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Production Technology of TROPICAL AND SUB-TROPICAL VEGETABLE CROPS

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 Production Technology of
TROPICAL AND SUB-TROPICAL VEGETABLE CROPS
 Production Technology of
TROPICAL & SUB-TROPICAL VEGETABLE CROPS

Mr. Amit Kumar

Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology
MEERUT-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India
Dr. Satya Prakash
Department of Fruit Science, College of Horticulture
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology
MEERUT-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India

Mr. Mohd Wamiq

Department of Vegetable Science, College of Horticulture
Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology,
MEERUT-250110, Uttar Pradesh, India
Mr. Chhail Bihari
Department of Horticulture (Vegetable Science)
Nagaland Central University, SAS, MEDZIPHEMA-797106, Nagaland
Mr. Sajeel Ahamad
Division of Food Science & Post-harvest Technology
Indian Agricultural Research Institute, NEW DELHI-110012, India

DELHI (INDIA)
Copyright © 2024, Jaya Publishing House, Delhi (India)

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 FOREWORD
Tropical and subtropical vegetables hold significant importance in our diets for several reasons. These
vibrant and flavourful vegetables thrive in warmer climates and offer unique nutritional benefits. Rich
in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, tropical and subtropical vegetables contribute to overall health
and well-being. They often provide a rich source of vitamin C, which strengthens the immune system
and supports collagen production for healthy skin and joints. Additionally, these vegetables are often
packed with phytochemicals that have been linked to potential health benefits, including anti-
inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. The future of tropical and subtropical vegetables is bright, as
they offer not only tantalizing flavours but also valuable nutrition and contribute to the sustainable food
movement. India is blessed with diverse agro-climatic conditions that provide ample opportunities for
the production of a wide range of vegetables. India, the second-largest vegetable producer after China,
has been continuously expanding its vegetable production over the past few years. The present total
production of vegetables in India is 200.44 MMT and the area is 10.85 million hectares as per NHB
2021, and the demand for tropicaland subtropical vegetables has also increased significantly.
It is my pleasure to introduce this valuable “Production Technology of Tropical and Subtropical
Vegetable Crops”. The production of fresh and high-quality vegetables in tropical and subtropical
regions is a critical aspect of global food security. With the increasing demand for such tropical and
subtropical vegetables, it has become more important than ever before to embrace new and innovative
production techniques and technologies. This book covers a wide range of aspects related to tropical and
subtropical vegetables, including their introduction, origin, and distribution, importance and uses,
nutritional composition, taxonomy, and botany, followed by soil and climate, field preparation,
commercial varieties, seed rate, nursery management, sowing and transplanting, nutrition and water
management, use of growth regulators, intercultural operations and physiological disorders. It also
covers the latest data on the area and production of tropical and subtropical vegetables, as published by the
National Horticulture Board (NHB) in 2020-21. In addition, this book also provides comprehensive
information on the management of major insect pests and diseases, harvesting, and post-harvest
management. It also covers yield, future prospects and references related to tropical and subtropical
vegetable production.
The authors of this book have done an excellent job of compiling all the necessary information related
to tropical and subtropical vegetable production technology. The book is written in simple language and
is easy to understand for students, teachers, researchers, and innovative vegetable growers.
I am confident that this book will serve as a valuable resource for all those involved in the production of
tropical and subtropical vegetables, and it will contribute significantly to the development of the
vegetable industry in India. I congratulate the authors for their excellent work and thank them for
sharing their knowledge with us.

v
Contents

Foreword ..............................................................................................................................v
Preface ................................................................................................................................xi
About the Editors ............................................................................................................. xiii

SOLANACEOUS CROPS
1. Advances in Production Technology of Tomato ........................................ 1
Chhail Bihari, Abdul Rahman M, S.P. Kanaujia, Amit Kumar, Ajeet Kumar,
Rajat Rajput and Bibarie Mech

2. Advances in Production Technology of Brinjal ....................................... 21

Raj Kumar, Ranjit Chatterjee, Dibya Jyoti Mukhia, Ajeet Kumar and
Avneesh Rathour

3. Advances in Production Technology of Chilli ......................................... 37

Abdullah Zaid, Sumit Singh, Rohit Rawat and Shivani Dubey

4. Advances in Production Technology of Capsicum .................................. 49

Abdullah Zaid, Sumit Singh, Rohit Rawat and Shivani Dubey

MALVACEOUS CROP
5. Advances in Production Technology of Okra .......................................... 57
Suraj Luthra, Rajat Singh, Mohd. Wamiq and Agnivesh Yadav

CUCURBITS
6. Advances in Production Technology of Cucumber ................................. 65
Sajeel Ahamad, Ganesh Kumar Choupdar, Amit Kumar, Chhail Bihari,
Vivek Saurabh, Menaka M and Vinod B R

7. Advances in Production Technology of Muskmelon ............................... 79

Ramadugu Subash, Amit Kumar, Y Ram mohan, Mohd Wamiq,
Chakradhar paladugu and P Sudheer Kumar Reddy

8. Advances in Production Technology of Watermelon .............................. 91

A. Mamatha, Rajesh Kumar S P, Pavan Kumar G N, P. Vijay Babu and AVN Lavanya
vii
viii / contents

9. Advances in Production Technology of Pumpkin ................................. 107

Naveen Yadav Bairagani, Ramadugu Subash, Indraja Gudi,
Sudheer Kumar Reddy P, A. Reshma and Yellapu Rammohan

10. Advances in Production Technology of Summer Squash and

Winter Squash .......................................................................................... 119
Chhail Bihari, Rajat Rajput, Ajeet Kumar, Animesh Sarkar and Amit Kumar

11. Advances in Production Technology of Bottle Gourd .......................... 127

Mohd Wamiq, Manish Kumar, Suraj Luthra, Saurabh Kumar Singh and Suneel Kumar

12. Advances in Production Technology of Bitter Gourd ........................... 143

Imran Ali, Amit Kumar, Mohd Wamiq, Rahul Kumar and Vijay Pratap Yadav

13. Advances in Production Technology of Sponge Gourd and

Ridge Gourd ............................................................................................. 159
Chhail Bihari, Bibarie Mech, Abdul Rahman M, Animesh Sarkar, Manish Kumar
and Amit Kumar

14. Advances in Production Technology of Snake Gourd .......................... 171

Ganesh Kumar Choupdar, Sajeel Ahamad, Vivek Saurabh and Menaka M

15. Advances in Production Technology of Pointed Gourd ........................ 185

Amit Kumar, Saurabh Kumar Singh, Jagraj Singh, Mohd Wamiq,
Maneesh Kumar, Suneel Kumar and Ravi Kumar

16. Advances in Production Technology of Wax Gourd ............................. 197

Hradesh Shivhare

17. Advances in Production Technology of Ivy Gourd ............................... 207

Mohd Wamiq, Manish Kumar, Suraj Luthra, Khursheed Alam and Mujeev Ahmad

18. Advances in Production Technology of Chow-Chow ............................ 213

Nilakshi Bordoloi, T.P. Rathour, Rituraj Dutta and Anishta Rai

19. Advances in Production Technology of Long Melon ............................ 221

Prakash, Dhaneshvari Arya, Saurabh Yadav and Anuj Sohi

20. Advances in Production Technology of Snap Melon ............................ 233

Mohd Wamiq, Prof. Manoj Kumar Singh, Khursheed Alam and Amit Kumar
 contents / ix

21. Advances in Production Technology of Round Melon.......................... 241

Chetan Chauhan, Varsha Rani, Mukesh Kumar and Jagraj Singh

22. Advances in Production Technology of Spine Gourd ........................... 249

A.V.N. Lavanya, A. Mamatha, K. Chaitanya, T. Chandana, M. Shiva Prasad
and T. Mamatha
BEANS/LEGUMES VEGETABLE
23. Advances in Production Technology of Cowpea ................................... 259
Anjali Kumari Jha

24. Advances in Production Technology of Cluster Bean ........................... 269

P. Sudheer Kumar Reddy, Mondeddula Dhathri, K. Vaishnavi,
Ramadugu Subash and Malikireddy Jasmitha

25. Advances in Production Technology of French Bean ........................... 281

Mamatha A, Pavan Kumar G N, Rajesh Kumar S P, Vijay Babu P and Lavanya AVN

26. Advances in Production Technology of Indian Bean ............................ 295

Sajeel Ahamad, Chhail Bihari, Maneesh Kumar, Amit Kumar,
Ganesh Kumar Choupdar, Vivek Saurabh and Vinod B R

27. Advances in Production Technology of Lima Bean .............................. 303

Jagriti Pandey, Pragya Uikey, Anamika Pandey and Shikha Arya

28. Advances in Production Technology of Winged Bean .......................... 311

Pragya Uikey, Anamika Pandey, Jagriti Pandey and Shikha Arya

LEAFY VEGETABLES
29. Advances in Production Technology of Amaranthus ............................ 321
Pradip Kumar, Upasna Choudhary, Jagraj Singh, Shailendra Kumar, Vipin and
Nikhil Kumar Singh

SALAD VEGETABLES
30. Advances in Production Technology of Celery ...................................... 331
Prakash, Rameshwar Jangu, Anita Choudhary and Deepa Beniwal

31. Advances in Production Technology of Parsley .................................... 339

Jagraj Singh, Satya Prakash, Amit Kumar, Mohit, Chetan Chauhan and Imran Ali
x / contents

PERENNIAL VEGETABLES
32. Advances in Production Technology of Drumstick ............................... 345
Rajat Singh, Suraj Luthra, Pavan Prajapati, Anuj Sohi and Vivek Kumar

33. Advances in Production Technology of Curry Leaf.............................. 357

Afiya R S

OTHER ROOT CROPS AND TUBER CROPS

34. Advances in Production Technology of Cassava ................................... 365
T.P. Rathour and S. Bhowmik

35. Advances in Production Technology of Sweet Potato ........................... 373

Vadde Mounika, Talamarla Yeswanth Mahidar Gowd and T.P. Rathour

36. Advances in Production Technology of Dioscorea ................................ 381

Ramdeen Kumar, Amit Kumar, Rajiv K. Patel, Saurabh Kumar Singh and Vinayak

37. Advances in Production Technology of Taro ......................................... 389

Chandan Kumar, Dheeraj Singh, A. S. Tetarwal, A. Dudi, B. R. Kuri and
M. K. Ahirwar

38. Advances in Production Technology of Elephant Foot Yam ................ 401

T Yeswanth Mahidar Gowd, Vadde Mounika, and T.P. Rathour
Preface

Vegetables, specifically, hold a crucial position within horticulture, playing a significant role in
driving our economy forward. In recent years, the demand for tropical and sub-tropical vegetables
has increased significantly, leading to the need for advancements in production technology to meet
this demand. Tropical and sub-tropical regions, with their rich biodiversity and diverse ecosystems,
present both unique challenges and immense opportunities for vegetable crop production. This has
resulted in the development of innovative techniques for vegetable cultivation. The advances in
production technology have not only increased the quality and quantity of tropical and sub-tropical
vegetables but also led to higher yields and improved economic returns for growers.

A thorough analysis of the many tropical and subtropical vegetable crops, including their taxonomy,
physiology, and special agronomic requirements, serves as the foundation for our study. We can adjust
production methods to enhance yields and quality while reducing environmental effects by studying
every aspect of the crops. This book satisfies the demand for a quality reference cum edited book
among students. The authors have done an exceptional job of compiling all the necessary information
related to tropical and sub-tropical vegetable production technology. They have presented it clearly
and concisely, making it easy to understand and apply. Every effort has been taken to assure the
accuracy of the data gathered from a variety of sources, including people, organizations, institutions,
and publications. We expect that this book will be a helpful resource for educators, professionals,
and learners seeking employment in ICAR institutions, State Agriculture University, State Public
Services/UPSC/ARS/JRF/SRF/ASRB-NET along with entrance examinations for B.Sc., M.Sc., and
Ph.D. Degree in Vegetable Science and also very useful for progressive farmers, and horticultural
extension workers, and boost farmers’ income.

We are thankful to our all authors, contributors, friends, seniors, and juniors for their excellent work,
and thank them for sharing their knowledge with us and for their moral support. We are also thankful
to Publication to bring the finest format of this book.

We are confident that readers will greatly benefit from the content of this book in their various
pursuits. We wholeheartedly welcome any suggestions or ideas to enhance its educational value. We
strive to make this book an even more enriching experience for readers by incorporating educational
features that promote deeper understanding and practical application of the concepts discussed.
Your input and contributions are highly appreciated in this endeavor.

Editors

xi
About the Editors

Mr. Amit Kumar is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Horticulture (Fruit

Science) from CoH, SVPUA&T, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh. He has successfully
qualified for ICAR-ASRB NET in Fruit Science in 2021. He completed his
B.Sc. (Hons.) in Horticulture in 2019 from CoH, BUA&T, Banda, Uttar
Pradesh, and his M.Sc. (Ag) in Fruit Science and Horticulture Technology
in 2021 from CoA, OUA&T, Bhubaneswar, Odisha. Mr. Kumar was
selected for the award of the ICAR PG Scholarship. He was also awarded
the Best Researcher Award (2021), Best Master Thesis Award (2022), Best
Research Scholar Award (2022), and Young Horticulturist Award (2023) by various Professional
Societies. He has published 16 Research Papers, 16 Review Papers, 35 Popular Articles, 25
Book Chapters, 03 Books, 01 Practical Manual, and More than 30 Abstracts as well during
his academic years. He has actively participated and presented his work in various National/
International Conferences, Training, Seminars, Webinars, and Workshops.
Dr. Satya Prakash currently working as a Professor and Head of the
Department of Fruit Science at the College of Horticulture, Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture & Technology in Meerut, Uttar
Pradesh. Previously, he served as the Senior Scientist and Head at K.V.K.
Muzaffarnagar from December 2003 to May 2013. There he promoted
Floriculture and Vegetable intercropping with sugarcane and Gerbera
cultivation in ventilated poly house increasing the farmer’s income and
maximum utilization of natural resources. In recognition of his work, K.V.K.
Muzaffarnagar received the "Best K.V.K. Zonal Award 2013" from ICAR, New Delhi. From
May 2013 to April 2018, Dr. Prakash served as the Professor and Head at K.V.K. Saharanpur.
There he promoted Export quality production of Horticultural crops and Mushrooms. Again,
based on his contributions, K.V.K. Saharanpur was honored with the "Pandit Deendayal Krishi
Vigyan Protsahan Award 2016" from ICAR, New Delhi. Throughout his career, Dr. Prakash has
received awards and appreciation from various organizations, including Managing Directors
U.P.B.S.N, World Bank Mission, District Magistrate, and Ministry of Agriculture, GOI. He
has been honored with the SCSI Gold Medal award, Leadership Award, Summer Memorial
Award, Young Scientist Award, R.S. Yadav Outstanding Award, Fellow Award, Outstanding
Horticulturist Award, and Distinguished Scientist Awards from several reputable societies. Dr.
Prakash has also made significant contributions to academia, having guided three Ph.D. and
seven postgraduate students. He has authored 110 research papers in NAAS-rated journals,
eight books, 26 book chapters, nine technical bulletins and manuals, 81 articles, and presented
105 abstracts. Moreover, he has presented his research papers at 15 international conferences
and 39 national conferences. Dr. Prakash has delivered 135 horticultural talks on ETV U.P,
four talks on Doordarshan Delhi, and 158 talks on CRS. He has also participated in training
and study missions in Israel, Egypt, Indonesia, and Nepal, where he showcased his work in
international forums. Furthermore, he has represented his work in international forums through
training and study missions in Israel, Egypt, Indonesia, and Nepal.

xiii
xii / about the editors

Mr. Mohd Wamiq is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Horticulture in the

Department of Vegetable Science at the College of Horticulture, Sardar
Vallabhbhai Patel University of Agriculture and Technology, Meerut, Uttar
Pradesh. He obtained his undergraduate and post-graduate degrees from
the Sam Higginbottom University of Agriculture, Technology and Sciences
in Prayagraj, Uttar Pradesh in 2020. In 2021, Mr. Wamiq successfully
qualified for the ICAR ASRB-NET in Vegetable Science. Mr. Wamiq has
published several research papers and review papers in both national and
international journals. Additionally, he has authored several articles in various magazines.
Mr. Chhail Bihari completed his B.Sc. (Hons) in Horticulture in 2019
from CoH, BUA&T, Banda, Uttar Pradesh, and his M.Sc. (Ag.) in
Vegetable Science in 2021 from DRPCAU, Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar.
Currently, he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Horticulture (Vegetable Science) at
the College of Horticulture, School of Agricultural Sciences, Nagaland
Central University, Medziphema, Nagaland. He successfully qualified for
the ICAR-ASRB NET in Vegetable Science in 2021 and achieved the 23rd
rank in JRF conducted by ICAR AIEEA (PG). He was awarded the ICAR-
JRF and UGC-Non-NET fellowship during his Ph.D. studies. In addition, he received the Best
Master's Thesis Award and the Best Research Scholar Award in 2023 from various professional
societies. He has published a few research papers, articles, and book chapters and presented his
work at various national and international conferences and seminars.
Mr. Sajeel Ahamad completed his B.Sc. (Hon’s) Horticulture with a Gold
Medal in 2019 from CoH, BUA&T, Banda, Uttar Pradesh and M.Sc. (Ag.)
Postharvest Technology in 2021 from ICAR-IARI New Delhi. Presently
he is pursuing his Ph.D. in Horticulture (Postharvest Management) from
ICAR-IARI New Delhi. He qualified ICAR-ASRB NET in Fruit Science
and Vegetable Science in 2021, and 2023 respectively. He has secured AIR
8th rank in JRF and 1st rank in SRF conducted by ICAR AIEEA (PG), and
ICAR AICE-JRF/SRF (Ph.D.) in 2019 and 2021 respectively. He was selected for the award
of ICAR-JRF and SRF fellowship. He was also awarded the Best Master Thesis award, Best
Research Scholar Award, and Young Horticulturist Award by various professional societies. He
has published 7 review papers, 10 popular articles, 12 book chapters, 2 Books, and 15 abstracts
and presented his work in various national and international conferences and seminars.
38

Advances in Produc on Technology of Elephant Foot

Yam
T Yeswanth Mahidar Gowd1, Vadde Mounika1, and T.P. Rathour2*
1
Ph.D. scholar, Department of Vegetable Science, CAU College of Hor culture and Forestry, Pasighat,
Arunachal Pradesh India.
2
Ph.D. Research Scholar, Department of Fruit Science, Bidhan Chandra Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, Mohanpur,
Nadia (West Bengal)

Introduction
Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius Dennst.) Nicolson, known as “Suran” or
“Zamikand” in Hindi, and “oal” in certain regions, belongs to the Araceae family. This fascinating
plant species boasts a unique botanical profile and holds cultural significance in various cuisines
and traditional practices. With a chromosome number of 2n = 28, the elephant foot yam displays
its genetic intricacies. The plant’s distinctive tuber, resembling an elephant’s foot, is a valuable
source of nutrition and has been a staple in many diets. Among the tuber crops elephant foot yam is
profitable and successful. Due to the crop’s tolerance for shade, simplicity of cultivation, excellent
production, low incidence of pests and diseases, consistent demand, and relatively low price, it is
becoming more and more popular. After thorough cooking, tubers are mostly eaten as vegetables.
Tubers high in starch are used to make chips. The leaves and delicate stems are frequently eaten as
vegetables. 18.0% carbohydrate, 1-5 % protein, and up to 2 % fat are all present in tubers. Leaves
include 3 % carbs, 2-3 % protein, and 4-7 % crude fiber. Because oxalates are present in large
amounts, tubers and leaves are extremely acidic. Typically, aridity is eliminated by boiling for an
extended period of time. Elephant foot yam is only grown in Southeast Asia, India, the Philippines,
and Sri Lanka.

Area and production

Elephant foot yam is grown for commercial purposes in various countries, including India, China,
Malaysia, Java, the Philippines, and Ceylon. In India, it is widely grown, particularly in the states
of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal, and Uttar Pradesh. The area and
production extend up to 38000 Ha and 874 thousand MT respectively (NHB, 2020-21)

Uses
During the period of vegetable shortage, the corm is primarily utilised as a vegetable and a healthy
secondary diet. The tubers may be used to make pickles, dry, and fried cubes in addition to being
consumed as a vegetable. It is often used in flour, chips, and thickening agents. Many ayurvedic
medicines used to treat piles and digestive issues contain corms as an ingredient. The tubers are
402 / A Textbook on Advances in Production Technology of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Vegetable Crops

thought to have the ability to purify the blood and are utilized as remedies to treat conditions such as
piles, asthma, dysentery, and other abdominal issues. The corms of A. konjac are used to make flour,
which enhances metabolism. Additionally, corms are fed to animals. Because it is difficult to keep
fresh corms, processed items, such as dry and fried corm cubes made from blanched corms soaking
in a 2% salt solution, are made.

Nutritional Composition of Elephant Foot Yam (per 100 g Edible Portion)

Constituents Contents Constituents Contents

Water (g) 69.9 Potassium (mg) 816
Carbohydrates (g) 27.9 Iron (mg) 0.54
Starch (g) 18 Vitamin A (μg) 7
Protein (g) 1.5 Thiamine (mg) 0.112
Fat (g) 0.17 Riboflavin (mg) 0.032
Calcium (mg) 17 Vitamin C 17.1
Phosphorus (mg) 55 Energy(kcal) 118

Botany
The cultivar of the elephant foot yam is a hardy herbaceous plant with a height range of 1.0 to 1.5
metres. Huge tripartite leaves that form a dense crown-like foliage and a single thick stalk sustain
its many large leaves. The aerial pseudo stem, which has a rounded, asymmetrical appearance, is
actually a leaf petiole. The dark brown, flattened tuber, which is a thicker portion of the subterranean
stem, can measure up to 50 x 30 cm and weigh up to 15 kg. A bell-shaped spathe and a centre yellow
spadix make up the inflorescence, which is produced only once or twice every three to five years
by the plant. The spadix can be up to 70 cm long, with the female section at the bottom covered
with pistils, the male zone’s densely packed stamens, and the bulbous appendix at the end. The
appendix emits an unpleasant smell that draws pollinators like carrion flies and beetles. The spathe
can range in hue from light green to dark brown and is wide, measuring up to 45 x 60 cm. The
spadix, which may be up to 50 cm long and 8 cm in diameter, produces a frilled, glossy, maroon
structure surrounding the spike as it opens. The peduncle, also known as a stalk, can be 20–100 cm
long and supports the bright red fruit, which is around 2 × 1 cm (Rana M K 2017).

Fig. 1 : Plant
 Advances in Production Technology of Elephant Foot Yam / 403

Fig. 2 : Flower Fig. 3 : Corm with apical bud

Soil
The crop can be grown in a wide range of soils. The corms require aerated and well-drained soils
since they are quite sensitive to poor drainage conditions. Organic matter or compost must be added
to the clayey and silty soils as soil amendments. Rich loamy soils with a pH of 5.5 to 7.0 are often
ideal.

Climate
As a tropical and subtropical crop, amorphophallus needs warm, humid temperatures during
vegetative growth as well as evenly distributed rainfall. There should not be a significant variation
between the minimum and highest temperatures during its growing phase. During the appearance
of the shoots and while the corm is developing, elephant foot yam needs a humid environment with
a temperate climate.

Nutritional requirement
Due to the high nutritional requirements of the elephant foot yam, the trenches should be filled
with a mixture of soil and well-decomposed farmyard manure (20-25 t/ha). Depending on the soil
fertility and nutrient status, a different amount of fertilizer may be required, however, an effective
dose has been reported to be 100 kg of nitrogen, 80 kg of phosphorus, and 100 kg of potash per
hectare. Before planting the elephant foot yam, a crop of cowpea (sown at a rate of 20 kg/ha) can
be cultivated as green manure. The green matter should be absorbed into the soil 45–60 days after
sowing.

Irrigation
Providing a summer crop with a little irrigation immediately soon after planting is crucial. Depending
on the moisture content of the soil, irrigation frequency will vary. Irrigation should be done at regular
intervals till the start of the monsoon season to ensure the crop is healthy. At every stage of the crop’s
development, it is critical to be aware of and prevent water accumulation. It is recommended to
cease watering the crop once it has grown for five to six months so that it can mature.
404 / A Textbook on Advances in Production Technology of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Vegetable Crops

Cultivars
S. No Name of cultivar Center of Characters
development
1 Gajendra Dr. YSRHU, Andhra A. High-yielding cultivar with occupy 70-80 % area
Pradesh in India
B. Corms are smooth, non-acrid, uniform in shape
with good quality
C. Yield is 50-60 t/ha
2 BCA-1 BCKV, West Bengal • Developed through selection
(Bidhan Kusum) • High yielding without daughter corms
• Corms are smooth, non-acrid and creamy flesh
• Yield is 50-55 t/ha
3 BCA-3 BCKV, West Bengal • High yielding without daughter corms
• Corms are smooth, non-acrid, whitish creamy
flesh, with good cooking quality
4 NDA-9 NDUAT, UP • Selection from Jaunpur dt of UP
(Narendra Asha) • Early variety; 180-200 DAP
• Yield is 60-85 t/ha
5 Sree Padma CTCRI, Trivandrum • Selection from indigenous germplasm in the
Wayanad district of Kerala
• Corms are non-acrid, mature in 8-9 months
• Yield 40-45 t/ha
• Tolerant to collar rot and mosaic diseases
6 Sree Athira CTCRI, Trivandrum • First genetically improved cultivar in EFY which
is a selection from cross of Am-15 x Am-45
• Corms has excellent cooking quality
• Yield is 40 t/ha
7 Appakkudal TNAU, Tamil Nadu
• Myougiyutaka is an exotic cultivar which is resistant to leaf blight and has good flour viscosity and
quality
• Other exotic cultivars: Shina-shu and Harunakuro

Propagation
Corms are used in amorphophallus propagation. Corms that were gathered in November are kept
in airtight spaces. The corm is divided into sets of 100 g, each containing a piece of the centre bud,
before planting in February. Cut corms are covered in wood ash or cow dung slurry and let to dry
in some shade. For planting at a narrower spacing of 45 x 30 cm, the rapid seed corm production
technique recommends using cormels and small sett transplants of 100g. size.
Sett preparation - 100 g cut corms with part of central bud.
 Advances in Production Technology of Elephant Foot Yam / 405

Field preparation
The ground is levelled and dug up to a depth of 15 to 20 cm. Pits measuring 60 cm x 60 cm x 45
cm may be positioned 90 cm apart. To fill the pits, the dirt must be gathered separately and dug out
to a depth of 15-20 cm. FYM: 3 kg of neem cake combination (10:1) that has been incubated with
Trichoderma and mixed with topsoil is applied. When planting, neem cake is applied at a rate of 1.0
t/ha (80 g/pit). In the pits, 500-gram pieces of corm are planted with a portion of the terminal bud
treated with a slurry containing cow dung, neem cake, and Trichoderma harzianam (5g/kg seed).
Following the sowing of elephant foot yam, 20 kg/ha of green manure cowpea is planted.

Cultivation practices
Apply fertilizer 45 days after plating, at the rate of 40 kg N, 60 kg P2O5, and 50 kg K2O/ha. You
should also mulch the area and apply cow dung or compost once it has rained. Interspace drilling
and light earthing up come next. Along with shallow cross-cultural activities including weeding,
light digging, and earthing up, top dressing is carried out with 40 kg N and 50 kg K2O again one
month later.
The majority of amorphophallus crops are rainfed. Early stages of the crop receive a little irrigation
during times when the monsoon arrives later than usual. The crop is vulnerable to stagnant water. The
most crucial action in Amorphophallus after planting is mulching. It controls soil temperature and
preserves soil moisture while also preventing weed development. Typically, a plant only develops
one “stem”. If there are more than one, it is best to eliminate all except one healthy one.

Intercropping
Crops including leafy vegetables, green gramme, black gramme, cowpea, cucumber, and others can
be produced as an intercrop during the first two to three months following planting. Farmers can
earn more money by intercropping the elephant foot yam with crops like bananas, coconuts, and
freshly planted orchards. For green manuring reasons, cowpea can be planted between the elephant
foot yam pits and added to the pits 45 to 60 days after it has been sown. When mixing the green
manure into the pits, ash can also be added at a rate of 250 g per pit.

Intercultural Operations

Hoeing and weeding

Weeds can be hoed and removed, as necessary. If weedicide was not used and weeds have sprouted,
weeding can be done about 30 days after planting. Then, the last dosage of nitrogen is applied and
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covered with soil. Within 10 days of sowing, weeds can be managed using Alachlor at 5-6 litres or
Pendimethalin 30% at 4-5 litres per 625 litres of water per acre. When the weedicide is sprayed, the
soil has to be sufficiently wet for it to be effective.

Mulching
Organic waste, such as compost, sawdust, dry grass, paddy, sugarcane stalks, and black polyethylene
sheet, when used as mulch, can effectively control weed growth and retain soil moisture.

Pest and Diseases

Root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita)
It targets the elephant foot yam’s roots and corms. Early on in the growth cycle, yellowing, stunting,
and early crop mortality are seen. On corms, uneven swelling on the surface is seen, and it creates
characteristic swelling or knotting in roots. To control, it is important to use nematode-free planting
material and apply 10 q/ha of castor or neem cake and 5 g of carbofuran per plant to the soil to
protect against nematodes.

Mealy bugs (Plancoceus citriculus and Rhizoceus spp.)

This bug rarely feeds on stems and leaves, preferring to eat roots and tubers. When sown, the
diseased tubers are shriveled and do not sprout. Infestations are typically discovered during the
harvest of tubers. When planting, it is crucial to use only seed corms that are free from pests. This
will help to ensure the healthy growth of the plants and prevent the spread of pest infestations. If
infected seed corms are discovered, they can be treated with monocrotophos 0.05% for 10 minutes
to eliminate the pests and prevent them from spreading.

Mosaic disease
The disease is disseminated primarily by planting materials, and it is spread secondarily by insect
vectors such Myzus persicae Sulz, Aphis gossypii Glover, Aphis craccivora Koch, and Pentalonia
nigronervosa Coq. Mosaic mottling and deformation of the leaf lamina are two signs of the illness.
The corms that the plants with mottled leaves generate are substantially smaller than the corms
that the plants with unmottled leaves produce. To control use the planting material, which is free of
viruses, remove diseased plants from the field, at intervals of every two weeks, apply 0.05% Rogor
or Metasystox pesticide to the crop to control the vector and stop the spread.

Collar rot (Sclerotium rolfsii)

It is a devastating disease that spreads widely in the wet season that follows the warm dry season.
When the crop is 2 to 3 months old, symptoms begin to appear. Brownish lesions first develop on the
collar areas and eventually extend to the whole pseudostem, causing the plant to become yellow. In
extreme circumstances, the plant collapses, resulting in total crop loss. The incidence of the illness
is favoured by waterlogging, inadequate drainage, and mechanical damage at the collar area.
To control the disease, it is important to start with the plant material that is free of illness. Diseased
plants should be promptly removed to prevent the spread of the illness to the rest of the field.
Maintaining a clean environment on the field, with proper hygiene practices and efficient drainage
systems, will help to reduce the risk of disease. To further protect the plants, 250 g of neem cake per
 Advances in Production Technology of Elephant Foot Yam / 407

pit can be added to the soil. Additionally, biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma can be used at a rate
of 2.5 kg per hectare, combined with 50 kg of farmyard manure. Finally, the beds can be drenched
with captan 0.2% to provide additional protection.

Leaf spot (Corynespora cassiicola)

Reddish-brown patches on the leaves are the first sign of the disease. Later, the spots grow to a
diameter of up to 2 cm, become uneven, and transform into light brown necrotic patches surrounded
by a reddish brown to black edge. In extreme circumstances, the impacted plants dry out and die. To
control the leaf spot spray captan 0.2% or mancozeb 0.25% at fortnight intervals.

Harvesting and yield

The crop is harvested for 6-7 months after it is planted. When harvested on 180 days after planting,
the highest yield is reached. The yellowing and dropping of the leaves indicate crop is ready to
harvest. Corms are typically harvested 6 months after planting for vegetable purposes, and 8-9
months after planting for seed purposes. Immature crop storage is difficult, and matured corms are
stored for a few months in well-ventilated areas. It is preferable to harvest the crop at the proper
stage because the rate of moisture loss from the corms in the first four days is about 3-4% per day,
with the total extending to 25% or more in the first month of storage. The average yield ranges from
30 - 40 t/ha.

Post-harvest management
Post-harvest management of Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius) plays a pivotal
role in maintaining the quality and nutritional value of this valuable tuber. Once harvested, the yams
should be handled with care to avoid bruising or damage. Thoroughly clean the tubers to remove
excess soil and debris, taking care not to injure the outer skin. Proper curing is essential to prevent
sprouting and enhance shelf life. This involves allowing the yams to dry in a shaded, well-ventilated
area for a few days. Subsequently, they should be stored in a cool, dry environment, ideally at
temperatures between 50-60°F (10-15°C) and humidity levels of around 70-75%. High humidity
and direct sunlight should be avoided, as they can promote mold growth and spoilage.
Regular inspection is crucial during storage. Check the yams for any signs of decay, rot, or
pest infestations. Remove any affected tubers promptly to prevent the spread of issues. It’s also
recommended to periodically rearrange the yams to ensure even air circulation and prevent moisture
buildup.
Proper packaging can further aid in post-harvest management. Use breathable materials such as
bamboo baskets or jute bags to allow for ventilation while protecting the yams from physical
damage. By following these post-harvest practices, Elephant Foot Yam can be stored and preserved
in optimal condition, retaining its unique taste, texture, and nutritional benefits for an extended
period, thus ensuring its availability for consumption and commerce.

Future prospects
The future prospects for crop improvement in Elephant Foot Yam (Amorphophallus paeoniifolius)
hold significant promise. Researchers and agricultural experts are focusing on various avenues to
enhance this important root vegetable. Genetic diversity is being explored to develop improved
varieties with higher yields, enhanced disease resistance, and adaptability to varying agro-climatic
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408 / A Textbook on Advances in Production Technology of Tropical and Sub-Tropical Vegetable Crops

conditions. Breeding efforts are aimed at reducing the yam’s lengthy maturation period and
increasing its uniformity in size and shape. Sustainable cultivation practices, including organic
farming and efficient water management, are being integrated to optimize resource utilization
and minimize environmental impact. Additionally, post-harvest technologies and storage methods
are being refined to prolong shelf life and preserve its nutritional value. Collaborative initiatives
involving scientists, farmers, and stakeholders are poised to yield advanced Elephant Foot Yam
cultivars that contribute to food security, nutrition, and sustainable agriculture in the years ahead.

References
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Chadha, K.L. (2019). Hand Book of Horticulture. Second Edition, Volume 1, Indian Council of Agricultural
Research, New Delhi.
Rana, M.K. (Ed.). (2017). Vegetable Crop Science (1st ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781315116204.
National Horticulture Board Area and Production of Horticulture Crops. All India second advance estimates
2020-21.
Thamburaj, S. and Singh, N. (2018). Textbook of Vegetables, Tuber crops and spices. ICAR. New Dei.