Thursday 27 November 2008

CROP HUSBANDRY-MANGO CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA






MANGO (Mangifera indica)
Mango is adaptable to a wide range of climate and soil conditions and grows well from sea level up to about 1500 m above mean sea level. It withstands both fairly dry conditions and heavy rainfall.

Varieties
Alphonso, Kalapady, Neelum, Mundappa, Pairi, Benishan, Alampur Benishan, Mulgoa, Suvarnarekha.

Hybrids
Hybrid No.45 (Bennet Alphonso x Himayuddin), Hybrid No.87 (Kalapady x Alampur Benishan), Hybrid No.151 (Kalapady x Neelum)

Season
Plant one year old grafts with the onset of monsoon showers so that they get established before the rains. If rainfall is heavy, planting should be done during August-September.

Vegetative propagation
Stone grafting is successful in mango. August is ideal for the operation. Select four month old scion materials. Defoliation of scion shoots 10 days prior to grafting is beneficial. Grafting of 8 cm long scion on rootstocks at a height of 6 to 8 cm is most successful. The dieback disease of grafts caused by Colletotrichum can be controlled by spraying 1% Bordeaux mixture.

Planting
Select good grafts for planting. Planting can be done according to the square system or hexagonal system. Prepare pits of size 1 x 1 x 1 m at a spacing of 9 m one month before planting and allow to weather. Refill pits with mixture of topsoil and 10 kg of compost or FYM per pit to a level higher than the adjoining ground. Plant the grafts at the same depths as they were in the containers, preferably in the late evening. Deep planting results in poor growth of the plant. Ensure that the graft joint is above the soil level. Tie the plants to stakes to prevent snapping at the graft joints.

Manuring
Apply FYM/compost and fertilizers at the rate indicated below:


(Age of plant)


(FYM kg/Plant/Year)



(N:P2O5:K2O)
(g/plant/year)

1st year

10


20:18:50

2nd year


15


50:27:75

3-5 years

25


100:36:100

6-7 years


40


250:172:200

8-10 years


50


400:144:400

0ver 10 years

75


500:360:750

Green leaves (25 kg/plant) and wood ash (10-15 kg/plant) may be applied additionally. Apply organic manures in May-June with the onset of monsoon. Apply the fertilizers in one dose during May-June until bearing stage and thereafter in two equal split doses, the first during May-June and the second during August-September. Apply manures and fertilizers in trenches 30 cm deep taken at a distance of 2.5 to 3 m from the base of the tree.

After cultivation
Irrigate twice a week during summer months till the plants are 4-5 years old. Grow vegetables, horse gram, black gram, pineapple and banana as intercrops in young orchards. Carry out intercultural operations by ploughing or digging twice during the year in June and October. For reducing fruit drop and to improve productivity, NAA at 10-30 ppm concentration may be sprayed to the entire inflorescence at the pea stage in the second week after fruit set.

Plant protection
The important pests of mango are hoppers, stem borers, shoot midges, leaf feeding insects, fruit flies and psyllids. The common diseases are the powdery mildew, anthracnose and dieback. To control mango hopper, spray carbaryl 0.1% or malathion 0.1% at the time of flowering. To control mango stem borer, apply paste made of crude carbolic acid (130 ml), soft soap (1 kg) and hot water (3.7 litres) to holes in the bark and plug the holes. Alternatively, inject aluminium phosphide tablets into the burrows after chiselling the opening and widening the burrows with an auger. To control fruit fly, spray malathion 0.1% emulsion / suspension containing 2% sugar. Collect and destroy attacked fruits that rot and drop down. Fruit flies can be effectively managed by keeping Ocimum trap @ 4 / tree and a bait spray of 0.1% malathion with 2% sugar at monthly intervals from initial fruit set up to harvest. To control the leaf feeding insects, apply carbaryl 0.1%. To control shoot midge, which causes the drying of tender shoots, apply carbaryl 0.1% or dimethoate 0.05%. Apply wettable sulphur for the control of powdery mildew and anthracnose. To control dieback of twigs and branches, cut the affected twigs below the infected region and apply Bordeaux paste to the cut ends.

CROP HUSBANDRY-MANDARIN ORANGE CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA




MANDARIN ORANGE (Citrus reticulata)
Mandarin orange is a subtropical fruit growing in the high ranges of Kerala. It requires deep soil rich in humus. The crop cannot withstand waterlogging. It is grown in regions having good drainage.

Preparation of land
Dig pits of size 70 x 60 x 70 cm at a spacing of 7-8 m at least one month in advance of planting.

Planting material
Use seedlings and budded plants for planting. For raising seedlings, extract seeds from selected fruits by squeezing. Wash the seeds free of pulp and dry them. Make seedbeds 1.5 m long, 1 m wide and 15 cm high. Sow the seeds giving a spacing of 13 cm in a row and 3 cm between the rows. Thin the seedlings if necessary or plant selected seedlings in secondary nursery. For budding, use rough lemon (jamber) seedlings as rootstock. Raise the rootstock seedlings in a nursery and when they are 18-24 months old, budding may be done by the inverted "T" method. The best time for budding is from July to September. A month after insertion, lop off the vegetative growth of the seedling above the bud joint completely. The budded plants are ready for planting in 6-12 months.

Time and method for planting

Planting is done during July-August. Lift the plants carefully with a ball of earth around the roots and plant them carefully without disturbing the roots. While planting, remove the bandage around the bud joint and keep the bud joint at least 10-15 cm above soil surface. Remove the vegetative growth arising below the bud union periodically.

Manuring


The manuring schedule recommended is given below.


(Time after Planting)

(FYM)

(kg/plant)


(N:P2O5:K2O)

(g/plant/year)

1st year

2


40:20:25

2nd year

4


80:35:50

3rd year

6


160:75:100

4th year

8


300:100:150

5th year

10


600:175:300

6th year


10


800:275:750

7th year onwards


10


800:275:1000

Apply organic manure in May and fertilizers in two equal split doses during June-July and in September-October. In addition to the above manures and fertilizers, spray micronutrients such as zinc sulphate: 500 g, copper sulphate: 500 g, manganese sulphate: 300 g and lime: 500 g in 100 litres of water per ha twice in a year during March and October-November.

Aftercultivation

Give a light digging or ploughing when the rains start.

Pruning
In the early stages, give some formative pruning to establish a strong framework. Remove all shoots arising from rootstock below the bud union. Remove dead branches and smear the cut ends with Bordeaux paste. Do not prune the roots.

Intercropping
Crops like coffee, cardamom, banana and pineapple can be planted as intercrops depending on soil fertility status.

Plant protection
For controlling citrus butterfly, hand picking of caterpillars and spraying with a contact insecticide are to be done.

To control stem borer incidence, chip off the affected new shoots and spray 0.2% carbaryl suspension once in three months. If borer tunnels have already been formed, inject 1% dichlorvos into the tunnels. To control aphids apply dimethoate 0.05% or monocrotophos 0.05%.

Stem borers (Chelidonium sp., Chloridolum sp. and Nupserha sp.) cause withering of branches. Gum exudes from holes on stems and branches. Accumulation of wood dust on ground around the base is another symptom of borer damage.

Cutting and burning of the affected branches, injecting petrol or suspensions of carbaryl 1% using syringe and painting the stem with carbaryl 0.3% suspension during May are recommended against the borers.

Among diseases, dieback, root and collar rot are important. Periodical removal of dried twigs and application of Bordeaux paste on cut ends and application of Bordeaux mixture can control dieback disease.

Against root and collar rot, removal of soil from the base of the trunk, scraping of the dead bark and application of lime-sulphur have to be done. As an alternative, smear Bordeaux paste over the treated roots and stem. Exposing the main roots to a depth of about 30 cm is also advised.

Tuesday 25 November 2008

CROP HUSBANDRY-JACK(CHAKKAPLAV) CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA






JACK (Artocarpus heterophyllus)Jack comes up well in humid regions up to an elevation of 1000 m. Soil should be deep and well drained. Any rise in water table or poor aeration of the soil is detrimental to the crop.

Varieties / types
Jackfruit differs in size, shape and quality. The jackfruit may be classified into two groups: (i) soft fleshed and (ii) firm fleshed. The firm fleshed type is highly tasty, sweet and crisp. The two groups are further classified depending on the taste, size of fruit, odour of flesh, nature, shape and diversity of prickles on the rind.

Two distinct types with desirable qualities recommended for Kerala are:
1. Muttom varikka which is a firm fleshed, sweet scented variety.
2. Singapore or Srilanka jack which is an introduced variety from Srilanka. It bears fruits in 3 years after planting and is extremely precocious in habit. The fruits are more or less the same size as the common jackfruit. A tree may yield as many as 250 fruits.

Planting materials

Use seedlings or grafts for planting. For grafting, raise seedlings in polythene bags and when they are 9-12 months old do inarching. One month after grafting, behead the rootstock above the graft joint.

Epicotyl grafting can be undertaken successfully in jack. Three to four month old, 10 cm long scions are grafted on five-day old rootstocks in polythene bags by the cleft method during the month of June and kept under moist conditions. The scions should be pre-cured 10 days before grafting by clipping the leaf blades and keeping the petioles intact on the twig. The graft union is complete by 80 days after grafting operations.

Season

Plant seedlings or one year old grafts at the onset of monsoon showers.

Planting

Prepare pits of size 60 x 60 x 60 cm at a spacing of 12-15 m. Refill pits with mixture of topsoil and 10 kg compost or FYM per pit to a level higher than the adjoining ground. Plant the grafts in the same depth as they were in the containers, preferably in the late evening. Deep planting results in poor growth of the graft. Ensure that the graft joint is above the soil level. Stake the plants to prevent snapping at the graft joints. Excellent drainage and adequate watering result in better performance. At no stage it should be exposed to drought or frost. It is useful to provide some protection, especially to young trees. Jack is rarely manured. Even without fertilizer application, the jack trees come up well under Kerala conditions.

Harvesting

The seedling plants generally bear after eight years and the grafted plants after three years of planting. The fruiting season lasts about four months from January-February to May-June. The average yield from one tree is about 50-100 fruits per year.

Plant protection
The important pests of jack are shoot borer caterpillar, mealy bug and jack scale.
1. To control shoot borer caterpillars spray with any contact insecticide.
2. To control jack scale apply contact insecticide.
3. To control mealy bug, spray contact insecticides like lime sulphur or dust sulphur.
The common diseases that attack the tree are the pink disease, stem rot and fruit rot. Pruning of affected plants and protecting the cut-ends with Bordeaux paste are recommended against these diseases.

CROP HUSBANDRY-INDIAN GOOSEBERRY(NELLIKKA)CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA






INDIAN GOOSEBERRY (Phyllanthus emblica)Gooseberry (nelli) is quite hardy and can be grown with little care in all types of soil except very sandy type. It prefers a warm dry climate and is found in the dry deciduous forests of Kerala.

Varieties


Much genetic variability exists in this species. However, a high yielding larger fruited variety was located from the rain shadow region of the Western Ghats and popularized as "Chambakad Large". Other varieties are Banarasi, Krishna and Kanchan.

Cultivation

Nelli is usually propagated by seeds and vegetatively by wedge grafting. The seeds are enclosed in a hard seed coat, which renders the germination difficult. The seeds can be extracted by keeping fully ripe fruits in the sun on a flat rock for about 2-3 days till they split open releasing the seeds. The seeds can be directly sown. Gooseberry can be vegetatively propagated through root suckers.

One year old seedlings can be planted in the field during rainy season at a spacing of 8 x 8 m. It can be planted as windbreak around the orchard.

No serious pests or diseases are generally found in this crop.

Harvesting

Planted seedlings will commence bearing from the 10th year. The vegetative growth of the tree continues from April to July. Along with the new growth in the spring, flowering also commences. Fruits will mature by January-February. Yield ranges between 30-50 kg per tree per year when full grown.

CROP HUSBANDRY-GUAVA CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA






GUAVA (Psidium guajava)Guava thrives well in places receiving medium rainfall not exceeding 100 cm. In heavy rainfall areas, plants grow luxuriantly, but the quality of the fruits is found to be very poor and insipid. It grows well on any type of soil. Red sandy loam soil with good drainage is most ideal for commercial cultivation of guava.

VarietiesAllahabad Safeda, Sardar (Lucknow-49), Red Fleshed, Apple Coloured and Pear Shaped

Planting material
Seed propagation is not practised because of high degree of variation among the progenies. Air layering is widely adopted for propagation of selected varieties. Layers strike roots within 3-5 weeks. When the roots grow through the ball of moss, the stem may be severed below the girdled area in stages. The polythene film is removed from the finally severed rooted stem, which is then potted and kept in the shade until new leaves appear. When the new flushes are produced, the plant can be hardened in full sunlight preparatory to transplanting in the field.

PlantingPits of one metre cube are made 6 m apart. Fill the pits with topsoil, sand and cowdung. Layers are planted in the centre of the pit. Staking of plants is also done, if necessary. After planting, mulching with dry leaves should be done to conserve moisture. June-July is the ideal time for planting the layers and seedlings. Plants should be irrigated in summer. Square system of planting facilitates easy orchard operations. Guava can be grown as an intercrop in coconut gardens.

Manuring
A fully grown-up bearing plant should be manured with about 80 kg of FYM, 200 g N, 80 g P2O5 and 260 g K2O. These may be applied in two or three split doses when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.

YieldGuava starts bearing from 3-4 years after planting. About 500-800 fruits per year can be obtained from a 10 year old tree.

Plant protection
Fruit rot disease
This is a serious disease of guava especially during rainy seasons. The symptoms are manifested as development of dark brown circular spots at the blossom end of the immature green fruits. Application of zineb (0.2%) or aureofungin (10 ppm) as monthly sprays during June to October can control the disease.

Guava wiltIn affected trees, the branches wither and die one after another and in a few weeks or months the tree, which seemed entirely healthy will be dead. It is better to remove such trees as soon as the symptoms are identified to prevent the spread of the disease.

Fruit flyThis is a serious pest of guava. The insect affects the fruit when it matures. The infested fruits show depression with dark green punctures. As a precautionary measure, the crop should be sprayed just before fruit maturity with carbaryl (0.1%) or dimethoate (0.1%).

CROP HUSBANDRY-BANANA CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA






BANANA (Musa spp.)
Banana prefers tropical humid lowlands and is grown from the sea level to 1000 m above MSL. It can also be grown at elevations up to 1200 m, but at higher elevations growth is poor. Optimum temperature is 27ºC. Soils with good fertility and assured supply of moisture are best suited.

Season

Rain fed crop: April-May
Irrigated crop: August-September

Adjust planting season depending upon local conditions. Avoid periods of heavy monsoon and severe summer for planting. Adjust the time of planting so as to avoid high temperature and drought at the time of emergence of bunches (7-8 months after planting).

Varieties


Nendran (Clones): Nedunendran, Zanzibar, Chengalikodan

Table varieties: Monsmarie, Robusta, Giant Governor, Dwarf Cavendish, Chenkadali, Poovan, Palayankodan, Njalipoovan, Amritsagar, Grosmichael, Karpooravally, Poomkalli, Koompillakannan, Chinali Dudhsagar), BRS-1 and BRS-2

Culinary varieties: Monthan, Batheesa, Kanchekela, Nendrapadathy

Njalipoovan, Robusta, BRS-1 and BRS-2 are particularly suitable for intercropping in coconut gardens both under rainfed and irrigated conditions Dudhsagar is highly resistant to major pests and diseases. The variety Boldles Altafort is recommended for high range region (ad hoc).

Preparation of land

Prepare the field by ploughing or digging and dig pits for planting. Size of pits depends upon soil type, water table and variety. In general, pit size of 50 x 50 x 50 cm is recommended. In low-lying areas, take mounds for planting suckers.

Selection of suckers
Select 3-4 month old disease free sword suckers from healthy clumps. In the case of Nendran variety, cut back pseudostem to a length of 15-20 cm from corm and remove old roots. The rhizomes are to be smeared with cowdung solution and ash and dried in the sun for about 3-4 days and stored in shade up to 15 days before planting.

Spacing

Spacing may be provided as indicated below:

Variety

(Spacing,in m)

(Suckers/ha)

Poovan 2.1 x 2.1
2260

Chenkadali 2.1 x 2.1
2260

Palayankodan 2.1 x 2.1
2260

Monthan 2.1 x 2.1
2260

Nendran 2.0 x 2.0
2500

Grosmichael 2.4 x 2.4
1730

Robusta, Monsmarie,
Dwarf Cavandish

2.4 x 1.8
2310


PlantingPlant suckers upright in the centre of pits with 5 cm pseudostem remaining above soil level. Press soil around the sucker to avoid hollow air spaces.

Manuring1. Apply compost, cattle manure or green leaves at the rate of 10 kg/plant at the time of planting.
2. Apply N:P2O5:K2O at the following dose (g/plant/year).

Nendran (irrigated): 190:115:300

Other varieties depending upon soil fertility level: 60-200 : 160-200 : 320-400

Palayankodan
(rainfed): 100:200:400

Palayankodan
(reclaimed alluvial soils of Kuttanad)

Plant crop: 100:200:400

First ratoon: 150:200:800

Second ratoon
: 150:200:800


Plant crop followed by two ratoon crops gives maximum yield. Two suckers per clump should be retained for ratooning.

Apply the fertilizer 60-75 cm around the plant in two equal split doses; the first, two months after planting and the second, four months after planting. For ratoon crop, the entire fertilizers have to be applied in a single dose immediately after the harvest of the preceding crop. Irrigate immediately after manuring.

Note: For Nendran, apply the fertilizers in six split doses as detailed below which will be beneficial to improve the finger size and bunch weight, provided the farmers can afford the cost of application.

Time of fertilizer application
N:P2O5:K2O

(g/plant)

One month after planting
40:65:60

Two months after planting
30:50:60

Three months after planting
30:00:60

Four months after planting
30:00:60

Five months after planting
30:00:60

Just after complete emergence of bunch
30:00:00

Total
190:115:300


For Palayankodan (rainfed), planting may be done in January and the suckers may be given pot irrigation @ nine litres of water once in 15 days until April-May.

After planting banana, sow sunn hemp / daincha / cowpea adopting a seed rate of 50 kg/ha. Incorporate the crop into the soil 40 days after sowing. Repeat sowing of green manure crop and incorporate into soil 40 days after sowing.

Irrigation1. During summer months, irrigate once in three days.
2. Ensure good drainage and prevent waterlogging.
3. About 6-10 irrigations per crop may be given depending upon soil conditions.
4. Banana var. Nendran (October planting) grown under deep water table conditions (below 2 m from ground level) needs 10 mm (40 l/plant) irrigation once in two days during summer season to ensure higher bunch yield and better water use efficiency. Mulching the basin with 3.5 kg paddy straw (waste quality) will considerably improve the bunch yield.

Weed control
During early stages, complete control of weeds could be obtained by raising cowpea in the interspaces. In gardens where this is not possible, pre-emergence application of diuron 1.5 kg/ha or oxyfluorfen 0.2 kg/ha is effective. Weeds emerging later could be controlled by the application of paraquat 0.4 kg/ha or glyphosate 0.4 kg/ha. If hand weeding is resorted to, give 4-5 surface diggings depending on weed growth. Avoid deep digging. Do not disturb soil after plants start producing bunches. If green manure crop is grown, weeding operations can be reduced to 1-2 diggings.

DesuckeringRemove side suckers produced till the emergence of bunch. Retain one or two suckers produced after the emergence of bunch.

Intercropping in Nendran varietyCucumber and amaranth can be cultivated profitably with banana raised in September-October without affecting the bunch weight. For vegetable purpose, cucumber may be harvested within 95 days and for seed purpose the duration may be about 130 days. Greater yam and elephant foot yam can be profitably intercropped with Nendran.

Tissue culture Nendran banana (Ad hoc recommendation)Tissue culture offers a rapid method of multiplication of quality, uniform, pest and disease free production of planting materials in large quantities in banana. The productivity of banana can be increased by cultivation of tissue culture plants of selected elite ecotypes of different varieties.

SpacingGive spacing of 2 m x 2 m (2500 plants/ha)
Tissue culture plants can also be used for high density planting in Nendran banana to achieve higher returns. The spacing recommended for high density planting is as follows:
(a) 2 m x 3 m with two plants / pit (3332 plants in 1666 pits per ha)
(b) 1.75 m x 1.75 m with one plant per pit (3265 plants / ha)

Pit size50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm

Method of plantingPrepare pits 15 days in advance of planting. Fill the pits with topsoil and FYM 15-20 kg per plant per pit. Plant the tissue culture plants on the top of the pit at ground level. Remove the polythene cover completely before planting without damaging the roots. Planting may be done preferably during evening hours. Provide partial shade to plants to protect against sun scorching for about two weeks. Irrigate the crop daily during initial days of establishment.

Plant ProtectionApply carbofuran 30 g/plant at planting, 15 g each at 60 and 90 days after planting.
Adopt integrated plant protection measures to control major pests and diseases.

Manures and Fertilizers
Apply FYM @ 15-20 kg per plant at the time of land preparation.
Apply lime 1 kg/plant with the organic manure at the time of land preparation.
Apply N:P2O5:K2O @ 300:115:450 g/plant in six split doses as shown below.


Time of application
N:P2O5:K2O

(g/plant)
1 month after planting
50:65:65

2 months after planting
50:00:65

3 months after planting
50:50:65

4 months after planting
50:00:65

5 months after planting
50:00:65

7th month (i.e. after bunch emergence)
50:00:125


Plant protection
Pests Banana pseudostem weevil (Odoiporus longicollis) (ad hoc recommendation)
The weevil resembling the rhizome weevil of banana is becoming a serious pest in recent years. Adult female weevil punctures and inserts eggs into the pseudostem. Grubs emerging out feed extensively on the pseudostem and thereby the entire plant collapses.

Control

1. Field sanitation is the most important factor in the prophylactic and curative control of this pest.
2. Remove affected plants along with the rhizome in full and destroy them by burning the life stages of the insect using kerosene or by burying the material in deep pits in soil.
3. Destroy the parts of rhizome and pseudostem of harvested plants in the field and destroy them as described above.
4. Remove the dry outer sheaths of the pseudostem of all infested and un-infested plants in the endemic areas and spray any of the recommended insecticides. Drenching all the leaf axils, rhizome and surrounding soil and all round the entire pseudostem inserting the nozzle through the bore holes made by the larvae if any and also within the outer sheathes by slightly raising the same at different spots is also effective. Apply quinalphos 0.05% or chlorpyrifos 0.03% or carbaryl 0.2%. Repeat the treatment after 3 weeks if the infestation persists.

Banana rhizome weevil (Cosmopolites sordidus) (ad hoc recommendation)
The attack by this pest is reported to be serious in all localities where banana is cultivated. Female adults puncture healthy rhizomes and insert eggs through it. Grubs tunnel within and feed resulting in the stunting of rhizome development. If the infestation occurs on a mature rhizome, damage symptoms appear through the reduction in leaf number, bunch size and the fruit number.
Control
1. Adopt strict field sanitation.
2. Select only healthy planting material.
3. Deep plough the land so as to expose the inner soil layer to sun.
4. Cut and remove the outer layer of the rhizome and sundry for 3-4 days after smearing it with slurry of cowdung and ash.
5. Set traps using pseudostem of approximately 1/2 m length, which are split lengthwise and laid in the field. Adults attracted to it during nights may be collected and destroyed.

Aphid (Pentalonia nigronervosa)
These act as vector for the transmission of the dreadful bunchy top disease in banana.

Control

1. Apply 25 g phorate 10G or 20 g carbofuran 3G 20 days after planting around the rhizomes in soil.
2. Apply 12.5 g phorate 10G or 10 g carbofuran 3G per plant in the leaf axils or 25 g phorate or 20 g carbofuran per plant in the soil 75 days after planting. This may be repeated 165 days after planting.
3. For variety Chenkadali, apply 25 g phorate 10G or 20 g carbofuran 3G per plant as soil application, first at 20 days after planting and again at 95 and 165 days after planting.

Spindle leaf miner (Assuania sp.)
Spray dimethoate 0.05% on the spindle for controlling the leaf miner.

Nematodes
Major species are burrowing nematode (Radopholus sp.), root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita), root lesion nematode (Pratylenchus coffeae) and cyst nematode (Heterodera oryzicola).

In case of severe infestation there will be high reduction in the number of leaves, total bunch weight and the number of fruits.

Control

Pare the rhizomes and apply neem cake @ 1 kg/plant and carbofuran @ 0.5 g ai/plant at the time of the planting (ad hoc recommendation).

When granules are applied around the base of plants, there should be sufficient soil moisture; otherwise, the plants should be watered after broadcasting granular insecticides.

Diseases
Bunchy top disease
This is a virus disease transmitted by aphids.

Control

1. Use insecticidal treatments recommended for insect vector control.
2. Eradicate disease affected plants.
3. Use disease free suckers for planting. Karpooravally, Kanchikela, Njalipoovan and Koompillakannan are less susceptible varieties.

Panama wilt (banana wilt) (Fusarium oxysporum f. cubense)
1. Dip suckers of susceptible varieties in 0.1-0.2% carbendazim solution to prevent spread of the disease.
2. Drench the soil around affected clumps with 0.2% carbendazim solution to prevent spread of disease.
3. Remove and destroy affected clumps along with corms.
4. Apply lime @ 1 kg/pit and allow to weather. Varieties such as Palayankodan, Robusta and Nendran are resistant to the disease.

Sigatoka leaf spot (Mycosphaerella sp.)
1. Cut and burn all severely affected leaves.
2. Spray 1% Bordeaux mixture soon after the appearance of the initial symptoms of the disease. The disease appears with the commencement of southwest monsoon. Five to six sprayings at fortnightly intervals are to be given depending upon the severity of the disease.
3. Power oil (mineral oil) 1% emulsion is also effective in controlling the disease.
4. Spray carbendazim (0.1%) or give alternate sprays of tridemorph (0.05%), mancozeb (0.2 %) and carbendazim (0.1%) soon after the appearance of initial symptoms of the disease. Three to four sprayings at fortnightly intervals are to be given depending on the severity of disease.

Kokkan disease (Banana bract mosaic virus)
Kokkan disease was first reported from Thrissur district in the variety Nendran. Later on, the disease was found to affect other varieties like Palayankodan, Kodappanillakunnan, Monthan, Kanchikela, Poovan (Rasthali), Karpooravally and Chenkadali. Nendran is the highly susceptible variety.

During the young stage of Nendran banana plant (two months old), pinkish streaks can be seen on the pseudostem. All the kokkan affected plants need not show this symptom, but once this symptom is expressed there is no doubt that the particular plant is affected with kokkan disease. Necrotic streaks are another important symptom of the disease. The necrotic streaks are initially brown, which later turn black. It occurs on all aerial parts of the affected plant except on lamina, the length being a few mm to 10 cm. All the kokkan-affected plants will exhibit the necrotic streaks from third month onwards at one stage or other. Some of the affected plants retain the necrotic streaks throughout the growth period. In certain cases it disappears with the senescence of the affected portion.

The affected plant produces only a small bunch. The fingers are small, curved and widely divergent with pale green to ashy green colour as compared to healthy. The abnormal colour and reduction in the size of the bunch depend upon the severity of the disease.

Suckers should not be taken from affected plants, which show necrotic streaks or abnormal colour of the pseudostem.
When the young plants show the symptom of pinkish streaks, they should be uprooted and destroyed.

Infectious chlorosis (Cucumber mosaic virus disease)
The disease is noticed in varieties such as Nendran, Palayankodan, Karpooravally, Kosthabontha, Peykunnan, Bhimkhel, Mottapoovan, Dakshinsagar, Madhuraga (Rasthali) and Musa ornata.

The most characteristic symptoms are the loss of leaf colour in patches; appearance of parallel chlorotic streaks on the younger leaves, giving a striped appearance on the leaves. As the disease progresses, leaves emerge distorted, margins become irregularly wavy, often with blotches of necrotic tissues and the leaf lamina is reduced in width. In severe cases, rotted areas are found throughout the leaf sheath and pseudostem. The affected plants produce only small bunches. This is a virus disease transmitted by aphids.

1. Use disease free suckers for planting.
2. Eradicate disease affected plants.
3. Use insecticides recommended for insect vector control.
4. Avoid growing leguminous and cucurbitaceous vegetables as intercrop in banana.

Thursday 13 November 2008

SOME TIPS FOR VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCTION IN KERALA

TIPS FOR VEGETABLE SEED PRODUCTION
General principles

The seed production programme envisages to produce genetically pure quality seeds and to store them in a viable condition for a reasonable period of time, until it reaches the farmers. The seeds should have genetic purity, uniformity in size and shape, high germination and vigour. The seeds should be free from mechanical damages, insect and fungal infestation and other crop and weed seeds. A commercial seed production programme has three aspects - seed production, seed processing and seed storage.

a. Seed production

The following aspects are important in this:

1. Basic knowledge on the specific requirement of the crop (climate, soil requirement etc.), specific characteristics of the variety, pests and diseases and their control measures are essential before taking up the seed production programme.
2. In general, September to January is the most suitable season for taking up seed production in Kerala.
3. Site selected for seed production should be open, receiving good sunlight, well drained and fertile soil, free from infectious pest and disease organisms.
4. Seeds for multiplication should be obtained from reliable sources.
5. Proper isolation distance should be maintained between varieties and related species.
6. Scientific roguing (removal of off-types at nursery stage, vegetative phase, flowering, fruiting and harvest stages) should be practised.
7. All plants infected by diseases should be removed from the seed production plot. No objectionable weeds are permitted in seed production plot.
8. In general, for most vegetable crops, taking one or two vegetable harvests is found ideal for economic seed production.
9. Provide one additional topdressing with N and K2O at fruit development phase, adequate irrigation and plant protection measures.
10. General cultivation and plant protection practices recommended for vegetable production can be adopted in seed crop also.
11. Harvest the crop at optimum fruit maturity, since immature and over mature fruits affect the seed quality.

b. Seed processing

1. Seed processing involves extraction of seeds from the fruits and reducing the seed moisture content to a level of 6-8%.
2. Wet and dry methods of seed extraction are adopted depending on the nature of the crop. Slow drying at low temperature (below 38ºC) is advisable rather than quick drying at high temperature.
3. Exposing seeds to open sunlight during peak hours of sunshine (12 noon to 3 p.m.) should be avoided.
4. Spread the seeds in thin layer and give frequent raking for aeration while drying to avoid fungal infestation.
5. Clean the seeds by removing inert matter, damaged and underdeveloped seeds etc. to get uniform quality seeds.

c. Seed storage

1. Store seeds under cool and dry conditions to maintain the viability
2. Seed moisture content of 6-8%, atmospheric temperature of 22ºC and relative humidity of 45% are the most ideal conditions for seed storage. The sum of storage temperature (ºC) and humidity (%) should not exceed 80.
3. Pre-storage seed treatment with fungicides (captan or thiram @ 2.5 g / kg of seeds) and insecticides (carbaryl 10% D @ 10 g/kg or lindane 5% D @ 20 g/kg) would protect the seeds from various fungal and insect infestations.
4. Store the treated seeds in 700 gauge polythene bags in sealed conditions.
Specific recommendations for seed production of the individual crops other than the general aspects mentioned above are given below:

Solanaceous vegetables

Tomato

The best time for planting tomato for seed production is October. Give an isolation distance of 50 m for foundation seed (FS) production and 25 m for certified seed (CS) between varieties. Rogue out off-types and virus infected plants. Maximum off-types and diseased plants permitted is 0.1% each only. Seeds should have a minimum purity of 98% and germination of 70%. Maximum permitted inert matter content is 2%, other crop seeds 0.1%, weed seeds 0.1%, and maximum moisture content 8%.

Brinjal


Give an isolation distance of 200 m for FS and 100 for CS. Remove off-types and plants infected by little leaf disease. No objectionable weeds are permitted in the seed production plot. Maximum level of off-types and plants infested by designated diseases are 0.1% each. Seeds should have a minimum purity of 98% and germination of 70%. Maximum inert matter content permitted is 2%, other crop seeds 0.1%, weed seeds 0.1% and maximum moisture content 8%.

Chilli


Provide an isolation distance of 400 m for FS and 200 m for CS. Remove off-types and plants infected by virus diseases. No objectionable weeds are permitted in the seed production plot. Maximum level of off-types and plants infested by designated diseases are 0.1% each. Fruits of 45-50 days maturity may be harvested for seed extraction in the case of Jwalasakhi and Ujwala. Seeds should have a minimum purity of 98% and germination of 70%; maximum inert matter content permitted is 2%, other crop seeds 0.1%, weed seeds 0.1%; and maximum moisture content 8%.

Okra


Provide an isolation distance of 400 m for FS and 200 m for CS. Remove off-types and plants infected by yellow vein mosaic disease. No objectionable weeds are permitted in the seed production plot. Maximum level of off-types and plants infected by yellow vein mosaic is 0.1% each. It is economical to take two vegetable harvests and then retain the crop for seed production. Fruits of 36 days maturity may be harvested for seed extraction in the case of Arka Anamika. At this stage the pod colour completely turns to brown and tips dry. Seeds can be stored in polythene bags of 700 gauge thickness.
Seeds should have a minimum purity of 99% and germination of 65%. Maximum inert matter content permitted is 1%; no seeds of other crops or weeds are permitted; and maximum moisture content permitted for open storage is 10% and for storing in moisture proof containers is 8%.

Cucurbits

General


An isolation distance of 800 m for FS and 400 m for CS is required between varieties and related species. Remove off-types, wild cucurbits and plants infected by designated diseases. No objectionable weeds are permitted in the seed production plot. Maximum level of off-types and plants infected by yellow vein mosaic diseases is 0.1% each. Seeds should have a minimum purity of 99% and germination of 60%. Maximum inert matter content permitted is 1%. No seeds of other crops or weeds are permitted and maximum moisture content should not exceed 7%.

Bitter gourd


Taking two vegetable harvests and then leaving the crop for seed production is economical. Ripe fruits of 24 days maturity in Preethi, when the whole fruits turn to bright orange colour, can be harvested for seed extraction. Seeds may be dried in the sun, avoiding peak sunshine hours of 12 noon to 3 p.m. Seeds can be stored in 700 gauge thick polythene bags.

Snake gourd


Fruits can be harvested for seed extraction 36 days after anthesis (in TA 19), when yellowing of fruits start from the stylar end. Big and medium sized fruits (above 85 cm length and 2 kg weight in Kaumudi) give maximum quantity of quality seeds.

Oriental pickling melon

Harvest fully ripe fruits with deep orange colour (30 days after anthesis in Mudicode Local), when the vines wither. Select big and medium sized fruits (above 1.25 kg in Mudicode Local) for quality seeds.

Ash gourd

Ash gourd fruits of 70 days maturity after anthesis are suitable for seed extraction. At this stage the vines wither; and the sticky thick ashy coating on the fruits dries into white powder, which can be removed on rubbing. Fruits of medium and large size (above 5 kg in KAU Local) give bolder, quality seeds. It is advisable to have a post-harvest storage of fruits for three months to get higher germination. Manual extraction of pulp from the fruits and fermenting the pulp for 48 hours is better to get quality seeds without mechanical damage. Pre-storage treatment of seeds with captan @ 2.5 g/kg and storing in sealed polythene bags of 700 gauge thickness is the best for seed storage.

Vegetable cowpea

Dried pods can be harvested for seed purpose. These pods are further dried in the sun before seed extraction. Good drying and pre-storage seed treatment of seeds (with carbaryl 10% D @ 10 g / kg seeds or lindane 5% D @ 20 g / kg seed and thiram or captan @ 2.5 g / kg seed) is essential to protect them from Bruchus and fungal infestations.

Amaranth

It is economical to take one vegetable harvest at 30 days after planting and then leaving the crop for seed production.

NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL OF PESTS OF VEGETABLES

NON-CHEMICAL CONTROL OF PESTS OF VEGETABLES


The American serpentine leaf miner is a recently introduced polyphagous pest infesting crops like cucurbits, brinjal, cowpea, sesame, groundnut and ornamentals. Larvae mine into the leaves and exhibit irregular serpentine like lines. As a result of the attack, leaves dry up and cause extensive damage. Spray neem oil emulsion for controlling the pest.
Amaranth leaf webber and grasshopper, okra leaf roller, epilachna beetle on brinjal and bitter gourd, aphids, jassids and mealy bugs on brinjal and okra can be controlled by 4% leaf extracts of neem / thevetia / clerodendron with soap water. Okra fruits can be protected from infestation by fruit borers by spraying 4% leaf extracts of thevetia / neem.

Preparation of plant extract emulsion

Soak 400 g of leaf powder (leaves dried under shade and powdered) in one litre of water for 24 hours and filter though muslin cloth. Dissolve 400 g of ordinary bar soap shavings in 9 litres of water. Pour this soap solution to the plant extract and mix thoroughly. This forms 4% emulsion of plant extract.

CROP HUSBANDRY-MINOR VEGETABLES CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA







MINOR VEGETABLES

Dolichos bean (Lablab purpureus)

Pusa Early Prolific and Arka Vijay are the common pole and bush varieties, respectively. Pole varieties are sown in pits (three plants per pit) at a spacing of 1.25 x 0.75 m and bush varieties in ridges and furrows at a spacing of 60 x 15 cm. Seeds are to be sown during July-August. The plants are trailed over pandals, trellis or stakes. FYM is applied at the rate of 20 t/ha. N:P2O5: K2O recommendation for the crop is 50:100:50 kg/ha. The leaf caterpillar is a common pest of the crop. It is also affected by Fusarium wilt, collar rot, anthracnose and powdery mildew. Average yield is 6-10 t/ha.

Winged bean (Psophocarpus tetragonolobus)

The common varieties in use are Revathy, PT-62, PT-16, PT-49 and PT-2. Seeds at the rate of 15 to 20 kg/ha are planted at a spacing of 125 x 50 cm during August-September and are trailed over pandal, trellis or stakes. FYM is applied at the rate of 20 t/ha. N, P2O5 and K2O recommendation for the crop is 50:100:50 kg/ha. The crop is comparatively free from pests and diseases. Average yield is 10-15 t/ha.

Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba)


Pusa Naubahar and Pusa Sadabahar are the common varieties. Seeds at the rate of 10 to 12 kg/ha are planted at a spacing of 45-60 x 20-30 cm in February-March and June-July. During rainy season, the seeds are sown 2-3 cm deep on ridges and in furrows during summer months. FYM is applied at the rate of 25 t/ha. N, P2O5 and K2O recommendation for the crop is 20:60:80 kg/ha. Aphids and powdery mildew are the common pest and disease of the crop. Average yield is 5 to 6 t/ha.

Sword bean (Canavalia spp.)


There are two types of sword bean based on seed colour. White seeded varieties are bushy in nature whereas red seeded varieties are trailed over pandals. Pole type varieties are to be planted at a spacing of 4 x 3 m whereas bush type varieties are to be planted at 60 x 60 cm. May-June and September-October are the usual sowing time and the seed rate followed is one or two seeds per pit. FYM is applied at the rate of 5 t/ha. The N:P2O5: K2O mixture (7:10:5) may be applied as basal dose and top dressing at several splits. There is no serious pest or disease incidence in the crop. Average yield is 10-15 kg per plant.

Clove bean (Ipomoea muricata)


The crop can be grown throughout the year and are trailed over trellis or stakes. The seeds @ 6-7 kg/ha are planted at a spacing of 1.0 x 0.6 m. FYM is applied at the rate of 10 t/ha. N:P2O5:K2O recommendation for the crop is 35:50:25 kg/ha. There is no serious pest or disease incidence in the crop. Average yield is 5-6 t/ha.

Little gourd (Coccinia grandis)

Local varieties are grown in May-June and September-October by trailing over pandals and stakes. Stem cuttings with three or four nodes and 30-40 cm length, selected from high yielding female vines, are used as planting material. These are planted at a spacing of 4 x 3 m. Farm yard manure at the rate of 25 kg per pit is given in two doses. No serious pests or diseases are reported except mild attack of fruit flies and gall insects.

Smooth gourd (Luffa cylindrica)


Pusa Chickni is the common variety in use. The crop is planted in February-March and May-June at a spacing of 2 x 2 m. The seed rate is 2.5-3 kg/ha. The crop is trailed over pandal, stakes or trellis. FYM at the rate of 25 t/ha is given in two doses. N:P2O5:K2O recommended for the crop is 70:25:25 kg/ha. No serious pests or diseases are reported. The average yield is 10-15 t/ha.

Ridge gourd (Luffa acutangula)


The important varieties are Haritham, Pusa Nasdhar and Co-2. The crop is usually sown during February-March and May-June. Seed rate recommended is 2.5-3.0 kg/ha with a spacing of 2 x 2 m. FYM @ 25 t/ha and N:P2O5:K2O @ 70:25:25 kg/ha are recommended. It is usually trailed over pandals or trellis. Average yield is 10 to 15 t/ha.

Bell pepper (Capsicum annuum var. grossum)

Hungarian Wax, California Wonder and Early Calwonder are the promising varieties. Plant the crop during September-October at a spacing of 60 x 30 cm. The seed rate is 400-600 g/ha. Raising of seedlings, transplanting, irrigation etc. are same as in chilli. FYM at the rate of 25 t/ha and N:P2O5:K2O @ 150:75:50 kg/ha are to be given. The average yield is 12-15 t/ha.

Drumstick (Moringa oleifera)


The major planting season is May-June. Stem cuttings of 1.0-1.5 m length and 15-20 cm girth are used as planting material. Plant the cuttings in polybags and later sprouted cuttings can be shifted to main field. For one hectare 625 cuttings are required. These are planted at a spacing of 4 x 4 m. FYM at the rate of 10-20 kg per pit and N: P2O5:K2O @ 60:80:40 g per pit are recommended. Green caterpillar and hairy caterpillar are the common pests. The average yield is 10-15 kg per tree per year.

Chekkurmanis (Sauropus androgynus)

Stem cuttings of 6-12 months old, 20-30 cm length are to be planted in May-June. These are usually grown on borders of kitchen gardens. To check the height of the plant and to get frequent harvests, the tips are clipped off intermittently. FYM at the rate of 5 kg per plant per year and N:P2O5:K2O (7:10:5) mixture @ 30 g per plant are recommended. The average yield is 2-5 kg/m2 per year.

Indian spinach (Basella sp.)

Seeds or stem cuttings of 20-30 cm length are to be planted during May-June and September-October. The spacing recommended is 1 m x 0.6 m. These are usually trailed over pandals or stakes. FYM at the rate of 2-5 kg/m2 is to be given. The average yield is 1-2.5 kg/m2.

Water leaf (Talinum triangulare)

This is a shade loving leafy vegetable grown in May-June and September-October. Semi hard stem cuttings of 10-15 cm length are planted at a spacing of 30 x 10 cm. FYM at the rate of 2-5 kg/m2 is given. The average yield is 2.0-2.5 kg/m2.

Curry leaf (Murraya koenigii)

It is usually planted in May-June. Root suckers are used as planting material. The recommended spacing is 4 x 4 m with 625 plants per hectare. FYM at the rate of 10 kg per plant per year is given. N:P2O5:K2O @ 60:80:40 g per adult plant per year is recommended. Major pests are citrus butterfly and psyllid. Diaphorina pink disease is also seen. The average yield is 2-2.5 kg/m2.

CROP HUSBANDRY-GARLIC CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA




GARLIC (Allium sativum)
Garlic requires cool and moist period during vegetative growth and a dry spell during maturity of the bulbs. Fertile, well-drained loamy soils are ideal for garlic cultivation. Heavy clay soils may result in deformed bulbs. In high ranges of Kerala garlic can be planted during October-November.

Varieties: Ooty-1, G 50

Planting requirements


Cloves or bulbils are used for propagation. For planting one hectare, 500 kg of cloves is required. The cloves for planting should be stored for 2-3 months after harvest and cloves weighing 4 g are ideal for planting. The cloves should be soaked in water followed by dipping for 15 minutes in a solution containing 1 ml of dimecron and 1 g of carbendazim dissolved in 1 litre of water for 15 minutes. After drying in shade, cloves can be used for planting.
Dig the land thoroughly and prepare beds of 15 cm height at a width of 1 m and of convenient length. The cloves should be dibbled at a spacing of 15 x 8 cm. Germination will start on the fifth day and it will be completed within 10-15 days.

Manuring


Apply N:P2O5: K2O @ 60:120:120 kg/ha 20 days after transplanting (DAP). Topdressing of N should be done @ 60 kg/ha, 45 DAP.

Aftercultivation

Earthing up should be done 60 DAP

Plant protection

To control thrips and foliar nematode, spray 1 ml of dimecron dissolved in 1 litre of water. To control blast, spray mancozeb (2 g/litre).

Harvest

Harvesting can be done 120-130 DAP. Yield may vary from 5-10 t/ha.

CROP HUSBANDRY-POTATO CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA




POTATO (Solanum tuberosum)

Potato can be successfully cultivated in the high ranges of Kerala. It is being cultivated in the rain shadow areas of Idukki district throughout the year.
A day temperature of 20-30ºC is optimum for growth and tuberisation in potato. Tuber formation is adversely affected, if the temperature goes above 30ºC.

Season

Crops can be raised as shown below in the eastern part of Idukki district.

Summer: March-April
Autumn: August-December
Spring: January-February

Varieties

Among the high yielding varieties, Kufri Jyothi (early), Kufri Muthu (medium), and Kufri Dewa (late) can be tried in the high ranges of Kerala.

Soil


Loose friable sandy loam or silt loam, rich in organic matter are ideal for potato. Hard clay should be avoided. Optimum pH range is 5.2-7.0

Planting


Whole potato tuber or cut pieces (50-60 g size) longitudinally cut from bud-end to stem-end can be used for plating. For planting 1 ha, 1000-2000 kg seed tubers are required. Seed tubers are treated with 1 ppm of GA 3 for one hour and then dried in shade for getting uniform sprouting. Tubers are filled in gunny bags after drying and kept in vertical position in well-ventilated dark room for 10 days for encouraging sprouting. Seed pieces should be treated with mancozeb (@ 1 kg in 450 litres of water) before planting to protect them from soil borne diseases.
Tubers can be planted on ridges 50-60 cm wide at a spacing of 15-20 cm between the plants. Earthing up is needed during the growing phase (30 days after planting) and 70 days after planting.

Manuring


A basal application of FYM (20 t/ha) is required during field preparation. Apply 60 kg N, 100 kg P2O5 and 120 kg K2O as basal. Topdressing with 60 kg N, 30 days after planting at the time of first earthing up is essential.

Plant protection


Early blight and late blight are the important fungal diseases. Spraying zineb (2 g per litre of water) is effective to control early blight. Copper fungicides can control late blight. Cut worms, aphids and jassids are common pests of potato. Dusting with carbaryl 10 % DP immediately after planting can control cut worms. Spraying endosulfan @ 1.5 ml per litre controls leaf eating caterpillars. To control aphids and jassids spraying metasystox or dimethoate (1 ml per litre) is effective.

CROP HUSBANDRY-RADISH CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA




RADISH (Raphanus sativus)
Radish can be grown in high ranges from June to January. Well drained sandy loam soils are best suited for the crop.

Varieties

Japanese White, Arka Nishanth, Pusa Chethki, Pusa Reshmi, Pusa Desi and Bombay Red Long

Planting requirement

Seed rate is 7 to 8 kg per hectare. It is usually grown on ridges to facilitate good root production. Ridges of about 20 cm height are taken 45 cm apart and plants are grown 10 cm apart on the rows. The seed is mixed with fine sand and sown in rows by hand, covered with soil to make it firm around it.

Manures and fertilizers

Apply 20 t/ha FYM as basal. N: P2O5: K2O 75:37.5:37.5 kg/ha is the fertilizer requirement. Full dose of P2O5 and K2O and half dose of N are applied as basal. Remaining half dose of nitrogen is applied as topdressing when the plant starts growing vigorously.

Aftercultivation

It is necessary that enough soil moisture is available to help uniform seed germination and growth of plant. Thinning may be done at 10 cm distance as in carrot. Weeding should be done at regular intervals to keep down weeds. Shallow hoeing is necessary to facilitate root growth. When the roots start growing, earthing up should be done.

CROP HUSBANDRY-BEET ROOT CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA




BEET ROOT (Beta vulgaris)


Beet root can be grown in high ranges from August to January. Well-drained sandy loam soils are best suited for the crop.

Varieties: Detroit Dark Red and Imperator

Planting requirements

Seed rate is 7 to 8 kg/ha. It is usually grown on ridges to facilitate good root production. Ridges of about 20 cm height are formed 45 cm apart and seeds sown 15-20 cm apart on the rows. The seeds are mixed with fine sand and placed in rows by hand and covered with soil to make it firm around it.

Manures and fertilizers


Apply FYM 20 t/ha as basal. N:P2O5:K2O 75:37.5:37.5 kg/ha is recommended. Full dose of P2O5 and K2O and half dose of N are applied as basal. Remaining half dose of nitrogen is applied as topdressing when the plant starts growing vigorously.

Aftercultivation


It is necessary that enough soil moisture is available to help uniform seed germination and growth of plant. Thinning the population may be done as in carrot. Weeding should be done at regular intervals to keep down the weeds. Shallow hoeing is necessary to facilitate root growth. When the root starts growing, earthing up should be done.

CROP HUSBANDRY-CARROT CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA




CARROT (Daucus carota)Carrot can be grown in high ranges from August to January. Well-drained sandy loam soil is best suited for the crop.

Varieties

Pusa Kesar, Nantes, Pusa Meghali

Planting requirements

Seed rate is 5-6 kg/ha. It is usually sown on ridges to facilitate good root production. Ridges of about 20 cm height are made 45 cm apart and seeds sown 10 cm apart on the rows. The seed is mixed with fine sand and sown in rows by hand and covered with soil to make it firm around it.

Manures and fertilizers

Apply 25 t/ha FYM before sowing and a fertilizer dose of 37.5 kg N, 62.5 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O / ha as basal. Topdressing with 37.5 kg N / ha may be done one month after sowing.

Aftercultivation

It is necessary that enough soil moisture is available to help uniform seed germination and growth of plant. Uproot excess seedlings (thinning) three weeks after sowing leaving a plant to plant spacing of 10 cm to facilitate better tuber growth. Weeding should be done at regular intervals to keep down the weeds. Shallow hoeing is necessary to facilitate root growth. When the root starts growing, earthing up should be done.

CROP HUSBANDRY-CAULIFLOWER CULTIVATION PRACTICES IN KERALA




CAULIFLOWER (Brassica oleracea var. botrytis)Cauliflower can be grown during winter in high ranges. Well-drained sandy loam to clay loam soils are suited for the crop.

Varieties

Pusa Early Synthetic, Himani, Swathi, Pusa Deepali, Early Patna, 74-6-C

Planting requirements

Since it is a cool season crop, sowing is to be done from Aug-Nov. Seed rate is 600-750 g/ha. Seeds are to be sown in nursery beds. Three to five week old seedlings are used for transplanting. Field is prepared by three or four ploughings. Seedlings are transplanted at a spacing of 60 x 45 cm.

Manures and fertilizers

Apply FYM or compost @ 25 t/ha and fertilizers @ 150:100:125 N:P2O5:K2O kg/ha. Apply full dose of P2O5 and half dose of N and K2O before transplanting and remaining N and K one month after transplanting.

Aftercultivation


A continuous supply of moisture is necessary for proper development of curds. Very shallow hoeing should be done to remove the weeds and to loosen the soil for better aeration. In order to produce large curds, earth up the plant one month after transplanting.