Impact of shade-net intensities on root yield and quality of Asparagus racemosus: A viable option as an intercrop

The impact of shade net intensity on plant growth and on the yield components root yield, time of root harvest and shatavarin IV content in roots of shatavari were observed. The plants were grown under different green shade net intensity (SNI) (0, 25, 50, 75 and 90%) and harvested at three different times (06, 12 and 18 months of transplanting). The maximum number of stems/plants, stem weight, root length, root diameter, fresh root weight and dry root weight were observed under 0% SNI followed by 25% SNI. Shatavarin IV content in roots was higher all plants raised under all SNIs as compare to 0% SNI (open field conditions) however, it was maximum (8.53 μg g−1) in plants under 25% SNI. Total chlorophyll and carotenoids content were increased with increase in SNIs. Maximum root yield gain was observed at twelve months after transplanting (TP) as compared to six and eighteen months of harvesting. This study indicates that shatavari could be cultivated as an intercrop (25% SNI) for fetching higher shatavarin IV content without causing significant root yield loss.