping System in Different Harvest Seasons: Growth, Yield, Seasonality and Essential Oil Properties," Agriculture, MDPI, vol. 15(7), pages 1-17, March.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jagris:v:15:y:2025:i:7:p:758-:d:1625313
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Barbara Kalisz & Krystyna Żuk-Gołaszewska & Wioleta Radawiec & Janusz Gołaszewski, 2023. "Land Use Indicators in the Context of Land Use Efficiency," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 15(2), pages 1-18, January.
    2. van Asten, P.J.A. & Wairegi, L.W.I. & Mukasa, D. & Uringi, N.O., 2011. "Agronomic and economic benefits of coffee-banana intercropping in Uganda's smallholder farming systems," Agricultural Systems, Elsevier, vol. 104(4), pages 326-334, April.
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