Cultivation of Andrographis paniculata (Burm. f.) Nees

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The present chapter provides different cultivation methods used to propagate Andrographis paniculata and other factors that regulate the growth and yield of the bioactive principles of andrographolides. The propagation of the Kalmegh is of two types: vegetative, utilizing stem cuttings, and sexual, through seeds. Much work has been done on the in vitro propagation of Kalmegh. The growth and quality of the plant are affected by the following factors: plant geometry, planting density and harvesting time, soil health, fertigation, shading level, endophytes, plant growth regulators, weeding control techniques, different accessions of seeds, plant density, co-cultivation, and aging. The available result revealed plots with 30 × 20 cm, cocopeat-RHA medium, and 50 ppm magnesium composition, and integrated use of chemical fertilizers, biofertilizers, and vermicompost treatments were optimum conditions for better yield. Among different seed cultivars, Pranchiburi cultivars showed a good percentage of germination and growth, and the highest andrographolide content was recorded at 135 DAP in the flowering stage. GA3 treatment, 25% shading level, and co-cultivation with Cajanus cajan exhibited better yield and quality of A. paniculata. In dry storage, 1 to 3 months and 25°C temperature were recommended. Further works in vegetative propagation may bring out alternative and rapid multiplication methods for large-scale propagation of A. paniculata.