Varieties 

Surya, Swetha and Haritha (bacterial wilt resistant open pollinated varieties), Neelima (bacterial wilt resistant F1hybrid), Pusa Purple Cluster.

Seed rate : 370-500 g ha-1

Raising seedlings

Brinjal is a transplanted vegetable. Seeds are sown in the nursery and one month old seedlings are transplanted to the main field. For sowing the seeds, raised seed beds of 90 to 100 cm width and convenient length are prepared in open space with fertile topsoil to which well decomposed organic matter has been incorporated. After sowing the seeds, mulch with green leaves and irrigate with a rose-can daily in the morning. Remove the mulch immediately after germination of the seeds. Restrict irrigation one week before transplanting and irrigate heavily on the previous day of transplanting.

Time of planting

For rainfed crop, transplant the seedlings during May-June before the onset of southwest monsoon. Planting can also be done during September-October for irrigated crop.

Land preparation and transplanting

Land is prepared to a fine tilth by thorough ploughing or digging. Well rotten organic manure is incorporated in the soil and seedlings are transplanted in shallow trenches/pits during May or on ridges/levelled lands during rainy season. Transplanted seedlings may be given temporary shade for 3-4 days during summer.

Spacing

Transplant less spreading varieties like Swetha and Surya at 60 cm x 60 cm. For spreading varieties Haritha and Neelima, provide wider spacing of 75-90 cm x 60 cm.

Manuring

Apply well rotten FYM / compost @ 20-25 t ha-1 at the time of land preparation and mix well with the soil. A fertilizer dose of 75:40:25 kg N:P2O5: K2O per ha may be given. Half the dose of nitrogen, full phosphorus and half of potash may be applied as basal dose before transplanting. One fourth of nitrogen and half of potash may be applied 20-30 days after planting. The remaining quantities may be applied two months after planting. Application of 75:25:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O per ha is optimum for getting maximum yield of fruits for the variety Swetha in the reclaimed alluvial soils of Kuttanad. However, the economic optimum dose was found to be 60:20:25 kg of N:P2O5:K2O per ha.

Aftercultivation

Irrigate at three or four days interval during summer. Stake the plants if necessary. Weeding followed by fertilizer application and earthing up may be done at one and two months after transplanting.

Plant protection

For avoiding damping off of the seedlings in the nursery, sow the seeds as thin as possible in the raised beds prepared in the open area during summer months.

Follow mechanical removal and destruction of pest / disease affected portions for control of fruit and shoot borer and Phomopsis fruit rot. Spray carbaryl 0.15 per cent at an interval of 15-20 days to control fruit and shoot borer under large scale cultivation.

Uproot plants affected by little leaf and spray insecticides for further control. Cultivate resistant varieties like Surya, Swetha and Haritha and the hybrid Neelima in bacterial wilt prone areas.

For managing root knot nematode, nursery treatment with Bacillus macerans / Paecilliomyces lilacinus @ 25 g/m2 + drenching with the same @ 3 per cent solution 7 days after sowing can be recommended.

In general, insecticides of plant origin may be used, as far as possible.

Snake gourd is a common cucurbitaceous vegetable of Kerala.

Season

January-March and September _ December are the main growing seasons.

Varieties : Kaumudi, Baby, TA-19 and Manusree

Seed rate: 3.0 _ 4.0 kg ha-1

Spacing : 2.0 m x 2.0 m

Sowing

Pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are taken. Well rotten FYM and fertilizers are mixed with top soil in the pit and seeds are sown @ 4-5 per pit. After two weeks remove the unhealthy plants retaining three plants per pit.

Manuring

Apply FYM @ 20-25 t ha-1 as basal dose along with half dose of N (35 kg) and full dose of P2O5 (25 kg) and K2O (25 kg-1. The remaining dose of N (35 kg) is applied in several split doses at fortnightly intervals.

Aftercultivation

During the initial stages of growth irrigate at an interval of 3-4 days. Irrigate on alternate days during flowering and fruiting periods.

Erect pandals for trailing snake gourd. Conduct weeding and raking of the soil at the time of fertilizer application.

Pests

The important pests attacking snake gourd are fruit flies, epilachna beetle and red pumpkin beetle. Control measures recommended for bitter gourd can be followed in this case also.

Diseases

The important diseases are downy mildew and mosaic. The control measures as stated under bitter gourd can be adopted. Harvesting can be done only after 10 days (at least) of insecticide / fungicide application. The fruits should be washed thoroughly in water before cooking.

Bitter gourd is an important cucurbitaceous vegetable of Kerala.

Season

January-March and September-December are the ideal seasons. For the rainfed crop, sowing can be started after the receipt of first few showers during May-June.

Varieties

Priya, Preethi, Priyanka and Arka Harit are high yielding varieties. Priyanka is recommended for acid alluvial soils of Kerala.

Seed rate: 5.0 _ 6.0 kg ha-1

Spacing: 2.0 m x 2.0 m

Sowing

Pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are taken. Well rotten FYM and fertilizers are mixed with topsoil in the pit and seeds are sown @ 4-5 per pit. Unhealthy plants are removed after two weeks and only 3 plants are retained per pit.

Manuring

Apply FYM @ 20-25 t ha-1 as basal dose along with half dose of N (35 kg) and full doses of P2O5 (25 kg) and K2O (25 kg). The remaining dose of N (35 kg) can be applied in several split doses at fortnightly intervals.

After cultivation

During the initial stages of growth, irrigate at 3-4 days interval and alternate days during flowering/fruiting. Irrigation at 15 mm CPE (approximately at 3 days interval for sandy loam soils) is more economical than irrigating once in two days especially during summer months for water economy. Erect pandals when the plants start vining. Conduct weeding and raking of the soil at the time of fertilizer application. Earthing up is done during rainy season.

Pests

Fruit fly (Bacterocera cucurbitae)

Apply carbaryl 10 per cent DP in pit before sowing of seeds to destroy the pupae. In homestead gardens the fruits may be covered with polythene, cloth or paper bags to ensure mechanical protection. In large gardens apply carbaryl 0.2 per cent or malathion 0.15 per cent suspension containing sugar or jaggery at 10 g/l at fortnightly intervals at flowering and fruit initiation. Spray as coarse droplets on the ventral surface of leaves. Remove and destroy affe-cted and decayed fruits. It can also be effe-ctively controlled by the use of banana fruit traps coupled with the removal and destruction of infested fruits. It is more efficient than two sprayings with insecticides. Traps are to be set at a distance of 2 m after a border row and they may be replenished after 7 to 9 days. Start bait trapping just before flowering.

Epilachna beetle

Remove and destroy egg masses, grubs and adults occurring on leaves. Spray carbaryl 0.2 per cent.

Red pumpkin beetle

Adult beetle eats the leaves, makes hole on foliage and causes damage on roots and leaves. Incorporate carbaryl 10 per cent DP in pits before sowing the seeds to destroy grubs and pupae.

Plant lice

Apply 1.5 per cent fish oil soap. First dissolve soap in hot water and then make up the volume. Alternatively apply dimethoate 0.05 per cent.

Diseases

Downy mildew

It is severe during rainy season. This can be checked by spraying mancozeb 0.2 per cent (waiting period of mancozeb is three days).

Powdery mildew

Can be controlled by spraying dinocap 0.05 per cent.

Mosaic

Control the vectors by spraying dimethoate 0.05 per cent. Uprooting and destruction of affected plants and collateral hosts should be done.

Harvesting can be done only after 10 days (at least) of insecticide / fungicide application. The fruits should be washed thoroughly in water before cooking.

The three main planting seasons for Okra are February-March, June-July and October-November.

Varieties

Green / light green fruited: Pusa Sawani, Pusa Makhmali, IARI Selection 2, Kiran, Salkeerthi.

Red fruited: Co-1, Aruna

Yellow vein mosaic resistant/tolerant: Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay, Susthira, Anjitha, Manjima (all green fruited).

 Seed rate

The seed rate is 8.5 kg ha-1 for the summer crop sown in February-March and 7 kg ha-1 for kharif crop.

Storage of seeds

Packing of okra seeds in polythene cover (700 gauge) increases the storage life upto 7 months.

 Planting

For kharif crop, sow the seeds at a spacing of 60 cm between rows and 45 cm between plants. For the summer crop, soak the seeds in water for 24 hours before sowing and give a spacing of 60 cm x 30 cm.

Manuring

Apply FYM or compost as basal dose @ 12 t ha-1. At the time of sowing apply N, P2O5 and K2O @ 55, 35and 70 kg ha-1. Another 55 kg N ha-1 may be applied one month after sowing.

Note: For reclaimed soils of Kuttanad, a fertilizer dose of N:P2O5:K2O 75:5:15 kg ha-1 is recommended.

After cultivation

Give pre-sowing irrigation, if soil is not moist enough. During summer, irrigate at intervals of 2 to 3 days. Conduct weeding regularly and earth up rows during rainy season.

Plant protection

The important pests are jassids, fruit and shoot borer and root knot nematode.

Against jassids, use quinalphos 0.05 per cent as foliar sprays For controlling fruit and shoot borers, remove all drooping shoots and damaged fruits. Spray carbaryl 0.15 per cent at intervals of 15 to 20 days. For controlling aphids, apply dimethoate 0.05per cent.

For the control of nematodes, apply sawdust or paddy husk at 500 g/plant or neem leaves or Eupatorium leaves at 250 g/plant in basins one week prior to planting and water daily. The effect of this treatment persists up to 75 days after sowing in summer season.

For managing root knot nematode, seed treatment with Bacillus macerans @ 3 per cent w/w. (2.5kg ha-1) and in heavily infested area seed treatment with B. macerans @ 3 per cent w/w. and drenching with B. macerans @ 3 per cent solution 30 days after sowing can be recommended.

In general, insecticides of plant origin may be used, as far as possible.

Yellow vein mosaic

This is a common disease in okra, which shows vein clearing and vein chlorosis of leaves. The yellow network of veins is very conspicuous and veins and veinlets are thickened. Fruits become small and yellowish green in colour. White fly (Bemisia tabaci) and leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula) are vectors of this virus. Hence, their control is very important. Use of resistant varieties like Arka Anamika, Arka Abhay and Susthira, and destruction of host weeds (Croton sparsiflora and Ageratum sp.) are also effective.

]]> https://shm.kerala.gov.in/amaranthus/ Sat, 18 Jun 2022 05:22:17 +0000 http://localhost/shm/?p=1049 Amaranth (Amaranthus spp.)

Amaranth is the most popular leafy vegetable of Kerala. It can be grown throughout the year. Avoid sowing or planting of red leaved varieties during periods of heavy rain.

Varieties

Red: Kannara Local, Arun and Krishnasree.

Green: Co-1, Co-2, Co-3, Mohini and Renusree

Note : Kannara Local is a season bound variety, which comes to flowering in November-December.

Seed rate: 1.5 to 2.0 kg ha-1

Preparation of land

Prepare the land by ploughing or digging followed by levelling. Then shallow trenches of width 30-35 cm are made 30 cm apart. Well rotten FYM is mixed with soil in the trenches. Transplant 20-30 day old seedlings in the shallow trenches at a distance of 20 cm in two rows. During rainy season planting shall be done on raised beds.

Manuring

Apply 50 tonnes of FYM per ha as basal dose before planting. After preparing trenches, apply N:P2O5:K2O @ 50:50:50 kg ha-1. Another 50 kg of N can be applied at regular intervals as top dressing. Spraying 1 per cent urea immediately after each harvest will increase the yield.

Plant protection

As far as possible, avoid use of insecticides or fungicides. In severe cases of leaf webber attack, spray malathion 0.1 per cent or dust malathion 10 per cent DP.

Among the various floristic compositions orchids form one of the major groups found in all the vegetational types from western coastal region to mountains. The majority of orchids are found in the forests and each forest type has its own composition of orchid flora. High rainfall and the relatively cool climate coupled with bright sunshine contribute ideal habitat for the growth of epiphytic orchids. The profuse growth of moss on trees is well suited to the growth of small epiphytic orchids. Altogether 267 species, 3 subspecies and 2 varieties in 72 genera are reported from Western Ghats. Among them 130 species, 2 subspecies and 2 varieties are endemics to India. Of these, 72 species, 2 subspecies and 2 varieties are endemic to Western Ghats. Nineteen taxa are extremely rare and endangered.

Selection Criteria for Planting Materials

Terminal cuttings with one or two healthy aerial roots are ideal as planting material. Basal cuttings of 30 cm length with a few roots and leaves are also good.But they take longer time to sprout and grow. Sympodial orchids are propagated by separation of pseudobulbs. A plant with minimum two or three pseudobulbs with the basal root is ideal for planting.Some of the sympodial varieties produce sprouts at the top of pseudobulb called as keikis. Keikis when fully grown can be separated and planted.

Varieties

The popular genera of orchids that are suitable for growing in Kerala are Arachnis, Aranthera, Vanda, Phalaenopsis (monopodials); Aranda, Mokara (inter-generic monopodials); Dendrobium, Cattleya, Oncidium (sympodials).

Dendrobium is the most popular genus of Kerala. Some of the important varieties belonging to this genus are given below, grouped according to colour.

Purple and white : Sonia 17, Sonia 28, Sonia Bom Jo, Earsakul.

Purple : Renappa, New Wanee, Sabine Red, Jurie Red.

White : Emma White, Fairy White, Kasem White, Snow White.

Pink : Sakura Pink, New Pink.

Yellow : Sherifa Fatimah, Kasem Gold, Tongchai Gold.

Plantation

Broken bricks, gravel, tile bits, charcoal, coconut husk bits, tree fern etc. are some of the components of the media used for growing epiphytic orchids. The components are washed thoroughly before filling in pots. For terrestrial orchids, a mixture of humus, leaf mould, dried manure, chopped fern fibre and spaghnum moss will suffice.

Water Management

Always water early in the day so that your orchids dry out by nighttime. The proper frequency of watering will depend on the climatic conditions where you live. In general, water once a week during the winter and twice a week when the weather turns warm and dry. The size of your orchid container also helps determine how often you need to water, regardless of climate conditions. Typically, a 6-inch pot needs water every 7 days and a 4-inch pot needs water every 5 to 6 days.

Nutrient Management

Orchids require both major and minor nutrients. A low concentration of this is applied frequently as whole plant spray. Two sprays per week is generally enough. Micronutrients help in improving the quality and need to be applied once a month. The chemical fertilizers are to be properly balanced with organic manures like cowdung, cow urine, ground-nut oil cake Neem oil cake etc. They should be diluted before application.

Weed Management

Manual weeding is effective but expensive. Use of weedicides like paraquat is also practised. Mulching also reduces weed population.

Pest Management

The common pests attacking orchids are thrips, aphids, spider mite, soft scale, mealy bugs, orchid weevil, ants etc. Insecticides at suitable concentration can control all the insects. Other very serious pests of orchids are snails and slugs. They feed on the tender young shoots, roots and buds. Hand-picking is effective, if the number of plants is less. They move out during late night and hide before early morning. Damage is caused during this period. All the pests can be controlled by application of contact and systemic insecticides at appropriate concentration.

Plant Protection

Some of the serious diseases are bacterial blight, leaf spot, anthracnose, root rot and damping off. Yellowing of the plants is the main symptom of blight. The disease is favored by warm and wet weather. To control the disease, cut and remove the diseased portion and spray streptocycline 200 mg/l. Anthracnose is a fungal disease in which the flowers rot. Mancozeb 0.2% spray can control the disease. This can control leaf spot disease also. Root rot is another major problem in anthurium. Improper aeration leads to this disease. Pests like scales, mealy bugs, thrips and mites are also common. Appropriate plant protection measures should be taken against them.

Harvesting

The spikes are harvested when a few buds at the top remain un-open. The spikes are cut with a small stalk. The cut end is dipped in a fungicide solution and then covered with a wet cotton swab and properly tied using a rubber band. They are then packed in carton of appropriate sizes and having proper ventilation holes. The spikes are inserted in polythene covers and packed loosely in the cartons.

Processing

One of the most important steps in postharvest treatment of cut flowers is to recut the flower stems at an angle under warm 38 to 44 C (100-110 F) water and place them in a plastic container filled with 100-150 mm (4-6 in) of floral preservative solution of the same temperature. At least 25 mm (1 in) of stem should be removed as well as foliage that would be below the water line in the container. Foliage in water will decay, causing damage to the flowers. Typical solutions contain 1% sugar, a biocide (200 ppm 8-HQC, 8-HQS, or Physan-20; or 50 ppm silver nitrate) and an acidifier (200-600 ppm citric acid or aluminum sulfate; 10-20 ppm when silver nitrate is used). The sugar replaces the flowers’ stored foods consumed by respiration, while biocides limit bacteria which plug up flower stems. Acidifiers aid in the uptake of water by reducing the pH to 3.5-4.5.

AverageYield & Area Under Cultivation

Local demands for flowers and plants for gardens are high, while opportunities for exporting orchids are even more promising.No appropriate measure of yield can be noticed.