UNIT 2

Cultivation of Ocimum sanctum (Tulsi)

Local name: Sacred basil / Holy basil (English), Tulsi (Hindi, Gujarati,
Sanskrit)

Botanical name: Ocimum sanctum (Linn).

Family name: Lamiaceae

General Characteristics

The aromatic plants belonging to genus Ocimum is popularly known

by the name Basil. Basil was derived from Greek word “Basilica”
which means royal plant. Among the Ocimum genus Ocimum
basilicum is variously known as Sweet basil, French basil or Common
basil.The essential oils from Ocimum genus find diverse uses in
perfumery and cosmetic industries as well as indigenous systems of
medicines.The plant is used as a pot herb; leaves are used as
condiment in salads and Other foods.

Ocimum sanctum is an erect, herbaceous, much-branched, softly

hairy biennial or triennial, which grows to a height of 30-75 cm. Leaves
are entire, serrate, pubescent on both sides, flowers purplish Or
crimson, in racemes, fruits are sub-globose or broadly ellipsoid,
slightly compressed, nearly smooth, pale brown or reddish with small
black markings.

Cultivation methods:
Soil condition:

Sacred basil thrives well on a wide range of soils. Rich loam, poor
laterite, saline and alkaline to moderately acidic soils are also well
suited for its cultivation. Well drained soil helps in better vegetative
growth. Water logged conditions can cause root-rot and results in
stunted growth.

Climate:

It flourishes well under fairly high rainfall and humid conditions. Long
days and high temperatures have been found favourable for plant
growth and oil production. It can grow up to an altitude of 900 m. The
plant is moderately tolerant to drought and frost. The plant can be
grown under partially shaded conditions but with low oil contents

Propagation:

Tulsi is propagated through seeds. Seeds will get deteriorated over

generations, due to its high cross pollination. Hence, for fresh
plantings, the growers have to take fresh seeds from the pedigree
stock.

Planting time:

The nursery can be raised in the third week of February and

transplanting is generally done in the middle of April.

Preparation of Nursery:

Raised seed beds of 15 × 4 × 9 ft size should be thoroughly prepared

and well manures by the addition of farm yard manure 10 kg per bed.
About 200-300 g seeds are enough to raise the seedlings for
transplanting in one hectare of land. The seeds are very small and
hence it should be mixed with sand and sown to a depth of 2 cm. After
sowing, the seeds in the nursery, a mixture of farm yard manure and
soil should be spread in a thin layer over the seeds and irrigate with a
sprinkler hose. The seeds germinate in 8-12 days and the seedlings are
ready for transplanting in about 6 weeks time at 4-5 leaf stage.

A spray of 2% urea solution on the nursery plants at 15 to 20 days

before transplanting helps in getting healthy seedlings for
transplanting.

Land preparation:

The land is brought to fine tilth and laid out into plots of convenient
sizes. It is preferable to add 15 t/ha of farm yard manure and
recommended fertilizers as basal dose during the preparation of land
and recommended fertilizers as a basal dose mixed well in the soil.

Transplanting:

Seedlings of six weeks old and having 4-5 leaves are transplanted at a
spacing of 40 × 40 cm, 40 × 50 cm and 50 × 30 cm to get high herbage
and oil yield at Lucknow, New Delhi and Indore respectively. The plots
are irrigated immediately after transplanting. The seedlings will
establish well by the time of second irrigation. At this stage gap filling
and replacement of the poor plants are also done so that uniform
plant stand is achieved.

Manure and Fertilizers:

As Tulsi is grown for its herbage, it is necessary to frequently replenish
the soil. Farm yard manure / compost are to be applied at 10 t/ha
before planting. Ensure that FYM / compost is well decomposed
before use. Do not use compost made from city waste and human
excreta. Do not apply fresh manure for plant nutrition. The optimum
fertilizer dose recommended for this crop is 120 kg N, 60 kg of P2 O5
and K2 O per hectare. Half the dose of N and the entire dose of P2 O5
and K2 O should be given as a basal dose, whereas, the remaining N is
applied in two split doses after first and second cuttings. Application
of micronutrients, cobalt and manganese at 50 and 100 ppm
concentrations respectively is reported to increase the oil yield
significantly. Application of 120 kg N, 105 kg each of P2 O5 and K2 O
per hectare is recommended for saline and alkaline soils at Lucknow.

Irrigation:

Tulsi’s irrigation requirement depends upon the season and moisture

content of soil. In summer three irrigations per month are necessary
whereas, during other seasons it should be done as and when
required except in rainy season when no irrigation is required. About
12-15 irrigations are required during the year.

Apply mulch to conserve soil moisture. However, before harvesting,

irrigation should be discontinued. If possible, test the irrigation water
for any contaminants and adopt appropriate measures to prevent
contamination.

Intercultural operation:
Weeds have to be managed before they start competing with the main
crop for nutrients and light. First weeding is done one month after
planting and the second 4 weeks later. After this, no further weeding is
required as the plants become bushy thereby suppress the weeds.
One hoeing and earthing up operation is required at two months after
planting. Use mulch to maintain soil moisture and to inhibit growth of
weeds. Do not use chemical herbicides to eradicate weeds and do not
keep weeds till flowering as this will increase weed pressure in coming
years. Do not allow the soil to dry up due to excessive weeding.

Pests: Protection of tulsi

Tulsi is found to be infested with few insect pests and diseases.

Insect pests:

Leaf rollers: Leaf rollers sticking to the under surface of the leaves,
fold them backwards length wise and web them together.

Tulsi lace wing, Cochlochila bullita: The adult and nymphs feed on
leaves and younger stems, sometimes gregariously and leave their
excreta making it unsuitable for use. Due to feeding, the leaves initially
get curled and later the whole plant gets dried up.

Control: Spray Azadirachtin 10,000 ppm @ 5 ml/l to control this

insect.

Diseases:

The plant is susceptible to powdery mildew (Oidium spp.), seedling

blight (Rhizoctonia solani) and root-Rot (Rhizoctonia bataticola).
Powdery mildew can be controlled by spraying wettable sulphur (4
g/litre of Water) and the latter two diseases can be managed by
improved phytosanitary measures and by drenching The nursery beds
with Bavistin 1%.
Harvesting:

Care should be taken while harvesting Tulsi to avoid any type of

contamination. Clean all the surfaces that comes into contact with
the plant during and after harvest. The crop is to be harvested at full
bloom stage to obtain maximum essential oil yield and better quality
oil. The first harvest is obtained at 90-95 days of planting. Thereafter, it
may be harvested at every 65-75 days interval. Harvesting should be
done .

Usually on bright sunny days for high and good quality oil. It is not
desirable to harvest the crop if there was a rain in the previous day.
The crop should be cut at 15-20 cm above the ground level.

Processing:

The harvested produce may be allowed to wilt in the field itself for 4-5
hours so as to reduce the moisture and also the bulkiness. However,
oil quality and its yield do not diminish up to 6-8 hours after harvest,
But further delay may cause considerable loss in yield and quality of
oil. Steam distillation is found to be superior to hydro distillation and
hydro cum steam distillation. Distillation unit should be clean, rust
free and free of any other odour. The oil obtained is then decanted and
filtered. The distilled oil is treated with Anhydrous sodium sulphate or
common salt at the rate of 20 g per litre to remove the moisture. The
oil should be stored in sealed amber coloured glass bottles or
containers made of stainless steel, galvanised tanks, aluminium
containers and stored in a cool and dry place.
Aloe Vera

Botanical Name: Aloe barbedensis miller.

Family: Asphodelaceae (Liliaceae) family

General Characteristics:

Aloe (Aloe vera ) is an important and traditional medicinal plant

belonging to country Family Liliaceae. It is indigenous to Africa and
Mediterranean countries. It is reported to grow wild on islands of
Cyprus, Malta, Sicily, Carary cape, Cape Verde and arid tracts of India.
This is a hardy perennial tropical plant that can be Cultivated in
drought areas. But its potential is yet to be exploited. Aloe, despite
being identified as ‘a new plant resource with the most promising
prospects in the world’, remains a disregarded plant. It is scattered in
the wild, along the coast of Southern India. China, U.S.A., Mexico,
Australia and some of the Latin American Countries are the major
producers and exporters of aloe products. These countries are
exploiting the plant potential with the growing cosmetic and
Nutraceutical market.

Cultivation of Aloe Vera

Soils

The plant can be grown in a variety of soils ranging from sandy coastal
soils to loamy soils of plains. It is sensitive to water logged conditions.
The crop also comes up well in light soils. It can tolerate higher pH and
high Na and K salts. Growth is faster under medium fertile, heavy soils
such as black cotton soils. In well drained, loam to coarse sandy loam
in a pH range upto 8.5, it grows well with higher foliage.
Climate

Aloe has wide adaptability and can grow in various climatic

conditions. It can be seen growing equally good in warm humid or dry
climate. However, it is intolerant to extreme cool conditions. The plant
flourishes well on dry sandy soils

At localities with lower annual rainfall of 50 to 300mm. It needs

protection against frost and low winter temperature.

Propagation

It is generally propagated by root suckers or rhizome cuttings. For this

purpose, Medium sized root suckers are chosen and carefully dug out
without damaging the parent plant at the base and directly planted in
the main field.

Spacing and plant population

Normally a spacing of 40cm x 45cm or 60cm x 30cm is followed. This

accommodates about 55000 plants per hectare.

Land preparation and planting

The land is ploughed and cross ploughed thoroughly. Farm yard

manure is added @ 15 t/ha during the last ploughing. Ridges and
furrows are formed at 45 Or 60cm apart. The plot may be irrigated if
necessary. The suckers are planted at 40 or 30cm apart, maintaining
the spacing suggested.

Manures and fertilizers

The crop responds well to the application of farm yard manure and
compost. In the first year of plantation, FYM @15 t/ha is applied
during the land preparation.

During the subsequent years, the same dose of FYM is applied every
year.

Besides 50 :50:50 kg/ha of N:P:K is applied as basal dose.

Aloe can be successfully cultivated both under irrigated and rainfed

conditions. Provision of irrigation immediately after planting and
during summer season will ensure good yields. However, the plants
are sensitive to water logged conditions.

Plant protection

Aloe is known to be infected by fungus causing leafspot disease. This

effects yield and quality of the gel adversely. The disease can be
controlled by spraying recommended fungicides.

Interculture

In order to facilitate healthy soil atmosphere, soil works like spading,

earthing up,etc. are required in aloe plantation. Weeding at regular
intervals are some important intercultural operations.

Harvest

The thick fleshy leaves are ready for harvest from the second year after
planting.Normally, three harvests are taken in a year by removing three
to four leaves per plant. Harvesting is labour intensive. It is carried out
in the morning and / or evening. The leaves will regenerate from the
scar and thus the crop can be Harvested upto 5 years after planting.
Apart from leaves, the side suckers, which can be used as planting
material, can also be sold.

Yield

Yield may be as high as 50 – 55 tonnes of thick fleshy leaves from one

hectare plantation. However, a conservative yield of about 40 t/ha
may be considered for working out day viability of bankable schemes.
Suckers from about 55-60% of the plants could be sold out annually.

Post Harvest Management

Care must be taken in preparing the leafy plant material for drying or
distillation. Freshly harvested plant are generally allowed to wilt and
loose moisture in the field before transporting, although some
volatiles are lost. Wilting is noticed normally within 24 to 72 hours. But
the plant should be kept dry and cool to prevent fermentation or
mould growth. A concrete floor under shade can be used. The best oil
is in the top leaves.

Marketing and export potentiality

The produce can be marketed in different commercial pharmaceutical

and herbal firms located in India. Cosmetics containing aloe content
command phenomenal rates in the markets abroad. But hardly any
export takes place. Traded in processed form such as gel, juice and
concentrate, aloe content is present in over 80 per cent of the
cosmetics in the European market.

Turmeric

Botanical Name: Curcuma longa

Family: Zingiberaceae

Turmeric is also known as ‘Indian saffron’ is used as condiment, dye,

drug and cosmetic in addition to its use in religious ceremonies.

Turmeric is the dried rhizome of this herbaceous perennial which is

native to South Asia particularly India. India is a leading producer and
exporter of turmeric in the world. The states of Telangana,
Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Andhra Pradesh together contributes
63.4% of India’s turmeric production, other important turmeric
producers are Orissa, Karnataka, West Bengal, Gujarat, Meghalaya,
Assam.

Turmeric enjoys a unique distinction among spices due to its various

medicinal properties and versatality. The spice played a great role in
the life of ancient people as a and cosmetic industry.

Climate and soil

Turmeric can be grown in diverse tropical conditions from sea level to

1500 m above sea

Level, at a temperature range of 20-35oC with an annual rainfall of

1500 mm or more,
Under rainfed or irrigated conditions. Though it can be grown on
different types of soils, It thrives best in well-drained red or clay loam
soils with a pH range of 4.5-7.5 with good

Organic status. Soil with good drainage is essential.

Seed rate

A seed rate of 2,000 – 2,500 kg of rhizomes is required for planting one

hectare of turmeric. Well developed healthy and disease free
rhizomes are to be selected.

The land is prepared with the receipt of early monsoon showers. The
soil is brought be applied for laterite soils based on the soil pH and
thoroughly ploughed.

Light soils : Beds of 1.0 m width, 30 cm height and of convenient

length are prepared with spacing of 50 cm between beds. Rhizomes
are planted at 25 cm x 30 cm.

Loamy soils : Flat beds of 3 x 1.8 m size are prepared providing

necessary irrigation channels. Rhizomes are dibble at 15 cm apart in
the plough furrows spaced 30 cm apart.

Heavy soils: Ridges and furrow system is adopted and rhizomes are
sown at 15 to 20 cm spacing. Spacing between ridges is maintained at
45 to 60 cm.

In alternate method, in wet lands, rhizomes are planted on raised

beds of 1.2 m with 30 cm height with convenient length, 30cm wide
channels are provided in between.

Planting is done with 30 x 15 cm spacing.

Transplanting

Though transplanting in turmeric is not conventional but it is

profitable. The technique involves raising transplants from single
sprout seeds rhizomes in pro tray and planted in field after 30-40 days.
The advantages of this technology are the production of healthy
planting materials, reduction in seed rhizome quantity and eventually
reduced cost on seeds.

Planted during April-May (planting time vary with location and rainfall
receipt) with the receipt of pre-monsoon showers. Small pits are
made with a hand hoe on the beds with compost, seed rhizomes are
placed over it then covered with soil.

(a) Flat bed method: - Planting is done by dibbling rhizome in furrows

behind the Country plough. The seeds are then covered with loose
soil from the ridge. The spacing is 30 x 15 cm. This method has the
more chances of occurrence of pest and diseases flooding
method of irrigation is adopted.

b) Ridges and Furrow method:- In this method, ridges and furrows are
prepared with tractor mounted ridger with a spacing of 45×20 cm.
This method is better than flat bed method.

c)Raised bed method: In this method, raised bed with 1m width and
30 cm height is prepared. The spacing between beds is 30 cm. Four
rows with spacing of 30 x 15 cm is recommended with one drip line in
lengthwise at the centre.

Fertigation
Application of 100% RDF with urea and potash as straight fertilizers
and P as water soluble fertilizer weekly once which gives an yield of
49.11 t/ha with BC ratio of 2.94.

Micronutrient Application

Micronutrient application is imperative for enhanced yield. Hence,

foliar application of Kozhikode, Kerala @ 5 g/L) twice on 60 and 90
days after planting ensures 15-20% higher rhizome yield.

Mulching

The crop is to be mulched immediately after planting with green

leaves@ 12-15t/ha. Mulching may be repeated @ 7.5 t/ha at 40 and 90
days after planting after weeding, Application of fertilizers and
earthing up. Normally, this operation is done in rainfed areas
particularly in high rainfall regions and slope land.

Weed Management

Weeding has to be done thrice at 60, 90 and 120 days after planting or
depending upon 0.12 kg/ha keeps the weeds away for 3-4 weeks from
sowing. Post-emergence application of quizalofop ethyl @ 0.05 kg/ha
gives good control of most monocot weeds and slows down growth of
dicot weeds.

Irrigation

In the case of irrigated crop, depending upon the weather and the soil
conditions, about 15 to 23 irrigations are to be given in clayey soils and
40 irrigations in sandy loams in conventional system of irrigation. Drip
irrigation daily or alternate day also useful.

Disease Management
Leaf blotch is caused by and appears as small, oval,rectangular or
irregular brown spots on either side of the leaves which soon become
dirty yellow or dark brown. The leaves also turn yellow. In severe cases
the plants present a scorched appearance and rhizome yield is
reduced .

Management

Spray with mancozeb 0.2% or copper oxy chloride 0.25% or

propiconazole 0.1% at fortnight intervals.

Leaf spot is caused by Collectotrichum capisici and appears as brown

spots of various sizes on the upper surface of the young leaves. The
spots are irregular in shape and white or grey in the centre. Later, two
or more spots may coalesce and form an irregular patch covering
almost the whole leaf. The affected leaves eventually dry up. The
rhizomes do not develop well.

Management

Spray with mancozeb (0.2 %) or copper oxychloride (0.2%) or

propiconazole 0.1% at

fortnight intervals.

Rhizome rot

The disease is caused by Phythium aphanidermatum The disease

starts at the collar region of the pseudostem and progresses upwards
as well as downwards. The collar region of the affected pseudostem
becomes water soaked and the rotting spreads to the Rhizome
resulting in soft rot. At a later stage root infection is also noticed.
Foliar Symptoms appear as light yellowing of the tips of lower leaves
which gradually spreads to the leaf blades.
When the disease is noticed in the field itself should be drenched
with Oxychloride 0.25% or metalaxyl mancozeb 0.125%.

Root knot nematodes (Meloidygyne Spp.) and burrowing nematodes

(Rhadophaloussmilis)are the two important nematodes causing
damage to turmeric. Root lesion

Nematodes (- spp.) are of common occurrence in Andhra Pradesh and

Tamil Nadu. Root-knot nematode feed on tender rhizomes, roots and
base of Pseudostem causing stunting, chlorosis, poor tillering and
necrosis of leaves are the common aerial symptoms. Characteristic
root galls and lesions that lead to rotting are generally seen in roots.
The infested rhizomes have brown, water soaked areas in other
tissues.

Management

• Avoid planting turmeric after banana or solaneacous

vegetables
• Apply neem cake @ 150 kg / ha
• Plant marigold as inter/border crop.
• Apply biocontrol agent chalmydospiria @ 20 g/ bed

Harvesting
Well Managed turmeric crop is ready for harvest in seven to nine
months Depending on the variety and time of sowing. The crop is
generally harvested. During January to March. On maturity, the leaves
turn dry and are light brown to yellowish in colour. In Kerala, turmeric
is grown in raised beds and harvesting is done either manually or by
using a tractor. In case of manual harvesting, The land is ploughed, the
clumps are carefully lifted with spade and the rhizomes are gathered
by hand picking.
A turmeric harvester is followed when the raised beds are taken using
a tractor. The harvested rhizomes are collected manually and all the
extraneous matter adhering to them is cleared.

Post Harvest Management

The harvested turmeric rhizomes before entering into the market is
converted into a stable commodity through a number of post harvest
processing operations like boiling, drying and polishing. Boiling of
turmeric is taken up within 3 or 4 days after harvest.

Boiling

Boiling is the first post harvest operation to be performed at farm level

which involves cooking of fresh rhizomes in water until soft before
drying. Boiling destroys the vitality of fresh rhizomes, avoids the raw
odour, reduces the drying time and yields Uniformly coloured product.
In the traditional method, a vessel made of galvanized iron sheet is
used for turmeric boiling.

Drying
The cooked fingers are dried under sun by spreading 5-7 cm thick
layers on the drying floor . A thin layer is not desirable the colour, as
the colour of the product may be adversely affected. During night time
,the material should be completely covered. It may take 10-15 days
for rhizomes to dry completely. Solar tunnel drier can also be used for
drying of turmeric.

Polishing
Dried turmeric has poor appearance and rough dull outer surface with
scales and root bits. The appearance is improved by smoothening and
polishing the outer surface by manual or mechanical rubbing.
Polishing is done till the recommended polish of 7-8% is achieved.
Polishing is done by using hand operated barrel or drum mounted on a
central axis, the sides of which are made of expanded metal screen.

Garlic

Botanical name: Allium sativum L

Family : Alliaceae

Garlic cultivation in natural farming methods

Season

Karpokam: (April – May)

Kataipokam: (October – November)

Soil and weather:

Silt clay loam soil with water filter facility is suitable for cultivation.
Cold weather is enough for cultivation.

Seed and Seeding:

To plough the land. Bars can be prepared 15 cm space. Planting

should be done at 7.5 cm space.Seed rate: 1750 kg / ha

Seed treatment:

Garlic seeds should be dip 1 hour with 3% Panchagavya, tacakavya,

4% Pseudomonas florasence, 4% Trichoderma viride, 4% Azospirillum
and 4% Phosphobacteria solution and then dry it in shade.
Fertilizer application

Planting the Green fertilizer and lupine in the field and soil tillage
should be done at the time of flowering.

Well-decomposed farmyard manure 50 t / ha can be applied while

preparing to land at the scale.

Biologically decomposed manure 5 ton / ha can be applied while

preparing the land.

Vermicompost 5 tons / ha to be applied when preparing to land at the

scale.

5 tons of mushroom compost manure is to be applied. Also

Phospobacteria, Azospirillum 5kg/ha with 50kg well decomposed
farmyard manure can be applied while preparing the land.

Cowdug manure 75g/ha mix with 40 L water and make a solution and
spray this solution while preparing the land.

Irrigation

Garlic cultivation done by irrigation as well as rainfed cultivation. In

irrigation cultivation, irrigation can be done at the time of planting and
then, once in 3 days.

Cultivation methods after planting:

Weeds can be removed once in a month. Each time of weeding, to

avoid from sun exposure of garlic, the covering of soil is necessary.
Crop Protection

Insects:

Thrips

• Spray Neem oil 1 to 3 %.

• Spray 10% Need seed juice 45, 60, 75 th day after planting.
• In 10 liters of water, add 300ml Dasakavya and 30 ml Nilgiri oil
to spray 3 times for 15 days.

White Nematode

• Summer tillage can be controlled the mother pests and

cocoons.
• Light traps can be fitted at night in April-May in the field.
• In the morning hours to destroy the beetles by hand.
• 3rd stage larvae July- August months, taking the hand to destroy.

Metarizium anisopili 20 kg / ha to be applied when preparing to land at

the scale.

Diseases

Smut disease

Agni hotra ash (200 g Agni hotra ashes mixed with 1 liter of cow urine
after being held for 15 days dissolved in 10 liters of water and spray) a
month after planting spray 3 times in a month interval.

Spray 3% Dasakavya solution for 3 times at 15 days interval.

Soil borne diseases:

Garlic rot disease

• Trichoderma viride @ 5 kg / ha can be applied.

 • Pseudomonas florascens 5 kg / ha can be applied.To control
the disease Pseudomonas solution can be applied the root for
7 days.
• Vermicompost 5 tons / ha to be applied when preparing to land
at the scale.

Thrips Infested Garlic

Garlic Clove Rot Disease

• 5 tons of mushroom compost manure is to be applied. Also

Phospobacteria, Azospirillum 5kg/ha with 50kg well
decomposed farmyard manure can be applied while preparing
the land.
• Cowdug manure 75g/ha mix with 40 L water and make a
solution and spray this solution while preparing the land

Harvesting:

The garlic plant leaves turn in to yellow colour, and then the leaves will
dry up completely. At this stage pick the garlic bulbs with hands,
should be accumulated. A size of 2 cm above the spines of garlic
bulbs to be cut. After drying in the sun for two days, separate the
quality depending on the size and weight.

Giloe
Botanical name- Tinospora cordifolia

Therapeutic uses
Giloe is a tonic and has alterative, diuretic, and aphrodisiac
properties. It is a febrifuge used in malarial and chronic fever. It is
also a liver tonic. The plant is used in general debility, loss of
appetite, fevers, urinary disorders, diabetes, rheumatism, and
dyspepsia.
Fresh plant is more efficacious than dried plant.

Morphological characteristics

Gurcha is a gregarious glabrous, twiner. Older stems are up to 2

cm in diameter and have corky bark. Aerial roots arise from nodal
scars of branches. Stem and branches are specked with white
vertical lenticels.

Bark is grey-brown or creamy white, warty, papery thin, and peels

off easily. Leaves are 5–15 cm, ovate, and acute. They are
membranous when young but become more or less leathery with
age.

Floral characteristics

Flowers are yellow, unisexual, minute, and less than 2 mm in size.

Male flowers are grouped in axillary racemes, while female flowers
are solitary. Fruit is an ovoid and succulent drupe, lustrous, red in
colour, and of the size of a ge pea, having a single seed. Seed is
fleshy and curved. Flowering occurs in

May–June, while fruiting is witnessed in September–October.

Distribution
The species is endemic to India and is common throughout
tropical and subtropical zones at an altitude of 600 m.
1 Agro-technique study carried out by Jamia Hamdard, Hamdard
Nagar, New Delhi 110 062.

Climate and soil

The plant grows in subtropical and tropical Climate. Light medium

sandy loam soil rich In organic matter, and with adequate
drainage, is suitable for its cultivation. It does not tolerate high
rainfall or waterlogged conditions.

Propagation material

Stem cuttings are the best planting material for raising commercial
crop. The cuttings can be obtained from mother plants in June–
July.

The plant can also be raised using seeds. Seeds take almost more
than double the time to mature and yield the same quantity of
drug.

Agro-technique1

Nursery technique

P Raising propagules The stem cuttings are sown directly in the

field. Cuttings are obtained from older stems with nodes. Cuttings
should be sown within 24 hours of their removal from the mother
plant.
Meanwhile, they should be half-dipped in water vertically.

Propagule rate and pre-treatment About 2500 cuttings are required for
plantation in 1 hectare of land. No specific treatment is required
before sowing.

Planting in the field

Land preparation and fertilizer application The land is ploughed,

harrowed, and made weed-free. A basal dose of FYM (farmyard
manure)@ 10 tonnes per hectare and half dose of nitrogen (75 kg) are
applied at the time of land preparation.

Transplanting and optimum spacing The stem cuttings with nodes are
sown directly in the field. An optimum spacing of 3 m × 3 m is
recommended for better yield. The plant requires support to grow,
which can be provided by raising wooden stakes or trellis. Already
growing shrubs can also support the plant

Intercropping system Being a large Twiner, it needs a host to twine

and covers the host in a very short period. If the stem cuttings with
aerial roots are thrown over trees, they start growing and strike roots in
the Ground.

Interculture and maintenance practices Follow-up dose of 10 tonnes

Of FYM with 75 kg nitrogen (20%Nitrogen content) is recommended.

About two to three weedings and hoeings are required for good

Growth of twiner. The inter-row spaces between plants should be kept

weed-free by frequent weeding and hoeing, as the plants may get
suppressed by weeds, especially during early stages of growth.
Irrigation practices The crop is grown under rain-fed
conditions.However, occasional irrigation during extremes of cold and
hot weather may help the crop survive adverse condition.

Disease and pest control No serious insect pest infestation or disease

has been reported in this crop.

Harvest management

Crop maturity and harvesting The stem is harvested during autumn

.When it develops to a diameter of more than 2.5 cm. Basal part is left
For further growth.

Post-harvest management The stem should be cut into small pieces

and dried in shade. It can be stored in gunny bags, and kept in cool
and airy storage godowns. Stem bark peels off even by touch, thus
stem should be cut very cautiously as peeled stem decays very soon.

Black pepper

Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) (Family: Piperaceae) is one of the most
traded spices in the world and the spicy property is attributed to the
presence of the chemical substance piperine. Black pepper a
perennial vine grown for its berries which is extensively used as spice
and in medicine.

India is one of the major producer, consumer and exporter of black

pepper in the world and the spice is cultivated to a large extent in
Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu and to a limited extent in
Maharashtra, North eastern states and Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
Kerala and Karnataka account for a major portion of production of
black pepper in the country.
SOIL CONDITIONS/MANAGEMENT

The soil analysis report of the selected site and analytical report on
irrigation 8ater especially with respect to heavy metals and pesticide
residues contents need to be recorded.

The quantity, quality and type of soil amendments used for the
selected site need to be recorded.

Preparation of land and planting standards

For planting black pepper in slopes, the lo8er half of northern and
north eastern slopes are preferred to save the vines from scorching
sun during summer. With the receipt of first rains in /ay%June, primary
stem cuttings of standard trees can be planted in pits of 50 cm × 50
cm × 50 cm size filled with cow dung and top soil. The planting is done
at a spacing of 3 m × 3 m . The black pepper can be trailed on the
standards after three years then they attain sufficient height.

Planting

Pits of 50 cm3 at a distance of 30 cm away from the base, on the

north, eastern or north eastern side of supporting tree are taken with
the onset of monsoon. The pits are filled with a mixture of top soil,
farmyard manure @ 5 kg/pit and 150 g rock phosphate. Neem cake @
1 kg enriched with Trichoderma harzianum @ 50 g also may also be
mixed with the mixture at the time of planting. With the onset of
monsoon, 2-3 rooted cuttings of black pepper are planted individually
in the pits.

Manuring and fertilizer application

Manuring and fertilizer application is critical for proper establishment

and growth of plants. Application of lime or dolomite @ 500 g/vine in
April-May during alternate years is recommended under highly acid
soil conditions. Organic manures in the form of cattle manure or
compost can be given @ 10 kg/vine during May. Neem cake @ 1
kg/vine can also be applied.

Summer irrigation

Irrigating black pepper &ines during summer (/arch 15 th to May 15th) at

fortnightly interval enhances productivity by 90 to 100% compared to
unirrigated crop. Vines are irrigated at the basin through hose and 50
litres per vine is recommended (15 years and above). This can be
reduced to 40 litres .

Foot rot () caused by Phytophthora capsici is the most destructive of

all diseases and occurs mainly during the south west monsoon
season.

Symptoms : One or more black spots appear on the leaves which have
characteristic fine fimbrie ate margins which rapidly enlarge and
cause defoliation.

The disease can be controlled by adopting integrated disease

management strategies.
Phytosanitation

Removal and destruction of dead vines along with root system from
the garden is essential as this reduces the buildup of inoculum
(Phytophthora population).Planting material must be collected from
disease free gardens and the nursery preferably raised in fumigated or
solarized soil.

Anthranose / Pollu disease

This disease is caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It can be

distinguished from the pollu caused by the beetle by the presence of
characteristic cracks on the infected berries. The disease appears
towards the end of the monsoon. This disease is caused by
Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It can be caused by the beetle by the
presence of characteristic cracks on the infected berries. The disease
appears towards the end of the monsoon.

The disease can be managed by prophylactic spraying of ;ordeaux

mixture (1%) or carbendazim % mancozeb (0.1%). Drench and spray
with Pseudomonas fluorescens 2%during May June and October for
foot rot and anthracnose management.

Phyllody disease

Some of the floral buds are transformed into narro8 leaf like
structures, exhibiting phyllody symptoms. Some of the floral buds are
transformed into narro8 leaf like structures, exhibiting phyllody
symptoms. In advanced stages, the leaves become small and
chlorotic, and the internodes are also shortened. The affected fruiting
laterals give a witches broom appearance. Severely affected vines
decline rapidly and become unproducti&e 8ithin 2 to 3 years. The
infected &ines are to be destroyed to prevent further spread of the
disease.

Management

Severely affected vines should be removed from the plantation and

destroyed.

The pits for planting should be treated 8ith Carbosulfan 0.1% at the
time of planting.

Nematode free rooted cuttings raised in fumigated or steam sterilized

nursery mixture should be used for planting in the field.

Along with nematicides the basins should be drenched with either

copper oxychlo- ride (0.2%) or potassium phosphonate (0hB

Blackpepper takes about 8 months after flowering to reach full

maturity. In India the crop is harvested during December –January in
plains and January-April in the high ranges. Harvest starts when one or
two berries turn yellow. The spikes are nipped of by hand and
collected in bags. Harvested spikes are generally collected in clean
gunny bags. Spikes which are fallen on to the ground may be collected
separately, cleaned and then pooled to the general lot. The level of
maturity required at harvest for processing into different pepper
products is given below.

Curry leaf

Botanical Name : Murraya koenigii Linn. Sprengal)

Family : Rutaceae
AESA based IPM – Curry Leaf
Soil and climate

Red sandy loam soils with good drainage are ideal for better leaf yield.
The optimum temperature requirement is 26° to 37°C.

Season of sowing and planting

The main season of availability of curry leaf fruits is July – August. With
in 3 – 4 days of collection of fruits, the seeds should be pulped and
sown in nursery beds or poly bags.
One year old seedlings are suitable for planting. One seedling is
planted at the centre of the pit.

Preparation of field

The field is ploughed 3-4 times to get a fine tilth. Before last ploughing
well decomposed FYM is applied @ 20 t/ha. Pit size of 30 x30x30 cm is
dug one to two months before planting at a spacing of 1.2 to 1.5 m.

Irrigation

Immediately after planting the pits are irrigated. On the third day the
second irrigation is given and then the irrigation is given once in a
week.

Application of fertilizers

After each harvest 20 kg of FYM/plant is applied and mixed with soil.

Inter cultivation
Periodical hoeing and in the first year intercrop like pulses can be
grown. After attaining 1 m height, the terminal bud is cut off to
encourage basal branching. In total 5-6 branches are maintained per
bush. Ten to twelve months after planting the first harvest starts.

Plant protection
Pests
Citrus butterfly
Hand picking and destruction of the larvae and spray Malathian @ 1
ml/ lit.

Psyllid bug and scale

Psyllid bug and scales can be controlled by spraying Dimethoate @ 1
ml/lit.

Diseases
Leaf spot
Leaf spot disease can be controlled by spraying Carbendazim @ 1 g/lit
of water. Spraying Sulphur compounds should be avoided.

Harvest and yield

At the end of first year 250-400 kg of leaves/ha can be harvested.

Thyme
Botanical Name: Thymus vulgaris

Soil
The plant prefers a light but fertile and calcareous soil for good growth
and oil content. But on heavy, wet soils the aroma of the leaves will be
less and there are chances that the plants may dry up soon.
Climate
A warm climate is best suited for this crop. It can be grown both in the
hills and the plains. Hilly regions are best suited for its cultivation. The
plants are susceptible to frost.

Season

The seeds may be sown in nursery during April. Late summer is the
time for transplanting the seedlings or planting rooted cuttings.

Propagation

Thyme can be propagated by seeds and vegetatively by division of old

plants or by cuttings or by layering of side shoots in March or April. The
seeds are sown directly in rows or the seeds are sown in well prepared
nursery beds in good soil. 3% solution of Panchagavya or 10% CPP
solution can be used to soak the seeds or cuttings for 20 minutes
before planting. This treatment increases the germination of the seeds
or rooting percentage of the cuttings. Good soil is preferred for nursery
because the seedlings are very small and remain inconspicuous for
several weeks after germination.

Land preparation

The land is prepared well by repeated ploughing or digging and

brought to a fine tilth. Then the land is divided into plots of convenient
size.

Sowing/planting
When the seeds are sown directly, they can be sown in rows 90 cm
apart and later when the seeds germinate the seedlings may be
thinned out to 30-45 cm within the row. While, planting the seedlings
or rooted cuttings or layers etc. they are planted 30-45 cm apart in
rows, 60cm apart. A light irrigation is provided after planting.

Manures and fertilizers

Application of well decomposed farmyard manure @ 50 t/ha and

biodynamic compost @ 5 t/ha

Application of vermicompost @ 5 t/ha

Application of Neem cake @ 1.25 t/ha

Application of Azospirillum and Phosphobacterium @ 25 kg/ha

Foliar spraying of Panchagavya, an organic preparation @ 3 per cent at

monthly intervals should be done. Spraying panchagavya 5 times a
year will increase the yield and quality of the green leaves.

Irrigation
No information is available on this aspect also. Since, the crop is
planted late in summer, the crop requires frequent irrigations during
the dry period.

Intercultural operations

Intercultural operations and weeding are done at regular intervals to

encourage good growth of plants. In the hills in order to avoid frost
injury to plants during winter, mulching is done. Foliar spraying of 5%
neem oil, 10% vermiwash and 3% dasagavya should be done once in
a month.

Pests and diseases

The plant is not damaged by any pest of serious nature, but wilt
disease is a major problem in this crop. This disease can be controlled
by improving the phytosanitation.

Harvesting and yield

The leaves and flowers which are used for culinary and medicinal
purposes are harvested five months after sowing/planting. The leaves
and flowers are plucked from the plants or shoots of about 15 cm are
cut off from the plants, dried in shade or in dryer immediately after
harvest and stored in air tight containers to prevent the loss of flavour.
The dried leaves are curled, brownish - green colour, usually not
longer than 6-7mm. The dried shoots may also be powdered and
packed. Under favourable conditions the yield of dry herb is around
1,100 – 2200 kg per hectare. The yield is comparatively low during the
first year. The plants become woody, and replanting becomes
necessary after three or four years. For extracting the oil, fresh herb is
collected at the stage when it just start flowering. At the time of
collection the lower portions of the stem, along with any yellow or
brown leaves needs to be rejected.