Like biomass yield, the essential oil yield irrespective of
method of harvest was in general higher in first harvest and
lower in fourth harvest (Table 2). Method of harvest significantly
influenced essential oil yield. Maximum essential oil
yield was recorded in the secondary branch harvest treatment
during all the four harvests. Considering the total essential
oil yield (sum total of four consecutive harvests), the secondary
branch harvest treatment produced 25.2 and 15.4%
higher essential oil yield, compared to primary branch and
shoot biomass cut at 30 cm above ground harvest methods