Impact of elicitor applications and planting distances on growth and phytochemical properties of Sappanwood (Caesalpinia sappan L.)

The pith of the Sappanwood wood stem is widely recognized for its benefits as a traditional medicinal ingredient, requiring a wide stem diameter and high phytochemical content to maximize its potential. Large stem diameters can be achieved through optimal plant spacing, while high phytochemical content can be enhanced by applying growth regulators like salicylic acid (SA) and methyl jasmonate (MeJA). The purpose of this study was to determine the growth response and phytochemicals (phenolic and flavonoid) of Sappanwood plants after being given SA and MeJA at different planting distances. The experimental design used was a Split Plot Design, with planting distance (J) as the main plot and elicitors (P) as the sub-plot. The planting distance factor levels were J1 = 1m × 1m, J2 = 2m × 2m cm, J3 = 3m × 3m. The Elicitor factor levels were H0 = Without elicitor, H1 = SA 200 ppm, and H2 = MeJA 300 ppm. The experiment showed that planting distance and elicitor application had separate effects on the growth and chemical content of Sappanwood plants. The 1 m × 1 m planting distance gave the smallest canopy coverage, while SA helped increase stem diameter the most. There was an interaction between planting distance and elicitors for total phenolic and flavonoid content. The best results for these compounds came from using a 1 m × 1 m planting distance with MeJA. This shows that choosing the right planting distance and elicitor can improve both growth and chemical content in Sappanwood plants.