BANANA 195 (below 2 m from ground level) needs emergence increases the fruit yield 10 mm (40 l/plant) irrigation once in two substantially and consumer preferences in days during summer season to ensure Nendran banana. higher bunch yield and better water use efficiency. Mulching the basin with Tissue culture Nendran banana 3.5 kg paddy straw (waste quality) will (Ad hoc recommendation) considerably improve the bunch yield. Tissue culture offers a rapid method ofWeed control multiplication of quality, uniform, pest and disease free production of planting materials During early stages, complete control of in large quantities in banana. Theweeds could be obtained by raising cowpea productivity of banana can be increased byin the interspaces. In gardens where this is cultivation of tissue culture plants of selectednot possible, pre-emergence application of elite ecotypes of different varieties.diuron 1.5 kg ha-1 or oxyfluorfen 0.2 kg ha-1is effective. Weeds emerging later could be Spacingcontrolled by the application of glyphosate 0.4kg ha-1. If hand weeding is resorted to, Give spacing of 2 m x 2 m (2500 plants/give 4-5 surface diggings depending on weed ha).Tissue culture plants can also be used forgrowth. Avoid deep digging. Do not disturb high density planting in Nendran banana tosoil after plants start producing bunches. achieve higher returns. The spacingIf green manure crop is grown, weeding recommended for high density planting isoperations can be reduced to 1-2 diggings. as follows: (a) 2 m x 3 m with two plants / pit (3332 plants in 1666 pits per ha) (b) 1.75 m xDesuckering 1.75 m with one plant per pit (3265 plants / ha) Remove side suckers produced till theemergence of bunch. Retain one or two suck- Pit sizeers produced after the emergence of bunch. 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cmIntercropping in Nendran variety Method of planting Cucumber and amaranth can be cultivatedprofitably with banana raised in September- Prepare pits 15 days in advance ofOctober without affecting the bunch weight. planting. Fill the pits with topsoil and FYMFor vegetable purpose, cucumber may be 15-20 kg per plant per pit. Plant the tissueharvested within 95 days and for seed culture plants on the top of the pit at groundpurpose the duration may be about 130 days. level. Remove the polythene cover com-Greater yam and elephant foot yam can be pletely before planting without damaging theprofitably intercropped with Nendran. roots. Planting may be done preferably during evening hours. Provide partial shadePre harvest bunch spray to plants to protect against sun scorching for about two weeks. Irrigate the crop daily Pre harvest bunch sprays of 3 per cent during initial days of establishment.K2SO4 (3 g in 100ml of distilled water) twice,the first two weeks after bunch emergence Plant protectionand the second four weeks after bunch Adopt integrated plant protection measures to control major pests and diseases.
196 BANANAManures and Fertilizers 4. Remove the dry outer sheaths of the pseudostem of all infested and un-infested Apply FYM @ 15-20 kg per plant and plants in the endemic areas and spray anylime 1 kg per plant at the time of land prepa- of the recommended insecticides.ration. Apply N:P2O5:K2O @ 300:115:450 g Drenching all the leaf axils, rhizome andper plant in six split doses as shown below. surrounding soil and all round the entire pseudostem inserting the nozzle through Time of N:P2O5:K2O the bore holes made by the larvae if anyapplication g/plant and also within the outer sheathes by slightly raising the same at different spots1 month after planting 50:65:65 is also effective. Apply quinalphos2 months after planting 50:00:65 0.05 per cent or chlorpyrifos 0.03 per cent3 months after planting 50:50:65 or carbaryl 0.2 per cent. Repeat the4 months after planting 50:00:65 treatment after 3 weeks if the infestation5 months after planting 50:00:65 persists.7th month (i.e. after bunch 50:00:125emergence) Banana rhizome weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) (Ad hoc recommendation)Plant protection The attack by this pest is reported to bePests serious in all localities where banana is cultivated. Female adults puncture healthyBanana pseudostem weevil (Odoiporus rhizomes and insert eggs through it. Grubslongicollis) (Ad hoc recommendation) tunnel into the rhizome and feed on it resulting in the stunting of rhizome. If the The weevils resemble the rhizome infestation occurs on a mature rhizome,weevil. Adult female weevil punctures and damage symptoms such as reduction in leafinserts eggs into the pseudostem. Grubs number, bunch size and the fruit numberemerging out feed extensively on the appear.pseudostem and thereby the entire plantcollapses. ManagementManagement 1. Adopt strict field sanitation.1. Field sanitation is the most important 2. Select only healthy planting material. factor in the prophylactic and curative control of this pest. 3. Deep ploughing of the land so as to expose the inner soil layer to sun.2. Remove affected plants along with the rhizome in full and destroy them by 4. Cut and remove the outer layer of the burning the life stages of the insect using rhizome and sundry for 3-4 days after kerosene or by burying the material in deep smearing it with slurry of cowdung and ash. pits in soil. 5. Set traps using pseudostem of approxi-3. Destroy the parts of rhizome and mately 0.5 m length, which are split pseudostem of harvested plants in the field as described above.
BANANA 197 lengthwise and laid in the field. Adults 2. Drench the soil around affected clumps attracted to it during nights may be with 0.05 per cent carbendazim solution collected and destroyed. to prevent spread of disease.Aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa) 3. Remove and destroy affected clumps along with corms. Act as vector for the transmission of thedreadful bunchy top disease in banana. 4. Apply lime @ 1 kg/pit and allow to weather. Varieties such as Palayankodan,Spindle leaf miner (Assuania sp.) Robusta and Nendran are resistant to the disease. Spray dimethoate 0.05 per cent on thespindle for controlling the leaf miner. Sigatoka leaf spot (Mycosphaerella sp.)Nematodes 1. Cut and burn all severely affected leaves. Major species are burrowing nematode 2. Spray 1 per cent Bordeaux mixture soon(Radopholus sp.), root knot nematode after the appearance of the initial symp-(Meloidogyne incognita), root lesion toms of the disease. The disease appearsnematode (Pratylenchus coffeae) and cyst with the commencement of southwestnematode (Heterodera oryzicola). monsoon. Five to six sprayings at fortnightly intervals are to be given In case of severe infestation there will be depending upon the severity of thesevere reduction in number of leaves, total disease.bunch weight and number of fruits. 3. Power oil (mineral oil) 1per cent emulsionManagement is also effective in controlling the disease. Pare the rhizomes and apply neem 4. Spray carbendazim (0.05 per cent) or givecake @ 1 kg/plant at the time of planting alternate sprays of tridemorph (0.08 per(Ad hoc recommendation). cent), mancozeb (0.2 per cent) and carbendazim (0.05 per cent) soon afterDiseases the appearance of initial symptoms of theBunchy top disease disease. Three to four sprays at fortnightly intervals are to be given depending on the This is a virus disease transmitted by severity of disease.aphids. Kokkan disease (Banana bract mosaic virus)Management Kokkan disease was found to affect other1. Eradicate disease affected plants. varieties like Palayankodan, Kodappanilla- kunnan, Monthan, Kanchikela, Poovan2. Use disease free suckers for planting. (Rasthali), Karpooravally, Chenkadali and Karpooravally, Kanchikela, Njalipoovan Nendran. Nendran is a highly susceptible and Koompillakannan are less susceptible variety. varieties.Panama wilt (banana wilt) (Fusariumoxysporum f. cubense)1. Dip suckers of susceptible varieties in 0.1-0.2 per cent carbendazim solution to prevent spread of the disease.
198 BANANA During the young stage of Nendran the young plants show the symptom ofbanana plant (two months old), pinkish pinkish streaks, they should be uprooted andstreaks can be seen on the pseudostem. All destroyed.the kokkan affected plants may not show thissymptom, but once this symptom is Infectious chlorosis (Cucumber mosaicexpressed there is no doubt that the particu- virus disease)lar plant is affected. Necrotic streaks areanother important symptom of the disease. The disease is noticed in varieties suchThe streaks are initially brown, which later as Nendran, Palayankodan, Karpooravally,turn black. It occurs on all aerial parts of the Kosthabontha, Peykunnan, Bhimkhel,affected plant except on lamina, the length Mottapoovan, Dakshinsagar, Madhuraga,being a few mm to 10 cm. All the kokkan- Rasthali and Musa ornata.affected plants will exhibit the necrotic streaksfrom third month onwards at one stage or The most characteristic symptoms are theother. Some of the affected plants retain the loss of leaf colour in patches, appearance ofnecrotic streaks throughout the growth parallel chlorotic streaks on the younger leavesperiod. In certain cases it disappears with the giving a striped appearance of the leaves. Assenescence of the affected portion. the disease progresses, leaves emerge distorted, margins become irregularly wavy, The affected plant produces only a small often with blotches of necrotic tissues andbunch. The fingers are small, curved and the lamina is reduced in width. In severewidely divergent with pale green to ashy cases, rotted areas are found throughout thegreen colour as compared to healthy ones. leaf sheath and pseudostem. The affectedThe abnormal colour and reduction in the size plants produce only small bunches. This is aof bunch depend upon the severity of the virus disease transmitted by aphids.disease. 1. Use disease free suckers for planting. Suckers should not be taken fromaffected plants, which show necrotic streaks 2. Eradicate disease affected plants.or abnormal colour of the pseudostem.When 3. Avoid growing leguminous and cucurbi- taceous vegetables as intercrop in banana in disease prone areas.
GUAVA 199 GUAVA (Psidium guajava) Guava thrives well in places receiving Manuringmedium rainfall not exceeding 100 cm. Inheavy rainfall areas, plants grow luxuriantly, A fully grown-up bearing plant should bebut produce insipid and low quality friuts. manured with about 80 kg of FYM, 200 g N,It grows well on any type of soil. Red sandy 80 g P2O5 and 260 g K2O. These may beloam soil with good drainage is the most ideal applied in two or three split doses when therefor commercial cultivation of guava. is sufficient moisture in the soil.Varieties Yield Allahabad Safeda, Sardar (Lucknow-49), Guava layers start bearing from 3-4 yearsRed Fleshed, Apple Coloured and Pear after planting. About 500-800 fruits per yearShaped. can be obtained from a 10 year old tree.Planting material Plant protection Air layering is widely adopted for propa- Fruit rot diseasegation of selected varieties. Layers strikeroots within 3-5 weeks. When the roots grow This is a serious disease of guavathrough the ball of moss, the stem may be especially during rainy season. Thesevered below the girdled area in stages. The symptoms are manifested as development ofpolythene film is removed from the dark brown circular spots at the blossom endfinally severed rooted stem, which is then pot- of the immature green fruits. Application ofted and kept in the shade until new leaves zineb (0.2 per cent) or aureofungin (10 ppm)appear. When the new flushes are produced, as monthly sprays during June to October canthe plant can be hardened in full sunlight control the disease.preparatory to transplanting in the field. Guava wiltPlanting In affected trees, the branches wither and Pits of one metre cube are made 6 m die one after another and in a few weeks orapart. Fill the pits with topsoil, sand and months the tree, which seemed entirelycowdung. Layers are planted in the centre healthy will be dead. Remove such trees asof the pit. Staking of plants is also done, if soon as the symptoms are identified tonecessary. After planting, mulching with dry prevent the spread of the disease.leaves should be done to conserve moisture.June-July is the ideal time for planting. Plants Fruit flyshould be irrigated in summer. Squaresystem of planting facilitates easy orchard This is a serious pest of guava. The insectoperations. Guava can be grown as an affects the fruit when it matures. The infestedintercrop in coconut gardens. fruits show depression with dark green punc- tures. As a precautionary measure, the crop should be sprayed just before fruit maturity with carbaryl (0.1 per cent) or dimethoate (0.05 per cent).
200 INDIAN GOOSEBERRY AND JACKINDIAN GOOSEBERRY (Phyllanthus emblica) Indian Gooseberry/Emblica/Nelli is quite about 2-3 days till they split open releasinghardy and can be grown with little care in all the seeds. The seeds can be directly sown.types of soil except very sandy type. It Gooseberry can be vegetatively propagatedprefers a warm dry climate and is found in through root suckers also.the dry deciduous forests of Kerala. One year old seedlings can be planted inVarieties the field during rainy season at a spacing of 8 m x 8 m. It can be planted as windbreak Much genetic variability exists in this around the orchard.species. However, a high yielding largerfruited variety was located from the rain No serious pests or diseases areshadow region of the Western Ghats and generally found in this crop.popularized as “Chambakad Large”. Othervarieties are Banarasi, Krishna and Kanchan. HarvestingCultivation Seedlings will commence bearing from the 10th year and the grafts in 3-4 years. The Emblica is usually propagated by seeds vegetative growth of the tree continues fromand vegetatively by wedge grafting. The April to July. Along with the new growth inseeds are enclosed in a hard seed coat, which the spring, flowering commences. Fruits willrenders the germination difficult. The seeds mature by January-February. Yield rangescan be extracted by sun drying ripe fruits for between 30-50 kg per tree per year when full grown.JACK (Artocarpus heterophyllus) Jack comes up well in humid regions up 2. Singapore or Srilanka jack which is anto an elevation of 1000 m. Soil should be deep introduced variety from Srilanka. It bearsand well drained. Any rise in water table or fruits in 3 years after planting and ispoor aeration of the soil is detrimental to the extremely precocious in habit. The fruitscrop. are more or less the same size as theVarieties / types common jackfruit. A tree may yield as many as 250 fruits. Jackfruit differs in size, shape andqua-lity. The jackfruit may be classified into Planting materialstwo groups: (i) soft fleshed (koozha) and (ii)firm fleshed (varikka).The firm fleshed type Use grafts for planting. For grafting, raiseis highly tasty, sweet and crisp. The two seedlings in polythene bags and when theygroups are further classified depending on are 9-12 months old, do inarching. One monththe taste, size of fruit, odour of flesh, and after grafting, behead the rootstock abovealso the nature, shape and diversity of prick- the graft joint.les on the rind. Epicotyl grafting can be undertaken Two distinct types with desirable successfully in jack. Three to four month old,qualities recommended for Kerala are: 10 cm long scions are grafted on five days1. Muttom varikka which is a firm fleshed, old rootstocks in polythene bags by the cleft sweet scented variety.
JACK AND MANDARIN ORANGE 201method during the month of June and keep be exposed to drought or frost. It is useful tounder moist conditions. The scions should be provide some protection, especially to youngpre-cured 10 days before grafting by trees. Jack is rarely manured. Even withoutclipping the leaf blades and keeping the fertilizer application, the jack trees come uppetioles intact on the twig. The graft union well under Kerala conditions.establishes by 80 days after graftingoperations. Harvesting A new method of approach grafting The seedlings generally bear after eightutilizing sprouted jack seedlings (maximum years and the grafted plants after three years20 days old) as root stock and tender shoot of planting. The fruiting season lasts abouttips of 2 to 3 weeks old with one or two four months from January-February to May-tender leaves as scion is successful, fast June. The average yield from one tree isand cost affective. about 50-100 fruits per year.Season Plant protection Plant one year old grafts at the onset of The important pests of jack aremonsoon showers. shoot borer caterpillar, mealy bug and jack scale.Planting 1. To control shoot borer caterpillars spray Prepare pits of size 60 cm x 60 cm x any contact insecticide.60 cm at a spacing of 12-15 m. Fill pits withmixture of topsoil and 10 kg compost or FYM 2. To control jack scale apply contactper pit to a level higher than the adjoining insecticide.ground. Plant the grafts in the same depth asthey were in the containers, preferably in the 3. To control mealy bug, spray contactlate evening. Deep planting results in poor insecticides like lime sulphur or dustgrowth of the graft. Ensure that the graft joint sulphur.is above the soil level. Stake the plants toprevent snapping at the graft joints. Excel- The common diseases that attack the treelent drainage and adequate watering result are the pink disease, stem rot and fruit rot.in better performance. At no stage it should Pruning of affected plants and protecting the cut ends with Bordeaux paste are recommended against these diseases.MANDARIN ORANGE (Citrus reticulata) Mandarin orange is a subtropical fruit Planting materialgrowing in the high ranges of Kerala. Itrequires deep soil rich in humus. The crop Use budded plants for planting. Forcannot withstand waterlogging. It is grown raising seedlings, extract seeds from selectedin regions having good drainage. fruits by squeezing. Wash the seeds free of pulp and dry them. Make seedbeds 1.5 mPreparation of land long, 1 m wide and 15 cm height. Sow the seeds giving a spacing of 13 cm in a row and Dig pits of size 70 cm x 60 cm x 70 cm at 3 cm between the rows. Thin the seedlings ifa spacing of 7-8 m at least one month in necessary or plant selected seedlings inadvance of planting. secondary nursery. For budding, use rough
202 MANDARIN ORANGElemon (jambhiri) seedlings as rootstock. Raise Aftercultivationthe rootstock seedlings in a nursery and whenthey are 18-24 months old, budding may be Give a light digging or ploughing when thedone by the inverted “T” method. The best rains start.time for budding is from July to September.A month after insertion, lop off the vegeta- Pruningtive growth of the seedling above the bud jointcompletely. The budded plants are ready for In the early stages, give some formativeplanting in 6-12 months. pruning to establish a strong framework. Remove all shoots arising from rootstockTime and method for planting below the bud union. Remove dead branches and smear the cut ends with Bordeaux paste. Planting is done during July-August. Lift Do not prune the roots.the plants carefully with a ball of earth aroundthe roots and plant them carefully without Intercroppingdisturbing the roots. While planting, removethe bandage around the bud joint and keep Crops like coffee, cardamom, banana andthe bud joint at least 10-15 cm above soil pineapple can be planted as intercropssurface. Remove the vegetative growth depending on soil fertility status.arising below the bud union periodically. Plant protectionManuring For controlling citrus butterfly, hand The manuring schedule recommended is picking of caterpillars and spraying with agiven below. contact insecticide are to be done.Time after FYM N:P2O5:K2O To control stem borer incidence, chip offplanting the affected new shoots and spray kg/plant g/plant/year 0.2 per cent carbaryl suspension once in three months. If borer tunnels have already been1st year 2 40:20:25 formed, inject 1 per cent dichlorvos into the tunnels. To control aphids apply dimethoate2nd year 4 80:35:50 0.05 per cent.3rd year 6 160:75:100 Stem borers (Chelidonium sp., Chloridolum sp. and Nupserha sp.) cause4th year 8 300:100:150 withering of branches. Gum exudes from holes on stems and branches. Accumulation5th year 10 600:175:300 of wood dust on ground around the base is another symptom of borer damage.6th year 10 800:275:750 Cutting and burning of the affected7th year onwards 10 800:275:1000 branches, injecting petrol or suspensions of carbaryl 1 per cent using syringe and Apply organic manure in May and painting the stem with carbaryl 0.3 per centfertilizers in two equal split doses during June- suspension during May are recommendedJuly and in September-October. In addition against the borers.to the above manures and fertilizers, spraymicronutrients such as zinc sulphate 500 g, Among diseases, dieback, root andcopper sulphate 500 g, manganese sulphate collar rot are important. Periodical removal300 g and lime 500 g in 100 litres of waterper ha twice in a year during March andOctober-November.
MANDARIN ORANGE AND MANGO 203of dried twigs and application of Bordeaux dead bark and application of lime sulphurpaste on cut ends and application of are to be done. As an alternative, smearBordeaux mixture can control dieback disease. Bordeaux paste over the treated roots and stem. Exposing the main roots to a depth of Against root and collar rot, removal of soil about 30 cm is also advised.from the base of the trunk, scraping of theMANGO (Mangifera indica) Mango is adaptable to a wide range of Plantingclimate and soil conditions and grows wellfrom sea level up to about 1500 m above mean Select good grafts for planting. Plantingsea level. It withstands both fairly dry can be done in square system or hexagonalconditions and heavy rainfall. system. Prepare pits of size 1 m x 1 m x 1 m at a spacing of 9 m, one month beforeVarieties planting and allow to weather. Refill pits with mixture of topsoil and 10 kg of compost or Alphonso, Kalapady, Neelum, Mundappa, FYM per pit to a level higher than the adjoin-Pairi, Baneshan, Alampur Baneshan, Mulgoa, ing ground. Plant the grafts at the same depthsSuvarnarekha. as they were in the containers, preferably in the late evening. Deep planting results in poorHybrids growth of the plant. Ensure that the graft joint is above the soil level. Tie the plants to stakes Hybrid No.45 (Bennet Alphonso x to prevent snapping at the graft joints.Himayuddin), Hybrid No.87 (Kalapady xAlampur Baneshan), Hybrid No.151 Manuring(Kalapady x Neelum) Apply FYM/compost and fertilizers at theSeason rate indicated below: Plant one year old grafts with the onset Age of FYM N:P2O5:K2Oof monsoon showers so that they get plantestablished before the rains. If rainfall is kg/plant/year (g/plant/year)heavy, planting should be done duringAugust-September. 1st year 10 20:18:50Vegetative propagation 2nd year 15 50:27:75 Stone grafting is successful in mango. 3-5 years 25 100:36:100August is ideal for the operation. Select fourmonth old scion materials. Defoliation of scion 6-7 years 40 250:172:200shoots 10 days prior to grafting isbeneficial. Grafting of 8 cm long scion on 8-10 years 50 400:144:400rootstocks at a height of 6 to 8 cm is mostsuccessful. The dieback disease of grafts Over 10 years 75 500:360:750caused by Colletotrichum can be controlledby spraying 1 per cent Bordeaux mixture. Green leaves (25 kg/plant) and wood ash (10-15 kg/plant) may be applied additionally. Apply organic manures in May-June with the onset of monsoon.Apply the fertilizers in one dose during May-June until bearing stage
204 MANGO AND PAPAYAand thereafter in two equal split doses, anthracnose and dieback. To control mangothe first during May-June and the second hopper, spray carbaryl 0.1 per cent orduring August-September. Apply manures malathion 0.1 per cent at the time of flower-and fertilizers in trenches 30 cm deep taken ing. To control mango stem borer, apply pasteat a distance of 2.5 to 3 m from the base made of crude carbolic acid (130 ml), softof the tree. soap (1 kg) and hot water (3.7 litres) to holes in the bark and plug the holes.ToAfter cultivation control fruit fly, spray malathion 0.1 per cent emulsion / suspension containing 2 per cent Irrigate twice a week during summer sugar. Collect and destroy attacked fruits thatmonths till the plants are 4-5 years old. Grow rot and drop down. Fruit flies can be effec-vegetables, horse gram, black gram, tively managed by keeping Ocimum trap @pineapple and banana as intercrops in young 4/tree and a bait spray of 0.1 per cent mala-orchards. Carry out intercultural operations thion with 2 per cent sugar at monthlyby ploughing or digging twice during the year intervals from initial fruit set up to harvest.in June and October. For reducing fruit To control the leaf feeding insects, apply car-drop and to improve productivity, NAA at baryl 0.1 per cent. To control shoot midge,10-30 ppm concentration may be sprayed to which causes the drying of tender shoots,the entire inflorescence at the peak stage in apply carbaryl 0.1 per cent or dimethoate 0.05the second week after fruit set. per cent. Apply wettable sulphur for the control of powdery mildew and anthracnose.Plant protection To control dieback of twigs and branches,cut the affected twigs below the infected region The important pests of mango are and apply Bordeaux paste to the cut ends.hoppers, stem borers, shoot midges, leaffeeding insects, fruit flies and psyllids. Thecommon diseases are the powdery mildew,PAPAYA (Carica papaya) Papaya thrives well in tropical climate. Dew, Solo, Pusa Dwarf, Surya, Co-7, PusaThe occurrence of low temperature and frost Nanha, Pusa Giant, Co-2 and Co-5 arelimits its cultivation. The optimum tempera- suitable for papain extraction.ture for the growth and development ofpapaya is 22-26ºC. In Kerala, the limiting Propagationfactors for commercial cultivation are highrainfall and severe drought in summer. Papaya is propagated almost entirely byHowever, this is best suited as a homestead seeds. The best time for raising papaya seed-fruit crop. The papaya prefers a rich, well- lings is from February to March. The seedsdrained soil. It will not tolerate waterlogging are sown in raised seedbeds of 2 m x 1 maround the trunk. made 15 cm above the ground level or in polythene bags. A mixture of sand, leaf mouldVarieties and dried FYM is spread over the seedbed. The seeds are sown 2-3 cm deep at a Washington, Honey Dew, Coorg Honey
PAPAYA 205distance of 5 cm in rows 15 cm apart. To grown as the main crop, vegetables can beraise seedlings for planting in a hectare, profitably cultivated as intercrop for250 g seeds are required. Seed beds should about six months from planting of papayabe watered daily, if there is no rain. seedlings. Papaya seedlings raised in polythene bags Irrigationcan stand transplanting better than that raisedin seedbeds. Polythene bags of 20 cm x 15 The crop should be irrigated in summer.cm size and 150 gauge thickness are used as The ring system of irrigation is better for pa-containers. They are filled with a mixture of paya than the basin system because the ringFYM, soil and sand in equal proportions. system prevents irrigation waterTwo seeds are sown in each bag and after coming into contact with the stem, thusgermination, only one seedling is retained. preventing collar rot.Vegetative propagation by mound layering isalso possible. HarvestingPlanting The seedlings flower and set fruit within 3-5 months after transplanting. The Two months old seedlings are transplanted number of fruits harvested per tree per yearin the main field in May-June at a spacing of varies from 25 to 30. Fruits showing2 m x 2 m. Pits of size 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 streaks of yellow colour are harvested.cm are taken and filled with topsoil. Male Although papaya trees bear flowers andplants are removed as soon as they flower fruits continuously for many years, it isand the female and hermaphrodite plants are not economical to retain the trees afterretained. In pure female plantations, one male 2.5 to 3 years.plant is retained for every 10 female plants.Seedlings are shaded to protect them from Extraction of papainexcessive sunlight until they establish. Inhermaphrodite or monoecious types male Papain is an active enzyme present in theplants may not be required. latex or milky secretion of papaya plants and immature fruits. Half to three-fourth maturedManuring fruits (about 70 to 100 days from fruit set) are preferred for papain extraction. Tapping Organic manure may be applied @10 to of fruits can be done early in the morning by25 kg / plant / year at the onset of southwest giving longitudinal skin depth incisionsmonsoon in basins around the plant. Each (3 mm) on the surface of the fruits from thepapaya plant should also be supplied with stalk end to tip. Stainless steel blades or40 g N, 40 g P2O5 and 80 g K2O at bimonthly knives or bamboo splinters are used forinterval. incising papaya fruits. The milky latex is collected in arecanut spathes or aluminiumIntercultivation and intercropping or glass vessels. The incisions are repeated in two or three subsequent occasions at Keep the papaya plot free of weeds. Twohand diggings, one in the beginning ofthe rainy season and another in January-February are necessary. When papaya is
206 PAPAYA AND PINEAPPLE3 to 4 days intervals. The latex collected in the soil of the seedbed with 2.5 per cent form-this way is dried in the sun or in an artificial aldehyde solution and covering it for 48 hoursdrier at 50-55ºC. A small quantity of with newspapers or polythene sheets. Thispotassium metabisulphite is added to the treatment is given 15 days before sowing.liquid latex to extend the storage life ofpapain. The dried latex can be stored in Collar rot or stem rotairtight polythene or glass containers for aperiod of six months. Tapped fruits are equally Waterlogging and poor drainage aretasty as untapped fruits, although impaired in the chief contributing factors. Application ofappearance. Bordeaux paste on the stem and soil drenching with Bordeaux mixture arePlant protection control measures.Papaya mealy bug AnthracnosePlease refer page no: 309 It causes premature fruit fall and leafDamping off fall. To control, spray Bordeaux mixture 1 per cent. Papaya mosaic and papaya leaf It causes rotting of seedlings in the curl are two serious virus diseases of papaya.nursery. This can be prevented by sterilizing Remove the affected plants and burn them immediately.PINEAPPLE (Ananas comosus) Pineapple is mostly grown at low 1. KEWelevations in areas with a temperaturerange of 15 to 30ºC. Pineapple is tolerant Kew is a variety recommended forto drought because of the special water large scale commercial cultivation in Kerala.storage cells. They can be grown with a The Package of Practices recommendationswide range of rainfall from 600-2500 mm/ for its cultivation is detailed below.annum, the optimum being 1000-1500 mm.Pineapple can be grown in a wide range of Preparation of the landsoils, but does not tolerate waterlogging. Itcan be grown as a pure crop on plantation Prepare the land for planting byscale or as an intercrop in coconut gardens. ploughing or digging followed by levelling. Depending on the nature of land, prepareSeason trenches of convenient length and about 90 cm width and 15-30 cm depth. The The planting season is May-June. trenches are to be aligned at a distance ofPlanting should be avoided during the 165 cm from centre to centre.periods of heavy rains. Selection and treatment of suckersVarieties Select healthy suckers of uniform size There are three varieties viz., Kew, weighing 500-1000 g. Keep suckers in openAmrutha and Mauritius. space under shade in a single layer for about 7 days for drying. Strip off a few lower old dried leaves. Allow the suckers to dry and
PINEAPPLE 207cure for another 7 days. Dip the cured Weed controlsuckers in 1per cent Bordeaux mixture at thetime of planting. For effective and economic weed control, use weedicides. Pre-emergent spray withPlanting diuron 3 kg or bromacil 2.5 kg in 600 litres of water per hectare completely controls all Rake the soil and plant the suckers in types of weeds in pineapple plantation.double rows at spacing of 70 cm between If there is subsequent growth of weeds,rows and 30 cm between plants. Limit the herbicide application may be repeated at halfdepth of planting to 7.5 to 10 cm. Adopt the above dose. Spraying should be donetriangular method of planting in each trench when there is adequate moisture in the soil.so that the plants in two adjacent rows are Avoid periods of heavy rainfall for spraying.not opposite to each other (plant population40400 / ha). Induction of floweringManuring For inducement of uniform flowering, apply 25 ppm ethephon (2-chloro ethyl Apply compost / cattle manure at 25 t ha-1 phosphonic acid) in aqueous solutionas basal dressing. Apply fertilizers at the containing 2 per cent urea and 0.04 per centfollowing dosage: calcium carbonate as follows:Dose N:P2O5:K2O The mixture (50 ml/plant) is to be appliedPer plant per year (g) 8:4:8 pouring into the heart of 16-17 month old plants (39-42 leaf stage) during dry weather.Per hectare per year (kg) 320:160:320 For treating 1000 plants, 50 litres of the solution would be required. (The ingredients Apply full dose of P2O5 at the time of for preparing 50 litres of the aqueousplanting. Nitrogen and K2O may be applied solution are ethephon 1.25 ml, urea 1 kg andin four splits, during May-June (at planting), calcium carbonate 20 g, made up to 50 litresAugust-September, November and May- with water. The dosage has to be fixedJune (2nd year) depending on the availability of commercial formulation and the active ingredient Note: In places where rains are scanty contents)during November, N and K2O may beapplied in three equal splits - two doses in 1st Flowering will commence from 40th dayyear (May-June and August-September) and after application and complete by 70th day.the third in May-June of the second year.After application of fertilizers, cover with soil Plant protectionby scraping the sides of trenches. No serious pests or diseases are noticedIrrigation in the crop except for light incidence of leaf spot disease and mealy bugs. During summer months, pineapple shouldbe irrigated wherever possible at 0.6 IW/ For control of leaf spot, spray any one ofCPE ratio (50 mm depth of water). It the following fungicides when symptoms ofrequires five or six irrigations during dry the disease are noticed:months at an interval of 22 days. Mulchingthe crop with dry leaves at 6 t ha-1 will helpto conserve moisture.
208 PINEAPPLEBordeaux mixture 1 per cent, 225 litre/ha between suckers. Suckers may be planted in triangular method in the paired rows.Zineb 1 kg in 225 litre water/ha Interspace between the paired rows is kept at 150 cm. Contour planting may be adoptedMancozeb 1 kg in 225 litre water/ha in sloppy areas.For control of mealy bugs, apply quinalphos Intercropping in coconut garden: Landat 0.05 per cent. Destroy grasses and other preparation, spacing and planting are themonocot weeds, which serve as alternate same as described above. There can behosts for the pest. three-paired rows in between two rows of coconut.2. MAURITIUS Intercropping in rubber plantations: Mauritius is recommended for System of planting is in paired rows atcommercial cultivation for table purposes and 45 cm x 30 cm. There will be only one paireddistant marketing, due to its shorter duration, row of pineapple in between two rows ofbetter fruit quality, keeping quality and rubber.transportability. Cowpea, sunhemp or daincha can be sownSeason in the interspaces and covered with soil soon after planting the suckers. The biomass can Main season of planting is April-May and be uprooted at flowering and applied to pine-August-September, but can also be planted apple plots as manure. This will also help toin all months except during heavy rain of June- control the weeds by smothering them up toJuly. The best time for planting is four months.August. For getting maximum price andbetter keeping quality, the best planting time Wetlands / lowlands: Pineapple is highlyisApril-May. During summer months, if there sensitive to water stagnation and highare no summer showers after planting, irri- moisture regimes. Hence it is important togation should be given three weeks after provide good drainage, if grown in wetlands.planting for proper establishment. In paddy lands, pineapple is planted in paired rows at 45 cm x 30 cm spacing on ridgesCropping system taken at 60-90 cm height, depending on the water table and drainage requirement. The Mauritius can be grown as a pure crop in ridges are separated by drainage channelsgarden land, reclaimed lowlands and having 60 cm width. The width of the ridgeswetlands and as an intercrop in coconut and varies from 120-150 cm. Wherever waternewly planted rubber plantations. In stagnation and poor drainage are expected,rubber plantation, it can be grown for the first a wider and deeper channel is given in3-4 years only. between ridges.Land preparation Selection of suckers Pure crop: Prepare the land by digging Suckers are selected from disease and pest free healthy plants. Suckers are to bethe area to be planted at 90 cm width in rows/strips, leaving the interspaces undisturbed.However, ploughing can be adopted in levelland. Planting is done in paired rows of45 cm distance between rows and 30 cm
PINEAPPLE 209graded into those having 500-750 g and in May last week. This will help to obtain750-1000 g. The graded suckers are planted additional returns and also control weedin different blocks or plots, to get uniformity growth.in growth and flowering. Bigger suckers giveearly yield. Dipping in 1 per cent Bordeaux Irrigationmixture and 0.05 per cent quinalphos willprotect the suckers against diseases and Wherever irrigation facilities are available,pests. providing irrigation in summer months at two weeks intervals results in good fruit size and Prophylactic treatment of suckers – A high yield. If there is no irrigation facility, thecombination of Mancozeb (0.03 per cent a.i.) crop should be scheduled for harvest beforeand Chlorpyrifos (0.05 per cent a.i.) can also summer months (before March).be used for sucker treatment. Dippingsuckers in 0.2 per cent Pseudomonas is also Weed controleffective to control suckers from diseases. Pre-emergence (within a few weeksPlanting after planting) spray of diuron @ 1 kg ha-1 in 600 litres of water can keep the field free of After preliminary land preparations, plant- weeds for about four months. For subsequenting is done in small pits of 10-15 cm depth at weed control, herbicide application isa spacing of 45 cm between rows and 30 cm repeated. For controlling Mikania micranthabetween plants in the rows. There is no need (vayara valli or American valli), spotto plant the suckers in trenches. application of diuron can be adopted. Spray- ing should be done in moist soil, but avoidManuring rainy periods. Weeds in interspaces can be controlled by spraying glyphosate Apply compost / FYM @ 25 t ha-1 at the 0.8 kg ha-1. While spraying in interspaces,time of planting. Application of 10 t ha-1 care should be taken that the weedicide shall(250g/ plant) of poultry manure or vermi- not fall on pineapple plant.compost., or 2 t ha-1 (50g/plant) of neem cakealong with 2.5kg of Azospirillum (1g/plant) Flower inductionand 2.5kg of Phosphobactor is also equallyeffective.Apply fertilizers @ 8:4:8 g For inducing uniform flowering, 25 ppmN:P2O5:K2O per plant per year. Full dose of ethephon is applied on physiologicallyP2O5 is applied at the time of planting. mature plants having 39-42 leaves (7-8 monthsNitrogen and K2O are applied as four equal after planting). The solution for applicationsplit doses after planting. First dose may be in 1000 plants is prepared by adding 1.25 mlapplied at 40-50 days after planting and of ethephon (3.2 ml of 39 per cent ethrel orthereafter at 60-70 days intervals. 12.5 ml of 10 per cent ethrel), 1 kg urea and 20 g calcium carbonate to 50 litres of water.Intercropping Pour 50 ml of the prepared solution to the heart of the plant during dry weather condi- Vegetables and tuber crops can be grown tions (when there is no rain during the timeas rainfed intercrops. Plant ginger or coleus of application).(in four rows at 30 cm x 30 cm spacing inraised beds), or brinjal or bhindi (in two rows Flowering starts by 30 days andat 75 cm x 60cm spacing) in the inter space
210 PINEAPPLE AND SAPOTAcompletes within 40 days of growth also the sides of the plant.The plot should beregulator application. Fruits will be ready for kept weed free. For the control of mealy bugs,harvest by 130-135 days after the applica- control of ants is a must.tion of growth regulator. Harvest overdifferent months / seasons could be obtained Pineapple wilt associated virus isby carefully phasing / planning the planting transmitted by mealy bugs (Dysmicoccusand growth regulator application. brevipes Cockerell). Mealy bugs are mobilized by ants. For the managementPlant protection of the disease, preventive methods like, destruction of diseased plants, treating Sun burn: During summer months it is suckers by dipping in chlorpyrifos 0.05 pernecessary to protect the fruits from cent before planting, keeping pineapple fieldsscorching sun by putting dried grasses, weed free, control of ants by dusting car-coconut or arecanut leaves. baryl 10 per cent in the ant colonies and con- trol of mealy bugs by spraying/drenching withDiseases chlorpyrifos 0.05 per cent are to be adopted. Root rot / heart rot / fruit rot caused by Scale insects (Diaspus bromeliae):Phytophthora sp. is common in poor Spraying of chemicals for the control of mealydrainage conditions. Providing drainage is bugs, mentioned above, will be sufficient formost essential. The water table should be at the control of scale insects.least 60 cm below the soil surface. Badlyaffected plants should be destroyed and the Ratoon croppingremaining plants should be drenched with1 per cent Bordeaux mixture in the soil. Leaf The plant crop after harvest can bespot can be controlled by spraying 1 per cent retained as ratoon crop for two more years.Bordeaux mixture or 0.2 per cent zineb/ After the harvest of the plant crop, choppingmancozeb. the side leaves of the mother plant should be done for easy cultural operations. ThePests suckers retained should be limited to one or two per mother plant. Excess suckers if any Mealy bugs (Dysmicoccus brevipes/ should be removed. Earthing up should bePseudococcus bromeliae): Spray quinalphos done. Other management practices are same0.05 per cent, chlorpyriphos 0.05 per cent or as for the plant crop.dimethoate 0.05 per cent. Care should betaken that the spray shall reach the base andSAPOTA (Manilkara zapota) Sapota requires a temperature range of Propagation11 to 34ºC and an annual precipitation of225-375 cm. It can be grown in all types of It is propagated through layers and grafts.soil but well drained soil is necessary for good Manilkara hexandra (khirni) is the bestgrowth. rootstock for inarching sapota.Varieties Season Cricket Ball, Oval, Kalipatti, Badami, The season of planting is May-June.Baramasi, Calcutta Round, Pala and PKM-1 Planting should be avoided during the periods of heavy rains.
SAPOTA AND WEST INDIAN CHERRY 211Planting weather; but good crops can be obtained with irrigation. Planting is done in pits of 60 cm x 60 cmx 60 cm at a square spacing of 7-8 m. Training and pruningManuring No pruning is necessary; but in old trees, lower branches can be removed up to 1 m The recommended nutrient dosage for a height.full-grown sapota tree per year is: Flowering and fruitingFYM 55 kgN:P2O5\:K2O 500:360:750 g The tree flowers continuously in several flushes at short intervals throughout the year. Apply FYM in May-June with the But there are two seasons when flowers willonset of monsoon. Apply the fertilizers be produced profusely i.e., October toin two equal split doses, the first during November and February to March. GraftedMay-June and the second during August-Sep- sapota begins to bear in the third year aftertember. planting. Fruit production increases with age up to 30 years followed by a decline. Fruits Apply the manures and fertilizers in mature about 4 months after flowering.trenches 30 cm deep taken at a distance of1 m from the base of the tree. HarvestingIrrigation Mature fruits, which are dull brown in colour, are harvested and stored for about Irrigation may not be necessary except five days before they are fully ripened forduring the early stages and in the hot consumption. Ripe fruits can be kept for about 5 to 7 days.WEST INDIAN CHERRY (Malphigia punicifolia) (Ad hoc recommendation) West Indian cherry, also known as White flower typeBarbados cherry is the richest source ofvitamin C. It is a medium sized shrub, which Flowers are white and are borne inthrives well in tropical climate. It is best suited clusters in leaf axils. Fruits are small (aboutas a homestead fruit crop and prefers a rich 1 g) and orange coloured when fully ripe.well drained soil. Planting materialsVarieties West Indian cherry is usually raised from Two distinct types are seen. layers. Vegetative propagation by means of hardwood cuttings along with leaves isPink flower type feasible, though the percentage of rooting is very low. Air layering is highly successful Flowers are pink and are born in when treated with IBA. Layers strike rootsclusters in leaf axils. Fruits are large in size within 3-4 weeks. When the roots peep out(about 6 g) and red coloured when ripe.
212 WEST INDIAN CHERRYthrough the ball of moss or coir pith, the stem maintain regular shape. Pruning consists ofmay be severed in stages. The rooted layer removal of dried and diseased wood and alsois potted after removing the polythene film the drooping branches.and kept in shade till new flushes appear.Plants may be hardened in full sunlight prior Flowering, fruiting and harvestingto transplanting. Chip budding, shield budding,side grafting and veneer grafting are also Rooted cuttings and layers flower in sixsuccessful to a limited extent. months. Flowering commences in the middle of May and extends up to August. ThePlanting harvest of fruits commences from August and continues up to November. Rarely, flow- For planting, pits of size 0.5 m x 0.5 m x ering is noticed in March and the crop comes0.5 m are made, 6 m apart. Fill the pit with to harvest in April / May.topsoil and 10 kg cowdung. After planting,mulching may be done with dry leaves to Yieldconserve moisture. July to December isconsidered to be the best time for planting. The average yield during fourth year isIrrigation once in four days during early stages 2 kg per plant.of growth up to one year of planting and lateron, once in 7-10 days is necessary. ProcessingManuring The fruits may be consumed fresh or its pulp can be used for preparation of juice, jam, A fully grown, bearing plant should be top jelly, preserve, syrup etc. The juice or pulpdressed with fertilizers @ 100 g N, may also be used to fortify ascorbic acid160 gP2O5 and 260 g K2O. These may be contents of various other products. Its juiceapplied in two splits, in June-July and again can be used to blend with other fruit juices toin January, when there is sufficient moisture give delicious mixed fruit cocktails andin the soil. also to improve their nutritive value. As the richest natural source of vitamin C, the fruitsPruning have considerable scope to be developed on a commercial basis, for the production of Pruning is done once in a year to vitamin C.APPLE (Malus sylvestris) Apple is an important temperate fruit 7-10 m, depending upon the vigour of plant.suited for growing in the high ranges of The pit should be of 1 m wide and 20 cmKerala. Sloping sites to allow free drainage deep so that all roots may be accommodatedare considered more suitable than level tops. in a well spread condition.The ideal soil types are loam, sandy loam andsilt loam with open porous and well-drained Planting materialsubsoil. Apples are ordinarily propagated byPreparation of land budding or grafting on seedlings of Crab apple, Yellow Newton or Golden Delicious. The planting distance in India varies from Winters are best for whip grafting. Shield
APPLE 213budding is done in June with the season’s bud. diseased secondary branches are removedBoth whip grafting and shield budding are and the extra vigorous ones headed back.widely practiced in India. Low chilling This process is continued for 4 or 5 years, atvarieties are suitable for Kerala. the end of which there are 8 to 10 scaffold branches.Time and method of planting It is desirable to add 100-150 g of Apples are planted in the ground free of nitrogen as sulphate of ammonia. Similarweeds, regularly irrigated for about two years quantities of phosphate and potash should bein the beginning. Planting is done late in added when required. Five quintals of bonewinter. For adequate root development a meal and 10 quintals of wood ash pertemperature of 7ºC is considered ideal. hectare are given annually besides the fertilizers. Fertilizers should be mixed withPruning the soil at a radius of 1 m from the plant. Pruning and training are important in apple Thinning of fruitcultivation. One year old plants are cut backat about 80-100 cm above ground. If branches Thinning of fruit is also practised inare present at this time, only 4 to order to improve fruit colour and fruit size. It5 of them ought to be retained and is desirable to retain one fruit for everyshortened in length. No shoot is retained 40 leaves. This spaces the fruit at aboutbelow 50 cm from ground. At the time of 15-20 cm apart and there will be only onefirst dormant pruning, the main scaffold fruit per spur.branches are cut back to about half a metrein length. Harvesting Secondary branches arise from these main Much of the success in apple productionlimbs. Some of the new shoots arising early depends on proper picking, storage andin the second summer are rubbed off in disposal. When a fruit separates easily fromorder to develop only a few vigorous the spur, firmness of flesh and taste aresecondary branches. During the second desirable. The harvested fruits may be storeddormant pruning, the crowded, misplaced or for 120-150 days at 4-5ºC, provided there is good circulation of air.
214 ANTHURIUMORNAMENTAL PLANTSANTHURIUM (Anthurium spp.) (Ad hoc recommendation) Anthurium is one of the important Vegetative propagationeconomic flowers of export potential. Thereare more than 500 species and several varieties. Plants are propagated vegetatively byFew of them are commercially important. separating suckers from flowering plants as and when available and planted in the Anthurium andreanum, A. veitchii and medium. Cutting the thick main stem intoA. scherzerianum are the economically 3-4 cm long discs and then into vertical bitsviable species. Many of them are partially can also be done. Each bit should haveepiphytic in growth habit. Plants prefer to minimum two lateral buds. Cut-pieces aregrow under shade. The tolerable level of light treated with a fungicide solution and plantedin the tropical region during summer is on a medium of clean river sand. Cuttings20-30 per cent. Excess light causes will take 1-2 months for sprouting.yellowing and scorching of leaves. Very lowlight intensity causes excessive vegetative Seedlings and sprouted cuttings ofgrowth and low flowering. It is preferable to 5-10 cm height are transferred to the maingrow anthurium in the open, under artificial field or pots. Planting in pots is preferred inshade structures for better growth and yield. the plains. Cultivation in beds is good at higherPlant prefers to grow under a relative altitudes (about 1000 m above MSL). A loosehumidity of not less than 60 per cent and a medium above the ground is suitable fortemperature of not more than 18-28ºC. anthurium. Old and chopped coconut husk (3 cm size) mixed with brick pieces andPropagation charcoal are filled in narrow trenches 10 cm below and above ground level. Anthurium is multiplied by seed andvegetatively by stem cuttings or by separation Pots can also be filled with the sameof basal sprouts. Propagation by seed is not mixture. An ideal pot should be 30 cmrecommended as a commercial propagation diameter at top with 3 large holes at the bot-method as it results in high variability. Plants tom on sides. One plant can be planted in acan be multiplied in large number by pot. On ground, the spacing is 45 to 60 cmmicro-propagation techniques from the depending upon the variety. Fresh cowdungtender leaf bits. or neem cake mixed with 10-15 times of water, kept for 4-5 days, can be sprayed onVarieties the plants after filtering. Cow’s urine can be sprayed or drenched after mixing with 25 The economic varieties suitable for times of water. Water soluble fertilizerKerala condition are Lima White, Cuba, (19:19:19) 2 g / l is applied in the mediumAgnihotri, Liver Red, Can Can, Tropical, once a week. Slow release fertilizers, if used,Nitta, Sunburst, Linda-de-Mol, Tinora,Acropolis, Gino Orange and Midori.
ANTHURIUM AND ORCHIDS 215need be given only once in 2-3 months. Prun- mancozeb 0.3 per cent or carbendazim 0.05ing of older leaves, removal of suckers at per cent can control the disease.young stage, cleaning of crown before rainsetc. are other operations to be carried out in Root rot caused by Pythium andorder to have a better growth and flowering. Phytophthora can be controlled by the appli- cation of potassium phosphonate 0.3 per cent.Plant protection PestsDiseases The major pests are scales and bugs, The two major diseases are bacterial blight which are controlled by spraying malathionand anthracnose. Blackening of the stem and @ 2 ml per litre of water. Snails also causedecay of leaf axils are the symptoms of damage to young roots. Use of metaldehydebacterial blight. Spraying a mixture of can prevent the attack of snails.turmeric powder and sodium bi carbonate inthe proportion 10:1@ 0.15 per cent at weekly Harvestinginterval from the initiation of the disease iseffective for the management of bacterial The flowers are harvested with its longblight of anthurium. stem when 1/4th to 3/4th flowers on the spadix are open, indicated by the change of colour. Tiny circular black spots appear on leaf Colour change varies with the varieties.and spadix in case of anthracnose. Spraying ORCHIDS (Ad hoc recommendation) Orchids are noted for their bewitchingly Most attractive orchids belong to thebeautiful, long lasting flowers, widely group of epiphytes, which require freediffering in shape, size and colour. They moving air at all times. They produce aerialbelong to the family Orchidaceae, reported roots, which absorb water and nutrients fromto comprise over 600 genera, 30000 species the atmosphere. Both terrestrial and epi-and about 1.5 lakhs man made hybrids. They phytes grow under varying levels of shade.have varying habitats but epiphytic orchids Plants grown under deep shade will havedominate the trade. They are also classed as good vegetative growth and poor flowering.monopodials (stems having a vertical growth, Hence shade and light regulations are verynon branching, with aerial roots) and important operations for better flowering. Asympodials (stems having a horizontal humid and warm atmosphere is congenial forgrowth, producing pseudobulbs in clusters, no the growth of most of the tropical orchids.aerial roots). Better results are obtained when the atmospheric humidity is 50 to 80 per cent. The ideal location for orchid growing is in Orchids require proper temperature for goodthe open conditions, under appropriate level growth and flowering. Accordingly thereof shade. In Kerala certain orchids are grown are tropical, subtropical and temperateunder the shade of old coconut trees. orchids.
216 ORCHIDSGenera / varieties flowers) before they get shrivelled can be severed from the mother plant and placed The popular genera of orchids horizontally over the medium tothat are suitable for growing in Kerala are stimulate sprouting of new shoots.Arachnis, Aranthera, Vanda,Phalaenopsis(monopodials); Aranda, Mokara (inter- Seed propagation is possible only undergeneric monopodials); Dendrobium, aseptic conditions. Seedlings produced byCattleya, Oncidium (sympodials). embryo culture will take 2-5 years for flowering, depending on the genus. Dendrobium is the most popular genus ofKerala. Some of the important varieties be- Meristem culture is very effective inlonging to this genus are given below, grouped large scale propagation of orchids.according to colour. PlantingPurple and white: Sonia 17, Sonia 28, Sonia Bom Jo and Earsakul Terminal cuttings of monopodial orchids are planted loosely on old coconut husks at aPurple: Renappa, New Wanee, Sabine Red, spacing of 30 cm between plants and Jurie Red, Master Delight and Velvet Soft 45 cm between rows in long beds. There can be two or three rows in a bed. Basal cuttingsWhite: Emma White, Fairy White, Kasem will sprout within a period of two months. White and Snow White Partial shade up to 50 per cent is required for sprouting. Basal cuttings are planted closePink: Sakura Pink, New Pink, Lemon Glow to each other in nursery beds for sprouting. and Pink Cascade After sprouting they are planted at the recommended spacing. Monopodial orchidsYellow: Sherifa Fatimah, Kasem Gold and can be grown on ground above soil level. A Tongchai Gold thick bed of 15-20 cm height is loosely arranged. Well-dried coconut husks areMagenta: Deep Blush better than fresh husks. Sympodial orchids are grown on benches above ground level orPropagation suspended from above. Slotted wooden baskets filled with small pieces of dried coconut husk The conventional method of propagation or partially burnt charcoal is good for plantis by vegetative means. Monopodial orchids growth. Planting is done above the mediumare propagated by stem cuttings. Terminal with a support for proper anchorage.cuttings with one or two healthy aerial rootsare ideal as planting material. Basal cuttings Planting can also be done in pots or otherof 30 cm length with a few roots and leaves containers. Mud pots of 10-20 cm diameterare also good. But they take longer time to with several large holes on the side andsprout and grow. Sympodial orchids are bottom, filled with tile bits, chopped coconutpropagated by separation of pseudobulbs. A husk or charcoal are used for planting. A clearplant with minimum two or three pseudobulbs solution of fresh cowdung can be used forwith the basal root is ideal for planting. Some irrigation for a few days. Dipping in freshof the sympodial varieties produce sprouts at cowdung solution before planting also givesthe top of pseudobulb called as keikis. Keikis good results.when fully grown can be separated andplanted. Besides, back-bulbs or spent canes(shoots that have ceased to produce
ORCHIDS AND JASMINE 217Manuring These can be controlled by application of mancozeb, carbendazim etc. at theMonopodial orchids grown on ground can recommended dose. Spraying should be done prior to the commencement of monsoon andbe given cowdung slurry once in a month. at fortnightly intervals during heavy monsoon. Important virus diseases areOne kg fresh cowdung mixed in 5 litres of mosaic and ring spot. Destroying the affected plants can control spread of these diseases.water is sufficient for one square metre. Two Peststo three applications can be given in a year. The common pests attacking orchids areSympodial orchids are sprayed with the thrips, aphids, spider mite, soft scale, mealy bugs, orchid weevil, ants etc. Other verysupernatant liquid of cowdung slurry. serious pests of orchids are snails and slugs. They feed on the tender young shoots, rootsNutrition of plants from the natural sources and buds. Hand-picking is effective, if the number of plants is less. They move outis not sufficient to support the plants for during late night and hide before early morn- ing. Damage is caused during this period. Alleconomic production. Hence additional the pests can be controlled by application of contact and systemic insecticides at appropri-feeding is required.Foliar feeding is very ate concentration.effective in orchids. Fertilizer mixture of HarvestingvNe:gPe2tOat5i:vKe2Oper3i:o1d:1ancdan1:b2e:2 applied during The spikes are harvested before the can be applied opening of all the buds of the spike, depend- ing on the genus.during flowering period. The usual dose ofsuch mixture is 2-3 g per litre of water,applied twice a week.Plant protectionDiseasesThe important fungal diseases are: Leaf spot (Colletotrichum and Gloeosporium) Leaf blight (Pythium) Collar blotch (Penicillium thimmi) Collar rot (Sclerotium) Orchid wilt (Sclerotium rolfsii) JASMINE (Jasminum spp.) Jasmine is an important flower crop that 1. Jasminum sambac: Gundumalli, Motia,could be grown on a commercial scale in Virupakshi, Sujimalli, Madanabanam,Kerala. Jasminum sambac is the most ideal Ramabanam.species for cultivation in Kerala. Theflowers are used for preparing garlands. The 2. Jasminum grandiflorum: Co-1 Pitchi,jasmine oil has great export potential in Co-2 Pitchi, Thimmapuram, Lucknow.addition to its use for medicinal purpose. 3. Jasminum auriculatum: Co-1 Mulla,Important cultivars Co-2 Mulla, Long Point, Long Round, Short Point, Short Round. There are trailing, climbing, and erectgrowing species and cultivars. Three impor- Soil and climatetant species and their varieties are given asfollows: Jasmine can be planted on a wide range of soils. Well-drained sandy loams and red
218 JASMINEloams are ideal for its cultivation. In clayey Pruningsoils, there is increased vegetative growth andreduced flowering. They give good yield in Pruning is essential and is done at a heightlow rainfall conditions. of 45 cm from the ground level during mid December-January.Propagation Weed control Layering and cutting are the mainpropagation methods. Better rooting of Manual weeding is usually done which iscuttings can be obtained by planting in coarse effective but expensive. Mulching alsosand and also by using any of the rooting reduces weed population.hormones like IBA (5000 ppm), IAA (1000ppm) and NAA (5000 ppm). Simple and Irrigationcompound layering methods are followedduring June-July to October-November. Layers Constant and adequate water supply dur-will be ready for planting within 90-120 days. ing peak flowering season (March-October) is essential for high yield of flowers. AfterPlanting flowering is over, water supply can be cut off. During summer, irrigate twice a week. After ploughing the land, pits of about40 cm x 40 cm x 40 cm size are taken and Pestsfilled with topsoil and 15 kg well rotten FYM.Planting distance depends on the species and Jasmine is comparatively a hardy plant.also on soil and environmental conditions. Major pests are bud and shoot borers and blossom midge, which can be controlled by spraying 0.15-0.20 per cent carbaryl. Species Planting distance DiseasesJ. sambac 1.2 m x 1.2 mJ.auriculatum 1.8 m x 1.8 m Leaf blight: Can be controlled by sprayingJ.grandiflorum 2.0 m x 1.5 m 0.2 per cent mancozeb. Planting is usually done during June- Fusarium wilt: Controlled by drenching theAugust. soil with 1 per cent Bordeaux mixture.Manuring Rust: Controlled by spraying 0.2 per cent zineb. Each plant requires a fertilizer dose of120 g N, 240 g P2O5 and 240 g K2O. The Yieldfertilizers are mixed together and applied in Yield of flowers and jasmine oil varytwo split doses during January and July. Thishas to be supplemented with organic manures according to the species and managementlike neem cake, groundnut oil cake etc. practices.@ 100 g per plant per month. Species Flower Oil yield yield (t ha-1) (kg ha-1) J. sambac J. auriculatum 5 15.44 J.grandiflorum 5 28.00 6 29.00
GLADIOLUS 219 GLADIOLUS (Gladiolus spp.) Gladiolus is grown for its attractive at 5 cm depth. About one lakh plants can beflower spike having florets of huge form, accomodated in a hectare. Top dress the cropdazzling colour and varying sizes, with long with 50 kg N, 45 days after planting, and earthvase life. up. Best season for planting is September- November.Varieties Irrigation Friendship, Spic and Span, Mansoer Red,Dr. Fleming, Peter Pears and White The crop has to be irrigated once in twoFriendship are some of the common or three days depending upon soil and weathervarieties. Varieties evolved in India are Sapna, conditions.Poonam, Nazrana, Apsara, Agnirekha,Mayur, Suchithra, Manmohan, Manohar, Plant protectionMuktha, Archana, Arun and Shobha. Several species of aphids like green peachSoil aphid, potato aphid and melon aphid damage developing foliage and flowers. They can be It can be grown in a wide range of soils, controlled by using dimethoate. Thrips andlight sandy to clay loam. Deep well-drained caterpillars can be controlled withacidic soils with a pH of 5.5-6.5 are the best dimethoate.for cultivation. Brown and Fusarium wilts are thePropagation major diseases. Spraying the crop with 0.03 per cent copper oxychloride or drench- Gladiolus is propagated by corms and ing carbendazim 0.05 per cent is recom-cormels. Size of the corm markedly mended when diseases are noticed.influences the growth and flowering ofgladiolus. Medium and large sized corms are Harvesting and yieldpreferred for planting, as small cormsproduce only small flower spikes. The plant starts flowering in 2-3 months after planting based on the variety. ThePlanting entire spike along with two leaves is cut, when the basal flower bud starts opening. The land is ploughed two or three Nearly 2 lakh flower spikes can be obtainedtimes and FYM @ 25 t ha-1 is applied and from one hectare.mixed well with the soil. Ridges are made20 cm apart. Fertilizer application is made After harvest of flowers, the plants are@ 50:60:60 kg N:P2O5:K2O per ha. The left undisturbed in the field. When they startcorms are planted at a distance of 30 cm and yellowing, the plants are uprooted for harvest of corms and cormels.
220 TUBEROSE TUBEROSE (Poliantha tuberosa) Tuberose occupies a very special above are to be planted at a depth of 7-10 cm,position among the ornamental bulbous plants with a spacing of 20 cm x 25 cm. A fertilizerbecause of its prettiness, elegance and dosage of 100:50:50 kg ha-1 N:P2O5:K2O isfragrance. It has good economic potential for recommended. Of these, half N, full P2O5loose/cut flower trade and essential oil and K2O are applied at the time of planting.industry. Remaining N is applied when the flower spikes start to appear. A heavy irrigation onceCultivars in 5-10 days is necessary depending upon the weather conditions. The peak flowering is There are three groups of cultivars as between June and October.given below: Ratoon crop1. Single: Flower is pure white and has only a single row of corolla segments. After the harvest of the main crop, the Cultivars are Sringar, Culcutta Single, flower stalks are headed back and the plot is Mexican Single and Suvarna Rekha. manured and irrigated. Three or four ratoon crops can be taken from single planting.2. Double: Flowers are white, tinged with pinkish red. Petals are in several whorls. Plant protection Cultivars are Suvasini, Culcutta Double and Pearl. Slugs and grass hoppers, which feed on the leaves, and thrips which damage and3. Semi-double: Similar to double but with cause distortion of the spikes are the major only 2 to 3 rows of corolla segments. pests. Malathion and carbaryl are effective against these pests. No major disease is This classification is based on floral noticed. Sclerotium fungus, which attacks thecharacters. leaves and flower stalks at ground level causes defoliation and toppling of spikes. ThisSoil can be controlled by drenching of soil around the plant with fungicides. Porous, well-drained sandy loam soils arebest suited for tuberose cultivation. Harvest and yieldPropagation Tuberose is harvested by cutting the spikes from the base for table decoration or the Propagation is by bulbs. Boat shaped individual flower is picked from the spike forbulbs of size 2 to 3 cm are preferred for making garlands and other floral ornaments:planting. About 1.25 to 1.50 lakh bulbs(800 to 900 kg) are required for planting one The average yield of flower is as follows.hectare. Plant crop: 5-10 t ha-1Cultural practices First ratoon: 9-12 t ha-1 Land is prepared well by ploughing two orthree times. FYM @ 30 t ha-1 is mixed well Second ratoon: 4-6 t ha-1with soil. Best time for planting is May-July.The bulbs preferably those of size 2-5 cm or
CROSSANDRA AND MARIGOLD 221CROSSANDRA (Crossandra infundibuliformis) Crossandra flowers are very popular for The crop is topdressed twice withtheir bright orange colour, light weight and 33.3 kg N per ha each time, the first atkeeping quality. The flowers are of great 3 months after transplanting and the seconddemand for garlands and hair adornments. 8-9 months after transplanting. The application of fertilizers is to be necessarilyCultivars followed by irrigation. Weeding, application of fertilizer and earthing up are combined Yellow Orange, Lutea Yellow and Delhi together for easy maintenance of the crop.(triploid) are the important varieties. Plant protectionSoil Scales, plant bugs and white flies are the Crossandra can be cultivated in a important insect pests, which can bewide range of soils. Fertile, red loamy soils controlled by phosalone (0.07 per cent).with pH range of 6.0 to 7.5 are ideal. Wilt caused by Fusarium solani willPropagation result in yellowing of leaves and death of the plants. The incidence of the disease is found Propagation is by seeds or stem cuttings. to be more in the presence of root lesionSeedlings are ready for transplanting when nematode.they have four or five pairs of leaves. In thecase of triploid varieties like Delhi, cuttings Harvest and yieldare used. Cuttings should be transplantedwhen sufficient roots are developed. Crossandra flowers within two to three months after planting and continues to bearCultural hints flowers throughout the year with a lean production season during rainy months. The land has to be ploughed three or four Flowers are to be picked early in the morningtimes. FYM @ 25 t ha-1 is incorporated and by pulling the corolla out of the calyx. Harvest-mixed well in the soil. Ridges are prepared ing of flowers is to be done on alternate days.60 cm apart. A fertilizer dose of 33.3:60:60 kg The yield of flowers is about 5 t ha-1.ha-1 N:P2O5:K2O is applied as basal.The seedlings or cuttings are transplanted ata spacing of 30 cm.MARIGOLD (Tagetes spp.) Marigold is a popular annual flower that Cultivarscan be grown on a commercial scale. It hasgained popularity on account of its easy There are two species of marigold,cultivation and wide adaptability. Free namely, African marigold (Tagetes erecta)flowering habit, short duration to produce and French marigold (Tagetes patula).marketable flowers, wide spectrum of colour, Inter-specific hybrids between these twoshape, size and good keeping quality make species also have been evolved, which aremarigold an acceptable commercial crop. known as Red and Gold hybrids. Varieties under this group are Nugget, Show Boat and Red Seven Star.
222 MARIGOLD AND CHINA ASTERAfrican marigold varieties in case of African marigold on one side of the ridge and irrigate. Topdress the crop with Apricot, Primrose, Sun Giant, Guinea Gold, 112.5 kg N per ha at the time of pinchingFiesta, Golden Yellow, Hawaii, Crown of (30-45 days after transplanting) and earth up.Gold, Honey Comb, Cupid, Pusa Narangi Pinching is done to increase the total yield. ItGaintha and Pusa Basanti Gaintha. consists of removing terminal portion of the plant 30-45 days after transplanting.French marigold varieties Irrigate once in 4-6 days depending Rusty Red, Naughty, Marietta, Flame, Star upon soil moisture and weather conditions.of India and Harmony. Weeds have to be removed at monthly intervals.Soil Plant protection A wide range of soils with good drainageis suitable for cultivation of marigold. Sandy Marigold is not attacked by many pests.loam soil with pH 5.6 to 6.5 is ideal. However, flower beetles, leaf hoppers, stalk borers, mites etc. cause occasionalPropagation problems. These plants are rarely attacked by diseases. In poorly drained soils, foot rot Seeds are used for raising the crop. caused by Phytophthora may occur. Stem rot caused by Sclerotinia sclerotiorum is alsoCultural practices reported. Soil drenching with copper oxychlo- ride is helpful in checking foot rot, while stem Prepare nursery beds of 6 m length, rot is controlled by drenching with fungicides.1.2 m width and 10-20 cm height. Apply30 kg FYM along with 0.5 kg of 15:15:15 Harvest and yieldfertilizer mixture and mix them well in thesoil. Sow the seeds in rows 7.5 cm apart. Marigold flowers will be ready forCover the seeds with fine FYM and irrigate. harvest in about 21/2 months time from theThe seedlings will be ready for transplanting date of transplanting. The plant continues towithin one month. bear flowers for another 2-21/2 months. The flowers are harvested when they have For the main-field, the land should be attained full size. Harvest the flowers in theploughed well and FYM @ 20 t ha-1 should evening along with a portion of stalk. Yieldbe incorporated to the soil. Apply a basal dose of French marigold will be 8-12 t ha-1 andof fertilizers @ 112.5 kg N, 60 kg P2O5, and that of African marigold 11-18 t ha-1.60 kg K2O per ha. Transplant theseedlings at a spacing of 30 cm x 30 cm incase of French marigold and 45 cm x 45 cmCHINA ASTER (Callistephus chinensis) China aster is a free blooming, colourful for the preparation of bouquets and flowerannual flower. It is grown on a commercial arrangements.scale in many parts of India. Bright colouredflowers of China aster are in much demand Varieties Ostrich Plume, Comet, Poornima, Kamini,
CHINA ASTER 223Sasank, Violet cushion etc. are some of the by ploughing land three or four times. FYMcommercial varieties. is applied @ 10-15 t ha-1 and mixed well with the soil. Chemical fertilizers @ 90 kg N,Soil 120 kg P2O5 and 60 kg K2O per ha are required as basal dose. Seedlings of 4 weeks Though it could be cultivated on a wide are transplanted at a spacing of 30 cm xrange of soils, well-drained red loamy soil is 30 cm. The crop has to be top dressed withideal. 50 kg N at 40 days of transplanting. The crop has to be irrigated once in 4-5 days depend-Propagation ing upon the soil and weather conditions. Earthing up has to be done twice at 30 days Commercially propagated by seeds. intervals.Cultural practices Harvest and yield Seedlings are to be raised in nursery beds China aster blossoms will be ready forof size 7.5 m long, 1.2 m wide and 10 cm harvest within 10-12 weeks of transplanting.height for preparing planting materials for an Generally the entire plant is harvested whenarea of one hectare. The seeds are sown most of the flowers in the plant are openedthinly and covered with fine FYM. The and made into bundles of 10-12 each. Theseedbeds are irrigated immediately after yield will be 10-12 t ha-1.sowing. The seedlings will be ready fortransplanting in about four weeks. For transplanting, prepare the main field
224 EUCALYPTUS AND KACHOLAMMEDICINAL AND AROMATIC PLANTS EUCALYPTUS (Eucalyptus citriodora) Eucalyptus thrives both in the tropics and third year onwards is found to be useful insubtropics. High humidity and plenty of increasing leaf yield.rainfall are conducive to its luxuriant growth.It can be grown in varied types of soils. The Aftercultivationessential oil is used in the preparation ofcosmetics, hair oil and soap and forms a raw During first year, cultivate the rows in bothmaterial for menthol manufacture. directions to prevent weed growth. Hand weeding is done around the seedlings. FirePreparation of land belts are to be provided all around. Clear the land of jungle growth. Take pits Intercroppingof size 45 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm at a spacing2 m x 2 m at least one month prior to planting Eucalyptus can be grown along withand allow to weather. Fill up the pits with soil coffee, lemongrass and palmarosa. In the firstcompletely so as to prevent water stagnation. four years, intercropping with pineapple, yam and vegetables can be done.Planting Harvest and curing Nursery is raised and 4-5 monthsold seedlings are planted with the Pruning of side branches may be startedcommencement of southwest monsoon. from second year onwards. Lopping at aAfter planting, press the soil around the height of 2 m is done during third or fourthseedling and form mound to prevent year and thereafter lopping is resorted to atstagnation of water. half-yearly intervals leaving only one branch. For extracting oil, steam distillation isManuring resorted to. Optimum time for distillation is two hours and the average recovery of oil is Manuring is not usually done. However, 1.5-1.8 per cent of the net weight of leaves.application of 400 g ammonium sulphate, Wilting of the cut leaves under shade for60 g superphosphate and 25 g muriate of 24 hours before distillation will increase thepotash per plant per year during August from oil recovery percentage.KACHOLAM (Kaempferia galanga)(Ad hoc recommendation) An attractive medicinal plant used in Kacholam is a plant adapted for tropicalvarious medicines. The aromatic essential oil climate. Fertile loamy soil having goodof the rhizome is widely used in perfumery, drainage is ideal for the crop. Laterite soilas a condiment, and as a folk medicine. with heavy organic manure application is alsoAsians employ the rhizomes and leaves as a well suited.perfume in cosmetics, hair washes andpowders. They are used to protect the Preparation of landclothing against insects. They are chewed Prepare the land to a good tilth duringwith betel nut. March by ploughing or digging. On receipt
KACHOLAM 225of pre-monsoon showers in April, prepare Mulchingbeds of 1 m width 25 cm height and ofconvenient length with spacing of 40 cm After planting, mulch the beds with drybetween beds. or green leaves @ 15 t ha-1.Seed materials After cultivation Whole or split rhizome with at least one Remove weeds as and when necessary.healthy sprout is the planting material in Apply fertilizers and earth up the cropkacholam. Select well developed healthy and during the first and second weeding (45 anddisease free rhizomes. Rhizomes can be 90 days after planting). Avoid water stagna-stored in cool dry place or pits dug under tion in the beds. Further weeding will not beshade, plastered with mud or cowdung. Two necessary as the spreading leaves willweeks before planting of the new crop, smother the soil surface.smoking the rhizomes by spreading it onGlycosmis pentaphylla (panal) leaves is Plant protectionpractised in certain localities. During heavy rains, leaf rot diseaseVarieties occurs in certain localities. For controlling this disease, drench the beds with 1 per cent Mostly local varieties are under Bordeaux mixture or thiram 0.2 per cent.cultivation and they include collections fromKoothattukulam,Thodupuzha,Varandarapalli, For controlling nematodes (MeloidogyneKalladikode, Ponnukkara, Perumbavoor and incognita and Radopholus similis) associ-Vellanikkara. Rajani and Kasthuri are newly ated with Kacholam, rhizome treatment withreleased high yielding varieties with an yield Pseudomonas fluorescense/(Pfl) @ 3 perpotential of more than 2 tonnes dry rhizomes cent weight by weight of seed material orper ha and have good aroma and flavour. by green leaf mulching with neem and glyricidia @ 5kg/m2 at 30 DAP can beSeason and method of planting recommended. Planting is done during the month `of May Harvesting and curingwith the receipt of four or five pre-monsoon showers. Take small pits in the beds The crop can be harvested seven monthsin rows with a spacing of 20 cm x 15 cm and after planting. Drying of the leaves is theat a depth of 4-5 cm and plant rhizomes with indication of crop maturity for harvest.at least one viable healthy bud facing up- Harvest the crop carefully without cutting thewards. Adopt seed rate of 700-800 kg ha-1. rhizomes, remove dried leaves and roots, wash the rhizome in water and dry. With sharpManuring knife, chop the rhizomes into circular pieces of uniform size except the end portion, which Apply FYM or compost as basal dose has to be cut separately. Spread the cut@ 20 t ha-1, either by broadcasting and plough- rhizomes uniformly on clean floor and allowing or by covering the rhizome in pits after drying for four days. On fourth day, heap theplanting. Apply N, P2O5 and K2O @ 50, rhizomes and keep it overnight. On the next50 and 50 kg ha-1 at the time of the first and day it is again spread and dried. Clean thesecond weeding. dried produce, bag and store in cool dry place or market it. Prolonged storage can cause insect and fungus attack.
226 LEMONGRASSLEMONGRASS (Cymbopogon flexuosus) Lemongrass prefers warm climate with are formed along the contours. At the earlya well-distributed rainfall and well-drained southwest monsoon (June-July), two or threesoil. Usually it is grown on poor, gravelly soils. seedlings or slips per hill are transplanted onLemongrass is a perennial grass mainly the beds at a spacing of 15-20 cm in 4-5 rows.cultivated on hill slopes as a rainfed crop. The Before planting, the top leafy portion of thecrop provides maximum yield from the seedling is cut off leaving the plant stalk aboutsecond to fourth year of planting and 15-20 cm length.economic yield up to the sixth year.Thereafter, the yield declines considerably. ManuringThe leaves yield an aromatic oil, containing70-90 per cent citral. This oil is used in soaps, Application of compost made of spentcosmetics and disinfectants and is a raw lemongrass (refuse obtained after distillation)material for manufacturing ionones and and wood ash @ 2500 kg ha-1 and 1875 kgvitamin A. ha-1 respectively is found beneficial. Application of nitrogenous fertilizers @Seeds and sowing 100 kg ha-1 in four splits (each after 1st to 4th harvest) has been found to increase oil yield The crop is propagated mostly through considerably.seeds. It can also be propagated vegetativelythrough planting of slips. After cultivation OD-19 is the improved variety of lemon- Regular weeding depending on weedgrass recommended for cultivation. growth and earthing up at least once in a year along with manuring is recommended. Seeds can be sown directly in the field or Serious pests or diseases do not generallyseedlings are raised in a nursery and then infest the crop.transplanted. Transplanted crop is foundsuperior to direct-sown crop in respect of Harvestinggrass yield, oil content and citral content inoil. Seeds are sown in well prepared nursery Harvesting is done by cutting the grassbeds during April-May with the onset of 10 cm above ground level. During the firstpre-monsoon rains and covered with thin year of planting, three cuttings are obtainedlayer of soil. The seed rate is 3 to 4 kg ha-1. and subsequently five to six cuttings per yearSeeds collected in the season should be sown are taken subject to weather conditions. Thelatest by August of the same year. The harvesting season begins in May andseedlings will be ready for transplanting in continues till the end of January. The first2 to 2.5 months. harvest is taken about 90 days after planting and subsequent harvests at intervals ofPreparation of land 40-50 days. The optimum interval between harvests to obtain maximum quantity of oil is The land is prepared by digging. Raised 40-45 days for local types of lemon grass.beds of 75-80 cm width and of convenient For OD-19, the optimum interval was foundlength are formed with a spacing of 30-35 to be 60-65 days when grown in hill tops andcm between beds. On sloppy terrain, the beds 45-55 days in valleys and lower areas.
LEMONGRASS AND PALMAROSA 227Seed collection The cut grass is chopped into smaller pieces before feeding to the distillation unit. The crop for seed production is left It can be stored up to 3 days under shadewithout cutting to get maximum seeds. The without any adverse effect on yield orcrop flowers during November-December quality of oil.and the seeds are collected during January-February. The whole panicle is cut and dried Storage of oilfor one or two days and then threshed andsieved to collect the seeds. Lemongrass oil can be stored up to 3 years without affecting the quality of oil, if kept inDistillation aluminium containers sealed air-tight using wax. The containers are to be kept in Essential oil from lemon grass leaves is darkness.extracted by distillation. There are threesystems of distillation: hydro, hydrosteam and Yieldsteam distillation. Time required for one dis-tillation is about two hours including the time The grass yield during the first yearrequired for charging and discharging, will be about 10 t ha-1, which gives about 28 kgprovided the firewood is well dried and of of oil. From the second year onwards, the grassgood quality. A light yellow, lemon scented yield will be about 25 t ha-1 giving aboutvolatile oil is obtained. When crop area is 75 kg of oil. The average recovery of oil islarge enough, steam method is found to be 0.30-0.35 per cent with 70 per cent citral formore economical. Coal is used as fuel. local types of lemongrass while OD-19 variety gives 0.40-0.45 per cent oil recovery and 85-90 per cent citral content.PALMAROSA (Cymbopogon martinii var. motia) Palmarosa (rosha grass) is adapted to better than slips from clones. So seedlingsmarginal areas and poor soils; can be grown are preferred as planting materials underunder dense canopies of trees and used for Kerala conditions. Prepare the seedbed insoil conservation. well pulverized soil after 15th April. Four to five kg of seeds are sown in one hectare of The flowering tops and foliage contain land and covered with a thin layer of soil.sweet smelling oil emitting a rose like odour Give frequent watering till the onset ofand is widely used in soaps, cosmetics and southwest monsoon. Seeds collected inperfumery industries. The oil is also used as January-February must be sown latest bya raw material for producing geraniol, which August.is extensively used in the perfumery industry. PlantingPropagation Prepare the main field for planting, form beds The crop can be propagated by seeds and and plant the seedling, two on a hill, at aslips. Seedlings establish quicker and are spacing of 30 cm x 20 cm. Apply organic
228 PALMAROSA AND VETIVERmanures like compost made of spent grass water method. It takes two hours toand wood ash @ 6 t ha-1 and 2.5 t ha-1 complete one distillation. The averagerespectively at the time of formation of beds. recovery of oil from Amaravathy variety is 0.40 to 0.45 per cent. Allowing the cut grassHarvesting to wilt in shade for 24 hours during monsoon seasons and 48 hours during the post- By about 3.5 to 4 months, the plants monsoon will increase the oil recovery.attain a height of 150-200 cm and they startproducing inflorescence. The grass is cut one Plant protectionweek after flowering. Generally two cuttingsare made during the first year of planting. Pink globular root aphids (Tetraneura)From second year onwards 3 to 5 cuttings occur on the roots and cause witheringare possible. of the crop in patches due to desapping. Dig out and burn the affected patches andDistillation irrigate with water charged with fish oil soap or emulsion spray oil to control the As in the case of lemongrass, extraction aphids.of palmarosa oil is done by the steam andVETIVER (Vetiveria zizanioides) Vetiver is a perennial grass, commonly generally under cultivation. South Indianknown as ‘khus’ plant and mainly cultivated types produce higher root and oil yield, buton hill slopes as a rainfed crop. The essential North Indian types have superior oil quality.oil is extracted from the roots and known as Among the South Indian types, the Nilambur‘khuskhus oil’. type (ODV-3) on an average produces 5 t ha-1 of root, yielding 20-30 kg oil ha-1. It prefers a warm climate and grows inareas up to 600 m elevation. Even though Plantingvetiver grows almost in all soils, a rich andfairly well drained sandy loam is the best. An The crop is propagated through slips.annual rainfall of about 100 to 200 cm, June-July is the optimum period fortemperature ranging from 25 to 40ºC and planting. Two to three ploughing are given somoderate humidity are ideal for its growth. that the soil is well loosened and ridges or beds of convenient length are made. Slips are Its root contains fragrant oil, which is a planted in two rows on 1 m wide beds.perfume by itself. The dry aromatic roots aremade into curtains, mats, fans, etc. to emit Manuringscented cool aroma when moistened. The oilis used as a valuable fixative for blending Usually 5 t ha-1 of FYM or compost isperfumes and cosmetics. applied at the time of bed preparation. Application of 22.5 kg each of P2O5 andVarieties K2O per ha is found to be beneficial for increasing root and oil yield. Two types of vetiver namely, SouthIndian and North Indian (khus) are
CHETHIKODUVELI 229Harvesting and distillation Vetiver as a soil binder The optimum period of harvest of Vetiver has a deep, dense and strongroots to get the maximum oil yield is 18 fibrous root system. The perennial andmonths. Harvesting is done with the digging sterile characteristics of the crop with itsforks. The roots are washed gently to remove hardiness and unpalatability to livestock makethe earth and are chopped into bits of 4-5 cm it an excellent soil-conserving crop. It maylength. The oil is extracted by hydro- be planted as a contour hedge on sloppy landsdistillation. or can be used to protect the banks of major irrigation canals.CHETHIKODUVELI [CITRAKA] (Plumbago rosea) (Ad hoc recommendation) This is an attractive erect rambling Manuringshrub with long tuberous roots and bright redflowers in long terminal spikes. The root Cattle manure or compost @ 10 t ha-1tubers are the medicinally important parts. may be applied as basal dose at the timeThis is an esteemed remedy for leucoderma of land preparation. The fertilizer doseand other skin diseases. The synonyms of for chethikoduveli is N:P2O5:K2Ofire like ‘agnih’ ‘analah’ etc. are attributed to 50:50:50 kg ha-1. Entire P2O5 has to bethis drug to indicate the caustic action of roots applied as basal dose and N and K2O in twocausing blisters on the skin. The drug is used split doses, 2 months and 4 months afteronly after adequate curing and purification. planting.Roots contain plumbagin, which is respon-sible for the therapeutic action of the drug. AftercultivationVarieties: Mridhula and Agni. Weeding has to be done two or three times depending on weed growth. EarthingPlanting materials up may be done two times along with topdressing of fertilizers. Propagated by single, double or three nodesemi-hard wood stem cuttings. Cuttings are For controlling nematodes (Meloidogyneplanted in nursery beds of convenient length incognita and Radopholus similis)and 1 m width for rooting. associated with Chethikoduveli, apply Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf1) @ 10g/plantLand preparation at the time of transplanting rooted cuttings. Prepare the land to a good tilth Harvestingby ploughing two or three times. Makeridges of about 30 cm height and 50 cm apart The crop can be harvested in aboutfor planting rooted cuttings. Two to three 12-18 months after planting. After diggingmonth old rooted cuttings can be planted out, the root tubers are cleaned by washingon the ridges at a spacing of 15 cm in in water and marketed.June-July.
230 NEELA AMARI AND CHENGAZHINIRKIZHANGUNEELA AMARI [NILI] (Indigofera tinctoria) Nili is a reputed drug for the promotion of Manuringhair growth. Due to antitoxic property it isalso a good remedy for poisons. This plant, Apply cattle manure @ 10 t ha-1 as basalwhich is the original source of natural indigo, dressing and incorporate into soil along withis an erect shrub with imparipinnate leaves. last ploughing.Leaves are important in medicine and form amajor ingredient of preparations like Aftercultivation‘Nilibhringadi’. Weeding has to be done twice, threeLand preparation weeks and six weeks after sowing. Prepare the soil to fine tilth by ploughing Harvestingtwo or three times. Plants start flowering 2-3 months afterSeeds and sowing sowing. Harvesting is done by cutting the plants at this time, at a height of about Seeds are very small and the seed rate is 20 cm from ground level. Irrigate plants3 kg ha-1. Seeds require pretreatment for good after harvest. Subsequent harvests can begermination, as the seed coat is hard. Seeds made at 1.5 - 2 months interval. Four to fiveare mixed with sand and ground gently to cuttings can be taken in a year depending onbreak the seed coat. An alternate method for the growth.enhancing germination is dipping the seeds inboiling water for a second. After pre- Seed collectiontreatment seeds are broadcasted. Broadcastthe seeds preferably mixed with sand A few plants per plot are left without2-3 times its volume to ensure uniform cutting to set seeds. Ripe pods are to becoverage. Seeds germinate within a week. harvested in the early morning to prevent loss of seeds by shattering during harvest.Seasons Pests The best time for sowing is September-October. The psyllid Arytaina puctipennis infest top shoot causing curling up and drooping of leaves and shoots, and wilting of plants.CHENGAZHINIRKIZHANGU (Kaempferia rotunda) Indian crocus, also known as bhucampaka formulations including ‘Chyavanaprasam’ forin Sanskrit, abhuyicampa in Hindi and improving complexion and curingchengazhinirkizhangu in Malayalam is a burning sensation, gastric complaints,medicinal herb with aromatic rhizome. The mental disorders and insomnia.rhizomes are used for the treatment oftumours, swellings and wounds. It helps to Climate and soilremove blood clots and other purulentmatters in body. It is used in many ayurvedic The plant is distributed in the tropics and subtropics of Asia and Africa. It grows wild
CHENGAZHINIRKIZHANGU 231in wet, humid or shaded forest ecosystems the sprout facing upwards and covering theof south India. It is also cultivated as an pit with FYM.intercrop with other commercial crops. Moistloamy soil is ideal for the crop. Laterite soil Mulchingwith heavy organic manure application is alsowell suited. Mulch the beds thickly with green leaves or straw @ 15 t ha-1 immediately afterPropagation planting and again after two months along with weeding and topdressing. Mulching is It is propagated through rhizomes and absolutely essential for good growth.tissue culture methods.Varieties Fertilizer application At present, only local types are available Fertilizer application can be skipped infor cultivation. fertile soils. In poor and marginal soils a moderate dose of 50:50:50 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1Season may be applied; P2O5 as basal and N and K2O in two or three split doses. The optimum time of planting is with thereceipt of four or five pre-monsoon showers Aftercultivationin May-June. Remove weeds, apply manure andLand preparation fertilizers and earth up two and four months after planting, followed by mulching. Plough the field to good tilth. Incorporateorganic manure at 10-15 t ha-1. Prepare Plant protectionraised seedbeds of 1 m breadth and ofconvenient length. During rainy months, rhizome rot is noticed which can be controlled bySeed rate drenching 1 per cent Bordeaux mixture. Use rhizome bits of size 10-15 g for Harvesting and yieldplanting. About 2500-3000 kg rhizomes are The crop matures in 7-8 months. Dryingrequired for planting one hectare. Smokingthe rhizomes for 2-3 weeks is good for the up of the leaves is the indication of maturity.development of healthy sprouts. At times, Dig out the rhizomes carefully, remove leavesrhizomes are stored in Glycosmis and clean. The rhizomes with attachedpentaphylla leaves in underground pits cov- tubers are usually marketed afresh.ered with coconut fronds. Prolonged storage may cause insect and fungus attack. The average yield is 12-15 tPlanting ha-1 and dry rhizome yield 27-30 per cent. Pits are made at 20 cm spacing on theseedbed. Whole or split rhizomes with at leastone healthy sprout is planted 5 cm deep with
232 KASTHURIMANJALKASTHURIMANJAL (Curcuma aromatica) Curcuma aromatica known as Plantingvanharidra in Sanskrit jangali-haldi in Hindiand kasthurimanjal in Malayalam is a Take small pits at 60 cm x 40 cm spacingrhizomatous herbaceous medicinal plant. The on the seedbed and plant seed rhizomes withrhizome is an odoriferous ingredient of the the germinating sprout facing upwards. Covercosmetics used for the cure of chronic skin the rhizome with FYM and mulch the beddiseases caused by impure blood. It is used with leaves or straw.as appetizer and tonic to women afterchildbirth. It is also useful against high Fertilizer applicationfever and worm infestation. Apply fertilizers @ 100:50:50 N:P2O5:K2OClimate and soil kg ha-1; entire P2O5 as basal and N and K2O in two equal splits at planting and two months It is distributed in Southeast Asia. The after planting.plant grows wild in the eastern Himalayasand in moist deciduous forests of Kerala and AftercultivationKarnataka. It is grown as a subsistence cropin backyard, kitchen garden and interspaces Carry out gap filling if necessary withinof other crops in areas with good rainfall. Well- one month. Remove weeds two monthsdrained rich loamy soils are ideal for the crop. after planting followed by topdressing, earthing up and mulching.Propagation Plant protection It is propagated vegetatively by rhizomesand by tissue culture methods. No serious pests and diseases are encountered in the crop.Varieties Harvesting and yield At present, only local types are availablefor cultivation. The crop matures in 7 months. Drying up of leaves is the indication of maturity. DigLand preparation out the rhizomes without causing damage. Remove the dry leaves and roots. The Clear the areas, remove all the pebbles cleaned rhizomes are either marketed orand stones and plough the field to good tilth. dried and stored. The average yield of freshIncorporate FYM or organic manure rhizome is 28 t ha-1 which on drying gives@ 10-15 t ha-1. Prepare raised seedbeds of 27 per cent recovery.1.2 m breadth and of convenient length. ProcessingSeed rate The rhizome is thinly sliced and steam dis- A healthy disease free mother rhizome tilled for 3-4 hours for extracting thewith at least one germinated sprout is the essential oil and the yield is 90 litres per ha.planting material. It is required @ 1500 kg ha-1. Oil recovery is 0.33 per cent on fresh weight basis and 1.05 per cent on dry weight basis.
CHITTARATHA 233 CHITTARATHA (Alpinia calcarata) Alpinia calcarata is also known as rasna Seed ratein Sanskrit, kulainjan in Hindi and chittarathain Malayalam. It is a perennial herb with non- Fresh healthy disease-free rhizome bitstuberous pungent rootstock. It grows to a with at least one shoot is the plantingheight of 1.5 m and produces around 24 suck- material, which is required @ 1000-1500 kg ha-1.ers per clump per year. The economic part isrhizome, which is a major constituent of many Plantingformulations of indigenous system ofmedicine for relieving throat inflammation, Take small pits on the seedbed and plantstimulating digestion, purifying blood, improv- 5 cm long rhizome bits. Cover rhizome withing voice and marinating youthful vigour. FYM and mulch the seedbed with leaves or straw. The optimum spacing is 40 cm x 30 cmClimate and soil under good fertility and 30 cm x 20 cm under poor fertility conditions. Alpinia comes up well in tropical climate.It grows on a wide range of climate and soil. Fertilizer applicationWell-drained hilly areas and places up to1400 m altitude are good for its cultivation. Apply fertilizers @ 100:50:50 N:P2O5:Fertile red loams to forests soils are suitable. K2O kg ha-1 per year in two or three split doses. Application of biofertilizerPropagation Azos-pirillum @ 10 kg ha-1 and in situ green manuring with cowpea are beneficial for the It is propagated vegetatively by rhizomes crop.and by tissue culture methods. AftercultivationVarieties Carry out gap filling, if required, within At present, only local types are available one month; remove weeds two months afterfor cultivation. planting followed by topdressing, earthing up and mulching. Thereafter no weeding isSeason required as the crop smothers the weeds. Rainfed crop is planted with the onset of Plant protectionmonsoon in May-June. Irrigated crop can beplanted at any time. Usually pests and diseases are not serious enough to take up any controlLand preparation measures. Occasionally shoot borers and leaf eating caterpillars are observed. Blight Plough the field to good tilth. Remove all disease can be controlled by spraying 1 perpebbles and stones. Incorporate FYM or cent Bordeaux mixture.organic manure at 10-15 t ha-1. Prepare raisedbeds of convenient length and breadth to Harvesting and yieldfacilitate drainage. Though the crop can be harvested after 18 months, the optimum stage of harvest for obtaining maximum rhizome and oil yield is
234 CHITTARATHA, BLACK MUSLI36-42 months after planting. Cut and remove average yield of rhizomes is about 23 t ha-1,the shoot portion and carefully dig out the which on drying gives 25 per cent recovery.rhizomes and roots. Harvesting is veryarduous due to strong and extensive root Processingramification. Separate the roots, clean therhizomes and cut into 5 cm long pieces, which The fresh rhizomes on steam distillationare dried in the sun for 3-5 days to for 3-5 hours give 0.22 per cent essential oil.10 per cent moisture for marketing. The The oil recovery on dry weight basis is 0.93 per cent. Rhizome is also a significant contributor of essential oil.BLACK MUSLI (Curculigo orchioides) Black musli or Nilappana, one of variability exists among the naturalthe ayurvedic dasapushpas, is a small population, which offers wide scope forgeophilous herbaceous plant with cylindrical improvement of the crop by selection andrhizome. Rhizome is the economic part. It is hybridization.a rejuvenating and aphrodiasic drug. Itimproves complexion and is useful in Seasongeneral debility, deafness, cough, asthma,piles, skin diseases, impotence, jaundice, Rain fed crop is planted with the onset ofurinary disorders etc. It is an ingredient of monsoon in May-June. Irrigated crop canayurvedic formulations like Vidaryadighrita, be planted any time.Vidaryati lehya, Murma gulika, Musalyadichurna, etc. Land preparationClimate and soil Plough the field to good tilth. Remove all pebbles and stones. Incorporate poultry The plant is found through out India from manure at 2.7 t ha-1 or FYM 20t ha-1.near sea level to 2300m altitude, particularly Prepare raised beds of convenient length andin rock crevices and laterite soil. It grows breadth to facilitate drainage.well in moist humus – rich soils especially inshady forest areas and rubber plantations. It Seed rateis a shade loving plant and its growth, yieldand quality are optimum under 25 percent Fresh healthy disease free rhizome withshade. It can be grown as an under story at least one shoot is the planting material,crop or intercrop in plantations. which is required at 750 kg ha-1.Propagation Planting The plant is propagated through rhizome. Fresh rhizome bits of 1.5-2 cm are plantedNew propagules also emerge from leaf tips at a spacing of 10 cm x10 cm. 25 per centin contact with soil during monsoon. The plant shade is required for proper growth.is slow growing and less competitive. Fertilizer applicationVarieties K2 Apply fertilizers at 10:8:5 kg N, Pen20t5 and At present only local varieties are O ha-1 for max imizing nutri useavailable for cultivation. However, a large efficiency and realizing highest yield of quality rhizome. Aftercultivation Carry out gap filling, if any, within one month. Soil should be sufficiently moist to
BLACK MUSLI AND HOLOSTEMMA 235get maximum rhizome development. Two to harvested for rhizome yield. Duringthree weeding is essential to control weeds. summer months the above ground portionAs the rhizome development is upward becomes dried up. If is not harvestedregular earthing up is required for high yield. during the current year, it will put forth new shoots with the onset of next monsoon. ThePlant Protection plant can thus remain as a perennial. Harvesting is done by digging out the Seedling rot is found during rainy season rhizomes. The shoot portion and the rootsand spraying 1 per cent Bordeaux mixture are removed and the separated rhizomes arecan control it. Black rot disease can be cleaned. Fresh rhizome yield is 3-4 t ha-1.controlled by spraying 0.08 per cent Rhizomes are sliced to 1cm size, dried in suntridemorph. Rhizomes are found eaten by and marketed or stored in gunny bags. Therodents and hence proper measures are to dried rhizome yield is 1-1.5 t ha-1 (35-45 perbe taken for their control. cent driage). Higher yield is obtained if harvested during second year. Dry rhizomeHarvesting and Yield contains 53 per cent starch, 12 per cent protein, 3 per cent fibre, 2 per cent fat, Production of secondary rhizomes startsfrom fourth month. The plant grows actively 0.1 per cent curculigoside and 4 per cent ash.upto 7 months, after which it could beHOLOSTEMMA (Holostemma adakodien) Holostemma or Adapathiyan is a large, cleaned, dried and stored for sowing. Theglabrous, laticiferous twining shrub, much stored seeds after soaking in water forbranched, with shining stem and large 4-5 hours are sown on seedbeds. About oneconspicuous flowers. Root is the economic month old seedlings are planted in polybags,part. It is useful in ophthalmopathy, orchitis, which are kept in shade and irrigated. Aboutcough, burning sensation, stomachalgia 1-1.5 month old seedlings are ready forconstipation, fever and tridoshas. It is used transplanting.in preparations of Vidaryadi ganam,Dhanwandharam thaila, Manasa mithra Varietiesvatakam, Balarishta and Anuthaila. It is alsouseful in eye diseases and it imparts Jeeva is a high yielding variety. It hasresistance to diseases. purple colored stem with a yield of 4.5t ha-1 of fresh tubers. It grows on a wide range of climate andsoil. Well-drained hilly areas with an At present, only local varieties areunderlying hard pan is good for its available for cultivation.cultivation. Fertile red loams to forest soilsare suitable. SeasonsPropagation Rainfed crop is planted with the onset of monsoon in May-June. Irrigated crop can The plant is propagated vegetatively by be planted any time.stem cuttings and by seeds. The seeds arecollected from the plant in November- Land preparationDecember before being dispersed. Seeds are Plough the field to good tilth. Remove all pebbles and stones. Incorporate FYM or organic manure at 20 t ha-1.
236 HOLOSTEMMA AND ASOKAPlanting trailing. Regular irrigation is to be given till flowering. Pits of 30cm3 size are taken at a spacingof 60 cm x30 cm distance and filled with 10kg Plant protectiondried cowdung and top soil and formed into amound. Seedlings are transplanted on to the Aphid infestation is seen in the crop, whichmounds from the polybags carefully. can be controlled by spraying 0.05 per cent quinalphos.Fertilizer application Harvesting and yield Application of NPK @ 100:50:50 kg ha-1is beneficial. Flowering and fruiting occurs in November-December. Harvesting can beAftercultivation done one and half to two years after planting and it is better to harvest in January Carry out gap filling, if any, within one – February. The tubers are cut into piecesmonth; remove weeds two months after plant- of 10cm length and dried in sun before sale.ing followed by top dressing, earthing Yield of dry tubers is about 1. 5 t ha-1. Dryup and mulching. Thereafter no weeding tuber contains 53 per cent starch, 11 per centis required as the crop smothers the protein, 2 per cent fibre, 17 per cent fat andweeds. Since the crop is twining in nature, 5 per cent ash.pandal or stakes are to be provided to aidASOKA (Saraca asoca) Asoka or Asokam is a medium sized Climate and soilbeautiful evergreen tree growing upto 9m inheight with numerous spreading and Asoka grows well in areas with well-drooping glabrous branches. It is a sacred distributed rainfall and in slightly shadytree of Hindus and Buddhists and possesses areas. The tree is grown throughout Indiavaried medicinal properties. The bark is except in northwestern part of the countryuseful in dyspepsia, fever, burning sensation, upto an elevation of about 750m. It growsvisceromegaly, colic, ulcers, menorrhagia, on a wide range of soils.metropathy, leucorrhoea and pimples. Theleaf juice mixed with cumin seeds is used for Propagationtreating stomachalagia. The flowers are con-sidered to be uterine tonic and are used in The plant is seed propagated. Seeds arevitiated conditions or pitta, syphilis, formed usually during February-April. Seedscervical adinities, hyperdipsia, burning are collected when they are ripe and fallsensation, haemorrhoids, dysentery, scabies down. They are sown after soaking in waterin children and inflammation.The well-known for 12 hours on the prepared beds. SeedsAyurvedic preparations are Ashokarishta and germinate within 20 days. The seeds are thenAshokaghrita. Ashokarishta is prescribed in planted in polybags. 2 month old seedlingsleucorrhoea, haematuria, menorrhagia and from the polybags are used for transplanting.other diseases of genitourinary system of Air layering in Asoka is found successful. Coir pith composte is the best root media.females. June-July is the ideal time for air layering.
ASOKA AND STRYCHNINE TREE 237Varieties during the initial years will help in better At present, only local varieties are establishment of the plant. NPK at 90:45:45 g/ tree/year is recommended.available for cultivation. Plant protectionSeason No serious pests or diseases are gener- The crop is planted with the onset of ally noted in this crop.monsoon in May-June. Harvesting and yieldPlanting Asoka can be cut after 20 years for Square shaped pits of 60cm depth are collection of bark, the medicinally useful part.taken at 3m spacing and filled with topsoil, It is cut at a height of 15cm from soil level.sand and dried cow dung. 2 month old seed- If irrigation and fertilizers are given the stumplings are then transplanted. will produce new shoots and it can be harvested again after 5 years. Alternatively,After cultivation the bark can be collected without cutting down the tree. The bark is peeled off first, The base of the trees is to be cleared of vertically from one side of the main trunk.weeds and FYM at 2 kg/tree/year may be The excised area is renewed with fresh barkapplied twice; first in May-June and again in in 1-2 years. Then, the bark on the other sideOctober-November. The dose is to be can be peeled off. The process can beincreased gradually to 10kg from 5th year continued over years.onwards. Chemical fertilizers are notusually applied. However its applicationSTRYCHNINE TREE (Strychnos nux-vomica) Strychnos or kanjiram is a large the treatment of chronic wounds and ulcersdeciduous tree with a fairly straight and and the leaf decoction is useful in paralyticcylindrical bole having dark grey or complaints. Root and root bark is used inyellowish grey bark and minute tubercles. fever and dysentery.Strychnos is highly toxic to man and animalsproducing stiffness of muscles and Climate and soilconvulsions, ultimately leading to death. Insmall doses it can serve as efficacious cure The plant is distributed throughout Indiafor paralysis and other nervous disorders. The in deciduous forests up to 1200m. It is alsoseeds are used as a remedy in intermittent found in Sri Lanka and Malaysia. It prefersfever, dyspepsia, chronic dysentery, paralytic tropical and subtropical climate. It is grownand neuralgic affections. It is also useful in in different soil types such as laterite, sandyimpotence, neuralgia of face and heart and alluvial. The leaf fall is during Decem-disease. Leaves are applied as poultice in ber (do not shed all the leaves at a time) and new foliage appears in February.
238 STRYCHNINE TREE AND THIPPALIPropagation tree is to be applied during early stages and the dose is gradually increased to 20kg It is propagated through seeds. Viability from 5th year onwards. The plant respondedof seeds decreases on stoarage. Fresh and very well to organic manuring, fertilizerdry seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica has poor application is generally detrimental to thegermination. Germination can be substantially growth of Strychnos. However, whenincreased by treating the seeds with hot inorganic fertilizer (NPK 100:50:50 kg ha-1)water (500 C) for a period of six to twelve is applied along with FYM the negativehours prior to sowing. effect of fertilizer could be neutralized to some extent.Season Plant protection Seedlings can be planted in main field withthe onset of South-West monsoon in No serious pests or diseases are gener-May – June. ally noted in this crop.Planting Harvesting and yield Seeds are sown in poly bags. The Flowering is during March-Aprilsaplings are later transplanted to the main field and fruiting during May-December. Fruitson to pits of about 1m x 1m taken at a take about 8-9 months to mature. Maturespacing of 6m x 6m, filled with top soil and fruits are to be harvested from time toorganic manure. time. Mature pods are collected and seeds are extracted, washed, dried and stored forAfter cultivation later use. The yield is 50-75 kg dry seed per tree per year. The basins of the trees are cleared ofweeds and after application of manures andfertilizers covered with soil. FYM at 2kg perTHIPPALI (Piper longum) (Ad hoc recommendation) Thippali is one of the important medicinal It is a slender aromatic climber withplants used in many of the Ayurvedic drugs. perennial woody roots. It is a dioecious plantFruits as well as roots of the plant are with female and male spikes seen in differentattributed with numerous medicinal plants. Male spikes are long and slender withproperties and are used for diseases of green colour during immature stage andrespiratory tract, carminative and as a yellowish during mature mage. Female spikesgeneral tonic for maintaining health, vigour are short and thicker and greenish inand vitality. It is an active ingredient in drugs immature stage and deep black in maturefor fever, jaundice, snake bite, leprosy, stages. Dried mature female spikes aretuberculosis and urinary tract diseases. commercially marketed.
THIPPALI 239Preparation of land or 30 cm x 30 cm in the bed. FYM @ 2 kg per pit can be incorporated into the soil and it Thippali is highly adapted for warm should be filled up with top soil. Once in twohumid tropical climate. Fertile, loamy soil months application of cow dung slurryhaving good drainage is ideal for this crop. followed by earthing up will increase theSandy soil with high organic content is general growth and yield of spikes. FYM @also well suited. It is a shade loving plant 20 t ha-1 is needed for one hectare. Betweenand can be cultivated in middle aged the beds channel of about 30 cm depth havecoconut gardens and also in similarly shaded to be provided for easy drainage of water.plantations.3-4 ploughings are needed for Two rooted cuttings per pit have to be plantedpreparation of land. during the month of May-June after the receipt of 4-5 pre-monsoon showers.12,000Seed materials rooted cuttings are needed for planting in one hectare. 3-5 noded cuttings are used forproduction of rooted cuttings. During IrrigationMarch-April the cuttings should be plantedin polythene bags containing potting mixture. Thippali can be cultivated as a sole cropFor effective production of rooted cuttings as well as an intercrop in partially shadedof thippali 25 per cent shaded green houses plantations. If it is a sole crop irrigation mayprovided with mist is used. After two months be provided once in a week and as anthe rooted cuttings will be ready for intercrop in irrigated gardens, irrigation fortransplanting into the main field. the main crop will be sufficient for this crop also. If irrigation is not possible duringPlant protection summer months application of mulching using dried leaves is recommended. For controlling nematodes (Meloidogyneincognita and Radopholus similis) associated Weedingwith Thippali apply Pseudomonasfluorescens (Pf1) @ 10g/plant is recommended. During the first year the field should be free from weeds and second year onwardsVarieties the whole field will be covered by the growth of vines. Variety ‘Viswam’ is recommended forhigher spike yield both in irrigated open and Harvesting and curingshaded conditions. It recorded 800 to 850kgdry spikes per hectare in open condition and Mature female spikes can be harvested350 to 400kg in coconut gardens during seven months after planting. Black maturedsecond year of planting. female spikes can be harvested in weekly intervals.The spikes are to be driedSeason, method of planting and under shaded conditions for two weeks andmanuring is ready for marketing. The dry spike yield will be 1/5th of the fresh weight of In a well ploughed land beds of 1m width the spike.and of convenient length may be taken andpits are and at a spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm,
240 NEEM AND PATHIMUGHAM NEEM (Azadirachta indica) Neem is known as Aryavepu in Karnataka etc. Well drained loamy soils areMalayalam, Neem in Hindi and Nimba suitable for its cultivation.in Sanskrit. The drug consists of driedstem, bark, leaves and root bark. The bark Propagationgives bitter tonic and is an astringent andis useful for fevers and skin diseases. It It is propagated through seeds.is also having insecticidal property. CultivationClimate and soil Plough the field and pits of size 60 cm x The tree is well distributed throughout 60 cm x 45 cm are taken at a distance ofthe tropics and subtropics. It is also grown in 4 m. The pit is covered with FYM @1 kg/pithomesteads of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and top soil. The seedlings are planted in the centre of pit. Irrigate the crop regularly. Mulching the crop in the early stages is found to be good.PATHIMUGHAM (Caesalpinia sappan) The Heart wood is the economic part Plough the field and pits of sizeand used for medicinal purpose. It gives a 60 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm are taken at acooling effect. The drinking water prepared distance of 2.5-3 m. One third of the pit isby boiling the heart wood is effective against covered with FYM @1kg/pit and top soil. Thecoronary complaints, uterine diseases etc. seedlings are planted in the centre of the pit.Natural dye extracted from the heart wood Irrigate the crop regularly. It is best to growof the tree is used for coloring textiles, near the fences since it is having thorns onliquors etc. on a commercial scale. the stem. If it is grown as a monocrop, intercropping is difficult.Cultivation Management It can be grown in any type of soilbut cannot tolerate waterlogging. Seeds Irrigate the crop regularly. Weeding alsoare used for propagation. The seeds will be should be done. Prune the side branches fromready for harvest by Jan - Feb. They are dried 1st year onwards and allow one or twounder sun and stored. The seeds are dipped branches to grow.in water for 12 hours before sowing in thenursery. The treated seeds are sown on sand Harvestingand started germination on 2 weeks aftersowing. Seedlings are transplanted to The harvesting can be done from 7-8 yearspolybags at 2 leaf stage and kept under shade. after planting. About 20kg heart wood is ob-The seedling can be transplanted to the field tained on an average from a single plant. Theby the onset of South West monsoon. seeds will be obtained from the second year of planting.
CHITTADALOTAKAM AND KOOVALAM 241CHITTADALOTAKAM (Adathoda beddomei) Chittadalotakam is known as ‘vasa’ in are planted in poly bags and when theySanskrit. It is used in many ayurvedic attain 4-5 leaves in 2 months, they arepreparations against cough, rheumatic transplanted in the main field. FYM @complaints, bronchitis etc. The whole plant, 10t ha-1 is applied at the time of planting.leaves and roots can be used as the economic Cuttings are planted at a spacing of 60 cm xpart. 30 cm. Irrigate the crop at an interval of 4 days. The crop can be harvested 2 yearsVarieties after planting. Ajagandhi and Vasika HarvestingPropagation The leaves can be collected one year after planting. The roots are harvested two It is propagated by soft woodcuttings. years after planting and it is better to harvestWell- drained loamy soils are best suited for in December- January. After the harvest thecultivation. It can tolerate shade and can be roots are washed in water, dried and can begrown as inter crop in coconut and rubber stored in air tight steel containers upto fivegardens. It can be planted on mounds or ridges months without quality deterioration.in levelled field. In sloppy areas pits can be Average yield is 10-11t whole plant /ha.taken for planting. The soft wood cuttingsKOOVALAM (Aegle marmelos) In Sanskrit it is known as vilwam and it is The seeds are extracted from the fruit andone of the ingredients of “Dasamoola” . The dried under sun. The seeds are dipped indrug compresses of ripe or half ripe fruits of water for 6 hours and are sown in furrows.the tree. The fruit is very useful in chronic Mulch the furrows with dried leaves. Thediarrhea and dysentery. The unripe or half seeds will germinate within 15 - 20 daysripe fruits improve appetite and digestion. The after planting and they are transplanted toleaves and roots are effective against poly bags at 5 - 6 leaf stage. 2 months oldstomach complaints and diabetes. There are seedlings are used for field planting.2 types of Koovalam, North Indian type andSouth Indian type, of which North Indian type Land preparation and plantingis suitable for cultivation. The fruits of theseare edible. Plough the field, and pits of size 60 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm are taken at a distance ofPropagation 4 m. The pit is covered with FYM @1 kg/pit and top soil. The seedlings are planted at the The fruits mature by December-January. centre of pit. Irrigate the crop regularly.
242 THULASI, KARINOCHI AND KATTARVAZHATHULASI (Ocimum tenuiflorum) Indians are having age-old practice of 8 – 12 days and are ready for transplantinggrowing thulasi in their homes. The whole by 6 weeks after planting.plant of thulasi is used for medicinalpurpose. It is used for extraction of oil and The field is ploughed to a fine tilth andas an antibiotic and astringent. It is ridges are taken at a distance 40 cm. Applyeffective against cough complaints. FYM or compost @ 10t ha-1. The 2 months old seedlings are transplanted at a spacing ofCultivation 30 cm. Irrigate the crop in alternate days up to 2 weeks after planting. After 2 weeks, It is grown in well-drained soil irrigate the crop @ 2 irrigations/week.and cannot tolerate waterlogging. The Remove the weeds 2 or 3 times. Earth uppropagation is by seeds. The seeds are sown the field at 2 months after planting.in nursery beds two months before planting.Apply FYM /compost @ 2 kg/bed and mix Harvesting can be done 90 – 95 dayswell with soil. The seeds are sown at a depth after planting. The above ground portion isof 1-2 cm and cover with soil or FYM. cut at a height of 15-20 cm from the groundIrrigate us ing sprinkle hose. Since the seeds level. Harvest the crop in a sunny day toare very small, mix with sand @ 4 times the increase the oil content of the plant. Keepquantity of seeds for sowing and the seed the harvested produce in the field for 4-5 hrsrate is 500 g ha-1. The seeds germinate by to reduce the water content and weight of the produce.KARINOCHI (Vitex negundo) In Sanskrit it is known as Nurgundi. The when they attain 3-4 leaves, the cuttings areflush as well as the stem portion are used for ready for transplanting.medicinal purpose. It is effective againstrheumatic and cough complaints and used in Plough the field and pits of size 45 cm3several ayurvedic preparations. are taken at a distance of 3 m. One third of the pit is filled with FYM @1 kg/pitPropagation and planting and top soil. The planting can be done by onset of S.W. monsoon. Apply the organic It can be propagated by seeds and manure twice a year. From second yearvegetatively by cuttings.Cuttings are more onwards up to 10th year after planting theeconomical. stem and leaves can be harvested at regular intervals The soft wood cuttings are planted inpolybags filled with potting mixture andKATTARVAZHA (Aloe vera) Kattarvazha is known as kumari suckers are used for propagation. The fieldin Sanskrit. The leaves are used for is ploughed to a fine tilth and the suckers aremedicinal purpose. It is grown well in open planted at a spacing of 45 cm x30 cm. Applyareas receiving good amount of sunlight. The FYM or compost @ 5t ha-1 at the time of
KATTARVAZHA, ARROW ROOT AND DANTAPPALA 243land preparation. The leaves can be har- along with earthing up. The harvesting ofvested from the bottom of the plants, months leaves can be done up to 3 years at 2 monthsafter planting. After each harvest apply FYM interval. The side suckers can be used as planting material.ARROW ROOT (Maranta arundinacea) Rhizomes are used for the production of seed bed are taken and plant seed rhizomestarch. Starch grains are small and easily with germinated sprout facing upwards. Coverdigestible. Hence it can be used as food for the rhizome with FYM and mulch the bedinfants. It has also medicinal value against with leaves or straw. Weeding is done 2 or 3dysentry. times along with earthing up and mulching.Propagation The crop matures in 7 months. Drying of leaves is the indication of maturity. Dig out It is propagated vegetatively by rhizomes. rhizomes without damage. Remove the dryHealthy disease free rhizomes with at least leaves and roots. The cleaned rhizomes areone germinated sprout is the planting material. either marketed or dried and stored.Small pits at 50 cm x3 0 cm spacing on theDANTAPPALA (Wrightia tinctoria) Dantappala, known as Vettuppala in Tamil August-September. The matured podsand Ivory wood in English has much having 30-40cm length, containing 40-50importance in both Ayurveda and Siddha seeds are harvested and dried. The fibrousmedicines. It is very effective medicine for tuft of the seeds has to be removed andthe dreadful skin disease psoriasis. Besides again dried. The seedlings can be raised init is used in sexually transmitted diseases polybags containing potting mixture and will(STD), dysentery and also used in seminal be ready to transplant after three months ofweakness, hence it is known as Indra-java. growing. The seedlings are transplantedIt is a deciduous tree growing at a height of at a spacing of 5mx5m in pits of size of5m with Ivory wood colour. 60 cm x 60 cm x 45cm covered with farm yard manure @ 2kg/pit and top soil. IrrigateClimate and Soil the plants regularly till it establishes. Mulching the plant in early stages is found to The tree is well distributed in Western be good.Ghats, Deccan, parts of Gujarat and Konkanareas. Well drained forest soil and laterite Dantappala oilloamy soils are suitable for its growing. Dantappala oil prepared from the leavesPropagation of this plant is used for curing psoriasis. It is propagated through seeds. Theseeds can be collected from the trees during
244 DANTAPPALA AND BRAHMIPreparation greying. The exposure of leaves to sunlight may be repeated for three days consecutively Mature leaves plucked from the trees will till the coconut oil will turned into deep violetbe crushed immediately and exposed to colour. The filtered preparation can be usedsunlight in fresh coconut oil in the ratio of for upto two months. The Ivory wood1kg dantappala leaves and 1kg coconut oil harvested after 15 years of planting can befor psoriasis and 500g dantappala leaves: 1kg used for good indoor furnitures.coconut oil for dandruff and pre-matureBRAHMI (Bacopa monnieri) Brahmi is used as a memory booster times along with slight raking of soil duringand nerve tonic. It is a safe cardiac the first weeding. The optimum stage forstimulant. Brahmi is used in a variety of harvesting is five months after planting.ayurvedic preparations like Brahmigritham, Harvesting is done by uprooting the wholeSaraswatarishtam, Brahmathailam etc. plant and by cutting the plants above ground level. Replanting is to be done if harvested It grows in moist and marshy areas. It by uprooting. When harvested by cuttingcomes up well on borders of water channels, regrowth takes place from nodes above soil.wells and irrigated fields. It is suited for wet Apply farmyard manure after each harvest.lands and marshy places in Kerala. It is Subsequent harvests can be done at threepropagated vegetatively through vine months interval. Three cuttings can be takencuttings. Three nodded cuttings are used for in a year depending on growth and can beplanting. continued up to two years after which it is replanted. The marketing is done in fresh The field is prepared by ploughing and form as well as after drying depending onshallow beds of about 5 cm deep are the fluctuation of price in the market. Theprepared to maintain the moist condition fresh form is marketed immediately afterduring the crop growth. Two-three nodded harvest. The harvested produce is washedhealthy disease free vine cuttings are planted and dried under shade. The dried materialat a spacing of 20 cm x10 cm in the field. can be stored up to 6 months without damageApply farmyard manure @10 t ha-1 at the in air tight containers. The weight of herbagetime of field preparation. During crop growth is reduced to 1/4th of the fresh weight afterperiod wet condition should be maintainedby providing irrigation. Weeding is done two drying.
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