Intercropping and mixed herb distillation for high-quality oil yield using lemon-scented basil (Ocimum africanum Lour.) cv. CIM-Jyoti and lemongrass (Cymbopogon flexuous (Nees ex Steud.) cv. Krishna

Intercropping and sole cropping of lemongrass and lemon-scented basil crops were evaluated to know the utility of lemongrass intercropping with lemon-scented basil oil yield and chemical profiles by utilizing the space available during the initial lag phase to increase the essential oil yield and income of the farmer. The results showed that Intercropping of lemongrass variety Krishna with variety CIM Jyoti of lemon-scented basil recorded significantly higher essential oil yield than different cultivation/cropping of lemongrass and lemon-scented basil. Meanwhile, the essential oil obtained after distillation of lemongrass, lemon-scented basil, and both oil samples are analyzed for chemical composition. A mixed distillation of lemongrass and lemon-scented basil recorded a higher percentage of citral I and citral II than lemongrass and lemon-scented basil. Also, camphor percentage is higher in the mixed sample compared to others. However, caryophyllene, citronellol, and geraniol percent were higher in lemon-scented basil than other essential oil samples. The gross income obtained under intercropping of lemongrass and lemon-scented basil during the initial lag phase was significantly higher than the sole cropping of lemongrass and lemon-scented basil. The co-distillation of lemon-scented basil lemongrass didn't impact odour and altered their essential oil's chemical profile.