Abstract

A field experiment was conducted at Coconut Research Station, Veppankulam in 36 years old coconut garden to explore the possibility of intercropping herbal plants. Among the three medicinal and two aromatic plants evaluated, based on the performance and economics all the selected herbal plants viz., Alpina galanga (Sitharathai), Aloe vera, (Chotru kathalai) Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi), Symbopogan flexuosus (Lemon grass) and Pogestemon Patchouli (Patchouli) were found to be suitable intercrops in adult coconut garden. Based on the marketability and soil suitability, coconut farmers can choose any of the herbal crops and grow them profitably as intercrop in coconut and get additional revenue from their coconut garden.

Keywords: Coconut, intercropping, medicinal and aromatic plants