Hor411 PR
Hor411 PR
Nematodes
Root knot and lesion nematodes commonly infect the seedlings. Before sowing
the seeds, carbofuran @ 10 g/sq.m should be incorporated in the soil and watered
regularly.
Ants: Application of Lindane 1.3% dust at the rate of 100 g/bed on all sides to protect
the seeds from ants.
EX.NO.2
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETIES OF VEGETABLE CROPS
has double coloured leaves (green and pink). It gives a rosette growth in early stages. The
stem is also free of fibres. The first harvest starts 25 days after sowing and in a crop
duration of 55 days it produces on an average of 40 tonnes of green leaves per hectare.
CO. 1 Onion (1963)
It is a selection. The crop duration is 90 days and yields 10 t/ha. Bulbs are
medium sized, pink in colour with 8 bulbs per plant weighing 55 to 60 g. The bulbs are
fairly pungent.
CO.2 Onion (1975)
It is a selection from a germplasm type, CS 911. The crop duration is 65 days
yielding 12 t/ha. It is a photo insensitive type. This variety is pungent with high total
soluble solids (12.0°Brix).
CO.3 Onion (1979)
It is a clonal selection from open pollinated progenies of CS 450. The crop
duration is 65 days and yields 15.8 t/ha. The bulbs store well over 120 days. The variety
contains 17.5% dry matter, 0.53 per cent sulphur and 13.0°Brix TSS.
CO.4 Onion (1982)
It is a hybrid derivative of the cross AC 863 x CO3. The crop duration is 65 days
and yields 19.0 t/ha.. The bulbs store well over 150 days devoid of sprouting in well
ventilated store rooms.
MDU 1 Onion (1984)
This is a selection from a local type, Sempatti. Bulbs are big sized with attractive
red colour. It yields 52.7% higher than CO 2. It keeps well for a long time with less
reduction during storage in bulb weight (45%) for 5 months compared to 65% in CO 2
onion.
CO. 1 Snake gourd (1976)
It is a selection from a local germplasm type. The crop duration is 135 days and
yields 18.0 t/ha. The fruits are dark green with white stripes, long fruits (160-180 cm)
each weighing 500 to 750 g with good cooking quality. It is moderately resistant to
powdery mildew.
CO.2 Snake gourd (1986)
It is a selection from a local type. The fruits are short and stout. It yields on an
average 36 t/ha. The fruit is light greenish white and each weighs 400-600 g. The crop
duration is 105 days. The variety does not require pandal.
MDU 1 Snake gourd (1981)
It is a hybrid between Panri Pudal and selection 1. It is an early flowering type (84
days) with an average yield of 31.74 t/ha. The fruits are medium long (66.94 cm) and
short with an average weight of 551 g. The fruits are fairly rich in Vit. C (44.4 mg/100g)
and very low in fibre content (0.6%).
PKM 1 Snake gourd (1979)
It is an induced mutant from H 375 type and yields 25.5 t/ha in a duration of 145
days. The vines are vigorous giving fruits of dark green colour with white strips outside
and light green inside. Each fruit weighs 700 g.
CO.1 Bitter gourd (1978)
It is a selection from a local type. The crop duration is 115 days and yields 14.0
t/ha. The fruits are green, long (30-35 cm) and contain 1.8 mg/100 g of iron, 20 mg/100g
of calcium and 1.1g/100 g of minerals.
MDU 1 Bitter gourd (1984)
It is an induced mutant, developed by gamma irradiation of local cultivar (MC
103). It is early in flowering (60 days) and yields 16.66 fruits/plant. The fruits are long
with mean length of 40.34 cm and a girth of 17.54 cm and each fruit weighs 410.0 g on
an average. It yields 32.19 t/ha.
CO.1 Ribbed gourd (1976)
It is a selection from a local type. The crop duration is 125 days and yield of 14.0
t/ha. Fruits are long (60-75 cm), light green, attractive in appearance each weighing 300 g
on an average. Moderately tolerant to pest and disease.
CO.2 Ribbed gourd (1984)
It is a selection from a germplasm type. The fruits are green, long (1 m) and
fleshy. The crop duration is 120 days with an yield of 25 t/ha.
PKM 1 Ribbed gourd (1980)
It is an induced mutant from the type H 160 and gives 28.0 t/ha of fruits in a
duration of 160 days/ The fruits are dark green with shallow grooves. The plants are
tolerant to pumpkin beetle, fruit fly and leaf spot.
CO.1 Bottle gourd (1981)
It is a selection from a germplasm type. The crop duration is 135 days and yield
of 36.0 t/ha. Fruits are round at the base with a prominent bottle neck at the top., medium
sized, attractive light green in colour with mean weight of 2.025 kg.
CO.1 Pumpkin (1971)
It is a selection from a local type and yields 30 t/ha. The vines are vigorous and
spreading. The fruits are bigger and globular, each weighing 7.00 kg. One vine yields 6 to
7 fruits. First harvest can be had 115 days after sowing and the total crop duration is 180
days.
CO.2 Pumpkin (1974)
It is a selection from a local type. The duration is 135 days and yields 23.0 t/ha.
The vines are moderately vigorous and less spreading. Individual fruit weighs 1.5 to 2.0
kg with 5 to 6 fruits per vine. It is a small fruited variety suitable for kitchen garden. The
fruits contain 9.2% starch, 10.8 brix TSS, 10 mg/100 g of ascorbic acid and 0.14%
acidity.
CO.1 Ash gourd (1971)
It is a selection from a local type with a crop duration of 150 days. The fruits are
globular, light green with ash coating with less seeds. The yield is 25 t/ha.
CO.2 Ash gourd (1982)
It is a selection from a local type. The duration is 120 days and yields 34.0 t/ha.
The fruits are light green with waxy bloom, small sized with a mean weight of 2.5 to 3.0
kg. The fruits contain 200-300 seeds. It takes 85-90 days from sowing to harvest.
PKM.1 Annual Moringa (1989)
It is a pure line selection from the population generated by continuous selfing of
the seed moringa types for six generations. The plants grow to a height of 4-6m and come
to flowering 90-100 days after planting. The first harvest starts 160-170 days after
planting. Each tree bears on an average 200-225 fruits/year
(3 kg). The pods are 65-70 cm long with 6.3 cm girth and 150 g weight. Ratoon crops can
be taken for 3 years. Every year after the harvest is completed, the trees have to be cut
back to about one metre from ground level.
PKM.2 Annual Moringa
It is a high yielding type with an increase of 9.18% in number of pods over PKM-
1 Annual Moringa. The pods are long, less seeded, more fleshy and delicious. It comes to
bearing in six months after sowing. It yields 98 tonnes/ha/year.
CO.1 Tapioca (1977)
It is a clonal selection with a crop duration of 8½ -9 months. The tuber is whitish
brown with white flesh, and is suitable for industrial uses and consumption purpose. The
starch content of tubers is 35.0 per cent with an out turn of 10.35 tonnes of starch per
hectare. The HCN content is less (10g/g) in the flesh. It yields 30 t/ha. The plants are
tolerant to mosaic virus.
CO.2 Tapioca (1984)
It is also a clonal selection. The tubers are medium sized with whitish grey skin,
creamy white rind and white flesh. The crop duration is 8 ½ to 9 months . The starch
content is 34.50 per cent. It yields 38.6 t/ha of tubers. The incidence of mosaic virus is
low. The tubers contain low HCN of 10 g/g in the flesh.
CO.3 Tapiaco (1993)
It is also a clonal selection from open pollinated seeds obtained from Ibadan, Nigeria.
It yields 43 t/ha in a crop duration is 8 months. The tubers contain high starch 35.6% and low
HCN of 77.89µg/g. The plants exhibit field tolerance to mosaic virus disease. It is a
branching type. Tuber flesh is white with brown skin and creamy white rind.
CO.1 Sweetpotato (1976)
It is a clonal selection. The crop duration is 135 days and yields 28 t/ha. The
tubers have light pink skin and white flesh. The number of tubers per plant is 3.2 with a
starch content of 24% and a TSS of 10.6° brix.
CO.2 Sweetpotato (1980)
It is a clonal selection. The crop duration is 110 to 115 days and yields 32 t/ha.
Tubers have pink skin and white flesh and have a starch content of 29.5 per cent and TSS
of 10.8°Brix.
CO.3 Sweetpotato (1982)
It is also a clonal selection. The crop duration is 105-110 days and yields 42 t/ha.
It is suitable for cultivation in both seasons and tolerant to root weevil. The tubers have
light pink skin and orange flesh and contain a carotene of 13.28 mg/100 g and starch of
30.72 per cent.
CO.CIP.1 Sweetpotato
It is a clonal progeny of IB 19.10.20 developed through half-sib evaluation of
open pollinated seedlings. Duration is 95-110 days September-October, February-March
and June-July are best suitable seasons. It yields 31.76 t/ha. Tolerant to weevil incidence
(14.85%).
CO.1 Coleus (1991)
It is a clonal selection. It yields 32 t/ha in a crop duration of 180-190 days. The
tubers have 21.5 per cent starch. The cooked tubers are tasty and have lesser soil odour.
CO.1 Dioscorea (1991)
It is a clonal selection. It gives 44.8 tonnes of tubers/ha in a crop duration of 8 to
8½ months. The tubers are big in size with white flesh. Tubers are rich in carbohydrate
(28%) and protein (2.5%).
CO.1 Colocasia (1991)
It is a high yielding selection. It has an yield potential of 24 t/ha. Tubers have high
starch content (22.5%) and higher protein content (2.4%) than cassava and sweet potato.
Tubers have less acidity and good cooking quality.
CO.1 Radish (1971)
It is a selection from a germplasm type. Roots are milky white, less pungent, long
(22 cm) cylindrical and tapering and thick (12.5 cm girth) and medium sized (226 g).
Roots contain 10.9 mg/vit. C per 100 g and 1.28% crude fibre, suitable for intercropping
and other systems of cropping. Roots have better consumer's preference. Top to root ratio
is 0.99.
Ooty-1 Beetroot (1992)
It is a selection and yields 31.4 t/ha in the hills. The crop duration is 120-130 days
if direct sown and 135-150 days if transplanted. It is suitable for growing in all seasons.
The roots are blood red in colour with thin skin.
KKL-1 Moringa bean (1996)
It is a selection from a local type. The selection yields 7 tonnes of green pods/ha
with 31 per cent increase over local. Pods are green, fleshy and thick.
YCD.1 French bean (1994)
It is a pureline selection from a local type and suitable for rainfed cultivation in the
hills upto an elevation of 1500 m above M.S.L. It yields 9 tonnes of green pods or 6 tonnes of
grain per hectare in a duration of 105 days. The pods are flat, green with dark purple bold
seeds. It exhibits field tolerance to yellow vein mosaic and anthranose disease.
KKL-1 Butter beans (1991)
KKL-1 butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus) is a selection from a type collected from
Vilpatti. It is a pole type and bears pods in clusters. The pods are 11.6 cm long, beans are
5-6 in number per pod. The crop will be ready for harvest from 100 days. The harvest
will continue upto 140 days. It yields 3.47 t/ha in 3 to 4 pickings.
CO.1 Dolichos bean (1993)
It is a selection. Pods are dark green flat and slightly curved, tender and fleshy.
Pods contain 4.69% protein, 12 mg vit. C, Fe 2 mg, P.14 mg, Ca 39 mg. 100 g or edible
portion with 1.33% crude fibre. Matured seed is black in colour. Yield 18 t/ha, duration
165 days.
CO. Simla potato (1970)
It is a selection from the hybrids obtained from CPRI, Simla. It is suitable for
cultivation in the plains during monsoon seasons. The yield is 12 t/ha in a crop duration
of 110 days.
Ooty 1 Palak (1995)
It is a selection and can be grown all through the year. It is tasty green leafy vegetable
in which first picking can be had 45 days after sowing and continued at 15 days interval for a
period of 2 years. It yields 15 t/ha/harvest. The leaves contain higher carotene.
PKM.1 Watermelon (1993)
Fruits are oblong, green in colour with light green stripes. Each fruit weighs about
3-4 kg. Duration is 120-135 days and yield is 38 t/ha.
CO.1 Cucumber (1989)
It is a selection from Kanyakumari local type. It is a high yielding selection (25-
28 t/ha). The fruits are long (60 to 65 cm), slightly curved, tapering towards stalk end.
Ooty.1 Garlic (1991)
It is a high yielder and gives on an average 17.1 t/ha. Comes to harvest in 120-
130 days. The bulb is dull white in colour.
EX.NO.3
PREPARATION OF MAIN FIELD AND PLANTING OF SEEDLINGS
Selection of site for vegetable cultivation
The points to be considered while selecting a particular site for vegetable
cultivation are,
i) Marketing facility to sell the produce.
ii) Transport facilities and cost of transportation from production site to
market place (more than one mode of transport is essential)
iii) Suitable climate for vegetable cultivation.
iv) Extent and suitability of land
v) Nature of available soil conditions
vi) Availability of labour force.
vii) Assurance of water supply.
A good soil for vegetable cultivation should have the following characters.
i) Soil should have ample plant nutrients for good yield.
ii) It should have a reasonable water storage capacity and ability to maintain
sufficient moisture.
iii) Soil should have a good physical properties (which enables proper root
development and anchorage of the plant)
iv) Soil should be free from adverse chemical reactions. Highly acidic or
alkaline soil should be avoided.
Soil reaction influences the availability of plant nutrients N, P & K are highly
available at a pH range of 6.5 to 7.0. The bacteria which fix nitrogen and decompose
organic matter are very active in the pH of 7.0.
Each vegetable crop requires on optimum pH range for better performance.
Cauliflower and spinach come up well in a pH range of 6.0 to 6.7, while peas and
cabbage can tolerate a soil pH of 5.5.
Soil should be selected depending on the crop to be grown.
(1) Crops like celery, onion and lettuce have shallow root system. Plenty of organic
matter and moisture should be available in the top soil for these crops. So soils which
are high in fertility and moisture in top layer should be selected.
(2) Cucurbits have tap root system which grows to a depth of 45 to 75 cm. But the lateral
roots spread as much as the spread of the top of the plant. Fertile, well drained loamy
soils should be selected.
While transplanting, roots are injured and the capacity of the plant to absorb water
to compensate transpiration loss is reduced. Hence it is better to transplant in the late
evenings or on a cloudy day. During summer, it is desirable to provide some artificial
shade to newly planted seedlings by inserting twigs with leaves near the seedlings. Life
irrigation should be given on the third day. Gap filing may be done during the life
irrigation or during the subsequent irrigation.
Age of seedlings suitable for transplanting
Crops Age (days)
1. Brinjal ..................................................30-35
2. Tomato ..................................................25-30
3. Chillies .................................................40-45
4. Bellary onion.........................................40-45
5. Cabbage.................................................30-35
6. Cauliflower ..........................................30-35
Seedlings in polybags
7 Cucurbits ..............................................25-30
8 Annual Moringa ...................................30-40
EX.NO.4
METHODS OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION AND IRRIGATION
IN VEGETABLE CROPS
Fertilization refers to the addition of nutrients to the plant. The primary objective
of crop fertilization is to achieve an optimum plant response. Fertilization beyond this
level must be considered a wasteful practice. Not only it is subjected to an excess loss by
leaching and volatilization, but also it becomes toxic to crops.
Sometimes, green manure or green leaf manures are ploughed into the soil for the
purpose of incorporating organic matter, thus applying humus as well as nutrients
contained in them. The following are the commonly grown green manure legumes in
India.
1. Sunnhemp (Crotolaria juncea) 3. Pillipesara (Phaseolus trilobus)
3. Daincha (Sesania aculeata) 4. Sesbania (Sesbania speciosa)
Green leaf manuring refers to the incorporation of the green leaves and other tender
parts of the plants collected from the shurbs and trees grown outside the field and also
collected from the waste lands and nearby forests into the soil. The popular plants are
1. Gliricidia (Gliricidia maculata) 3. Pungam (Pungamia pinnata)
2. Daincha (Sesbania aculeata) 4. Sesbania (Sesbania speciosa)
Type of fertilizers Nutrient content
Nitrogenous fertilizers - %
a) Ammonium sulphate - 20.6
b) Urea - 46.0
c) Sodium Nitrate - 16.0
d) Potassium Nitrate - 12.5-13.5
Phosphatic fertilizers
a) Superphosphate - 16.0
b) Rock phosphate - 30.0-40.0
Potassic fertilizers
a) Muriate of potash - 60.0
b) Potassium Sulphate - 48.0
Mixed fertilizers: It is a mixture of straight fertilizers which can supply more than one
plant nutrient elements.
Advantages:
1. Saving in time and labour for application.
Disadvantages
1. Specific needs of crops for individual nutrient element cannot be met.
2. Unit cost of various nutrients contained in the mixed fertilizers will always be
higher than the unit cost of nutrients in the straight fertilizers.
Biofertilizers
Fixation of atmospheric nitrogen is carried out by specific group of
microroganisms either in free living condition (Eg) Azotobacter or in symbiotic
association with leguminous crops (eg.) Rhizobium and non-leguminous crops. (eg.)
Azospirillum.
Application of phosphobacteria solubilizes the insoluble phosphorus thereby it
increases the availability of phosphorus.
They are applied in the following methods.
a) Seed treatment or seed inoculation (400 g/ha)
b) Seedling dip or root bacterization (1 kg/ha for 10 minutes)
c) Soil application or broadcasting (2kg/ha)
Depending upon the nature of soil and the crop, there are different methods of
fertilizer application.
Organic manures are mostly spread uniformly in the field and incorporated at the
last ploughing.
Methods
1) Broadcast
The fertilizer is applied uniformly over the field before planting the crop. It is
incorporated by using a tiller or cultivator. One of the main disadvantages in this method
is that more amounts of fertilizers are leached out. It has the advantage that there is less
chance of injury to roots.
2) Side band
Fertilizer is applied in bands to one or both sides of the seed or plant.
3) With seed
The fertilizers are applied along with the seed at the time of sowing. The
emergence of
seedlings is affected if seedlings get scorched.
Starter solution
Solution of fertilizers consisting of NPK is applied to young plants at the time of
transplanting. Such type of solution is known as starter solution which has the following
advantages.
1. Nutrients reach the plant roots immediately.
2. Solution is sufficiently directed so that it does not inhibit growth (Eg) tomato.
Seed Treatment
Seed treatment with nutrient solution is also one of the ways to fulfill the nutrient
needs of the crop at the early stages of growth. (Eg) Potato-soaking of seed tubers in
0.5% solution of micronutrients viz., Zinc sulphate, Ferrous sulphate, Manganese
sulphate and copper sulphate for 4 hours has been found effective.
Foliar application
The water soluble fertilizers may be applied directly to the aerial portion of the
plants. The nutrients can penetrate the cuticle of the leaf and stomata and then enter the
cells. This method provides, more rapid utilization of nutrients and permits the correction
of observed deficiencies in shorter time than the soil treatments. Micronutrients are
highly effective when given as foliar spray. Urea is highly suitable for foliar application
because of its high solubility, easy and quick absorption by plant tissues and it contains
more nitrogen. It can also be mixed with pesticides and fungicides while spraying. Urea
injury could be corrected by sucrose or by the addition of Magnesium sulphate.
Micronurients are highly effective if given as foliar spray because of their requirements
in small amounts by the plants. Moreover, micronutrients like Zn, Cu and Fe are not
highly soluble in soil.
Disadvantages
1. Skill is required in preparation of the solution for sprays as the foliage of the
vegetable crops is damaged by high concentration of fertilizers.
2. Time of application is equally important. If the solution is sprayed in the hot
sun, the foliage may get scorched due to rapid drying of sprayed solution over the foliage
and thus increase in the concentration.
To avoid scorching effect, foliar application of micronutrients should be
neutralized with 0.25% lime or 3.0% urea. (Eg) Foliar application of 2% urea at weekly
intervals in bhendi for 6 times from 20 DAS.
Nutrient requirement of Vegetable Crops
Vegetable crops are fertilized in order to supply the nutrient elements which are
not present in sufficient quantities in the soil.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen fertilizer is readily soluble in water and more loss is found to occur. This
nutrient is required throughout the crop growth and all plants are found to absorb the
nitrogen continuously through out the entire growth phase. So it is advisable to supply
nitrogenous fertilizers in split doses instead of applying the entire quantity at one time.
Phosphorus
This nutrient is required in large amounts in the early stages of plant growth.
Phosphorus fertilizers are found to be slow acting and the available phosphorus become
unavailable due to fixation.
Soil amendments like Lime, Dolomite or Magnesium sulphate are easily
decomposable organic matter in acid soils. Iron pyrites may be incorporated in alkaline
soils to change the pH before application of fertilizers to reduce the fixation.
Surface application or broadcasting is preferred for shallow rooted crops, whereas
placement in the root zone is advantageous for deep rooted crops.
Potassium
Potassium is required throughout the crop growth. But the release of this nutrient
in the soil is very slow. Therefore, it is desirable to apply the entire quantity of K before
sowing or planting of crop.
Time of application
Nitrogen: It should be applied through more number of splits for long duration as well as
perennial crops. A major part of nitrogen from urea broadcast on soil surface is lost easily.
Powdered neem cake and urea at 1:5 ratio (Neem coated urea) reduce quick
mineralisation of ammoniacal nitrogen thus increasing the period of nitrogen availability for
the crop and reduces losses by leaching and run-off from upland soils (slow release fertilizer).
Phosphorus: It is generally recommended that the entire quantity of phosphatic
fertilizers should be applied before planting or sowing of crop.
Potassium: In acid soils, potassic fertilizers should be applied after Lime application,
otherwise potassium may be lost by leaching.
METHODS OF IRRIGATION IN VEGETABLE CROPS
For continuous supply of vegetables almost throughout the year, green leafy
vegetables may be sown or planted at different dates preferably short duration crops first
and later the long duration crop, so as to ensure regular supply of vegetables. Growing
more than one crop in a bed in a year enables judicious utilization of the soil nutrients
and the air space above.
In general, vegetables could be grown throughout the year with a few exceptions.
Cropping intensity should be the maximum in kitchen garden. A cropping programme for
a kitchen garden is furnished below for guidance.
Bed No. Vegetables Season of growing
1. Brinjal + radish June-September
Cabbage October-January
Bhendi Feb-May
2. Tomato + cluster beans June-September
Beet root October-December
Greens Jan-Feb
Cowpea March-May
3. Avarai June-September
Brinjal and Turnip October-January
Cluster beans Feb-May
4. Bhendi June-Sep.
Cauliflower Oct-Jan
Radish Feb-March
Greens April-May
Bed No. Vegetables Season of growing
5. Chillies + onion (small) June- November
Greens Dec.-January
Brinjal + Radish Feb.-May
6. Onion (Bellary) June-September
Chillies Oct.-Feb.
French beans March-May
Vegetables occupy the vital place in our balanced diet. It is equally important that
the area and production of vegetable crops should be increased. Use of high yielding
varieties and improved technologies can increase the production to meet our growing
demand for vegetables. Application of plant growth regulators, has become essential for
increasing the productivity of vegetable crops.
Plant growth hormones are chemical substances other than nutrients produced by
plants in small quantities at one place and transported to the place of action. These
growth hormones may promote or inhibit or otherwise modify growth and development.
Tomato: Temperature requirement is a very essential factor for fruit set in tomato.
Application of GA 50 ppm or 2-4-D 2 ppm or Triacontanol 1 ppm at 15DAP and at
flowering will increase the fruit set and yield when the night and day temperatures are
below 15°Cand above 35°C respectively. It has been found that spraying of cycocel 250
ppm can check the spread of leaf curl virus disease.
Brinjal;: In brinjal, there are four types of flowers depending upon their style length viz.
Long styled, medium styled, pseudo -short styled and true-short styled. Fruit set occurs
mostly in long and medium styled flowers and to a certain extent in pseudo short styled
flowers. By spraying 2,4-D 2 ppm or Triacontanol 2 ppm at the time of flowering, the
fruit set was found to be increased to a considerable amount in true short styled flowers
also. 2,4-D 5 ppm can also be used for seed treatment for the above purpose. Brinjal
responds well to application of micronutrients when combined with triacontanol 4 ppm at
15 DAP and at flowering for increasing production.
Chillies: In chillies, though the flowers are produced profusely, the fruit set percentage is
very low. To increase the fruit set and check the flower and fruit drop, spraying of NAA
10 to 25 ppm (Planofix 1-2.5 ml per 4.5 litres of water) on 60 and 90 days after planting
is recommended. This practice is widely followed by chilli growers. It has also been
found that by spraying of 'Biozyme Crop' @ 180 ml in 180 litres of water on 35, 55 and
75 days after planting, the yield of chillies could be increased.
Gourds: In gourds, the number of male flowers is generally more than the female flowers
(high sex ratio) which leads to less yield. To increase the number of female flowers and
fruit set, ethrel spray is recommended. For Ash gourd, pumpkin and ribbed gourd, ethrel
can be sprayed at 250 ppm and for snake gourd and bitter gourd it can be sprayed at 100
ppm. The spray should be taken up four times at weekly intervals starting from 15 days
after sowing. For bitter gourd, spraying of Triacontanol 5 ppm at four leaf stage and at
vining stage was found to improve the yield.
Onion: Long storage of onion bulbs is a difficult task. The bulbs would start sprouting
during storage, if moisture content is increased. To arrest the sprouting of onion bulbs
during storage onion crop can be sprayed with MH 2500 ppm as a pre harvest spray 15
days prior to harvest.
Tapioca: Spraying of ethrel 250 ppm five times at monthly intervals starting from 3rd
month after planting can improve the tuber yield of tapioca.
SweetPotato: Ethrel spray @ 250 ppm five times at 15 days interval starting from 15
days after planting can be practised to increase the tuber yield in sweetpotato.
Method of application
Growth regulators are generally applied at very low concentrations i.e. in ppm
(parts per million) i.e. one mg in 1 litre of water gives 1 ppm solution. The growth
regulators may be applied in powder form or paste (lanolin paste) or spray solution. Good
water should be used for dissolving chemicals. If the growth regulator is insoluble in cold
water, hot water or alcohol can be used to dissolve the chemicals.
It is essential to prepare the solution of correct concentration for a particular crop
to get the expected results. Higher or lower concentration of chemical may some times
give negative effect. It is a general rule that spraying of growth regulators should be taken
up in early morning and late evening hours for better utilization of the chemical.
EX.NO.7
SEED PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES IN VEGETABLE CROPS
Solanaceous Vegetables
Tomato, brinjal and Chillies
The method of cultivation for seed production is more or less the same as for
vegetable production. Individual plants with good fruiting quality should be marked and
ripe fruits harvested for seed extraction.
Isolation distance: To maintain genetic purity of seeds, proper isolation distance should
be given. This may vary according to the nature of pollination. Tomato-50 m, Brinjal
200m, Chillies-400 m.
Extraction of seeds from ripe fruits:
1. Tomato
a. Fermentation method: The ripe fruits are crushed and allowed to ferment for 1-2
days. The pulp and skin floats and the seeds settle down at the bottom. The seeds should
be washed thoroughly and dried.
b. Acid method: The fruits are cut into halves and the slimy mass is removed 100 ml of
(10-15 ml per kg) commercial HCl is mixed with 10 kg of slimy mass. Seeds separate out
from the mass within one hour. Then it is washed free of acid and dried. The flesh can be
used after seed extraction. Average seed yield is 16-20 kg/ha. For bacterial canker – 0.8%
acetic acid treatment for 24 hrs.
c. Alkali method: In this method, 300 g of washing soda is dissolved in 4 litres of
boiling water. This solution is mixed with equal volume (4 kg) of slimy mass of seeds.
Then it is allowed to cool down overnight. The next day morning it is washed with fresh
water repeatedly until all the chemicals are washed away. In this method also, flesh can
be used.
d. Mechanical Extraction - Tomato seed extractor is used. Moisture content of seed is
6-8% and viability is 2 years.
II. Brinjal
Fully ripe yellow coloured fruits are crushed and allowed to stand overnight. It is
washed with water, dried and sieved. Average seed yield is 590-880 kg/ha.
III. Chillies
Red ripe dried pods are broken and the seeds are collected. Average seed yield is
105-225 kg/ha depending on varieties.
IV. Gourds and Melons
All melons and gourds are highly cross pollinated. Except watermelon and
roundmelon all the other melons are cross compatible with each other. No two melons
should be grown in the same field for seed production. Isolation distance of 800 m is
recommended. Proper roguing is essential. Seeds are collected from ripe fruits and dried
under sun or using mechanical driers. Seeds are collected from fully matured fruits in
bottle gourd, bitter gourd , ash gourd , pumpkin and cucumber.
Leguminous vegetables
Peas and beans
These are self pollinated crops and hence no appreciable contamination is
expected. Isolation distance of 50 m and 20 m is followed for beans and peas
respectively. Agronomic practices for crop to be raised for seed production are more or
less the same as for vegetable production. Dry pods are collected and threshed carefully
without injuring the seed.
Average seed yield : French beans – 1000-1500 kg/ha
Peas – 2000-2500 kg/ha
Root crops
Radish: It is a cross pollinated crop and requires an isolation distance of 1600 m. Roots
are harvested at marketable stage. Good quality roots are selected. One half or one fourth
of the root is cut and planted in well prepared field. Some growers leave the plants in situ
and allow it to produce the seeds. This practice is not recommended as the removal of off
types (which are not true to variety) is not possible.
Carrot: European varieties do not set seed in plains, hence seed production is limited to
the hills only., whereas the Asiatic varieties produce seeds in the plains. Isolation distance
of 1000 m is recommended for foundation seed production. Roots are harvested at
marketable stage, after removing the off types, the stecklings are given one third shoot
cut and one fourth to one half root cut to obtain better quality and higher seed yield. The
stecklings are again planted in the field at 75 x 20 cm spacing. Some times only root cut
is given without any shoot cut.
Cole crops
Cabbage
(i) Head to seed method
The time of planting of seedlings is adjusted so that full maturity of the heads
occurs just prior to winter. When they mature earlier, they tend to split. At maturity, off
types are rogued based on the shape and size of head and appearance of basel leaves.
Heads which are less compact and with large number of non-wrapper leaves are also
eliminated. The selected plants are uprooted and stored for over wintering.
Storing or over wintering
(a) Cellular method (or) Cold storage : 32°F (0°C) and 90-95%R.H.
(b) Trench method of storage:
A trench of 1m width, 3m length and 1m depth is dug. After maturity, the plants
are removed from field during November. The non-wrapper leaves are removed. The
plants are kept in a slanting manner inside the trench. The roots and stem are covered
with soil. Trenches are covered with wooden plank. Soil is spread over it to a depth of 15
cm. On both the ends of trench, small holes are provided for ventilation which keeps the
head in good condition.
During first week of April, (melting of snow), the heads are taken out of the
trench, again selection for true shape and size of head is done and replanted in a well
prepared field at a spacing of 90-180 x 45-90 cm depending on varieties. Before planting,
a crosscut of 2.5 cm deep is given to the head without causing injury to the growing
point. This ensures better emergence of flowering stalk. This method of seed production
is usually followed in Kulu valley of H.P. During spring, there will be mild temperature
and bright weather, which facilitate cross pollination. When pod colour changes from
green to yellow, they are harvested, dried, threshed and seeds are sieved.
(ii) Seed to seed method
This is an easy method to adopt. The heads are left in situ in the mainfield. Off
types are rogued and in late autumn, small furrows are dug in between two rows and the
soil is used to cover the plant. The top is left exposed and partially buried plants
withstand low temperature.
(iii) Stump method
After full maturity of the crop, heads are cut off just below the base by means of a
sharp knife retaining the stem with outer leaves. Heads are marked and the deheaded
portion of the plant, known as stump is either left in situ or replanted during autumn.
Through this method, the yield of seeds is increased and the crop matures 12-15 days
earlier than the head intact method. But flowering shoots are spreading and may break
down easily during inter cultural operation or spraying. Hence, staking and tying the
flowering shoots is essential.
Stump with central core-intact method
Heads are not removed but chopped on all sides with a downward perpendicular
cut. Pods are borne in racemes and harvested in two to three lots. Early plants are
harvested first and the remaining crop is cut when about 75% of the pods turn yellowish
brown. Harvested crop is piled, covered with tarpaulin and kept for 4-5 days. After
curing, seed is thrashed and separated from dust. Seed is dried in sun and then graded.
Average seed yield is 500-600 kg/ha.
CAULIFLOWER
Seed to seed method
(i) Transplanting of seedlings and leaving in situ:
Scooping the curd at 2/3 rd maturity result in higher seed production. After curd
formation, roguing is done for curd size, colour, compactness and free from
riceyness/fuzziness etc. Under South Indian conditions for seed production, the time of
sowing and transplanting is same as that of market crop. Seeds are sown during July-
August, transplanted in Aug.-Sept. and curds are left in situ for seed production. Average
seed yield is 500-600 kg/ha.
BULBS
Onion
Onion seed is usually produced in the temperate and subtropical conditions.
Onion is a biennial crop for the purpose of seed production. In one season, bulbs are
produced from seed and in the second season, bulbs are replanted to produce seeds.
It is a highly cross pollinated crop. Isolation distance is 1000m. There are two
methods of seed production (1) Bulb to seed method (2) Seed to seed.
Bulb to seed method
Seeds are sown and seedlings are transplanted to produce the bulbs
Roguing
Late maturing plants are discarded before harvesting the bulbs. After harvest,
bulbs are rogued carefully for off types like thick necks, doubles, bottle necks, under and
over sized bulbs. Normally bulb size is 50-60 g. Bulbs harvested during warm weather is
carefully stored at a temperature of 4.5 to 12°C till October. The growing portion of the
selected bulb is cut to the extent of ¼ to 1/3rd before planting for quick sprouting. The
lower portion which is disc like along with the roots are used for planting. Planting is
done normally during Oct-Nov at a spacing of 30 x 30 cm.
Advantages :
Since roguing of bulb is done, the seeds are pure which is favourable for
production of nucleus and foundation seeds.
Disadvantages:
(1) It takes two years for seed production. (2) It is more expensive as large
quantities of bulbs are to be stored for planting, (3) Loss during storage of bulbs is high.
Seed to seed method:
After bulb formation the plants are left in situ for bolting. In this method, the seed
yield is more because of more number of plants and seed heads per unit area. Seeds from
seed to seed method should not be used again, for seed production.
When fruits open and expose the black seed, the seeds are ready for harvest. All
the umbels do not mature at the same time. When the 10% of the heads in the field have
black seeds exposed, the umbels are harvested along with 10-15 cm stalk. Heaped for few
days, threshed and seeds are cleaned. Seeds are dried to 8% moisture for packing in
porous containers and 5-6% for packing in Aluminium foil. Viability decreases with
paper packing, remain viable for 3-4 years in sealed containers.
In order to break the monotony and to enhance the beauty, any garden should
contain components of varying nature. Following are certain important features.
Avenue
An avenue is the row of trees grown on both sides of roads. Shade and beauty are
the sole criteria which we should consider while selecting avenue trees. The trees should
also be selected according to the length and breadth of the road.
Two level garden
This is also called "Italian style" garden or 'scroll' garden. It is symmetric with two
tiers. the down tier is grown with flower beds, edges etc., A small pond at the centre will be
attractive and useful for growing water plants. The upper tier is decorated with flowering
shrubs, hedges etc.
Topiary
The art of developing the plant or training the plant into different forms or shapes
like animals, birds, arches etc., is called topiary. The plant should be amenable for repeated
pruning and also flexible with more vegetative growth.
(E.g) Hills – Cupressus macrocarpa
Plains – Casuarina sp., Divi-Divi C.coriari, Bougainvillea Jaminum sp.
Lawn
A garden is incomplete without a lawn. It serves to enhance the beauty of a garden
whether it is large or small. It finds the most important component of a garden.
Trophy
It is the arrangement of colourful potted plants in different tiers around a central
structure which may be a tree trunk, lamp post or a pillar.
Water garden
It may have a water course, a water pond and a water fountain or any one or more
of these features. The water fountain can be so combined with a water-fall and stones that
the sweet gurgling sound can be heard. A weeping willow over-hanging the water garden
provides a restful setting (Eg. Salix babylonica). Water garden provides for cultivation of
water plants, marsh plants and moisture loving plants. Water lilies (Nymphaea) are the
most popular water plants.
Rock garden
A rock garden is the arrangement of rocks with plants growing in the crevices. Its
bold ruggedness is a pleasant contrast to the softness of the flowers. A rockery should be
functionally effective in providing a suitable home for the plants to grow. The stones help
the plants in retaining their moisture and keeping their roots cool. In the hills, 'Alpines' can
be grown on rocks to bloom successfully. In plains, on the sunny side some of the Cacti,
Succulents, Lantana, Setcreasea,verbena etc can be grown successfully. Ferns and some
indoor plants also look natural on the rockery slopes in shade.
Sunken garden
It is formed taking advantage of a natural depression. The depression is formed into
different tiers and over which ground covers, edges, flower beds and small herbs may be
grown. At the centre of depression a pond or pool is formed to grow water plants.
Summer house or fern house or conservatory (Mostly indoor plants)
Some of the rare and exotic plants need to grow only in summer houses where cool,
humid atmosphere is created by making a wooden or bamboo framework which is covered
on three sides except east with evergreen creepers. Copious watering of the plants or fixing
a rotating fountain with a fine nozzle will take care of the required humidity.
Glass house
It is not so essential in plains as in the hills. A glass house is made on the south or
south-west side using glass panels and iron frames on all sides sloping from the roof line.
Also ventillators or windows provided for air circulation. Hardy plants like cacti can be
grown successfully.
Garden paths, roads, and walks
A garden path is a piece of beauty and an architectural feature in itself. they
should run from one point to another direct in a few bold, graceful and gentle sloping
curves. Paths in straight lines intersecting each other at right angles are suitable for
formal gardens only. Paths can be laid using bricks, stones, cuddapah, mosaic, marble,
coal, gravel, concrete etc., Sometimes paving with irregularly sized stones to create an
odd pattern will result in a `Crazy path'. The interspaces can be planted with lawngrasses.
Carpet beds
The art of growing ground cover plants closely and trimming them to a design or
alphabetical letters is called a carpet bed. They require constant attention. Colourful foliage
edge plants are found more suitable for this purpose (Eg) Alternenthera.
Shrubbery
Growing of shrubs in a group is called shrubbery. It is of two types (i) Pure
shrubbery (ii) Mixed shrubbery. Pure shrubbery refers to planting of entire selected area
with a single species and the opposite holds good for mixed shrubbery. The shrubs may be
with attractive flowers or foliage.
Arboretum
Growing of different species of trees in one place is called `Arboretum'. The trees
form the main frame work of the garden. Masses of trees in one place will help to give
depth and perspective. Trees with beautiful flowers and attractive foliage are suitable for
growing in gardens.
Flower beds and Borders
Annuals and herbaceous perennials are grown in flower beds to provide massing
effect of different colours. Borders are continuous beds of more length than width
containing plants of one kind only.
Ground cover
When a dicot plant, which is of straggling in nature is used to cover the ground
surface, it is called ground cover (e.g.) Vedalia,Verbena, Ipomoea, Dwarf Acalypha,
Portulaca grandiflora.
Picnic spot
It is meant for recreation and relaxing where only trees are grown for shade.
Pergola
It is just like an enclosed pavement formed by connecting a series of arches
together. Usually flowering creepers are trained over the arches.
Statues
Elegant statues may be provided at different places in a garden. They may be
erected over a mound or hillock to provide a natural effect.
Climbers and creepers
A group of ornamental plants used to grow over walls, trellices, arches, pergolas,
arbours, pillars, bowers etc. These are grouped as light or heavy according to the amount of
wood it produces.
Hedges
With the help of plants, live hedges can be formed and used as a fence or a green
wall (e.g.) Thevetia nerifolia, Acalypha, Casuarina, Dividivi etc. They help to divide the
garden into several parts.
Edges or edging
These are perennial herbs often used as a border for lawn or ground cover or
dividing beds, borders etc from roads, walks or paths. These herbs often stand frequent
trimming.(eg.) Eupatorium, Alternenthera, Golden duranta, dwarf marigold,etc.
Garden adornments
There are several garden adornments and accessories such as fountains, garden
seats, ornamental posts and pillars etc. which make the garden more enjoyable.
Japanese garden
Japanese garden is mainly divided into three types namely
i) Mountain garden
ii) Island garden
iii) Tea garden
The paths and roads in these gardens are narrow and bushy plants are grown along
the path to provide a concealment. Islands are interconnected by bridges made up of
stones or bamboos or stems of palms. The mountains are the source of water located at
one side of the garden. River stones, water plants, bamboos, dwarf trees, stone lanterns
are the components in these gardens.
Ex. No. 9
ANNUALS, BIENNIALS AND HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS
Classification of annuals
Annuals are classified into three : i) Rainy season annuals, ii) Cool season or
winter annuals, ii) Hot weather annuals
Biennials
These plants complete their life cycle in two seasons.
Herbaceous perennials
These plants can be grown for more than 2 years or 2 seasons.
Rainy season annuals
They can stand more rain than others and the sowing season for them is April - May
in most of the places.
Winter annuals
These annuals will thrive and bloom best during winter and they are sown in
September-October.
Hot weather annuals
These annuals are raised for blooming from March-Aprill and so they are sown in
December-January.
Hints for raising flowering annuals
i) Sow the seeds in seed pans or in raised nursery beds. The sowing is necessary to get
good sized vigorous seedlings. In a seed pan, a pot mixture consisting of 2 parts of
soil, 2 parts of leaf mould and 1 part of sand may be used.
ii) Fine seeds may be mixed with 3 or 4 parts of sand before sowing. Annuals like
Calendula which do not stand transplanting can be directly sown.
ii) Watering the nursery may be done with rose can.
iv) After the seeds germinate and grow, thin out over crowded seedlings. As
transplanting often results in heavy casualties, the seedlings are pricked before
transplanting.
Pricking is the practice of transplanting young seedlings in small pots or beds
with richer soil giving wider spacing (10-12cm). This helps to increase the fibrous
root system and to develop vigorous roots.
v) One month after sowing, when the seedlings have produced 6-8
leaves,transplanting can be done with a spacing of 20-30 cm on either side.
vi) Tall growing annuals like Holly hock can be provided with stakes. Pinch-off the
terminal buds of seedlings after they establish, which encourages lateral growth and
a more bushy growth.
Ex. No. 10
ORNAMENTAL TREES AND SHRUBS
Trees are very fascinating because of their graceful appearance and the abundance
of bloom. They are grown for their economic importance or aesthatic value or both. The
cultivation of trees for their aesthetic or recreational value is known as arboriculture. The
trees are the most permanent elements in a landscape and a thorough knowledge of their
ornamental properties, rate and mode of growth, their behaviour in different soils, situation
and climate are essential. They should be planted carefully and thoughtfully for the benefit
of height, shade, colour and vertical emphasis.
Avenues planted with trees are safer because of their restful and scenic views, reduce
the monotony of driving and provide shade to the exhausted pedestrians. Poinciana regia,
Anthocephalus indicus, Cassia nodosa, Bauhinea purpurea will add colour and charm to an
avenue. But shade and economic utility should be the main criteria for highways, thus
Lagerstroemia speciosa, Tamarindus indicus, Swietenia mahagoni should be selected. One
type of tree should be planted for a considerable skyline and uniform crown.
ORNAMENTAL TREES
Trees form the main framework of the garden. Some trees produce attractive
and beautiful flowers including fragrant flowers, a few trees are noted for their attractive
foliage and a few more trees are known for their peculiar shape or form which are used
as specimen trees. Shady trees are planted in chosen spots of large public garden which
provide an useful place for picnic and rest. Such trees are also planted along the borders
of roads as avenue trees for giving shade. In selecting ornamental trees the purpose
should be decided first and then the place of its growth should be finalised. The
following are the purpose of ornamental trees.
i) Shade
Most trees are planted to provide shade and they should be placed in locations
where shade is most needed. They are also planted to protect the house during the hottest
part of the day.
ii) Enframement:
Trees are used to enframe buildings. These trees are planted off the front
corners and to the sides of a building. They assist in breaking the horizontal line of
the roof.
iii) Background:
Trees can provide background for a building. Trees placed behind a structure
should grow and provide foliage above the roof line.
iv) Screening the views:
Trees are useful for screening the views and creating privacy farm yard. Trees
when used in groupings become the object of beauty in colour or form and draw
attention away from undesirable view to draw attention to it.
v) Wind protection :
Dense planting of tall evergreen trees will reduce wind velocity and filter dust
from the air. Grouping of trees at very close spacing will adequately provide wind
protection.
vi) Accent material:
Flowering trees or trees with graceful and interesting branching habit are often
used as an accent in the landscape. They are usually referred to as a terminal planting
for a wall or hedge.
ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS
Shrubs are plants with woody stems which are smaller that trees but bigger than
herbaceous plants. A typical shrub will have several stems arising from the main stem
at ground level itself. They are either evergreen or deciduous. Some are attractive in
their foliage, some produce attractive flowers and some are grown for their attractive
berries. Groups of shrubs planted at corners will be useful in natural designs. Shrub
borders are established on the sides of walks and paths. Shrubs are planted at the
corners of lawn in a curving line. A shrubbery is a border planted with different kinds
of shrubs and a shrub border is one where only one kind of shrub is used. Shrubs that
stand frequent cutting and trimming can be used for topiary work. Groups of shrubs
planted along the base line of the building will help to link the building with the ground.
Tall growing shrubs can be used to screen the disagreeable object and backyard
activities. Handsome shrubs can make attractive pot plants for indoor and outdoor
decoration. The following are the functions of shrubs in landscape gardens.
(i) Foundation plantings:
The selection and placement of shrubs along the foundation require more
planning. Indiscriminate planting of foundation may result in a dense mass of over
grown shrubs and provides a real maintenance problem.
(ii) Softening the harsh line:
The strong vertical lines at the corners of the building need to be softened.
Shrubs that will soften these lines should have a round, oval or irregular shape. Shrubs
having striking coloured foliage or course texture should be avoided.
(iii) Entry way planting:
The entrance to a building is the ideal location to use shrubs that attract
attention. Here shrubs having bright coloured foliage are used. Course textured foliage
shrubs can also create a desirable effect when used with plants having fine textured
appearance.
(iv) Transition planting:
Shrubs that pull together the plantings at the corners and entry way plantings are
called transition planting. Shrubs that do not call attention to themselves by having
bright foliage or course leaf texture are used for this purpose.
Ex. No. 11
CLIMBERS AND CREEPERS
Climbers are very important ornamental plants and are commonly used on walls,
arches and pergolas but in cities their utility is increased for the purpose of screening the
premises from adjacent houses and maintaining privacy. Bare walls can be most
effectively decorated by growing colourful climbers on them. Botanically, plants which
have the special structure to climb on supports are defined as climbers.
Selection of climbers
1. Annual climbers
(e.g) Clitoria ternatea, sweet pea, morning glory, (Ipomoea rubrocaerulea)
2. Climbers for screening (e.g.) Anitgonon leptopus, Passiflora, Porana, Ipomoea,
Clerodendron splendens, Thunbergia etc.,
3. Climbers for low walls or trellis
For this purpose only light climbers are selected.
(e.g) Lonicera japonica, Solanum seaforthianum, Tristellatia australis, Tecoma
jasminoides, Jacquemontia violacea
4. Climbers for pergola
Usually heavy climbers are grown.
(e.g.) Quisqualis indica, Petrea volubilis, Adenocalymma allicea, Allamanda
cathartica, etc.
5. Climbers for porches
(e.g) Pyrostegia venusta, Petrea volubilis, Clerodendron splendens, Bougainvillea,
Jasminum sp, etc.
6. Flowering climbers in partial shade
(e.g.) Passiflora, Aristolochia, Quisqualis indica, Clerodendron splendens,
Jacquemontia violacea
7. Foliage climbers
(e.g.) Scindapsus aureus,Philodendron sp.,Monstera deliciosa
8. Climbers for pot culture
(e.g) Tristellatia asutralis, Adenocalymma allicea, Clitoria ternatea, Bignonia
purpurea etc.,
Ex. No. 12
These are group of plants which have developed a special capacity to store water in
thick fleshy leaves or stems. They thrive best in sunny situations and are light loving.
They need little care except when actively growing. All the cacti are succulents on account
of storing water but all the succulents are not cacti. There is a clear cut distinction between
both. Cactus is characterized by the presence of areoles sp., which often look like woolly
cushions carrying spines, hairs or glochids and the flowers arise from or near the areoles.
The spines in cactus are modified leaves which provide shade against scorching sun and
help in conservation of moisture besides protecting against birds and beasts.
Cacti and succulents are very popular amongst gardeners, amateurs, and hobbysts
which are used to adorn sunny situations of gardens, houses, window sills and rock
gardens. Popular names have been given to them like 'Mother in law's chair' (Echinocactus
grusonii), 'Old man' (Cephalocereus senilis), 'Silver torch' (Cleistocactus strausil), 'Moon
cactus' (Selenicereus). 'Old lady' (Mammillaria hahniana). Mr. Red cap (Gymnocalycium
mihanovichii var. Friederickii), Bishop's hood (Astrophytum myriostigma), 'Arab's turban'
(Crassula hemisphaerica), 'Sea onion' (Bowea volubilis), 'Old man's tooth' (Lithops sp.),
'African milk barrel' (Euphorbia horrida'), 'Beads' (Sedum stahlii), Airplane plant
(Crassula falcata), 'Elephant foot tree' (Beaucarnea recurvata) etc.
All the cactus plants belong to family 'Cactaceae' which is further divided into
following three tribes.
Tribe 1 : Pereskieae
This is the primitive form and near to original forest trees. Plants are leafy bushes,
look like citrus trees and have stalked flowers in clusters resembling wild roses.
Tribe II : Opuntieae
Plants are characterized by the glochids or sharp, easily detached bundles of barbed
bristles in the aerioles sp. Stem or branches are fleshy, loosely joined either flat or pad like
or cylindrical having spines but without ribs.
Tribe III : Cereae
This is the largest group and members are characterized by their ribbed, fleshy
stems of continuous growth in columns or globes.
Climate
Cacti are adaptable to wide range of climatic conditions. The exposure to direct
scorching sun and temperatures above 35°C results in yellowing and finally rotting. Very
low temperature also inhibits the growth of cacti. Active growth starts during spring
season and continues till autumn.
Soil
Cacti thrive well in porus and rich calcareous soil. The general ideal pot mixture
for cacti consists of 2 parts garden soil : 1 part sand : 1 part leaf mould : 1 part well rotten
manure : 1 part old mortar or lime stone gravel and 1/2 part charcoal. Undecomposed
organic matter causes rotting of roots.
Propagation
Cacti can be multiplied sexually as well as asexually. Seeds are collected from
ripened fruit and sown from March to September in pots, seed pans or boxes filled with 1
part garden soil. 1 part sand : 1 part leaf mould. Seedlings grow slowly and it takes long
time to make a specimen plant from seeds. Division of off shoot or clumps or root suckers
is an easy method of vegetative propagation. Another method consists of taking cuttings of
convenient length and drying 7 - 30 days before planting. Then these cuttings are planted
in sand and new growth shows that rooting has taken place.
Watering
Cacti and succulents do not need liberal watering. Judicious application of water is
required for successful growing. In winter months i.e. during rest period watering is to be
done very sparingly. Little frequent watering is done during summer months when cacti
grow. Every time the soil is to be drenched completely so that water comes out of the drain
hole and overwatering should be avoided.
Ex. No. 13
LAWN AND LAWN MAKING
A lawn is a grass grown as a green carpet for a landscape and is the basic feature of
any garden. It serves to enhance the beauty of the garden, be it larger or small. The lawn
not only harmonizes with a decor of the drawing room, but also sets of a suitable
background for a specimen tree or a shrub, as well as for colourful beds and borders. The
position of the lawn largely depends upon the layout of the garden in relation to the house.
In general lawn should be wide open with access to direct sunshine, especially in front of a
rockery and a water pool.
SITE AND SOIL
After choosing the site, the next important thing is to decide the size and shape of
the lawn. The preparation of site includes digging, levelling and enriching the soil with
organic manures or by amending with fertile soil. If the soil is very heavy, coarse sand
may be added by removing subsoil to 20 cm depth. The ideal soil pH should be 5.0 to 5.6.
If it is very acidic 500g/m2 lime should be added and to clayey loam or alkaline soil
gypsum of the same quantity may be added. Provision for drainage of excess rain water
should be made if the ground is not slopy.
LEVELLING
The site should be thoroughly levelled with spade, pebbles and weeds are hand
picked. The soil is rolled with a roller. Weeds especially nutgrass should not be allowed to
grow and should be removed with roots atleast 2 to 3 times.
METHODS OF LAWN MAKING
BY SEEDING
The number of grass varieties suitable for fine lawn is very much limited in our
country. The most popular grass suitable for most part of our country is "doob" grass
(Cynodon dactylon). It has the fast spreading mat forming habit, branches profusely and
radially forming roots at the nodes, the foliage is dark green, narrow with parallel vines.
About 30 kg of seeds may require for an hectare. The site should be divided into suitable
small squares or rectangles, the seeds are mixed with double the quantity of finely shifted
soil and should be rolled again and watered liberally with rose of a water can. The seeds
take 4 weeks for germination. Care should be taken not to flood the site. Lawn mower
may be used when the roots have established and are spreading.
BY TURFING
The turfs are nothing but pieces of earth with compact grasses on them. These turfs
should be cut uniformly in squares from a place where the grass is compact and free from
weeds. These turfs should be placed on the prepared ground site and beaten down with turf
beater. The cavities in between should be filled with fine soil. The entire turfed area
should be rolled and watered liberally. This is the most expensive way of lawn making.
TURF PLASTERING
The doob grass can be procured in large quantities free from weeds and chopped
properly into small bits of 5-7 cm long. Two baskets of chopped grass pieces should be
mixed with garden soil, fresh cowduing one bucket each and a shovel full of wood ash
should be mixed well with required quantity of water to form a thick pasty substance. This
mixture is then spread uniformly on the surface of a perfectly levelled ground to a thickness
of atleast 2.5cm and watering should be done with a water can. The next day the ground
should be rolled and the grass should be allowed to spread. The grass will shoot up in a
fortnight. Cut with the scythe to start with and after three months use the lawn mower.
BY DIBBLING ROOTS
This is the cheapest but the slowest method. Small pieces of grass should be dibbled
10 - 15cm apart in a levelled ground when it was wet after rain. The roots spread and grow
underground in the course of six months making fairly compact lawn by frequent mowing,
rolling and watering.
After Care : It includes rolling, mowing, watering and restoration of patchy places should
receive regular attention.
I) Fertilizing the lawn thrice a year is adequate to maintain rich greenness. Application of
urea or ammonium sulphate at the rate of 1kg per 50 sq.m during February - March or
June - July and October - November is quite beneficial. A times well decomposed
compost at 10kg / 10 sq.m area will be sufficient as top dressing.
II) Weeds should be removed as soon as they appear and fillup the gaps with grass
roots and fine soil. In the absence of rain, water it regularly at weekly intervals.
III) A mower should not be employed until a firm green sword has been formed. The
grass is first cut with sickle and the surface is then rolled.
IV) Mowing should be done at brief intervals and never allow to produce seed stalks.
V) Once in a year rake the lawn before rain and top dress with rich mixture of
decomposed manure and soil. This will accelerate the grass with new vigorous
growth.
ASTRO TURF : A synthetic lawn popularly used in developed countries in roof gardens
as well as in stadium (Football and Hockey). Constant water sprinkling in one of the prime
requisites to bind the synthetic fibres to provide a surface.
2. Dog urine Dead grass in the lawn Re-plant grass roughly circular
3. Fertilizer burn Grass browns especially in hot Drench the lawn in injured areas
weather to leach excess fertilizers deep
into the soil.
4. Improper Lawns cut too closely turn Mow enough to remove not
mowing yellowish and often look more 1/3 of the grass height at a
diseased or dried time. Keep mower blades sharp.
5. Improper Light sprinkling encourages Water the lawn to wet the soil
watering shallow roots. Over watering about10 to 15 cm depth.
causes diseases
PLANT PROTECTION
DESIGNING GARDENS
Bioaesthetic designing requires the involvement of architects, engineers, foresters
and horticulturist for integrated action.
PUBLIC GARDENS
Public gardens act as lung space for the whole community. Such gardens need not
be in an enclosed park isolated from the city but it has to spread over the entire city
through avenue planting, traffic island planting, planting office complexes, hospitals,
river banks, hotels, kalyana mandapams, temples, university complex, monumental
buildings and railway line planting.
PRINCIPLES OF PLANNING A PUBLIC GARDEN
While planning for a public garden or town landscape, the space and aesthetic
principles are taken into consideration. Landscaping concentrates more on space. It is
supposed to be vertical dimension over an area.
SPACE : Landscape with two dimension, i.e., length and breadth is nothing but a drawing
on a paper or on a canvas. The third dimension is space in landscape architecture and needs
careful planning.
A small lawn with an edge and a central specimen simulates static space. An
avenue planted on both sides of the road or footpath defines linear space in horizontal or
vertical direction.
Thus, landscape designing for public purpose is to integrate the natural and
constructed elements in a harmonious way to utilise the third dimension ie. space.
Land
Land is the screen on which the landscapes executed and it may have different
forms like plains, plateau, hills, mountains, rocks, streams, soil, and existing vegetation.
The plains may not vary in altitude in greater extent but there may be gentle ups and
downs. The hills may have rugged spread, with high peaks and cliffs. The plateaus may be
with raised land up to 1000-3000 MSL. The existing topography, soil and vegetation can be
considered for incorporating into the whole of the landscape with slight modification if
needed.
Aesthetics
The beauty is the total effect of colour, shape, texture, pattern, line and point to
please the vision perception rather than other senses.
Colour
Colour is the visual sensation created by decomposed light. Blue, yellow and red
are primary colours and the combination (B+Y = G, Y+R = 0, R+B = V)produces the
secondary colours viz. green, orange and violet. Intermediary colours are produced by
mixture of any two colours.
While planning for the colour scheme, the factors like shade, distance, background
and adjacent hues are to be considered for better visual effect.
Shape
Trees like palms are totally symmetrical and sculpturistic in nature in all directions.
The travelers palm (Ravenala madagascariensis) has symmetry only in one direction. The
shapes of trees and shrubs are conical, columnar roundish and if trimmed any shape can be
created.
Texture
The texture of plant is highly variable and adds charm to the scenery.
Leatheryness, waxiness, bloom coat, velvety, hairy etc. can add either fineness or
roughness to the surface.
Pattern
The plant model is a total physical architecture of a plant with varying leaf, stem
flower positions offer interesting patterns to the sight.
1. Radiating leaves of palm.
2. Cane leaves in travelers palm.
3. Tiered branching in Terminalia sp.
Point and line
Both are aesthetic elements. The outlines of plants provide the skyline to the total scene.
EXECUTION OF PUBLIC GARDEN
The size of the park should be proportionate to the size of the population in city.
First Phase of garden
Close to the entrance, a formal design can be created with avenue trees on both
sides in vertical dimension and carpet design in horizontal dimension. Topiary and trophy
components can be effectively projected in formal garden. Water works like cascades,
fountain etc can be provided at vantage points. A green luscious lawn should be
established on a leveled ground or on a gently undulating ground in a British garden style.
The wood lots arboretum and palmatum can be located at different places and not in
succession. Pergolas, arches and arboretum may be used to link the various components.
Flowers of annual may be planned in the formal garden itself.
Edges and hedges may be suitably interworked to tone up the components. A green
house or conservatory can be located in a cooler place and the children's garden is to be
provided with play items in one corner. Single gigantic trees can be introduced for every
100m for the aged people to relax.
Adequate number of ornamental benches should be provided. Sale of seeds and
ornamental plants should be arranged near the gate. The roads and foot paths should be
adequate to link all parts of a garden. The cacti and succulents may be housed in a glass
house for the public to see and enjoy.
Second phase of garden(Informal style)
Mixed or free style garden can be planned in the second phase. This area aims at
engaging the modern free style public particularly youth. Any thing as is where is basis or
something of freak in nature will reflect the tendencies of the people and thus settles them. The
shrub grouping may be informal and the lawn may be wavy and irregular but neatly
maintained.
Adornments and topiary may be put up in an informal way as a mix up. Open
sunlight is to be ensured without thick shaded trees as many of such people may be made to
wonder about the vast sky above. Annuals may be spray planted in this phase to giggle with
the psychs of the person.
Third Phase of a garden
Total informality is to be ensured based on Japanese style. The nature is to be
replicated. This will suit for the balanced persons, who have lived the life for a lengthier
period and would like to ponder over and retire. Lakes, islands, rustic bridges etc. should
add value to informality. A single banyan tree of gigantic size will be opt at this phase.
All the three phases are to be suitably integrated so that there is unity in the garden.
Home garden
Gardening for personal residences involves the planning for both inside and outside
of the house in totality. The utility and beauty, and unity are the principles to be kept in
mind while planning for a house garden. The other principles of space and aesthetics are
same as in public gardens.
i. Utility and beauty
House garden may either be productive with maximum proportion of edible fruits,
vegetables and leaves or may be with massive dose of flowers for beauty. It is left to the
choice of the individual.
ii. Unity
Both garden and house should hang together harmoniously. Attention should be
paid to base planting or foundation planting to merge the various parts of the house.
Location of the house is another factor to consider before planning because the following
criteria are to be considered.
i. Neighbouring house and garden : The trees and shrubs to be planted should have
contrasting characters to that of neighbouring house.
ii. Direction of the house, viz. North facing, South facing etc. : Direction should ensure
plenty of sun shine in most part of the year.
iii. Whether the house is in sub road or main highway: The sound and dust pollution are
to be checked by planting trees with dense foliage and columnar shape.
iv. Whether it is close to industry: House type is another influencing factor to be
considered. Old houses do not have any area for gardening whereas in the new housing
colonies each house has been provided with minimum space for gardening. Nowadays,
apartments also have been mushrooming up and for which a common garden ground is
provided. Else, indoor gardening will suit best for apartment. While planning for home
garden, the area may be divided as follows :
i. Approach or public area : The front yard, drive way and portico form the public area.
Trees, lawns, and shrubs can be elegantly put up to welcome the visitors.
ii. Service area comprising of kitchen garden, playing court and sheds, etc. : This area
can be screened off from the rest of the area by suitably planting the hedges, fruit trees,
vegetables and cut flowers.
iii. Private garden area is the actual outdoor living area. This area needs to be designed, to
suit the taste of the family members. The privacy should be ensured. Depending upon the
actual area available, the garden may be designed as formal, informal or free styles.
INDUSTRIAL GARDENS
Industrial zones are created on National Highways and many of them happen to close
to a city or village. The industries emit sound, dust and chemical gases which are pollutants.
The outer area is to be richly planted with gigantic trees with dense foliage to arrest pollutions
and they should be capable of withstanding pollutions. Enterolobium saman, Neem, Pungam,
etc. are good examples. Close to factory, a lawn with rough grass with shrub edges will enthuse
the workers to overcome the mental weariness. Foliage shrubs are preferred rather than
flowering ones. Near the corporate office, where the executives work, lawns on undulating
grounds will relive them from official tension. A fine display of colour scheme, through
annuals is worth maintaining. All the main roads are to be planted with shady foliage avenues
with benches underneath to enable the workers to relax after the shift.
SCHOOL GARDEN
The world is wonderful for children. That too when they observe a seed to germinate.
School garden can be planned not as a separate enclosed area but scattered right from
entrance, close to the walls of compound, base planting of buildings, etc. Shade trees are
provided over the entire space unoccupied by the buildings where the children can lunch,
play, work and study. Botanical significance may be given priority in as much as they aid in
botany practical classes. Pond and fountain structures also can be introduced provided the
depth is not more than two feet. Edible fruited (West Indian Cherry, gooseberry) trees and
shrubs may be introduced. There should be a pot plant section and pots can be used for
festive occasions A butterfly garden will be a scene of attraction in school. A bush is
enclosed with wire mesh with sufficient air space and butterflies can be reared and the
multicoloured wings are beautiful scene for the kids to enjoy. The play ground is to be
planted with broad canopied trees like Peltophorum to act as stadium. To facilitate physical
exercise classes, shady trees may be provided at one corner.
DETAILS OF ORNAMENTAL FLOWERS FOR ARRANGEMENT
Common Approx.
Botanical name Description Suggested use
name vase life
1. Alyssum sp. Alyssum Seasonal dainty white flowers grown in 5 - 7 days Use as fillers. Excellent in rose bowls and small
borders. arrangements.
2. Ammi majus Ladies' Lace Tall-stemmed seasonal flowers with umbrella- 7 - 10 days Defoliate before use as leaves look untidy and wilt.
like white dainty florets. or Use for creating lines or for fillers. Dry by hanging
everlasting upside down.
3. Anthurium Anthurium Glossy, red or white spade shaped single petal 10 - 15 Make eyecatching geometric, modern or Ikebana
andreanum with a pointed tongue. Tropical hothouse days styles with economic use as only a few of these
flowers bought at the florist, normally high- unusual flowers are enough for `Lines' or strong
priced. points for the focus. A solitary flower can also look
compeeling.
4. Antirrhinum Snapdragon or Tall-stemmed seasonal flowers in yellow, pink 5 - 7 days Use graceful bud-tipped stems for lines for all styles.
majus A. namum Dogflowers magenta and white. Also as fillers for mass arrangements.
5. Aster chinensis Aster Bi-annual medium sized flowers. Purple, pink 3 - 5 days Substantial trimming of leaves and selective use of
or white in colour with petals grouped around flowers required. Use as points or fillers.
yellow centres. Also in double `pompom'
varieties. Usually sold by the bunch.
6. Calendula Calendula Sunny yellow, orange seasonal flowers with 3 - 5 days Flower heads usually turn when arranged. `Doctor'
officinalis short stems and broad leaves. Medium sized beforehand with teel wire. Suitable points for all
with brown centres. styles.
7. Iberis umbellata Candytuft Small white seasonal border flowers growing 5 - 7 days Very useful for fillers. Make a dainty combination
in clustered stems with roses or strike a pleasing contrast against dark
colours.
8. Dianthus Carnation Elegant, aromatic spring flowers with ruffled 5 - 7 days A universal appeal for all styles. Use as attractive
caryophyllus textures in several colours also available in the points. but double varieities can serve as lines in
upper price range. geometric styles as stems are fairly tall. Can also
combine well with roses as both are quality flowers.
9. Celosia sp Cockscomb Early summer seaonsal flowers with tall stems 5 days to Remove leaves from stems as flowers alone are
and velvety textures in shapes suggestive of the everlasting ornamental. Use for lines or fillers. Also good for
common name. In shades of pink, yeloow, red drying.
and white.
10. Chrysanthemum Chrysanthemu High quality annuals available in late autumn 5 - 10 days Versatile uses according to individual shapes.
sp ms or `mums' and early winter months, before the frost set in. `Button' variety ideal for small bowls. All varieties
Several colours ranging from while, honey suitable for mass, or geometric styles. Ideal for
brown, yellow, pink. Several shaped varieties Ikebana arrangements. Make the most of these
include small `button', medium sized spoon, flowers as seaon is short lived.
incurving, decorative and reflex.
Common Approx.
Botanical name Description Suggested use
name vase life
11. Coreopsis sp Coreopsis Thin stalked seasonal flowers in sunny double 3 - 5 days Use as points in western mass arrangements.
colours of yellow and maroon. Essentially supported by wiremesh.
12. Cosmos Cosmos Flower textures similar to coreopsis, in single 3 - 5 days Recommended for tall vase mass arrangements. Use
bipinnatus colours of yellow, pink, white, magenta. like coreopsis, wire mesh essential.
13. Dahlia variabilis Dahlia Attractive bi-annuals in varying sizes, single- 3 - 5 days Preferably use double varieties as single varieties
layered or many-layered petals. Small be have thin stems and heavy flowers that may not last
gigantic dimensions in brilliant colours, well. Cut life is prolonged in tall vase designs with
including white, pink, magenta, red, maroon, wire mesh support rather than a pinholder. Adopt reel
orange, yellow. Double varieties also immixed whire method for reinforcing weak stems.
colours.
14. Dimorphotheca African Daisy White single petalled spring flowers circled 5 - 7 days Pretty for mass arrangements. Round forms serve
sp around yellow centres. well as points for all styles. Use with wire mesh
support.
15. Gaillardia sp Gaillardia Seasonal flowers, with serrated petals in mixed 3 - 5 days Best for mass arrangements or table bowls. Wire
yellow-maro colours. Medium, thin stems. mesh necessary to support stem.
16. Gerbera Gerbera Ornamental seasonal flowers with ribbon like 5 -7 days Best used as points. Attractive for all styles but
jamesonii petals in bright hues of pink, peach, white, red, particularly charming for Japanase arrangments.
yellow, orange. Single and double varieties.
17. Gladiolus sp Gladioli Tall and elegant almost perennial flowers with 7 - 10 days Graceful for all styles. Use stems with buds on the
florets along the stems. Beautiful colurs such tips for creating lines and stalks with fuller flowers as
as white, pink, orange, puple manuve, yellow fillers. Leaves are equally useful. Curl by rolling over
available in double `Dutch' varieties during a pencil.
Spring. Smaller single varieties in rust-red
orange colours available in summer.
18. Gomphrena Bachelor's Small round button-like purple seasonal 7 days to Use in mass arrangements. Ideal for small bowls.
globosa Button flowers with papery textures. Thin stems. everlasting Wire mesh necessary flowers dry well.
19. Gypsophila Gyposphila or Small, delicate seasonal flowers on thin 7 - 10 days Dainty as fillers, especially when partnered with
elegans G. branching stems. Usually in white, but also roses. Also useful for drying.
Baby's Breath
paniculata available in pink.
20. Helichrysum Paper flowers Seasonal flowers with papery textures. Everlasting Use in fresh arrangements as points or fillers. Dry by
bracteatum or straw Commonly available in yellow, pink, magenta hanging upside down. Use reel wire to support stems.
flowers and white. Round small to medium forms. Defoliate leaves.
Common Approx.
Botanical name Description Suggested use
name vase life
21. Limonium Statice Papery textured flowers in vivid colours, Everlasting Use as fillers lines in fresh arrangements. Hang
sinuatum purple mauve, yellow, white, pink. Fairly tall upside down to dry.
stems.
22. Orchids Orchids Top quality topical flowers eliciting universal 10 - 15 Excellent for all styles. Impressive for special
appreaciation. Several varieties including days occasions. Use tall stemmed varieties for mass
spurred spidery forms on long stems, or large arrangements, individual large flowers for points of
flecked petals with a tongue like mount. Wiry focus.
sturdy stems. Common colours; white, puple
orange, yellow pink
23. Phlox sp Phlox Colourful seasonal flowers growing in 5 - 7 days Useful for fillers for all arranagements.
clusters, along borders. Available in white,
pink, magenta, red short stems.
24. Polianthes Rajinigandha Tall, erect bi-annual flowers, in fragrant white. A week or Select stems with buds at the tips for a longer cut-life.
tuberosa Single varies have spurred star shaped flowers. more Use as lines for all styles. Use as fillers in mass
Double varieties have the same form but arrangements. A good choice for ethnic themes.
heavier textures.
25. Rosa sp Rose Popularly loved flowers in several colours and 3 - 5 days Project charm in all kinds of arrangements. Make
varieties. Mixed colours also available in single rose designs, Ikebana, geometric or modern
cross-bred culture. special fragrant varieties. styles. Or make mass arrangements. Roses mix well
with all other varieties of flowers. Use tall stems and
buds as lines, and fuller blown flowers as fillers.
Hang to dry (Refer to Chapers seven and eight)
26. Sterlitzia reginae Bird of Vigorous tall stemmed flowers with 10 - 12 Make ey-catching geometric, modern or Ikebana
paradise exceptional forms shaped like a bird's head. days arrangements as exceptional forms stand out well if
Orange in colour with a purple `eye'. Oval they are spaced out. Leaves are equally useful for
tough leaves. Tropical or hothouse flowers. arranging. When dried upside down, they adopt
Bought at the florist. interesting sculptured shapes.
27. Tithonia sp Tithonia Brightly coloured seasonal flowers in red, 5 - 7 days Use as points for all styles.
yellow, white, pink. Single petals grouped
around yellow centres. Fairly long stems.
28. Verbena hybrida Verbena Small seasonal flowers in clustered heads on 5 - 7 days Use as fillers in small bowls or in large arrangements
short stems. Purple mauve in colour. towards the focus as stems are short. Wire mesh
support is advisable.
29. Zinnia elegans Zinnia Colourful bi-annual flowers in round forms 5 - 7 days Round forms make good points for all styles. Or use
with multilayered petals. Usually in white, as fillers in mass arrangements.
pink, red, yellow, purple. Small `lilliput'
variety also available.
DETAILS OF ORNAMENTAL FOLIAGE PLANTS FOR DECORATION
Approx.
Botanical name Common name Description Suggested use
vase life
1. Aglonema Aglonema or Houseplant, green leaves with yellow 7 - 10 days Cut short leaves from parent stem. Use as
whiterajah/ Silver Queen markings or with light green markings fillers.
A. crispum variegated varieties
2. Araucaria Araucaria Tree. Pine variety. Enjoys cool climate. 7 - 10 days Use branches for line or fillers. Leaves can
heterophylla Branches green and feathery. be dried.
3. Areca lutescens Areca palm Garden palm or houseplant. Tall feathery 10 days to Clip edges of leaves . Curve into shapes.
light green fronds. everlasting Excellent for stvlished designs. Dry after
use.
4. Asparagus sprengeri/ Asparagus Houseplant. Fern with many varieties. 5 - 7 days Dainty as fillers. Useful for breaking two
A.densiflorus Feathery or `furry tail'. Lush green in colour similar lengths of material in an
arrangement. Tall stems may be used as
lines.
5. Begonia Begonia Outdoor potted ornamental plant with pink 7 - 10 days Circular shapes of leaves pretty for fillers
flowers. Can be kept indoors for short spells. and for concealing the pinholder / netting.
Glossy round leaves tinged pink.
6. Bambusa sp. Bamboo Outdoor plant. Grows in groves. Tall thick 10 days or Remove leaves as they wilt quickly. Stems
green woody stems with flat, thin pointed more (stems recommended for Ikebana, geometric or
leaves. only) modern designs. Very thick stems can be
carved out for making receptacles for
containers.
7. Caladium Caladium Outdoor plant in gigantic variety. Smaller 5 - 7 days Make picturesque additions to the design.
varieities make ornamental house-plants. Tall enough to use as lines, or group
Spade shaped leaves, can be variegated with together near focus.
pink strips. Stems fairly long.
8. Callistemon Bottlebrush Ornamental tree with feathery leaves and red 7 - 10 days Decorative particularly for Ikebana
brush-like flowers in Spring. Thick main arrangements. Use graceful thicker
stems with thin, curving branches. branches, preferably in bloom. Short
feathery branches can be used as fillers for
all styles. Leaves may be dried.
9. Canna indica / Canna Garden plant with broad green or purple 7 - 10 days Use for large designs, goemetric, modern or
C. hybrida leaves and bright yellow, red, flecked Ikebana. Trim leaves along edges if
flowers. necessary. Leaves can be curled and
moulded with scotch tape. Can also dry
leaves.
Approx.
Botanical name Common name Description Suggested use
vase life
10. Casuarina sp. Casuarina Outdoor tree. Pine family. Feathery leaves. 10 - 15 days Use leaves as fillers for all styles.
11. Cordyline sp. Cordyline / Houseplant. Thin leaves, sometimes with red 10 - 15 days Cut stems with the `head' for making
Dracaena edges, growing in clustered heads formation. to a month compelling designs, geometric, modern or
var. Vokart & Dracaena family. Stems throw roots when Ikebana. Do not use liberally as plant is
yellow king kept in water over a long period. slow growing (Individual leaves make good
fillers).
12. Cycas revoluta Sago palm Ornamental garden palm, spreading out 15 days to Clip edges and use for giving beautiful
C. circinalis gracefully with resilient shiny dark green everlasting interesting lines for all styles. Extremely
fronds. Can be used as houseplant when pliable, can be curved and tied in circular
potted. shapes. Slow growing plant, hence use
leaves economically. Dry leaves in curved
forms.
13. Cyperus Umbrella plant Outdoor plant or houseplant. Commonly 10 days to Clip edges of leaves. Use for creating lines
alternifolius, grown beside ponds for decorative value. everlasting for unusual designs. Use heads as fillers.
C. circinalis Tall erect stems with ribbon like leaves in the Stems alone can be used for geometric or
formation of an umbrella. modern styles. Dry leaves after use.
14. Diffenbachia sp. Diffenbachia Houseplant. Broad green leaves with yellow 10 - 15 days Use as attractive fillers as leaves are short.
`Seguine'/ `Tropic flecks growing along a thick parent stem. Add colour to any design or to an all green
snow' / Tropicsun Several varieties. arrangement with these leaves.
15. Ferns Ferns Several varieties. Medium sized fronds 7 - 10 days Graceful fillers for all styles. Combine well
(Individual names vary growing in shady outdoor conditions. Can be with delicate flowers. Taller stems can be
with each variety) used as houseplants over short spells. used for lines.
Delicate, feathery textures in all varieties.
16. Grevillea robusta Sliver Oak Tree with feathery leaves, dark green in 5 days to Leaves make pretty fillers. If branches are
colour with greyish underside. everlasting tall, use as lines for large arrangements. Dry
leaves between newspaper.
17. Ipomoea tuberosa Woodrose Outdoors climber in cool temperate climates Everlasting Seed pods of wood roses make beautiful
shiny green leaves with ornamental seed seed pods points in dry arrangements. Can be
pods. combined as well with fresh flowers.
18. Howea palm Sentry palm Garden palm or indoor plant with tall fronds. 10 days to Clip edges and use for designs. Dry after
(also known as kentia) everlasting use.
Approx.
Botanical name Common name Description Suggested use
vase life
19. Ixora coccinea Flame-of-the-woods Outdoor shrub with light green leaves and 5 - 7 days Trim branches to remove top heavy foliage.
orange, clustered flowers. Curve gently and use as lines for Ikebana
geometric or modern styles. Use small
dusters of leaves for fillers in mass
arrangements. Flowers wilt, but may be
used for spreading styles.
20. Jatropha sp Jatropha Ornamental outdoor shrub with small red 5 - 7 days Pliable branches. pretty especially for
flowers. Ikebana or for creating lines.
21. Juniperus sp Juniper Coniferous picturesque tree. Commonly 10 - 15 days Associated with Japanese arrangements.
trained for bonsai. Use branches as fillers for mass
arrangements.
22. Livistona chinensis Chinese fan palm Durable species with fan shaped leaves. 10 days to Clip edges to use for designs. Hang upside
Garden palm or indoor plant. everlasting down to dry.
23. Maranta bicolor Maranta Houseplant. Oval green leaves with markings 5 - 7 days Ornamental as fillers or for creating lines for
and purple underside. small arrangements.
24. Monstera deliciosa Monstera or Swiss Houseplant. Broad green leaves with 7 - 10 days Use for fillers or in focus for all styles
Cheese Plant incisions. suitable especially for modern designs. Use
leaves selectively as plant is slow growing.
25. Nerium oleander Oleander Outdoor shrub with oval narrow spurred 5 - 7 days Use for lines in large arrangements or as
leaves bearing pink or white flowers in single fillers in small arrangements. Flowers last
and double varieties. for two-three days. Stems ooze latex. Treat
by singeing ends.
26. Philodendron Philodendron Outdoor and indoor plant. Climber with 7 - 10 days Cut short stems off parent twine. Use as
(Several varieties) arrow shaped leaves. Creeps along tree trunks fillers or group around focus in tall
or can be trained to climb around moss sticks arrangements. Ideal for concealing wire or
several varieties. pinholder.
27. Phoenix roebeleni Phoenix palm Grand outdoor palm with feathery fronds. 10 days to Clip and use for stylished arragements, as
Also used indoors. everlasting other palms. Dry after use.
28. Sansevieria Mother-in-law's Very hardy narrow days sword shaped 10 - 20 days Very versatile for creating imaginative
trifasciata var. tongue succulent variety leaves. Plain varieties have designs. Leaves can be twisted, curled and
`Laurenti' light green pattern. Variegated varieties have split to assume different forms. Use as
yellow border. Can be used as houseplants. lines, or curl leaves as points near the focus.
Approx.
Botanical name Common name Description Suggested use
vase life
29. Scindapsus aureus Marble Queen / Money plant variety with strongly variegated, 7 - 10 days Short stemmed leaves. Use for fillers. Very
S. pothos money plant leaves with whitish markings, Climber. ornamental as light markings can relieve an
arrangement with dark colours or offset dark
green foliage.
30. Thuja orientalis Thuja Oval shaped formation of outdoor shrub, 10 - 15 days Pluck leaf stems of parent bush. Use as
composed of feathery leaves, associated with fillers for western arrangements, also for
Christmas. Evergreen variety. Can also be other styles. Tall stems can be used for
used as an indoor plant. lines. Recommended for X' mas
arrangements. Dries initially to light green
colour. Foliage tends to fall when dry, but
can be used.
31. Typha latifolia Bulrush Tall stems with slim brown oval heads. Plants Everlasting Excellent for lines and dramatic effects for
T. augistifolia grow near water. Ribbon like grass. geometric, modern styles. use for creating
waterside scenes for Ikebana styles. Use for
dry arrangements as well.
32. Zebrina pendula Zebrina Trailing houseplant for hanging baskets. Oval 7 - 10 days Use for giving trailing effects to the
shaped leaves with purple central stripe. arrangement. Stems make colourful fillers
for all styles.
DESCRIPTION OF ANNUALS AND HERBACEOUS PERENNIALS
Month of
Botanical name Common name Family Height Colour Remarks
flowering
1. Althea rosea Holly hock Malvaceae 1.5-2.5 m. Scarlet rose, lilac, August- Propagated by seeds,
deep violet September blooms, 9 months after
white,etc. sowing. It is a perennial
but often considered as a
biennial.
4. Calendula officinalis Pot marigold Asteraceae 20-25 cm Mostly orange August- It is an ideal bedding
September plant, easy to grow
5. Celosia plumosa Cock's comb Amaranthaceae Dwarf : 10-20 cm Golden yellow Throughout the A group of half hardy
Tall : 30-60 cm and shades of red year annuals with terminal
fasciated flowers of
varying colours. Useful
for borders and mixed
borders
6. Chrysanthemum Annual Asteraceae 60-90 cm Crimson, Yellow, August – Excellent cut flower.
sagetum chrysanthemum white, etc. September Flowers are eigther
single or double or with
quilled petals
7. Coreopsis Tick seed Asteraceae 50-60 cm Yellow crimson Throughout the It is good for beds and
drummondii year background borders
Month of
Botanical name Common name Family Height Colour Remarks
flowering
8. Cosmos bipinnatus Mexican aster or -do- 50-120 cm Yellow, orange, Throughout the Good for cut flower,
cosmos rose, pink, purple year borders, beddings and
and white with also for growing in a
yellow centre mass in the midst of tall
shrubs.
9. Dianthus Carnation or fairy Caryophyllaceae 15-30 cm White, red, August – Single or double
caryophyllus queen scarlet, pink September flowered cultivars are
violet and maroon available. Produces
flowers throughout the
year.
10. Gaillardia pulchella Blanket flower Asteraceae 40-45 cm Yellow, yellow- Almost Useful for bedding,
purple, orange throughout the border and for cut flower
maroon and their year
combination
11. Gomphrena globosa Globe amaranthus Amaranthaceae 30-60 cm Pink, purple Throughout the A highly esteemed
or Bachelor's orange and white year bedding plant and can be
button grown in carpet beds and
rose beds and also used
as a ground cover
22. Tagetes erecta African marigold Asteraceae 90 cm Yellow, bright August- A common bedding plant
or tall marigold yellow, lemon September equally useful for mixed
yellow and orange &December– border and ideal for cut
February flower
23 Tagetes patula French marigold -do- 30-40 cm Scarlet, yellow August- Generally preferred for
or dwarf marigold orange, September & carpet beds and edging
combination of December- and also for growing in
these colours February small pots
24 Tithonia rotundifolia Mexican -do- 120-180 cm Orange with May-September Suitable for growing as a
sunflower yellow & December- hedge and for
January background in beds, used
as a cutflower
25. Verbena sp. Verbena Verbanaceae 20-30 cm White, pink, Throughout the Suitable for beds, borders
V. hybrida purple, mauva year and as cut flowers and
red, & deep violet thrives well in any
garden soil.
26 Zinnia elegans Zinnia Asteraseae Dwarf 15-20 cm White, cream, August- Suitable for cut flower as
Tall: 80-90 cm yellow, orange, September & it lasts long. Also
red, pink, purple, December- suitable for beds and
etc. January borders
DESCRIPTION OF ORNAMENTAL SHRUBS
Shade trees
15. Parodia sp. Seeds A globular cactus with spiralled ribs. Apricot. colured flowers.
16. Rebutia sp. Offshoots, seeds Small, globular free flowering cacti. Red flowers.
17. Rheo discolor Cuttings, offsets Semi-erect, strap-shaped leaves, long dark-green on top, purple beneath.
Boat lily
18. Sanevieria trifasciata Division of established plants and leaf Sword-like thick, fleshy leaves,. Dull green with mottled grey cross-
Mother-in-law's tongue cuttings banding.
19. Sedum sp. S. Pachyphyllum Seeds, cuttings Plants mostly used in the rock garden succulent, Club-shaped to
cylinderical blue-green leaves.
20. Sempervivum sp. Offsets around the parent plant Rosette of bright green leaves with pink flowers
Houseleek
21. Setcreasea purpurea Cutting Erect, oblong to lance-shaped purple leaves. Stems are also purple.
Purple heart Small rose-purple flowers.
22. Yucca aloifolia Rooted sideshoots Spiky rosette of stiff, spine-tipped, sword shaped leaves. Often a stout
trunk-like stem.
CLIMBERS AND CREEPERS
1. Tomato CO.1 (1969) It is a pureline selection from an exotic type. It is a semi determinate type. The crop
duration is 135 days and yields 38 tonnes/ha. It bears in clusters of 6 to 8 fruits. The fruits are
round pale green at unripe stage and turns to capsicum red on ripening. The plants are dwarf and
semi round and need no staking. The fruits contain high TSS (4.2°Brix) and acidity (0.69%).
2. Tomato CO. 2 (1974) It is a pureline selection from U.S.S.R. type. The plants are semi-dwarf, leaves broad and
thick. Fruits are ovate, large, devoid of cracking and rich in ascorbic acid (18-21 mg/100g).
4.22°Brix TSS and 0.90% acidity. It yields 42 t/ha (18.2% increase over CO.1).
3. Tomato CO. 3 (1980) It is an induced mutant from CO. 1 having 100 days duration with very dwarf, compact
and determinate plants. Fruits are globular attractive red, borne in cluster of 4-5 fruits, rich in vit
C (25 mg/100g), TSS (3.2° Brix) and acidity (0.8%) with a flesh to seed ratio of 17%. It yields
50 t/ha and is suitable for summer season also.
4. Tomato PKM 1 (1978) It is an induced mutant from Annanji giving 32.0 t/ha in a duration of 135 days. The
plants are determinate with fruits of attractive capsicum red in colour with green shoulders and
uniform ripening. The fruits are best suited for long distance transport. The fruits contain
3.6°Brix of TSS 23.7 mg/100 g of vitamin C and 0.99% acidity.
5. Tomato Paiyur 1 (1988) This variety is a hybrid derivative evolved by crossing Pusa Ruby x CO 3. It is suitable
for rainfed cultivation. It yields about 30 t/ha.
6. Tomato COTH.1 (1999) This was developed at the Horticultural College and Research Institute, Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore by crossing IHR 709 and LE 812. It is a determinate F1
hybrid requiring minimum staking. The fruits are round to slightly oblong each weighing 50 g
with deep red skin and thick flesh and borne in clusters of 4-5. The juice is acidic rendering the
fruits for use in culinary preparation unlike the most of the hybrids developed by a number of
private firms which lack acidity and hence used mostly for salad. The plants can be planted at a
spacing of 60 x 45 cm. The estiamted yield is 96 tonnes / ha in a crop duration of 110-115 days
after transplanting.
7. Brinjal CO. 1 (1978) It is a selection. The crop duration is 160 days. The plants are erect, medium, bushy with
greenstem and leaves and greenish purple petiole. Fruits are light green with
8. white base, medium sized (50-60 g/fruit) with good keeping quality. It is moderately resistant to
root-knot and reniform nematodes. It yields 24.0 t/ha.
9. Brinjal CO. 2 (1988) It is a selection from the local cultivar called Coimbatore Varikkathiri. The plants are
medium in height and spread and capable of yielding as high as 38 t/ha. The fruit are oblong in
shape having eminent deep purple colour with inter mittent pale green streaks. The crop duration
is 150 days. The quality is very good and this variety is suitable for growing in Coimbatore and
Periyar districts.
10. Brinjal MDU 1 (1979) It is a selection from a local type and yields 34.0 t/ha in a crop duration of 135 days. The
plants are compact and medium spreading. The fruits are round, bright, purple coloured and each
weights 280g. The leaves are broad with light green pigments. The fruits contain 0.38% acidity
and 11.36 mg/100 g of ascorbic acid.
11. Brinjal PKM 1 (1984) It is an induced mutant of a local type. It is high yielding (34.75 t/ha) with a duration of
150-155 days. The fruits measure 6 to 8 cm and 10-14 cm in length and girth respectively with a
mean weight of 45 to 65 g. It is drought tolerant and can withstand long distance transport. It
stores well under normal room temperature. The fruits contain 0.29% acidity and 14 mg/100 g of
ascorbic acid.
12. Brinjal PLR 1 (1990) This is a selection. The fruits are small to medium in size. Sometimes borne in clusters.
Egg shaped and with bright glossy purple colour. It fetches premium price in the markets of
Cuddalore, Chenglepet and Chennai. It has got a self life of 8-10 days under ambient
temperature. It yields an average of 15 t/ha.
13. Brinjal KKM (1995 It is a pureline selection from Kulathur local. It is suitable for cultivation both under
1(Killiku rainfed and irrigated conditions in Tirunelveli district. Fruits medium sized, egg shaped, milky
lam-1) white in colour and bears in clusters of 2-4 per cluster. It yields 37 t/ha in a duration of 135 days.
14. Chilli CO. 1 (1979) It is a selection from Sathur Samba. The crop duration is 210 days and yields 2110 kg of
dry pods per hectare. The plants are erect, medium tall and compact with medium branching.
The fruits are green when unripe and bright shiny red on ripening. The fruits are 6-6.5 cm long
with sharp tip and bulged shoulders. The seed content is 55% with high capsaicin (0.72 mg/g).
15. Chilli CO. 2 (1982) It is a selection from a local Gundu type. The crop duration is 210 days and yields 2200
kg of dry pods per hectare. The stem is angular semidwarf and less spreading. The pods are
oblong and bright red in colour. Seed content is high (60%) Capasicin content of dry pod is
0.56%. It is suitable for harvest as green pods and red ripe pods.
16. Chilli PKM 1 (1990) This is a hybrid derivative of the cross between Ac.No. 1797 x CO. 1 selected in F1
generation and fixed by selfing. It has very bold pods which are dark red in colour. It has got a
very high yield potential of 3000-3200 kg of dry pods per hectare in a crop duration of 180 days.
17. Chilli CO. 3 (1991) This is a dwarf and compact growing samba culture suitable for very close planting of 30
cm x 15 cm. The potential yield at this spacing is 3000-3500 kg of dried chilli per hectare. It is
also suitable to be used as green chilli. It has a very low stalk weight in comparison with pod
weight unlike other cultivars and high oleoresin and capsaicin content and hence suitable for
export purpose.
18. Vegetable CO.4 (2000) It is a pureline selection made from an open pollinated type introduced from Sri Lanka
Chilli with a crop duration of 165 days after transplanting. It is suited for kharif and rabi seasons. This
variety recorded 96.58% increased yield over PKM-1. The fruits are dark green, stout, less
pungent and turns to capsicum red colour after ripening. It has the potential to yield 23 t/ha of
green chilli.
19. Chilli K1 (1964) It is a selection from local Sathur Samba. The crop duration is 210 days and yields 1.8
t/ha. The fruits are long and contain high capsaicin. The variety is suitable for rainfed cultivation
in southern districts of Tamil Nadu.
20. K2 (1975) It is hybrid derivative of the cross B 70-A and Sathur Samba. The crop duration is 210
Chilli days and yields 1980 kg of dry pods/ha. The plants are tall and compact. The pods are long and
bright red in colour with high seed content. The increased yield is 29% over K1 chilli.
21. Chilli MDU 1 (1978) It is a mutant from K 1 chilli. The fruits are longer and bears in clusters of 6 to 8. The
crop duration is 210 days with an yield of 1.9 tonnes of dry pods per ha. It is more suitable for
southern districts of Tamil Nadu. The fruits contain 0.70 mg/g of capsaicin.
22. Chilli PLR 1 (1994) It is a pureline selection from Kandengadu local. It is more suited for green chillies and
yields per hectare. The crop duration is 210 days.
23. Chilli PMK 1 (1993) Plants are medium tall. Duration is 200 days and suitable for semi-dry cultivation in
Ramanathapuram district. It yields about 2.4 tonnes of dry pods/ha.
24. Bhendi CO. 1 (1976) It is a selection from 'Red Wonder' of Hyderabad. The crop duration is 90 days with an
yield of 14.25 t/ha. The plants are medium tall, moderately vigorous and deeply lobed leaves.
Pods are slender, smooth and fleshy.
25. Bhendi CO.2 (1987) It is a F1 hybrid bhendi involving two parents AE 180 and Pusa Sawani. First harvest can
be done 45 days after sowing and the crop duration is 90 days. It yields 16.5 t/ha accounting for
26 to 64% increase over CO. 1, MDU 1 and Pusa Sawani. It can be grown throughout the year.
26. Bhendi MDU 1 (1978) It is an induced mutant from Pusa Sawani. The fruits are long and light green in colour. It
yields 12 to 14 t/ha in a crop duration of 100 days. The pods contain 12.3% crude fibre.
27. Hybrid CO.3 (1991) It is a high yielding hybrid evolved from the cross between Parbhani Kranti x MDU 1
Bhendi and suitable for fresh Market with dark green colour of medium sized fruits. This hybrid has
high degree of field tolerance to Yellow Vein Mosaic Disease. The yield is 18.75 t/ha.
28. Amaranthus CO.1 (1968) It is a selection from a local type. The crop duration is 25 days for mulakkeerai and 50
days for thandukeerai. The yield is 8 t/ha. The leaves are dark and seeds are black and small
sized. The greens contain 4.8% calcium and 3.85% iron.
29. Amaranthus CO.2 (1979) It is a selection from a germplasm type with a duration of 25 days for mulakeerai and 35-
50 days for thandukeerai. It yields 10.75 tonnes of greens/ha. The plants are erect, with moderate
branching. The seeds are bolder with early germination and early vigorous growth. The crude
fibre content is less (1.3%) with 19.0 mg of iron, 20.0 mg of calcium per 100 g.
30. Amaranthus CO.3 (1988) It is a selection from the local type and yields 30.72 tonnes of greens per hectare. It lends
itself for 10 clippings, commencing from 20 days after sowing and provide a continuous supply
of luscious tender green for three months. It has high leaf to stem ratio (2.0). The plants are erect
with green nutritious leaves containing 25.2 mg per 100 g of vitamin C, 1.75% crude fibre, 0.8%
iron and 2.48% Ca. The seeds are black in colour.
31. Amaranthus CO.4. (1989) It is a selection from A. hypochondriacus which is suitable for growing in plains and hills
throughout Tamil Nadu. It is a high yielding grain amaranthus with an yield of 2,555 kg/ha in
addition to 8,200 kg/ha of leaf on 25 the day. The crop duration is 90 days/ The seeds are rich in
protein (15.95%) and amino acids like lysine (7.5 mg/100g), phenylalanine (5 mg/100g), leycine
(1.2 mg/ 100 g) and isoleucine (1.8 mg;/100 g). The grain can be substituted for minor millets
like ragi and tenai. It is amendable for various food preparations just like any other grains.
32. Amaranthus It is a single plant selection (A 166-I) from an OP plant introduction. The variety has
CO.5
double coloured leaves (green and pink). It gives a rosette growth in early stages. The stem is
also free of fibres. The first harvest starts 25 days after sowing and in a crop duration of 55 days
it produces on an average of 40 tonnes of green leaves per hectare.
33. Onion CO. 1 (1963) It is a selection. The crop duration is 90 days and yields 10 t/ha. Bulbs are medium sized,
pink in colour with 8 bulbs per plant weighing 55 to 60 g. The bulbs are fairly pungent.
34. Onion CO.2 (1975) It is a selection from a germplasm type, CS 911. The crop duration is 65 days yielding 12
t/ha. It is a photo insensitive type. This variety is pungent with high total soluble solids
(12.0°Brix).
35. Onion CO.3 (1979) It is a clonal selection from open pollinated progenies of CS 450. The crop duration is 65
days and yields 15.8 t/ha. The bulbs store well over 120 days. The variety contains 17.5% dry
matter, 0.53 per cent sulphur and 13.0°Brix TSS.
36. Onion CO.4 (1982) It is a hybrid derivative of the cross AC 863 x CO3. The crop duration is 65 days and
yields 19.0 t/ha.. The bulbs store well over 150 days devoid of sprouting in well ventilated store
rooms.
37. Onion MDU 1 (1984) This is a selection from a local type, Sempatti. Bulbs are big sized with attractive red
colour. It yields 52.7% higher than CO 2. It keeps well for a long time with less reduction during
storage in bulb weight (45%) for 5 months compared to 65% in CO 2 onion.
38. Snake gourd CO. 1 (1976) It is a selection from a local germplasm type. The crop duration is 135 days and yields
18.0 t/ha. The fruits are dark green with white stripes, long fruits (160-180 cm) each weighing
500 to 750 g with good cooking quality. It is moderately resistant to powdery mildew.
39. Snake gourd CO.2 (1986) It is a selection from a local type. The fruits are short and stout. It yields on an average
36 t/ha. The fruit is light greenish white and each weighs 400-600 g. The crop duration is 105
days. The variety does not require pandal.
40. Snake gourd MDU 1 (1981) It is a hybrid between Panri Pudal and selection 1. It is an early flowering type (84 days)
with an average yield of 31.74 t/ha. The fruits are medium long (66.94 cm) and short with an
average weight of 551 g. The fruits are fairly rich in Vit. C (44.4 mg/100g) and very low in fibre
content (0.6%).
41. Snake gourd PKM 1 (1979) It is an induced mutant from H 375 type and yields 25.5 t/ha in a duration of 145 days.
The vines are vigorous giving fruits of dark green colour with white strips outside and light
green inside. Each fruit weighs 700 g.
42. Bitter gourd CO.1 (1978) It is a selection from a local type. The crop duration is 115 days and yields 14.0 t/ha. The
fruits are green, long (30-35 cm) and contain 1.8 mg/100 g of iron, 20 mg/100g of calcium and
1.1g/100 g of minerals.
43. Bitter gourd MDU 1 (1984) It is an induced mutant, developed by gamma irradiation of local cultivar (MC 103). It is
early in flowering (60 days) and yields 16.66 fruits/plant. The fruits are long with mean length of
40.34 cm and a girth of 17.54 cm and each fruit weighs 410.0 g on an average. It yields 32.19
t/ha.
44. Ribbed CO.1 (1976) It is a selection from a local type. The crop duration is 125 days and yield of 14.0 t/ha.
gourd Fruits are long (60-75 cm), light green, attractive in appearance each weighing 300 g on an
average. Moderately tolerant to pest and disease.
45. Ribbed CO.2 (1984) It is a selection from a germplasm type. The fruits are green, long (1 m) and fleshy. The
gourd crop duration is 120 days with an yield of 25 t/ha.
46. Ribbed PKM 1 (1980) It is an induced mutant from the type H 160 and gives 28.0 t/ha of fruits in a duration of
gourd 160 days/ The fruits are dark green with shallow grooves. The plants are tolerant to pumpkin
beetle, fruit fly and leaf spot.
47. Bottle gourd CO.1 (1981) It is a selection from a germplasm type. The crop duration is 135 days and yield of 36.0
t/ha. Fruits are round at the base with a prominent bottle neck at the top., medium sized,
attractive light green in colour with mean weight of 2.025 kg.
48. Pumpkin CO.1 (1971) It is a selection from a local type and yields 30 t/ha. The vines are vigorous and
spreading. The fruits are bigger and globular, each weighing 7.00 kg. One vine yields 6 to 7
fruits. First harvest can be had 115 days after sowing and the total crop duration is 180 days.
49. Pumpkin CO.2 (1974) It is a selection from a local type. The duration is 135 days and yields 23.0 t/ha. The
vines are moderately vigorous and less spreading. Individual fruit weighs 1.5 to 2.0 kg with 5 to
6 fruits per vine. It is a small fruited variety suitable for kitchen garden. The fruits contain 9.2%
starch, 10.8 brix TSS, 10 mg/100 g of ascorbic acid and 0.14% acidity.
50. Ash gourd CO.1 (1971) It is a selection from a local type with a crop duration of 150 days. The fruits are
globular, light green with ash coating with less seeds. The yield is 25 t/ha.
51. Ash gourd CO.2 (1982) It is a selection from a local type. The duration is 120 days and yields 34.0 t/ha. The
fruits are light green with waxy bloom, small sized with a mean weight of 2.5 to 3.0 kg. The
fruits contain 200-300 seeds. It takes 85-90 days from sowing to harvest.
52. Annual PKM.1 (1989) It is a pure line selection from the population generated by continuous selfing of the seed
Moringa moringa types for six generations. The plants grow to a height of 4-6m and come to flowering
90-100 days after planting. The first harvest starts 160-170 days after planting. Each tree bears
on an average 200-225 fruits/year
(3 kg). The pods are 65-70 cm long with 6.3 cm girth and 150 g weight. Ratoon crops can be
taken for 3 years. Every year after the harvest is completed, the trees have to be cut back to
about one metre from ground level.
53. Annual PKM.2 It is a high yielding type with an increase of 9.18% in number of pods over PKM-1
Moringa Annual Moringa. The pods are long, less seeded, more fleshy and delicious. It comes to bearing
in six months after sowing. It yields 98 tonnes/ha/year.
54. Tapioca CO.1 (1977) It is a clonal selection with a crop duration of 8½ -9 months. The tuber is whitish brown
with white flesh, and is suitable for industrial uses and consumption purpose. The starch content
of tubers is 35.0 per cent with an out turn of 10.35 tonnes of starch per hectare. The HCN
content is less (10g/g) in the flesh. It yields 30 t/ha. The plants are tolerant to mosaic virus.
55. Tapioca CO.2 (1984) It is also a clonal selection. The tubers are medium sized with whitish grey skin, creamy
white rind and white flesh. The crop duration is 8 ½ to 9 months . The starch content is 34.50
per cent. It yields 38.6 t/ha of tubers. The incidence of mosaic virus is low. The tubers contain
low HCN of 10 g/g in the flesh.
56. Tapiaco CO.3 (1993) It is also a clonal selection from open pollinated seeds obtained from Ibadan, Nigeria. It
yields 43 t/ha in a crop duration is 8 months. The tubers contain high starch 35.6% and low HCN of
77.89µg/g. The plants exhibit field tolerance to mosaic virus disease. It is a branching type. Tuber
flesh is white with brown skin and creamy white rind.
57. Sweetpotato CO.1 (1976) It is a clonal selection. The crop duration is 135 days and yields 28 t/ha. The tubers have
light pink skin and white flesh. The number of tubers per plant is 3.2 with a starch content of
24% and a TSS of 10.6° brix.
58. Sweetpotato CO.2 (1980) It is a clonal selection. The crop duration is 110 to 115 days and yields 32 t/ha. Tubers
have pink skin and white flesh and have a starch content of 29.5 per cent and TSS of 10.8°Brix.
59. Sweetpotato CO.3 (1982) It is also a clonal selection. The crop duration is 105-110 days and yields 42 t/ha. It is
suitable for cultivation in both seasons and tolerant to root weevil. The tubers have light pink
skin and orange flesh and contain a carotene of 13.28 mg/100 g and starch of 30.72 per cent.
60. Sweetpotato CO.CIP. It is a clonal progeny of IB 19.10.20 developed through half-sib evaluation of open
1 pollinated seedlings. Duration is 95-110 days September-October, February-March and June-
July are best suitable seasons. It yields 31.76 t/ha. Tolerant to weevil incidence (14.85%).
61. Coleus CO.1 (1991) It is a clonal selection. It yields 32 t/ha in a crop duration of 180-190 days. The tubers
have 21.5 per cent starch. The cooked tubers are tasty and have lesser soil odour.
62. Dioscorea CO.1 (1991) It is a clonal selection. It gives 44.8 tonnes of tubers/ha in a crop duration of 8 to 8½
months. The tubers are big in size with white flesh. Tubers are rich in carbohydrate (28%) and
protein (2.5%).
63. Colocasia CO.1 (1991) It is a high yielding selection. It has an yield potential of 24 t/ha. Tubers have high starch
content (22.5%) and higher protein content (2.4%) than cassava and sweet potato. Tubers have
less acidity and good cooking quality.
64. Radish CO.1 (1971) It is a selection from a germplasm type. Roots are milky white, less pungent, long (22
cm) cylindrical and tapering and thick (12.5 cm girth) and medium sized (226 g). Roots contain
10.9 mg/vit. C per 100 g and 1.28% crude fibre, suitable for intercropping and other systems of
cropping. Roots have better consumer's preference. Top to root ratio is 0.99.
65. Beetroot Ooty-1 (1992) It is a selection and yields 31.4 t/ha in the hills. The crop duration is 120-130 days if
direct sown and 135-150 days if transplanted. It is suitable for growing in all seasons. The roots
are blood red in colour with thin skin.
66. Moringa KKL-1 (1996) It is a selection from a local type. The selection yields 7 tonnes of green pods/ha with 31
bean per cent increase over local. Pods are green, fleshy and thick.
67. French bean YCD.1 (1994) It is a pureline selection from a local type and suitable for rainfed cultivation in the hills upto
an elevation of 1500 m above M.S.L. It yields 9 tonnes of green pods or 6 tonnes of grain per hectare
in a duration of 105 days. The pods are flat, green with dark purple bold seeds. It exhibits field
tolerance to yellow vein mosaic and anthranose disease.
68. Butter beans KKL-1 (1991) KKL-1 butter beans (Phaseolus lunatus) is a selection from a type collected from
Vilpatti. It is a pole type and bears pods in clusters. The pods are 11.6 cm long, beans are 5-6 in
number per pod. The crop will be ready for harvest from 100 days. The harvest will continue
upto 140 days. It yields 3.47 t/ha in 3 to 4 pickings.
69. Dolichos CO.1 (1993) It is a selection. Pods are dark green flat and slightly curved, tender and fleshy. Pods
bean
contain 4.69% protein, 12 mg vit. C, Fe 2 mg, P.14 mg, Ca 39 mg. 100 g or edible portion with
1.33% crude fibre. Matured seed is black in colour. Yield 18 t/ha, duration 165 days.
70. potato CO. (1970) It is a selection from the hybrids obtained from CPRI, Simla. It is suitable for cultivation
Simla in the plains during monsoon seasons. The yield is 12 t/ha in a crop duration of 110 days.
71. Palak Ooty 1 (1995) It is a selection and can be grown all through the year. It is tasty green leafy vegetable in
which first picking can be had 45 days after sowing and continued at 15 days interval for a period of
2 years. It yields 15 t/ha/harvest. The leaves contain higher carotene.
72. Watermelon PKM.1 (1993) Fruits are oblong, green in colour with light green stripes. Each fruit weighs about 3-4
kg. Duration is 120-135 days and yield is 38 t/ha.
73. Cucumber CO.1 (1989) It is a selection from Kanyakumari local type. It is a high yielding selection (25-28 t/ha).
The fruits are long (60 to 65 cm), slightly curved, tapering towards stalk end.
74. Garlic Ooty.1 (1991) It is a high yielder and gives on an average 17.1 t/ha. Comes to harvest in 120-130 days.
The bulb is dull white in colour.
EX.NO.2
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETIES OF VEGETABLE CROPS
65 Colocasia CO.1 (1991) Germpleas 24 It is a high yielding selection. It has an yield potential
m type tonnes/ha of 24 t/ha. Tubers have high starch content (22.5%) and higher
protein content (2.4%) than cassava and sweet potato. Tubers
have less acidity and good cooking quality.
66 Radish CO.1 (1971) Roots are milky white, less pungent, long (22 cm)
cylindrical and tapering and thick (12.5 cm girth) and medium
sized (226 g). Roots contain 10.9 mg/vit. C per 100 g and
1.28% crude fibre, suitable for intercropping and other systems
of cropping. Roots have better consumer's preference. Top to
root ratio is 0.99.
67 Beetroot Ooty-1 (1992) Selection 120-130 31.4 It is suitable for growing in all seasons. The roots are
type days & tonnes/ha blood red in colour with thin skin.
direct sown
135-150
days
68 Moringa bean KKL-1 (1996) Local type 7 Hreen pods/ha with 31 per cent increase over local.
tonnes/ha Pods are green, fleshy and thick.
Pure line 105 days 9
69 French bean YCD.1 (1994) Suitable for rainfed cultivation in the hills upto an
selection tonnes/ha
elevation of 1500 m above M.S.L. The pods are flat, green with
dark purple bold seeds. It exhibits field tolerance to yellow vein
mosaic and anthranose disease.
70 Butter beans KKL-1 (1991) 3.47 It is a pole type and bears pods in clusters. The pods
are 11.6 cm long, beans are 5-6 in number per pod. The crop
tonnes/ha
will be ready for harvest from 100 days. The harvest will
continue upto 140 days.
71 Dolichos bean CO.1 (1993) selection 165 days 18 Pods are dark green flat and slightly curved, tender
and fleshy. Pods contain 4.69% protein, 12 mg vit. C, Fe 2 mg,
tonnes/ha
P.14 mg, Ca 39 mg. 100 g or edible portion with 1.33% crude
fibre. Matured seed is black in colour.
72 potato CO. Simla (1970) Selection 110 days 12 It is suitable for cultivation in the plains during
from the tonnes/ha monsoon seasons.
hybrids
73 Palak Ooty 1 (1995) Selection 15 It is tasty green leafy vegetable in which first picking
type tonnes/ha can be had 45 days after sowing and continued at 15 days interval
for a period of 2 years. It yields 15 t/ha/harvest. The leaves contain
higher carotene.
74 Watermelon PKM.1 (1993) 120-135 38 Fruits are oblong, green in colour with light green
days tonnes/ha stripes. Each fruit weighs about 3-4 kg.
75 Cucumber CO.1 (1989) Selection 25-28 It is a high yielding selection (25-28 t/ha). The fruits
type tonnes/ha are long (60 to 65 cm), slightly curved, tapering towards stalk
end.
76 Garlic Ooty.1 (1991) 120-130 17.1 It is a high yielder and gives on an average 17.1 t/ha.
days tonnes/ha Comes to harvest in 120-130 days. The bulb is dull white in
colour.