GREEN GRAM AND GREEN PEA 45Seeds and sowing Manuring 20 t ha-1 (as basal) FYMSeed rate Lime 250 kg ha-1 or dolomite 400 kg ha-1 Pure crop N 20 kg ha-1 Mixed crop 20-25 kg ha-1 30 kg ha-1 6 kg ha-1 P2O5 30 kg ha-1 K2OSowing Lime may be applied at the time of first ploughing. Half the quantity of N and the full Plough the land 2-3 times thoroughly and quantity of P2O5 and K2O may be applied atremove weeds and stubbles. Channels, the time of last ploughing. The remaining30 cm broad and 15 cm deep, are drawn at quantity of N (10 kg) can be applied as foliar2 m apart to drain off excess rain water spray of 2 per cent urea solution in two equalduring kharif season and provide irrigation doses on the 15th and 30th day after sowing.during summer season. The seeds may besown broadcast. Plant protection Apply carbaryl 0.15 per cent suspension, if pests are observed in serious proportions. GREEN PEA (Pisum sativum) Green pea can be successfully grown in Land Preparationaltitudes above 1000 m in the cool season.Well-drained loamy and laterite soils are The land should be prepared thoroughlysuitable. by ploughing, digging and removing all stems,Season stubbles, etc. For early-sown crop, raised The crop is sown in October-November beds of 1 m width and 5 cm height may beafter abatement of the southwest monsoon prepared for sowing the seeds. If irrigationshowers. Crops sown beyond January willnot give satisfactory result. is necessary, provide furrows between rows for guiding water.Varieties Manuring Bonnevilla, Markserbsen (These are shortduration varieties with long green pods each Apply FYM or compost @ 20 t ha-1 andcontaining 7-8 kernels; suitable for canning) @ 30:40:60 kg ha-1 as basal Ndr:ePs2sOin5g:K. 2IOn soils of medium fertility, topSeeds and sowing dressing of nitrogen @ 30 kg ha-1 four weeks Adopt seed rate of 60 kg/ha and spacing after sowing is essential.of 15-20 cm between rows and 10 cmbetween plants. Place the seeds at a depth Aftercultivationof 2 to 2.5 cm. Line sowing is helpful fortraining the vines on standards. Weed the plots four weeks after sowing and 50 days later. Provide support for training the vines. Pods can be harvested when the grains are fully developed. In short duration varieties, harvesting will be over within 100-120 days while long duration varieties will normally take 140-160 days.
46 GREEN PEA, HORSEGRAM AND RED GRAMPlant protection chemicals 10 days before harvesting. Powdery mildew can be controlled by Soak the seeds before sowing in a copper-based fungicide solution. Spray malathion spraying thiophanate methyl 0.05 per cent.0.1 per cent suspension at 15-20 days interval For control of downy mildew, spray any offor the control of aphids. Stop application of the copper-based fungicides at a concentration of 0.2 to 0.3per cent. HORSE GRAM (Macrotyloma uniflorum) Horse gram can be grown in paddy Sowing:nurseries after transplantation of the secondcrop and in palliyal lands after harvest of first After land preparation, sow the seedscrop and uplands during rabi season. either dibbled in rows 25 cm apart or by broadcast.Season: September-OctoberVariety: Co-1 and Pattambi Local Manuring: Lime 500 kg ha-1Seeds and sowing 25-30 kg ha-1 P2O5 25 kg ha-1Seed rate: RED GRAM (Cajanus cajan) Red gram (pigeon pea) is less suitable for Sowingthe tropics. The most favourable temperature When sown with groundnut, spacingrange is 18-30ºC. The crop is grown at awide range of elevation. Red gram can be recommended between rows is 3 to 3.5 m.grown in almost all soil types that are not In the dibbled crop, a spacing of 35 cmvery poor in lime and are not subjected to between rows is recommended. Thinning iswaterlogging. Optimum growth and yield are to be done, if necessary.obtained in deep loam soils. Red gram canbe grown as mixed crop with groundnut, Manuring 500 kg ha-1paddy or tapioca or as a pure crop. 3000 kg ha-1 LimeSeason Cattle manure 40 kg ha-1 N 80 kg ha-1 Sowing can be done in two seasons. As P2O5a mixed crop, sow the seeds in June-July.Red gram can also be sown in paddy fields Aftercultivationafter the harvest of mundakan crop. Weeding and intercultivation once in three weeks will ensure a good crop.Variety: SA 1 15-20 kg ha-1 Plant protection 6-7 kg ha-1Seeds and sowing Pod borer is the main pest. For controlling this, spray the crop with 0.05 per centSeed rate quinalphos suspension at the time ofPure crop flowering. The blister beetle, Zonabris,Mixed crop gregariously feeds on the flowers.Against this, malathion 10 per cent DP may be applied at the flowering stage.
SOYBEAN 47 SOYBEAN (Glycine max) Soybean is grown, mainly in areas where applied basally. In soils of low fertility,the summer is hot and humid. However, it application of organic manures is beneficial.does not withstand extreme summer andwinter. The optimum temperature for Aftercultivationgrowing soybean is 25-30 ºC. Well-drainedsandy or clay loams and alluviums with good Weed the plots once or twice dependingfertility are generally suitable for the on weed growth. As the crop smothers thecultivation of the crop. When taking up field after initial growth, weed control willcultivation in a new area, inoculation with the be necessary only up to 30-40 days afterculture of Rhizobium is desirable. sowing. Earthing up at the time of weeding is beneficial.Season Plant protection The crop will perform best when sownby the onset of south-west monsoon. Sowing The crop is free from infestation of majorafter the onset of heavy showers will result pests. The minor pests include stem flyin poor germination and growth. Though it (Melanagromyza sp.) and leaf rollercan be grown in other seasons under (Lamrosema sp.). The stem fly mines intoirrigation, its performance will be poor. If stem and the plant withers and dries up.flowering coincides with rainy season, fruit Damage is more serious in young plants. Theset will be adversely affected. leaf miner causes pale brown patches along the lamina. The flower thrip feeds withinVarieties flowers and prevents seed formation.Leaf roller and flower thrip are controlled by Bragg, JN-2750, EC-2661 dusting carbaryl 10 per cent DP. These varieties have duration of about Collar rot4 months when sown in May-June. Theduration will be less in other seasons. The diseases include collar rot (Rhizoctonia solani) which causes waterSeeds and sowing soaked lesions at the collar region which later spread along the whole stem. The plant Seeds may be sown either in lines 45 cm succumbs in a few days. The disease occursapart at a distance of 10 cm between seeds in patches under high soil moisture and highin a row, or by giving a plant-to-plant distance organic matter levels. To control the disease,of 20 cm. provide good drainage.Land Preparation Anthracnose As waterlogging will affect germination Anthracnose caused by Colletotrichumand growth of the crop, it may be sown in lindemuthianum is also common. Theraised beds during rainy season. fungus causes dark brown elongated, more or less angular spots along the veins on theManuring petioles, stem and lamina. When infection occurs on the hypocotyl, the plant collapses.@ 2A0p:3p0ly:1f0erktiglizhear-s1.toThperofveirdtieliNze:rPs2Om5a:Ky 2bOe
48 SOYBEANSeeds when infected turn brown or black. Value additionTo control the disease, select seeds fromdisease free plots. The bulk of the soybean is processed industrially into oil and protein. It may alsoMosaic disease be used as a pulse for direct consumption after cooking. It can be substituted for black The spread of mosaic disease, gram and other pulses in the commoncharacterized by mottling, curling and household preparations. The soybeandistortion of leaves and malformations of the preparations will have the characteristicpod is checked by rouging out the infected soyodour, which can be eliminated byplant and spraying dimethoate 0.05 per cent treatment. Soybean may also be used forto control the insect vectors. making soymilk, soymilk shake, etc.Pod blight Preparation of soybean milk The pod blight (Diaporthe phaseolorum) Mature dry beans are washed thoroughlycauses irregular spots with discoloured and soaked in water for 8-10 hours. Removeborder on the leaves and pods. Crop rotations, the husk (testa) by gently pressing the soakeddestruction of diseased plants and seeds. Wash thoroughly and grind to a thickprophylactic foliar application of mancozeb paste. Alternatively, the beans may be0.3 per cent are recommended to control the steamed and ground. Add water 6-8 timesdisease. the volume of seeds and bring to boil. Strain through muslin cloth. Boil once again underHarvesting and yield gentle stirring. This milk can be kept for 5 days in refrigerator. Periodic boiling will The crop will be ready for harvest in about increase the storage life of soymilk.4 months after sowing. Yellowing of leavesand their shedding are signs of maturity. If Soybean has a characteristic “beanthe period of maturity is rain free, the crop flavour” which is not relished by many. Themay be left in the field for about a week after acceptability of the soymilk can be improvedcomplete leaf shedding. If the period is rainy, by removal of the “bean flavour”. For this,the crop may be harvested after leaf shedding soak soybean in 5 per cent starch solutionand the produce may then be dried in shade preheated to 80ºC for 8-12 hours. The starchfor about 10 days. After drying, seeds may solution drained from cooked ricebe separated by beating with stick. Soybean (kanjivellam) can be used for this purpose.seeds lose viability after about a year. By Soaking the beans for half an hour in hotdrying the seeds to moisture content less than starch water and then repeated washing with10 per cent, reasonable viability can be cold water is required.maintained up to one year. If it is not forsowing, the seed may be stored for up tothree years after drying.
ELEPHANT FOOT YAM 49 TUBERSElephant foot yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) Elephant foot yam requires fairly long Minisett technique for quality plantinggrowing season and a rainfall of about 150 materialscm during the crop period. A well-drainedsoil of medium texture is suited for this crop. Minisetts weighing 100 g each can be planted directly in nursery beds or in the mainSeason field with the central bud portion facing up at a spacing of 60 cm x 45 cm. A total of 37,000 Corm pieces are normally planted during minisetts/ha is required as against 12,345 setts/February-March, before the onset of ha in the traditional method. Multiplicationmonsoon. ratio in elephant foot yamcould be enhanced to 1:15 as against the conventional 1:3 byVariety adopting minisett technique.Sree Padma: The crop matures in 8-9 months. After cultivationCooked tubers are free from acridity. NaftaeAnrdpfoKprl2ytOyfu(fNilvl:edPo2dOsae5y:osKfo2POf2pO@l5a5an0nti:dn5gh0a:a7llf5otknhgge doseSree Athira; First genetically improved ha-1)variety with very good cooking quality. with intercultivation and weeding. Apply secondSeeds and sowing dose oofnfeermtiloinzethrsa(fNteranthdeKfi2rOst@ap5p0li:c7a5tiokng ha-1) Tuber cut-pieces weighing about 1 kg are along with intercultivation and earthing up.ideal for planting. Dip the pieces in cowdungslurry and allow to dry under shade before Harvestingplanting. Nematodes associated with The crop will be ready for harvest 8-9amorphophallus can be controlled by seedmaterial treatment with talc based formulation months after planting.of Bacillus macerans @ 3g (106 cfu/g) perkg of corms. After planting, cover the pit Organic farming technology for elephantwith dried leaves or other mulching materials. foot yamAbout 12,000 cut pieces weighing about 12 t Recommendationare required for planting one hectare. Most • Raising green manure cowpea (seed rateof the seed material will germinate within onemonth after planting. @ 20 kg ha-1) prior to elephant foot yam and incorporation of green matter at Mealy bugs usually attack the corm in 45-60 days.field and store. Avoid planting corms already • Use of organically produced plantinginfested. materials. • Treatment of corm pieces of 500-750 gLand Preparation with slurry containing cowdung, neem cake and Trichoderma harzianum (5 g/ Dig pits of 60 cm x 60 cm x 45 cm size kg seed) and drying under shade before90 cm apart. Collect the topsoil to a depth of planting.15-20 cm separately and fill it after the pits • Application of Trichoderma harzianumare formed. Apply cowdung or compost at incorporated FYM @ 36 t ha-1 (3 kg/pit)2-2.5 kg/pit and mix with topsoil. in pits at the time of planting (FYM neem
50 COLOCASIA cake mixture (10:1) inoculated with • Inter-sowing of green manure cowpea Trichoderma harzianum @ 2.5 kg/tonne (seed rate @ 20 kg ha-1 ) between of FYM neem cake mixture. Trichoderma elephant foot yam pits and incorporation can be multiplied in FYM alone but it will of green matter in pits a i 45-60 days. take 15 days to form sufficient inoculam as The green matter addition from against 7-8 days if neem cake is also used the 2 green manure crops should be along with FYM). This is effective against 20-25 t ha-1. collar rot caused by Sclerotium rolfsii.• Application of neem cake @ l.0 t ha-1 • Application of ash @ 3 t ha-1 (250 g/pit) (80-85 g/pit) in pits at the time of planting. at the time of incorporation of green maure in pits. COLOCASIA [TARO] (Colocasia esculenta) Colocasia is a crop of tropical and Manuringsub-tropical regions and requires a warmhumid climate. Under rainfed conditions, it Apply cattle manure or compost @ 12requires a fairly well distributed rainfall t ha-1 as basal dressing, while preparing thearound 120-150 cm during the growth period. ridges for planting. A fertilizer dose ofWell-drained soil is suitable for uniform 80:25:100 kg of N:P2O5:K2O per ha isdevelopment of tubers. recommended. Full dose of P2O5 and halfSeason dose of N and K2O should be applied within a week after sprouting and the remaining half Rainfed crop : May-June to Oct-Nov. dose of N and K2O one month after the first Irrigated crop : Throughout the year application along with weeding and earthing up.Varieties Sree Rashmi, Sree Pallavi and Sreekiran Aftercultivationare three improved varieties. Inter-cultivation is essential in colocasia.Sree Rashmi - Economic yield under low Weeding, light hoeing and earthing up are input levels, conical cormets required at 30-45 days and 60-75 days after and 7 months duration. planting. The leafy parts may be smothered about one month before harvest so as toSree Pallavi - Field tolerant to leaf blight and enhance tuber development. mosaic, club shape cormets and 7 months duration. IrrigationSreekiran - First hybrid taro variety in Ensure sufficient moisture in the soil at India, long keeping quality of the time of planting. For uniform sprouting, cormets and 61/2 - 7 months irrigate just after planting and one week later. duration. Subsequent irrigation may be given at 12-15 days intervals, depending on theSeeds and sowing moisture retention capacity of the soil. The Use side tubers each of 25-35 g for planting. irrigation should be stopped 3-4 weeks before harvest. About 9-12 irrigations are requiredAbout 37,000 side tubers weighing about for the crop till harvest. In the case of rainfed1200 kg are required to plant one hectare. crop, if there is prolonged drought, supplementary irrigation is required. Plough or dig the land to a depth of20-25 cm and bring to a fine tilth. Make ridges60 cm apart. Plant the side corms at aspacing of 45 cm on the ridges.
GREATER YAM 51Mulching Harvesting Soon after planting, cover the ridges with Colocasia becomes ready for harvest fivesuitable mulching materials for retention of to six months after planting. The mothermoisture and to control weeds. corms and side tubers are separated after harvest.Plant protection Colocasia blight can be controlled by Storage of seed materialspraying zineb, mancozeb or copper The side tubers to be used as plantingoxychloride formulations at 2 g l-1of water materials are usually separated from the(1 kg ha-1). For controlling serious infestation mother corm and stored. Keep seed tuber inof aphids, apply dimethoate at 0.05 per cent. sand spread over the floor to avoid rotting.Leaf feeders can be controlled by applyingmalathion or carbaryl. DIOSCOREA (YAMS) 1. GREATER YAM (Dioscorea alata) Greater yam is predominantly a tropical 4. Sree Shilpa: This is the first hybrid havingplant. The crop cannot withstand frost and good culinary quality. The crop maturesexcessively high temperatures. Temperature early, within 8 months. The tubers havearound 30ºC and rainfall of 120-200 cm 33-35 per cent dry matter, 17-19 per centdistributed throughout the growth period are starch, 1.4-2 per cent protein andideal. Day length greater than 12 hours during 0.8-1.2 per cent sugar.initial stages and shorter day length duringthe later part of the growing season favour 5. Sree Karthika : High yiled, excellentsatisfactory tuber formation. Yam requires cooking quality. The crop matures withinloose, deep, well-drained, fertile soil. The 9 months. The tubers have 21.42 per centcrop does not come up well in waterlogged starch, 1.14 per cent sugar and 2.47 perconditions. cent crude protein.Season Seeds and sowing Seed tubers are normally planted during D. alata produces mostly a single bigthe later part of the dry season (March-April) tuber in which only one head end of the tuberand start sprouting with the onset of is available as good seed material. For gettingpre-monsoon showers. If the planting is the head end in each propagation unit, thedelayed, yams start sprouting in storage, whole tuber is divided longitudinally. Eachwhich is not desirable for planting. piece of cut tuber should weigh at least 250-300 g. Dip the pieces in cowdung slurryVarieties and allow to dry under the shade before planting.About 2500-3000 kg of seed material1. Sree Keerthi: Suitable for intercropping is required to cover one hectare of land. in mature coconut garden and with banana. Preparation of land2. Sree Roopa: Possesses excellent cooking Plough or dig the land up to a depth of quality. 15-20 cm. Dig pits of size 45 x 45 x 45 cm at a distance of 1 x 1m. Fill up three fourth of3. Indu: This is recommended as a pure crop the pits with 1-1.25 kg cattle manure or and also as an intercrop of coconut in the compost and mix with topsoil. Plant the cut reclaimed alluvial soils of Kuttanad.
52 GREATER YAM, LESSER YAM AND WHITE YAMtuber pieces and completely cover the pit Trailingwith leafy materials to conserve soil moistureand maintain optimum temperature. Trailing is essential to expose the leaves to sunlight. Trailing has to be done withinManuring 15 days after sprouting by coir rope attached Apply cattle manure or compost at 10-15 to artificial supports in the open areas or to trees where they are raised as an intercrop.t/ha as basal dressing. A fertilizer dose of When grown in open areas, trail to a height8aaarenpf0tmdp:e6lrahi0etiahn:dl8feiin0onfgifkrtKwgshta2ooaOlfpfsppNwNlli:iittPchasa2;niOtnhido5aa:nhlKwfaad2ellOfooesknKpegae2ofOwrtfehiNrotahsn,phfweruaoemslluetPotdoi2ninOnbtghge5; of 3-4 m. Trail the vines properly as andand earthing up. when side shoots are produced.Plant protection Harvesting Yam scale is found to infest the corms The crop becomes ready for harvestboth under field and storage situations. within 8-9 months after planting when the vines are completely dried up. Dig out the tubers without causing injury.2. LESSER YAM (Dioscorea esculenta) It is grown in a similar agro-climatic hectare 1800-2700 kg of seed materials aresituation as that of D. alata. Planting season required.and manuring are also similar. Preparation of landVarieties Plough or dig the land to a depth of (1) Sree Latha: This is a selection from 15-20 cm. Prepare mounds at a spacing ofThiruvananthapuram district with a duration 75 cm x 75 cm incorporating cattle manureof 8 months. Tubers are oblong to fusiform @ 1 kg per mound.with creamy white flesh. Vines twine to theleft. Manuring The fertilizer dose and schedule of (2) Sree Kala: This is an early varietywith 7.5 months duration. The tubers have application are the same as that of D. alata.35-37 per cent dry matter, 23-25 per centstarch and 1-1.3 per cent sugar. Trailing Trail the vines by fixing small polesSeeds and sowing Select medium size tubers weighing about attached with coir rope and direct 4-6 plants per pole.100-150 g each. Plant the whole tuber, onein each mound and cover completely with Harvestingsoil. Mulch the mounds to maintain optimum The crop is ready for harvest by abouttemperature and moisture. To plant one 7-8 months time. Tuber yields of 20-25 t ha-1 can be obtained by following the improved methods of cultivation.3. WHITE YAM (Dioscorea rotundata) White yam or African yam is a new crop starch and 1.8-2 per cent protein. It is droughtspecies of edible yam introduced from tolerant with 9-10 months duration.Nigeria. Sree Priya: The tuber contains 25-27 perVarieties cent dry matter, 19-21 per cent starch and 2-2.5 per cent protein. It is drought tolerant Sree Subhra: The tuber contains and duration is 9-10 months. It is suitable for27-28 per cent dry matter, 21-22 per cent
WHITE YAM AND SWEET POTATO 53inter-cropping in mature coconut garden and Rapid seed yam production (minisettwith banana. technique) Sree Dhanya: It is the first dwarf variety. In this method clean and healthy yamThe tubers have 28-30 per cent dry matter, tubers weighing about 1 kg are cut into22-24 per cent protein and 0.3-0.5 per cent cylindrical (disc-like) pieces, each about 5sugar. cm thick. From each such piece, 2-4 small pieces (30 g) could be obtained by cuttingManuring the disc longitudinally or along the two perpendicular diameters. Such a piece is FYM 15 t ha-1 to be applied at the time called a “minisett”. The minisetts areof land preparation followed by application then spread out under light shade for an hourof NPK fertilizers @ 100:50:100 kg ha-1. Full with cut surface facing up before plantingdose of P fertilizer along with 50 per cent of them in the nursery seedbeds. The minisettN and K fertilizers to be applied as basal takes 2-3 weeks for sprouting. At thiswhen 50 per cent of the planted setts sprouts. stage, they are transplanted to the main fieldThe balance 50 per cent of N and K fertilizers at a spacing of 50 cm on ridges takento be applied as top dressing, 1 month after 1 m apart.the basal dressing which could be combinedwith intercultural operations.SWEET POTATO (Ipomoea batatas) Sweet potato requires a warm humid Sree Bhadra, Kanjanghad, Sree Arun, Sreetropical climate with a mean temperature of Varun and Sree Kanaka.about 22 ºC. Though sensitive to frost, it canalso be grown in the hills up to an altitude of H-41 – Variety with excellent cooking1500-1800 m as a summer crop. Under quality, sweet tubers and duration of 120rainfed conditions the crop requires a fairly days.well distributed annual rainfall of 75-150 cm.Being a photosensitive crop, sunny days and H-42 – Variety with excellent cookingcool nights are favourable for better tuber quality, sweet tubers and duration of 120development. days. The crop can be grown on a variety of Sree Nandini – Early maturing, droughtsoils having good drainage, but grows best in tolerant variety with 100 - 105 days durationfertile sandy loam soils. Heavy clayey and and suited as catch crop in paddy fallows.very light sandy soils are not suitable forproper tuber development. Sree Vardhini – Early maturing, carotene rich variety for food and feed with a durationSeason of 100 - 105 days.Rainfed crop: June-July, Sree Rethna – Early maturing, carotene September- October rich orange fleshed variety with 90 - 105 days duration.Irrigated crops: October-November (for uplands) and January- Sree Bhadra – Early maturing, (90 days), February (for low lands) trap crop for nematodes.Varieties }Sree Arun Early maturing, (90 days), Improved varieties: H-41, H-42, Sree Varun highly palatable varieties.Sree Nandini, Sree Vardhini, Sree Rethna, Sree Kanaka – Short duration (75 - 85 days) variety with very high carotene (8.8 - 10 mg/100 g).
54 SWEET POTATO Kanjanghad – KAU variety obtained buried deep in the soil and the two cut endsthrough selection and duration of 105 - 120 exposed to the surface. Ensure sufficientdays moisture in the soil for early establishment of the cutting. Provide adequate drainage and Local varieties: Badrakali Chuvala, prevent water logging.Kottayam Chuvala, Chinavella, Chakaravalli,Anakomban. Land PreparationSeeds and sowing Make the soil to a fine tilth by ploughing or digging to a depth of 15-25 cm. Make Sweet potato is propagated by means of ridges 25-35 cm high, 60 cm apart forvine cuttings. To obtain vine cutting, raise planting vines.nurseries from selected tubers using thefollowing method. Eighty kg of medium sized Manuringweevil free tubers (each of 125-150 g) arerequired for planting in the primary nursery Apply cattle manure or compost atarea (100 m2 to plant one hectare). 10 t ha-1 at the time of preparation of ridges. Plant the tubers at a spacing of 30-45 cmon ridges formed at 60 cm apart and replant sTwheeertecpoomtamtoenisde7d5:N50:P:72O5 5k:Kg2Oha-d1o. sFaogre forin secondary nursery of about 500 m2 area theat a spacing of 25 cm. Apply urea 15 daysafter planting at 1.5 kg / 100 m2 in the reclaimed alluvial soils of Kuttanad, theprimary nursery. To ensure better plantgrowth in the secondary nursery, 5 kg of urea recommendation is 50:25:50 kg/ha. Apply Nhas to be applied in two split doses on 15thand 30th day after planting. Vines obtained in two equal split doses, the first at the timefrom the freshly harvested crop are alsoplanted in similar nursery area to obtain of planting and the second 4-5 weeks aftersufficient planting material. Cuttings obtainedfrom the apical and near apical portions of planting. Apply full dose of P2O5 and K2O atthe vines are preferable for planting in the the planting time.main field. Storing of cut sweet potato vineswith intact leaves, in bundles covered with Irrigationbanana leaves (dipped in water) and keptunder shade for two days prior to planting is When grown as irrigated crop, providerecommended. Irrigate the nursery every irrigation once in 2 days for a period ofalternate day during the first 10 days and once 10 days after planting and thereafter once inin 10 days, thereafter. Vines will be ready 7-10 days. Stop irrigation 3 weeks beforefor planting on the 45th day. harvest. But one more irrigation may be given 2 days before harvest. IW / CPE for higher In the main field, plant vine cutting of 20- tuber yield in non-rainy periods is 1:225 cm length on ridges 60 cm apart and at a (approximate interval of 11 days). Thespacing of 15-20 cm between the vines. The application of N and K2O at the rate ofcuttings can also be planted on mounds taken 50 kg/ha is recommended for the crop grownat a spacing of 75 cm x 75 cm. On the top of under irrigation.each mound, 3-6 cuttings can be planted.Plant the vine cuttings with the middle portion Aftercultivation Conduct two weeding and earthing up operations about 2 weeks and 5 weeks after planting. The top dressing of fertilizers may be done along with the second aftercultivation. Prevent development of small slender tubers at the nodes by turning the vines occasionally during active growth phase.
SWEET POTATO AND TAPIOCA 55Rotation and mixed cropping d) Trap adult weevils using sweet potato pieces (of about 6 cm diameter) of 100 g Under irrigated conditions, sweet potato size, kept at 5 m apart during 50 to 80can be rotated with rice and planted during DAP at 10 days interval. Tubers may beDecember-January after harvest of cut and kept inside wire cages to avoidthe second crop of rice. As a mixed crop, rat damage.it can be grown along with colocasia,elephant foot yam etc. Under rainfed (e) Use pheromone traps (3Z dodecenyl 2Econditions, green manure crops such as butenoate).kozhinjil and sunnhemp can be grown afterharvest of the sweet potato and later Harvestingincorporated into the soil at the time of landpreparation for the succeeding crop. The duration of the crop depends on the variety; but in general, the crop can bePlant protection harvested in about 3.5 – 4 months after planting. Harvest the crop when leaves beginIntegrated control of sweet potato weevil to turn yellow and the tubers mature. The maturity of tuber can be ascertaineda) Remove and destroy the crop residues by cutting fresh tubers. The cut surface will of the previous crop. dry clear if the tuber is mature and becomes dark green if immature. Harvest the cropb) Use healthy and weevil-free planting by digging out the tubers without causing materials. injury.c) Apply Chromolaena odorata leaves as mulch @ 3 t ha-1 at 30 DAP.TAPIOCA [CASSAVA] (Manihot esculenta) Tapioca grows and produces best under restrict root development. The crop cannotwarm humid tropical conditions where rainfall survive waterlogged conditions and in suchis well distributed and fairly abundant. It can areas, it must be planted on mounds or ridgesalso be grown under irrigation where rainfall that permit drainage. The crop can also beis low. Its outstanding characteristic in terms gown on hill slopes and on wastelands of lowof moisture requirements is the ability to fertility.withstand fairly prolonged periods of drought.However, at the time of planting there must Seasonbe sufficient moisture for the plant toestablish itself. The crop cannot withstand The main planting seasons are April-Maycold and is killed by frost. with the onset of southwest monsoon and September-October with the onset of north- The crop grows well in well-drained east monsoon. Planting can also be donelaterite, gravelly and sandy loam soils. Heavy during February-April, provided sufficientand rocky soils are less suitable because they moisture is made available through irrigation. For maximum tuber production, April-May
56 TAPIOCAplanting is preferred because the crop can Sree Jaya: This is an early variety witheffectively utilize both the monsoons. The seven months duration and excellent cookingsecond best season is September-October. quality. Tuber contains 24-27 per cent starch and is low in cyanogens.Varieties Sree Vijaya: This is an early variety with H-97: This is a semi-branching variety, 6-7 months duration and excellent cookingtolerant to mosaic disease with duration of quality. Tuber contains 27-30 per cent starch10 months. But the harvest can be prolonged and is low in cyanogens.even up to 16 months. The starch content is30 per cent. Sree Harsha: This has 10 months duration and good cooking quality. Tuber contains H-165: This is a non-branching type with 34-36 per cent starch. They are non-bitterpoor cooking quality having eight months and ideal for culinary purposes and the highduration. It is tolerant to mosaic but starch content makes it suitable for preparingsusceptible to wilt disease. The starch dried chips.content is 24.5 per cent. Nidhi: This is a high yielding early variety H-226: This is a semi-branching type with with 5.5-6 months duration. It is tolerant tomedium cooking quality having 10 months mosaic and moisture stress. Tuber containsduration. It is moderately susceptible to 26.8 per cent starch and 20 ppm HCN.mosaic. The starch content is 29 per cent. Vellayani Hraswa: High yielding early M-4: This is an erect type with excellent variety with 5-6 months duration. It cannotcooking quality having 10 months duration. tolerate drought. The cooking quality is veryThe starch content is 29 per cent. good. Tubers contain 27.8 per cent starch and 53 ppm cyanogen. Sree Visakham: This is a semi-branchingtype with yellow coloured flesh having Sree Rekha: It is a top cross hybrid10 months duration. It shows high tolerance with 10 months duration. Tubers contain 28.2to mosaic and low susceptibility to pests like per cent starch with excellent cooking quality.red mites, scale insects, thrips etc. The starchcontent is 26 per cent and vitamin A 466 IU. Sree Prabha: It is a top cross hybrid with 10 months duration. Tubers contain 26.8 per Sree Sahya: This is a predominently cent starch with good cooking quality.semi-branching type with 10 months duration.It shows high tolerance to mosaic and low Seeds and sowingsusceptibility to pests like red mites, scaleinsects, thrips etc. The starch content is Tapioca is propagated from cuttings.30 per cent. Select mature healthy stems free from diseases or pests. Discard about 10 cm from Sree Prakash: This has seven months the lower mature and about 30 cm from theduration and the yield potential is 30-40 t ha-1. upper immature end. Stems should be cut into setts of 15-20 cm length using a sharp Kalpaka: This is a non-branching type knife. About 2000 stems are required forwith six months duration and is suited as an planting one hectare. Harvested stems areintercrop of coconut in reclaimed alluvial soils to be stored vertically in shaded andof Kuttanad.
TAPIOCA 57well-aerated places. Spraying dimethoate are taken instead of two as the latter may(0.05 per cent) on the stem will control scale easily get dried up.insects. Preparation of nursery: Pit, flat, ridge or mound method of plantingcan be adopted depending upon soil type, Select an area with well drained soil andtopography of land and elevation so that irrigation facility. Shade net house ofwaterlogging is avoided. Pit followed bymound is found to be the best method of 35 per cent shade is ideal for the germinationplanting. Plant the cuttings vertically after and growth of minisetts. Mark out the lengthsmoothening the lower cut end, at a depth and breadth and make raised beds of soil :not exceeding 4-6 cm. Adopt square methodof planting at a spacing of 90 cm x 90 cm @ sand mixture in equal proportion. The bedsone cutting per pit. It is preferable to adopt could be of convenient length and width not75 cm x 75 cm spacing for non-branching exceeding 1 m. An area of 220 m2 nursery isvarieties like M-4. required for producing minisetts for planting Gap filling should be done within 15 days one hectare of land. Two node cuttings areafter planting preferably with longer setts of planted end to end horizontally, about 5 cm40 cm length. Sree Visakham is a choicevariety recommended as an intercrop in deep inside the soil, with the buds facingcoconut gardens. Optimum plant population either sides. Tip cuttings and four node topis 8000 plants per ha with 90 cm x 90 cm setts should be planted erect at 5 cm x 5 cmspacing. spacing to prevent decay due to excessLand Preparation moisture in these tender parts. Minisetts would sprout in a week’s time. Mosaic virus Before planting, plough the field 2-3 timesor dig to a depth 25-30 cm depending upon infected plants, if any found, should be roguedsoil type to establish a deep porous field in off as soon as such symptoms are expressed,which the setts are to be planted. to keep the nursery disease free. TheMinisett planting technique for quality minisetts will be ready for transplanting inplanting material about three to four weeks time. After the basal application of recommended manure For producing minisetts, mature, diseasefree stems preferably those obtained from in the main field, ridges of 30 cm height areindexed meristem culture should be selected. taken with a spacing of 45cm between theTwo node cuttings are taken from these ridges and planting is done on the ridges at astems using a sharp hack-saw. Top one-thirdportion is usually discarded in the traditional spacing of 45 cm. Multiplication ratio by thissystem, however in the minisett technique, it process is enhanced to 1: 60 as against theis fully utilized. The tip of the stem traditional method 1:10.(about 5 to 6 cm long) is carefully cut withoutcausing damage. For preventing dehydration, Manuringit is advisable to place the tip cuttings in water.The stem just below the growing tip is very Cattle manure or compost may be appliedtender with prominent axillary buds. Hence, at 12.5 t ha-1 during the preparation of landfrom this portion, cuttings with four nodes or while filling up the pits so as to provide about 1 kg of organic manure per plant. Apply sfehrotwilinzebresloNw:P: 2O5:K2O at the rates (kg ha-1) H-97 and H 226 : 75:75:75 100:100:100 H-165, Sree Visakham, Sree Sahya: 50 :50 : 50 M-4 and local:
58 TAPIOCAdosNes,ani.de.K, 12O/3 may be applied in three split Note: N:P2O5:K2O at 50:50:100 kg ha-1 is basal, 1/3 two months after recommended for Sree Visakham when grown as an intercrop in coconutplanting and 1/3 three months after planting. garden. Higher levels of N tend to increase HCN content of the tubers.Dose of iPs2gOro5 wcannfobremreodreuctheadnt3o half wherethe crop years under [email protected](p1ph.6lai2-c1a(gti1/ogpn/lpaolnfatn)Mt)agninadssZmMnaglSal sOch4Za@nnSneO2l0s4 around the mounds within 2 months offull dose of recommended fertilizers, since planting cassava providing an interval of 2 weeks between the application of theseunder such situation there would be build up fertilizer enhances tuber yield and quality.of soil P. When they are used continuously, their application rates can be fixed based on theirFor August-September planted tapioca, status in the soil following the table given below:awpipthlyfirhsatldfiNgg, ifnugllaPnd2Ow5eaenddinhga. lTf hKe2rOembaaisnailnlygquantity of N and nKti2nOg may be applied45 days after pla at the time ofintercultivation. In the acid soils of Kerala, 50 per cent ofK requirement can be substituted by NaCl. Table 14. Application rate of Mg and Zn based on their status in the soilSoil Mg status Rate of Soil Zn status Rate of application of application ofmeq 100g-1 kg ha-1 µg g-1 kg ha-1 0.0-0.25 0- 67 MgSO4 <0.2 <0.45 ZnsO4 0.25-0.50 kg ha-1 kg ha-1 0.50-0.75 67-134 0.2-0.3 0.45-0.67 0.75-1.00 134-201 20.0 0.3-0.4 0.67-0.90 12.5 >1.00 201-268 0.4-0.6 0.90-1.34 15.0 10.0 >268 >0.6 >1.34 10.0 7.5 5.0 5.0 2.5 2.5Aftercultivation moisture under conditions of prolonged dry periods after planting. When the crop is Keep the field free of weeds and maintain grown under irrigation, yield increase ofsoil loose by 2-3 shallow diggings or hoeing 150-200 per cent over the rainfed crop hasupto 90 days after planting followed by light been observed.earthing up. Retain two shoots on each plantin opposite directions and remove excess Furrow irrigation with 25 mm water atshoots about 30 days after planting. 100 mm CPE and alternate furrow irrigation with 50 mm water at 75 mm CPE requireIrrigation only less water and labour for optimum yield. Approximate irrigation interval schedules will Under conditions of well-distributed be 27 and 20 days respectively in summerrainfall, tapioca grows well as a rainfed crop months.and irrigation is not necessary. However, thecrop has to be irrigated to provide sufficient
TAPIOCA 59Intercropping in tapioca involving tapioca as the main crop and the pulse crop suggested above, the field may be Tapioca is planted at a spacing of 90 cm x irrigated once in 36 days to a depth of 5 cm. This recommen-dation is for shallow water90 cm and it takes about 3-3.5 months time table situations. For deep water table situations, the crop may be irrigated once into have enough canopy to cover the land. 24 days to a depth of 5 cm.So it is possible to have an intercrop of Plant protectiongroundnut during the early stages of tapioca Cassava mosaic disease (CMD)crop. Bunch varieties like TMV-2, TMV-7, The disease is transmitted by a white fly Bemisia sp. As a rule, only stem cuttingsTG-3, TG-14 and Spanish improved are from disease free plants should be used for planting to minimize the spread of the viruspreferred for intercropping in tapioca. The disease. For this purpose, tagging of disease free healthy plants for selection as plantingbest season for sowing groundnut is May- materials must be practised from September to December. All plants showing even veryJune. Immediately after planting of tapioca mild symptoms must be rejected. Mosaic tolerant varieties such as H-97 may be usedsetts, groundnut seeds are sown at a spacing to minimize economic loss of tubers.of 30 cm between rows and 20 cm within Production of disease free planting material of tapioca through nurseryrows, so that two rows of groundnut can be techniquesaccommodated in between two rows of Setts of 3 to 4 node cuttings from apparently disease free plants are collectedcassava. A seed rate of 40-50 kg ha-1 is and planted in the nursery at a very close spacing of 4 x 4 cm so that about 500 settsrecommended for dibbling one seed per hill. can be accommodated in one square metre land. Daily watering of the setts has to beOnly well-matured and bold seeds are to be done for the first 10 days and on alternate days afterwards. Screening of CMDselected for sowing. In acid laterite soils of symptoms may be started 10 days after planting. Setts showing even mild symptomsKerala, apply 1000 kg ha-1 of lime as basal are to be removed and burnt. This must be continued up to 20-25 days, by that timedressing. A basal dose of 50:100:50 kg healthy seedlings can be transplanted to the main field. Supplementary irrigation may betNo:Pb2oOth5:Kth2eOcpreorphsa. should be given uniformly given in the transplanted field till they get One month after sowing established. Screening for disease symptoms and roguing of infested plants may beof the seed, 20 kg each P2O5 and K2O and continued in field at weekly intervals upto10 kg N / ha-1 may be given to the intercropalong with earthing up. Once pod formationhas started (i.e., 40-45 days after sowing)the soil should not be disturbed, as it will affectthe pod development adversely. Thegroundnut crop matures in 105 to 110 days.After the harvest of pods, the haulms areincorporated in the soil along with a topdressing of 50 kg each of N and K2O per hafor the main crop. By adopting this practice,20-25 per cent additional income can beobtained. In sandy areas intercropping tapioca withcowpea / groundnut / black gram / green grammay be recommended giving a spacing of 20cm on both sides of the ridges. The non-trailinggrain cowpea variety V-26 is recommendedas a companion crop along with tapioca. Fora pure crop of tapioca or for a cropping system
60 TAPIOCA AND COLEUSharvest. The selected healthy stems are again at 10 days interval from the onset of mitecut into minisetts and subjected to nursery infestation. In the case of very severeand field screening. By adopting this infestation, the crop can be protected bytechnique it is possible to produce healthy spraying 0.05 per cent dimethoate at monthlyplants. intervals from the time of appearance of mites.Leaf spot The stem may be sprayed with 0.05 per Spray 0.2 per cent zineb or 1 per cent cent dimethoate before storing as aBordeaux mixture for control of leaf spot. prophylactic measure against the scales.Bacterial blight Termites Bacterial blight is a disease noted in To control termites infesting plantedsevere proportion in certain parts of Kerala. setts, sprinkle a little of carbaryl 10 per centChemical control is not effective. Use of or chlorpyrifos in the mounds prior to planting.resistant or tolerant varieties is the onlymethod of control.Among improved varieties, Management of storage pests of cassavaH-97, H-226, H-1687 and H-2304 aretolerant to the disease while H-165 is highly Treating chips with granular salt (3 persusceptible. Among the local varieties, M-4, cent), sun drying thoroughly and storing inPaluvella, Pichivella, Parappilppan, gunny bags in godown are very effectiveAnamaravan etc. are tolerant to the disease. against Araecerus fasciculatus and Sitophilus oryzae.Red spider mites and scale insects Harvesting Red spider mites in the field and scaleinsects under storage are important pests of Tapioca becomes ready for harvest 9-10tapioca. Under field conditions light months after planting. Hybrid varieties likeinfestation of mites can be controlled H-226, H-97 and H-165, when grown undereffectively by spraying the crop with water recommended management practices have recorded yields up to 40-50 t ha-1 of raw tuber.COLEUS (Solenostemon rotundifolius) Coleus thrives well in tropical and Nidhi – Variety released from RARS,subtropical regions. A well-drained medium Pattambi with 5 months duration.fertile soil is suitable for its cultivation. Suphala – A tissue culture mutant derivedSeason by KAU from local cultivar suited for year round cultivation with a duration of Plant the cuttings in the main field 120 - 140 days.between July and October. NurseryVariety: Nidhi, Sree Dhara and Suphala. Raise the nursery approximately oneSree Dhara – First variety in chinese potato month before planting. An area of 500 to 600with good cooking quality and 5 months m2 is sufficient to produce cuttings requiredduration. for one ha of main field. Apply 125 to 150 kg FYM in the nursery area. Plant the seed
COLEUS 61tubers at a spacing of 15 cm on the ridges incorporate into the soil at the time of landtaken 30 cm apart. About 170 to 200 kg of preparation. Topdress with N and K2O attubers is required to raise the nursery. Take the rate of 30 and 50 kg ha-1 respectively atthe vine cutting to a length of 10-15 cm from 45 days after planting.the top portion after three weeks fromplanting. AftercultivationPreparation of main field Give weeding and earthing up, at 45 days after planting along with topdressing. Cover Plough or dig the land to a depth of a portion of the vine with soil to promote tuber15-20 cm and form ridges 30 cm apart or formation.raised beds of 60-90 cm width. Plant protectionPlanting To control the root-knot nematode,deep Plant the vine cutting collected from the plough the field in summer, adopt cropnursery on ridges at a spacing of 30 cm or rotation and destroy root residues and otheron raised beds at 30 cm x 15 cm spacing. plant parts by burning.Manuring Harvesting Broadcast 10 tonnes of FYM and Harvest the crop 5 months after planting.N:P2O5: K2O @ 30:60:50 kg ha-1 and
62 CASHEWCOMMERCIAL CROPSCASHEW (Anacardium occidentale) Cashew is adapted to warm humid It grows and yield best in well-drained redtropical conditions. It can be grown in sandy loams and light coastal sands. Heavyalmost all types of soils from sandy to clay soils, poor drainage conditions, very lowlaterite and up to an elevation of 600-700 m temperature and frost are unsuitableincluding wastelands of low fertility. for the crop.Table 14. Cashew varietiesVarieties / hybrid / types Mean yield Nature of (kg/tree/year) bearingAnakkayam-1 (BLA 139-1) 12.00 EarlyMadakkathara-1 (BLA 39-4) 13.80 EarlyVridhachalam-3 (M 26/2) 11.68 EarlyKanaka (H-1598) (BLA 139-1 x H3-13) 12.80 MidDhana (H-1608) (ALGD 1-1 x K 30-1) 10.66 MidK-22-1 (Selection from K22) 13.20 MidDharasree (H-3-17) (T 30 x Brazil 18) 15.02 MidPriyanka (H-1591) (BLA-139-1 x K30-1) 16.90 MidAmrutha (H-1597) (BLA–139-1 x H3-13) 18.35 MidAnagha (H8-1) (T 20 x K30-1) 13.73 MidAkshaya (H7-6) (H4-7 x K30-1) 11.78 MidMadakkathara-2 (NDR 2-1) 17.00 LateSulabha (K10-2) 21.90 LateDamodar (H1600) (BLA 139-1 x H3-113) 13.36 MidRaghav (H1610) (ALGD 1-1 x K 30-1) 14.65 MidPoornima (BLA 139-1 x K 30-1) 14.08 MidSree (Selection from Anakkayam-1) 23.78 EarlyPlanting materials to type progeny. Field establishment of air layers have been found to be poor. Hence Cashew can be propagated by seedlings, softwood grafts, which give a high rate ofair layers and softwood grafts. Since it establishment and early flowering, are recom-is a cross-pollinated crop, vegetative mended for planting.propagation is recommended to obtain true
CASHEW 631. Propagation by seedlings size 23 cm x 15 cm. Secure loose ends of film with jute fibre. When roots emerge fromSelection of mother trees the ringed portion in 40-60 days, give a ‘V’ cut at lower end of treated shoot. After about Select mother trees having the following 15 days, deepen the cut slightly. Cut andcharacteristics: (1) Good health, vigorous separate rooted shoot about 7 days later. Potgrowth and intensive branching habit the layers immediately after separation fromwith panicles having high percentage of the tree into containers of size 15 x 15 cmhermaphrodite flowers. (2) Trees of 15-25 made from coconut husk and keep them inyears of age. (3) Bearing nuts of medium shade. Avoid excessive watering. Plant thesize and weight (5-8 g/nut) with an average layers along with the container in theyield of 15 kg nuts per annum. (4) Bearing prepared pits with the onset of southwest7-8 nuts per panicle. monsoon. Provide shade and mulch with dry leaves to reduce sun-scorch in tender plants.Selection of nuts It is advisable to defoliate the layers two weeks before separation from the mother Select mother trees in February and plant.collect seed nuts in March-April. Selectgood, mature, medium sized nuts, which sink 3. Propagation by grafting / buddingin water as seeds after drying in sun for twoto three days. Different methods of grafting viz., epicotyl grafting, softwood grafting, veneerRaising seedlings grafting, side grafting, patch budding etc. have been tried in cashew with varying degrees Raise seedlings in polythene bags during of success. Among them, softwood graftingMay. Use polythene bags of size 20 cm x 15 was found to be the best for commercial mul-cm and fill the bags with garden soil, tiplication of cashew.leaving a gap of 1 to 1.5 cm above. Soakseed nuts in water for 18 to 24 hours to Softwood graftinghasten germination. Sow the pre-soaked seednuts in polythene bags filled with garden soil Selection of seed nutsat a depth of 2-3 cm with the stalk end up.Seeds germinate in seven to ten days. (1) Seed nuts may be collected during the peak period of harvest (February-March) and2. Propagation by air layering sun-dried for 2-3 days. (2) Quality seed nuts may be selected by immersing in water or Prepare air layers during February- 10 per cent saline solution. Seeds, which sinkMarch, so that they will be ready for planting in water, may be selected. (3) Medium sizedin June-July. Select 9-12 months old pencil- nuts (7-9 g) may be selected to getthick terminal shoots. Remove carefully a vigorously growing seedlings.strip or ring of bark, 0.6 to 1.2 cm thick byusing a sharp knife without injuring the Raising rootstocksunderlying wood. Wind a string around thecut area and cover it with moist moss or wood 1. Fresh seed nuts are to be used forshavings or sand and saw dust mixture or raising rootstock. Seed nuts stored forordinary potting mixture and wrap round more than one year may be avoided.with 150-200 gauge polythene film of
64 CASHEW2. The seed nuts should be soaked in water (1) Select a high yielding variety of overnight before sowing. cashew as mother plant to collect adequate number of scions. (2) Select 3-5 month old3. Use polythene bags (size 25 cm x 15 cm, non-flowering lateral shoots of current 300 gauge thickness) for filling potting season’s growth. (3) The selected scions mixture. should be 10-12 cm long, straight, uniformly round and pencil thick with brown colour4. Punch about 16-20 holes on the polythene having dormant plumpy terminal bud. The bags to ensure good drainage. top 4-5 leaves should be dark green in colour indicating proper maturity of the scion.5. Prepare the potting mixture (1:1:1 ratio of red soil, river sand and compost) mixed Pre-curing with rock phosphate @ 5 g per 2 kg potting mixture. (1) Pre-cure the selected scions by clipping off three fourth portion of leaf blades.6. Fill the polythene bags up to the brim of the bag. (2) Scions will be ready for grafting in 7-10 days after leaf removal.7. Sow the pre-soaked nuts in the centre of the bag with stalk end up, at a depth of Collection of scions 2.0-2.5 cm. (1) The pre-cured scions are to be cut8. Water the bags immediately after early in the morning to avoid desiccation. sowing and daily thereafter. Avoid (2) The scions should be collected before the excess irrigation. terminal buds sprout. (3) Wrap scions in moist cloth and put in polythene covers as soon as9. Nuts usually germinate within 15-20 days they are cut from the mother tree and bring after sowing during monsoon months and them to the nursery for grafting. If neces- within 8-10 days during dry months. sary, they can be stored for 3-4 days and used for grafting.10. Nuts should be sown at weekly intervals to get continuous supply of rootstocks. Preparation of rootstock11. During summer, provide partial shade to (1) Retain two pairs of bottom leaves and the seedlings till they change their bronze remove others from the selected seedlings colour to green and then keep them in using a sharp knife. (2) Give a transverse the open. cut on the main stem, 15 cm above ground level. (3) A cleft of 4-5 cm deep is made in12. The seedlings will be ready for grafting the middle of the decapitated stem of the in 50-60 days after germination. seedling by giving a longitudinal cut.13. Prevent damage to germinating nuts from Preparation of scion squirrels, birds etc. (1) Select a matching scion stick (same14. During the rainy season, damping off thickness as that of the rootstock). (2) The of young seedlings is common. To cut end of the scion is shaped to a wedge of control this disease, spraying / drenching 4-5 cm long by chopping the bark and wood Bordeaux mixture (1per cent) is effective. from two opposite sides.Selection of rootstock Select 50-60 days old healthy seedlingshaving single main stem grown in the centreof the polythene bag, as rootstock.Selection of scions
CASHEW 65Grafting 6. Spray recommended insecticides for controlling the infestation of sucking1. The wedge of the scion is inserted into insects as and when required. the cleft of the rootstock, taking care to ensure that the cambium layers of stock Graft production under polyhouse and scion are in perfect contact with each other. Softwood grafts can be prepared almost throughout the year with a mean graft2. The graft joint is secured firmly by a success of about 60-70 per cent. Higher polythene tape (1.5 cm wide and 30 cm success is achieved during the monsoon sea- long). son. For this, low cost polyhouses (prepared from casuarina / bamboo poles / areca reap-3. The scion of the graft is to be covered ers / GI pipes / PVC pipes and covered with with a wet polythene cap (15 cm x 12.5 cm. high density polythene sheet of convenient 100 gauge thickness) and tied at the dimensions) preferably 20 m long and 6 m bottom to maintain humidity inside and to wide may be utilized for graft production. The protect the apical bud from drying. The height of the polyhouse should be 2.5 m in polythene cap should not touch the the middle and 1.0 m on both sides. The plants terminal bud. A narrow polythene cover may be watered using hose. Misting units of size 20 cm x 3 cm (sip-up-cover) can can also be fitted at appropriate points and also be used instead of above said switched on for about 5-10 minutes at an polythene cap. interval of two hours from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer season. This reduces the4. The grafted plants are to be kept under temperature build up inside the polyhouse. shade for 10-15 days to enable sprouting Raising of rootstock seedlings, grafting of of the terminal buds. rootstocks and maintenance of grafts can be done inside the polyhouses. These polyhouses5. The polythene caps are to be removed give protection to the seedlings and grafts and the grafts shifted to open place. The during heavy rains and reduce the mortality. successful grafts show signs of growth Again during summer months the seedlings / within 3-4 weeks after grafting. grafts can be maintained in these polyhouses by covering with HDPE shade nets6. The grafts will be ready for planting (35-50 per cent shade). 5-6 months after grafting. Planting and management of grafts7. The success in softwood grafting is more during the period from March to Septem- The softwood grafts will be ready for ber under Kerala conditions. planting in 5-6 months after grafting. The pits are filled with topsoil and 5-10 kg of com-Care in the nursery post or dried cowdung / pit and the grafts are1. The grafts are to be watered regularly planted after carefully removing the polythene bags. Care should be taken while planting to using a rose can or micro-sprinkler. see that the graft union is 2.5 cm above the2. Remove new sprouts emerging from ground level. The polythene tape is to be carefully cut and removed subsequently. rootstock at frequent intervals. Staking should be done immediately after3. Panicles, if produced by the grafts, may planting to avoid lodging. be removed as and when observed.4. Grafts should be placed on polythene sheets spread on the ground to prevent rooting.5. Shift the grafts frequently from one place to another to prevent them from striking roots into the ground.
66 CASHEWPlanting and management of plantation easy cultural operations such as terrace making, weeding, fertilizer application, nut Plant softwood grafts in pits of collection and plant protection. The flowersize 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm during panicles emerging from the grafts during theJune-July. first and second year of planting should also be removed (de-blossoming) in order to Planting may be done at a spacing of allow the plant to put up good vegetative7.5 m for poor and 10 m for rich and deep growth. The plants are allowed to flowersoils and sandy coastal area. On very sloppy and fruit only from the third year onwards.lands, the rows may be spaced 10-15 mapart with a spacing of 6-8 m between trees General pruningin a row. In older cashew plantations, removal of Depending upon the weed growth, dried or dead wood, criss-cross branches,weeding operation may be done during water shoots etc. should be attended to at leastAugust-September. Mulch the plant base once in 2-3 years. This allows proper growthwith dry leaves to reduce sun-scorch to of the canopy and receipt of adequatetender plants. sunlight on all the branches. Pruning of cashew plants should be done during May / June. Herbicides can be used for controllingweeds. Apply glyphosate 0.8 kg ai/ha-1, once Manuringin June-July. A fertilizer dose of 750 g N, 325 g P2O5Initial training / shape pruning and 750 g K2O per plant is recommended for cashew. Apply 1/5th dose after the comple- The sprouts coming from the rootstock tion of first year, 2/5th dose during second yearportion of the graft, that is from the portion and thus reaching full dose from 5th yearbelow the graft joint, should be removed onwards. Broadcast the fertilizer within anfrequently during the first year of planting. area of 0.5 to 3.0 m (15 cm deep) around theInitial training and pruning of young cashew tree and incorporate by light raking.plants during the first 3-4 years is essentialfor providing proper shape. Thereafter, little Intercroppingor no pruning is necessary. The plants shouldbe allowed to grow by maintaining a single Pineapple is the most profitable intercropstem up to 0.75-1.00 m from ground level. in cashew plantation in the early stages ofThis can be achieved by removing the side growth. It can be planted between two rowsshoots or side branches gradually as the plants of cashew in trenches opened across thestart growing from the second year of plant- slope. Paired row of pineapple suckers caning. Weak and criss-cross branches can also be planted in each trench at 60 cm betweenbe removed. Branches growing unwidely rows and 40 cm between two suckers withinmay also be cut off. Proper staking of the the row. These trenches can be opened atplants is required to avoid lodging due to wind 1 m between two rows of cashew. Ginger,during the initial years of planting. Initial train- lemongrass and tapioca are also suitable asing and pruning of cashew plants facilitate intercrops.
CASHEW 67High density planting (due to higher plant population) compared to the normal density plantations. During later High density planting is a technique years, when the plant population is equalizedrecommended for enhancing the productiv- to that of normal density plantation, theity of cashew plantations. This technique productivity of both the plantations would beinvolves planting more number of grafts per more or less the same. The bonus yieldunit area and thinning at later stages. obtained during the early years of yield wouldInstead of the normal planting density of be substantial in high-density plantations.64 to 177 plants per hectare (spacingranging from 7.5 to 10 m in the square In addition to obtaining higher yields,system of planting) or 74 to 204 plants substantial quantities of firewood can be(spacing ranging from 7.5 to 10 m in the obtained during thinning, which may fetch ad-triangular system of planting), 312 to 625 ditional revenue to the farmer. The weedgrafts will be planted per hectare, initially. growth in the interspace can be effectivelyDuring later years, as the canopy develops, checked to a greater extent.plant population is to be regulated byselective felling to minimize competition. Top working While adopting a high density planting Top working is a technique evolved totechnique, grafts may be planted initially at a rejuvenate unproductive and senile cashewspacing of 4 m x 4 m or 8 m x 4 m so that trees. Top working can successfullythere will be 625 or 312 plants respectively. rejuvenate poor yielders in the age group ofThis population can be retained for a period 5-20 years. The unproductive trees are toof seven to nine or ten years depending upon be beheaded at a height of 0.75 to 1.00 mthe canopy expansion rate. If the soil is very from ground level. The stem should be cutrich the canopy development rate will be with a saw to avoid stump splitting. The bestfaster. High density planting would be more season for beheading trees is May-Septem-useful in poor soils where the rate of canopy ber. Soon after beheading, the stumps andexpansion is slow. Considering the fertility cut portions should be given a swabbing withstatus of the soil, the level of management in copper oxychloride and carbaryl 50 WPterms of fertilization, irrigation etc. the initial (50 g each per litre of water). Sprouts emergeplant population is to be decided carefully for 30-45 days after beheading. Sprouting willevery agro-climatic condition. Later, after be profuse in young trees. New, 20-25 daysmonitoring the canopy pressure between old shoots should be grafted with scions ofadjacent plants, the alternate plants are to be high yielding varieties using softwood graft-removed. Finally, when the plants attain ing technique. To ensure at least six or sevenfull growth, the spacing between the plants successful grafts, 10-15 grafting are towill be 8 m x 8 m. be done on the new shoots of every tree. The best season for grafting is July – If uniform management practices are November.Thinning of the extra shoots aris-adopted, during early years of yield, the ing from the stumps should be done to obtainper tree nut yield will be more or less the better growth of the grafts. Removal ofsame with all the trees, in both the sprouts below the graft joint and removal ofconventional system of planting and in high polythene strip from the graft joint should bedensity planting. But the per hectare yield done. Top working is simple and can be donewill be more from high-density plantations by farmers after getting proper training.
68 CASHEW The top worked trees start yielding right Check regulary for symptoms of CSRBfrom the second year after top working. Thus attack particularly during january – Mayprecocity can be considered as one of the period. In the case of already infested trees,best advantages of this technique. The mechanically remove various stages of pestmajor disadvantage associated with top work- (grubs and pupae) by carefully chiseling theing is the huge casualty of trees due to stem bark. Care should be taken to avoid removalborer attack. Intensive care and management of more than 50 per cent of total barkto ward off stem borer is essential. As such, circumference. Swab the chiseled area byadoption of top working on a larger scale using Chlorpyriphos 20 EC (0.2 per cent @would be difficult. 10 ml/1) and drench the pesticide solution onto the soil near the root zone to minimizePest and diseases reinfestation by the pest, (DCR, Puttur recommendation).Tea mosquito bug Prophylactic treatment by swabbing the This is the most serious pest affecting trunk region (up to 1 m height from the groundcashew. The pest usually appears with the level) and exposed roots, with a suspensionemergence of new flushes and panicle. of mud slurry +carbaryl 0.2 per cent or coalDrying of inflorescence and dieback of shoots tar and kerosene (1:2) or 5 per cent neem oilare the symptoms. For control of tea twice a year during March – April andmosquito bug, spray 0.1 per cent carbaryl or November – December.0.05 per cent quinalphos or 0.003 per centLambda cyhalothrin. A rational rotation of To reduce the spread of infestation, it isinsecticides would be desirable to counter- essential to remove the dead trees and treesact the tendency of the pest to develop field in advanced stage of infestation at least onceresistance. Spraying may be done once, twice in 6 months. Dead trees and trees beyondor thrice depending upon necessity. recovery - trees having yellow canopy and / or more than 50 per cent bark circumference First spraying is to be given synchroniz- damage needs to be uprooted. Pest stagesing with the emergence of new vegetative occurring in the roots should be destroyed soflushes in October-November. The second as to reduce pest inoculum in the future.spraying may be given synchronizing with thecommencement of panicle emergence in Dieback or pink diseaseDecember-January. The third spraying may This disease is prevalent in cashewbe given at completion of flowering /initiation of fruit set in January – February. plantations during rainy season. Main symptom of attack is the appearance of whiteNote: Avoid spraying carbaryl and 0.003 per patches on branches followed by drying of cent Lambda cyhalothrin at the time twigs from the tip. of flowering, as they are highly toxic to honey bees. Chisel out the affected parts and apply bordeaux paste. Give prophylactic sprays ofCashew stem and root borer (adhoc 1 per cent bordeaux mixture duringrecommendation) May-June and October. This is a serious pest, which is capable of Note:destroying the cashew tree. Main symptoms 1) For grown up trees, 5 litres of spray fluidof attack are yellowing of leaves, drying oftwigs, presence of holes at the base of stem would be required at high volume dischargewith exuding sap and frass. rate and 2.5 litres at the low volume discharge rate. For spraying, rocker sprayer with hi-tree lance is preferable.
CASHEW 692) For low volume application, the concen- medium to large size, more than 70 per cent tration of the insecticides is to be main- juice, more than 11 per cent sugar and tained at 0.1 per cent for quinalphos and 0.39- 0.42 per cent acidity. Since highly 0.2 per cent for carbaryl. It is difficult to susceptible to physical injury and microbial cover the entire canopy with low volume spoilage, collect apples every day, after equipment. In such cases, the uncovered separating the nuts, when it falls to the upper canopy areas may be covered with ground. The selected fruits are washed with rocker sprayer fitted with hi-tree lance water. system. Stainless steel or glass containers should3) Dusting powder formulations are not be used for processing, after sterilization. recommended against tea mosquito bug. Copper, iron, aluminum and brass containers should not be used as it will blacken the4) Spray carbaryl 0.1 per cent or 0.003 per products. Plastic buckets or barrels can be cent Lambda cyhalothrin as a prophylaxis used for dipping and cleaning fruits. against pest infestation in nursery plants. Juice can be extracted from ripe cashew5) Spray Bordeaux mixture 1per cent to apples, after washing, using screw press, seedlings as a prophylactic measure basket press, hydraulic press or by hand against fungal diseases. pressing with the help of citrus juice extractor. About 50-60 per cent raw juice with 9-10Anthracnose and tea mosquito endemic area per cent soluble solids can be obtained. The(adhoc recommendation) astringent taste of cashew apple is due to the presence of tannins in it. The tanninChemical Concen- Time/ present in the raw juice can be removed (%) tration stage through clarification by adopting one of the following methods:-Lamda cyhalothrin 0.6 ml /l . Flushing 1. Take 5g powdered sago in minimum.003 % + 5 EC quantity of water, heat and make into paste by stirring and cool it. Add sagoCopper oxychloride 0.2% 2 g/l paste into one litre juice and mix well by (50 WP) stirring. Decant the clear juice after 12 hours.Quinalphos 0.05% 2 ml/l Flowering + (25 EC) 2. Mix gelatin @ 0.5 g kg-1 of raw juice and allow to settle. Decant the clear juiceMancozeb 0.2% 2 g/l and discard the sediment (gelatin may (63 WP, be dissolved in water by heating). 75 WP ) 3. Mix poly vinyl pyrollidone @ 1.4 g kg-1Carbaryl 0.1% 2 g/l of raw juice. Allow to settle and decant (50 WP) Nut initiation the clear juice.Post Harvest Utilization of 4. Mix about 125 ml of fresh rice gruelCashew Apple (kanjivellam) and allow to settle. Decant the clear upper layer and repeat Cashew apple is a valuable source of the process using 125 ml of rice gruel.sugars, minerals and vitamins especiallyvitamin C and can be used for preparationof various products.Preliminary Processing Select crisp, firm, tight and full colourdeveloped best quality apples. It should have
70 CASHEW Tannin can be removed from mature or 3. Cashew apple for pickle production:- ripe apples (de-tanning) by adopting the Keep one kg of de-tanned green cashew following procedures:- apple pieces with 200 g salt in alternate layers.1. Detanning of ripe whole apples: - Clean the apples and immerse in 5 per cent salt Standard products like syrup, squash, solution for 3 days with the change of salt ready- to- serve beverages etc can be made solution daily. Take out the fruit on the 4th using the clarified juice as per FPO day and wash thoroughly in water. The specifications. fruit is now de-tanned. Preparation of products2. Detanning of mature but unripe whole green apples for pickle preparation:- The recipe for the preparation of various products from cashew apple is given below:- Wash the raw green fruit and cut into small pieces. Keep in 8 per cent salt 1. Cashew apple juice solution for 3 days with the change of salt solution daily. Take out the fruits on the Ingredients 4th day and wash thoroughly with water. The fruit is now de-tanned. Cashew apple – 25 kgOff – season storage of raw material Poly Vinyl Pyrollidone – 10 g Raw material for cashew apple Sodium benzoate – 6gprocessing can be stored for a period of sixmonths without affecting quality for the Sugar – 500 goff – season preparation of products. Citric acid – 8g1. Juice for beverage production:- Mix 2.5 g potassium meta bisulphate (KMS) Preparation and 5 g citric acid during clarification of juice and store the clarified juice in food Extract the juice by pressing. Clarify the grade plastic containers. juice by adding PVP and filter it through a muslin cloth. To the clarified juice, add all2. Pulp for jam production:- Cook ripe the items one by one under stirring. cashew apple, after removal of tannin, for 20 minutes, make into pulp using pulper Note: and mix with 2.5 g KMS and 5 g citric acid. 1. Cashew apple juice can be blended with lime juice, orange juice or pineapple juice on 75:25 basis and served. 2. The recovery of juice from apple can be improved by using basket press, screw press or hydraulic press. Table 15. FPO specifications for fruit products Minimum Minimum Acidity Max. preser- Products fruit juice % TSS% max.% vative (free SO2) ppm 25 40 3.5Squash 350Syrup 25 65 3.5 350Ready to serve beverages 10 10 —- 70
CASHEW 712. Cashew apple squash 4. Blended cashew apple - Pineapple squashIngredients – 25 kg Ingredients Cashew apple – 10 g PVP – 6g Clarified cashew – 125 ml Sodium benzoate – 3 kg apple juice – 125 ml Sugar – 100 g Pineapple juice – 350 ml Citric acid Water – 400 g Sugar –5gPreparation Citric acid – Should not exceed Lemon yellow Wash cashew apple and extract the juice colour 100 ppm(8 litres). Clarify the juice by adding PVP (100 mg l-1)and filter the juice through muslin cloth. To Preparationthe clear juice, add the other items and stirwell. Bottle the juice and store in cool place. Take required quantity of sugar and citric acid in water and boil. Towards the end,3. Cashew apple syrup switch off the flame and add clarified cashew apple juice immediately in hot condition itselfIngredients by stirring. Cool, add pineapple juice and colour and bottle it after sieving through aClarified cashew – 1litre clean muslin cloth. Bottle in sterilized glassapple juice – 15 g bottles or new grade pet bottles and seal itCitric acid – 2 kg air tight. Keep in cool dry place. Dilute theSugar – Should not squash three times with cool water to useLemon yellow as fresh drink.colour exceed 100 ppm (100 mg l-1) 5. Ready - to - Serve beveragePreparation (RTS beverage) Ingredients Add sugar @ 2.0 kg litre-1 into the clarified Clarified cashew – 150 mlcashew apple juice and then heat moderately.Continue heating with continuous stirring till apple juicethe sugar completely dissolves. Then addcitric acid @ 15 g litre-1 (dissolved in little Sugar – 120 gquantity of syrup) and stir well. Remove thesolution from the stove, cool, strain and then Water – 730 mladd colour (dissolved in little quantity ofsyrup). Now syrup is ready. To store the Citric acid –5gsyrup for long periods without spoilage, pourinto well sterilized glass bottles/new food Lemon yellow colour – Should notgrade pet bottles and seal air tight. It can bestored for one year. Keep in a cool, dry place. exceed 100 ppmDilute the syrup five times with cool waterto use as fresh drink. (100 mg l-1) Preparation Take required quantity of sugar and citric acid in water and boil. Towards the end, switch off the flame and add clarified cashew apple juice immediately in hot condition itself by stirring. Cool, add colour, strain and bottle it. Pasteurize the bottles by keeping in boiled
72 CASHEWwater for 20 minutes for a storage life of appropriate stage for jam, transfer hot into sterilized glass bottles.three months. Packing can also be done infood grade plastic covers using liquid 8. Cashew apple picklepackaging machine. But it cannot be Ingredientspasteurized and hence can be kept only for De-tanned and sliced2-3 days, unless kept under refrigeratedcondition. raw green fruit – 1.0 kg6. Cashew apple – Pineapple blended Gingelly oil – 100 ml RTS beverage Chilly powder – 100 gIngredients Fenugreek powder – 10 gClarified cashew – 75 ml Asafoetida powder – 10 gapple juice Turmeric powder – 5 gPineapple juice – 75 ml Mustard powder – 5 gSugar – 150 g Mustard –2gWater – 700 ml Garlic paste – 10 gCitric acid –5g Ginger paste – 10 gLemon yellow – Should not exceed Green chilly paste – 10 gcolour 100ppm (100 mg Vinegar – 150 ml l-1) Sodium benzoate – a pinch (0.75 g)Preparation Salt to taste Take required quantity of sugar and citric Preparationacid in water and boil. Towards the end, Boil gingelly oil in steel vessels. Putswitch off the flame and add clarified cashew mustard seed, asafoetida powder, turmericapple juice immediately in hot condition itself powder, fenugreek powder, chilly powderby stirring. Cool, add pineapple juice, colour and mustard powder to the boiling gingellyand bottle it after sieving through a clean oil. When the colour of chilly powdermuslin cloth. Pasteurize the bottles by keeping changes, add all the pastes to it. Then addin boiling water for 20 minutes. de-tanned and sliced raw green cashew apple. Heat at least for three minutes, after7. Cashew apple – Mango mixed fruit jam which vinegar and salt (if needed) are addedIngredients by thorough stirring. Cover the vessel well and allow to cool. Add sodium benzoateDe-tanned cashew apple pulp – 500 g dissolved in little quantity of boiled water andMango pulp – 500 g stir. Transfer to clean dry glass jars. Use the product after keeping for one week.Sugar – 1.0 kgCitric acid – 2.5 g 9. Cashew apple candyPreparation Ingredients Fresh ripe mango fruits are washed, De-tanned ripe cashew apple– 1.0 kgpeeled, sliced and made into pulp using amixer or pulper. Add KMS @ 2.5 g and citric Sugar – 1.0 kgacid @ 5 g per kg of pulp for storage. Mixthe pulps in the ratio of 1:1. Add one kg sugar Citric acid – 1.0 gper kg of mixed pulp and citric acid (quantity Potassium metabisulphite – 1.35 gadjusted as per acidity) and cook it with Preparation of cashew applecontinuous stirring. When it reaches the Keep the de-tanned apples in a solution of potassium metabisulphite (half the quantity
CASHEW 73ie. 625 mg) for 2-3 days. Thoroughly wash Preparationthe apples in water. Remove black spots andparts of pedicel. Keep in perforated crates Cashew apple vinegar preparationof stainless steel and steam for 10-20 minutes consists of two stages ie., alcoholicin pressure cooker without over cooking. fermentation and acidic fermentation. AddMake deep holes in the apple using bamboo 2.0 g yeast in 20ml coconut water and keepsticks or steel forks to facilitate entry of sugar for 12 hours to make starter solution. Addsyrup in the next stage. sugar, cooked and cooled sago along with starter solution into one litre of extractedPreparation of sugar syrup unclarified juice and keep it for twelve days for alcoholic fermentation in narrow mouthed Dissolve 250 g sugar in one litre of water plastic bottles, with cotton plugging. Afterand heat well. Dissolve citric acid (1.0 g) twelve days filter the fermented supernatantand potassium metabisulphite (625 mg) in this juice (to obtain alcoholic ferment) into a widesolution. mouth glass container or clay pot and add thrice the quantity of mother vinegar forPreparation of candy acetic fermentation. Keep it tied with a muslin cloth, allowing air passage, for 15 days. Filter Drop the pre-prepared apple pieces into the clear juice portion to a clean stainlessthe boiling sugar syrup so that the apples are steel, pasteurize by keeping in boiling watercompletely immersed. Cover the container for 10minutes, cool and bottle it on the 16thwith lid and keep as such for one day. Take day to get vinegar with 5-6 per cen acidity.out the fruits on the 2nd day, add 125 g sugar, For continuous vinegar production, the filtrateand drop the apple while heating. Repeat it can be used as mother vinegar.for 5 days. On 8th day, volume of sugar syrupwill be reduced to one-third. Keep the apples 11. Cashew apple wineas such for 8-10 days. Remove the applesfrom the syrup solution, drain for 30 minutes Ingredientsand dry it slowly in open area by spreadingin a polythene sheet. Keep it in clean, dry, Cashew apple pieces – 1kgscrew capped glass jars in a cool, dry place.It can be stored for one year in air tight Sugar – 1kgcontainers under refrigerated condition. Lukewarm water – 1 litre Clove –5g Cardamom –5g10.Cashew apple vinegar Starter solution – 10 g sugar + 100 g luke warmIngredients water + 5 g yeastUnclarified cashew apple juice – 1.0 litre PreparationSugar – 158 gPowdered sago –5g Prepare starter solution by mixing 5 g yeast and 10 g sugar in 100 ml lukewarmMother vinegar – As needed water and keep for 30 minutes. Place one kg of cashew apple pieces and one kg ofStarter solution – 2 g yeast sugar in one litre of lukewarm water along with 5 g each of clove, cardamom and + 20 ml coconut water
74 COTTONcinnamon in a porcelain vessel, mix together Other productsand keep air tight for 21 days. Shake dailythe ingredients without opening the vessel. Methods have been standardized for theStrain the solution through muslin cloth after preparation of canned cashew apple, cashew21 days, again keep for 21 days and strain to apple chutney and cashew apple liquor atget the cashew apple wine. Kerala Agricultural University. COTTON (Gossypium sp.) Cotton is grown from sea level to moder- wide variety of soils. A deep homogeneousate elevations not exceeding 1000 m where fertile soil is desirable.the climate is tropical with rainfall 500 to Seasons750 mm. Excessive rain at any stage isharmful to the crop. It can be grown in a Winter crop : August – September Summer crop : February – March Table 16. Cotton varieties, spacing and durationVariety Spacing (cm) Duration (days) SeasonMCU 5 / MCU 5 VT 75 x 45 175 Irrigated crop (Aug – Sep.)TCHB 213 (hybrid) 120 x 60 190 Irrigated crop (Aug – Sept.)Savita (hybrid) 90 x 60 165 Irrigated crop (Aug – Sept.)LRA 5166 60 x 30 150 Rainfed crop (Aug – Sept.) Table 17. Seed rate for cottonIrrigated Variety Delinted seeds Fuzzy seedsRainfed MCU 5/MCU 5 VT 5.0 kg 8.0 kg TCHB 213 2.5 kg – Savita 3-4 kg – LRA 5166 8-10 kg 10-12 kgPreparation of land and sowing Manuring Plough the land three to four times and Apply FYM or compost @ 12.5 t ha-1 forform ridges and furrows. Dibble the seeds rainfed crop and 25 t ha-1 for irrigated crop.on the sides of the furrows. Use basalin at Apply N:P2O5:K2O each @ 35 kg ha-1 asthe rate of 2.5 l ha-1 before irrigating the field basal dressing. Top dress with 35 kg N perto control the weeds. ha-1 about 45 days after sowing.Note: Treat the seeds with carbendazim Aftercultivation50 WP (2 g kg-1) or Trichoderma viride talcpreparation (4 g kg-1) before sowing. Thin the crop when the plants are 15 to 20 cm high, retaining two seedlings per hill.
COTTON AND RUBBER 75Retain only one seedling per hill in the case For bollworm, spray quinalphos orof hybrids. Timely weeding and hoeing will chlorpyriphos.ensure good crop growth. For bacterial blight disease, use strepto-Irrigation cycline (50 g ha-1 + copper oxychloride 1.5 kg ha-1). For grey mildew, carbendazim In the case of irrigated crop, irrigate @ 250 g ha-1 may be used. For Alternariathe plants once in two weeks. Copious leaf spot, use copper oxychloride @ 1.5 kg ha-1.irrigation during flowering will ensure goodpod setting and good fibre quality. HarvestingPlant Protection The bolls start bursting 100-120 days after sowing and will be ready for harvest at Against sucking pests like jassids, this stage.aphids and thrips, spray imidacloprid(100 ml ha-1) on 20th day and 40th day. To control whitefly, use neem oil (3.0 l/ha-1) or phosalone (1000ml ha-1). RUBBER (Hevea brasiliensis) Rubber can be grown from sea level up Category 2to an altitude of 500 m in areas of welldistributed annual rainfall of not less than 200 Budded clones of RRIM 600, GT1,RRII 5, RRIIcm and a warm, humid equatorial 203, PB 28/59, PB 217, RRII 417, RRII 422 and RRIMclimate (21 – 35ºC). The soils of main 703. Three or more of these may be plantedrubber tracts in India, confined to a narrow to cover upto 50 per cent of the total area ofbelt on the west of the Western Ghats, any estate or small holding.running parallel to it for about 400 km, aremostly laterite in nature. Well-drained Category 3alluvial and red loam soils are also suitablefor rubber cultivation. Budded clones of RRII 5, RRII 50, RRII 51, RRII 52, RRII 203, PR 255, PR 261, PB 235, PB 280,Propagation PB 311 Tjir 1, PB 86, GL1, PR 107, RRIM 605, RRIM 623, RRIM 628, RRIM 701, PB 6/9, PB 5/51, RRII (i) By clonal seeds collected from 118, RRII 208 and polyclonal seeds of approvedapproved poly-clonal seed gardens in the sources may be planted in very small scalecountry and abroad. (ii) By budded plants not to exceed 15 per cent of the total area in(iii) By tissue culture plants. aggregate. The clones may be planted as follows: NurseryCategory 1 Nurseries are maintained for raising seedlings, budded plants and bud wood. Beds Budded clone of RRII 105, RRII 414, are prepared 60-120 cm wide and ofRRII 430 and PB 260 may be planted to cover convenient length with path ways laid inonly 50 per cent of the total area of any between to facilitate manuring, watering,estate or small holding. weeding etc.
76 RUBBER Spacing in the nursery according to the iii. Polybag plants: These plants are raisedtype of planting materials is as follows: in two ways.For raising seedling stumps: (a) Raise stock seedlings in polybags and afterwards green bud them at the23 cm x 23 cm, 30 cm x 30 cm or 34 cm x 20 cm appropriate stage and transplant.For budded stumps: 30 cm x 30 cm (b) Green budded stumps are planted in polybags of appropriate size andFor stumped buddings: 60 cm x 60 cm transplanted.For bud wood nurseries: In both the cases, transplanting can be 90 cm x 90 cm or 60 cm x 120 cm done when the plants attain either 2-3 whorls or 6-7 whorls of leaves. Intensive care may be exercised in the iv. Budded stump planting: Seedlingsnursery than in the field for the rapid raised in nurseries are budded andproduction of healthy planting materials by transplanted after pruning the stem atadopting proper mulching, weeding, about 8 cm from the bud patch.manuring, pest and disease control measures. Cover cropPlanting techniques It is strongly recommended to have Rubber plantations in India are mostly ground cover crops particularly ofsituated on sloppy and undulating lands. On leguminous creepers. The most commonsuch lands and hilly areas, adequate soil cover crop used is Pueraria phaseoloidesconservation measures should invariably be and Mucuna bracteata. Since the seeds ofresorted to. cover crops often have very hard seed coats, it is advisable to have certain pre-sowing seedPlanting distance treatment such as acid treatment, hot water treatment, and abrasion treatment to obtain The planting density recommended is a high percentage of germination.450 to 500 plants per hectare. MulchingPitting and refilling This is recommended from early stage of The standard pit size recommended is plants using dry leaves, grass cutting, cover75 cm x 75 cm x 75 cm. Slight variations crop lopping etc. around the plants. Usuallymay be made depending on the nature of the November is the ideal time for mulching tosoil. While digging the pit, topsoil should be protect the plant from the adverse effect ofplaced on one side and subsoil on the other drought.side. Filling should be done with topsoil asfar as possible. Apply manure thoroughly Manuringmixed with the top 20 cm of the soil in the pit. Manuring of plants is done in threeType of planting important stages of growth namely nursery, young plants and mature trees.i. Seed-at-stake planting: Planting of seeds in situ is not found very successful in the Seedling nursery country. Apply 25 kg of compost and 4 kg of rockii. Stump planting: Seedlings raised in phosphate per 100 m2 of the nursery bed as nurseries are transplanted after prun- basal dressing. ing the stem at a height of 45 -60 cm from the collar.
RUBBERE 77Application of 2500 kg of 10:10:4:1.5 From 5th year, till tapping begins, where cover crops were grown and mulching wasN25:Pk2Og5:pKer2O1:M00gOmm2 oixftuthree per hectare (i.e. practiced during the initial years, 12:12:12 nursery bed), N:P2O5:K2O mixture may be applied @ 125 kg ha-1 during April-May and6-8 weeks after planting is recommended. September-October. To make 100 kg of the above mixture, 26 kg urea, 54 kg rockTo make 100 kg of the above mixture, use phosphate and 20 kg muriate of potash are required. Whereas, in plantation without48.5 kg ammonium sulphate (20.6 per cent cover crops and where mulching was not practiced during the initial years, 15:10:6N) or 22 kg urea (46 per cent N), 34.5 kg N:P2O5:K2O mixture may be applied @ 200 kg ha-1 during April-May andmrcooucmrkimapteehroocfisapplhomatataseghn((2e6s90i.u0pmeprsecurelnpctheKantt2eOP()12O6an5p)de, r170cekknggt September-October. Mix 33 kg urea, 50 kg rock phosphate, 10 kg muriate of potash andMgO) or 4 kg magnesite (40 per cent MgO). 7 kg filler to get 100 kg of this mixture.Use a filler to adjust the total weight of the Mature rubber under tappingmixture to 100 kg. N:P2O5:K2O (10:10:10) mixture @ 300 kg ha-1 or 900 g per tree may be applied everyBud wood multiplication nursery year as a single dose during April-May or in two splits during April-May and September-1. Incorporate 165 kg powdered (100 mesh) October. To make 100 kg of this mixture, rock phosphate per hectare i.e. 1.65 kg use 22 kg urea, 50 kg rock phosphate, 17 kg per 100 m2 of the nursery bed as a basal muriate of potash and 11 kg filler. dressing at the time of preparing the nursery bed. Instead of the above fertilizer mixture, any of the complex fertilizers of the grades2. Apply 250 g of 10:10:4:1.5 NPKMg mix- 15:15:15 or 17:17:17 or 19:19:19 N:P2O5:K2O ture, the composition of which is given may also be used. The quantities of these earlier, per plant in two equal split being 200 kg, 175 kg and 160 kg ha-1, applications for the first crop of bud wood. respectively. Ammophos (20:20) @ 150 kg The first application should be made mixed with 50 kg of muriate of potash can 2-3 months after planting the budded also be used for one hectare. For mature stumps or cutting back if budding rubber, it will be desirable to follow is carried out in situ. The second discriminatory fertilizer recommendation application should be made 8-9 months based on soil and leaf analysis. This facility after planting. is available at the Rubber Research Institute of India, Kottayam and also at the Regional3. Apply 125 g of 10:10:4:1.5 NPKMg Laboratories at Adoor, Kanjirapally, Pala, mixture, per plant in one single Muvattupuzha, Thrissur, Kozhikode and application 2-3 months after cutting back Nedumangadu . for the second and subsequent crops of bud wood from the nursery.Immature rubber trees Apply compost or FYM @ 12 kg/pit androck phosphate 200 g/pit at the time offilling the pit. From first to fourth year, 10:10:4:1.5NPKMg mixture may be applied @ 225, 450,450, 550, 550, 450 and 450 g per plant at the3rd, 9th, 15th 21st, 27th, 33rd and 39th months,respectively.
78 RUBBERNote: Plantations where rubber trees exhibit commence tapping early in the morning as magnesium deficiency symptoms late tapping reduces the exudation of latex. (interveinal yellowing of leaves during In general, budded trees are tapped on half September-October) addition of 50 kg spiral alternate daily (1/2S d/2) and seedling of commercial magnesium sulphate plants on half spiral third daily (1/2S d/3). In per hectare besides the above NPK the case of high yielding clones like RRII 105, mixture is recommended. third daily tapping frequency (1/2S d/3) has to be followed to reduce the incidence ofWeeds and weed control tapping panel dryness. The weeds commonly found in the Plant protectionrubber plantations are Chromolaenaodorata (eupatorium), Pennisetum sp., Abnormal leaf fall (Phytophthora meadii)Lantana aculeata, Mimosa pudica andImperata cylindrica. Growing ground cover Symptomscrop is the most efficient practice for weedcontrol in rubber in early stages. In rubber During south west monsoon period, theplantations, the weeds can be controlled fruits rot. Later, infected leaves fall in largeeither by manual or chemical means. number prematurely either green or after turning coppery red with a drop of latex The following weedicides are used in often coagulated in the centre of a blackrubber plantations: lesion on the petiole.Pre-emergent: Diuron ManagementPost-emergent: 2,4-D, Glyphosate Prophylactic spraying of the foliage prior to the onset of southwest monsoon with Most of the weedicides have adverse 1 per cent Bordeaux mixture (3000-4000effect on growth of cover crops. Hence l ha-1) or oil based copper oxychloride (30-40it may be used only on the platforms (plant- litres of COC-oil mixture per ha mixed ining lines). 1:5 proportion) is recommended.Harvest Powdery mildew (Oidium heveae) Hevea latex found in the latex vessels Symptomscontains 30-40 per cent rubber in the form ofparticles. Latex is obtained from the bark of Prominently noticed on newly formedthe rubber tree by tapping. tender flush during the defoliation period of January-March. Tender leaves with ashyTapping coating curl, crinkle, edges roll inwards and fall off leaving the petioles attached to the It is generally economic to begin tapping twigs giving a broom stick appearance. Inwhen 70 per cent of the trees in the selected later stages on older leaves white patchesarea attain the standard girth of 50 cm at a appear. Infected flowers and fruits shed.height of 125 cm from the bud union forbudded trees. For seedling trees, 55 cm at a Managementhfoerigshutbosfeq5u0ecnmt pfaonreBlsOi1sptahneesltaannddaartd1.00 cm For young plants, spray wettable sulphurTime and interval of tapping (0.2 per cent) or carbendazim (0.05 per cent) at fortnightly intervals. For mature trees, dust The best month to open new areas for with sulphur 3-5 rounds at weekly to fort-tapping is March. It is necessary to nightly intervals. Sulphur mixed with an inert material like talc (70:30 mixture) is generally used @ 11-13 kg per ha per round.
RUBBER 79Corynespora leaf spot disease or Bordeaux paste. In the early stages of(Corynespora cassiicola) infection, apply Bordeaux paste up to 30 cm above and below the affected region.Symptom Tridemorph (2 per cent) incorporated in 1 per cent ammoniated field latex is also The disease is prevalent in nurseries effective. Tridemorph (1 per cent) or Thiram(Nov-May) and mature plantations (0.75 per cent) in pidivyl, china clay and(Jan-May). Large spots with brown margin water mixed in the proportion 1:2:4 by volumeand pale centre are formed, which later fall is very effective for control. Thiram (0.75off forming shot holes. On mature trees, light per cent) mixed in petroleum wound-dressinggreen leaves during refoliation are more compounds like rubberkote, sopkote etc. is alsosusceptible. Defoliation and dieback of twigs effective.are also noticed. Regular inspection of trees during July toManagement September for detecting the infection is recommended. In severe cases, prune off Shading in nursery reduces incidence. and burn the dried up branches.Spraying mancozeb (0.2 per cent) orcarbendazim (0.05 per cent) or Bordeaux Bark rot (Phytophthora spp.)mixture 1 per cent is recommended. In Symptomsmature rubber, micronized spraying withoil-dispersible copper oxy chloride dispersed During rainy season, when trees arein spray oil (1:5 proportion) at light green tapped, depressions are formed in thestage of leaves is effective. In mature trees tapping panel due to localized rotting andhigh volume spraying with mancozeb 0.2 per drying of bark. Black vertical lines runningcent, carbendazim 0.05 per cent or Bordeaux downward into the tapping bark and upwardsmixture 1 per cent at 2-3 week intervals into the renewed bark are noticed. The barkduring refoliation is effective. Micron when renewed becomes highly uneven.spraying with oil dispersible mancozeb 70 per Managementcent @ 7 kg dispersed in 40l spray oil / ha isalso effective. The tapping cut and nearby bark should be washed with mancozeb (0.375 per cent)Pink disease (Corticium salmonicolor) or phosphoric acid (0.08 per cent) at weekly intervals. The rotten bark may be scrapedSymptom off and applied with fungicide and then covered with petroleum wound-dressing Trees in the age group 3-12 years are compound.highly susceptible. The seat of infection isusually at the fork region. White or pink Other diseases are patch canker, dry rot,coloured cobweb mycelial growth form on Colletotrichum leaf spot disease, bird’sthe surface of the bark with streaks of latex eyespot, shoot rot, brown rot etc.oozing out from the lesion; resulting inrotting, drying up and cracking up of the Pestsaffected bark. The distal portions of affected The pests associated with rubber are scalebranches dry and dried leaves remain onthese branches. insect, mealy bug, termite, cockchafer grub, mite, snail, rat etc. Appropriate controlManagement measures may be adopted after identifying the pest. In high disease prone areas, the highly (Source: Rubber Research Institute ofsusceptible clones can be treated as a India, Kottayam)prophylactic measure with Bordeaux mixture
80 SUGARCANESUGARCANE (Saccharum officinarum) Sugarcane grows best in the tropical cm in the row and 75 cm between the rows.regions, receiving a rainfall of 750-1200 mm. For mid-late varieties, an inter-row spacingSugarcane grows well on medium heavy soils, of 75 cm is recommended.but can also be raised on lighter soils andheavy clays, provided there is adequate Selection of settsirrigation. The soils should be well drained. Select top ends of mature, healthySeason disease free canes up to 1/3 of total length and cut into setts of three eye buds. The The normal planting season is October- seed rate is 40000-45000 setts per hectare.December. Delay in planting reduces caneyield. The planting season for semi-arid tract Seed treatmentis from October-December and in deltaicareas the ideal time is the first fortnight of For control of fungus disease like red rot,January. Planting should not be delayed dip cut ends of setts in 0.25 per cent solutionbeyond February in the plains. In hilly tracts of copper based fungicide.where sugarcane is cultivated under rainfedconditions, planting should be done after Plantingabatement of heavy rains. Plant setts end to end in the furrow, withVarieties the eye buds facing sideways and cover with soil. In the pit system, plant 2-3 setts inCo Tl 88322 (Madhuri): Resistant to red rot each pit.disease ManuringCo 92175: Suitable for drought pronesituation Apply compost or cattle manure, 10 t ha-1 or pressmud 5 t ha-1 or dolomite 500 kg ha-1Co 740: For ratooning or calcium carbonate 750 kg ha-1. In addition, the following fertilizers asCo 6907, Co 7405 and Cul 57/84 N:P2O5:K2O kg ha-1 are also recommended.(Thirumadhuram): Red rot resistant, highsugar content Pandalam and Thiruvalla areas: 165: 82.5: 82.5 (Madhuri, Thirumadhuram, Madhurima andCul 527/85 (Madhurima): Resistant to red rot, Madhumathi )tolerant to drought and waterlogging Chittoor area : 225:75:75Co 88017 (Madhumathi): Resistant to red rot,tolerant to drought and waterlogging Newly cleared forest areas : 115:75:90Preparation of land Apply organic manures such as compost/ cattle manure/pressmud as basal dose Plough the land thrice length-wise and preferably in furrows and mix well with soilbreadth-wise and level properly. Prepare before planting.furrows 25 cm deep and 75 cm apart for shortduration and 90 cm apart for medium In sugarcane tracts of Palakkad whereduration varieties. In hilly tracts, prepare pits sett treatment with Azospirillum @ 500g ha-1in rows along the contour at spacing of 30 together with soil application 5 kg ha-1 is done., sugarcane need be given only 175kg ha-1 N.
SUGARCANE 81 When Azospirillium and Phosphobacteria done to prevent lodging. At this time,at 5 kg each per ha is integrated with FYM de-trashing is to be done to prevent the10t ha–1, sugarcane need be given only possible germination of axillary buds and to75 per cent of the recommended dose of N, reduce pest infestation. Prevent lodgingaPr2eOa5sa. nd K2O (165:82.5:82.5) for deltaic either by twisting of trash or by propping. Apply lime or dolomite or calcium carbon- Weed control using herbicidesate in the field before final preparation of theland. Apply oxyflurofen at 0.61 kg ai ha–1 as pre emergent and at 60 DAP asfirsAt 4p5plydaNysanafdteKr 2pOlainntitnwgo split doses, the post-emergent application. and the second Apply metribuzen 1 kg ai ha-1 as pre90 days after planting along with earthing up. emergent application followed by one hoeing at 60 DAP while integrated weedDo not apply N beyond 100 days after management is undertaken.planting. Intercropping Apply entire dose of phosphorus as basal Under irrigated conditions, intercroppingdressing. When pressmud at 10t ha-1 is with short duration pulse crop isapplied sugarcane grown in Palakkad need recommended. In such cases, sow the pulsebe given only 50 per cent of the recommended crop on the ridges one month in advance, sodose of P as rock phosphate. that the first inter-cultivation is not hindered. As a green manure, sun hemp can also be In the black soil of Palakkad apply S at raised on the ridges.60 kg ha-1 in the form of gypsum as a soilameliorant before the final land preparation. Irrigation Among the sources of sulphur, gypsum is Irrigate the crop 8-10 times dependingfound to be beneficial in sugarcane. upon the availability of rains. In Chittoor area, more number of irrigations will beAftercultivation necessary. In early growth periods, irrigate the crop at more frequent intervals. When ratoon crop of sugarcane is trash However, avoid too much moisture andmulched @ 4t ha-1 the crop must be given water stagnation especially duringonly 100 per cent of the recommended dose germination and early growth phases.of NPK 225:75:75 against the existingrecommendation of 125 per cent. Alternate furrow with trash mulching could economise the use of irrigation water The crop should be weeded twice on to the tune of 41 per cent during the forma-45 and 90 days after planting before tive phase of spring planted sugarcane asapplication of fertilizers. First weeding is compared to all furrow irrigation with trashdone by digging on the ridges and by hand in mulching.the furrows. Care should be taken to seethat the furrows are not filled up while Plant protectiondigging so that tillering is not affected. Atthe time of second digging, the crop is Pestspartially earthed upto arrest formation of late The important pests of sugarcane foundshoots. With the commencement of the south in the state are early shoot borers, top shootwest monsoon, final earthing up should be
82 SUGARCANEborers, mealy bugs, white grubs, termites 7. Movement of seed materials fromand rats. diseased to healthy areas should be strictly quarantined.Management 8. Cultivate red rot resistant varieties. Use pest free setts for planting. 9. To control the fungal diseases, in Adhere to clean cultivation. general, dip the cut ends of setts in any of the copper based fungicide solution be- Use traps or poison baiting for fore planting.controlling rats. Other transmissible diseases like grassy Apply carbaryl 10 per cent dust in the shoot, ratoon stunting etc. can be controlledfurrows to control termites and white grubs. by heat treatment and by implementing three tier seed programme.Diseases HarvestingRed rot Harvest the crop when it is fully mature. The most characteristic symptom of the Delayed harvesting will reduce yield anddisease is the drying up of the canes, which recovery percentage.when split open will show characteristic redcolouration of the internal tissues with Ratoon managementhorizontal white patches and the typical foulsmell. The disease is mainly transmitted Normally not more than two ratoon cropsthrough infected setts and flowing water and are recommended. Stubble shaving shouldcan be checked only by prophylactic means be done with a sharp spade wherever thewhich are given below: canes are not cut close to the ground.1. Affected crop should be harvested as Gap filling early as possible to prevent loss in yield and deterioration in quality and also to Fill the gaps at the rate of one - three arrest further spread of the disease. The budded sett for every 50 cm gap or with poly crop residues should be completely burnt bag settlings for every 50cm gap. Polybag after harvesting. settlings are produced by planting single budded setts in polythene covers containing2. When infection is noticed in the field, the potting mixture and transplanted at 45-60 DAP. affected clumps should be uprooted and burnt promptly. Manuring of ratoon crop3. Infected crop should never be ratooned. Ratoon crop requires a higher dose of nitrogen than the plant crop. An extra dose4. Water should not be let into a healthy crop of 25 per cent nitrogen is recommended. from diseased areas and as far as pos- sible, the field may be kept free of stand- Manure the crop by 25th and 75th days ing water by providing drainage channels. after harvest of the previous crop. Entire quantity of phosphorus, half of nitrogen and5. In severely affected areas sugarcane potash are applied as the first dose and the should not be cultivated at least for one remaining as the second dose. The first dose season during which paddy and tapioca is incorporated into the soil by digging can be cultivated. and the second dose is applied around the clump and earthing up is done. Weeding is6. Seed setts should not be collected from also done at this time. Irrigation is given as diseased crops and from diseased areas. in plant crop.
COCONUT 83 OIL SEEDS COCONUT (Cocos nucifera) Coconut requires an equatorial climate Hybridswith high humidity. The ideal mean annualtemperature is 27ºC with 5-7º diurnal 1. Lakshaganga (Lakshadweep Ordinary xvariation. The palm does not withstand Gangabondam)prolonged spells of extreme variations. Awell-distributed rainfall of 1300-2300 mm per 2. Anandaganga (Andaman Ordinary xannum is preferred. Gangabondam) Coconut is grown in different soil types 3. Keraganga (West Coast Tall xsuch as laterite, coastal sandy, alluvial, and Gangabondam)also in reclaimed soils of the marshylowlands. It tolerates salinity and a wide 4. Kerasankara (West Coast Tall xrange of pH (from 5.0-8.0). Chowghat Orange Dwarf) The cultural practices have to be adopted 5. Chandrasankara (Chowghat Orangeto suit the varying climatic and soil conditions. Dwarf x West Coast Tall)Selection of site 6. Kerasree (West Coast Tall x Malayan Yellow Dwarf) Select sites with deep (not less than1.5 m depth) well drained soil. Avoid shallow 7. Kerasoubaghya (WCT x SSA)soils with underlying hard rock, low-lyingareas subject to water stagnation and heavy 8. Chowghat Green Dwarf x West Coast Tallclayey soils. 9. Chandralaksha (Lakshadweep Ordinary xCultivars Chowghat Orange Dwarf) 1. West Coast Tall (WCT) Tender nut variety: Chowghat Orange 2. Lakshadweep Ordinary (Chandrakalpa) Dwarf 3. Philippines Ordinary (Kerachandra) 4. Andaman Ordinary Note: 5. Java 6. Cochin China (1) Hybrids Anandaganga, Keraganga and 7. Kappadam Kerasankara are recommended for 8. Komadan general cultivation both under rainfed 9. Kerasagara and irrigated conditions.10. Kalparaksha11. Kalpadhenu (2) Other hybrids especially Chandrasankara12. Kalpaprathibha are recommended for ideal situations13. Kalpamithra and where good management practices are adopted. (3) Since the performance of Chandrasankara is markedly superior to that of WCT in root (wilt) affected areas, cultivation of Chandrasankara and Kalparaksha are preferred in such areas.
84 COCONUT(4) Chandralaksha, Lakshaganga, Collection and storage of seed nuts Chandrakalpa and Kalpadhenu are recommended for cultivation under Collect mature nuts (above 11 month old) drought prone areas. during the period from December to May. Lowering of bunches by means of ropes may(5) Kalparaksha is recommended for tender be done when the palms are tall and ground coconut. Kalpaprathibha is a dual is hard. Discard nuts, which show improper purpose variety (copra and tender development or other undesirable features. coconut). Store seeds in shade for a minimum period of 60 days prior to sowing in nursery. For(6) Kalpamithra is recommended for storing, arrange the seed nuts with the rainfed conditions. stalk-end up over an 8 cm layer of sand in a shed and cover with sand to prevent dryingSelection of mother palms of nut water. Up to five layers of nuts can be arranged one over the other. The nuts can Select mother palms having the following also be stored in plots, provided the soil ischaracters: sandy and the ground is sufficiently shaded. In the case of nuts harvested in May, heap1. Regular bearing habit and yielding not less them in partial shade, till husk is well dried than 80 nuts / annum. and then sow them in the nursery.2. Age 20 years or more (5 years after Selection and preparation of site for reaching full bearing capacity). If the nursery mother palms are the progeny of elite planting material and gives consistently Nursery sites should be well drained with higher yields for a period of not less than light textured soil and with adequate but not 6 years, seed nuts can be collected from too much shade. In open areas, provide shade such palms. There is no need for insisting during summer. Prepare beds of 1.5 m width 20 years as minimum age for mother and of convenient length with 75 cm space palms in such conditions. between beds. In areas where drainage is poor, prepare raised beds.3. More than 30 fully opened leaves with short strong petioles and wide leaf base Before planting, examine seed nuts and firmly attached to the stem. discard those without nut water and rotten kernels. Sow the nuts in the nursery after4. Bearing at least 12 bunches of nuts with commencement of southwest monsoon strong bunch stalks. during May-June.5. Bearing nuts of medium size and oblong Spacing of nuts shape. Plant the seed nuts at a spacing of 30 cm6. Husked nuts should weigh not less than (between rows) x 30 cm (between nuts) with 600 g. four or five rows per bed.7. Mean copra content of 150 g per nut or Method of planting seed nuts more. Plant the seed nuts in the beds in trenches Avoid palms which (i) have long, thin and 25-30 cm deep and cover with soil so thatpendulous inflorescence stalks (ii) producelong, narrow, small sized or barren nuts (iii)show shedding of immature nuts in largenumbers and (iv) are grown under favourableenvironmental conditions.
COCONUT 85top portion of husk alone is visible. The nuts the selection of seedlings, the storingmay be planted either horizontally with the and sowing of seed nuts should be inwidest of the segments at the top or vertically lots rather than in a staggered manner.with stalk-end up. Vertical planting ispreferable on account of convenience in Removal of seedlingstransporting and lesser risk of seedling injury. Remove seedlings from the nursery byCare and management of nursery lifting with spade and cutting the roots. Keep the seedlings in shade and do not expose to Provide protective fencing to the nursery sun. Plant seedlings as early as possible afterif it is located in open area. If the soil is sandy, removal from nursery. Never allow lifting theprovide mulching immediately after the seedlings from the soil by pulling the leavescessation of monsoon rain. Irrigate the or stem.nursery once in two days during summermonths. Keep the nursery beds free of Preparation of land and planting ofweeds by periodic weeding. If termite is seedlingsnoticed, remove soil in the affected area uptoa depth of about 15 cm and dust soil and The nature of preparation of land beforenuts with carbaryl or chlorpyrifos. Repeat if planting depends upon topography of land,attack persists. Periodically spray the plants soil type and other environmental factors. Onwith 1per cent bordeaux mixture or any other slopes and in areas of undulating terrain,copper fungicide to prevent fungal infection. prepare the land by contour terracing or bunding. In low-lying areas and rice fields,Selection of seedlings form mounds to a height of at least 1 m above water level. In reclaimed kayal areas, Remove seed nuts, which do not planting can be done on the field bunds.germinate within 6 months after sowing aswell as those with dead sprouts. Select only The size of pits for planting would dependgood quality seedlings (9-12 months old) by upon soil types and water table. In loamya rigorous selection based on the following soils with low water table, pit size of 1m xcharacteristics. 1m x 1 m is recommended. In laterite soils with underlying rock, take larger pits of1. Early germination, rapid growth and size 1.2 m x 1.2 m x 1.2 m. In sandy soils, seedling vigour. the size of pits may be 0.75 m x 0.75 m x 0.75 m. The pits may be filled up with top2. Six to eight leaves for 10-12 months old soil to a height 60 cm below the ground level. seedlings and at least four leaves for 9 In low lying lands, take shallow pits and months old seedlings. as the plant grows, raise the ground level by adding silt and sand so as to cover3. Collar girth of 10-12 cm. the entire bole of the palm. The same procedure can be adopted when planting4. Early splitting of leaves. is done on mounds or bunds. Burial of two layers of husks in the pits will be usefulNote: The recovery of quality seedlings will for moisture conservation. The husk be about 60-65 per cent. Since early germination is one of the criteria for
86 COCONUTis to be buried in layers with concave surface Spacingfacing upwards. After arranging eachlayer, sprinkle carbaryl 10 per cent dust on Spacing depends upon the plantingthe husk to prevent colonization by termites. system, soil type etc. In general, the following spacings are recommended underNote:In lateritic areas, common salt different systems in sandy and laterite soils. @ 2 kg per pit may be applied on the In lateritic gravelly soils, under rainfed pit to improve soil conditions. Common conditions of north Kerala, a closer spacing salt is to be applied about six months to accommodate 250 palms per ha is more economical. prior to planting. Table 18. Spacing for coconutPlanting system Spacing Approximate number of plants ha-1 Triangular Square 7.6 m 198 Single hedge Double hedge 7.6 m to 9 m 170-120 5 m in the rows 9 m between the rows 220 5 m x 5 m in rows 9 m between pairs of rows 280 In the hedge system of planting, the rows Shading and irrigationshould be aligned in north-south direction andthe seedlings planted as in the triangular For the first two years from planting,system. irrigate @ 45 litres of water per seedling, once in 4 days, during dry summer months.Time of planting Provide adequate shade to the transplanted seedlings. Planting the seedlings during May, withthe onset of pre-monsoon rains is ideal. Under Manuring young palmsassured irrigation, planting can be done duringApril also. In low-lying areas, plant the For the first three years after plantingseedlings in September after the cessation under rainfed conditions, apply fertilizers inof heavy rains. two split doses at the rates shown in Table 19. Fertilizer requirement of adult palms is given in Table 20.Table 19. Fertilizer requirement of young palms in relation to that of adult palmsTime after planting Time of application April-June Sept-Oct. (Proportion of adults palm dose)3 months (1/10th of full dose) 1/9 1/101 year (1/3rd of full dose) 2/9 2/92 year (2/3rd of full dose) 4/93 year onwards (full dose) 3/9 6/9
COCONUT 87Note: Under irrigated conditions, the 1. Husk burial for moisture conservation fertilizers can be applied in 3-4 equal split doses. In the case of low lying Burying of fresh or dried coconut husk areas, apply fertilizer after water table around the palm is a desirable practice recedes in one single dose or in two particularly for moisture retention. The husk split doses as conditions permit. In all can be buried either in linear trenches taken types of soils that are low in organic 3 m away from the trunk between rows of matter content (except reclaimed palms or in circular trenches taken around clayey soils and alluvial soils), apply the palm at a distance of 2 m from the trunk. organic matter @ of 15-25 kg per The trenches may be of 0.5 m width and palm per year during June-July from depth. The husks are to be placed in layers the second year of planting. with concave surface facing upwards and covered with soil. The beneficial effect ofWeeding and interculture husk burial will last for about 5-7 years. Instead of husk, coir pith can be buried Keep the pits free of weeds by periodical @ 25 kg per palm per year.weeding. Remove the soil covering the collarof seedlings. As the seedlings grow fill up 2. Mulchingthe pits gradually by cutting the sides. Properintercultivation provides control of weeds and Mulching is an effective method ofcreates soil mulch. Any tillage system conserving soil moisture. Mulch the coconut(ploughing, digging, raking or forming basins with green / dry leaves at the close ofmounds) that provides soil mulch and control northeast monsoon (October-November).weeds may be followed depending upon local Mulching also adds organic matter to the soilconditions. For laterite, sandy and red sandy and reduces the soil temperature. Do notloam soils give two ploughings or diggings in disturb soil in the coconut garden duringMay-June and September-October and one summer months. In level lands, during rainyraking in January. In areas where surface seasons excess water may be conserved inrun off is more, form mounds in September- small trenches dug out in the plantation. InOctober and level them in November- sloppy areas, land may be terraced andDecember. trenches dug across. This will facilitate maximum percolation of rainwater andDrought management in coconut water conservation. For moisturegardens conservation, lowermost 3-5 leaves may be cut and removed. Provide adequate shade Coconut produces nuts round the year. for the transplanted seedlings for 1-2 years.Therefore, adequate supply of water is To minimize the sun scorch on the srunk,essential for its proper growth. Soil moisture application of lime solution on the trunk up tois essential for the absorption of nutrients by a height of 2-3 m at the start of the summerroots. Moisture stress leads to stunted season is recommended.growth, drooping of leaves, immature nut falland decreased yield. Importance may be 3. Green manure and cover cropsgiven on the following aspects so as to wardoff stress: Green manure and cover crops recommended for cultivation in coconut gardens are: (a) Green manure crops: Crotalaria juncea (sunhemp), Tephrosia purpurea (kolinji),
88 COCONUT Indigofera hirsuta, Pueraria Sow green manure and cover crop seeds phaseoloides. during April-May with the onset of pre- monsoon rains. The green manure crops(b)Cover crops: Calapagonium muconoides, should be ploughed in and incorporated into Mimosa invisa, Stylosanthes gracilis the soil during August-September. This will increase the water holding capacity of soil.(c) Shade-cum-green manure shrub: Calapagonium can be grown either as green Tephrosia candida manure or cover crop. Tephrosia is especially suited for planting around seedling Sow cowpea seeds more towards the pits for summer shade and as a source ofperiphery of basins taken at a radius of 2.0m green manure in the rainy season.from the base of the palm for green manureduring April-May with the onset of pre- Manuring of adult palmsmonsoon rains. When a few plants startflowering, uproot the entire plants and The nutrient dosages recommended forincorporate into the soil during August- adult palms are given in Table 20.September and cover the basins with soil.Table 20. Fertilizer recommendation for coconut Quantity,kg/palm/annum K2O N P2O51 General recommendation 0.34 0.17 0.68 (a) Average management 0.50 0.32 1.20 (b) Good management 0.25 0.35 0.902 For reclaimed clayey soils ( as in Kuttanad) 0.68 0.23 0.903 Red loam soils (southern Kerala) 1.00 0.50 2.00 0.50 0.32 1.204 Hybrids & high yielding palms (a) For irrigated areas (b) For rainfed conditions1. Under irrigated conditions, fertilizers can 4. In situations where the available P2O5 be applied in 3-4 equal split doses. status of the soil is more than 10 ppm, application of phosphatic fertilizers can2. In the case of low-lying areas, apply be skipped for a few years until the status fertilizers in one single dose after water of P2O5 reaches 10 ppm. table recedes or in two split doses as conditions permit. 5. For sandy and sandy loams of Onattukara and similar situations and also for hybrid3. The application of organic materials such palms grown in root (wilt) affected areas, as forest leaves, cattle manure, coir dust apply 500 g N + 300 g P2O5 + 1000 g or coconut shredding at 10 kg per pit in K2O along with 500 g MgSO4 per palm the first three years and 15-25 kg per year. thereafter will be useful to obtain better establishment of coconut palms in sandy soils and in coastal situations.
COCONUT 896. Application of MgSO4 to coconut palms Recycling of palm waste earlier confined to root wilt affected areas is recommended for the whole state Recycling of palm waste is very much (adhoc recommendation). beneficial especially for maintaining the availability status of micronutrients and trace7. The N:P2O5:K2O recommendation given elements. Palm wastes like coconut leaves, for high yielding palms is, in general, crown waste, dried spathes, husk etc. may sufficient for palms yielding upto 100 nuts be deposited in a small trench of convenient per year. For palms yielding more than length, 0.5 m to 0.75 m wide and 0.3 to 100 nuts per year, an additional dose of 0.5 m deep at a distance of 2-2.5 m away 10 g N, 5 g P2O5 and 15 g K2O may be from the base of the trunk. Fill up this trench supplied for every nut exceeding 100 nuts with the palm wastes along one side of the (adhoc recommendation). palm (north) in one year, opposite side (south) in the next year, east in the third year and so8. In laterite soils, 50 per cent of the K2O on. This practice of organic recycling of requirement of coconut can be substituted waste has been found to improve the growth by Na2O supplied in the form of sodium and productivity of the palms. chloride. Intercropping and mixed croppingTime, frequency and method of fertilizerapplication Schedules for inter/mixed cropping may be drawn up based on the canopy size, age Under rainfed conditions, apply fertilizers and spacing of palms. In general, palms inin two split doses, 1/3 at the time of early the age group of 8-25 years are not suitablesouthwest monsoon showers in April-June for inter and mixed cropping. However,and 2/3 in September-October. cereals and tapioca are recommended as intercrops in young coconut plantation Under irrigated conditions, apply fertilizers upto 3-4 years. Since ginger and turmericin three or four equal doses in April-May, are shade tolerant crops with shallow roots,August-September, December and they can be intercropped in coconut gardenFebruary-March. even in the age group of 15-25 years. It ensures better land utilization, solar energy Apply lime or dolomite during April-May, harvesting, efficient water use, utilization ofmagnesium sulphate during August- soil nutrient resources, more returns and anSeptember and organic matter during June- insurance against crop failure. UnderJuly. For an adult palm 1.0 kg dolomite or conditions of wider spacing i.e. beyond1.0 kg lime + 0.5 kg MgSO4 is required per 7.6 m, intercropping is possible irrespectiveannum. of the age of the palms. Apply fertilizers and manures in circular The following crops are recommended asbasins at a radius of 2.0 m from the base of intercrops.the palm and 10 cm deep, opened after theonset of southwest monsoon. Split doses can Cereals: Rice, maizebe applied with irrigation water in summermonths. Legumes and pulses: Groundnut, horse gram, cowpea.
90 COCONUT Tubers: Tapioca, sweet potato, yams, 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm spacing of 2m. Thecolocasia casuarina poles will be ready for felling/ harvesting within 5-6 years of planting. Spices and condiments: Ginger, turmeric,chilly, pepper, nutmeg, cinnamon, clove Crop cafeteria for multiple cropping in coconut garden Fruit plants: Banana, pineapple, papaya.(Banana variety Palayankodan is Perennials: Cocoa, nutmeg, pepper, clove,recommended in the reclaimed soils of lemongrass and cinnamon.Kuttanad. Three suckers per clump have tobe retained). Annuals: Beverage crop: Cocoa (a) Kharif: Rice, maize, groundnut, ginger, turmeric, chilli, yams, colocasia, red gram, Fodder grasses: Hybrid Napier, guinea vegetables, sweet potato, tapioca, banana,grass pineapple, papaya and fodder grass. In all cases, separate application of (b) Rabi: Sesame, horse gram, red gram,adequate fertilizers and manures to the vegetables, cowpea, sweet potato andindividual crop is essential. banana. Casuarina (Casuarina equisetifolia) (c) Summer: Vegetablesmay be planted as single row intercrop,between rows of coconut during the first year Irrigationof planting coconut seedlings in pits of size Irrigate the palms during summer months in basins around palms as shown below: Table 21. Irrigation requirement of coconutParameters Sandy Soil texture Silty clay Sandy loam LoamAvailable soil moisture (cm/m) 8 12 17 21 1300 1600Quantity of water / irrigation / 600 900palm in litres in a basin of 7-8 91.8 m radius 5-6 6-7 Frequency of irrigation (days)All areas in Kerala except north 3-4 5eastern portion of Thrissur andPalakkad districtsNorth eastern portion of 2-3 ‘3-4Thrissur and Palakkad districtsNote: In coastal sandy soils, seawater can palms. Hence, when once started, irrigationbe used for irrigation. In irrigated gardens, should be continued regularly andinterruption of irrigation would lead to serious systematically. In sandy loam soil, irrigatingset back in yield and general condition of the crop with 500 litres of water through basin
COCONUT 91taken at 1.5 m radius at CPE value of 50 3. Small crown and canopy compared to thatmm (approximate interval of 15 days) is most of tall palm.economical. Do not irrigate seedlings andvery young palms with seawater. 4. Narrow stem without any bulging at the base with close leaf scars.Drip irrigation Hybridization In the traditional system of irrigationfollowed in coconut gardens such as flood 1. Use mixed pollen from identified tallirrigation, basin irrigation etc. irrigation palms.efficiency is only 30 to 50 per cent due toconsiderable wastage of water. In addition, 2. Emasculate the inflorescence by cuttingcost on inputs like labour and energy in the male flowers with scissors andadopting these systems are high. Scarcity of stripping if necessary within 5-7 days ofwater and increasing cost of labour and opening the spathe.energy are deterrents in adopting thesetraditional irrigation systems. Under these 3. Cloth bags made of very close mesh shouldcircumstances, drip irrigation is the most be used for covering the inflorescence.suitable system of irrigation to coconut. Someof the major advantages of drip irrigation are: 4. Hairy caterpillar larvae cause seriousit saves water, enhances plant growth and damage by boring into the female flowersyield, saves energy and labour, most suited and developing buttons through stigmaticfor soils having low water holding capacity ends. The damage is more serious underand undulating terrain, reduces weed growth bagged conditions. Spraying 0.15 per centand improves efficiency of fertilizers. For carbaryl suspension mixed with 1 per centcoconut, generally, three to four drippers are fish oil soap or sandovit ensures protectiongiven per palm. The water requirement for from the larvae. Spraying may be donean adult palm is 40 to 50 litres per day. prior to pre-pollination bagging.D x T hybrid production 5. Dusting of pollen-talc mixture in 1:9 proportion using pollen dispensers is The following guidelines are suggested for recommended.large scale production of D x T hybridseedlings.Assisted pollination should be done 6. Assisted pollination for at least 3-5 daysto get maximum hybrid nut production. As on each inflorescence till last femalefar as possible use prepotent palms as parents flower becomes receptive and fullyin the hybridization programmes. pollinated.Selection of mother palms 7. Remove bags after the seventh day of pollination of the last female flower. Palms with the following phenotypiccharacter combination may be selected for Nurseryhybridization work. The nuts should be harvested before it is1. Nuts without ridges and having yellow, tree-ripe and sown immediately in the bed orange or red colour. without storage. Nursery beds should be mulched or shaded and watered regularly2. Palms with overlapping female and male and adequately. phases. Button shedding The shedding of buttons in the coconut is attributed to the following reasons.
92 COCONUT1. Pathological conditions the onset of south-west monsoon and during September-October after the2. Attack of insect pests south-west monsoon.3. Nutritional deficiencies (b) Naphthalene balls 12.0 g (approx.4. Soil and climatic variations 4 nos.) in the innermost 2 leaf axils and covered with fine sand, once in5. Defects in pollination and fertilization 45 days.6. Structural defects in the flower (c) Incorporation of Clerodendron infortunatum @ 10 per cent w/w7. Abortion of embryos basis in the cowdung pit and/or manure pits8. Limited capacity of the tree to bear fruits 4. Treat manure pits and other possible9. Unfavourable conditions such as deficit breeding sites with 0.01 per cent carbaryl of moisture, waterlogging and lack of on w/w basis. Treatment will have to be aeration. repeated every three months. The causes of button shedding may be 5. Release Baculovirus oryctes infectedidentified and appropriate remedial measures adults @ 10-15 ha-1 to bring down theadopted. pest population.Plant protection 6. Inoculation of breeding sites with entomopathogenic fungus MetarrhiziumPests anisopliae (@ 5 x 1011 spores / m3) var major causes mortality to the grubs. Rhinoceros beetle (Oryctes rhinoceros) Red palm weevilSymptoms (Rhyncophorus ferrugineus) The adult beetle bores into the unopened Symptomsfronds and spathes. The attacked frond whenfully opened shows characteristic triangular The diagnostic symptoms are thecuts. presence of holes on the stem, oozing out of a viscous brown fluid and extrusion ofManagement chewed up fibrous matter through the hole, longitudinal splitting of leaf base and wilting1. Provide field sanitation to prevent of central shoot. Sometimes the gnawing breeding of beetles. sound produced by the feeding grubs inside will also be audible.2. Hook out the beetles from the attacked palms by using beetle hook. Management3 The topmost three leaf axils around the 1. Field sanitation should be given prime spindle may be filled with any of the importance. following mixtures as a prophylactic measure: (a) Application of 250g neem cake or marotti (Hydnocarpus wightina) cake mixed with equal volume of sand in the innermost 2-3 leaf axils. This treatment is to be done twice, ie, during April-May before
COCONUT 932. Avoid making steps or any other injury on Management the tree trunks to reduce the loci of infestation. 1. As a prophylactic measure, the first affected leaves may be cut and burnt3. Leaf axil filling as suggested in the case during the beginning of the summer of rhinoceros beetle will be useful against season. the red palm weevil also. 2. Arrange for the release of larval / pupal4. When green leaves are cut from the palms, parasitoids, Goniozus nephantidis, stumps of not less than 120 cm may be Elasmus nephantidis (brown species) left on the trees in order to prevent and Brachymeria nosatoi. successful inward movement of the grubs through the cut end. 3. Trunk release of G.nephantidis @ 10 nos/plam (4 to 6 releases) is effective for5. In attacked palms, observe for the bore- the management of leaf eating caterpillar. holes and seal them except the top most one. Through the top most hole, pour 4. When infestation is very severe and if the 1 per cent carbaryl or 0.15 per cent biocontrol is not likely to be effective, trichlorphon suspension @ one litre per spray the undersurface of the fronds with palm, using a funnel. dichlorvos 0.05 per cent, malathion 0.1 per cent, quinalphos 0.05 per cent, or6. When the pest infestation is through the phosalone 0.07 per cent. crown, clean the crown and slowly pour the insecticidal suspension. Note: Application of the insecticides should be followed by liberation of larval and7. As an alternative, apply 1 per cent DDVP pupal parasites from the 21st day. as a curative measure. Cockchafer beetle8. Coconut log traps with fermenting toddy (Leucopholis coneophora) or pineapple or sugarcane activated with yeast or molasses can be set in coconut Symptoms plantation to attract and trap the free floating population of red palm weevil. The soil inhabiting white grubs cause Incorporate any of the insecticide to each damage to the roots of coconut palm. The trap to kill the weevils trapped. attack is common in sandy tracts. The infested palms turn pale yellow and there will9. Use of pheromone trap for attracting and be considerable reduction in yield. killing adult weevils @ one trap per 2 ha. ManagementLeaf eating caterpillar (Opisina arenosella)Symptoms 1. Collection and destruction of adults during the monsoon period from adjacent The caterpillar feeds on green matter vegetation (in the evening).from the lower leaf surface, remaining withingalleries of silk and frass. The attack will be 2. Plough or dig the infested soil synchro-severe during summer months from January- nizing with pre-monsoon showers.May. 3. Drench the soil with chlorpyrifos 0.04 per cent suspension. The treatment should be given twice, first duringApril-May after the receipt of pre-monsoon showers and second during the month of September.
94 COCONUTNote: Wherever possible, light traps may be Management set up to attract and trap adult beetles. 1. Collect and destroy all the fallen buttonsCoreid bug (Paradasynus rostratus) of the affected palm.Symptoms 2. Apply 2 per cent neem oil + garlic emulsion or commercial neem formulation The attacked buttons become deformed azadirachtin 0.004 per cent (Neemazal T/with characteristic crevices on the husk S 1 per cent @ 4 ml per litre of water) orbelow the perianth with gum exudations and micronized wettable sulphur 0.4 per centthe tender nuts become barren. in the crown on young bunches. When rocker sprayer is used 1.0 to 1.5 litres ofManagement spray fluid per palm is required. If a hand sprayer is used, the spray solution Apply 0.1 per cent carbaryl on the newly required may be about 500 to 750 ml.opened inflorescence after the receptive Spraying has to be done on second tophase of the female flowers and spray the seventh bunches from top avoidingentire crown excluding the leaves and older unpollinated inflorescence. Care shouldbunches. be taken to see that spray fluid reaches the perianth region of third, fourth andNote: The insecticide may be applied fifth bunches since these bunches harbouraccording to the severity of infection in a maximum number of mites. Three roundsneed-based manner. of spraying are recommended in a year viz., March-April before the onset ofCoconut eriophyid mite southwest monsoon, in August-September(Aceria [Eriophyes] guerreronis) during the dry spell between the southwest and northeast monsoons and Coconut eriophyid mite, a recently in December-January after the northeastintroduced pest is spreading at an alarming monsoon so that all the emerging bunchesrate in Kerala. It is a microscopic worm like in the vulnerable stage receive one roundmite infesting young buttons colonizing under of spraying. Rational rotation of the abovethe perianth. pesticides may be adopted to avoid chances of resistance.Symptoms Preparation of neem oil + garlic emulsion The earliest symptoms on 2-3 months old (2 per cent)button is pale yellow triangular patches seenbelow the perianth. Later, these patches To prepare 10 litres of 2 per cent neembecome brown. Severely affected buttons oil + garlic emulsion, 200 ml neem oil, 200 gmay fall. As the buttons grow, brown patches garlic and 50 g ordinary bar soap are required.lead to black necrotic lesions with longitudinal Slice the bar soap and dissolve in 500 mlfissures on the husk. Uneven growth results lukewarm water. Grind 200 g of garlic andin distortion and stunting of nuts leading to take the extract in 300 ml of water. Pour thereduction in copra yield. In severe cases, the 500 ml soap solution in 200 ml neem oil slowlylosses are compounded because the quality and stir vigorously to get a good emulsion.of fibre is reduced and distorted nuts increase Mix the garlic extract in the neem oil + soapthe labour requirements for dehusking. emulsion. Dilute this 1 litre stock solution by
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