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No statistics are available on the world production of perilla. Production in China must be considerable, particularly for medicinal purposes. Taiwan has a small production of perilla vegetable for export to Japan. In 1995, Japan had some 1030 ha under perilla. South Korea is probably the largest producer of perilla seed, averaging 28 ,000-37 ,000 t from 37 ,000-50 ,000 ha during the period 1990-1993. Annual world production of perilla essential oil in the 1990s has been estimated at 1500 kg valued at US$ 1.8 million.

Perilla is commercially propagated by seed. Seeds developing in autumn remain dormant until spring. Gibberellin is sometimes used to break dormancy. Seeds lose their viability in less than a year at room temperature, but viability can be extended if they are stored at low temperatures and low humidity. Seeds are either sown directly in the field or initially raised in a nursery until they have developed 5-6 leaves at which time they are ready for transplanting. Prior to sowing, fertilizer is applied and incorporated into the soil. For the production of leaves, seeds are sown in rows 40 cm apart in raised beds and thinned to 12 cm apart (200 ,000 plants/ha). When flower heads are desired, perilla is planted in rows 90-120 cm apart with the spacing within rows depending on the cultivar and time of planting: spacing is narrower for early-flowering types and under short-daylength conditions.