Question

Factors affecting cultivation of crude drugs

Answer 1

The following factors are influencing of cultivation:

1. Light:

Light is the only external source of energy for the continuation of life of the plant. It influences photosynthesis, opening and closing of stomata, plant movements, seed germination, flowering and vegetative growth like tuber formation. Dry sunny weather increases the proportion of glycosides in digitalis and of alkaloids in belladonna.

2. Temperature:

Temperature is the major factor influencing the cultivation of the medicinal plant. The sudden decrease in temperature caused the formation of the ice crystals in intercellular spaces of the plant

3 Atmosphere humidity:
It is present in the form of water vapours. This is called atmospheric humidity. Clouds and fog are the visible forms of humidity. The major sources of water vapours in the atmosphere are evaporation of water from earth surface and transpiration from plants the major effect of humidity on plant life and climate. Evaporation of water, its condensation and precipitation depends upon relative humidity and humidity affects structure, form and transpiration in plants.

4. Altitude:
The altitude is the most important factor influencing of cultivation of medicinal plants. The increase the altitude, the temperature and atmospheric pressure decreases while the wind velocity, relative humidity and light intensity increases.


5. Rainfall:

The rainfalls are most important factor influencing of cultivation of medicinal plants. The main source of water for the soil is rain water. Rainfall and snowfall have a large effect the climate condition. The water from rainfall flows into the rivers and lakes percolates into the soil to form ground water and remaining is evaporated.