In the present study, water deficit had no effect on antioxidant
activity or DMPBD content but did affect the volatile oil content of
sabinene and terpinen-4-ol. Cassumunar ginger exposed to a 120-
day water deficit prior to harvest exhibited the highest volatile
oil content (23.80 mL/kg) and sabinene accumulation (52.89%). A
60-day water deficit resulted in the highest terpinen-4-ol content
(14.40%). Although light intensity had no effect on antioxidant
activity or the contents of sabinene, terpinen-4-ol, and DMPBD, it
did affect the volatile oil content; volatile oil content was decreased
in the plants exposed to the lower light intensities (50% and 25%)
as compared with those exposed to full sunlight (100%). This study
suggests that the highest amount of volatile oil and its active components
can be obtained by growing cassumunar ginger under full
sun and depriving it of water for 120 days before harvest.