My Book Final PDF 15-10-2018

1.
IMPORTANCE
Vegetables are defined as any edible herbaceous plants or parts of plants which
are commonly consumed as raw or after cooking and are rich in vitamins and minerals,
low in calorific value and neutralize the acid substances produced during digestion of
high-energy foods. Olericulture is a branch of Horticulture that deals with production,
storage, processing and marketing of vegetables and has its origin when man started
growing vegetables for consumption. The term Olericulture comes from Latin words
Oleris-any kind of culinary vegetable, pot herb, and culture-raising of plants.
The importance of vegetables in human nutrition is now well known all over the
world. Vegetables are rich and comparatively cheaper source of seven basic constituents
of human food. Human body requires a wide range of nutrients like carbohydrates,
protein, fat, vitamins, minerals, fibers and water for normal growth and sustenance of
physiological activities. Protein, carbohydrates and fat, generally referred as proximate
principles are required in large quantities and are oxidized in the body to yield energy.
Protein is the major growth promoting or body building nutrient. Vitamins and minerals
are required in small quantities for physiological processes and metabolic activities.
Vegetables are rich and comparatively cheap sources of vitamins like β-carotene, folic
acid, vitamin B, vitamin C, vitamin E, minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium,
phosphorus and dietary fibers. It also supplies fair amount of carbohydrates, protein (4%)
and energy (10%). Vegetables are not rich in fat content which is less than 0.1% in most
of them.
Vegetables as source of minerals, vitamins and other specific substances
Vegetables play a pivotal role in the human diet and are essential for a balance
diet. Besides, vitamin and minerals provide many specific chemical substances, which are
required by our body for its proper maintenance.
Minerals: Most of the leafy vegetables and root crops are rich in minerals. Major mineral
elements which are obtained from vegetables are calcium, iron and phosphorus. Leafy
vegetables are rich in micro elements such as copper, manganese and zinc.
Vitamins: The following vitamins are more or less present in one or other vegetables.
There are two types of vitamins, i.e. water and fat soluble. Vitamin A, D, E and K are fat-
soluble and vitamin B complex and C are water soluble. The body stores only the vitamin
soluble in fat and utilizes them as per its requirement. However the body does not store
water-soluble vitamins in significant amount. This fat-soluble vitamin is not soluble in
water and is not easily lost while cutting, washing and cooking
Vitamin A: It is essential for growth and reproduction for clear vision in dim light and its
deficiency leads to night blindness and dry-eye or Xerophthalmia. The β-carotene is
found in green leaf vegetables and yellow fruits/tubers like carrot, pumpkin, papaya and
sweet potato, spinach, cabbage, chilli, lettuce, green onion, pumpkin and tomato.
Prolonged deficiency of Thiamine (vitamin B1) leads to beri-beri disease Vitamin
B2 complex consisting of riboflavin and nicotinic acid (niacin), vitamin B6 (pyridoxine),
vitamin B12 and folic acid are all essential for metabolic activities and their deficiency
lead to pellagra, anemia and other disorders. Leguminous vegetables, onion bulbs, green
onion, sweet potato and cabbage contain a fair amount of vitamin B group. Folic acid is
abundant in spinach, other green leaf vegetables and beans.
Ascorbic acid: Man requires about 50 mg of vitamin C daily and is mainly met from
fruits and vegetables. Its deficiency causes “scurvy” characterized by weakness, bleeding
gums and defective bone growth. Vitamin C is a strong reducing agent and is lost easily
on exposure to air and on cooking. Vegetables like tomato, sweet pepper, chilli, immature
bean seed and bean sprouts are also good source.
Vitamin E (α-tocopherol): This vitamin acts as an antioxidant and preserves easily
oxidisable vitamins and unsaturated fatty acids. It is essential for normal reproduction
and called anti-sterility vitamin.
Vitamin K (Phylloquinone): This vitamin is important in coagulation (clotting) of blood
and is present in fresh dark green vegetables such as kale and spinach.
Vegetables as source of carbohydrates: Root and tuber vegetables like potato, sweet
potato, cassava, yams and elephant foot yam contain high amount of carbohydrates.
Vegetables as source of protein: Leguminous vegetables like peas, beans, cowpea and
hyacinth bean are good sources of proteins. The main function of protein is to serve as
the building blocks of the body cells.
Vegetables are rich sources of dietary fibre consisting of cellulose, non-starch
polysaccharides and lignin. Role of dietary fibre in protection against colon cancer,
lowering of blood pressure and diabetes is realized now. It is recommended to include 40
g of dietary fibre in our daily diet. Most of leaf vegetables are rich sources of dietary
fibre.
Recommended daily allowance (RDA) by the Indian Council of Medical
Research for an adult person is 300 g of vegetables. It includes 125 g leaf vegetables, 100
g roots and tubers and 75 g other vegetables. However, it varies with age of people and
nature of work.
Vegetables as protective food
Vegetables are protective foods as their consumption prevents many diseases.
Almost all vegetables are finding important roles in traditional systems of medicine.
Antioxidants and flavanoids are the most important among them.
Antioxidants like β-carotene, ascorbic acid (vitamin C), α-tocopherol (vitamin E),
amino acids and flavanoids present in various vegetables act as scavengers of free
radicals, which induce cancer development, brain disorders and arteriosclerosis.
Antioxidants have definite roles in prevention of certain cancer, age related eye diseases,
coronary artery diseases and HIV. Certain minerals like selenium and flavanoids like
quercetin, kaempferol, myricetin and luteolin have also been isolated from vegetables.
Onion and garlic contain several sulphur compounds like allicin and diallyl
disulphide which are effective for control of blood cholesterol and preventing heart
diseases. It also has antibacterial properties. Bitter gourd contains a hypoglycemic
ingredient ‘cheratin’ having effect against diabetes. Leguminous vegetables and brinjal
also reduce blood cholesterol level indicating their role in preventing heart diseases. The
3-n-butyl pthalide isolated from celery is effective against hypertension. Certain species
of yams contain diosgenin, used in manufacture of cortisone and contraceptive drugs.
Cole crops like Brussels sprout, sprouting broccoli, knol-khol and cabbage have
anti-carcinogenic properties mainly due to hydrolysed glucosinolate derived products
such as isothiocynates and indoles. Presence of Indol-3 carbinol, offers protection against
bowel cancer. The National Research Council Committee on Diet, Nutrition and Cancer,
India and the American Cancer Society suggested inclusion of vegetables belonging to
Brassica genus to reduce incidence of human cancer. In ancestral times, it was used
against gout, diarrhea, stomach and celiac troubles. Cabbage juice is used as a remedy
against poisonous mushrooms.
Vegetables yields higher per unit
The yield of vegetables per unit area is higher as compared to cereals. Vegetables
give 5-10 times higher yield than the cereals. e.g., wheat yield about 50-60 q/ha and rice
yield is 70-80 q/ha, whereas, root crops, potato, onion and tomato yield is 200, 250, 250,
300 q/ha, respectively. The above data illustrate that vegetables give higher yield in
comparison to cereals crops.
More crops in one year
Most of the vegetables being quick growing are short duration; therefore, they can
be best fitted in intensive cropping system. Cereals are grown only two crops can be
adjusted in a cropping sequence for one year, whereas in case of vegetables three to four
crops can be adjusted in a cropping sequence.
Vegetables as source of farm income
Vegetables are sold at higher rates than cereals and grains. If they are sold even at
a cheaper rate in the peak production season, they due to their high yield, they have high
monitory value.
Vegetables as source of aesthetic
Aesthetic value includes beauty, taste and art of kitchen gardening. The plants,
shrubs and climber of vegetables and their leaves, flowers give a beautiful look and work
as ornamental plant; ultimately vegetables add beauty to the house.
Source of employment
Vegetables are labor consuming. Hence, they have great potential to contribute
directly to the employment of urban and rural people.
Source of national economy
In the world, India ranks second in vegetable production next to china. Thus,
surplus vegetables are exported to other countries to fetch foreign currency that makes
the national economy strong.
2. CLASSIFICATION
Quite a large number of vegetable crops are grown in the country either on a
commercial scale or limited to backyards of homesteads. There are various methods to
classify the vegetables.
Botanical classification
Botanical classification is based on taxonomical relationship among different
vegetables. Plant kingdom is divided into four viz. Thallophyta, Bryophyta, Pteriodophyta
and Spermatophyte. All vegetables belong to division Angiospermae of Spermatophyta.
It is further divided into two classes viz., Monocotyledoneae and Dicotyledoneae. The
family wise distribution of vegetables under the classes is as follows:
Monocotyledoneae
Family-Alliaceae
Onion : Allium cepa
Multiplier onion : Allium cepa var. Aggregatum
Top onion : Allium cepa var. Viviparum
Leek : Allium porrum
Garlic : Allium sativum
Welsh onion : Allium fistulosum
Shallot : Allium ascalonicum
Chive : Allium schoenoprasum
Family-Liliaceae
Asparagus : Asparagus officinalis
Family-Dioscoreaceae
Greater yam : Dioscorea alata
Lesser yam : Dioscorea esculenta
White yam : Dioscorea rotundata
Family-Araceae
Colocasia/ Taro : Colocasia esculenta
Family-Poaceae
Sweet corn : Zea mays
Dicotyledoneae
Family-Aizoaceae
New Zealand spinach : Tetragonia expansa
Family-Chenopodiaceae
Palak/ Beet leaf : Beta vulgaris var.bengalensis
Swiss chard : Beta vulgaris var. cicla
Beet root : Beta vulgaris
Spinach : Spinacia oleracea
Bathua : Chenopodium album
Family-Asteraceae
Lettuce : Lactuca sativa
Chicory : Cichorium intybus
Endive : Cichorium endivia
Globe artichoke : Cynara scolymus
Jerusalem artichoke : Helianthus tuberosus
Family-Convolvulaceae
Sweet potato : Ipomoea batatas
Family-Brassicaceae
Cabbage : Brassica oleracea var. Capitata
Cauliflower : Brassica oleracea var. Botrytis
Brussels sprout : Brassica oleracea var. Gemmifera
Sprouting broccoli : Brassica oleracea var. Italica
Knol-khol or khol rabi : Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes
Kale : Brassica oleracea var. acephala
Rutabaga : Brassica napus var. napobrassica
Turnip : Brassica campestris var. rapa
Leaf mustard : Brassica juncea
Chinese cabbage : Brassica chinensis
Radish : Raphanus sativus
Horse radish : Armoracia rusticana
Family-Cucurbitaceae
Cucumber : Cucumis sativus
Watermelon : Cucurbita lanatus
Muskmelon : Cucumis melo
Squash melon/Tinda : Praecitrullus fistulosus
Snapmelon : Cucumis melo var. momordica
Longmelon : Cucumis melo var. utilissimus
Oriental picking melon : Cucumis melo var. conomon
Bitter gourd : Momordica charantia
Bottle gourd : Lagenaria siceraria
Snake gourd : Trichosanthes anguina
Pointed gourd/ Parwal : Trichosanthes dioica
Ash gourd/ Petha : Benincasa hispida
Ivy gourd : Coccinia indica
Summer squash : Cucurbita peo
Winter squash : Cucurbita maxima
Pumpkin : Cucurbita moschata
Chow-Chow : Sechium edule
Ridge gourd : Luffa acutangula
Sponge gourd : Luffa cylindrica
Family-Euphorbiaceae
Tapioca/ Cassava : Manihot esculenta
Family-Leguminosae
Pea : Pisum sativum
French bean : Phaseolus vulgaris
Cowpea : Vigna unguiculata
Cluster bean : Cyamopsis tetragonoloba
Lablab bean/Indian bean : Lablab purpureas
Asparagus bean : Vigna unguiculta var. sesquipedalis
Lima bean : Phaseolus lunatus
Broad bean : Vicia faba
Winged bean : Psophocarpus tetragonolobus
Soybean : Glycine max
Methi/ Fenugreek : Tigonella foenum-graecum
Kasuri methi : Tigonella corniculata
Family-Malvaceae
Okra : Abelmoschus esculentus
Family-Solanaceae
Tomato : Solanum lycopersicum
Current tomato : Solanum pimpinellifolium
Brinjal : Solanum melongena
Chilli/ Capsicum : Capsicum annuum
Potato : Solanum tuberosum
Family-Umbelliferae
Carrot : Daucus carota
Parsley : Petroselinum crispum
Celery : Apium graveolens
Parsnip : Pastinaca sativa
Classification based on hardiness
This classification is based on ability to withstand frost and low temperature and
it will be useful to know season of cultivation of a crop. Here the vegetable crops are
classified into hardy, semi hardy and tender.
Hardy : Crucifers, asparagus, garlic, leek, onion, parsley, peas, radish,
rhubarb, spinach
Semi-hardy : Carrot, celery, beet root, globe artichoke, lettuce, palak, parsnip,
potato
Tender : Amaranth, okra, brinjal, chilli, cluster bean, cucurbits, tomato,
colocasia, amorphophallus, sweet potato, yam
Classification based on parts used
In this system, crops are classified based on their parts of plant eaten as vegetable.
Leaves : Cabbage, brussels sprout, onion, leek, fenugreek, amaranth,
spinach, palak, coriander, mint
Immature fruit : Brinjal, chilli, cucumber, cluster bean, cowpea, bottle gourd,
bitter gourd
Mature fruits : Tomato, capsicum, muskmelon, watermelon, pumpkin
Flower parts : Cauliflower, sprouting broccoli, globe artichoke, agathi
Roots : Carrot, radish, beet root, turnip, parsnip, sweet potato
Stem : Potato, onion, garlic, knol-khol, taro, asparagus, yam
Seeds : Peas and beans
Corm : Colocasia, elephant foot yam
Classification based on culture
This is the most convenient and widely used system of classification of
vegetables. It is possible to generalize the cultivation practices based on their cultural and
climatic requirement.
Solanaceous crops : Tomato, brinjal, chilli, capsicum
Cole crops : Cabbage, cauliflower, brussels sprout, broccoli, knol-khol
Root crops : Carrot, radish, turnip, beet root
Bulb crops : Onion, garlic, leek, chive, welsh onion
Peas and beans : Indian bean, pea, cluster bean, cowpea, limb bean, broad
bean, winged bean, soybean
Cucurbits : Cucumber, all gourds and melons
Salad crops : Celery, lettuce, endive, cress, parsley
Green leafy crops : Amaranthus, spinach, palak, kale, mustard, collards
Tuber crops : Potato, sweet potato, cassava, yam
Perennial crops : Asparagus, artichoke, jersalem artichoke, sea kale, chow-
chow, pointed gourd, ivy gourd
Classification based on season of cultivation
This is one of the most important classifications from the grower’s point of view
since majority of vegetables are season bound and specific to particular seasons.
Winter season crops : All cole crops, leafy vegetables, carrot, radish, turnip,
beetroot, onion, garlic, peas.
Summer season crops : All cucurbitaceous, solanaceous crops, okra, sweet potato,
amaranths, basella.
Rainy season crops : Okra, chilli, brinjal, cluster been, cowpea
Classification based on plant parts used for planting
Direct seed sown : Okra, carrot, radish, turnip, beetroot, peas, cumin,
coriander
Seedling transplanted : Cabbage, cauliflower, tomato, brinjal, chilli, capsicum,
crops amaranths, onion
Vine cuttings : Ivy gourd, pointed gourd, sweet potato, cassava
Tubers and corms : Potato, sweet potato, yam, colocasia, helianthus tuberous
Bulb / Sets : Onion
Cloves : Garlic
Sprouted fruits : Chow-chow
Classification based on respiration after harvest
Very low : Onion, potato, pumpkin
Low : Cabbage, sweet potato, turnip
Moderate : Beet root, carrot, celery, cucumber
High : Beans, lima bean, lettuce
Very high : Asparagus, sprouting broccoli, pea, spinach
Classification based on salt tolerance
Less tolerant : Brinjal, capsicum, potato, sweet potato, pea, radish, beans
Moderately tolerant : Tomato, chilli, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, onion,
watermelon, muskmelon, cucumber, bottle gourd
High tolerant : Kale, turnip, beetroot, palak, lettuce, asparagus, bitter
gourd, ash gourd
Classification based on rooting depth
Very shallow rooted : Onion, lettuce
Shallow rooted : Cole crops, radish, garlic, leafy vegetables, potato
Moderately deep : Beet root, brinjal, cucumber, muskmelon, carrot
Deep rooted : Chilli, summer squash, pea, turnip
Very deep rooted : Sweet potato, tomato, pumpkin, watermelon, asparagus
Classification based on photoperiodism
Short day plants (SDP) : Sweet potato, potato, basella, cluster bean, winged bean,
hyacinth bean, amaranths
Long day plants (LDP) : Onion, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, knol-khol, radish,
carrot, turnip, beet root
Day neutral plants (DNP) : Tomato, brinjal, chilli, okra, french bean, cowpea,
cucurbits, asparagus
Classification based on climacteric pattern
Climacteric vegetable Non climacteric vegetable
Tomato, brinjal, muskmelon Cucumber, watermelon, pointed gourd, chilli
Classification based on storability of seeds
Storability period (years) : Vegetables
1-2 : Onion
2-3 : Chilli, okra, carrot, french bean
3-4 : Radish, garden pea, beet root, cucurbits
4-5 : Tomato, brinjal, cole crops
3. TYPES OF VEGETABLE GARDENS
Vegetable gardens can be classified into seven different types according to the
area and purpose for which they have been developed in India. These are home garden or
kitchen gardens, market gardens, truck gardens, gardens for processing, vegetable forcing
and gardens for seed production. These are described as below:
Kitchen garden or home garden
The growing of vegetable crops in the backyard of residential houses to meet the
requirement of family throughout the year is known kitchen garden or home garden or
nutrition garden. It is the most ancient type of vegetable gardening. Family members do
most of works. Nearly five percents of land (250 m2) is sufficient to provide vegetables
throughout year for a family consisting of five members. In rural area, land will not be a
limiting factor and scientifically laid out garden can be established. In urban areas, land is
a limiting factor and very often crops are raised in limited available area or in terraces of
buildings. Cultivation of crops in pots, cement bags and roof of buildings is also feasible
in cities.
The unique advantages of a kitchen garden or home garden are:
 Continuously fresh supply of vegetables.
 Effective utilization of land.
 Supply fruits and vegetables free from toxic chemicals.
 Drained water from kitchen is efficiently utilized.
 Leisure hours of the family members can be spent.
 Induces children on awareness of dignity of labour.
 Vegetables harvested from home garden taste better than those purchased from
market.
Market garden
Such type of vegetable farming is practiced around the cities to supply the
vegetables in local market. It is the most intensive type and skillful method of vegetable
farming as land is very costly around the cities. Generally, they are established within 15-
20 km distances from cities to supply fresh vegetables to nearby local market. Cropping
pattern in a market garden depends on demands of local market. In this method,
preference should be given to grow high value crops, early varieties to catch the early
market.
Truck garden
The word truck is derived from a French word ‘troquer’ which means ‘to barter’
(exchange goods) and has no relationship with the transport vehicle i.e., lorry-truck.
Production of special crops in relatively large quantities for distance market is called
truck gardening. It follows more extensive and less intensive method of vegetable
production than the market gardens. Truck gardens are usually established in rural areas
for supplying a few vegetable crops to a distant market. The site being away from the
market the cost of land and labor is usually cheap.
The unique advantages of a truck garden are:
 It is facilitates the vegetable production at commercial scale.
 Labor is available at low costs then market garden. Therefore, vegetables are
produced at low cost.
 Supply of vegetables to distant markets is possible.
Garden for Vegetable processing
Vegetables like tomato, peas, potato, sprouting broccoli, spinach, lima bean,
gherkin and onion are utilized by processing industries for canning, dehydration,
freezing, sauces, pickling, chutneys, fermented products and for making other processed
products in developed countries. There should be regular supply of specialized
vegetables. Such types of gardens are established near the processing factories.
In India, this type of gardens is found in Punjab and a few other states for
supplying tomato for processing industries. This type of vegetable gardening has bright
future in India due to rapid increase in processing industries and demand of quality
products in international market.
The unique advantages of a garden for vegetable processing are:
 More return per unit area.
 Solve the problem of unemployment.
 Post-harvest losses may be reduced.
 Perishable vegetable can be grown because such gardens are located around the
processing factories.
Vegetable garden for seed production
Vegetable seed production is a highly specialized job and requires technical skill.
Vegetables for seed production are grown in idea soil, climate and disease-free
conditions. A cultivation of vegetables is increasing day-by-day, need for good vegetable
seed has also increased. Timely inspection and rouging are also done to maintain seed
purity. Handling of seed crop curing, threshing, cleaning, package and storage are
specialized jobs requiring thorough knowledge. Since pests and diseases affect seed field
more than that of vegetable field, timely crop protection measures are to be taken,
especially for control of seed borne diseases.
The unique advantages of a vegetable garden for seed production are:
 Net return from seed production is many times more than truck gardening.
 Emasculation and pollination in hybrid seed production provide employment.
Vegetable forcing
The cultivation of vegetables out of their normal growing season under protected
conditions is known as vegetable forcing. The main purpose of this type of farming is to
fetch the highest return of the produce by growing them during off-season. It is highly
specialized type of farming which involves special growing structure like glass house,
cold frames and hot beds with temperature and relative humidity control.
The unique advantages of a vegetable forcing are:
 Supply of vegetables during off-season
 More returns per unit area.
 But in this type of gardening high cost of cultivation and limited choice of
vegetables for cultivation like tomato, cucumber, sweet pepper, etc.
Floating garden
The production of vegetables in the lakes on the floating base is known as floating
gardens. It is highly specialized type of gardening but yet not commercialized. Generally,
it is done in the Dal lake of Kashmir. For this type of garden first of all a floating base is
made from the roots of various grasses and weeds i.e. typha grass growing widely in the
lake. Inter-culture operations and occasional watering is done with the help of boats.
Most of the vegetables are supplied to Srinagar and other places from these gardens
during summer season. Seasonal flowers are also grown in these gardens.
TOMATO
Botanical Name : Solanum lycopersicum Mill.

Family : Solanaceous
Chromosome No. : 2n=24
Origin : Peru of South America
Tomato is an annual plant with herbaceous prostrate stem having determinate or
indeterminate growth habit. It is also known as vilayati baigan, wolf apple and poor
man’s orange. Flowers are borne in racemose cyme and flower cluster is known as ‘truss’
and its position is extra axillary. Tomato is a self pollinated crop due to hermaphrodite
flowers.
Nutritive value (per 100 g of edible portion) and use
Tomato occupies a prime position in list of protective foods since it is a rich
source of minerals. The attractive red colour of fruit is due to lycopene and yellow colour
is due to carotene. Different forms of tomatine, a steroidal glycoalkaloid, are identified
from various parts of plant. Tomato is a good appetizer and its soup is a good remedy for
preventing constipation.
Moisture 93.1 g Energy 23 kcal
Protein 1.9 g Vitamin A 320 IU
Fat 0.1 g Vitamin C 31 mg
Carbohydrates 3.6 g Calcium 48 mg
Fiber 0.7 g Sodium 45.9 mg
Climatic requirement
Tomato is a day neutral warm season crop, which cannot tolerate frost. Cool and
dry weather is preferred by the crop and optimum temperature is 21-28oC during day and
15-20oC during night. Night temperature is more critical than day temperature. High
temperature results in low pollination and fruit set. Incidence of viral diseases also will be
more at high temperature. Optimum temperature for colour development of fruit is 21-
24°C. Development of colouring pigment, lycopene will be hampered above 27oC. Seed
germination and pollen germination are adversely affected below 10oC.
Soil requirement and preparation
Tomato cannot withstand water logging. Hence well drained fairly fertile soil rich
in organic matter loamy soils having a pH of 6.0-7.0 are ideal. The soil should be
ploughed thoroughly to bring fine tilth. Generally, 4-5 ploughing are needed to make the
soil friable followed by planking.
Varieties
Variety Source Special features
Pusa Divya ICAR-IARI, Developed using male sterile line. Antherless
New Delhi mutant, potato leaf type.
Pusa Ruby -do- Fruits flat round and suitable for processing.
Pusa-120 -do- Resistant to root knot nematode.
Pusa Uphar -do- Thick pericarp, suitable for processing.
Pusa Sadabahar -do- Suitable for high and low temperature.
Pusa Sheetal -do- Cold set variety (8oC or below).
Pusa Rohini -do- Longer shelf-life. Fruits round.
Pusa Gaurav -do- Suitable for processing purpose.
Pusa Red Plum -do- This is interspecific hybrid and rich source of
vitamin C.
Pusa Lal Meeruti -do- Mutant variety, used of gamma rays mutant of
meeruti.
Pusa Hybrid-1 -do- Tolerant to high night temperature (upto 23°C)
Pusa Hybrid-2 -do- High tolerant to root knot nematode.
Pusa Hybrid-4 -do- High tolerant to root knot nematode.
Pusa Hybrid-8 -do- Suitable for long distance transportation.
Arka Rakshak ICAR-IIHR, Triple disease resistant variety (ToLCV, bacterial
Bengaluru wilt and early blight)
Arka Alok -do- Bacterial wilt resistant.
Arka Abha -do- Resistant to bacterial wilt.
Arka Ashish -do- Tolerant to powdery mildew.
Arka Ananya -do- Resistant to TOLCV and bacterial wilt.
Arka Abhijit -do- Highly resistant to bacterial wilt
Arka Ahuti -do- It is pure selection from ‘Ottawa-60’.
Arka Saurabh -do- Resistant to fruit cracking, good transport quality.
Arka Shreshta -do- Resistant to bacterial wilt
Arka Meghali -do- Suitable for rainfed cultivation.
Arka Vikas -do- Tolerant to moisture stress condition
Arka Vishal -do- Tolerant to cracking and suitable for fresh market
Arka Vardan F1 -do- Resistant to nematode.
Kashi Amrit ICAR-IIVR, Inter-specific cross between Solanum lycopersicum
Varanasi x S. habrochaites f. glabratum through back cross
method.
Kashi Aman -do- Resistant to ToLCV.
Kashi Abhiman -do- Moderate resistant to ToLCV disease.
Kashi Vishesh -do- Resistant to ToLCV.
Hisar Anmol CCSHAU, Hisar Resistant of tomato leaf curl virus.
Hisar Arun -do- Developed by hybridization and selection from a
cross Pusa Early Dwarf x K-1.
Hisar Lalima -do- Developed from the segregating population of a
cross Pusa Early Dwarf x HS-101.
Hisar Lalit -do- Resistant to root knot nematode.
Hisar Gaurav -do- High yield and large attractive fruits.
Punjab Chuhara PAU, Ludhiana Fruits pear shaped and suitable for long distance
transport, susceptible to ToLCV.
Punjab Kesari -do- It is early maturing and dwarf variety.
Punjab Tropics -do- Late maturing variety with luxuriant growth.
Punjab Gaurav -do- Suitable for protected cultivation under polynet
house.
Punjab Sartaj -do- Tolerant to leaf curl virus and suitable for protected
cultivation under polynet house.
Punjab Varkha -do- Resistant to ToLCV
Bahar-1& 2
Pant Bahar GBPUAT, Resistant to Verticillium wilt and Fusarium wilt.
Pantnagar Suitable for processing and storage.
Marutham (CO-3) TNAU, Coimbatore Developed by mutation breeding (EMS) from CO-1.
Sowing time
In plains: June - November
In hills: March - April
Seed rate
Open pollinated variety: 400-500 g/ha
For F1 hybrids: 125-175 g/ha
Nursery raising
The sandy loam and loam soils rich in organic matter are suitable for raising the
nursery. In soil with good tilth 15 cm raised nursery beds of 3 m length and 1 m wide are
prepared. Add 15 kg well rotten farmyard manure in each bed. Drench the nursery beds
with Captan (3g/litre water) 2 days before sowing and level it. Treat the seed with Thiram
or Captan (2 g/kg seed) before sowing in nursery bed. Seeds sown in an area of 4-5 cents
(200-250 m2) will be sufficient to plant one hectare.
Sowing method
When seedlings attain the height of 8-12 cm having 5-6 true leaves, these are
ready to transplanting in the field. Normally transplanting is done in the evening hours
and immediately after frequent light irrigations. Four to five weeks old seedlings are used
for transplanting. Hardening of seedling is essential for their establishment in main field
and is done by withholding irrigation for one week before transplanting, adding NaCl
(400 ppm) and Cycocel (200 ppm) to irrigation water at time of transplanting.
Spacing
Determinate varieties: 60 cm x 30-45 cm
Indeterminate varieties: 75 cm x 30-45 cm
Nutrient requirement
About 25-30 tonnes of well rotten FYM, 100-125 kg N, 50-60 kg P2O5 and 50-60
kg K2O are recommended for one hectare. Recommendation for F1 hybrid is 250:250:250
kg NPK/ha. FYM should be incorporated in soil at the time of preparation of land. 1/3 N,
Full P and K may be applied as basal dose either just before transplanting or 5-10 days
after transplanting. Remaining 2/3 N is applied 20 and 45 days thereafter. Additional
dose of 10 kg borax and 5 kg Zinc Sulphate, as basal dose, are also recommended for
correcting fruit cracking and to increase yield and fruit quality.
Irrigation requirement
During summer, crop should be irrigated at 3-4 days interval where as during
winter months 8-10 day intervals. Drip irrigation and sprinkler irrigation are becoming
more common in areas of water shortage.
Intercultural operations
Mulching with straw or plastic is also effective for weed control and for
regulating soil temperature. Application of pendimethalin (1.0 kg a.i./ha) as pre-
emergence spray along with one hand weeding at 45 days after transplanting,
Oxyfluorfen (0.25 kg a.i./ha) and Basalin (1.0 kg a.i./ha) were ideal as pre emergence
application.
Training and pruning
All indeterminate varieties are trained with wires, strings or stacks to prevent
lodging and loss of fruits by coming in contact with soil. Pruning is also generally
followed in indeterminate varieties to improve size, shape and quality of fruits. It is
removal of unwanted shoots to enhance vigor of plants.
Staking
Staking is an important operation for tomato. It should be done 20-25 days after
transplanting. The timely staked plants produce more and better quality fruits.
Crop regulation
Spray of PCPA at 50 ppm, IAA 50 ppm or borax 1% gave better fruit set in
summer. The foliar application of PCPA 50-100 ppm at the flowering stage increases the
fruit set at low and high temperature.
Harvesting
Tomato is a climacteric fruit. The start of maturation and ripening results in the
production of ethylene and CO2. Crop starts yielding by 70 days after planting. Usually
fruits are harvested with hand by a gentle twist so that the stalk is retained on plant.
Harvesting maturity depends on the purpose:
 Mature green: Fruit colour changes from green to yellowish and harvested for
long distance market.
 Turning or breaker stage: Fruits firm, 1/4th portion of fruit changes to pink in
colour, but the shoulder still yellowish green. Harvested for long distance market.
 Pink stage: 3/4th of whole fruit surface turns pink colour. Harvested for local
market.
 Light red: Entire fruit surface is red or pink but the flesh is firm. Harvested for
local market.
 Red ripe or hand ripe: Fully ripened (>90%) and coloured. Flesh becomes soft.
Harvested for processing and for seed extraction.
Yield
Open pollinated varieties: 20-25 t/ha
F1 hybrids : 50 t/ha
Grading and storage
Fruits after harvesting are graded and packed in bamboo baskets or wooden
boxes. Four grades specified by Bureau of Indian Standards are Super A, Super, Fancy
and Commercial. Fruits can be stored for 4 to 5 weeks at 10-13oC when harvested at red
stage and green stage respectively. Pre-cooling of fruits before storage and transportation
enhances storage life.
Physiological disorders
Fruit cracking: Genetically factors as well as environmental factors are responsible
factors. Radial cracking is more damaging as compared to concentric cracking.
Cause: i) A long spell of drought followed by sudden heavy irrigation, and ii) Wide
variation in day and night temperatures and high humidity also cause fruit cracking.
Control: i) Maintain the optimum soil moisture, and ii) Spray boron at 0.3 to 0.4% at 2-3
times.
Blossom red rot: The water soaked spots of one cm or more appear at point of petals
attachment and affected portion becomes sunken, leathery and dark coloured.
Cause: i) Due to reduce soil moisture supply, ii) High rate of respiration at the time of
fruit development, and iii) Due to deficiency of calcium.
Control: i) Balanced irrigation, cultural practices to conserve soil moisture, and ii) Spray
of 0.5% calcium chloride at fruit development stage.
Sun scald: The affected tissues have blistered water soaked areas, which have a light or
grey colour on green fruit and yellow colour on red fruit.
Cause: Due to extreme sun light
Control: i) Raise the crop with high density, ii) Grow more foliage varieties, iii) Avoid
training and pruning during summer season, and iv) Control the foliage insect-pests and
diseases.
Cat face: This disorder occurs during the early stages of flower bud development.
Affected fruit have deep indentations and large bands of cork-like scar tissue on the
blossom end of the fruit.
Cause: i) When temperatures drop below 10°C during flowering and fruit set, ii) High
levels of soil nitrogen, and iii) Excessive pruning can aggravate the problem.
Control: i) Cultivation in normal growing condition, and ii) Grow resistant varieties.
Blotchy Ripening: It is characterized by areas of the fruit that fail to ripen properly.
White or yellow blotches appear on the surface of the ripening fruit while the tissue
inside remains hard.
Cause: Deficiency of potassium or boron and to high nitrogen levels.
Control: Follow a well balanced fertilizer to help minimize the disorder.
Puffiness: Affected fruit appears bloated, light in weight and soft. When the fruit is cut,
the cavities may be only partially filled with gel or even empty.
Cause: i) Due to lack of pollination and fertilization, ii) High temperature and high soil
moisture, and iii) High nitrogen and low potassium
Control: i) Apply proper dose of nitrogen and potassium, and ii) Grow resistant varieties.
Gold fleck: The tiny yellow spots apperas on the fruit surface around the calyx and fruit
shoulder called gold flecks.
Cause: i) Due to deposition of calcium oxalate, and ii) High supply of Ca and K
fertilizers.
Control: i) Apply recommended doses of calcium and phosphatic fertilizers, and ii)
provide shade during summer season.
BRINJAL
Botanical Name : Solanum melongena L.

Origin : India
Brinjal is known as aubergine and eggplant one of the most common tropical
vegetables grown in India. Purple pigmentation of fruits is due to anthocyanin. Bitterness
in fruits is due to presence of glycoalkaloids like solanin. Generally glycol-alkaloid
content varies from 0.37 to 4.83 mg/ 100g in most of cultivars. High glycol-alkaloids
produce bitter taste and off-flavour. The fruits are cut open which imparts brown
discoloration due to polyphenol oxidase. Heterostyly is very common. Fruit is a berry.
Brinjal is valued for its medicinal properties and has got de-cholestrolizing
property primarily due to presence of poly-unsaturated fatty acids (linoleic and lenolenic)
present in flesh and seeds of fruit in higher amount (65.1%). Leaves are rich source of
vitamin C than the brinjal fruits.
Moisture 92.7 g Energy 24 mg
Carbohydrates 4g Calcium 18 mg
Fiber 1.3 g Sodium 3 mg
Brinjal is warm season day neutral plant and is susceptible to severe frost. A long
and warm growing season with a temperature range of 21-27°C is ideal for its production.
Crop is adversely affected by chilling temperature of winter in North India.
It is preferred for cultivated under well-drained and fertile sandy soil. Ideal pH for
cultivation of crop is 5.5-6.6. The soil should be thoroughly prepared by ploughing 4 to 6
times before transplanting the seedlings. Well rotten FYM or compost should be
incorporated evenly in the soil.
Varieties
Pusa Safed baigan-1 ICAR-IARI, White coloured oval round fruited variety
New Delhi suitable for kharif season under NI plains.
Pusa Hara Baigan-1 -do- First green colour oval fruited variety suitable
for kharif season under north Indian condition.
Pusa Purple Long -do- Extra early and high yielding
Pusa Purple Round -do- Tolerant to little leaf and shoot and fruit borer
Pusa Purple Cluster -do- Resistant to little leaf and bacterial wilt
Pusa Anmol -do- Early and high yielding F1 hybrid.
Pusa Ankur -do- Fruits oval round, dark purple and glossy.
Pusa Anupam -do- Resistant to bacterial wilt
Pusa Bindu -do- Small oval-round and violet-purple fruits.
Pusa Bhairav -do- Resistant to phomopsis fruit rot.
Pusa Kranti -do- Oblong, 15-20 cm long and dark purple fruit.
Pusa Upkar -do- Fruits dark purple in colour and bearing in
cluster.
Pusa Uttam -do- Fruits are large size, glossy with dark purple
skin.
Arka Anand F1 ICAR-IIHR, Resistant to bacterial wilt and suitable for
Bengaluru kharif and rabi season
Arka Kusumakar -do- Small green fruits borne in clusters of 5-7.
Arka Keshav -do- Resistant to bacterial wilt.
Arka Sheel -do- Medium long deep shining purple fruits.
Arka Nidhi -do- Resistant to bacterial wilt.
Arka Neelkanth -do- Resistant to bacterial wilt
Arka Navneeth -do- F1 hybrid between IIHR 22-1 x Supreme
Kashi Taru ICAR-IIVR, Fruits are long and purple in colour.
Varanasi
Kashi Komal -do- Fruits are light purple, long and soft textured.
Kashi Prakash -do- Fruits attractive with light green spots.
Kashi Sandesh -do- Leaves purplish green.
Hisar Shyamal CCSHAU, Hisar Tolerant to little leaf and bacterial wilt diseases
Hisar Jamuni -do- Suitable for ratoon cropping.
Hisar Pragati -do- Suitable for summer season.
HLB-12 -do- Tolerant to high temperature and shoot & fruit
borer.
HLB-25 -do- Suitable for summer season, tolerant and
tendency to set fruits at high temperature.
Punjab Bahar PAU, Ludhiana Round fruit variety and fruits are purple and
less seeds.
Punjab Barsati Long fruit variety and tolerant to fruit borer.
Punjab Sadabahar -do- Long fruit variety and tolerant to shoot and
fruit borer.
Punjab Moti -do- Round fruit variety and cross of SM 17-4 x
PBR 91-2.
Jamuni Gola -do- Round fruit variety and early maturing variety.
Pant Samrat GBPUAT, Resistant to bacterial wilt and phomopsis fruit
Pantnagar rot.
Pant Rituraj -do- It is a cross between T-3 x Pusa Purple Cluster.
Sowing time
Autumn-winter crop: June - July
Spring-summer crop: Early November to January-February
Rainy season crop: March - May
In hills: March - April
Seed rate
Open pollinated varieties: 400-500 g/ha
For F1 hybrids: 200 g/ha
Nursery raising
Beds of 3 m length, 1.0 m wide and 0.15 m height are prepared. Add 15 kg well
rotten farmyard manure in each bed. Drench the nursery beds with Captan (3 g/litre
water) 2 days before sowing and leveled it. Treat the seed with Thiram or Captan (2 g/kg
seed) before sowing in nursery bed.
Sowing method
Seeds are transplanted to main field after four weeks during summer and after 7 to
8 weeks during winter, when it is 8-10 cm tall. Hardened seedlings withstand
transplanting shock better and establish well in main field.
Spacing
Spreading varieties: 75-90 cm x 60-75 cm
Bushy and non-spreading varieties: 60 cm x 60 cm
About 25 tonnes of FYM/ha 100 kg N, 60 kg P and 30 kg K/ha as basal dose
may be incorporated in soil at the time of final ploughing. 1/3 N, full P and full K
should be applied as basal dose and remaining N in 2 split doses, 1/3 at 25 days after
planting and remaining 1/3 N 45 days after. Apply 2 kg of Azospirillum and
Phosphobacteria in the main field at planting.
In plains, irrigation is required at 3 to 4 days during summer while in winter it
should be at 10-15 days interval.
It is essential to keep the field free of weeds especially at initial stages of crop
growth and is usually done by 2-3 light hoeing or earthing up. Application of
Fluchloralin @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha as a pre-emergent weedicide, applied one week after
transplanting seedlings, followed by one hand weeding at 30 days after planting
controls a broad spectrum of weeds.
Crop regulation
Application of 2-4, D (2 ppm) at flowering stage induces parthenocarpic and
increase fruit set, early yield and total yield in brinjal.
Harvesting
Brinjal fruits are harvested at immature stage after attaining full size, but before
loosing its glossy appearance. Dullness of fruit indicates over maturity. Usually fruits are
harvested along with its stalk with a slight twist by hand.
Yield
Open pollinated varieties: 25-40 t/ha
F1 hybrids: 55-80 t/ha
Storage
Brinjal green fruits have longest shelf-life of 4 weeks. Fruits can be stored for 7-
10 days in a fairly good condition at 7-10°C with 85-90% RH.
CHILLI
Botanical Name : Capsicum spp.
Origin : South America
Chilli is a quite essential spice in every Indian cuisine and is grown throughout
length and breadth of country. The principal colouring pigment of dried chilli is a
carotenoid pigment Capsanthin and pungency is due to Capsaicin. Chilli is an often
cross-pollinated crop. Flowers are bisexual and protogynous. Fruit is a berry and exhibits
considerable variation for colour, shape, size and pungency.
Chilli is the rich source of vitamin A and C. Active principle for pungency is
capsaicin and its content in Indian varieties ranges from 0.002 to 1.86%. Pungent forms
are used as green chilli, whole dry chilli, chilli powder, chilli paste, chilli sauce, chilli
oleoresin or as mixed curry powder. It is also utilized in food, pharmaceutical and cattle
feed industries.
Moisture 85.7 g Energy 29 mg
Carbohydrates 3g Calcium 30 mg
Fiber 6.8 g Sodium 6.5 mg
Chilli cannot tolerate frost compared to tomato and brinjal. Medium pungent
chilli, prefers a temperature of 20-30oC for growth. Low pungent Capsicum prefers a
lower temperature of 17-23oC. Highly pungent Capsicum frutescens and C. chinense
come up well in high rainfall regions of southern and north-eastern region of India.
As an irrigated crop, chilli is best grown in sandy loam soil and as rainfed crop in
black cotton soil. The optimum soil pH for chilli is 5.8 to 6.5. Chilli crop is very sensitive
to water logging. Quality of fruits is better in light soils than in heavy soils. Field is
brought to fine tilth by 4-5 ploughing and harrowing. Ridges and furrows are prepared at
45-60 cm distance.
Varieties
Varieties Source Special features
Pusa Jwala ICAR-IARI, Medium pungent variety and tolerant to thrips,
New Delhi mite and aphids.
Pusa Sadabahar -do- Resistant to CMV, TMV and leaf curl virus.
NP-46A -do- Tolerant to thrips and susceptible to viral
diseases.
Arka Abhir ICAR-IIHR, Paprika variety suitable for oleoresin extraction
Bengaluru and for growing in cooler region.
Arka Lohit -do- Tolerant to powdery mildew.
Arka Suphal -do- Resistant to powdery mildew and viruses.
Arka Harita F1 -do- Developed by using male sterile lines. Resistant
to powdery mildew and viruses.
Arka Meghana F1 -do- Developed by using male sterile lines. Tolerant
to powdery mildew and viruses.
Arka Sweta F1 -do- CMS based F1 hybrid developed by using male
sterile lines. Field tolerant to viruses.
Kashi Anmol ICAR-IIVR, Moderately resistant to anthracnose, die-back
Varanasi and Cercospora leaf spot.
Kashi Early F1 -do- Fruits are long, attractive and pungent with
smooth surface.
Kashi Surkh F1 -do- Tolerant to thrips, mites and viruses
Hisar Shakti CCSHAU, Hisar Tolerant to leaf curl mosaic virus, fruit rot and
powdery mildew disease.
Hisar Vijay -do- Tolerance to leaf curl mosaic virus, fruit rot and
powdery mildew disease.
Punjab Lal PAU, Ludhiana Resistant to TMV. Rich in capsaicin (0.7%) and
suitable for colour extraction.
Punjab Tej -do- Highly pungent and rich in vitamin C
Punjab Surkh -do- Tolerant to fruit rot and resistant to mosaic virus.
Punjab Sindhuri -do- Fruits are highly pungent and rich in vitamin C
Punjab Guchedar -do- Tolerant to fruit rot, mosaic and leaf curl virus.
CH-1 F1 -do- Developed by utilizing GMS (MS-12 x LLS).
Tolerant to fruit rot and wet rot.
CH-3 F1 -do- Developed by using GMS (MS-12 x S-2530).
Capsaicum content (0.52%).
CH-27 F1 -do- Resistant to mosaic virus.
Pant C-1 & 2 GBPUAT, Tolerant to mosaic and leaf curl virus.
Pantnagar
MDU-1 TNAU, Mutation variety using gamma rays on K-1
Coimbatore variety. High yield with capsaicin content.
Co-1 -do- Fruits long and bright red in colour.
Co-2 -do- Fruits small with dark red colour.
Jwalamukhi KAU, Thrissur Suitable for green chilli purpose.
Ujwala -do- Resistant to bacterial wilt. Tolerant to mosaic
and leaf curl virus.
Bhagyalakshmi ARS, Lam, Guntur Tolerant to aphids.
Andhra Jyothi -do- Tolerant to thrips. Cherry type.
Sindhur -do- Thick pericarp, blunt tip.
Aparna -do- High pungency (0.7%).
Bhaskar -do- Resistant to thrips and mites. Yellow anther.
Capsium/ Bell pepper-Varieties
Pusa Deepti F1 ICAR-IARI, Tolerant to bacterial leaf spot and anthracnose.
New Delhi
Arka Mohini ICAR-IIHR, Medium to large sized blocky and dropping
Bengaluru fruits.
Arka Basant -do- Fruits creamish white and conical shaped.
Arka Gaurav -do- Tolerant to bacterial wilt disease.
Sowing time
Kharif season: June-October
In plains: September-February
In hills: March-April
Seed rate
1.0-1.5 kg/ha
Nursery raising
About 10-12 beds of 8x1x0.15 m size are sufficient to raise seedlings for one
hectare. Add 15-20 kg well rotten farmyard manure and 500 g of 15:15:15 NPK fertilizer
during preparation of nursery bed. Drench the nursery beds with Formalin solution or
Captan (3g/litre water) 2 days before sowing and level it. Treat the seed with Thiram or
Captan (2 g/kg seed) before sowing in nursery bed.
Sowing method
Generally 40-45 days old seedlings are transplanted. Clipping of Capsicum and
chilli seedlings about 10 days prior to transplanting helps to accelerate growth of axillary
buds and results in better branching. Hardening of seedlings by regulating watering a
week prior to transplanting is necessary for better establishment and survival for
seedlings in main field.
Spacing
60 cm x 45 cm
Application of 20-25 tonnes of farmyard manure by broadcasting at the time of
final ploughing and 120 kg N, 40-60 kg P2O5 and 20-40 kg K2O are recommended. Half
dose of N and full dose of P and K is applied 10-15 days after transplanting, i.e., after
initial establishment of seedlings. Remaining N is applied one month after first
application. Under irrigated condition N is applied in four equal splits i.e., 10, 30, 60 and
90 days after transplanting. Application of Azospirullum @ 2 kg/ha saves 25% of
nitrogen requirement of chilli.
For dry chilli purpose, crop is grown under rainfed conditions in traditional chilli
growing tracts. Providing the supplementary irrigation when dry spell exceeds 8-10 days
and will almost obtained double the yield of rainfed crop in red loam soil. During rabi
and summer, crop is mainly raised for green chilli purpose as irrigated crop.
Intercultural operation
Mulching, weeding and hoeing all the intercultural operations are aimed at
conserving soil moisture, to remove weeds and to provide aeration to soil. Pre-plant
incorporation of Fluchloralin @ 0.5-1.0 kg/ha give good control of weeds in chilli crop.
Crop regulation
Chilli and Capsicum respond well to an array of plant growth regulators. GA (10-
100 ppm), NAA (20-200 ppm) and CCC (1000 ppm) were effective for increasing fruit
set and yield.
Harvesting
Chilli is harvested by hand picking and harvesting extends up to two months.
Farmers usually take 5 to 6 and 2-3 harvests for green and red ripe fruits, respectively.
Yield
Yield of fresh green chilli is 3-4 times more than that of fresh red ripe chilli and
6-10 times than that of dry chilli. Yield under rainfed and an irrigated condition varies
considerably and is given below:
Purpose Rainfed crop Irrigated crop
Green chilli 1.5-2.5 t/ha 7.5-10 t/ha
Dry chilli 0.5-1.0 t/ha 2-2.5 t/ha
Quality and pungency are determined by oleoresin and Capsicum contents. Inner pericarp
contains 90% pungency. Yield of oleoresin in chilli varieties ranges from 8.0 to 17.5%.
Insect-pests
Tomato fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera): Moths are brown to yellowish brown in
colour. Caterpillars are green in colour; they attack during October-March. They feed on
the newly formed fruits.
Control: Spray Dimethoate 30 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/litre water.
Brinjal fruit and shoot borer (Leucinodes orbonalis): The larvae bore into tend parts
causing drooping of young shoots and rotting of fruits.
Control: Spray Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre water.
Epilachna beetle (Epilachna viginctioctopunctata): A yellow coloured nymph seen on
under surface leaves feed on foliage resulting in skeletonization of leaves.
Control: Four sprays of carbaryl (800g a.i/ha).
White fly (Bemisia tabaci): They are minute white pigmented insects suck sap of plants.
Control: Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/l or Carbofuran 3 G @ 40 kg/ ha.
Aphid (Aphis gossypii, Myzus persicae): It is suck the cell sap from leaves and tender
portions from the plant.
Control: Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre water.
Jassids (Empoasca devestan): Jassids suck the sap from the leaves causing curling and
drying up of leaves.
Mites: Red spider mites and other mites seen on under surface of leaves suck sap and
cause characteristic yellowing.
Control: Spray Propragite @ 2 ml/litre of water.
Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita, M. javanica): Galls formation on the
feeder roots. This causes stunted plants with yellow foliage resulting in yield reduction.
Control: i) Follow crop rotation with marigold, and ii) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg
a.i./ha at the transplanting time.
Diseases
Damping off (Pythium sp., Phytophthora sp., Rhizoctonia sp.): This is a major nursery
disease. Affected seedlings topple over and die in patches. The disease is more
serious when excess of water is supplied and temperature is high.
Control: i) Proper drainage in the nursery bed, ii) Drench nursery bed with Captan
or Thiram @ 0.4% after seed germination, iii) Fumigate the soil with 7% Formalin,
and iv) Treat the seed with Thiram or Captan @ 3g/kg seed.
Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum): Infected plants reduce growth, leaves
become yellow and plants show wilting and died.
Control: Drench soil with copper oxychloride and spray Carbendazim (0.1%).
Late blight (Phytophthera infestans): The disease occurs on the foliage at any stage
of growth. Brown to purple black lesions occurs in the leaflets, petiole, fruit and
stem. The disease appears at low temperature and high humidity.
Control: Spray of Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/ litre water.
Early blight (Alternaria solani): It is a soil-borne disease. Circular angular dark-
brown spots appear on leaves, stem and fruit. The disease appears at high
temperature and high humidity.
Control: Seed treatment in hot water at 52-55°C or spray of Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/
litre water or Carbendazim (1 g/ litre).
Phomopsis blight (Phomopsis vexans): This is a major disease particularly when
crop is raised for seed production. Soft and water soaked brown lesions of fruits
which turn black and mummified in appearance are the common symptoms.
Control: Seed treatment with Carbendazim (1 g/kg) and seedling dip in
Carbendazim (0.05%) for 30 minutes before transplanting.
Dieback and anthracnose (Colletotrichum capsicii): Dieback is caused by a soil borne
pathogen. Initially small water soaked spots appear on fruits which alter become sunken
and dark in colour with numerous acervulli in concentric rings. Affected fruits rot and fall
down. In dieback, branches show necrosis from top to down.
Control: Spray of Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/ litre or Carbendazim (1-1.5 g/1itre) of water at
15-20 days interval.
Leaf spot (Cerospora capsicii, Alternaria sp.): Water soaked spots appears on the stem,
leaves and petioles.
Control: Treat the seed with Thiram @ 2 g/kg seed. Spray of Carbendazim 1-1.5 g/litre.
Bacterial wilt (Ralstonia solanacearum): Disease results in sudden wilting and drying
up of plants. Plants are more affected during flowering and early fruiting stages.
Control: Spray Streptocycline (0.25%) at 10-15 days intervals.
Mosaic: The leaves of affected plants exhibit mottling, vein clearing, yellowing and
malformation of younger leaves with raised dark green areas. The virus is transmitted
through seeds and by aphids.
Control: Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre.
Leaf curl virus: The virus spreads through a vector white fly (Bemisia tabaci). The
disease is characterized by curling of leaves, reduction of leaf size and stunted growth.
Control: Spray of neem oil-garlic mixture or Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre.
Little leaf: Diseased plants produce small sized leaves, stunted growth, bushy plant
and will not produce fruits.
Control: Avoid ratooning and spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre.
POTATO
Botanical Name : Solanum tuberosum L.
Family : Solanaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n=4n=48
Origin : South America
Potato is an important herbaceous annual tuber crop. It is one of the four major
food crops of the world and is also a very popular vegetable crop. Edible part of potato is
modified underground stem. It originated in tropical South America region and brought
to India in 17th century probably by the Portuguese. India has second rank in area and
production after china. The major growing state includes Uttar Pradesh, Himachal
Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Orissa, Bihar, Haryana, Jammu and
Rajasthan. It has gained the importance of a cash crop because it is used for processing
industry for making chips, French fries, flakes, etc. The processing industries consume
2% of potato for processing in India.
Nutritive value (per 100g of edible portion) and uses
Potato is used for making of chips, halwa, gulab jamun, rasgulla, murabha, kheer,
guzia, barfi, etc. The potato tuber may contain a poisonous alkaloid (Solanin), if it is
exposed to sunlight. This alkaloid may cause sickness or death both to live stock and the
human beings. It is anti-scorbutic. It is also employed as an aperient, diuretic and
galactagogue, nervous sedative and stimulant in gout. The leaves in the form of extract
are employed as an anti-spamodic in chronic cough. Potato grind into a paste is applied as
plaster to burns caused by fire with good results.
Iron 0.7 mg Phosphorus 40 mg
Potato is basically cool season crop. It requires favorable environmental
conditions such as low temperature, high light intensity and short day conditions for early
initiation of tuberisation and tuber development. About 20°C day and 14°C night
temperature is good for tuber formation. A temperature above 30°C completely stops the
tuber formation.
Potato can be produced on a wide range of soilsin sandy loam, silt loam, loam and
clay soil with friable, well aerated, fairly deep, well supplied and rich in organic matter
content. Well-drained sandy loam and medium loam soils are most suitable for potato
cultivation. Alkaline or saline soil is not suitable for potato cultivation. They are well
suited to acidic soils (pH 5.0 to 6.5) as acidic conditions tend to limit scab diseases.
Varieties
Kufri Alankar ICAR-CPRI, Early photo-insensitive variety giving high yields, suitable
Shimla for cultivation in the plains of Northern India.
Kufri Jyoti -do- Field resistance to late blight disease and moderately
resistant to cercospora leaf blotch.
Kufri Pukhraj -do- It has medium dry matter content. Resistant to early blight
and late blight. Not suitable for processing.
Kufri Lima -do- Early season variety suitable for planting in NI plains. It is
tolerance to hopper and mite burn, good keeping quality.
Kufri Badhasa -do- Cross between Kufri Jyoti x Kufri Alankar. Moderately
resistant to early blight, late blight and PVX.
Kufri Surya -do- It is good for making French fries. Susceptible to late
blight and immune to wart and tolerant to hopper and mite
burn. This variety is heat tolerant.
Kufri Khyati -do- It is suitable for high cropping intensity. Resistant to early
blight and late blight disease. Yield 25-30 t/ha.
Kufri -do- Early maturing with cross of Seedling-4485 x Kufri Kuber.
Chandramukhi This variety is susceptible to major diseases.
Kufri Khasigaro -do- Field resistance to late blight and early blight and viruses,
growing in the hilly regions of Assam.
Kufri Chipsona-1 -do- This variety is resistant to late blight disease. It has high
dry matter, low reducing sugars and low phenols, the
variety is highly suitable for making chips and French fries.
Kufri Chipsona-2 -do- Resistant to late blight and immune to wart and susceptible
charcoal rot. It is suitable for making chips.
Kufri Chipsona-3 -do- Medium maturity. Resistant late blight disease. Suitable for
making chips and French fries. Yield upto 30-35 t/ha.
Kufri Ganga -do- It is field resistance to late blight, good keeping quality and
suitable for growing in North-Indian plains.
Kufri Kuber -do- Resistant to PLRV and immune to PVY.
Kufri Arun -do- Medium maturity. Moderately resistant against late blight.
Kufri Kumar -do- Moderately resistant to late blight.
Kufri Kundan -do- Moderately resistant to late blight.
Kufri Sindhuri -do- Medium maturing variety. Moderately resistant to late
blight and tolerant to PLRV.
Kufri Lauvkar -do- Cross between Adina x Sarkov. Susceptible to major
diseases. It can be used for chip making.
Kufri Frysona -do- Average yield is 30-35 t/ha. Resistant to late blight and
immune to wart disease. Suitable for making French fries.
Kufri Jawahar -do- Crossing between Kufri Neelamani x Kufri Jyoti.
Moderately resistant to late blight.
Kufri Swarna -do- Not suitable for processing. Highly resistant to both species
of cyst nematodes. Resistant to early and late blight.
Kufri Chamatkar -do- This variety is resistant early blight, charcoal rot, wart and
susceptible to late blight and viral diseases.
Kufri Shectorn -do- A frost-resistant variety. It can be planted late in the
northern plains due to its high degree of resistance frost.
Kufri Jeewan -do- Field resistance to early bight, late blight, wart and
Cercospora diseases.
Kufri Sheetman -do- Medium, oval, white and fleet eyes. Resistant to frost.
Kufri Neelkanth -do- It is field resistance to late blight.
Sowing time
Early crop: Third week of September to first week of October
Main crop: First week of October to third week of October
Late crop: Third week of October to first week of November
In Hills: Third week of February to second week of April
Seed rate
Large size: 25-30 q/ha
Medium size: 15-20 q/ha
Small size: 10-15 q/ha
Sowing method: Potato is planted by two methods as given below.
i. Ridge and furrow method: In this method, the ridges are prepared. The length of
the ridges depends on slope of the plot. Too long ridges and furrows are not
supplied with irrigation water conveniently. The potato tubers are planted on is let
into furrows.
ii. Flat bed method: It is commonly used in areas having light sandy soils. The
tubers are planted in flat beds in very shallow furrows. The method requires two
earthing up; first at 30-35 days after sowing and second at 25-30 days after first
earthing.
Spacing
60 cm x 15-20 cm
Potato plant is a heavy feeder and thus, needs high doses of nutrients. Incorporate
25-30 tonnes/ha of well rotten farmyard manure or compost during land preparation. It
needs 100-150 kg N, 80-100 kg P and K per hectare. Two-third quantity of N along with
whole quantity of P and K is applied at the time of planting. Remaining one third N is
applied 30 to 35 days after planting i.e. at the time of first earthing up. Spraying of
essential micronutrients such as Bo, Zn, Co, Fe, Mn, Mo, etc. is done when crop is
showing deficiency symptoms.
Potato is a shallow rooted crop requires light irrigation frequently. In general,
light soil should be irrigated at an interval of 8-10 days whereas, heavy soils at 12-15
days. Light irrigation should be given when frost is expected. The critical stages for
irrigation are germination, tuber formation, earthing time and tuber bulking appears.
Intercultural Operations
In potato crop, both types of weeds are found i.e. broad-leaved weeds as well as
narrow leaved weeds. Pre-emergence application of Nitrofen @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha or post-
emergence application of Propanil @ 1.0 kg a.i./ha may be used. Generally earthing is
done at the time of top dressing of nitrogenous fertilizers. A mould board plough or a
ridger may be used for earthing up in large area.
Harvesting
Early varieties mature in 80 days, medium in 90-100 days and late in 100-120
days. Harvesting can be done manually or with bullock or tractor drawn digger.
Dehaulming is essential when crop is taken for seed production. Potatoes can be stored in
the cold storage at the temperatures of 2-4oC and 90-95% relative humidity.
Yield
Early varieties: 20-25 t/ha
Late varieties: 30-35 t/ha
Black heart/ hollow heart: The central tissue of the affected tubers shows dark grey or
black discoloration due to sub-oxidation. Tubers stored at too high or too low
temperatures may develop blackheart. Development is more rapid at high temperatures
(30-40°C). This disorder is more common in large sized tubers.
Control: i) Proper storage temperature and good ventilation help to control this disorder
ii) Follow close spacing, remove foliage and avoid over fertilization, iii) Irrigate the crop
frequently to maintain soil temperature below 33°C, and iv) Store the tubers at 2-4°C
temperature.
Greening: The tubers turn green in colour when exposed to direct sunlight. The green
pigment called solanin is produced which make the tubers unfit for consumption (>20
mg/100g).
Control: Earthing up should be done to avoid the exposure of tubers to direct sunlight.
Sprouting in storage: It is deteriorates quality and makes the product unfit for
consumption and marketing. The intensity of sprouting depends on the variety, maturity,
storage temperature and relative humidity.
Control: i) Grow those varieties which sprout late, ii) Spray with CIPC @ 40-60 ml/ton
at 10-15 days before harvesting, and iii) Tubers stored in cold storage 2-4°C and 90-95%
relative humidity.
Dormancy: Potato tubers have dormancy which does not sprout when planted soon after
harvesting.
Control: Treat the whole tubers with triple treatment i.e. Ethylene Chlorohydrin vapour
@ 1 litre/ 20 q for 4 hours + dip in 1% solution of thiourea (1 kg/10 q seed) for one hour
+ 1 ppm solution of GA3 for 10 minutes. Dry the treated tubers in shade before planting.
Insect-pests
Cut worms (Agrotis ipsilon): They cut the sprouts at ground level and feed only at night.
They also attack tubers and make holes, thereby reducing market prices.
Control: Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 15-20 kg/ ha in the soil before planting.
Aphids (Aphis gossypii): Aphids suck the sap from leaves and make them weak. The
leaves become yellow and curl downwards.
Control: Cut the haulms in the first week of January to avoid virus infection. Spray the
crop with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/ litre.
Potato tuber moth (Phthorimaea operculella): It is major pest of potato both in field and
storage. It bores and makes tunnel into the potato tubers.
Control: i) Spray the crop with Bacillus thuringiensis (0.05%), and ii) Treat the gunny
bags used for storage with Neem kernel extract at 10%.
Hadda beetle (E. vigintioctopunctata): Both the adults and larvae of this beetle feed on
skeletonization of leaves.
Control: Spray Malathion 50 EC at 1.5-2.0 ml/litre water.
Leaf eating caterpillars (Spodoptera exigua): Both the caterpillars cause damage by
feeding potato leaves.
Control: Spray Malathion 50 EC at 1.5-2.0 ml/litre water.
Golden cyst nematode (Globodera rostochiensis): In India, this nematode is confined to
only Nilgiri hills of Tamil Nadu. The infected plants produced additional rootlets near the
soil surface. Later, outer leaves become pre-maturity yellow and finally die.
Control: i) Grow trap crop like marigold, ii) Fumigate the soil with Nemagon @ 20-25
kg/ ha, and iii) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 15-20 kg/ ha.
Diseases
Early blight (Alternaria solani): The infection appears on lower leaves with necrotic
spots having concentric rings. High moisture and low temperature are favourable for this
disease.
Control: Spray the crop Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/ litre of water at 10-15 days interval.
Late blight (Phytophthora infestans): Irregular brown spots appear on leaves and stem.
White downy fungus growth appears on the underside of the leaves around the spots.
Cloudy environment is favourable.
Control: Spray Blitox @ 2 g/litre or Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/ litre water.
Black scurf (Rhizoctonia solani): The infected plants killed, stem canker may also be
formed. On tubers, black sclerotial bodies are formed. It is a soil as well as tuber borne
disease.
Control: i) Treat the seed tubers with Agallol @ 0.3% for 5-10 minutes before planting,
and ii) Dip the tubers in 1% acetic acid having 0.05% zinc sulphate before storage.
Charcoal rot (Macrophmina phaseoli): The disease is serious in late crops which face
high temperature above 28°C. The fungus infects the tubers producing black patches at
the eyes.
Control: Treat the seed tubers with Agallol-6 or Aretan at 0.25% solution before storage.
Wart disease (Synchytrium endobioticum): It is a soil borne disease but restricted to only
Darjeeling hills of West Bengal. The wart is a distorted, proliferated-branched structure
grown together into a mass of tissue.
Control: Soil treatment with copper sulphate or 5% formalin is effective.
Common scab (Streptomyces scabies): The disease mostly affects the tubers which show
more deep pitted lesions of 1-2 cm diameter.
Control: Dipping Agallol-6 @ 0.25% for 5 minutes.
Black leg or soft rot (Erwinia carotovora): The base of shoots develops a blackened
shrivel cortex and its growth is stunted. It attacks the tubers causing rotting with foul
odour.
Control: Treat the seed tubers in Streptocycline solution at 0.01% before planting.
Potato leaf roll virus: Affected plants become dwarf, more upright thin normal. The
leaves are rolled, leathery texture. It is transmitted by aphids.
Control: i) Eliminate volunteers, culls and weeds and around potato fields, and ii) Adopt
control measures of aphids.
OKRA
Botanical Name : Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench.
Family : Malvaceae
Origin : Tropical Africa
Okra (Lady’s finger or Bhindi) is predominantly a crop of tropics and sub-tropics.
India is the largest producer of okra in the world. The crop is cultivated for its young
tender fruits, used in curry and soups after cooking. Flowers are bisexual and often cross-
pollinated crop. Stigma is receptive at opening of flower and hence, bud pollination is not
effective in okra. Fruit is a capsule.
It is a good source of vitamins A, B, protein and minerals. It is also an excellent
source of iodine and is useful for the treatment of goiter. Fruit is useful against genitor-
urinary disorders, spermetorrhoea and chronic dysentery. Fruits are also dried or frozen
for use during off-season. Dried fruit contain 13-20% edible oil and 20-24% protein. Dry
fruit skin and fibers are used in manufacture of paper and card board. Root and stem are
used for clearing cane juice for preparation of jaggery.
Carbohydrates 6.4 g Iron 1.5 mg
Fiber 1.2 g Calcium 66 mg
Okra is a warm season vegetable crop and requiring a long warm growing season.
The optimum temperature range between 25 to 35°C is required, with fast germination
observed at 35°C. The seed of okra will not germinate below 17°C and flowers drop when
day temperature exceeds 42°C. Performance is also adversely affected by drought, frost
and shade.
Okra prefers loose, well drained and rich soil. The ideal pH for growth of plants is
6-8.Field is ploughed thoroughly for 2-3 times for making soil to a fine tilth. The soil
should also make in rich organic matter content.
Varieties
Pusa Sawani ICAR-IARI, Cross between IC-1542 and Pusa Makhmali. Tolerant to
New Delhi salinity, YVMV and spineless.
Pusa Makhmali -do- Pure line selection from West Bengal. Susceptible to YVMV
Pusa A-4 -do- A. esculentus and A. manihot ssp. manihot. Resistant to
Jassids, fruit and shoot borer.
Arka Abhay ICAR-IIHR, Developed through hybridization back crossing and selection
Bengaluru from A. esculentus x A. tetraphyllus. Resistant to YVMV
and tolerant to fruit borer.
Arka Anamika -do- Developed through hybridization back crossing and selection
from A. esculentus x A. tetraphyllus. Resistant to YVMV.
Kashi Mohini ICAR-IIVR, Tolerant to high temperature during summer season.
Varanasi Resistant to YVMV under field conditions.
Kashi Mangali -do- Resistant to YVMV and OLCV under field conditions.
Kashi Pragati -do- Resistant to YVMV and OLCV.
Kashi Satdhari -do- Resistant to YVMV under field conditions.
Kashi Kranti -do- Resistant to YVMV and OLCV.
Kashi Vibhuti -do- Resistant to YVMV and OLCV.
Kashi Bhairav -do- Resistant to YVMV and OLCV under field conditions.
F1
Kashi Mahima -do- Resistant to YVMV and OLCV under field conditions.
F1
Shitla Uphar F1 -do- Resistant to YVMV and OLCV.
Shitla Jyoti F1 -do- Resistant to YVMV and OLCV under field conditions.
Varsha Uphar CCSHAU, Derived from Lam selection-1 x Parbhani Kranti. Resistant
Hisar to YVMV and tolerant to leaf hopper.
Hisar Unnath -do- Cross of Selection-2 x Parbhani Kranti. Resistant to YVMV.
Hisar Naveen -do- Suitable for rainy season. Tolerant to YVMV.
Punjab-7 PAU, Developed through back cross method form A. esculentus
Ludhiana cv. Pusa Sawani x A. manihot ssp. Manihot cv. Ghana.
Resistant to YVMV, Jassids and cotton boll worm.
Punjab-8 -do- Induced mutant from Pusa Sawani treated 1% EMS. Field
(EMS-8) tolerance to YVMV and resistance to fruit borer.
Punjab Padmini -do- Resistant to YVMV, Jassids and cotton boll worm.
MDU-1 TNAU, It is an induced mutant from Pusa Sawani through gamma
Coimbatore rays. Tolerant to YVMV.
Co-1 -do- Tolerant to YVMV but susceptible to fruit borer and
powdery mildew.
Parbhani Kranti VNMKV, Developed through back cross method form A. esculentus
Parbhani cv. Pusa Sawani x A. manihot ssp. manihot.
Azad Kranti CSAUAT, Developed by selection. Fruits 5-ridged and resistant to
Kanpur YVMV.
Harbhajan YSPUHF, Selection from Perkins Long Green. Fruits long tapered
Solan green and 8-ridged.
Perkins Long Introduced This variety is suitable for hills only.
Green from USA
Sowing time
Rainy/ Kharif crop: June-July
Summer/ Spring crop: February-March
Seed rate
Rainy/ Kharif crop: 8-10 kg/ha
Summer/ Spring crop: 18-20 kg/ha
Sowing method
Since spring-summer crop, the seeds should be preferably being dibbled 15 cm
apart, on ridges made at 45 cm apart. In south to north India ridges and furrows or raised
beds are prepared sown seeds. Soak seeds for 6-12 hours before sowing to enhance
germination during summer.
Spacing
Summer season: 45 cm x 20 cm
Kharif season: Branching type 60 cm x 30 cm
Non-branching types 45 cm x 30 cm
Apply 20-25 tonnes of farmyard manure as basal dose at the time of final
ploughing. A dose of 60 kg N, 30 kg P2O5 and 30 kg K2O is recommended in Rajasthan
condition. One third dose of N, full P and K are to be applied as basal dose. Remaining N
has to be applied in two split doses, 4 weeks after sowing and at flowering and fruiting
stages. Split application of N in soil at every 3rd picking is advantageous for getting high
yield, for increasing number of harvests and to maintain size of fruits towards last
harvests.
Immediately after sowing, field is irrigated. Subsequent irrigation is given at fixed
intervals depending on texture of soil and climate. In black soils, irrigation is done at 5-6
days interval.
Weed growth should be under control till crop canopy covers fully. This is
achieved by frequent hoeing, weeding and earthing up. Use of weedicide Fluchloralin
(1.5 kg/ha) or Metolachlor (1.0 kg a.i./ha) and one hand weeding at 45 days after sowing .
Harvesting
Harvest fruits when they attain maximum size but still tender. Fruits of 6-8 cm
long are preferred for export purposes. This is usually attained by 5-6 days after opening
of flower. Harvesting is done in alternate days with a knife or by bending pedicel with a
jerk. For harvesting, cotton cloth hand gloves should be used to protect fingers from
stinging effect. It is advisable to harvest in morning hours since fruit hairs will be soft.
Yield
Spring-summer crop: 6-8 t/ha
Kharif crop: 10-12 t/ha
Post-harvest management
Fruits after harvesting are graded and filled in jute bags or baskets or perforated
paper cartons and sprinkled with water. Pre-cooling of fruits before packing maintains
turgidity of fruits and will save it from bruises, blemishes and blackening.
Insect-pests
Jassids (Amrasca biguttula biguttula): The nymphs and adults suck the cell sap from the
lower surface of leaves. Infestation is serious during summer.
Control: i) Spray of neem oil-garlic mixture at fortnightly intervals, and ii) Spray on the
crop Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre water starting from the attack of insect.
Shoot and fruit borer (Earias vittella): Borer infestation results in toppling and death of
young seedlings, withering and drying up of individual leaves and central shoot.
Control: Spray of Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre water at fortnightly interval.
White fly (Bemisia tabaci): White fly act as vector of viral diseases like YVMV.
Control: Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre of water.
Root-knot nematode: The infected roots causing galls premature leaf fall, wilting,
decline in growth and fruit production. Symptoms in the field generally appear as well
defined patches.
Control: i) Add neem cake @ 20-25 kg/ha in soil, ii) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg
a.i./ha at the time of transplanting, and iii) Grow trap crop like marigold.
Diseases
Powdery mildew (Erysiphae cichoracearum): White floury growth of fungus appears on
lower surface of leaves resulting in yellowing and death of leaves.
Control: Spraying of Sulphur fungicide like Karathane (2 g/ litre) at fortnightly interval.
Yellow Vein Mosaic Virus (YVMV): This is the most serious disease of okra. Virus is
transmitted through a whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Characteristic vein clearing is the typical
symptom and yield loss may be up to 100% depending on stage of occurrence of the
disease. Fruits of virus affected plants turn to cream or white in colour.
Control: i) Rogue out the infected plants from the field, and ii) Follow the control
measure of white flies.
Enation leaf curl: Small, pinhead out growth on the under surface of leaves appear and
curl in an adaxial direction. The virus is also transmitted by white fly.
Control: i) Rogue out the disease infected plants from the field, and ii) Spray
Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre of water.
CABBAGE
Botanical Name : Brassica oleracea var. capitata Linn
Family : Crucifereae
Origin : Mediterranean region
Among cole crops cabbage ranks first in production in the world as well as in
India. China is the largest producer of cabbage followed by India. All cole crops have
originated from a wild non-heading type ‘Cole wart’ (Brassica oleracea var. sylvestris).
The edible part of cabbage is known as ‘Head’.
Nutritive Value (per 100 g of edible portion) and use
Cabbage is one of the best sources of a sulphur containing amino acids. Cabbage
has anticancer property, it protects against bowl cancer due to the presence of Indole-3-
carbinol. Red cabbage is a rich source of anthocyanin pigments. Flavour in cabbage
leaves is due to the glycoside sinigrin. It contains goitrogens which cause enlargement of
thyroid glands and has a curative effect on scurvy diseases.
Carbohydrates 4.6 g Sulphur 67 mg
The optimum soil temperature for seed germination is required 22-26.2oC. The
ideal temperature for growth is between 25.2 to 34.2oC. Where as, temperature above
43.2oC, growth is arrested in most of the cultivars. It is require vernalization temperature
for flowering at 4 to 10oC for 6-8 weeks.
Cabbage can be grown in wide range of sandy to heavy soils with well drained.
Early cultivars grow well in light soils, whereas, maturing ones perform better on heavy
soils. The optimum pH of soil should be 6.0-6.5. One deep ploughings followed by
planking is essential to obtain the fine tilth.
Varieties
Pusa Ageti ICAR-IARI, First tropical variety in India developed for
New Delhi cultivation under high temperature conditions.
Pusa Synthetic -do- It is early variety. Heads are medium in size. Yield
upto 35-45 t/ha.
Pusa Mukta -do- Mid season variety, crossing by selection from EC-
24855 x EC-10109. Resistant to black rot disease.
Pusa Drum Head -do- Introduction from Japan. Resistant to black leg and
largest flat head variety.
Pusa Sambandh -do- Early maturing and suitable for high density planting.
Golden Acre -do- Selection from Copenhagen Market. Round heads.
Pusa Hybrid-1 -do- Suitable for HP, J&K and north Indian plains.
Resistant to black rot disease.
Pride of India YSPUHF, This variety is selection from Copenhagen Market.
Solan
Copenhagen - It is an exotic variety and popular in West Bengal.
Market Large size heads weighing 2.5-3 kg.
September - Introduction from Germany. Popular in Nilgiri hills.
It is highly susceptible to black rot disease.
Late K-1 - Resistent to black rot. Yield is 30 t/ha.
Sowing time
Northern India plains: Early August
Late cultivars: November
In hills: May - June
Seed rate
Open pollinated cultivars: 400-500 g/ha
For F1 hybrids: 200 g/ha
Nursery raising
Cabbage is a transplanted crop. In India, the seeds are sown in a seedbed. The
sieved well rotten farmyard manure or compost 2-3 kg/m2 must be added in the seedbed.
Before sowing, the seed should be treated with any one of fungicide like Thiram,
Cerasan, Agrosan GN or Carbendazim @ 2-3 g/kg seeds. The optimum spacing between
rows in the nursery bed is 10 cm and the depth of sowing should be 1.5-2.5 cm. After
sowing, the seed is properly covered with a thin layer of mixture of fine manure and soil.
A regular and good moisture supply is needed for rapid germination of seed and the
optimum growth of seedlings.
Transplanting
Generally, 4-6 weeks old seedlings are ready for transplanting but older seedlings
up to 8 weeks age can also be transplanted. However, older seedlings have adverse effect
on the establishment and growth of young plants. The planting is done on the flat land,
ridges or in furrows depending on climate and soil conditions. For early planting, ridge
method will be more suitable, especially, in areas where the rain occurs at the time of
planting. In saline soils, planting should be done in furrows.
Spacing
Early varieties: 45 cm x 45 cm
Mid varieties: 60 cm x 45 cm
Late varieties: 60 cm x 60 cm
Well rotten farmyard manures 30-35 tonnes/ha should be applied at the time of
field prepartion. The quantity of NPK @ 100-150:100:100 at the time of different stages,
respectively. Half quantity of nitrogen and full quantity of each phosphorous and potash
is applied at the time of transplanting. Remaining quantity of nitrogen is applied at 30-45
days of transplanting.
Cabbage is a shallow-rooted crop and requires a countinous supply of moisture.
Heavy irrigation should be avoided when the head development.
Intercultural operations:
Two-three manual weddings are required. The herbicides like trifluralin @ 0.5
kg/ha and fluchloralin @ 0.5 kg/ha in soil incorporation can be used for weed control.
Crop regulation
Seed treatment with NAA @ 0.1 mg/l for improves head, foliar spray of IBA @
0.4% for increases size and yield and NAA + chelated Zn 100 ppm + 0.2% folair spray at
45 days after transplanting increases yield of cabbage.
Harvesting
The harvesting of cabbage is done when the heads reach at marketable size. The
early cultivars grown under comparatively warmer conditions develop loose head at the
initial stage, but became harder at maturity. The early cultivars take 60-80 days, medium
80-100 days and later 100-120 days for harvesting after transplanting.
Yield
Early varieties: 30-40 t/ha
Mid and late varieties: 40-60 t/ha
Storage
Cabbage can be stored at 0oC and 90-95% relative humidity for about 2-8 months.
CAULIFLOWER
Botanical Name : Brassica oleracea var. botrytis
The Cauliflower is one of the most important winter vegetables in India.
Cauliflower is grown for its white tender head or curd. The name cauliflower consists of
two Latin words, ‘caulis’ and ‘floris’, former means cabbage and the later means flowers.
Dr. Jemson at Saharanpur introduced it to India in 1822 during the period of East India
Company from London. The present tropical Indian cauliflower developed as a result of
inter crossing between European and Cornish types.
Nutritive Value (per 100 g of edible portion) and use
The edible part of cauliflower is known as curd (modification of inflorescence). It
has high quality of proteins and peculiar in stability of vitamin C after cooking. The
inflorescence extract has been used in the treatment of scurvy, as a blood purifier and as
an antacid.
Carbohydrates 4g Sulphur 231 mg
Cauliflower is a thermo-sensitive crop. The optimum temperature for growth of
young plants is around 23oC, but in later stages 17-20oC are most favourable. The tropical
cultivars show growth even at 35oC.
For early crops, the light soils are preferred, while, loamy and clay loam soils are
more suitable for mid season and late maturing types. Cauliflower is relatively more
sensitive to deficiency of boron and molybdenum, and it has high requirement of
magnesium. High pH reduces the availability of boron. One or two deep ploughings is
essential to obtain the fine tilth.
Varieties
Pusa Betakesari ICAR-IARI, First bred of bio-fortified beta carotene (800-1000
New Delhi µg/100g). Its curds are orange coloured.
Pusa Ashwini -do- Early variety, curds compact with white colour.
Curd weight is 500-600g with yield 16-18 t/ha.
Early Kunwari -do- Early maturing variety. Curds are white, not so
compact and sensitive to riceyness.
Pusa Early -do- This variety is early maturing. Curds small to flat,
Synthetic compact and creamy white.
Pusa Deepali -do- Early maturing variety. Curds compact, self-
blanching, white and almost free from riceyness.
Pusa Kartik -do- Early mature variety. Resistant to downy mildew.
Sankar F1 Obtain yield 15 t/ha.
Pusa Meghna -do- Mid maturing variety. Commercial cultivation
under hot and humid weather conditions.
Pusa Sharad -do- Mid maturing variety. Average yield 25 t/ha.
Pusa Synthetic -do- Mid-late maturing variety. Resistant to curd blight.
Pusa Shubra -do- Mid-late maturing variety. Field resistant to black
rot and curd blight diseases.
Pusa Himjyoti -do- Mid-late season variety. It can be grown from
April-July in the hills and self-blanched variety.
Pusa Paushja -do- Late mature variety. Resistant to black rot and
Diamond back moth (DBM).
Pusa Shukti -do- Late maturing variety. Tolerant to downy mildew
and black rot diseases.
Pusa Hybrid-2 -do- Mid maturing variety. Resistant to downy mildew.
Snowball-16 -do- Curds are compact, white and medium sized.
Pusa Snowball-1 -do- Late maturing variety. It is self-blanching variety,
curds compact and snow white in colour.
Pusa Snowball K- -do- Late maturing variety. It has best quality curds and
1 tolerant to black rot disease.
Dania ICAR-IARI, It is commonly grown in eastern parts of
RS Kalimpong India. Tolerant to stress conditions.
Arka Kanti ICAR-IIHR, Mid-season variety having excellent compact with
Bengaluru white curd
Arka Spoorthi -do- Moderately resistant to downy mildew and
Alternaria leaf spot
Arka Vimal -do- Moderately resistant to downy mildew and
Alternaria leaf spot.
Kashi Kunwari ICAR-IIVR, Early maturing variety. Curds are semi-dome
Varanasi shaped and tolerant to high rainfall.
Hisar-1 CCSHAU, Suitable for mid-late season under Haryana
Hisar conditions. Medium to large size white heads.
Pant Shubhra GBPAUT, Mid maturing variety. Curds compact, slightly
Pantanagar conical, non-ricey and slightly creamy white.
Pant Gobhi-1 -do- This variety is early maturing.
Pant Gobhi-3 -do- It is early maturing variety. Free from receyness.
Pant Gobi-4 -do- Mid maturing variety. Free from riceyness.
Improved Introduced Early maturing variety. Plants long, erect and
Japanese from Germany medium sized curds. Yield upto 15 t/ha.
Cauliflower varieties classified on the basis name of the months:
S. No. Varieties Maturity
1. Kunwari September-October
2. Katki October-November
3. Aghani November
4. Posi December
5. Maghi January
Sowing time
Early maturity group: May-June
Mid season group: July-September
Snowball type: October
Seed rate
Early varieties: 400-500 g/ha
Late varieties: 600-750 g/ha
Nursery raising
For raising nursery, the nursery beds should be prepared by addition of well rotten
farmyard manure or compost @ 10 kg/m2. The soil of the beds is made friable by through
digging/ploughing and harrowing and breaking the clods. Weeding and intercultural of
nursery beds should be regularly done for raising healthy seedlings.
Transplanting
Generally, the seedlings are ready for transplanting in 4-5 weeks after seed
sowing and late varieties 3-4 weeks old seedlings may be transplanted.
Spacing
Early varieties: 60 cm x 30-45 cm
Main season & late varieties: 60-75 cm x 45-60 cm
Well rotten farmyard manures 15-20 tonnes/ha should be applied in the soil 15-20
days before transplanting. It should be mixed thoroughly in the field. Application of 150
kg N/ha + 120 kg P2O5 per hectare has been recommended for obtaining economic yield.
Half doses of nitrogen and full doses of each phosphorus and potash are applied at the
time of transplanting. Remaining quantity of nitrogen is applied 30-35 days after
transplanting. In addition to NPK, borax @ 15 kg/ha and ammonium molybdate @ 15
kg/ha should also be applied in deficient soil of boron and molybdenum, respectively.
In commercial weed control, basalin @ 2-3 kg a.i/ha or tenoran 50 WP @ 1 kg a.i.
/ha can be used. In cauliflower, for getting quality curd, blanching is an important
operation to protect the curds from yellowing due to direct exposure to sun.
Crop regulation
Foliar spray of urea 1% increases yield and GA3 @ 50 ml/litre of foliar spray
twice at 20 and 40 days after transplanting also increases yield.
Harvesting
The harvesting is done as soon as the curd attains right maturity and they are
compact, with white colour of the curds is maintained, if the harvesting is delayed, the
curds become over mature, whose quality is deteriorated. Such curds may turn loose,
leafy, ricey or fuzzy. For harvesting, the curds are cut off stalk well below the curd with a
sharp cutting knife or sickle or khurpi.
Yield
Early maturing varieties: 8-12 t/ha
Main season varieties: 15-20 t/ha
Snowball group & late varieties: 25-30 t/ha
Storage
Cauliflower can be stored successfully at 0oC and 90-95 % RH for 2-4 weeks.
BRUSSELS SPROUT
Botanical Name : Brassica oleracea var. gemmifera
The Brussels sprout is a recent development in cole crops. It was initially grown
around Brussels, the capital of Belgium. Brussels sprout have yet to to gain popularity
with the Indian growers and consumers. However, it is being grown around big cities.
The edible part of Brussels sprout is swollen axillary buds, known as sprouts or buttons
or mini-cabbages. The sprouts are round, white, green or purple coloured which born on
lower side of the lengthy stem.
The sprouts are cooked and served in the same way as cabbage heads. These
can be used as salad or cooked as single or mixed vegetables.
Carbohydrates 9g Potassium 389 mg
Fiber 3.8 g Sodium 25 mg
Brussels sprout is a cool and moist-loving crop which takes a long growing
season. In India, it is mainly grown as a winter crop. The temperature for seed
germination is around 12-16°C. Plants take optimum growth when temperature is 16-20°C
and at higher temperature the growth is arrested.
The sandy loam soils are preferred for early and clay loam for main season
crops. Soils having sufficient amount of organic matter, good drainage system and pH
between 6.0-6.5 produce more yield. The land should be two deep ploughings before
sowing and transplanting of seedlings.
Varieties: There are two distinct types of cultivars-
(i). Dwarf cultivar: Its have short stem <50 cm in length and sprouts are small and
crowded on the stem. These are mostly grown where growing season is short. Common
cultivars are Improved Long Island, Early Morn, Dwarf Improved, Frontier Zwerg,
Dwarf Gem, Catskill, Early Dwarf and Kvik.
(ii). Tall cultivar: Tall cultivars are grown in areas where growing season is longer
especially in England and other European countries. Like Hilds Ideal, Red Vein, Amager
Market, Danish Prize and Rubine.
Sowing time
In North Indian hills: August to mid September
In North Indian plains: September-October
Seed rate
300-400 g/ha
Nursery raising
For one hectare, about 60-80m2 nursery area is required for raising the
seedlings. Brussels sprout is generally sown in raised nursery beds. The nursery beds are
well prepared and 5 kg sieved farmyard manure is added in the soil. Drench the nursery
beds with Captan or Thirum @ 2 g/litre of water 5 days before sowing. When the soil is
sterilized with formalin (1:48), it must be done 3-4 weeks before sowing.
Transplanting
Seedlings are ready for transplanting when 10-15 cm height and 4-5 weeks old.
Older seedlings generally give poor yield.
Spacing
75 cm x 60 cm
During ploughing, add 15-20 tonnes of well rotten cow dung or farmyard
manure. At the time of final ploughing, add 100-150 kg N, 50-150 kg P and 100 kg K per
hectare. Nitrogen doses divided into 2-3 equal doses and applied after 30-45 and 60 days
of planting. Excessive applications of potash impart bitter taste to the sprouts.
Sufficient moisture is maintained during growing period to get better yield. In
general, the crop requires irrigation at 8-10 days interval.
Intercultural operations are to be done regularly to keep the crop free of weeds
and aeration of root system. Use of weedicide like Fluchloralin (0.5 kg/ha) and Nitrofen
(2 kg/ha) at 2-3 days before transplanting helps in control of weeds which having broader
leaf.
Harvesting
Sprouts are harvested when they become solid, upper leaves folded closely,
attractive dark-green in colour and uniform in size. Delay in harvesting results in poor
quality sprouts. Topping method is more suitable for mechanical harvesting.
Yield
5-10 t/ha
Storage
Sprouts can be stored at 0-1.1°C with 80-90 % relative humidity for 16 weeks
and only for 11 days at 20°C.
SPROUTING BROCCOLI
Botanical Name : Brassica oleracea var. italica Plenck
Origin : Mediterranean region (Italy)
Broccoli is an Italian word from Latin ‘Brachium’ meaning an arm or branch.
Morphologically, broccoli is more resembling with cauliflower but the plants of broccoli
rather than curd, consisting of green buds and thick fleshy flower stalk. The head is
generally green in colour, it may be purple or sometimes white also. The cultivation of
sprouting broccoli has not been exploited commercially and is grown in very limited area
especially near to big cities to meet the demand of big hotels.
United States of America is the largest producer of sprouting broccoli in the
world. In India, broccoli is widely grown in Himachal Pradesh.
It is used as salad, cooked in curries, boiled and also processed. It has about 130
times more Vitamin A contents than cauliflower and 22 times more than cabbage. It is
also rich of sulphoraphane, a compound associated with reducing the risk of cancer.
Carbohydrates 7g Sodium 33 mg
Broccoli is grown as a winter crop in most parts of India. However, in the higher
hills, it may be grown as a spring-summer crop. Early and mid-types are annual whereas
late-type are biennial in nature. An optimum temperature of 12-18°C is suitable for proper
head development. Higher temperature and fluctuation in temperature during head
development affects its quality.
Sandy loam or clay loam soils rich in organic matters are preferred for raising
broccoli crop. Soil ph should be 5.5-6.5. One deep ploughing followed by planking is
essential to obtain the fine tilth.
Varieties
Pusa Broccoli ICAR-IARI, Compact head, light green with small buds
KT-1 New Delhi weighing 250-400g. Maturity 85-90 days.
Palam Kanchan CSK HPKV, The head is large in size, compact, attractive
Palampur yellowish green in colour. It is rich in vitamin A.
Palam Vichitra -do- The head is purple and compact, medium-sized,
open dark green leaves.
Palam Haritika -do- It is sprouting broccoli with green colour and dark
green upright leaves having purple reddish tinge.
Palam Samridhi -do- It is mainly recommended for sub-tropical
cultivation. Terminal head weight 300-400g each.
Punjab Broccoli PAU, Ludhiana Dark green, less compact head composed of
medium sized buds, weighing 150-200g.
Italian Green - Calabrese type broccoli
Sowing time
In North Indian plains: Mid August to mid September
In hills: July-August
Seed rate
300-400 g/ha
Nursery raising
farmyard manure or compost @ 10 kg/m2. The soil of the beds is made friable.
Intercultural of nursery beds should be regularly done for raising healthy seedlings.
Sowing is done on raised nursery bed having 1m x 3m x 0.15m. Before sowing the seeds
or nursery bed are treated with fungicide like Thiram (2 g/kg), Captan (3 g/kg) or
Carbendazim (2 g/kg).
Transplanting
Seedlings are ready for transplanting after 30-40 days of sowing. Old seedlings
result into poor growth of plant and development of small sized heads.
Spacing
60 cm x 45 cm
About 25-30 tonnes of farmyard manure, 100 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 30 kg K2O
per hectare should be applied before planting. Half dose of N, full dose of P2O5 and K2O
applied at the time of transplanting. Rest quantity of nitrogen is applied 25-35 days after
transplanting. Application of 500 g molybdenum and 10-15 kg borax helps in controlling
the deficiency.
The crop grows well under high moisture conditions. Dry spells during early
growth and head development stage reduce the yield considerably. Irrigations at an
interval of 7-8 days are required depending upon weather conditions to get good harvest.
Pre-planting application of Stomp 30 EC @ 3 litres/ha or Basalin @ 2 litres/ha
keep the crop free from weeds. This should follow hand weeding.
Harvesting
Early types mature in 40-50 days, mid in 60-100 days and late after 100 days of
transplanting. Usually the crop is ready for harvest from December-March in the plains,
from November-April in the hills.
Yield
5-15 t/ha
Storage
The shelf-life of broccoli heads and spears is significantly affected by
temperature. Under cool storage 3°C and 90% relative humidity, the shelf-life of heads
can be extended up to 30 days.
KNOL-KHOL
Botanical Name : Brassica oleracea var. gongylodes L.
Knol-khol is not grown on a large scale anywhere in the world. In India, it is
more popular in Kashmir and its cultivation some parts of West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh,
Himachal Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh. The edible part is a swollen stem called tuber or
knob which arises from the thickening of stem tissue just above the ground.
Nutrivitive value (per 100 g of edible portion) and use
Knobs are either used as cooked or as boiled vegetable. It is also cut into small
pieces and used as salad. Leaves are also used in the preparation of soup. In some parts of
India particularly in Kashmir, its leaves are also used as greens.
Fiber 3.6 g Potassium 350 mg
It prefers cool climate and an optimum temperature for its growth which is
between 15-25°C depending upon cultivars. Duration of low temperature (12-14°C)
treatment also affects premature bolting. Early and purple varieties are more susceptible
to premature bolting.
Knol-khol is successfully grown on all types of soil. But the sandy loam and clay
loam rich in organic matter give better quality and uniform knobs. Two or three deep
ploughings followed by planking is essential to obtain the fine tilth.
Varieties
Pusa Virat ICAR-IARI, It has round, larger knob 800-900 g with diameter
New Delhi of 13-14 cm. No fibre formation at maturity.
White Vienna ICAR-IARI, Most popular early variety (55-65 days) with light
RS, Katrain green and globular round knobs.
Early White -do- An early maturing variety (50-55 days).
Vienna
Purple Vienna -do- Late maturing variety (65-70 days) with flat round
and dark green knobs.
Early Purple -do- The knobs are globular to round large in size,
Vienna purple skin with light green flesh.
Large Green -do- Late variety with flat round and dark green knobs.
King of North - An early vaiety (55-60 days) with large, globular
round, light green flesh, purple foliage of knobs.
Palam Tender CSK HPKV, An early maturing variety. The knobs are round,
Knob Palampur flat, stringless and fleshy. Better shelf life.
Sowing time
In North Indian plains: October
In hills: March-August
Seed rate
0.8-1.0 kg/ha
Nursery raising
farmyard manure or compost @ 10 kg/m2. The soil of the beds is made friable.
Intercultural practices of nursery beds should be regularly done for raising healthy and
vigour seedlings. Sowing is done on raised nursery bed having 1m x 3m x 0.15m. Before
sowing the seeds or nursery bed are treated with fungicide like Thiram (2 g/kg), Captan
(3 g/kg) or Carbendazim (2 g/kg).
Transplanting
The seedlings are ready for transplanting after 35-40 days of sowing. Older and
weak seedlings result into poor plant growth and development of small sized knobs.
Spacing
30-40 cm x 20-25 cm
Mix 15-20 tonnes of FYM to soil at the time its preparation. At the time of
transplanting add 80 kg N, 60 kg P and K per ha, second dose of 40 kg N should be given
45 days after transplanting.
Proper moisture should be maintained during its growth and development.
Earthing up should be done at the development of knobs. Pre-planting
application of weedicide followed by hoeing and weeding in the later stage will keep the
crop free of weeds.
Harvesting
Knobs or tuber should be harvested at proper stage. Early varieties may be
harvested when the tubers have attained 6-8 cm diameter and late maturing may attatin
10-12 cm diameter at harvesting stage. Delayed harvesting makes them fibrous and also
causes deterioration in quality characters.
Yield
15-20 t/ha
Riceyness: A premature initiation of floral bud is characterized in cauliflower and is
considered to be of poor quality for marketing. It manifests in the elongation on peduncle
wearing flower buds, rendering curds, granular, loose and velvety.
Cause: Due to abnormal environmental conditions and delayed harvesting.
Control: Cultivation of genetically pure seed and appropriate varieties with
recommended cultural practices.
Fuzziness: It appears as the flower pedicels of velvety curds elongate.
Cause: The anomaly is both hereditary and non-hereditary.
Control: Quality seeds are sown at right season under proper cultural practices.
Leafiness: This disorder is commonly seen by formation of small thin green leaves found
between sections of the curd which reduce quality of curd.
Cause: Relatively high temperatures during curding phase and delayed harvesting.
Control: The crop growing during the cool winter season and by timely harvesting.
Browning: Characterized by sign on the young leaves that become dark green and brittle.
The old leaves puckered, chlorotic and often drops-off.
Cause: Due to boron deficiency.
Control: Application of borax or sodium tetra borate at the rate of 20 kg/ha.
Whiptail: The young cauliflower plants become chlorotic and may turn white,
particularly along the leaf margins. They also become cupped and wither.
Cause: Deficiency of molybdenum especially, in highly acidic soils.
Control: i) Apply 0.5-1.0 kg sodium or ammonium molybdate/ ha at field preparation, ii)
Spray 0.1-0.3% ammonium molybdate, and iii) Add lime in the soil to raise the pH to 6.5.
Buttoning: Development of small curds with inadequate foliage in cauliflower is known
as buttoning. The leaves are so small that cannot cover the formed head.
Cause: i) Due to low nitrogen fertilizers, ii) Due to over-aged seedlings, and iii) Hot and
dry weather is unfavourable.
Control: i) Apply recommended dose of nitrogen, ii) Transplant 4-5 weeks old healthy
and vigorous seedling, and iii) Sowing should be done at normal sowing time.
Blindness: It means the plant without terminal buds or when the growing point collapse
at an early stage and the terminal buds fails to develop and plant becomes blind. It results
in no curd formulation, the plants remain vegetative.
Cause: Due to low temperature, poor fertility, insect, disease and genetic irregularities.
Control: Avoid damage of growing point by insects by spraying of insecticides.
Chlorosis: Chlorosis shows on interveinal and yellow mottling of lower leaves. The
affected leaves turn bronze in colour and become stiff.
Cause: Due to magnesium deficiency when grown on highly acidic soils.
Control: Apply magnesium oxide @ 300 kg/ha.
Hollow stem: It occurs in broccoli and cauliflower. Hollowness may be identified by
water-soaked and discoloured tissue. The stem is perfectively clear while with no sign of
disintegration.
Cause: Excessive N fertilization and boron deficiency.
Control: i) Used optimum dose of nitrogenous fertilizers, and ii) Spray of borax at 0.1-
0.3% or soil application of borax @ 15-20 kg/ha.
Insect-pests
Mustard sawfly (Althalia lugens proxima): The blackish caterpillar that attacks all Cole
crops and feed on leaves of young seedling in the early stages. The infested leaves
become curl and falls on the ground when touched.
Control: Dusting on the crops with sevin @ 20-25 kg/ha.
Diamond back moth (Plutella xylostella): A small slender pale green caterpillar that
feeds on leaves and makes holes in them.
Control: i) Grow trap crop like mustard, and ii) Spray of Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5-0.6
ml/litre or Malathion 50 EC @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre of water.
Cabbage borer (Hellula undalis): A white brown caterpillar that mines the leaves and
feed on shoots. Later, it burrows into the stem of cabbage. The affected plants wilt,
remain dwarf or may even die.
Control: i) Grow trap crop as mustard, and ii) Spray of Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5-0.6
ml/litre.
Cabbage butter fly (Pieris brassicae): The maggots first attack the young rootlets and
then burrow into the main roots. The affected plants become yellow, wilt and died.
Control: Sprays of 0.15% carbaryl or 0.4% thuricide.
Painted bug (Bagada crucifera): The adult and nymph of this pest suck the sap from the
plants and retard their normal growth.
Diseases
Damping off (Pythium sp., Phytophthora sp., Rhizoctonia sp.): This is a serious nursery
disease. Affected seedlings topple over and die in patches when excess of water is
supplied and at high temperature.
Control: i) Avoid over-watering, ii) Drench nursery bed with Captan or Thiram @
0.4% after seed germination, iii) Fumigate the soil with 7% Formalin, and iv)
Treating the seed with Thiram or Captan @ 3g/kg seed.
Downy mildew (Perenospora parasitica): Plant can be infected at any time during their
growing period. Young plants infected early show a white mildew growth mostly on the
under side of leaf. The young leaf may drop-off.
Control: Spray on the seedlings with copper oxchloride (0.3%).
Black spot (Alternaria brassicae): The first symptom is a small dark spot on the leaf
surfaces. As the spot enlarges, concentric rings develop. It is a destructive disease on seed
crop, affecting pods and seeds.
Control: Spray Captan (0.2%) or Copper oxychloride (0.5%) for the control of disease.
Stalk rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum): Leaves when infected turn light green and alter
yellow and shed prematurely. The soil is covered with flubby growth of fungus.
Control: Crop rotation and application of Benlate (0.02%).
Black leg (Phoma lingam): Stem of the affected plant when split vertically, shows severe
black discoloration of sap stream.
Control: Seed treatment with hot water at 50°C for 30 minutes before sowing.
Black rot of Crucifers (Xanthomonas capestris pv. campestris): The infected plant
become stunted, often one side of cotyledon turn yellow to black bend down and drop off
prematurely. Development of ‘V’ shaped chlorotic to yellow lesions take place from the
leaf margin.
Control: Treated with Antibiotics like Plantomycin (100 ppm), Agrimycin (100 ppm)
and Streptocyclin (100 ppm).
Club root (Plasmodiophora brassicae): Club root is particularly prevalent in soils with a
pH above 7. Once affected, it causes irregular galls on the roots and these on the lateral
roots take the shape of spindle. Leaves become yellowish and wilt.
Control: At the planting time 250 ml of 0.05 to 0.10% solution of mercuric chloride may
be applied for direct control.
ONION
Botanical Name : Allium cepa L.
Family : Alliaceae
Origin : Central Asia
India is the second largest producer of onion in the world, next to China and ranks
third in export of onions, next to Netherlands and Spain. In India, Maharashtra is the
leading onion producing state in India followed by Karnataka and Gujarat. The pungency
in onion is due to presence of volatile oil allyl-propyl-disulphide. Mostly the Indian
prefers pungent and red onion. The red of outer skin of onion is due to the presence of
anthocyanin and yellow colour by quercetin. Anti-fungal activites in onion is due to a
phenolic factor i.e. Catechol.
It is used as salad and cooked in many ways in curries, fried, boiled, baked and
used in making soups, pickles, etc. Value addition in onion is done by marketing
dehydrated onions and onion flakes. Many medicinal uses are reported for bulbs and is
commonly used as diuretic and applied on wounds and boils.
Onion is a cool season vegetable and grows well under mild climate without
extreme heat or cold or excessive rainfall. The ideal temperature for vegetative growth is
12-23oC. For bulb formation, it requires long days and still higher temperature (20-25oC).
Onion prefers a well drained, loose and friable soil rich in humus. It is sensitive to
high acidity and alkalinity and the ideal pH is 5.8 to 6.5. In preparing the field is
ploughed to a fine tilth by giving four to five ploughings with sufficient interval.
Varieties: 1. Red colour varieties
Pusa Red ICAR-IARI, Bulbs medium, bronze in colour, flat to globular shape, less
New Delhi pungent, less bolting and good keeping quality.
Pusa Ratnar -do- Bulbs oblate to flat, globular, larger, less pungent, neck
dropping and bronze deep-red coloured.
Pusa Ridhi -do- Having compact, flat globe, and dark red colour bulbs.
Pungent and rich in antioxidant.
Pusa Madhavi -do- Bulbs medium to large, light red and flattish-round.
Pusa Soumya -do- First bunching onion variety.
Arka Pragati ICAR-IIHR, It has attractive pink colour globe-shaped bulbs of uniform
Bengaluru size with thin neck, high pungency and early maturity.
Arka Niketan -do- It is highly pungent variety and can be stored for 5 months
at room temperature.
Arka Kalyan -do- Bulbs globular with deep pink coloured outer scales and
fleshy concentric. Tolerant to purple blotch disease.
Arka Akshay -do- It is a tri-parental synthetic variety.
Arka Bheem -do- It is a tri-parental synthetic variety. Yield is 47 t/ha.
Arka Bindu -do- Bulbs are small in size (2.5-3.5 cm), deep pink, flattish
globe, pungent. Free from early bolting and splitting.
Arka Ujjwal -do- Dark red colour, TSS 16-180B with 14-16% dry matter
content and yield is 20-25 t/ha.
Arka Vishwas -do- Developed for export market in Asian countries.
Bangalore rose -do- This variety is suitable for export purpose.
Arka Kirtiman F1 -do- Free from split and bolters. It is resistant to biotic stresses.
Arka Lalima F1 -do- Bulbs deep red, globe with firm texture. Shelf-life 5 month,
Free from split & bolters. Resistant to biotic stresses.
Bhima Raj ICAR-DOGR, Produces dark red and oval shaped bulbs with single centre
Pune and thin neck. TSS ranges from 10-11%.
Bhima Red -do- Bulbs are attractive red in colour with round shape.
Bhima Super -do- Possesses medium red coloured round bulbs with tapering
towards neck. TSS is 10-11%. Produces good quality bulbs.
Bhima Kiran -do- It has very less number of bolters and doubles in rabi thin
neck, TSS 12%, suitable for storage up to 5-6 months.
Bhima Shakti -do- The variety is tolerant to thrips.
Agrifound Light ICAR-NHRDF, Bulbs are light Red and globular in shape. Slow bolter. It
Red Nasik has good keeping quality. TSS 13%.
Agrifound Dark -do- Bulbs are dark red, globular in shape with tight skin,
Red moderately pungent. TSS 12-13%.
Agrifound Rose -do- Developed specially for export purpose. Bulbs flattish
round, red, 2.5-3.5 cm in size, TSS 15-16%.
Hisar-2 CCSHAU, Bulbs bronze-red in colour like those of Pusa Red and are
Hisar top-sided flat-globular. Tolerant to salinity.
Hisar Onion-3 -do- Less bolting and good storage life
Hisar Onion-4 -do- Fewer incidences of onion yellow dwarf virus (OYDV),
Stemphillium blight and purple blotch disease.
Punjab Naroya PAU, Ludhiana Tolerant to purple blotch disease both in seed and bulb crop
production. It is also tolerant to thrips.
Punjab Red Round -do- Bulbs are red, medium to large, globular and thin skinned.
Punjab Selection -do- Bulb red, globular in shape, average weight 50-70g, quite
firm with good keeping quality.
N-53 MPKV, Rahuri Bulbs are globe shape, medium size and moderately
pungent. This is the most suitable variety for kharif season.
N-2-4-1 -do- Tolerant to Alternaria blight and thrips.
Baswant-780 -do- This cultivar is free from pre-mature bolting. TSS 11-12%.
Udaipur-101 MPUAT, Bulbs are flattish, globular, red and sweet with less
Udaipur pungent. It is good for salad. TSS 12-14%.
Udaipur-103 -do- Oblate-globular in shape, sweet but slightly more pungent.
2. White colour varieties
Pusa White Round ICAR-IARI, Bulbs are white and roundish flat with TSS 12-13%.
New Delhi Suitable for dehydration.
Pusa White Flat -do- Bulbs are white, flat and medium to large in size with TSS
12-14%. It is suitable for dehydration.
Arka Yojith ICAR-IIHR, This variety is suitable for dehydration. TSS 18-20% and
Bengaluru dry matter content 18-20%.
Arka Swadista -do- Suitable for bottle preservation. Yield is 30 t/ha.
Bhima Shweta ICAR-DOGR, Bulbs are white colour, round in shape, very less number of
Pune bolters and doubles. Tolerant to thrips.
Bhima Shubra -do- Bulbs white in colour, oval to round in shape, thin neck.
Agrifound White ICAR-NHRDF, Bulbs are white, round, diameter 4-5 cm with TSS 14-15%.
Nasik Good storage quality and suitable for dehydration.
Punjab-48 PAU, Ludhiana Good keeping and storage quality. Suitable for dehydration.
Punjab White -do- It has high TSS (15%) and suitable for dehydration.
N-257-9-1 MPKV, Rahuri Bulbs globe-shaped, white. High yield potential with good
keeping quality. Suitable for dehydration.
Udaipur-102 MPUAT, Bulb size is 4.5-6.5 cm, white, round to flat. TSS range is
Udaipur 12-13%.
3. Yellow colour varieties
Early Grano ICAR-IARI, Bulbs are globe shaped and less pungent. Low in TSS (6-
New Delhi 7%). Suitable for hills. Free from bolting.
Brown Spanish ICAR-IARI, Long day type variety. Bulbs are thick skinned, less
RS, Katrainpungent and has excellent storability. It has 13-14% TSS.
Arka Pitamber ICAR-IIHR, Short-day type. Bulbs uniform, globe shape, high TSS,
Bangaluru firm, good keeping quality, free from splits and bolters.
Arka Sona -do- It is developed for export market for Asian countries. Bulb
yield 45 t/ha in 120 days.
Phule Swarna MPKV, Rahuri Less pungent, 11.5% TSS having 4-6 months storage life.
Sowing time
Kharif season: May-June
Rabi season: October-November
Seed rate
Transplanting: 8-10 kg/ha
Broadcasting method: 25 kg/ha
Bulb planting: 10-12 q bulbs/ha
Methods of planting: The following three methods of planting are followed depending
on soil, topography, climatic conditions and economic aspects:
i. Raising seedlings and transplanting
ii. Planting bulbs directly in the field.
iii. Broadcasting or drilling of seeds directly in the field.
Transplanting methods
This is the most common method practiced for irrigated crop as it results in high
yield and large size bulbs. Seeds are first sown in well prepared nursery beds of 90-120
cm width, 7.5-10 cm height and convenient length. 500 m2 nursery areas are required for
one hectare. Seedlings of 15 cm height and 0.8 cm neck diameter are ideal for
transplanting and this is achieved in 7-8 weeks.
Planting of bulbs
This method is practiced in hill slope and in terrace cultivation since seedlings are
easily washed off in rain. Medium to small sized bulbs alone are used for plating since
large sized bulbs result in early bolting and high cost.
Broadcasting or drilling method
Direct sowing by broadcasting or drilling at 30 cm apart is practiced in some areas
to save labour for transplanting. Care should be taken to remove weeds during initial
stages to prevent smothering of seedlings by weeds. Usually weeding is done at 10 days
interval for the first 1-2 months.
Spacing
15 cm x 10 cm
Onion is a heavy feeder of nitrogen and potash and required 120 kg N, 50 kg P 2O5
and 160 kg K2O, 15 kg MgO and 20 kg sulphur. Apply 20-25 tones of farmyard manure
at the time of first ploughing so that it may get mixed thoroughly during subsequent
ploughings. Entire dose of P and K should be applied at the time of final land preparation.
Nitrogen should be top-dressed in two equal splits, first half 3-4 weeks after transplanting
and second half two months after transplanting.
Onion is a shallow rooted crop, so irrigate the crop at 10-15 days interval during
winter and 6-7 days interval in summer.
Pre-plant incorporation of Basalin (2 kg a.i./ha) along with one hand weeding at
45 days after transplanting is recommended to control weeds. Generally two hoeing are
essential for making soil loose and to cover bulbs.
Harvesting
Onion is ready for harvest in 4-5 months after transplanting whereas; crop raised
through sets takes 3-4 months. The crop is ready to harvest when the leaves turn yellow.
In rabi season 50-75% neck fall is another symptom of maturity.
Yield
30-40 t/ha
Post-harvest handling
It is estimated that 60-65% of onion produced in India is consumed internally, 5%
exported and 30-40% lost by post harvest damage.
Curing
During kharif season, bulbs are cured for 2-3 weeks along with top. In rabi, bulbs
are cured in field for 3-5 days, tops are cut leaving 2.0-2.5 cm above bulb and again cured
for 7-10 days to remove field heat.
Storage
The best storage temperature is 0oC with low relative humidity 60-65%.
Splitting and doubling of bulbs: Splits may be caused by several factors like wider
spacing, over-fertilization, uneven watering, temperature fluctuations and planting too
deep. In addition, bigger plants are more likely to split.
Causes: i) When plants are grown closer together doubling may still occur, ii) Uneven
watering is believed to influence double formation, iii) Planting onions too deep can also
encourage doubling, and iv) Mechanical injury to plant during hoeing and weeding.
Control: i) Plant onion at recommended spacing, avoid over-fertilization and uneven
irrigation, and ii) Avoid mechanical injury during intercultural operations.
Sprouting of bulbs: It is serious disorder found in both onion and garlic. Sprouting in
white cultivars is reported more commonly than in pink or purple cultivars.
Cause: Due to excessive soil moisture at maturity and supply of nitrogen.
Control: i) Withhold irrigation as soon as bulbs reach to maturity, ii) Apply
comparatively less quantity of nitrogenous fertilizers, iii) Grow purple or pink colour
cultivars, and iv) Spray Chlorpropham or CIPC @ 2% at 75 days after transplanting.
GARLIC
Botanical Name : Allium sativum L.
Family : Alliaceae
Garlic is an important bulb crop after onion. A colourless, odourless, water-
soluble amino acid known as alliin is present in uninjured garlic. On injury of the cell, an
enzyme, allinase comes in contact with alliin and causes its breakdown into sulphur
containing product allicin. The principal ingredient in allicin is diallyl di-sulphide which
gives true garlic odour.
Garlic is used as spice and condiment. It is used in different preparations to cure
against sore throat, lingering stomach diseases and sore eyes. It is reduced the cholesterol
in the blood. The garlic extracts also has nematicidal, fungicidal and bactericidal
properties.
Garlic is a frost-hardy plant requiring cool and moist period during growth an
relatively dry period during bulb maturity. In India, mostly short-day types are grown.
Garlic can be grown on a variety of soils, but thrives better on fertile, well-drained
loamy soils. Land should be thoroughly prepared by repeated ploughing and planking.
Garlic is sown in beds, hence appropriate sized beds, channels and drainage facility must
be prepared.
Varieties
Agrifound White ICAR-NHRDF, Bulbs are compact, medium sized, white skin with creamy
(G-41) Nasik flesh. Tolerant to purple blotch and stemphylium disease.
Yamuna Safed -do- Bulbs are compact having silvery white outer skin.
(G-1) Tolerant to purple blotch and stemphylium disease.
Yamuna Safed-2 -do- Compact bulbs having white skin with creamy flesh.
(G-50) Tolerant to purple blotch and stemphylium disease.
Yamuna Safed-3 -do- Bulbs are creamy white and 5-6 cm diameter having 15-
(G-282) 16 cloves/bulb. It is suitable for export purpose.
Yamuna Safed-4 -do- Bulbs are silvery white and average diameter is 3.5- 4.0
(G-323) cm. Recommended for North and Central India.
Yamuna Safed-5 -do- Bulbs are creamy white and bigger sized 4.5-5 cm in
(G-189) diameter. Suitable for processing purpose.
Agrifound Parvati -do- Long day variety and bulbs bigger in size (5-6 cm
(G-313) diameter), creamy white with pinkish tinge.
Agrifound Parvati-2 -do- Creamy white colour, 12-14 cloves/bulb. Suitable for
(G-408) growing in hills and high altitude of north eastern state.
Bhima Omkar ICAR-DOGR, Bulbs are medium in size, compact and white in colour,
Pune 18-20 cloves/bulb. Susceptible to thrips.
Bhima Purple -do- Bulbs are medium in size, compact and purple in colour.
HG-17 CCSHAU, This variety is least incidence of purple blotch disease.
Hisar
Punjab Garlic PAU, Ludhiana Bulbs are uniform, large and attractive white.
Pant Lohit GBPAUT, This variety is moderately resistant to purple blotch. Bulb
Pantanagar yield is about 12.5-13 t/ha.
Sowing time
Only in rabi season (October month)
Seed rate
500 kg cloves/ha
Sowing method
The garlic is propagated vegetatively by cloves with 8-10 mm diameter are
required. Bulbils produced in some varieties are also used as planting material. There are
various methods of planting like dibbling, furrow planting and broadcasting which differ
with area. The broadcasting method is used mostly in Gujarat while in Lahaul and Spiti
districts of Himachal Pradesh bulbils are first sown in nursery and then transplanted after
45 days in main field at a proper distance.
Spacing
15 cm x 7-8 cm
Well rotten FYM or compost at the rate of 30-40 tonnes/ha is recommended.
Apply 100-200 kg N, 50 kg P and 50-120 kg K/ha and 50 kg Sulphur/ha. Full dose of P,
K and Sulphur and half dose of N are applied at the time of sowing. Remaining dose of
nitrogen may be applied after one month of sowing as top dressing.
Garlic is a shallow rooted crop, in general irrigation at an interval of 8 days and of
10-15 days during maturation.
Weeds of garlic can be effectively controlled by giving Fluchloralin @ 1.0-1.5
kg/ha pre-plant soil incorporation and one hand-weeding at 45 days after planting.
Harvesting
The garlic crop is ready for harvesting when tops turn yellowish or brownish and
show signs of drying up and bend over. Depending on season and soil, the bulbs begin to
mature in 4-5 months after planting.
Yield
5-10 t/ha
Curing
The bulbs are cured in field for about a week after harvesting. In order to avoid
damage from sun, the bulbs are covered along with the tops of each other.
Storage
Under cold storage of garlic is possible at 0-2.2°C temperature and 60-70%
relative humidity for 6-8 months.
Export
Bigger-clove types of garlic of 40-60 mm diameter containing 10 to 15 cloves are
getting preference all over the world and suitable for export.
LEEK
Botanical Name : Allium porrum L.
Family : Alliaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n=4x=32
Leek is a non-bulb forming member of the onion family. Except large size it looks
like green onion. It is not grown in India on a commercial scale, but favorite vegetable in
kitchen gardens. Leek is cultivated for blanched stems and leaves.
It is consumed as salad and used in making excellent soups, spice curried or
creamed curries.
Leek is a cool season crop. It is harder than onion and garlic. The leek is a
biennial crop.
Sandy loam to loam soil with luxuriantly on medium, rich in plant nutrient and
organic matter are best suited for its cultivation. The soil pH should be 6.0-8.0.
Varieties
Palam Paushtik CSK HPKV, This is first indigenous variety in India and suitable for
Palampur salad, soup and cooking. Matures in about 140-150
days with average yield of 30-35 t/ha.
London Flag - It is an open pollinated variety and typically grows as
an annual. Grows to a mature height of 30 cm.
American Flag - It has thick blue-green leaves with large white stems.
This variety is good for fall and winter harvesting.
Days to Maturity in 130 days.
Sowing time
End September-October
Seed rate
5-7 kg/ha
Nursery raising
In soil with good tilth 15 cm raised nursery beds of 3 m length and 1 m wide are
prepared. Add 15 kg well rotten farmyard manure in each bed.
Transplanting
Seedlings are transplanted when they attain 15 cm height. One month old
seedlings are transplanted.
Spacing
30-45 cm x 15 cm
Apply 20-25 tonnes well rotten FYM or compost along with 80-100 kg N, 60kg P
and 80 kg K/ha. Half dose of N and full dose of P and K at the time of transplanting and
remaining dose of N applied 30-45 days after transplanting.
Leeks require a large amount of water during growth. The crop may be irrigated
once in a week depending on the weather.
One or two hand weeding will be beneficial for this crop to check the weed
population.
Blanching
Blanching is an important cultural operation in leek cultivation which improves
the quality of crop. Blanch the plants by covering them gradually with soil to a certain
height as they grow.
Harvesting
Leek is harvested like green onion. It should be harvested at tender stage when the
stalks reach a size of 2 to 2.5 cm in diameter and the green plants are cut by hand.
Yield
25-30 t/ha
Insect-pests
Thrips (Thrips tabaci): Thrips infest the crop at early stage and can be identified by
curling and twisting of leaves. The symptom is white or silvery patches on the leaves.
Control: Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL (0.5-0.6 ml/ litre water).
Head borer (Helicoverpa armigera): The larva of this insect cuts the pedicel of the
flower and feeds on the stalk. Single larva damages many flower stalks.
Control: Spray Malathion 50 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/ litre water.
Onion maggot (Hylemia antiqua): The larva enters into soil and damage disc portion of
onion bulb. Infested plants turn yellowish brown and finally dry up.
Control: Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 20-25 kg/ha should be applied in the soil.
Eriophyid mite: Leaves do not open completely and whole plant shows curling. Yellow
mottling is seen mostly on the edges of the leaves.
Control: Spray Propragite (2 ml/litre) as soon as the symptoms appear in the field.
Diseases
Purple blotch (Alternaria porri): Initially small, elliptical lesions or spots that often turn
purplish-brown which are surrounded by chlorotic margin.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 or Captan @ 2 g/ litre at 10-15 days intervals.
Stemphylium blight (Stemphylium vesicarium): Small yellow to orange streaks develop
in the middle leaf which soon develop into surrounded by characteristic pinkish margin.
Control: Spray on the crop Indofil M-45 or Captan @ 2 g/ litre.
Downy mildew (Peronospora destructor): The affected plants remain dwarf, distorted
and pale green in colour. The affected leaves drop at the point of lesion and dry at the tip.
Control: Spray the crop with Indofil M-45 @ 3 g/ litre at weekly interval.
Onion smut (Urocystis cepulae): The leaves dark coloured, slightly thickened patches
appear and the leaves bend downwards. The entire plant may die within 3-4 weeks.
Control: i) Treat the seeds with Thiram or Captan or Carbendazim + Thiram (1:1) @ 2.5
g/kg of seed before sowing, and ii) Treat the seed beds with Formalin @ 2 ml/litre of
water and sow the seeds after 48 hours.
Onion smudge (Colletotrichum circinans): The disease manifests its appearance on the
scales and lower portion of the tender leaves. The affected leaves dry and wither.
Control: Grow red onion varieties and dry the bulbs by hot air at 37-48°C before storage.
Black mould (Aspergillus niger): Black moulds develop on the bulbs followed by rotting
of scales. It occurs when bulbs stored at high temperature and humidity.
Control: Store the bulbs in well ventilated, cool and dry place. Spray 0.2% Difolatan.
Stalk rot (Pseudomonas gladialii pv. Allicala): Basal portion of the lower stalk starts to
rot before the formation of the resulting in partial to complete wilting of inflorescence.
The affected bulbs become slimy and give a foul sulphurous smell.
Control: Soaking the bulbs of Streptocycline @ 0.1g/litre of water for 2 hours.
Irish Yellow Spot Virus (IYSV): Symptoms first appear as straw-coloured, dry, tan,
spindle or diamond-shaped lesions, with or without distinct green centers with yellow or
tan borders on leaves. Virus is transmitted by thrips.
Control: Follow three years rotation between onion crops. Follow control of thrips.
Onion Yellow Dwarf Virus (OYDV): Mild chlorotic stripes to bright yellow stripes,
mosaic, curling of leaves and stunted growth. Vector is aphid.
Control: Adopt control measures of thrips.
CARROT
Botanical Name : Daucus carota L.
Family : Apiaceae
Origin : Afganisthan
Carrot is a cool season root vegetable. Sweet preparation ‘gajar halwa’ prepared
out of carrot is delicious and popular. Black carrots are used for preparation of a beverage
called ‘kanji’ which is a good appetizer. The edible part of carrot is modified root i.e.,
conical form. Leaves are pinnatifid. Inflorescence is compound umbel and is produced
during second phase.
Roots are used for making soups, stews, curries, pies, pickles, canning and for
salad purposes. It is used as fodder and for preparation of poultry feeds. It has cooling
effect and is beneficial for people suffering from night blindness, gall stones, constipation
and heat troubles.
Moisture 86.2 g Vitamin A 3150 IU
Protein 1.1 g Vitamin C 3 mg
Fat 0.2 g Potassium 108 mg
Energy 47 kcal Phosphorus 30 mg
Carrot is grown as a spring summer and autumn crop in hills and as a winter crop
in plains of North India. Ideal temperature for germination of seeds is 7.2-23.9oC, while
for root growth and development it is 18.3-23.9oC. Tropical types produce roots even at a
temperature of 25oC. A temperature range of 15.5-21.1oC is the best for colour
development. Carotene content decreases above 21.1oC and below 15.5oC. Seed stalk
formation takes place only when plants are subjected to a subsequent temperature of
12.2-21.1oC.
Deep and well drained friable soils are essential for proper root development. For
early crop, sandy loam and for heavy yield, silt loam is preferred. The ideal soil pH is
6.5-7.0 Soil is ploughed to a fine tilth. Utmost can should be taken to remove clods,
stones, etc.
Varieties: Varieties are classified into temperate and tropical types.
a. Temperate or European or biennial types require a low temperature of 4-8oC for
flowering. They do not produce seeds in plains of India.
b. Tropical or Asiatic or oriental or annual types which do not require low
temperature for flowering and they produce seeds in plains of North India.
Tropical varieties
Pusa Kesar ICAR-IARI, Developed by cross between Local Red x Nantes Half Long.
New Delhi Roots are scarlet red in colour, late bolting than the local red.
Pusa Meghali -do- Crossing by Pusa Kesar x Nantes. It has long tapering roots
with self coloured roots. Rich in Vitamin A.
Pusa Vrishti -do- First high heat and humidity tolerant tropical variety.
Pusa Rudhira -do- Long red coloured self core roots.
Pusa Vasuda -do- First tropical carrot hybrid developed using CMS system.
Pusa Asita -do- The first black coloured variety released in India.
Arka Suraj ICAR-IIHR, High carotene content and self-core variety. Resistant to
Bengaluru powdery mildew disease and tolerance to nematode.
Hisar Gairic CCSHAU, Hisar Roots long (18.5 cm), tapering, light brick red in colour, less
fibrous with thin self colour core.
European varieties
Pusa Yamdagni ICAR-IARI, Roots 15-16 cm long, orange with self coloured core, slightly
RS, Katrain tapering and semi-stumpy with medium top.
Pusa Nayanjyoti -do- First F1 hybrid of temperate carrot developed using CMS
system. Roots uniform, attractive, cylindrical and stumpy.
Zeno TNAU, Introduced from Germany and widely cultivated in Nilgiris
Coimbatore hills of Tamil Nadu. Roots deep orange with self-colour core.
Nantes Half - Roots are small, slim, rough, sweet, cylindrical and stumpy
Long with abrupt tail; the core is small and self coloured.
Early Nantes - Roots almost cylindrical terminating abruptly in small thin
tail, 12-15 cm long, orange flesh with self coloured core.
Chantaney - Roots are reddish orange; suitable for canning and storage.
Imperator - Crossing by Nantes x Chantaney. Roots are 15-17 cm long
which have tapering end.
Chaman SKUAST, Roots long, cylindrical shape, semi-blunt and tolerant to
Srinagar cracking.
Sowing time
Asiatic group: August-November
European group: October-November
Seed rate
5-6 kg/ha
Sowing method
Seeds are shown on ridges or on flat beds either by dibbling in lines or by
broadcasting. Seeds are first rubbed to remove fine hairs and mixed with fine sand before
sowing to facilitate even distribution. For sowing in lines, a small furrow of about 1.5 cm
deep is made at top or on either sides of ridges with finger or with sharp end of a stick.
Seeds mixed with sand are dropped in furrow by hand and is covered lightly with soil. It
is advisable to give light irrigation immediately after sowing or to soak seeds in water for
12-24 hours before sowing to hasten germination.
Spacing
25-30 cm x 8-10 cm
In addition to 20-25 tonnes of farmyard manure, a fertilizer dose of 40-50 kg N,
40-50 kg P2O5 and 80-100 kg K2O is recommended for the crop, of which entire dose of
farmyard manure, half N and full P and K are to be applied as basal dose at the time of
final land preparation. Remaining dose of N can be applied at the time of first hoeing.
A light irrigation is given immediately after sowing. Irrigate the crop once in 8-10
days depending on weather conditions. Usually a light irrigation is given 2-3 days before
harvesting.
Thinning should be done for proper root development. The seedlings are thinned
to a distance of 22-25 cm in the row. All weeds should be removed especially in the early
stages. Application of Pendimethalin @ 3.3 litres/ ha immediately after sowing is
effective in control the weeds. The soil should be hoed time to time to allow proper
aeration. For proper development of roots earthing-up may be done during root
formation.
Harvesting
Harvesting at correct maturity is an important in carrot cultivation otherwise the
roots will become unfit for consumption. Delay in harvest will lead to more firmness of
root as well as splitting. The roots attain marketable stage when their diameter is 3-4 cm
at the upper end.
Yield
Tropical varieties: 20-30 t/ha
European varieties: 10-15 t/ha
Storage
Fresh Carrot roots can be stored for 3-4 days under ordinary conditions and for six
months at 0oC and 90-95% RH.
Cavity spot: Symptoms appear as a cavity in cortex. This is primarily caused by calcium
deficiency, excess of potassium and delay in harvesting.
Control: i) Supply calcium fertilizers in the soil, and ii) Harvest the roots at optimum
time.
Carrot splitting: Splitting or cracking of roots is a major problem in carrot cultivation.
This is a genetic factor but, other factors like excess nitrogen, wide spacing, large size of
roots and fluctuation in soil moisture are also responsible for splitting.
Control: i) Supply low nitrogen in the field, ii) Supply of proper moisture in the field,
and iii) To be kept the proper spacing between row and plants.
RADISH
Botanical Name : Raphanus sativus L.
Family : Cruciferae
Origin : Europe and Asia
Radish is grown for its tender tuberous roots which are eaten raw as salad or as
cooked vegetable. It has a unique pungent flavour. The edible part of radish is modified
root (fusiform) which develops from both the primary root and hypocotyl. The pungency
in radish is due to isothiocynates and red colour by anthocyanin pigment. Inflorescence is
of racemose type with white flowers. Fruit is a siliqua.
It has a cooling effect, prevents constipation and increases appetite and is more
nutritious when cooked with leaves. It is recommended for patients suffering from gall
bladder, piles, liver troubles, jaundice, etc. Juice of fresh leaves is used as diuretic and
laxative.
Fat 0.1 g Potassium 138 mg
Ideal temperature for growth and development of quality roots in radish is
10-15.5oC. Though, it can tolerate high temperature, roots develop pungency under hot
weather.
It can be grown on all types of soil but light sandy or loamy soils are best for
radish cultivation. The optimum soil pH range is 5.5-7.0. Bring the soil to a fine tilth by
ploughing the land 3-4 times followed by planking.
Varieties
Asiatic varieties
Pusa Chetki ICAR-IARI, Suitable for sowing in hotter months from March to
New Delhi August. Roots medium long, stumpy and pure white.
Pusa Deshi -do- Roots are pure white, pungent, 30-35 cm long, tapering
with green stem end.
Pusa Reshmi -do- Roots mildly pungent, long, white with green shoulder.
Pusa Jamuni -do- First purple rich nutritionally variety.
Pusa Gulabi -do- First entire pink fleshed variety with medium root size,
cylindrical shape and consumer preference.
Pusa Mridula -do- Roots are globular with bright red skin, mid pungent. It is
mature in 25 days.
Japanese ICAR-IARI, Roots 20-30 cm long, cylindrical, mildly pungent and
White RS, Katrain white with green shoulder.
Arka Nishant ICAR-IIHR, Roots long, marble white with mild pungency, resistant to
Bengaluru pithiness, premature bolting, root branching and forking.
Kashi Sweta ICAR-IIVR, Suitable for early harvesting and mature 30-35 days after
Varanasi sowing. Roots are 25-30 cm long, straight and tapering.
Kashi Hans -do- This variety is moderately resistant to Alternaria blight.
Hisar CCSHAU, Its root: shoot ratio (1.70: 1) is higher than the check
Selection-1 Hisar varieties (1.30: 1).
Punjab Safed PAU, Roots white, tapering, 30-40 cm long, mild in taste, free
Ludhiana from forking disorder.
Punjab Pasand -do- Roots are long white and semi-stumped.
Punjab Agethi -do- Roots red skinned at top and white skinned at lower half.
CO-1 TNAU, Roots milky white, 23 cm long and cylindrical in shape.
Coimbatore
European varieties
Pusa Himani ICAR-IARI, This variety is suitable for growing throughout the year
RS, Katrain except winter months in hills.
White Icicle - Roots pure white, thin, icicle-shaped, straight and tapered.
Scarlet Globe - Roots bright red, round, small and flesh white.
Scarlet Long - Roots long, tapering with red skin and white flesh.
Rapid Red - An early variety and produce short foliage. Roots are
White Tipped small, red colour, white flesh, crisp and pungent.
Sowing time
North India plains: September-January
European varieties: September-March
In hills: March-October
Seed rate
Asiatic varieties: 10 kg/ha
European varieties: 12-14 kg/ha
Sowing method
Shallow furrows of 2 cm depth are prepared on the ridges using a stick. The seeds
are thinly sown in the shallow furrows and covered with soil or pulverized manure.
Spacing
45 cm x 6-8 cm
Add 25-30 tonnes of well rotten farmyard manure and fertilizer dose of 50 kg N,
100 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O is recommended for the crop. The full dose of FYM, P2O5,
K2O and half dose of N are to be applied as basal dose at the time of land preparation.
Remaining dose of N can be applied at the time of first hoeing.
Irrigate the crop once in 6-7 days depending on weather conditions. A light
irrigation is given immediately after sowing.
Weeding, thinning and earthing up should be done at the right time in the field.
The pre-emergence application of Fluchloralin 0.5 kg/ha or Oxadiazon 1.0 kg/ha
effectively control the weeds in radish field.
Harvesting
Depending up on the cultivar, roots will be ready for harvest in 25-55 days after
sowing by manually. If harvesting is delayed, roots will become bitter and pithy.
Yield
Asiatic varieties: 20-30 t/ha
European varieties: 5-10 t/ha
Storage
Radish roots can be stored for 2-3 days under room temperature without impairing
quality. Roots can be stored for about 2 months at 0oC and 90-95% RH.
Wart: In this disorder a protrusion of white inner root tissue through splits in skin. It is
mainly caused due to soil moisture deficiency.
Control: Keep proper moisture condition in the field.
Akashin: It is caused due to boron deficiency and also due to high day and night
temperature (30/20oC) as well as by low soil moisture.
Control: Spray 1-2 ppm of boron on the crop.
Pithyness: It occurs more in summer than spring or autumn crop. Pithiness in root is
caused due to excess application of fertilizers, soil moisture stress and high temperature
condition 3 weeks before harvest.
Control: i) Keeping proper moisture condition in the field, ii) Avoidance of growing
sensitive varieties during summer, and iii) Two foliar sprays of 0.3% borax at 25 and 40
days after sowing.
Forking: It is a common disorder in carrot and radish. There is secondary elongating
growth that gives a look of fork like structure to the root. The disorder is due to the
excess moisture during the root development. It also occurs in heavy soil due to the soil
compactness and un-decomposed organic manure favours elongated root.
Control: Avoid excessive moisture and heavy soil for root production.
TURNIP
Botanical Name : Brassica rapa L.
Family : Cruciferae
Turnip is an important quick growing vegetable crop grown primarily for its
enlarged roots. It is biennial in nature. The edible part is modified root (napiform) which
is hypocotyls. The inflorescence is a terminal raceme on the main stem.
The fleshy roots are used in salad, consumed as cooked vegetable and used in
pickles. Roots are rich source of vitamin B, C and vitamin A in green leaves.
Moisture 91.6 g Vitamin A (In leaves) 15660 IU
Protein 0.5 g Vitamin B1 0.04 mg
Fat 0.1 g Vitamin C (In leaves) 180 mg
Turnip is best adapted to a cool or moderate climate. The optimum temperature
for root development is 10-15°C. Low temperature (below 10°C) causes bolting.
Deep loam to clay loam is the best soil for turnip cultivation. Neutral to slightly
alkaline soils are best suited. One deep and 2-3 shallow ploughing are sufficient to make
the soil fine. The last ploughing should be followed by planking to level the field.
Varieties
Asiatic varieties
Pusa Kanchan ICAR-IARI, Cross between Asiatic Red x Golden Ball. Excellent in
New Delhi taste and flavour.
Pusa Sweti -do- Roots are flattish round, white, soft, crisp and attractive.
Punjab Safed PAU, The roots are white in colour, round, medium size and
Ludhiana mature in 60 days.
European varieties
Pusa Swarnima ICAR-IARI, Hybridization between Japanese White x Golden Ball.
RS, Katrain Roots are flattish round, yellow skin and fine texture.
Pusa Chandrima -do- Hybridization between Japanese White x Snow Ball. An
early maturity, roots medium to long and flesh white.
Purple Top -do- Large root and high yielding variety (30 t/ha). This
White Globe variety is best for dehydration.
Golden Ball -do- Globe-shaped, smooth, yellow flesh with sweet taste.
Snow Ball -do- It is an early variety, roots are round, smooth and white.
Sowing time
Tropical/ Asiatic type: July-September
Temperate/ European type: September-December
Seed rate
3-4 kg/ha
Sowing method
Seeds are sown on the ridges at a depth of 1.5-2.5 cm. The sowing can be done
either by hand or by seed drills.
Spacing
30-45 cm x 7.5-15 cm
Application of 25 tonnes of farmyard manure, 60-80 kg of nitrogen and 40-50 kg
each of phosphorus and potassium per hectare will help increase yield and quality. The
nitrogen should be applied in two split dose with half as basal and the rest as top dressing
at the time of root formation.
The water requirement would be about 300 mm. In general, the crop is irrigated at
7 days intervals till harvest.
Thinning is important in turnip to maintain optimum plant to plant spacing and
required population. The plant should be earthed up 25-30 days after sowing at the time
of top dressing of fertilizer. Weeding should be done according to need.
Harvesting
Harvesting roots of 5.0-7.5 cm diameter would be ideal and larger roots are often
coarse in texture and bitter in taste.
Yield
20-25 t/ha
Brown heart: The symptoms are characterized by the appearance of grey or brown
color in the inner portion of the affected roots. It is caused by the deficiency of boron.
Control: i) Avoid the sowing in too acidic soils, ii) Maintain adequate soil moisture to
prevent drought condition, iii) Incorporate borax @ 10-15 kg/ha in the soil before
sowing, and iv) Spray the crop with boric acid (2g/litre) 2-3 times at vegetative stage.
Insect-pests
Aphid (Myzus persicae, Brevicoryne brassicae): Insects suck the sap from the tender
parts of plant. The infected leaves become curled, yellowed and finally die.
Control: Spray the crop with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre.
Carrot rust fly (Psila rosae): Maggots burrow into roots resulting in unmarketable roots.
Control: Incoporate Dimethoate 0.1% in the soil.
Mustard saw fly (Athalia proxima): The grubs make holes in the leaves and fruits.
Control: Spray Malathion 50 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/litre of water at 15 days interval.
Lygus bug (Lygus lineolaris): It is serious pest at the seed production. Damages seed
crop and reduces viability and germination of seeds.
Control: Seed treatment with Carbendazim @ 2g/kg.
Diseases
Alternaria blight (Alternaria raphani): This is a serious disease under warm and humid
climate conditions. The symptoms appear as yellow spots on leaves which turn brown
and finally turn black on aging.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/litre of water at 10 days interval.
Leaf spot (Cercospora carotae): In dry weather, the spots are light tan in colour and in
humid weather the spots are darker in colour on the leaves.
Control: i) Seed treatment with Thiram @ 3g/kg of seeds, and ii) Spray on the Indofil M-
45 @ 2g/litre water.
Watery soft rot (Sclerotenia sclerotianum): This is occurs in storage. Affected roots
become soft, watery and white myceliums develop rapidly.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 or Carbendazim @ 2g/litre in the field and storage.
White rust (Albugo candida): It produces white powdery substance in patches on under-
surface of leaves. It is appear on leaves and flowering shoots.
Control: Spray the crop with Bordeaux mixture 1g/litre or Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre.
Powdery mildew (Erysiphe sp.): White powdery patches of varying size appear on the
upper surface of leaves.
Control: Spray the crop with Karathane @ 2g/litre.
Bacterial soft rot (Erwinia cartovora): The infected roots become soft, watery and
exude watery substance which gives foul odour. It is a serious disease of carrot in storage
and transport.
Control: Store the roots at 0°C temperature with 90% relative humidity.
Radish mosaic virus (RMV): The virus is transmitted by aphids. Small, circular to
irregular chlorotic lesions develop on the leaves.
Turnip yellow mosaic: It is transmitted by flea beetle. The plant growth is inhibited and
reduces the yield and quality of the crop.
Control: Control the virus vector.
BEET ROOT
Botanical Name : Beta vulgaris L.
Family : Chenopodiaceae
Origin : Europe
Beet root originated from Beta vulgaris L. ssp. Maritime by hybridization with B.
patula. Young plants along with tender leaves are also used as pot herbs. It is very
popular in USA. Colour of beet root is due to presence of red violet pigments of β-cyanin
and yellow pigment, β-xanthin.
Beet root is used as fleshy roots which are used as cooked vegetable, salad and for
pickling and canning. It is the second most important crop for the preparation of sugar.
Fat 0.1 g Iron 1 mg
Beet root is hardy to low temperature and prefers cool climate. High temperature
causes zoning-appearance of alternate light and dark red concentric rings in the root.
Extreme low temperature of 4.5-10°C for 15 days will results in bolting.
Deep well drained loam or sandy loams is the best for beet root cultivation. Beet
root is highly sensitive to soil acidity and the ideal pH is 6.0-7.0. It can be successfully
grown in saline soils. Land is ploughed to a fine tilth by thorough ploughing making it
loose and friable. Clods are to be removed completely.
Varieties
Detroit Dark Red ICAR-IARI, Roots perfectly round with smooth uniform deep
New Delhi red skin; flesh dark blood red with light red zoning.
Crimson Globe - It produces round to flat round roots. Outer skin is
red and crimson red flesh without zonation.
Early Wonder - Roots flat globular with dark red skin and dark red
flesh and light red zoning.
Crosby Egyptian - Roots flat globe with dark purplish red flesh
produces white zoning under warm weather.
Ooty-1 TNAU, This variety has round roots with blood red flesh
Coimbatore colour. It sets seeds under Nilgiris conditions.
Sowing time
In plains: September-November
Seed rate
7-9 kg/ha
Sowing method
Flat beds or ridges and furrows are prepared. Water-soaked ‘seed balls’ which
contain 2-6 seeds are drilled 2.5 cm deep in rows.
Spacing
45-60 cm x 8-10 cm
Apply well rotten compost or FYM @ 25 tonnes/ha is recommended. For an
average soil, 60-70 kg N, 100-120 kg P, 60-70 kg K/ha and 15-20 kg Boron/ha is
recommended. Half of N and full P, K and Bo should be applied basal at the time of land
preparation prior to sowing and remaining at 30-45 days after sowing.
The moist soil is essential for seed germination and growth. Usually 5-7
irrigations are usually given during summer and three irrigations during winter in North
Indian plains.
Field is usually kept weed-free by light hoeing at early stage of crop. Earthing up
should be done. Thinning is an essential operation when more than one seedling
germinates from each seed.
Harvesting
Harvesting is done 8-10 weeks after sowing by pulling the top with hand when the
tubers diameter of 3-5 cm.
Yield
25-30 t/ha
Storage
The beet root stores well at 0oC with 90% RH.
Physiological disorder
Internal black spot: It is also called as Heart rot or Crown rot. The deficient plants
usually remain dwarf and stunted. The leaves are smaller than normal. This disorder is
caused due to boron deficiency, mostly in alkaline soils.
Control: i) Avoid the sowing of beet in acidic soils, ii) Avoid drought conditions by
supplying reduced irrigation, and iii) Soil application of borax (10-15 kg/ha) or foliar
spray of boric acid 0.2% at 2-3 times.
Speckled yellows: The affected plant leaves show yellowish-green chlorotic mottled
areas. It is due to deficiency of manganese.
Control: Soil application of manganese sulphate @ 5-10 kg/ha or foliar spray of 0.25%.
Insect-pests
Aphid (Myzus persicae, Brevicoryne brassicae): The insects suck the sap from the tender
portions of plant. Infected leaves become curled, yellowed and finally die.
Control: Spray with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre.
Beet leaf minor (Pegoniyia hyocyami): The affected plants remain stunted, leaves
blistered, wither and die.
Control: Spray Malathion 50 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/litre water.
Semi looper (Plusia nigrisigna): The caterpillar feed on the foliage and damage the crop.
Control: Spray on the crop with Malathion 50 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/litre water.
Diseases
Leaf spot (Cercospora beticola): Appearance of small brownish spots with reddish
purple and the spots enlarge and turn grey.
Control: i) Seed treatment with hot water at 50°C for 15 minutes, and ii) Spray on the
Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre water.
Downy mildew (Peronospora schachtii): White downy growth appears on the leaves
with yellowish, irregular. The flower shoots remain stunted and distorted.
Control: i) Treat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram or Captan @ 2g/kg seed, and ii)
Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre water at 15 days interval.
Mosaic: The virus is transmitted by aphids. The conspicuous mottling with necrotic,
zonate ring spots are symptoms.
Control: Follow the control of aphids.
Curly top: It is transmitted by beet leaf hoppers. The affected plant leaves remain
undersized and curled.
Control: i) Use disease free seed, ii) Remove the affected plants from the field, and iii)
Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre in water
PEA
Botanical Name : Pisum sativum L.

Family : Leguminoaceae
Origin : Central Asia (Ethopia)
The crop is cultivated for its tender and immature pods for use as vegetable and
mature dry pods for pulse. Field pea with coloured flowers belong to Pisum arvense and
the garden pea with white flowers belong to P. sativum. Pisum elatius is the ancestor of
cultivated pea.
Nutritive value (per 100g of edible portion) and use
Tender seeds are also used in pickle, canning, frozen and dehydrated to increase
the availability during off-season.
Carbohydrates 16 g Iron 1.5 mg
Fiber 4g Calcium 20 mg
Pea is a winter season crop and requires frost free cool and dry weather. Optimum
temperature for seed germination is 22°C. The optimum monthly mean temperature for
growth of plants is 12-19°C. Even though seeds germinate at 5°C, speed of germination is
less.
Pea is grown well drained, loose and friable loamy soil for early crop and clayey
soil for high yield. Ideal pH is 6.0-7.5 and it grows under alkaline soil. Soil is prepared to
a fine tilth by disc ploughing followed by one or two harrowing.
Varieties
Pusa Shree ICAR-IARI, This is an early variety resistant to Fusarium wilt and
New Delhi tolerant to high temperature. Pod yield is 4-5 t/ha.
Pusa Himlata -do- Plants are vine type and seeds can be used as Rajmah.
Pusa Pragati -do- It is resistant to powdery mildew disease.
Arkel -do- Early season variety introduced from England.
Suitable for fresh market and dehydration.
Susceptible to collar rot at high temperature.
Bonneville -do- Mid-season variety introduced from USA. Medium
tall plants bearing double pods. Seeds are wrinkled.
Sylvia -do- Introduced from Sudan. Edible poded variety. Pods
curved yellowish green without parchment.
Lincoln ICAR-IARI, Early season variety introduced from France.
RS, Katrain Medium tall plants and mature seeds wrinkled.
Arka Mayur ICAR-IIHR, Early season variety. It is suitable for both kharif and
Bengaluru rabi season.
Arka Ajit -do- Resistant to powdery mildew and rust.
Arka Harini -do- It is suitable for both kharif and rabi season.
Arka Nirmal -do- Suitable for both kharif and rabi season.
Arka Chaitra -do- Mid-season variety, tolerant to high temperature
(upto 35°C).
Arka Uttam -do- It is tolerant to high temperature (upto 35°C).
Arka Tapas -do- Tolerant to high temperature (upto 35°C). Pod yield is
6.0 t/ha in 90 days.
Arka Apoorva -do- Mid-season and Whole pod edible pea
variety. Resistant to rust and powdery mildew.
Arka Pramodh -do- Resistant to powdery mildew and rust.
Arka Priya -do- Resistant to powdery mildew and rust.
Arka Samporna -do- Whole pod edible pea variety. Resistant to rust and
powdery mildew.
Arka Karthik -do- Resistant to rust and powdery mildew disease.
UN 53-6 -do- A snap pea where the whole pod is edible.
Kashi Nandini ICAR-IIVR, Early variety developed through pedigree selection.
Varanasi Tolerant to leaf miner and pod borer. Shelling is 80%.
Kashi Shakthi -do- It is mid-season variety and with attractive pods.
Kashi Mukti -do- Resistant to powdery mildew disease.
Kashi Udai -do- This is an early season variety.
Hisar Harit CCSHAU, Cross between Bonneville x P-23. Pods large sickle
Hisar shaped and single or double.
Punjab-88 PAU, Early season variety developed through selection
Ludhiana from cross between Pusa-2 x Morrasis-55. Pods dark
green, long and slightly curved. Shelling is 47%.
Matar Ageta-6 -do- Early season dwarf variety. Tolerant to high
temperature. Yield 6 t/ha with 45% shelling.
Pant Uphar GBPUAT Flowers white, Pods round. Seeds wrinkled,
Pantnagar Susceptible to powdery mildew. Resistant to stem fly.
Pant Sabji -do- This variety is susceptible to powdery mildew.
Matar-3
Ooty-1 TNAU, It is a dwarf variety. Resistant to white fly.
Coimbatore
Azad P-2 CSAUAT, Resistant to powdery. Plants tall (130-150 cm).
Kanpur Straight and smooth pods. Yield 12t/ha in 90-95 days.
Azad P-3 -do- Early maturing variety. Pods straight, medium size.
Palam priya CSK HPKV, This variety is tolerant to powdery mildew disease.
Palampur
Jawahar Matar-1 JNKV, Mid season dwarf variety with big, attractive green,
Jabalpur 8-9 cm long pods containing 8-10 sweet green ovules.
Jawahar Matar-2 -do- Pods dark green, big, curved with 8-10 sweet ovules,
wrinkle seeded, susceptible to powdery mildew.
Early December -do- Early season variety developed through selection
from cross between T-19 x Early Badger.
Jawahar Matar-4 -do- Mid season variety derived from T-19 x Little
Marvel. Plants 50-60 cm, green seed and wrinkled.
Jawahar Peas-83 -do- Mid season powdery mildew resistant variety
developed through double cross.
Harbhajan -do- Early variety and susceptible to powdery mildew.
Sowing time
NI plains: October-November
In hills: March
Seed rate
Early varieties: 100-120 kg/ha
Late varieties: 80-90 kg/ha
Sowing method
Seeds are sown in flat or raised beds by broadcasting or by dibbling at 2.5-5.0 cm
depth. Overnight soaking of seeds in water or GA3 @ 10 ppm improves germination.
Spacing
Early varieties: 30 cm x 5-10 cm
Mid and late varieties: 45 cm x 10 cm
Apply FYM at 30-40 tonnes/ha and 60 kg N, 30 kg P and 40 kg K/ha as basal
dose. Half dose of nitrogen should be applied after 30 days after sowing. High dose of N
have adverse effect on nodule formation and N fixation. Application of sodium
molybdate @ 40 kg/ha either as per or post emergence spray is reported to increase yield
and collar rot resistance in peas.
Pea, like any legume vegetable, is sensitive to drought and excessive irrigation.
Light irrigations 10-15 days intervals is given for pea.
Earthing up and hoeing is also important operations in peas and helps in root
development and growth of plants. Weeding should be done in early stages of crop.
Pendimethalin at 2.0 kg/ ha as pre-emergence spray along with one hand weeding at 25-
45 days after sowing is very effective for weed control.
Harvesting
Peas for fresh market are harvested when they are well filled and when colour
changes from dark green to light green. Seeds maturity is determined by tenderometer.
Number of degree hours above 4.4oC required to bring a variety to maturity is calculated.
Yield
Early varieties: 2.5-4.0 t/ha
Mid and late varieties: 6-8 t/ha
Storage
Fresh unshelled peas can be stored for 2 weeks at 10°C and 90-95% RH. Shelling
ranges from 35-50%.
Marsh spot: The affected plant leaves show slight interveinal chlorosis and on the seeds
have brown spot. Manganese deficiency in soil causes marsh spot of pea.
Control: i) Application of Manganese Sulphate @ 5-10 kg/ha in the soil, and ii) Foliar
sprays of Manganese Sulphate (0.25%) twice or thrice at 8-10 days interval.
Insect-pests
Aphid (Macrosiphum pisi): It is suck the cell sap of younger parts of plant. Infected
leaves are turn pale and dry.
Control: Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre at 15 days interval.
Leaf miner (Agromyza flaveola): Larvae feed by making tunnels in the leaves. The
growth is stunted.
Control: Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre at 15 days interval.
Pod borer (Heliothes sp.): The young caterpillars bore into the pods and destroy it seeds.
Diseases
Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni): The leaves, stem, branches, tendrils and pods are
covered with white floury patches.
Control: Spray the crop with Karathane (2 g/litre) at weekly interval.
Rust (Uromyces pisi): The lower side of leaves appears red to black, spherical and dark
red pustules. Finally the leaves turn yellow and drop.
Control: Three spray of Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre water.
Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. pisi): Attacks the root system which turns black
and lateral roots rot away and suddenly plant dies. It is spread through affected soil.
Control: i) Drench the soil with Carbendazim (2%), and ii) Treat the seed with Captan or
Thiram or Carbendazim @ 2g/kg.
CLUSTER BEAN
Botanical Name : Cyamopsis tetragonoloba L.
Origin : India
Cluster bean is grown for green pods used as tender fruits for vegetable and dry
seeds. It is also grown as forage and green manure crops. African species, Cyamopsis
senegalensis is the ancestor of cluster bean.
Cluster bean is used as a nutritious fodder for livestock. Mucilaginous seed flour
is used for making guar gum (galactomannan) utilized in textile, paper, cosmetic and oil
industries throughout the world.
Protein 4g Vitamin A 330 IU
Carbohydrates 10.8 g Iron 6 mg
Cluster bean is a warm season crop, grows well in summer and rainy seasons. It is
hardy and drought tolerant crop.
All types of soils are suitable for growing cluster bean but well-drained sandy
loams are best suited. Field is prepared to a fine tilth by ploughing and harrowing.
Varieties
Pusa Mausami ICAR-IARI, It is suitable for rainy season. Late and densely
New Delhi branching variety with 80 days to first picking.
Pusa Sadabahar -do- It is suitable for summer and rainy season, single
stem, non-branching type.
Pusa Navbahar -do- Cross between Pusa Mausami x Pusa Sadabahar.
It is single stem and non-branching type variety.
Goma Manjari ICAR-CIAH, This variety is resistant to Powdery mildew,
Bikaner bacterial blight and leaf spot.
Sowing time
Rainy season: June-July
Summer Season: February-March
Seed rate
25-30 kg/ha
Sowing method
The seeds are dibbled at specified spacing of 45-60 cm x 15 cm. It is also
broadcasted or drilled behind the plough.
About 25 tonnes of well-rotted farmyard manure and application of fertilizer
50:60:60 kg NPK/ ha is recommended. Half N, full P and K are applied as basal dose and
remaining N, 25-30 days after.
Cluster bean is a hardy crop that comes well under rainfed conditions. Irrigation at
flowering and pod development is the most critical stages. It may be irrigation done at 7-
10 days interval.
The field is kept free of weeds during initial stages. A pre-sowing application of
Fluchloralin at the rate of 2 litre/ha checks the weed growth for 20-25 days. Stacking is
also necessary to avoid lodging in tall varieties.
Harvesting
Harvesting starts 40-45 days after sowing and pods are harvested at tender stage.
Dry seeds are harvested when pods are full and most of the remaining will turn yellow.
Yield
3.0-4.0 t/ha
FRENCH BEAN
Botanical Name : Phaseolus vulgaris L.
Origin : Africa
French bean also known as snap bean, string bean, kidney bean, haricot bean and
navy bean. It is grown for the tender green beans and dry beans (Rajmah). All the species
are diploids and self-pollinated except P. coccineus, which is cross-pollinated. Seeds are
kidney shape so; it is called as kidney bean. Phaseolus aboriginens is the progenitor.
French bean is used as vegetable either as tender pods, shelled green seeds and
dry beans as pulse. Dry beans are rich in protein. In USA, seeds are used as a processing
in large quantities.
French bean is a day-neutral cool season vegetable. Optimum temperature for
growth and development is requires between 15-25oC. It is sensitive to high rainfall, frost
and high temperature. Pole type varieties tolerate high rainfall than bushy type.
French bean is grown all types of soil but well drained, loose and friable loamy
soil best for cultivation. Ideal pH for growth is 5.5-6.5. Land is ploughed to a fine tilth by
2-3 light ploughings. Finally, planking should be done the last ploughing.
Varieties
Pusa Parvati ICAR-IARI, Developed through x-ray mutant of wax pod.
New Delhi Resistant to mosaic and powdery mildew.
Pusa Himalata -do Pole variety with medium sized pod, round and
stringless pods.
Arka Arjun ICAR-IIHR, Suitable for both rabi and summer. Resistant to
Bengaluru Mungbean yellow mosaic virus (MYMV) disease.
Arka Anoop -do- Photo-sensitive variety, resistant to bacterial wilt
and rust.
Arka Bold -do- Photo-sensitive, flat type variety and resistant to
bacterial wilt.
Arka Komal -do- Good transport and keeping quality. Resistant to
bacterial blight.
Arka Suman -do- Good for transportation and excellent cooking
quality. Resistant to rust.
Arka Suvidha -do- Plants bushy and photo-sensitive. Pods are
straight, oval, light green, stringless and fleshy.
Arka Sharath -do- This variety is photo-sensitive.
Kashi Param ICAR-IIVR, This is a bush type variety.
Varanasi
Pant Anupama GBPUAT, This variety is moderately resistant to bean
Pantnagar mosaic and angular leaf spot.
Pant Bean-2 -do- Moderately resistant to bean mosaic.
Phule Surekha MPKV, Rahuri Tolerant to anthracnose, yellow mosaic and wilt
disease.
Contender - This variety is introduced from USA. Tolerant to
mosaic and powdery mildew disease.
Sowing time
In North India: July-September and January-February
Seed rate
Bush type varieties: 65 kg/ha
Pole type varieties: 25-30 kg/ha
Sowing method
Ridges and furrows are prepared by ploughing after a basal dose application of
farmyard manure. Pole types are sown at 1.0 m apart in hills @ 3-4 plants/hill.
Spacing
Pole type: 90 cm x 30 cm
Bush type: 45 cm x 20 cm
Incorporate 200-250q FYM, 50 kg N, 80 kg P2O5 and 70 kg K2O per hectare as
basal dose before sowing. Half of N along with full P and K should be applied. Apply
remaining dose of N, 4 week after first application.
French bean is required 6-7 irrigations during growing season. Avoid excessive
watering and water-logging conditions. Flowering and pod development periods are
critical stages.
French bean is a shallow rooted crop and only light inter-cultural operations are
practiced. A pre-sowing application of Fluchloralin @ 2 litre/ha checks weed growth for
20-25 days. Staking is an important operation for pole type varieties.
Crop regulation
Application of plant growth regulators like PCPA @ 2 ppm or NAA @ 5-25 ppm
has favourable effect on fruit set, pod set and yield. GA3 sprayed at 50-200 ppm proved
effective in improving the crop growth.
Harvesting
Pods are harvested at full grown stage at 45 days after sowing but immature and
tender. Pods are ready for harvest 7-12 days after flowering depending on varieties. In
bush varieties, 2-3 harvests and in pole types 3-5 harvests are made.
Yield
Bush type: 7-10 t/ha
Pole type: 12-15 t/ha
Transverse cotyledon cracking (TVC): It is a major disorder of French bean. It is
enhanced by planting dry seeds in wet soil. White seeded cultivars are more prone to this
disorder. Seed containing 12% moisture has better germination and hard seed coat is
resistant to transverse cotyledon cracking.
Hypocotyl necrosis: This disorder occurs due low calcium content in the seeds.
COWPEA
Botanical Name : Vigna uniguiculata L.
Chromosome No. : 2n=22, 24
Origin : Africa
Cowpea (Syn: Southern pea, Black eyed pea, Yard long bean) is a popular
vegetable grown throughout the world. Being a legume crop, cowpea fits well in inter-
cropping in coconut gardens, tapioca, rice fields and in garden lands at Kerala.
Due to its nutritive value and soil improving properties, it is used for green pods,
dry seeds, fodder, green manure and cover crop. Tender pods are used as vegetable and
dry beans as pulse. Dry seeds are rich in protein therefore; it is called as vegetable meat.
Cowpea is a warm season crop and comes up well between 21-35oC. Grain types
and dual purpose types are tolerant to hardy conditions including high temperature,
drought and poor soil.
Cowpea can be grown in all types of soil with proper drainage but fertile loose
soil rich in humus is required for cultivation. Land is prepared to a fine tilth by 2-3
ploughing and harrowing.
Varieties
Pusa Komal ICAR-IARI, Suitable for both summer and rainy season.
New Delhi Resistant to bacterial blight.
Pusa Sukomal -do- Highly resistant to golden yellow mosaic virus
and leaf spot disease.
Pusa Phalguni -do- Introduced from Philipines. Dwarf variety that
matures in 60 days.
Pusa Barsati -do- This variety is suitable for rainy season.
Pusa Dofasli -do- It is photo-insensitive variety. Suitable for both
spring and rainy season.
Pusa Rituraj -do- Dual purpose and bushy type variety with 22-25
cm long and thin pods.
Arka Garima ICAR-IIHR, Pods are round and stringless. It is tolerant to heat
Bengaluru and drought condition.
Arka Suman -do- Photo-insensitive variety. Resistant to rust.
Arka Samrudhi -do- This variety is bushy photo-insensitive type.
Arka Mangala -do- It is photo-insensitive type variety.
Kashi Sudha ICAR-IIVR, Bushy and photo-insensitive variety. Resistant to
Varanasi golden mosaic virus and Cercospora leaf spot.
Kashi Unnati -do- It is bushy photo-insensitive variety. Resistant to
golden mosaic virus and Cercospora leaf spot.
Kashi Kanchan -do- Resistant to golden mosaic virus and Cercospora
leaf spot. Bushy and photo-insensitive variety.
Kashi Gauri -do- It is resistant to golden mosaic virus and
Cercospora leaf spot.
Kashi Shymal -do- This variety is tolerant to golden mosaic virus.
Sowing time
North Indian plains: June-July and February-March
South Indian plains: December-January
Seed rate
Rainy season: 12-15 kg/ha
Spring season: 20-25 kg/ha
Sowing method
Field is divided into plots of convenient size and seeds of bushy varieties are
dibbled in 1-2 seeds per hole. During rainy season, seeds are sown at the above spacing in
raised beds of 90 cm width. Prior to sowing, the seeds should be inoculated with
Rhizobium culture for quick nodulation on roots and N-fixing ability.
Spacing
45-60 cm x 10-15 cm
Apply 20 tonnes of farmyard manure along with higher dose of NPK @ 25:75:60
kg/ha is recommended for cowpea. Half of N along with entire dose of P and K should be
applied at the time of final land preparation. Apply remaining 20-25 days after sowing
along with weeding and earthing up.
Cowpea is a hardy crop comes up well under rainfed conditions. Flowering and
pod development periods are the critical stages. The crop should be irrigated regularly at
5-7 days interval for higher yields.
Shallow cultivation and earthing up is necessary during early stages of crop to
check weed growth. Fluchloralin at the rate of 2 litres/ha will effectively check weed
growth for 20-25 days.
Crop regulation
Foliar spray of NAA @ 15ppm used 15 and 30 days after sowing is beneficial for
inducing fruit set. Cycocel is reported to induce tolerance to mosaic disease.
Harvesting
The harvesting starts 45 days after sowing. Tender fruits are harvested after
attaining full size but before they become fibrous.
Yield
Green pod: 7-10 t/ha
Dry seed: 1.0-1.5 t/ha
HYACINTH BEAN
Botanical Name : Dolichos purpureus L.
Origin : India
Hyacinth bean, also known as field bean, Indian bean, lablab bean or dolichos
bean, is grown throughout tropical regions of Asia, Africa and America. Hyacinth bean is
a perennial herbaceous plant often grown as an annual. Two cultivated species viz.,
Dolichos purpureus var. typicus and D. purpureus var. lignosus.
Dolichos bean is grown for whole pod. Fresh seeds and dry seeds used as pulse
grain. It is used for pod, feed and green manure.
Fiber 26 g Calcium 210 mg
Dolichos bean is a cool season and drought tolerant crop. Most of the varieties
grow well in temperature ranging between 18 and 30°C. Severe frost damages the crop.
Dolichos bean grows well on a wide range of soils but sandy loam, silt loam and
clay loam soils are best suited. The optimum pH of the soil should be 5.5 to 7.8. The crop
cannot withstand water-logging. Field should be prepared thoroughly before sowing. Two
to three ploughings are needed to make the soil loose and friable.
Varieties
Pusa Early ICAR-IARI, Pole type. Pods flat, green, narrow, cycle shaped.
Prolific New Delhi Pod length 9.3 cm, width 1.5 cm, weight 3.5 g.
Pusa Sem-2 -do- Pole type variety. Tolerant to anthracnose, yellow
bean mosaic virus, aphids, pod borers and frost.
Pusa Sem-3 -do- Pole type. Tolerant to anthracnose, yellow bean
mosaic virus, aphids, pod borers and frost.
Arka Adarsh ICAR-IIHR, Pole type and photo-insensitive variety. Suitable
Bengaluru for Karnataka. Pod yield 30 t/ha in 120 days.
Arka Bhavani -do- Pole type and photo-insensitive variety. Suitable
for cultivation in Andhra Pradesh.
Arka Krishna -do- Pole type and photo-insensitive and early variety.
Arka Pradhan -do- Pole type and photo-insensitive variety. Suitable
for cultivation in Maharashtra.
Arka Prasidhi -do- Pole type and photo-insensitive variety. Resistant
to rust. Suitable for south Indian states.
Arka Swagath -do- Pole type and photo-insensitive variety and
suitable for round the year cultivation.
Arka Visthar -do- Pole type and photo-insensitive variety. Suitable
for cultivation in Tamil Nadu and NE states.
Arka Amogh -do- Plants are medium tall and photo-insensitive.
Arka Sambhram -do- Plants are medium tall and photo-
insensitive. Suitable for Tamil Nadu.
Arka Soumya -do- Plants are medium tall and photo-insensitive.
Suitable for Andhra Pardesh.
Arka Jay -do- Photo-insensitive bush variety developed by
selection. Pods long, green and slightly curved.
Arka Vijay -do- Photo-insensitive bush variety developed by
selection. Yield is 12 t/ha.
Kashi Harittima ICAR-IIVR, Moderately tolerant to yellow mosaic virus
Varanasi disease, jassid, aphid and pod borer.
Hisar Kirti CCSHAU, It is an early variety and has better shelf-life.
Hisar
CO-1 TNAU, Pole type. Pods green, fleshy with slow fibre
Coimbatore development.
CO-2 -do- Pole type. Pods, flat, green with purple margin.
Rajani CSAUAT, Pole type. Pods narrow oval in cross section,
Kanpur shining green.
Deepaliwal MPKV, Akola Pods extra long, white seed but not smooth.
Sowing time
June-July
Seed rate
50-60 kg/ha
Sowing method
The seeds are drilled at a spacing of about 1.0 m in between ragi or sorghum. It is
also dibbled or drilled behind the plough.
Spacing
100 cm x 75 cm
Application of 25 tonnes FYM, NPK 25:60:60 kg/ha mixture as basal in the field.
Half dose of N and full dose of P and K fertilizer should be applied at the time of sowing
and remaining dose of N applied 30 days after sowing. Apply Azospirillum and Phospho-
bacteria @ 2 kg/ ha at the time of sowing.
Dolichos bean is hardy crop comes well under rainfed conditions. For higher
yields the crop should be irrigated regularly at 7-10 days interval.
For getting more yield staking should be done. 2-8 weeding are required for
control of weeds.
Harvesting
The pods are harvested when at green tender stage before it becomes fibrous. In
bush, varieties harvesting starts 50-60 days after sowing and in pole types it takes 80-90
days for first harvest.
Yield
Green pods: 5-8 t/ha
Dry seeds: 1.0-1.5 t/ha
WINGED BEAN
Botanical Name : Psophocarpus tetragonolobus L.
Origin : Madagascar in Africa
Winged bean, also known as Goa bean, Four angled bean, God sent bean,
Vegetable of the twentieth century, Princess pea, Soyal rival and Asparagus bean, is a
wonder crop where in all parts are edible and highly nutritious. Immature pods are used
as vegetable in all countries where it is grown. The pods show four sides with wings
protruding from angles, hence the name winged bean.
Winged bean is a multipurpose legume as every part of the plant like green pods,
seeds, leaves, flowers, edible oil and tuberous root are edible. Young leaves and shoots
are sometimes eaten as leafy vegetables. The leaves form a component of an herbal
preparation for treatment of small pox, eye, ear infection and boils. In Sri Lanka, pods are
reported to be in use as a diabetic diet and as a slimming agent.
Fat 0.87 g Vitamin C 18.3 mg
Carbohydrates 4.31 g Iron 0.2-12 mg
Fiber 2.6 g Calcium 55-235 mg
Climatic requirements
Like hyacinth bean, most of the varieties of winged bean are photo-sensitive and
short days for flowering and fruiting. It requires optimum temperature between 22 oC-
32oC for proper growth, development and flowering. It does not withstand frost; drought
and water-logging but withstand high temperature.
Winged bean can be grown on a wide range of soils from sandy to clay having pH
4.5 to 8.5. Good soil texture favors germination. Soil should be thoroughly ploughed and
pulverized and to make good tilth.
Varieties
The cultivars available in India are IIHR selection-20, IIHR selection-60, IIHR
selection-70 and WBC-2.
Sowing time
June-July
Seed rate
15-20 kg/ha
Sowing method
The seeds are sown by the beginning of rainy season. The seeds are sowing in the
field by drilling or broadcasting method.
Spacing
Tall varieties: 90 cm x 90 cm
Dwarf varieties: 45 cm x 45 cm
A fertilizer dose of 25 kg N, 100 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O/ha should be
incorporated in the soil as a basal dose. Dry matter yield will be increased with the
application of potassium fertilizers.
Irrigate the crop periodically where there is low rainfall.
Hoeing and weeding should be done during the initial stage of crop growth. For
getting more yield staking should be done.
Harvesting
Green pods are harvested at tender stage and ready for picked 70-80 days after
sowing and extends up to depending on day length and temperature.
Yield
Green pods: 4.5-10 t/ha
Dry seeds: 1.5 t/ha
LIMA BEAN
Botanical Name : Phaseolus lunatus L.
Origin : Guatemala
Lima bean is also known as double bean or butter bean. It is commonly grown in
Canada, United States and Latin America. Lima bean is not commonly grown in India but
is an important crop in Maharashtra. It is an often cross-pollinated crop.
Lima bean has high nutritive value in green pods and seeds. Immature seeds are
used for vegetable, canning, freezing and dried seeds as pulse.
Lime bean is requires dry cool season and grows well at temperature range of 15-
°
20 C. The pollination and fertilization are reduced when the temperature goes above
26°C. It does not tolerate frost.
It can be grown on a wide range of soils from light sandy loams to heavy clays.
The soil should be a pH range of 6.0-6.5. The land is ploughed immediately after the
harvest of the previous crop. The land is ploughed to fine tilth by twice cultivator.
Varieties
Introduced varieties are available for cultivation. The varieties are given below:
Growth habit Varieties
Bush type Henderson Bush, Burpee Bush, Fordhook-242, Baby Potato and
Baby Fordhook.
Semi-pole type Hopi and Wilbur.
Pole type Challenger, Florida Butter, King of the Garden and Karolina Butter.
Sowing time
Spring season: February-March
Seed rate
Small seeded type: 20-35 kg/ha
Large seeded type: 45-50 kg/ha
Sowing method
The field is divided into beds of convenient size. Seeds are sown or dibbled in the
beds with proper spacing. The seeds are sown in hills @ 2-3 seeds/ hill at a distance of
180 x 120 cm.
Spacing
Bush type: 35 cm x 25 cm
Semi-pole type: 60 cm x 40 cm
Pole type: 60 cm x 40 cm
About 25 tonnes/ha of well-rotten farmyard manure, 40 kg nitrogen, 50 kg
phosphorous and 50 kg potassium are applied at the time of final field preparation.
Light and frequent irrigation should be provided but avoid water-logging
conditions.
Hoeing and weeding should be done. Support the pole type varieties on bamboo
stakes for better growth and fruit set.
Harvesting
The tender pods become ready for harvest in 85-90 days after sowing. Full grown
pods are harvested when the colour changes from green to yellow. On an average, 12-14
harvests are possible at an interval of 15-16 days.
Yield
BROAD BEAN
Botanical Name : Vicia faba L.
Chromosome No. : 2n=12,14
Broad bean also known as faba bean, horse bean or bakla bean is a minor
leguminous crop. The crop is widely cultivated in Latin America and is grown in India in
a limited scale in northern states having low temperature. It is the only bean grown as a
winter crop. It is cross-pollinated crop by insects. The pollen grains and green pods cause
allergy to some people which turn in serious illness, known as ‘favism’.
The tender pods are used as vegetable purpose and dried seeds for pulse. Broad
bean are used as tender, green shelled, dry bean and as a cattle feed.
Broad bean is a hardy plant and is the only bean which is grown as an autumn and
a winter crop withstand low temperature as low as 4oC. Crop is tolerant to water stress
due to protein accumulation.
Broad bean is grown rich, well-drained and loamy soil with pH range of 6.5-7.5.
It tolerates salinity and water-logging conditions. Prepare the field thoroughly by giving
two or three ploughings to get fine tilth.
Varieties
Pusa Udit ICAR-IARI, It is a dual purpose variety suitable for packaging and
New Delhi transport. Both tender pods and dried seeds are edible.
Pusa Sumeet -do- It is produces attractive dark green pods in cluster.
Sowing time
Autumn season: September-October
Winter season: February
Seed rate
70-100 kg/ha
Sowing method
The seeds are sown in shallow channels spaced at 75 cm. In each channel, two
rows of seeds are sown at a spacing of 25 cm in a zig-zag manner.
Spacing
45 cm x 10-15 cm
Apply 100 q of farm yard manure along with NPK @ 20: 50: 40 kg/ ha as basal
dose, respectively.
Light irrigation should be given at a regular interval of 12-15 days.
Hand weeding and hoeing to check the weed growth and favourable for crop
growth. Tall varieties are stacked with wooden sticks.
Harvesting
Harvesting of pods should be done 3-4 months after sowing when they are green
shell stage.
Yield
Insect-pests
Aphid (Aphis craccivora): The insect suck the cell sap and then twisting of leaves and
retarted of plant growth.
Stem fly (Ophiomyia phaseoli): The infested plant turns yellow, stunted and gets
completely wilted. In initial stages, fruits and leaves turn yellow and drop.
Control: Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 15-20 kg/ ha in the soil before sowing.
Pod borer (Heliothes armigera): The insect feed in the pods and makes unfit for
consumption.
Control: Spray Dimethoate 30 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/litre water.
Diseases
Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lindaomuthianum): This appears as a black spot on stem,
petiole and pods and on leaves resulting in yellowing and defoliation.
Control: i) Treat the seeds with Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg seed, and ii) Spray on the crop
with Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/litre water.
Root-rot (Rhizoctonia solani): In this disease the plants become formation of elongated,
sunken and brown lesions on the stem.
Control: Treat the seed with 1g/kg of Carbendazim. Drench with 0.2% Captan.
Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni): On the leaves appear white powder spots and
after develop on the pods and stem. Finally cover on the entire plant.
Control: Spray Karathane 2g/litre at 10 to 15 days interval.
Ascochyta stem blight (Ascochyta pisi): On pods, circular, sunken tan coloured spots
with dark brown margins on stem and kill the growing point.
Control: Treat the seeds with Ceresan (2g/kg) and use disease free seeds.
Cercospora leaf spot (Cercospora cruenta): This is serious under high temperature. The
reddish-brown water soaked lesions developed on the older leaves.
Control: Spray on the crop with Carbendazim or Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre water.
Rust (Uromyces appendiculatus): This disease is favourable in high humidity. The light
dark brown spots appear on the lower surface of leaves.
Control: Spray Thiram or Carbendazim or Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre of water.
Viral Diseases
French bean common mosaic: This is the most important viral disease of French bean
in India. The affected eaves have irregular light yellow and green areas of various sizes.
It is transmitted by Aphids (Aphis gossypii).
French bean yellow mosaic: It is transmitted by white fly (Bemisia tabaci). Appearance
of bright yellow colour on the leaves and later entire leaf looks golden yellow.
Cowpea mosaic: In this symptoms appear as chlorotic areas on leaves, mosaic mottling,
vein banding, puckering, reduction in size of new leaf-lets and clustering of leaves. This
is transmitted by sap and insect vector like Aphis.
Cowpea yellow mosaic: This disease is transmitted by white fly (Bemisia tabaci). The
symptoms first appear in the form of irregular bright yellow in color and covered the
entire leaf lamina.
Control: i) Use of virus free seed, ii) Cultivation of virus resistant/ tolerant varieties, iii)
Removal of infected plants, iv) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 20 kg/ ha in the soil before
sowing, and v) Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre water.
CUCUMBER
Botanical Name : Cucumis sativus L.

Family : Cucurbitaceae
Origin : India
Cucumber is an important summer vegetable commonly grown throughout India.
Its plant has a climbing or trailing habit. ‘Cucumis hardwiskii’ is the progenitor of
cucumber.
The tender fruits are eaten raw or with salt in salad. They are also used as cooked
vegetable. It is reported that the oil exacted from seeds is good for brain and body.
Drinking of water immediately after eating cucumber should be avoided, as it sometimes
causes severe indigestion.
Cucumber is a warm season crop. It grows best at a temperature range between 18
°
and 24 C. It does not withstand even light frost.
It can be grown in all types of soil from sandy to heavy soils but loam, silt loam
and clay loam soils are considered best for getting higher yield. The soil pH between 5.5
and 6.7 is favorable for its cultivation. Plough the field four times and form long channels
at 1.5 m apart.
Varieties
Pusa Sanyog ICAR-IARI, F1 hybrid between Japanese Gynoecious Line and
New Delhi Green Long Naples. Early and high yielding variety.
Pusa Uday -do- Suitable for throughout the year in north Indian
plains. Yield is 15-16 t/ha.
Pusa Barkha -do- Tolerant to high temperature, humidity and downy
mildew disease. Yield obtain 17-18 t/ha.
Pusa Seedless -do- First extra early variety of parthenocarpic gynoecious
Cucumber-6 suitable for cultivation in protected condition.
Japanese Long ICAR-IARI, Introduced from Japan. Fruits are long, green skin
Green RS, Katrain and fleshy. It is an early variety matures in 45 days.
Straight-8 -do- This is an early variety and suitable for hills.
Swarna Ageti ICAR-RCER, Slicing type variety and tolerant to powdery mildew.
Patna
Swarna Sheetal -do- Slicing type variety and tolerant to powdery mildew.
Swarna Poorna -do- Tolerant to powdery mildew disease.
Pant Shankar GBPUAT, Fruits are abount 20 cm long, cylindrical and green
Khira-1 Pantnagar with light strips.
Pant Khira-2 & -do- This is parthenocarpic type variety
3
Khira-75 YSPUHF, Local selection. Fruits are green, cylindrical and
Solan long.
Khira-90 -do- A local selection and first picking after 90 days.
Sheetal BSKKV, It gives about 25-30 t/hectare fruits. This variety is
Dapoli suitable for high rainfall areas.
Himangi MPKV, Rahuri Developed by selection from the cross Poinsett x
Kalyanpur Ageti. Fruits are white in colour and
resistant to bronzing. Average yield is 16 t/ha.
Phule Shubangi -do- It is tolerant to powdery mildew.
Phule Prachi -do- Gynoecious F1 hybrid. Fruits are straight and longer.
Phule Champa -do- Gynoecious F1 hybrid suited to the tropical
conditions. It is recommended for open field as well
as green house condition. Average yield is 38 t/ha.
Poinsette Introduced This variety is resistant to downy mildew, powdery
from USA mildew, anthracnose and angular leaf spot.
Sowing time
Summer crop: January-February
Rainy crop: June-July
In hills: April
Seed rate
2.5-3.0 kg/ ha
Sowing method
Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens @
10 g/kg or Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg of seeds before sowing. The seed is sown by dibbling
method at a distance recommended distance and in polybagsone per bag for gap filling.
Two to three seeds are sown in each pit. Make the layout in ring and basing method.
Spacing
1.5-2.5 m x 60-90 cm
Farmyard manure @ 40 tonnes/ha should be added at the time of soil preparation.
Apply Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria @ 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonoas @ 2.5 kg/ha
along with FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg before last ploughing. Added 50 kg N
and 25 kg P/ha should be given as a basal dose. The half dose of N and full phosphorus
should be given at the time of sowing seeds and remaining half N should be given 30
days after sowing.
Irrigate the field before dibbling the seeds and thereafter once a week. No
irrigation is given in rainy season crop.
Shallow cultivation should be given during the early stages of growth to control
the weeds. Spray pre-emergence weedicide like Fluchloralin @ 1 kg or Metalachlor @
0.75 kg a.i./ ha on third day of sowing.
Harvesting
Harvest can be done 45 days after sowing. Delay harvesting deteriorates the fruit
quality and appearance. On an average 8-10 harvests can be done.
Yield
10-12 t/ha
WATERMELON
Botanical Name : Citrullus lanatus (Thumb)

Origin : Kalahari desert of South Africa
Watermelon is a scrambling and trailing vine in the flowering plant. It is grown in
tropical and sub-tropical areas worldwide for its large edible fruit, which is a special kind
of berry with a hard rind and no internal division, botanically called a ‘pepo’. Red colour
of watermelon is due to lycopene and anthocyanin. The progenitor of watermelon is
‘Citrullus colocynthis’.
Watermelon is a source of the potent carotenoid antioxidant, lycopene. They are
able to oxidise cholesterol, making it stick to blood-vessel walls, where it can lead to
heart attacks, strokes, asthma attacks and colon cancer cells. The amino
acid ‘Citrulline’ is produced in rind.
Watermelon requires hot dry climate and a long growing season preferably with
warmer days and cooler nights. It cannot withstand frost. The best average temperature
range for plant growth is 28-30°C, while fruiting is better at 24-27°C. Temperatures above
35°C or below 10°C will slow the growth and maturation of the crop. Higher
temperatures are beneficial during ripening. Arid regions of Rajasthan are best suited for
production of quality fruits.
It grows best in sandy loam or silt loam soils with non-saline. Clay soils are
generally avoided for watermelon culture, but they can be productive if irrigated and to
allow good drainage between irrigations. The soil should have a pH of 5.8 to 6.6. Fields
should be prepared thoroughly by ploughing and harrowing and removing the different
types of plant debris. It should also be pulverized and leveled then furrows are made 2.0
m apart.
Varieties
Sugar Baby ICAR-IARI, This variety is introduced from USA. It is a high
New Delhi yielding and red flesh variety.
Pusa Bedana F1 -do- It is a triploid seedless (3x) hybrid crossing between
Tetra-2 (4x) and Pusa Rasal (2x).
Arka Akash F1 ICAR-IIHR, Very good taste with TSS of 12-13%. Fruit yield 65
Bengaluru to 70 t/ha. Good keeping and transport qualities.
Arka Aiswarya F1 -do- Good keeping and transport quality. Yield 75-80t/ha.
Arka Jyoti F1 -do- F1 hybrid between IIHR-20 and Crimson Sweet. It’s
well under south as well as north Indian conditions.
Arka Manik -do- Crossing between IIHR-21 and Crimson Sweet. It is
resistant to powdery mildew, downy mildew,
tolerant to anthracnose and blossom-end rot.
Arka Madhura -do- Triploid seedless variety, longer shelf life and
transport quality and suitable for year round
production under protected condition.
Arka Muthu -do- TSS ranging from 12 to 14%. Fruit yield 55-60 t/ha.
Thar Manak ICAR-CIAH, Early, drought hardy and suitable for cultivation in
Bikaner arid regions during rainy season.
Fuken CCSHAU, It has high TSS and good for transport.
Hisar
Durgapura RARI, It is selection from local cultivar. High yielding, pink
Meetha Durgapura flesh, light green rind and fruit weight is 6-8 kg.
Durgapura Kesar -do- It is selection from local cultivar. High yielding and
yellow fleshed variety.
Durgapura Lal -do- It has unlobed leaf marker.
Asahi Yamato Introduction It is early and high yielding cultivar with red flesh
from Japan and dark green rind.
New Hampshire Introduction This is suitable variety for home garden.
Midget from USA
Improved Shiper -do- Skin is dark green and light red flesh.
Sowing time
Northern plains: Mid February
River beds: November-January
Seed rate
3.5-5.0 kg/ha
Sowing method
Field planting is carried out by direct seed sowing in the field or use
of containerised seedlings. Where plastic mulch is used, direct seeding machines on water
wheel planters are used, punching the seed or seedlings directly through the plastic
mulch. Pre-germinated seed may be used to replant any that do not germinate. The seeds
take 5-14 days to germinate; soil temperature should be at least 11°C at time of planting.
Spacing
In plains: 2.5-3.5 m
In hills: 90-120 cm
Apply FYM 20 tonnes/ha, 75-100 kg N, 60 kg P and 50 kg K/ha as basal dose at
the time of field preparation. No need to fertilizer at the flowering stage. Apply
Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria @ 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonoas @ 2.5 kg/ha along with
FYM 50 kg and neem cake 100 kg before last ploughing.
Although watermelon is a deep-rooted crop able to tolerate a significant degree of
soil moisture stress, peak production requires timely irrigation. Water can be applied to
the crop through overhead, furrow or drip irrigation. Drip irrigation enables the most
efficient use of available water and with fertigation.
Watermelons do not require much attention on interculture. In early stage the beds
and ridges should be kept free from weeds. At the time of top dressing of nitrogenous
fertilizer, weeding, hand hoeing and earthing up are done. Depending upon soil and
environmental factors, 2-3 weedings would be required. Application of Simazine,
Dichlormate, Propanil and Butachlor as post sowing and pre-emergence treatments are
effective. However, Butachlor @ 2.0 kg/ha and Ttrifluralin @ 1-2 kg/ha are also
effective.
Harvesting
Watermelons should be harvested at proper stage of maturity. Harvesting usually
begins 3-4 months after planting. Fruits are harvested when it produces heavy dull sound
upon tapping or the fruits surface on the ground level produces light yellow colour are the
harvest index for watermelon. The drying of tendril at the base of the fruit is also a sign
of maturity.
Yield
25-30 t/ha
MUSKMELON
Botanical Name : Cucumis Melo L.

Origin : Sahara desert of South Africa
Muskmelon is an important crop cultivated through India and it is often called
cantaloupes in the United States. It is used as desert fruit and also eaten alone. Very
rarely it is used cooked vegetable in its green stage.
Muskmelon is a source of polyphenol antioxidants; provide certain health benefits
to the cardiovascular and immune system by regulating the formation of nitric oxide, a
key chemical in promoting health of the endothelium and prevention of heart attacks.
Muskmelons are a good source of Vitamin A, B, C and minerals (Ca, P, K, Fe) and
provide a wholesome food.
Muskmelons are warm season crops that grow best at average air temperatures
between 18 and 24°C. It is best to plant growth when the soil temperature is at least 15 to
18°C. Temperatures above 35°C or below 10°C will slow the growth and maturation of
the crop. It is highly susceptible to frost. High temperature and sunshine produce high
sugar contents in melon.
It is mainly grown on sand and sandy-loam soils on river bed. But other type of
soil is also favorable for its cultivation. The optimum soil PH is 6.0 to 6.7. The land is
prepared thoroughly by repeated ploughing.
Varieties
Pusa Sharbati ICAR-IARI, Developed cross between Kutana and PMR-6. High
New Delhi yield, round shape and good keeping quality variety.
Pusa Rasraj F1 -do- Cross between M3 and Durgapura Madhu. TSS is
11-12% and utilization of monoecious line.
Pusa Madhuras -do- High yielding with 12-14% TSS. It has poor keeping
quality. Moderately resistant to Fusarium wilt.
Pusa -do- Fruit is ovate to obovate shape, green colour and
Madhurima crispy flesh. TSS is 12%.
Arka Jeet ICAR-IIHR, High yield, white flesh, high TSS contains 12-14%
Bengaluru and rich in vitamin C. Resistant to Fusarium wilt.
Arka Rajhans -do- High yielding and white flesh cultivar. It is highly
resistant to powdery mildew.
Kashi Madhu ICAR-IIVR, It have long storage capacity and good
Varanasi transportability with tolerant to powdery and downy
mildew disease.
Hisar Madhur CCSHAU, Early, round fruits and deep red colour rind with
Hisar 8.5% TSS. Resistant to powdery mildew disease.
Hisar Saras -do- Tolerant to downy mildew disease.
Punjab Sunheri PAU, Ludhiana The variety developed cross between Hara Madhu x
Edisto. Moderately resistant to Fusarium wilt.
Punjab hybrid -do- First F1 hybrid developed by crossing of male sterile
line MS1 and Hara Madhu.
Hara Madhu -do- This cultivar doesn’t slip stage at maturity.
Punjab Rasila -do- It is developed cross by Phoot and Indian cultivar. It
is resistant to powdery mildew and downy mildew.
Durgapura RARI, Very early, more yield, green flesh and fruits are
Madhu Durgapura oblong in shape. TSS contains 14%. Resistant to
Fusarium wilt.
RM-43 -do- It have good keeping quality and transportability.
Resistant to powdery mildew and root rot.
MHY-3 -do- This variety is resistant against powdery mildew,
downy mildew and root rot.
Sowing time
In plains: November-March
In South India: November- December
In hills: April-May
Seed rate
2.5-3 kg/ha
Sowing method
i). Shallow Pit Method: In this method pits of 60 x 60 x 45 cm are dug at a
distance of 1.5 to 2.5 m. each pit is filled with a mixture of soil and 4 to 5 kg of FYM in
compost, 30-40 g Urea, 40-50 g SSP and 80-100 g of MOP. After filling the pit circular
basin are made and five to six seeds are sown per basin at 2 to 3 cm deep and covered
with fine soil, FYM or compost.
ii). Deep Pit Method: This method is followed in case of river bed cultivation.
Circular pits of 60-75 cm diameter and 1.0-1.5m depth are dug at a distance of both ways.
iii). Ridge Method: The seeds are sown on the side of raised beds.
iv). Mound Method: The seeds are sown on the mounds. The normal spacing is
row to row 300 cm and plant to plant 90 cm. The germination percent and the storages
life of seed can be improved by treating freshly extracted seeds with 2% HCL or NaOH.
Apply well rotten FYM @ 15-20 tonnes/ha at the time of soil preparation. The
optimum dose of fertilizer is 80 kg N, 40 kg P and K is recommended. Half dose N, full
dose of P and K should be applied at the time sowing. Remaining half nitrogen applied
one month after transplanting.
Irrigation is given as and when it is necessary.
Two or three hoeing may be done during the early stage of growth to keep down
the weeds and to conserve soil moisture. Two or three plants are kept on place in the hills
or beds by thinning the extra plant.
Harvesting
Muskmelon fruit will be ready for picking in about 110 days depending upon
variety and agro-climate. The stage of maturity is generally judged by the change is the
external colour of fruit, softening of the rind and development of abscission layer. In
muskmelon, when fruit are mature slips out easily from vine.
Yield
100-150 q/ ha
KACHRI
Botanical Name : Cucumis melo var. callosus
Family : Cucurbitaceous
Origin : India
Kachri is an annual, seasonal and vining climber plant. The traditional cultivation
is doing in present time at Bikaner, Nagaur, Churu, Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer, Bhilwara,
Sikar, Jaipur and Sri Ganganagar of Rajasthan state thus other some state Punjab and
Haryana doing successful cultivation. In the present time the approximately sowing area
is 1500-2000 ha/year. Kachri is a cross pollinated in nature. Anthesis time is 5.0-10 AM.
The temperature range between 22-30°C should be at the time of pollination.
Moisture 88.25 g Energy 47.24 kcal
Fiber 1.2 g Calcium 0.09 mg
Kachri is requires warm season and the plant grown mostly in arid and semi-arid
climatic region. It is successful cultivation in summer and rainy season. Maximum
temperature requires for seed germination between 25-35°C and germination of seed 3-4
days after sowing. Higher vegetative growth and fruit set requires 32-38°C. It can also be
successfully cultivated at 45-48°C temperature.
It is grown sandy loam to clay loamy soil with good water drainage for higher
yield. The best pH should be 6.5-8.5. The field is deep ploughed two to three times before
sowing of kharif crops and to make fine tilth. Mixed the farmyard manure before one
week of sowing and finally level the field.
Varieties
AHK-119 ICAR-CIAH, This variety is mostly used for making vegetable,
Bikaner chutney and pickle. The fruits have small in size and
round fruits.
AHK-200 -do- The variety is used as vegetable and salad. The
fruits are medium in size and light-yellow colour.
Sowing time
Kharif season: June-July
Zaid season: February-March
Seed rate
0.8-1.0 kg/ha
Sowing method
After the field prepared channels or pits are taken at specified distance. Usually,
channels are of 1.5-2.0 m distance and 50-60 cm width. Three to four seed are sown in
channels at 50 cm x 50 cm spacing and light watering till germination. In the kud method
make deep kud between 2 m x 2 m distances.
Spacing
50 cm x 50 cm
Add well rotten farmyard manure @ 20-25t/ha is applied at the time of final land
preparation. In addition, a fertilizer dose of 80-100 kg N, 40-50 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O
are recommended. Half of N and full dose of P and K should be applied as basal dose.
Remaining dose of N should be applied at the time of vining and at fruit set stage.
The irrigation should be done at flowering and fruiting stages. Provide watering is
given at 6-7 days interval.
Hoeing and weeding are essential interculture operations in kachri. Weeding
should be done at 30 and 45 days after sowing. Application of weedicides like Butaclor
@ 2 kg a.i./ ha as pre-emergence spray.
Harvesting
Kachri is a short duration crop and become ready for harvesting in 65-70 days
after sowing and continues upto 110-120 days after sowing. Fully mature fruits are
harvested regular intervals when fruit colour changes from green to yellowish brown
color.
Yield
8-10 t/ha
BOTTLE GOURD
Botanical Name : Lagenaria siceraria (Molina) Standl.
Origin : Africa
Bottle Gourd (Syn: Calabash and white flowered gourd) is a very important
vegetable crop in India. It is being called calabash since its round bottle shaped. Bottle
gourd is being use all over the world commonly in Ethiopia, Africa, Central America and
other tropical and subtropical countries for food purpose and making containers and
music instruments.
The fruits at tender stage of bottle gourd are being used in food and beverage
preparations and at mature dried stage. It is also used for making vessels and floats for
fishing nets and musical instruments. It has medicinal properties used for treating
stomach disorders, constipation, Jaundice, night blindness, treating urinary infection,
control blood pressure and calms down mind. One glass of its juice in the morning can be
helpful in losing weight.
Moisture 96 g Energy 15 kcal
Bottle gourd is cultivated in tropical and sub-tropical areas around the world. This
crop requires a moderate warm temperature and also tolerant to winter but not frost. The
soil temperature for good crop growth should be 18-22°C.
Sandy loamy soils rich in organic matter with good drainage and the pH ranges
from 6.5 to 7.5 are suited for bottle gourd cultivation. Plough the field with disc harrow
first and cross plough with cultivator three times. Add manure in the field. After two
more ploughing and planking with cultivators, the field is ready for cultivation.
Varieties
Pusa Naveen ICAR-IARI, Fruits are perfectly cylindrical and straight
New Delhi without crook-neck. The weight of fruit is 800 g.
Pusa Santushti -do- Green and pear shape fruit. Fruit set under low
(10-12°C) as well as high temperature (35-40°C).
Pusa Samridhi -do- Fruits long without neck. Maturity in 50-55 days.
Pusa Sandesh -do- Fruits attractive, green and medium sized.
Pusa Meghdoot -do- F1 hybrid cross Pusa Summer Prolific Long and
Sel.-2. Fruits are long, light-green and attractive.
Pusa Manjari -do- It is round fruited F1 hybrid crossing between
Pusa Summer Prolific Long and Selection-11.
Pusa Hybrid-3 -do- It is very early in maturity. Yield upto 45-50 t/ha.
PSPL -do- Fruits are long and 40 to 50 cm length.
PSPR -do- Round in shape, with diameter of 15 to 18 cm.
Arka Bahar ICAR-IIHR, This variety is resistant to Blossom end rot.
Bengaluru
Kashi Bahar ICAR-IIVR, Straight cylindrical, greenish in colour with 30 to
Varanasi 35 cm length.
Kashi Ganga -do- It is tolerant to anthracnose.
Thar Samridhi ICAR-CIAH, This variety is suitable for hot arid conditions.
Bikaner
HBGH-35 CCSHAU, Best cooking quality with less incidence of
Hisar Anthracnose and Cercospora leaf spot disease.
GH-22 -do- Green colour fruits and longer shelf-life
Punjab Komal PAU, Ludhiana This variety is tolerant to mosaic diseases.
Punjab Long -do- It given yield upto 20 t/ha.
Punjab Round -do- Fruits are round-flat, tender and shining.
CO-1 TNAU, Fruits are with prominent bottleneck at the top.
Coimbatore Yields about 25-30 t/ha.
Pant Sankar GBPUAT, Fruits are long, cylindrical shape with 35 cm
Lauki-1 Pantnagar length.
Narendra Rashmi NDAUT, It is moderately tolerant to pumpkin beetle and
Faizabad powdery mildew and downy mildew disease.
Narendra Shivani -do- This is winter season variety and suitable for
kitchen garden.
NarendraMadhuri -do- Round fruited winter season type variety.
Samrat MPAU, Rahuri Greenish white colour and 30-40 cm long fruit.
Sowing time
January- March and June-July
Seed rate
4-5 kg/ha
Sowing method
A plant raise in pro-trays or polythene bags selectively, can be transplanted after
20-25 days growth in the main field. Before Sowing, soak the seeds in water for 12 to 24
hours to quick germination. Treat the seeds with 4 g Trichoderma Viridi or 10 g
Pseudomonas fluorescens or 2 g Carbendazim per kg of seeds before sown in the pits.
Sow three or four seeds and thin the seedlings after 15 days and removing weak
seedlings.
The seeds are sown directly in furrows or trenches or pits. Pits having 60 cm
diameter and 45 cm depth are formed. Fill the pits with farm yard manure and fertilizers
mix well and sow seeds at the rate of 3 to 4 for each pit. Seedlings are also transplanted in
the field at proper spacing.
Spacing
2.5 m x 2.0 m
Apply 15-20 tonnes/ha of FYM, 50-60 kg nitrogen, 40-60 kg phosphorous and
60-80 kg potash per hectare at the time of final land preparation and nitrogen should be
applied 2-3 split doses at the time of vining and initial fruit set stage. Apply Azospirillum,
Phosphobacteria @ 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonas @ 2.5 kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and
neem cake @ 100 kg before last ploughing.
Direct watering is done for 5 to 6 days after sowing continuously. Thereafter,
every alternate day during flowering and fruiting are initial stage for irrigation.
Weeding and hoeing are essential during application of fertilizers. Fruit rot during
rainy season can be checked by training the plants over the bamboo stick or dried
branches. Provide bamboo support for the veins to climb to the pandals. Auxiliary buds
are to be removed till the plant reaches the bower level. At this height just before the
bower, apical bud is removed at 10 cm below bower.
Crop regulation
Spray the plants twice at the 2 and 4 true leaf stage with Ethrel (100-150ppm),
Triodobenzoic acid (50ppm) and Boron (3-4ppm) to increase fruit set and more yield.
Harvesting
Fruits are harvested when they are at tender stage. Harvesting of Bottle gourd can
start after 55-60 days of sowing and can be continued at 3 to 4 days interval. During
harvesting, care should be taken to avoid injuries to fruits and veins while cutting the
fruits from the veins. While plucking the fruits leave a small bit of fruit stalk along with
the fruit.
Yield
Open pollinated varieties: 20 t/ha
F1 hybrid: 40-50 t/ha
BITTER GOURD
Botanical Name : Momordica charantia L.
Origin : India
Bitter gourd (Syn: Bitter cucumber, Balsam pear) is an important annual climber
vegetable and is grown for its immature fruits which have a unique bitter taste. The
‘Cucurbitacin’ a bitter glucoside may help in preventing spoilage in bitter gourd.
Bitterness of fruit is due to the presence of an alkaloid, Momordicin. It is widely grown in
India, Indonesia, Malaysia, China and Tropical Africa.
The fruits are rich in iron, Vitamin A, B, C and also good source of proteins and
minerals. Fruits are used after cooking and delicious preparations are made after stuffing
and frying. The fruits are making sliced, partially boiled with salt and dried under direct
sunlight and stored for months. Bitter gourd fruits have medicinal value and are used for
curing diabetes, asthma, blood diseases and rheumatism.
Bitter gourd is a warm season crop. An ideal temperature for its growth and
flowering is 25-30°C. Production of female flowers, fruit set and growth of plant are seen
affected above 35°C and will be susceptible to viral infections. The lower temperature
treatment (20°C) increased female flower production under short-day condition.
It can be grown all types of soils but well-drained, fertile sandy loam and silt loam
is ideal for the crop. The ideal pH is 6.5-7.0. Field is ploughed 3-4 times for fine tilth to
soil.
Varieties
Pusa Aushadhi ICAR-IARI, This variety is suitable for cultivation spring-
New Delhi summer season in the north Indian plains.
Pusa Vishesh -do- It is suitable for growing during summer season.
Fruits green, glossy, medium and thick.
Pusa Do Mausami -do- Fruits dark green, club like with 7-8 continuous
ribs.
Pusa Hybrid-1 -do- Fruits medium thick, long and gloss green and
yield obtain 20 t/ha in 120-130 days.
Arka Harit ICAR-IIHR, Fruits short, spindle shaped, green coloured with
Bengaluru smooth regular ribs and moderate bitterness.
Kashi Urvashi ICAR-IIVR, Suitable for cultivation under both rainy and
Varanasi summer seasons.
Punjab-14 PAU, Bushy plants and bear light green fruits with
Ludhiana average weight of 35g. Yield potential is 14 t/ha.
Pant Karela GBPUAT, This variety is highly resistant to red pumpkin
Pantnagar beetle.
Coimbatore Long TNAU, Extra long fruits (60-65 cm) with white colour
White Coimbatore and 15 t/ha yield.
Coimbatore Long -do- Extra long fruits (60 cm) with dark green colour.
Green
CO-1 -do- Fruits dark green with medium length and 100-
200 g weight/fruit. Yield gives 14 t/ha.
MDU-1 -do- Induced mutant with greenish white fruits and
length varies from 30-40 cm.
Priya KAU, Thrissur Extra long green spiny fruits with white tinge,
average fruit weight 235 g.
Preethi -do- Medium sized white fruits with spines, fruit
length 30 cm and fruit weight 290 g.
Priyanka -do- Large white spindle shaped fruits with smooth
spines, thick flesh and less seeds.
Kalyanpur CSAUAT, Yield is 20 t/ha in 120 days. This variety is
Baramasi Kanpur tolerant to fruit fly and mosaic.
Kalyanpur Sona -do- Fruits medium sized and green.
Konkan Tara BSKKV, Fruits green, prickly, medium long and spindle
Dapoli shaped. Average yield is 24 t/ha in 150 days.
Hirkani MPKV, Fruits dark green, long, spindle shaped with
Rahuri warts and prickles. Average yield is 14 t/ha.
Phule Green -do- It is tolerant to downey mildew.
Sowing time
In plains: January-March
In hills: April-May
Seed rate
4-5 kg/ha
Sowing method
Plough the land and pits of 60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth are made at a
spacing of 2.0 x 2.5 m. Compost or well rotten farmyard manure is applied in pits and
filled with top soil up to 3/4th height and 3-4 seeds are sown in each pit.
Spacing
Channels: 200-250 cm
Hills: 80-120 cm
In addition to 20-25 tonnes/ha of farmyard manure, a fertilizer dose of 50-100 kg
N, 40-60 kg P2O5 and 30-60 kg K2O/ha is recommended as basal dose. Apply one third
dose of N and full dose of P and K either just before sowing or 12-15 days after sowing.
Remaining fertilizers can be applied in 5-6 split doses at 15 days intervals.
The field should be irrigating immediately after seed sowing. Frequent irrigation
at 3-5 days interval especially at fruiting stage is necessary for high yield.
In bitter gourd, deep intercultural operations should be avoided because it is a
shallow-rooted crop. Hand weeding, hoeing and light earthing up should be done along with
application of fertilizers. Excess lateral branches pinched off for allowing plants to reach bower
height at the earliest stage.
Crop regulation
Application of Ethrel (150 ppm), silver nitrate (3-4 ppm) and CCC (50-100 ppm)
at 2-4 leaf stage increases the female flower and yield potential of bitter gourd.
Harvesting
Harvesting should be starts 55-60 days after sowing. Picking is done when fruits
are fully grown but still young and tender.
Yield
15-20 t/ha
SNAKE GOURD
Botanical Name : Trichosanthes anguina L.
Origin : India
Snake gourd is a popular vegetable known as Chachenda/Chichinda in Hindi. It is
widely cultivated in South and South-East Asia and grown northern parts of the country
in Gujarat, Maharashtra and South Indian states. T. cucumerina is an ancient cultivar and
occurs wild in India. Its fruits are small in size, highly bitter and have medicinal value. T.
anguina is a monoecious annual climber with small white flowers.
The fruits are good source of vitamin A and B. It improves the appetite, acts as a
tonic, stomachic and cures biliousness. It is also useful for people suffering from blood
pressure, heart diseases, rheumatism and psoriasis. Wild bitter forms are used in many
ayurvedic preparations.
Protein 0.5 g Vitamin A 95.5 IU
Snake gourd prefers tropical climate and high humidity for plant growth, fruit
formation and development. It cannot tolerant frost. The optimum temperature of 25-
30°C is good for normal growth and fruiting.
Snake gourd is grown mostly in loamy or sandy loam soil with well-drained and
rich in organic matter. The ideal is pH 6.0-7.0 for normal growth. Add manure after two
more plough and planking with cultivators, the field is ready for cultivation.
Varieties
Kaumudhi KAU, Thrissur Uniform white large fruits with acute tip, average
fruit length 100 cm and girth of fruit 29.4 cm.
Baby -do- Fruits suitable for easy handling and marketing.
Manusree -do- Uniformly white, medium and cylindrical fruits.
Yield upto 35 t/ha in 130-150 days.
CO-1 TNAU, Fruits 160-180 cm long and dark green with white
Coimbatore stripes. Yield gives 15-20 t/ha.
CO-2 -do- Short fruits and greenish white in colour. Average
yield is 30-35 t/ha.
PKM-1 - It is developed to induce mutant. Yield 25-30 t/ha.
MDU-1 - Fruits long, white stripes under green back ground.
APAU Swetha APAU, Fruits long with green stripes. Yield is 25-30 t/ha.
Hyderabad
Konkan Swetha BSKKV, This variety has long fruits (90-100 cm) and yield
Dapoli obtain 18-20 t/ha in 140-150 days.
Sowing time
Summer season: December-January
Seed rate
5-6 kg/ha
Sowing method
Seeds are treated with Thiram/ Captan @ 2g/kg seed are sown in hills made near
edge of raised sides of the channels or pits. Two to three seeds are sown at each hill.
Spacing
150-200 cm x 60-90 cm
Add 15-20 tonnes/ha of farmyard manure should be incorporated along with
nitrogen 40-60 kg, phosphorus 30-40 kg and potassium is applied. Half dose of nitrogen
should be top dressed when plants start vining and bearing.
The first light irrigation is given immediately after the sowing. For summer crop,
frequent irrigation at 4-6 days interval to maintain soil moisture level.
The crop vines are requires training on telephone/trellis system/pergola/pandal
system to have long, slender and straight fruits. The bower system of training is best for
this crop. Two to three hands weeding and earthing up in initial stage of plant is
recommended.
Harvesting
Fruits are harvested at immature stage starting from 75-80 days after sowing.
Usually harvesting is twice in a week and it continues for two months. Fully mature fruits
will be lighter, fibrous and hard and these kinds of fruits are not suitable for market.
Yield
20-25 t/ha
RIDGE GOURD
Botanical Name : Luffa acutangula Roxb.
Origin : India
SMOOTH GOURD
Botanical Name : Luffa cylindrical Roem.
Origin : India (Assam)
Ridge gourd commonly known as ’Kali tori’ and sponge gourd ’Ghiya tori’ are
important vegetables grown on a commercial scale and in kitchen gardens throughout
India. Both gourds belong to genus Luffa. Genus name was derived from the product
‘Loofah’ used as bathing sponges, scrubber pads, doormats, pillows, mattresses, cleaning
utensils, etc. The fruits are edible at tender stage.
Nutritive value of ridge gourd (per 100 g of edible portion) and use
Ridge gourd and sponge gourds have some medicinal uses. Both species contain a
gelatinous compound called ‘Luffein’. The sponge gourd fruits contain higher protein and
carotene than ridge gourd. Some round varieties of ridge gourd is also used for stuffing
purpose.
Nutritive value of sponge gourd (per 100 g of edible portion)
Carbohydrates 3g Iron 1.2 mg
Ridge gourd and smooth gourd are requires long warm season crops. The ideal
temperature requirement is 25-27oC for best production. Excessive rainfall during the
flowering and fruiting period to reduce the fruit yield and high temperature to restrict the
production of female flowers and fruit set.
Both the crops can be grown in all types of soil but loam or sandy loam soil with
fertile well-drained, rich in humus and high amount of organic matter content are best.
The pH range should be 6.0-7.5. Prepared the land to obtain fine tilth by plough or
harrow to facilitate quick and better germination.
Varieties-Ridge gourd
Pusa Nasdar ICAR-IARI, Early, club shape fruits, light green in colour, 18-20
New Delhi fruits per plant, yield obtain 15-16 tonnes/ ha.
Pusa Nutan -do- It is tolerant to yellow mosaic virus
Arka Sumeet ICAR-IIHR, Fruits are light green, cylindrical, long (60 cm) and
Bangaluru delicate aroma. First harvest 55-60 days.
Arka Sujat -do- This variety is tolerant to downy mildew disease.
Arka Prasan -do- Excellent cooking quality, nutritionally rich in
antioxidant activity and minerals.
Arka Vikram F1 -do- Excellent cooking quality, nutritionally rich in
antioxidant activity and minerals.
Thar Karni ICAR-CIAH, Tolerant to high temperature and mosaic disease
Bikaner under field conditions.
Hisar Kalitori CCSHAU, Tolerant to powdery mildew disease
Hisar
Punjab PAU, Fruits have long, ridged and slightly curved. The
Sadabahar Ludhiana fruits are rich in protein and 10-15 t/ha yield.
Pant Torai-1 GBPUAT, This variety is more suitable for rainy season. Fruits
Pantnagar are club shaped and yield produce 15 t/ha.
CO-1 TNAU, Early variety, fruits are long (60-75 cm). First
Coimbatore harvest in 55-60 days.
CO-2 -do- Fruits very long (90-100 cm), green with shallow
grooves. Yield obtain 25 t/ha in 130 days.
PKM-1 -do- Fruits dark green in colour. Yield upto 25-30 t/ha.
Satputia Bihar It is hermaphrodite cultivar and produces small fruits
in clusters (5-8 fruits). Obtain yield is 20-25 t/ha.
Konkan Harita BSKKV, Fruits dark green, long and tapering at both ends.
Dapoli
Swarna Manjari HARP, Ranchi It is tolerant to powdery mildew. Yield is 18-20 t/ha.
Swarna Uphar -do- The first harvest in 65-70 days.
Varieties-Sponge gourd
Pusa Chikni ICAR-IARI, Early variety; suitable for both spring-summer and
New Delhi rainy seasons. Fruits smooth and cylindrical shape.
Pusa Supriya -do- Suitable for spring-summer and rainy seasons.
Produce yield upto 10-12 t/ha.
Pusa Sneha -do- This variety is suitable for long distance
transportation.
Kashi Divya ICAR-IIVR, This variety is released by selection from a local
Varanasi landrace. Yield is 25 t/ha.
Phule Prajakta MPAU, Fruits are dark green in colour with medium sized.
Rahuri Obtain yield upto 12-15 t/ha.
Rajendra Nenua- RAU, Bihar It is resistant to fruit fly and fruit rot. Yield produce
1 25 t/ha.
Sowing time
Summer season: January-February
Seed rate
For ridge gourd: 3.5-5.0 kg/ha
For sponge gourd: 2.5-3.5 kg/ha
Sowing method
Both the crops are propagated by seeds. Seeds are sown in raised beds, furrows or
pits. Since seeds are with hard seed coat, it is advisable to soak seeds overnight in water
for quick and better germination. It is required to grow for both crops in hills and pits
under bower or trellis system.
Spacing
1.5-2.0 m x 1.0-1.5 m
FYM @ 15-20 tonnes/ha should be mixed at the time of field preparation. 40-60
kg N, 30-40 kg P and 30 kg K/ha should be applied as a basal dose for both the crops.
Full dose of P, K and half dose of N should be as basal dose and remaining dose of N
supply as top dressing.
The summer crop must be required regular irrigation. Light irrigation during rainy
season and 4-5 days interval during summer season requires both the crops.
Frequent hoeing and weeding is required. The first and second weeding should be
done 15-20 days and 20-25 days after the sowing, respectively.
Crop regulation
Application of NAA @ 200 ppm and Ethrel @ 250 ppm to increase the female
flower production for obtain higher yield significantly in ridge gourd and sponge gourd.
Harvesting
The crop is ready for harvest in about 60-70 days after sowing. Both crops are
picked at still immature stage. Over-mature fruits will be fibrous and are unfit for
consumption. To avoid over-maturity, picking is done at 3-4 days interval.
Yield
8-12 t/ha
PUMPKIN
Botanical Name : Cucurbita moschata Duch.
Origin : Mexico and Peru
Pumpkin (Syn: Butternut squash, Vegetable of immense value) is one of the
popular summer vegetables grown all over India on a commercial scale. This crop is
specially known for its low-cost of production, good keeping quality and adaptability to a
wide range of climatic conditions. Pumpkin is highly cross-pollination crop by
entomophilous like bees, beetles and moths. Type of fruit is pepo due to inferior ovary.
The Yerusseri prepared from immature fruits is very popular in Kerala.
The young leaves, flowers and fruits are rich in carotene, a precursor of vitamin
A. The flowers of pumpkin are more nutritive than fruits. The mature and ripened fruits
are processed for making halwa, jams and sweets. Fruits have diuretic and vermicidal
action.
Pumpkin is requires a longer growing, warm season and tolerates to higher and
lower temperatures than other cucurbits. It cannot withstand frost. The ideal temperature
for cultivation of pumpkin is 25-30°C. Above 40°C and below 15°C the plant growth and
yield will be suppressed.
Pumpkin is prefers a deep well drained fertile sandy loam or silt soil for optimum
growth and high yield. The best pH range should be 6.0-7.0. The field is ploughed four to
five times and to make fine tilth and furrows or pits are taken at specified spacing.
Furrows or pits are filled with farmyard manure, one week before seed sowing.
Varieties
Pusa Biswas ICAR-IARI, Fruits round, light brown, yellow flesh, average
New Delhi weight 5.0 kg and yield upto 40 t/ha.
Pusa Vikas -do- Fruits small, flat round, yellow flesh, average
weight 2.0 kg and yield gives 30 t/ha.
Pusa Hybrid-1 -do- Fruits are rounded flat and medium in size. Fruit
flesh is deep golden-yellow in colour.
Arka Chandan ICAR-IIHR, Fruits round, rind green, turn light brown, orange
Bengaluru flesh with rich in carotene.
Kashi Harit ICAR-IIVR, Fruits are green, spherical and fruit weight 2.5-3.0
Varanasi kg at green stage.
Thar Kavi ICAR-CIAH, Fruits are dark green to yellowish and creamy to
Bikaner orange colour pulp.
CO-1 TNAU, Fruits dark green at immature stage and turning
Coimbatore light brown on maturity and yellow flesh.
CO-2 -do- Small flat round fruits and yield gives 25-30 t/ha.
Ambili KAU, Thrissur Average fruit weight 6.0 kg. Yield upto 35 t/ha.
Suvarna -do- Weight of fruit 3.5 kg. Yield upto 37-40 t/ha.
Saras -do- Fruits elongate, orange fleshed and medium sized.
Fruit weight 2.7 kg and yield is 39 t/ha.
Solan Badami YSPUHF, This variety having small fruits and yield potential
Solan is 23-25 t/ha.
Sowing time
In NI plains: January-March and June-July
In NI hills: April-May
In Kerala: October
Seed rate
4-5 kg/ha
Sowing method
After the field prepared furrows or pits are taken at specified distance. Usually,
pits are of 45-60 cm diameter and 30-45 cm depth. Two seeds per hill are sown on both
sides of raised beds or furrows. In pits, 4-5 seeds are sown and pits are pot watered till
germination.
Spacing
Hills: 90-120 cm
Add well-rotten farmyard manure @ 20-25 tonnes/ha is applied at the time of
final land preparation. In addition, a fertilizer dose of 80-120 kg N, 50-100 kg P2O5 and
30-80 kg K2O are recommended. Full dose of P and K and half dose of N should be
applied as basal dose either just before sowing or 10 days after emergence of seedlings.
Remaining dose of N should be applied in two top dressings, one at the time of vining
and other at fruit set stage.
Irrigation is given at 4-5 days interval. The irrigation should be done at flowering
and fruiting stages. Hence, it may be restricted at vining stage to harden plants.
Weeding and hoeing may be done in furrows at least twice along with fertilizer
application. Application of weedicides like Butaclor @ 2 kg a.i./ ha as pre-emergence
spray.
Crop regulation
Gynoecious line is maintained by inducing flowers through spray of GA3 @
1500-2000 ppm and Silver nitrate @ 300-400 ppm induces maleness. Two sprays of
Etherel (150-200 ppm), GA3 (5-10 ppm), TIBA (25-50 ppm) and Boron (3 ppm) at 2 to 4
true-leaf stage promote number of female flowers.
Harvesting
Pumpkin is harvested at fully mature stage when fruit colour changes from green
to yellowish brown and when rind is thick. Fruits are also harvested at green stage for
local market. Pumpkin is ready for harvest 120-140 days after seed sowing.
Yield
20-25 t/ha
SUMMER SQUASH
Botanical Name : Cucurbita pepo L.

Origin : North-Eastern Mexico
Summer Squash (Syn: Vegetable marrow, Chappan kaddu, Zucchini) is one of the
earliest vegetables reaching market and its cultivation is confined to areas near markets. It
is also called Vilayati kaddu and ornamental cucurbits. This is grown in a limited scale in
Punjab, New Delhi and Uttar Pradesh.
The crop is cultivated for its tender fruits, which are available in different shapes,
colors and sizes for use as a cooked vegetable. Fruits when mature become very hard and
are unfit for consumption. Squash is good for immune health, heart health, asthma
patients, lungs, eyes; skin health and bone health with have anti-inflammatory, antiseptic,
antimicrobial, antifungal properties. It is help in diabetes and blood circulation.
Summer squash is a warm season crop. It does not tolerate frost. The plant can be
grown successfully between temperature ranges of 22-29°C. Seed germinate best at 28 to
32°C.
A well-drained sandy loam and clay loamy soil with high organic matter content
is best. The best pH range should be 5.5-6.5 and alkaline soils with high salt
concentration are not suitable. The field is ploughed four to five times in summer season
and to make fine tilth and furrows or pits are taken at specified spacing. Furrows or pits
are filled with farmyard manure, one week before seed sowing.
Varieties
Pusa Pasand ICAR-IARI, Fruits are attractive light green, shiny, uniform and
New Delhi weighing 70-80g with tender flesh.
Early Yellow ICAR-IARI, Bushy type early variety, medium size fruits, warty,
Prolific RS, Katrain tapering towards stem end, light yellow skin.
Australian -do- An early bush type variety. Fruits dark green with
Green white longitudinal stripes. Yield is 15-16 t/ha.
Pusa Alankar -do- An F1 hybrid between EC-207050 and Sel-1PI-8.
High yield 20-30 t/ha mature in 45-50 days.
Patty Pan ICAR-IIHR, This is an introduced variety from USA. It is a
Bengaluru chalky white coloured and disc shaped variety.
Punjab Chappan PAU, Tolerant to powdery mildew, downy mildew and
Kaddu-1 Ludhiana red pumpkin beetle. Yield gives about 20-25 t/ha.
Freedom - It is a transgenic variety. Resistant to Zucchini
virus.
Sowing time
In plains: February-March and June-July
In hills: April-May
Seed rate
4-5 kg/ha
Sowing method
Summer squash is sown in raised beds of 1.2-1.5 m width and seeds are sown at
90 cm apart. In summer season, make the 45x45x45 cm size pits and can also make dug
at a spacing of 1.0x1.0 m. In north India, it is sown in trenches. The seeds are directly
sown in the field.
Spacing
Hills: 60-90 cm
About 20-25 tonnes/ha of FYM should be applied at the time of soil preparation.
A fertilizer dose of 80-120 kg N, 50-100 kg P2O5 and 50-80 kg K2O are recommended.
Half dose of N and full dose of P and K should be applied as basal dose either just before
sowing. Rest of N dose should be applied in two top dressings, one at the time of vining
and another at fruit set stage.
Frequent irrigation should be applied at 10 days interval especially planting,
vegetative, and flowering and fruit set stage. Avoid irrigation after fruit maturity.
Two and three hand weeding and hoeing should be done frequently to check the
weed growth. Vine can be trained to grow on a trellis or fence.
Harvesting
The crop will be ready for harvest in about 60-80 days after sowing. Fruits should
be harvested at tender stage and are usually done at 3-4 days interval. At harvest stage, it
is 1/3 maturity. It is best to harvest the fruit with a part of the peduncle attached to
prolong storage life.
Yield
40-50 t/ha
WINTER SQUASH
Botanical Name : Cucurbita maxima Dutch.
Origin : Mexico and Peru
Winter squash is an annual fruit representing several squash species within the
genus Cucurbita. It differs from summer squash in that it is harvested and eaten in the
mature fruit stage when the seeds within have matured fully and the skin has hardened
into a tough rind. Winter squash are monoecious and cross-pollination nature by insects.
Winter squash is mostly cultivated in the United States for their food and feed
value. It is low-calorie and a good source of complex vegetable carbohydrates, dietary
fiber and iron. It is an excellent source of vitamin A, C and vitamin-B complex.
Protein 0.95 g Vitamin A 1,367 IU
Winter squash is requires warm season crop. It is a frost-tender plant; the seeds do
not germinate in cold soil. Seeds germinate best when the soil temperature is 21 to 35°C.
It is needs to emergence of seeds 5 to 10 days with adequate moisture.
Winter squash can be grown on most soils but avoid low, poorly drained soils.
Plant prefers sandy loams, well-drained, loose and fertile with high level of organic
matter and a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. Avoid potential soil-borne diseases and nematode
problems. Prepare the land to insure establishment of a uniform stand.
Varieties
Arka ICAR-IIHR, Fruits have good keeping quality and resistant to
Suryamukhi Bengaluru attack of fruit fly. Average yield is 35 t/ha.
Golden Delicious - It is used for processing purpose. It’s having
healthy vines and good quality fruits.
Pink Banana - This variety is ready for harvest 120 days after
sowing.
Sowing time
May-June and September-October
Seed rate
4-5 kg/ha
Sowing method
Instead direct seed ½ to 1 inch deep into hills or rows. Sow 4 to 5 seeds per hill.
Space hills about 4 to 8 feet apart, depending on the size of the fruit. In rows, sow seeds 6
to 12 inches apart in rows 4 to 8 feet apart. Snip-off plants to thin to one plant every 18 to
36 inches. Harden off by cutting back on water and reducing temperature before
transplanting.
Spacing
Hills: 100-120 cm
Add 20-25 tonnes/ha of well-rotten FYM or compost should be applied at field
preparation. A fertilizer dose of 80-120 kg N, 50-100 kg P2O5 and 50-80 kg K2O are
recommended. Half dose of N and full dose of P and K should be applied as basal dose
just before sowing. Remaining of N dose should be applied in two top dressings, one at
the time of vining and at fruit set stage.
Winter squash require uniform irrigation for optimum growth and yield. Reduce
irrigations as fruit reach harvest stage. The critical stage of irrigation is at flowering and
fruiting stages. Irrigation is given at 6-7 days interval.
Mulching is an important operation because its helps retain moisture and suppress
weeds. Black plastic mulch can spread growth, especially in cool, short-season areas. Use
row covers to protect plants early in the season and to prevent insect problems. Hand
weeding and hoeing may be done in the field for obtain quality and better yield.
Harvesting
Winter squash is harvested fully mature whenever the fruits have turned a deep,
solid color and the skin is hard. Most winter squash is harvested in September or October
months before the danger of heavy frosts.
Yield
20-25 t/ha
Insect-pests
Fruit-fly (Bacterocera cucurbitae): This is a major pest of cucurbits and infestation is
more during rainy season. Maggots feed inside the young fruits and cause rotting.
Control: Spray Thiodan 35 EC @ 2ml/litre of water.
Red Pumpkin Beetle (Aulacophora foveicollis): The beetles eat at cotyledon stage of
crop. Grubs feed on underground stem and root portion causing holes and result in drying
up of plants.
Control: i) Application of Furadan 5G @ 5 g/plant at 3-4 cm deep in the soil before three
days planting, and ii) Spraying neem seed oil @ l0ml/litre at 7 days interval.
Epilachna beetle (Epilachna seplima): It is a serious pest of bitter gourd and snake
gourd. Adult flies feed on foliage causing holes and defoliation.
Control: Spray Carbaryl @ 2g/litre of water.
Aphids (Aphis gossypii): Aphids suck sap from leaves causing crinkling of leaves. It also
transmits mosaic virus.
Control: Spray Malathion 50 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/litre.
Leaf hopper (Amrasca biguttula biguttula): Green colour hopper and its nymphs are
seen in large numbers on under surface of leaves and suck sap causing typical hopper
burn symptoms.
Control: Spray of Imidachloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre.
Red spider mites (Tetranychu cinnabarinus): This pest is serious in muskmelon and
watermelon. Both nymphs and adults suck the sap and infested leaves turn yellow and
fall of prematurely.
Control: Spray of Diazinon or Kelthane or Propragite @ 2 ml/litre of water.
Diseases
Powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea): White to circular patches or spots on the
surface of leaves followed by spread on the all parts of the plants.
Control: Spray of Karathane (5g/l) or Carbendazim (1g/l) or Sulfex (2g/l) are effective.
Downy mildew (Pseudoperonospora cubensis): This disease is prevalent in high
humidity area. The symptoms appear as water-soaked lesion on under surface leaves.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre water.
Anthracnose (Colletotrichum lagenarium): The symptom appears on young fruits in the
form of numerous water-soaked depressed oval spots.
Control: i). Treating seeds with Carbendazim @ 25 g/ kg of seed, and ii) Spray Indofil
M-45 @ 3g/litre or Carbendazim @ 1g/litre at 10 days intervals.
Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum): The older plants wilt suddenly and vascular
bundles at the collar region show brown discolouration.
Control: Hot water treatment of seeds at 55oC for 15 minutes.
Alternaria blight/ fruit rot (Alternaria cucumerina): This is a serious disease under
warm and humid conditions. Symptoms appear as yellow spots on leaves which turn
brown and finally turn black on aging.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre of water at 10 days interval.
Mosaic: Mosaic yellow mottling, curling, twisting, distortion of leaves, shortening of
internodes and stunting of plant growth are common symptoms.
Control: i) Seed treat with hot water at 55oC for 60 minutes or hot air at 70oC for 2 days,
and ii) Spray of Imidacloprid @ 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre water to control vectors.
Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita): Galls are formed on the roots which stop
the development of roots and results in poor, patchy and reduced growth of crop. The
symptoms include premature leaf fall, wilting, yellowish leaves, reduce size and finally
plants die.
Control: i) Fumigate the soil with Nemagon @ 20-25 kg/ha, ii) Apply Neem cake @ 25-
30 q/ha in soil before sowing, and iii) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg a.i./ha at the time of
transplanting.
AMARANTHUS
Botanical Name : Amaranthus spp.
Family : Amaranthaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n=32, 34, 64
Origin : India
Amaranth is the most common leaf vegetable grown during summer and rainy
seasons in India especially inKerala and Tamil Nadu. It has eight different species and
Chhoti chauli (A. blitum) and Badi chauli (A. tricolor) are mainly grown in India. Short
duration, high yield, easiness in cultivation, availability of diverse types suited to specific
agro-climatic situations, quick response to Nutrient requirement make it a favourite crop
of farmers to fit in any cropping systems. Both leaf and grain types play a vital role to
malnutrition of poor people.
Leaves and succulent stem are good sources of iron, calcium, vitamin A and C.
Absorption of calcium from amaranth is poor. High oxalate content and nitrate levels are
reported from leaves of various species.
Fat 1g Vitamin C 99 mg
Carbohydrates 19 g Iron 25.5 mg
Amaranthus is widely cultivated in both tropical and sub-tropical regions. Leaf
amaranth is a warm season crop adapted to hot and humid climatic conditions. Most of
leaf types are day neutral in habit but grain types are short day species. Red amaranth
requires bright sunlight for colour development.
Amaranth comes up in all types of soils but well-drained sandy loamy soil is the
best. The ideal pH is 5.5-7.5 but can be grown with high soil pH 10.0. Land is prepared to
a fine tilth by thorough ploughing and harrowing. Well decomposed and powdered
organic matter @ 20-25 tonnes/ha is incorporated with the soil at the time of final
ploughing.
Varieties
Varieties Source Salient features
Pusa Chotti ICAR-IARI, This is quick growing variety with dwarf plants.
Chauli New Delhi Suitable for cultivation in summer and rainy season.
Pusa Badi Chauli -do- This variety is best suitable for summer season.
Pusa Lal Chauli -do- Suitable for sowing in both spring-summer and kharif
season in the plains. Stem and leaf ratio is 1:5.
Pusa Kirti -do- Stem is green and soft. Suitable for summer season.
Pusa Kiran -do- Suitable for rainy season. The stem to leaf ratio is 1:5.
Arka Arunima ICAR-IIHR, It is grown in kharif and rabi-summer seasons. Field
Bengaluru tolerant to white rust. Yield upto 24 t/ha.
Arka Suguna -do- Moderate resistant to white rust. Yield of fresh green is
27-28 t/ha.
Arka Samraksha -do- It is pulling type variety having high antioxidant
activity and minimum nitrate and oxalate content.
Arka Varna -do- It is pulling type variety having high antioxidant.
Arun KAU, Maroon red colour leaves, multi-cut variety and high
Thrissur yielding potential.
Krishna Shree -do- Red amaranth evolved through selection. High
nutritive value and low anti-nutritional factors.
Renu Shree -do- Green amaranth evolved through selection. Having
purple stem with low anti-nutritional factors.
CO-1 TNAU, Ready to harvest 30-35 days after sowing. Yield
Coimbatore potential is 12 t/ha. Resistant to leaf spot disease.
CO-2 -do- This variety has 1.8 ratio of leaf to stem.
CO-3 -do- Green type variety, multi-cut and high leaf-stem ratio.
CO-4 -do- This is dual purpose variety useful for grain and leaf.
CO-5 -do- It is induced tetraploid variety.
Sowing time
Throughout the year except May-June month
Seed rate
Transplanted crop: 1.0-1.5 kg/ha
Direct sowing: 2.0-2.5 kg/ha
Sowing method
Transplanted method: This is mainly practiced for multi-cut varieties. About
20-25 days old seedlings, already raised in nursery are transplanted in trenches at 20-25
cm x 10-15 cm spacing.
Direct sowing: For direct sowing, field is divided into small plots of about 3.0-
3.6 m long and 1.5-1.8 m width. Amaranth seeds being small in size are mixed with fine
sand and sown uniformly by broadcasting. The seeds are covered either by raking up soil
and by covering with a thin layer of soil. Soil is kept moist by frequent irrigation. Grown
up seedlings are selectively pulled out at 30 days after sowing and marketed in small
bundles along with roots. Seedlings so that second pulling out are possible 10-15 days
after first pulling. This is repeated so that final pulling is over by 55-60 days after sowing.
Spacing
20 cm x 15 cm
Amaranth is a heavy feeder and high yielding crop. 20-25 tonnes of FYM and
50:30:20 kg NPK/ ha are recommended as basal dose. Under pulling out method, 20 kg N
should be top dressed twice during subsequent pulling out of seedlings. Apply N after
every clipping or cutting. Foliar spray of 1% urea at every harvest is good for promote
growth and high yield.
Grain amaranth is a drought tolerant crop but leaf amaranth requires frequent
irrigation to keep soil moist. Light frequency of irrigation is depends on the type of soil.
Amaranth is a short duration and shallow rooted crop. Provide light hoeing to
prevent soil crust formation after irrigation and to keep soil loose. Field also should be
kept free from weeds, especially during initial stages.
Harvesting
Amaranth is harvested early in the morning by pulling out or by clipping. In the
first method, grown up plants are pulled out at 30, 45 and 55 days after sowing along
with roots, washed and sent to market in small bundles. In multi-cut method, first cutting
is done 25-35 days after sowing. Subsequent leaves cutting of plants are made at weekly
intervals.
Yield
6-8 t/ha fresh leaves
PALAK
Botanical Name : Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis (Roxb.)

Origin : Indo-China region
Palak is known as spinach beet or beet leaf and is one of the most common leafy
vegetable. It is primarily used as potherb. Popular palak growing states include Uttar
Pradesh, Rajasthan, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Gujarat. However, palak is not very
popular in South India.
Palak is a rich source of vitamin A and C and also contains appreciable amount of
protein, calcium and iron. The leaves contain low oxalic acid.
Spinach beet is grown in tropical and sub-tropical regions. It is a winter season
cropand can be growth throughout the year under mild temperature conditions. It can
tolerate frost better than other vegetables.
Palak can be grown on any type of soil but sandy loam soil is most suitable.
Although, it can tolerate slightly-alkaline soil; high yields of better quality greens are
produced in neutral soils having a pH of 6.5-7.0.
Varieties
Pusa Harit ICAR-IARI, Cross between Sugar beet x Local Palak. High in
New Delhi vitamin A and tolerant to alkaline soil condition.
All Green -do- High yield, late bolting variety and 6-7 cuttings.
Pusa Palak -do- Cross Swiss Chard x Local Palak. Green and late
bolting
Pusa Jyoti -do- It is polyploid variety, dark green leaves, thick,
succulent and crisp type variety.
Pusa Bharti -do- Green leaves, rich vitamin A and C and High yielding
Arka Anupama ICAR-IIHR, Resistant to Cercospora leaf spot under field
Bengaluru conditions. First picking at 35 days after sowing.
Punjab Selection PAU, Light green, smooth leaves, slightly sour, purple
Ludhiana pigment.
Punjab Green -do- Slow bolting and low oxalic acid.
Pant Composite GBPUAT, Resistant to Cercospora leaf spot
Pantnagar
Jobner Green SKNAU, Evolved by spontaneous mutant; Grow on alkaline
Jobner soils.
Banerjee Giant West Bengal Cross Local Palak x Sugar beet. Yield 15-20 t/ha.
Sowing time
Mid hills: July-September
High hills: March-June
Seed rate
Winter crop: 10-15 kg/ha
Summer crop: 25-30 kg/ha
Sowing method
Sowing can be done either by broadcast method or by line sowing. Line sowing is
more desirable as it facilities weeding, hoeing and harvesting. The fruit is seed ball
containing 2-3 seeds just like beet root.
Spacing
30 cm x 7.5 cm
Palak is a leafy vegetable; it requires more nitrogen for crown growth. About 25
tonnes of farmyard manure, along with 90 kg N and 30 kg P/ha. Apply whole P and half
of N at the time of soil preparation. The remaining half N may be applied in two split
doses, one after each cutting followed by a light irrigation.
Apply first irrigation immediately after sowing. Subsequent irrigations may be
given at an interval of 4-6 days during summer and 10-12 days during winter. However,
rainy season crop does not require much irrigation.
Hand weeding is still a common practice to control weed. Generally, 2-3 hoeing
cum hand weeding are required to control weed. It also helps to loosen soil for proper
aeration. Thinning is done to maintain proper plant spacing.
Harvesting
The crop will be ready for harvesting in about 3-4 weeks after sowing.
Subsequent cuttings should be taken at an interval of 20-25 days depending upon variety
and season. During summer, only one harvesting is recommended. Harvesting is not done
early in the morning because there is dew on the crop. After harvesting it is washed,
trimmed, graded and bunched before marketing.
Yield
20-25 t/ha
SPINACH
Botanical Name : Spinacia oleracea L.
Origin : Iran
Spinach is known as Vilayati palak and is not commonly grown in India except in
the hilly areas. The plant produces either only male or female flowers. Under warmer
conditions and long days it quickly tends to flower.
Spinach is a rich source of vitamin A, C and contain considerable amount of iron
and calcium. The leaves are mildly toxic, diuretic and stringent and are used in fevers,
inflammation of lungs, bones and hurried breathing.
Spinach is a cool season vegetable crop. The optimum temperature range for
better growth and development is 15-25°C. High temperature and long days cause bolting
and thus reduce the market value. Spinach cultivation is best in the hills and temperate
regions.
Fertile, well-drained with sandy loam soil is the best for spinach cultivation. It is
slightly tolerant to salinity. The ideal pH range is 6-7. Two to three times soil ploughed
followed by harrowing and planking.
Varieties
Virgina ICAR-IARI, Savoy type, prickly seeded, large dark green leaves with
Savoy New Delhi plants upright and vigorous in growth. Yield is 40 t/ha.
Early Smooth -do- Smooth leaf type, smooth round seeds, small light green
Leaf leavesand pointed tip.
Sowing time
In plains: September-October
In mid hills: March-June
In hills: July-September
Seed rate
35-45 kg/ha
Sowing method
Sowing of seeds in lines and broadcasting method. Generally line sowing is the
best for easy intercultural operations. Seed should be sown 1-2 cm deep for early
germination and light irrigation applied just after sowing. In the spinach, required high
seed rate because 50% produce male plants with poor growth and such plants cannot be
removed till the blooming time.
Spacing
30 cm x 10-12 cm
Incorporate 20-25 tonnes/ha well rotten FYM during field preparationand 50-70
kg N, 50 kg P and K per hectare at the time of top dressing. Half dose of N and full dose
of P and K should be applied at the time of planting. Remaining half dose of N should be
applied in two split doses as top dressing after 30 and 60 days after sowing.
Spinach is a shallow rooted crop; it is required 5-6 days and 8-10 days in summer
and winter, respectively.
Weeding and shallow hoeing are essential to control the weeds. Pre-emergence of
Methabenzthiazuron at 1.0 kg/ha for successfully control the weeds.
Harvesting
Spinach crop is ready for first cutting 3-4 weeks after sowing. Subsequent
cuttings should be made at 15 days interval. The crop gives 4 to 5 cuttings.Harvesting is
not done early in the morning because there is dew on the leaves of crop.
Yield
10-15 t/ha
Insect-pests
Aphid (Aphis spp.): Suck the sap from leaves and tender portion of the plants.
Leaf eating caterpillar (Laphyg maexiqua): The caterpillar make a hole in the leaves
and affect the quality.
Control: Spray Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre.
Diseases
Damping off (Pythium sp., Phytophthora sp., Rhizoctonia sp.): This is a major nursery
disease. The infected seedlings fall on the ground and finally die.
Control: i) Adequate drainage system in the nursery bed, ii) Drench nursery bed
with Captan or Thiram @ 0.4% after germination of seeds, iii) Fumigate the soil
with 7% Formalin, and iv) Treating the seed with Thiram or Captan @ 3g/kg seed.
Leaf spot (Phyllosticta chenopodii): Appearance of light yellow spots, shriveling and
drying of leaves.
Control: Spray Blitox @ 2g/litre of water.
White rust (Albugo occidentalis in spinach; A. bliti in amaranths): Appearance of yellow
patches and white blisters on the upper and lower surface of the leaves.
Control: i) Spray of Bordeaux mixture @ 1g/litre, and ii) Spray on the crop Indofil M-45
@ 2g/litre of water.
However, it is advisable to avoid the use of pesticide and fungicide in leafy
vegetables to the extent possible as leaves are the economic part.
CASSAVA
Botanical Name : Manihot esculenta (Crantz)
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Origin : North-Eastern Brazil
Cassava (Syn: Tapioca) is the most important starchy root crop grown in the
tropics and southern peninsular India. Introduced during 17th century by Portuguese, the
crop played a significant role to overcome food shortage among the low income group of
people in Kerala. Underground tuber is rich in starch and mainly consumed after cooking.
In India crop is cultivated in southern peninsular region, particularly Kerala, Tamil Nadu
and Andhra Pradesh contributing 93% of area and 98% of production in the country.
Bitterness is due to a bitter principle cyanogenic glucoside (HCN).
Processed products like chips, sago and vermicelli made of tapioca are popular in
the country. Being easily digestible, it forms an important ingredient in poultry and cattle
feed. It is also widely used for production of industrial alcohol, starch and glucose.
Cassava tubers free from gluten. The gluten-free starch used in special food preparations
for celiac disease patients.
Cassava is a both tropical and subtropical crop tolerant to drought and cannot
withstand frost. It is grown in altitudes up to 2000 m, but performance is better in lower
altitudes. Optimum temperature is 25-30°C, whereas mean annual temperature below
20°C is harmful.
Cassava grows on all types of soils, but saline, alkaline and well-drained soils are
not suitable. Crop is mainly grown in laterite soils to loan in Kerala and black and red
soils in Tamil Nadu. Land is ploughed or dug properly for loosening soil to a depth of 20-
25 cm. Mounds of 25-30 cm height are prepared in poorly drained soils. Ridges of 25-30
cm length are made in sloppy land for a rainfed crop and in leveled for irrigated crop.
Varieties
Sree Sahya ICAR-CTCRI, This is a multiple hybrid involving five
Thiruvananthapuram parents. Resistant to CMV.
Sree Vaisakham -do- Semi-branching hybrid with slightly yellow
fleshed tubers. Yield is 35-38 t/ha.
Sree Prakash -do- Highly tolerant to Cercospora leaf spot; yield
upto 35-40 t/ha in 7-8 months.
Sree Harsha -do- Tubers of good cooking quality and high
starch content (38-41%).
Sree Jaya -do- Brown skin and purple rind and have good
cooking quality; susceptible to CMD.
Sree Vijaya -do- Susceptible to mite and scale insect; yield
given 25-28 t/ha in 7 months.
Sree Rekha -do- Erect branching variety with excellent
cooking quality; susceptible to mites.
Sree Prabha -do- Semi-spreading with good taste and quality.
Nidhi KAU, Thrissur Tolerant to mosaic disease.
CO-1 TNAU, Coimbatore Tubers having whitish brown skin, creamy
rind and 35% starch; yield is 30 t/ha.
CO-2 -do- Suitable for consumption and industry.
CO-3 -do- A branching variety having tubers with brown
skin and 35.6% starch.
Co-4 -do- Field tolerant to Red spider mite and scales.
CO-5 -do- Starch content 26%, Resistant to CMD.
Sowing time
Irrigated crop: December-January
Rainfed crop: April-May
Seed rate
Stem cuttings known as stakes or setts
Sowing method
Sets (stem cuttings) 25-30 cm length are planted vertically in beds, mounds or
ridges to a depth of 5 cm. Care should be taken to avoid planting of sets inverted. Spacing
depends on branching pattern of varieties. Normally erect and non-branching varieties are
planted at 75 x 75 cm and branching or semi-branching varieties at 90 x 90 cm. In case,
sets are dried after planting, 5% of stakes may be planted as reserve in field, separately at
a closer spacing of 4 x 4 cm for gap filling after 20-25 days.
Spacing
Non-branching varieties: 75 cm x 75 cm
Branching varieties: 90 cm x 90 cm
Apply 125 tonnes of farmyard manure/ ha as basal dose. For high yielding
varieties, a fertilizer dose of 50 kg N, 50 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O /ha is recommended at
the time of land preparation. Apply second dose of fertilizer i.e, 50 kg N and 50 kg K2O,
45-50 days after planting along with weeding and earthing up. In short duration varieties,
fertilizer dose can be reduced to 75:50:75 kg NPK/ha.
Irrigation just after planting and then two frequent irrigations at an interval of 3-5
days are essential for better establishment of plants. However, to get more yield optimum
moisture level should be maintained through regular supply of water.
Pinching off excess sprouts emerging from sets is necessary in cassava
cultivation. This may be done 30-45 days after planting. Interculture operations are aimed
at removing weeds in early stages of crop and to improve physical condition of sets for
proper tuber development.
Harvesting
The crop is ready for harvesting in 10-11 months after planting. Short duration
varieties can be harvested in 6-7 months. Delayed harvest results in deterioration of
quality of tubers. Harvesting is usually done by uprooting plants gently by holding stem.
Yield
Short duration varieties: 25-30 t/ha
Other varieties: 30-40 t/ha
Insect-pests
Thrips (Retithrips syriacus): The nymphs and adults damage the leaves and affected
leaves turn pale, rotted and dry.
White fly (Bemisia tubaci): The insect damage to leaves and it transmitted the cassava
mosaic disease.
Mealy bug (Pseudococcus filamentous): The nymphs and adults feed on the leaves and
stem and the affected plants dry up.
Control: Spray Dimethoate 30 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/litre.
Termite (Odontotermus albus): They attack on the bark of the plants.
Control: Use Chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 4 litre/ha as soil application with irrigation.
Diseases
Cassava mosaic disease (CMD): It is the most serious problem of cassava and caused by
Gemini virus. Infested plants show reduction in leaf size and stunted growth, curling and
typical mosaic pattern.
Control: Timely rouging and control of vector white fly.
Cassava bacterial blight (Xanthomonas manihotis): The characters appear on leaves
spot, blight, wilting and necrosis of plants.
Control: i) Grow disease resistant varieties, and ii) Select healthy, vigorous and disease
free planting material.
Tuber rot (Phytophthora dreschleri): This is more in well-drained soils; infected tubers
show brown discolouration of internal tissues and become rotten and emit foul smell.
Control: Remove infected tubers and apply Trichoderma species in the soil.
COLOCASIA
Botanical Name : Colocasia esculenta L.
Family : Araceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 24, 42
Origin : South-East Asia
Colocasia is also known as Arbi or Taro and is used for culinary purpose and
preparation of chips. Young leaves and petioles are cooked like other green vegetables.
The tubers of some varieties have acridity which is due to needle like crystals of calcium
oxalate. Most of the cultivated varieties are free from acridity. It is grown throughout
India mainly in northern-eastern states.
Taro is rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, starch and good source of vitamin
A, B, calcium and phosphorus. It has many medicinal uses. The juice of petiole is
dropped into the ears of children in case of otorrhoea.
Protein 3g Vitamin C 0 mg
Fat 0.1 g Iron 1.7 mg
Colocasia crop is grown in tropical and sub-tropical climate and require warm
season. It cannot tolerant to frost. The average temperature required around 21°C.
Colocasia can be grown on all types of soils but having high fertility, friable, well
drained sandy loam is best. The optimum soil pH range is between 5.5 and 7.0. One deep
ploughing and two harrow followed by planking are sufficient to make the loose soil,
friable and to conserve soil moisture.
Varieties
Sree Rashmi ICAR-CTCRI, Contain 15% starch and 2.5% protein. Yield
Thiruvananthapuram upto 15-20 t/ha.
Sree Pallavi -do- Starch contains 16-17% starch and 2-3%
protein and easily cooked.
Satamukhi -do- Medium size corm and cooked easily.
Kandayam C-7 -do- Long corm and yield about 30-35 t/ha.
Sowing time
Rainy Season: June-July
Summer Season: February-March
Southern parts: September-October
Seed rate
8-10 q/ha corms and cormels
Sowing method
Colocasia is a vegetative propagated crop and propagated through corms and
cormels. Select corms should be healthy and good size. In India, flat or ridge planting is
normally practiced. The planting should be done 6-8 cm deep. The crop takes 10-15 days
to germination after planting.
Spacing
45-60 cm x 30-45 cm
15-20 tonnes FYM/ha, 100 kg N, 50-60 kg P and 100 kg K/ha should be mixed
with soil for improve the cormel yield.
Maintain the adequate soil moisture at the time of planting either by pre or post-
planting irrigation to improve germination. No need to irrigate the rainy season crop but
summer crop should be irrigated at weekly interval.
Weeding and earthing up (60-70 DAP) are essential for developing cormels and
better support to the crop.
Harvesting
The harvesting of the crop takes 5-7 months when foliage turn yellow and start
drying. Harvesting is done by pulling the plants with the help of spade.
Yield
20-25 t/ha
Insect-pests
Aphid (Aphis gossypii): The insect suck sap from the tender parts. The affected plants
turn pale and ultimately affect tuber yield.
Thrips (Caliothrips indicus): The characters show silver white specks with black dots.
Control: Spray on the crop with Imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre water.
Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita): The leaves turn yellow followed by
brownish colour and finally wither.
Control: i) Apply Neem cake @ 25q/ha in soil, ii) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg a.i./ha
at transplanting time, and iii) Follow crop rotation with marigold plants.
Diseases
Late blight (Phytophthora colocasiae): The water soaked lesions appear on the leaves.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre water or Bordeaux mixture @ 1g/litre.
Storage rot (Fusarium solani): Infected corms are softening of tissues and rotting.
Control: Spray 500 ppm Captan or Carbendazim.
Mosaic: This disease is transmitted by infected planting material and aphids (Aphis
gossypii). The disease infected plant yellowing of leaves after wilting.
SWEET POTATO
Botanical Name : Ipomoea batatas L.
Family : Convolvulaceae
Origin : Tropical America
Sweet potato is cultivated for its sweet root tubers. It is mainly used for human
food after boiling or steaming, baking or frying and also as animal feed. Since roots
contain 16% starch and 4% sugar. It is used for production of industrial starch, syrup and
alcohol. In India, it is grown mainly in Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, TN and Orissa.
Sweet potato can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical climate. The optimum
temperature is 21-27°C and below 20°C critical temperature for tuberisation. Sweet potato
is one of the most drought resistant vegetable crops.
Sweet potato requires well drained fertile soil rich in humus. Sandy loam soils
with clay sub-soil are ideal for tuber production. In heavy soils, tuber size is reduced.
Ideal soil pH is between 5.8 and 6.7. About 2-3 ploughing upto 15 cm depth are sufficient
to make the soil loose and friable. Main field is prepared by making ridges of 25-30 cm
high at 60 cm apart after thorough ploughing.
Varieties
Pusa Safed ICAR-IARI, A white skinned variety, medium size tuber
New Delhi with good quality. High yielding.
Pusa Sunheri -do- Selection from USA. Flesh orange colored
and rich in carotene.
Pusa Bharati -do- Higher vitamin-C and beta carotene.
Pusa Lal -do- This variety has good storage life.
Varsha ICAR-CTCRI, Semi-spreading hybrid, excellent cooking
Thiruvananthapuram quality; yield 18-22 t/ha in 120-125 days.
Sree Nandini -do- Light cream skin, white flesh and good
cooking quality.
Sree Vardhini -do- High carotene content (1200 IU). Tolerant to
feathery mottle virus.
Sree Ratna -do- Orange flesh and excellent cooking quality.
Sree Bhadra -do- Resistant to root knot nematode
Sree Arun -do- Produce saffron coloured tubers with good
cooking quality; yield 20 t/ha.
Sree Varuna -do- Cream skin, flesh and good cooking quality.
Gouri -do- Suitable for kharif and rabi season. Tubers
contain high carotene.
Sankar -do- Excellent in cooking quality.
CO-1 TNAU, Coimbatore Yielding upto 26 t/ha in 140 days
CO-2 -do- Yield is 32 t/ha within 110-115 days
Kalmegh RAU, Dholi Very early variety. Round and brown tubers.
Rajendra -do- Resistant to Fusarium wilt and Cercospora
Shakarkand-5 leaf spot disease.
Konkan Ashwini BSKKV, Dapoli It has high consumer preference due to deep
purple and creamy coloured flesh.
Sowing time
Rainfed area: June-July
Irrigated area: October-November
Seed rate
50,000-60,000 vine cuttings/ ha
Sowing method
Sweet potato is mainly propagated by vine cuttings of 25-30 cm length. Cuttings
for planting are multiplied in two nurseries-primary and secondary. Tubers in primary
nursery are planted three months ahead of planting. A nursery area of 10m2 is required to
raise vines for planting one hectare. Ridges are prepared at 60 cm apart and tubers of
125-150g weight are planting and irrigate as and when required. Clip-off vines to a length
of 20-30 cm at 40-45 days after sowing tubers for planting in secondary nursery.
Secondary nursery is required 500 m2 to plant cuttings. Plant the cuttings at 25 cm
apart in ridges taken at a spacing of 60 cm. 5.0 kg urea may be applied at 15-30 days after
planting in nursery. Clip-off cuttings in 20-30 cm length after 45 days from middle and
top portion of vines. Cut vines are stored with intact leaves in shade for two days prior to
planting in main field.
Spacing
60 cm x 30 cm
Apply 5 tonnes of farmyard manure/ ha at the time of preparation of ridges. A
fertilizer dose of 50:25:50 kg NPK/ ha is recommended. Half dose of N, full P and K to
be applied as basal dose. Remaining half dose of N is applied after one month.
Generally, rainy season crop does not require irrigation except long spell. During
rabi 12-14 irrigations are required at 8-10 days interval for ensure better root
development and yield.
Hoeing, weeding and earthing up are essential at an early stage of growth to
control weeds and to improve physical condition of the soil. Incorporation of Fluchloralin
at 1.0 kg/ha in the soil as pre-planting control the weeds.
Harvesting
The crop is ready to harvest in 120-180 days after planting. Harvesting is done
when the leaves turn yellow in colour and start to shed. The maturity can also be judged
by cutting roots and the drying of tuber latex without turning black, give the good
indication of maturity.
Yield
Rainfed condition: 8-10 t/ha
Irrigated condition: 30-40 t/ha
Insect-pests
Sweet potato weevil (Cylas formicarius): This is the most important pest causing severe
damage to the crop. Adult weevil makes puncturing on vines and tubers. Grubs bore and
feed by making tunnels. Tubers are unsuitable for consumption due to bitterness. Yield
loss is up to 100% in severe cases.
Control: Spray Malathion 50 EC @ 1.5-2.0 ml/litre at 10-15 days interval.
Diseases
Cercospora leaf spot: Brown spots appear on leaves which later coalesce and form big
lesions. Hot, wet and humid weather favours spread this disease.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 or Zineb @ 2g/litre water.
Stem rot or wilt (Fusarium oxysporum f. batatas): The affected plant leaves become
yellowish, circular shunken spots and finally plants wilt.
Control: Dip in 0.2% solution of Agallol or Aretan before planting.
Black rot (Ceratocystis formbriata): This disease occurs both in field and storage.
Affected vines show yellow sickly and black spot underground parts of the stem.
Control: Dip in 0.2% solution of Agallol or Aretan before planting.
ELEPHANT FOOT YAM
Botanical Name : Amorphophallus paeoniifolius (Roxb.)
Family : Araceae
Chromosome No. : 2n = 26, 28
Origin : South East Asia
Elephant foot yam or Suran or Zamikand is one of the most important tropical
stem tuber crop. It is a perennial herbaceous plant and mainly grown in Andhra Pradesh,
Bihar, Gujarat, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh. Tubers and leaves are quite
acrid due to high content of calcium oxalate. The crop is gaining popularity due to its
shade tolerance, easiness in cultivation, high productivity, steady demand, reasonably
good price, fewer incidences of pests and diseases.
Amorphophallus roots have many medicinal uses and are widely prescribed by
Ayurveda physicians. Its corm is a good source of phytoestrogens and chronic
degenerative diseases in women. Corms are mainly used as vegetable and for the
preparation of pickle. Chips are made of starch-rich tubers. Corms are rich source of
vitamin A, B and minerals. The also contain calcium oxalate which impart acridity and
cause irritation in mouth and throat.
Amorphophallus is a tropical and subtropical crop and hence thrives well under
warm humid climate. The annual mean temperature of 30-35oC and a well distributed
rain of 1000-1500 mm spread over a period of 6-8 months.
It requires growing on fertile, well-drained sandy loam or sandy clay loam with
near neutral soil reaction is ideal for the crop. Soil should be rich in organic matter with
adequate amount of available plant nutrients. 20-22 cm deep ploughing for 2-3 times
followed by planking is necessary to make the soil loose and friable.
After one or two ploughings, pits of size 60 x 60 x 45 cm are made at a spacing of
90 x 90 cm during February. For harvesting small to medium sized tubers, distance
between pits is reduced to 60 x 60 cm.
Varieties
Sree Padma ICAR-CTCRI, Evolved through selection. Non-acrid tubers
Thiruvananthapuram and mature in 8-9 months. Yield 40 t/ha.
Sree Athira -do- First genetically improved variety with very
good cooking quality.
Gajendra APAU, Hyderabad Corms are large, black in colour and low in
acridity.
Bidhan kusum BCKV, West Bengal Duration 240 days and yield of 50 t/ha
Kovvur - Smooth corm without acridity. It is widely
cultivated in South India.
Santra Gachi - Corms having slight acridity. It is grown
commercially in eastern India.
Sowing time
Eastern parts: March-April
South India: February-March
Seed rate
20-25 q/acre and the weight of each piece is 400-500 g.
Sowing method
Before planting during February, the corm is cut into setts of 750-1000 g each
bearing a portion of central bud. Cut corms are smeared with cow dung slurry or wood
ash and allowed to dry in partial shade. Rapid seed corm production technique suggests
use of cormels and mini-sett transplants of 100 g size for planting.
Spacing
50 x 50 to 100 x 100 cm
Pits are half-filled with top soil and well dried farmyard manure @ 2.0-2.5 kg/pit
and wood ash. Planting material is placed vertically in the pit. After the planted tubers,
pits are covered with organic mulches like green leaves or paddy straw. Apply fertilizer
@ 40 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 50 kg K2O/ ha 45 days after planting along with mulching
and application of cow dung or compost after receipt of rains. This is followed by digging
interspaces and light earthing up. Top dressing is done with 40 kg N, 50 kg K 2O again
one month after.
Amorphophallus is mainly grown as a rainfed crop. During periods of late receipt
of monsoon, a light irrigation is given during early stages of crop. The crop is susceptible
to water stagnation.
This crop is required shallow intercultural operation like hand weeding, light
digging, hoeing, earthing up, etc. Mulching immediately after planting is the most
important operation in Amorphophallus. A plant usually produces a single stem. In case
of more numbers, it is advisable to remove it retaining only one healthy one.
Harvesting
The crop will be ready for harvest in 6-7 months after planting. The yellowing
and dropping of the leaves are indices of maturity. The underground corms are dug out
with the help of spade or hoe.
Yield
40-50 t/ha
Insect-pests
Aphid (Aphis gossypii): The insect suck sap from the tender parts. The affected plants
turn pale and reduced tuber yield.
Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita): The leaves turn yellow followed by
brownish colour and finally wither.
Control: i) Apply Neem cake @ 25q/ha in soil, ii) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg a.i./ha
at time of transplanting, and iii) Grow trap crop as marigold.
Diseases
Collar rot (Sclerotium rolfsii): Water soaked lesions on the stem followed by yellowing
of plants. Water logging, poor drainage and mechanical injury at the collar region favour
disease incidence.
Control: i) Use of bio-control agents like Trichoderma, and ii) Drench the soil with 0.2%
Captan at 10 days interval.
Mosaic: This disease is transmitted by aphids (Aphis gossypii). The infected plant leaves
results mottling which produce small size corms.
YAM
Botanical Name : Dioscorea spp.
Family : Discoreaceae
Origin : Indo-burma
Yam has an important tropical tuber crops belonging under monocotyledons
group. It is grown as a food and cash crop. Dioscorea alata (greater yam) and D.
esculenta (lesser yam) are main yams of India. Another species, D. routundata (white
yam/ African yam), which is under extensive cultivation in Western Africa, recently
introduced to India is becoming popular. They form staple food in many parts of Western
Africa. The plants are dioecious in nature. Even though all the species have seed
dormancy for three months, D. alata does not exhibit seed dormancy.
D. alata tubers are peeled, cooked and used as vegetable purpose. D. esculenta is
consumed after boiling and peeling. Yam tubers are rich in carbohydrate and preparation
of chips, floor and Fufa. Diosgenin, an alkaloid is extracted from tubers and contraceptic
drugs are prepared which are used in family planning.
Protein 1.3 g Vitamin C 17.1 mg
Yam is mainly grown in both tropical and sub-tropical climate. For better growth
and development optimum temperature range is 25-30°C. Temperature below 20°C
adversely affects the growth. Long days are required for vine growth whereas, short days
promote for tuber development.
It can be grown on all types of soils but well-drained, loose, friable and rich in
organic matter content is better for production. The best soil pH is 5.5-6.5. Two and three
deep ploughing followed by planking is essential to obtain the fine tilth of soil.
Varieties
Greater yam (Dioscorea alata)
Sree Kirti ICAR-CTCRI, Starch content 20-22%. It yields 25-30 t/ha
Thiruvananthapuram in 9-10 months.
Sree Roopa -do- Contain 17-20% starch and 1-2% protein.
Sree Shilpa F1 -do- First hybrid crosses between Da 140 x Sree
Kirti. Yield is 28 t/ha in 8 months.
Indu KAU, Thrissur It is a high yielding (39.39 t/ha) variety.
White yam (D. rotundata)
Sree Subhra ICAR-CTCRI, Tubers are cylindrical with brown skin and
Thiruvananthapuram white flesh. Yield is 35-40 t/ha.
Sree Priya -do- Contain 20-21% starch and 2-3% protein.
Sree Dhanya -do- Dwarf and bush variety with spineless stem
and tubers containing 23.3% starch.
Lesser Yam (D. esculenta)
Sree Lata ICAR-CTCRI, Tubers have 18.4% starch content. It yields
Thiruvananthapuram 20-25 t/ha in 8-9 months.
Sree Kala -do- Tubers are sweet, round, smooth and have
good cooking quality.
Sowing time
March-May
Seed rate
18-27 q seed tuber/ha
Sowing method
Make pits of 45 cm3 at a distance of 1.0 m. Apply 1.5 kg compost or well rotten
FYM in the pit and full up to ¾ with top soil. The commercially planting is normally
done by tuber pieces only. The whole tuber is cut longitudinally into seed pieces
consisting of head, middle and tail. Head of the tuber piece is the best propagating
material for early sprouts as compared to middle and tail.
The optimum weight of seed tubers to get high yield is 250-300 g in greater and
lesser yam and 100-125 g in white yam. The cut tubers are allowed to tuberisation with
wood ash before planting. Dip the tuber pieces in 0.3% Benlate solution for 5 minutes
before planting to prevent soft rot and ensure uniform plant stand.
Spacing
75 cm x 90 cm
Apply cattle manure or compost @ 20-25 t/ha as basal dressing before planting. A
fertilizer dose of 80 kg N, 60 kg P2O5 and 80 kg K2O per hectare in two split doses is
needed for yams. Half dose of N and K along with full dose of P is to be applied within a
week after sprouting. Remaining half dose of N and K may be applied one month after
the first application.
Irrigation is necessary just after planting and 7-10 days interval in the later stages
of crop growth. Avoid the water stagnation.
About three inter-culture operations are essential. The first inter-culture should be
done after 7 days and third and fourth at 15 days to one month interval, respectively. Pre-
emergence application of Diuron @ 3-3.5 kg/ha is found effective in control the weeds.
Earthing up is also a necessary operation after sprouting.
Harvesting
Tubers are harvested in 8-9 months when leaves turn yellow in colour and vines
completely dry. Harvesting is done by digging surrounding area and exposing tubers.
Yield
Greater and white yam: 20-40 t/ha
Lesser yam: 10-30 t/ha
Insect-pests
Mealy bug (Pseudococcus filamentous): Insect attack on leaves which wither and dry up.
Control: Spray Malathion 50 EC @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre.
White grub (Leucopholis coneophora): It attacks on roots and tubers. It affects the
quality and marketing of the tubers.
Control: Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 20-25 kg/ ha in the soil before planting.
Root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita): Formation of galls around the roots. The
leaves turn yellow followed by brownish colour and finally wither.
Control: i) Apply Neem cake @ 25q/ha, ii) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg a.i./ha at
transplanting time, and iii) Grow marigold plants in the field.
Diseases
Dieback (Cercospora spp.): In the initial stage, brown to black spots are formed on the
leaves.
Control: Spray of Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre water.
Storage rot (Aspergillus spp.): Attack the fungus during storage and rooting of tubers.
Control: Spray 500 ppm Captan or Carbendazim.
ASPARAGUS
Botanical Name : Asparagus officinallis L.
Family : Liliaceae
Origin : Europe and Asia
Asparagus is an herbaceous perennial dioecious crop growing upto 1 to 3 m
height. It is cultivated for its tender shoots, commonly known as spears. It starts yielding
sizable crop after about three years and with good cane gives an economic yield for about
10-15 years. The best quality is obtained from the fourth to tenth year.
A white crystalline substance ‘Asparagines’ is obtained from the juice of young
shoots and the spears are treated as a delicacy in preparation of soaps. It is used to be a
good diuretic, chromic dropsy and chronic gout. Asparagus roots are used mainly as
galactagogue which stimulates the secretion of breast milk. It is applied in improving the
lost body weight and also known as an aphrodisiac. The root is useful in treating the
ailments like dysentery, tuberculosis and diabetes. It is considered as very good energy
provider to the weak body system.
Carbohydrates 5g Iron 1 mg
Asparagus is a temperate region crop and requires 15-25°C to produce quality and
higher yield of spears. The high temperature inhibits the production of spears.
A friable, well-drained, rich in organic matter, lateritic and red loamy soils is
required. The optimum pH requirement is between 6.0 and 6.7. Being a shallow rooted
crop, it can be easily grown under such shallow and rocky soils where the soil depth is
hardly 20-30 cm followed by 2-3 harrowing.
Varieties
Perfection ICAR-IARI, This variety spears are large, green and light tipped.
New Delhi The yield upto 8-10 t/ha.
Selection- - It is suitable for soup preparation. Yield is 9-11 t/ha.
841
Sowing time
Plains: July-November
Hills: March-May
Seed rate
2.5-4.0 kg/ha
Sowing method
Asparagus is propagated by root suckers or seeds. For commercial cultivation,
root suckersare preferred over seeds. The soil is prepared well by digging up to 15 cm
depth. The field is divided into convenient sized plots and laid out into ridges at 60 cm
apart. Well- developed root suckers are planted on the ridges.
The seeds are sown in a well-prepared nursery bed in rows 15 to 22 cm apart and
at a depth of 2-3 cm. They are thinned to a spacing of 5 cm and seedlings are allowed to
grow for one year in the nursery bed and are then planted at the permanent site. Seeds
take 3 to 4 weeks to germinate.
Spacing
75 cm x 60 cm
Apply well-rotten FYM 30-40 t/ha at the time of field preparation. Add 100-120
kg N, 80-100 kg P and 60-80 kg K/ha/year. Full dose of P and K just after planting and N
may be applied in 4-5 split doses.
The field is irrigated immediately after planting. This crop requires 2 to 3
irrigations in winter season and 2 irrigations per month in summer season.
Frequent weeding is required during its early period of growth. Care should be
taken to avoid any damage to growing shoots at the time of weeding. Totally, about 6-8
hand weeding is needed to keep crop free of weeds. The crop being a climber requires
support for its proper growth and used 4-6 feet long stakes the general growth.
Usually, male plants produce more and better spears and most of the modern
cultivars are all male. Remove of female plants from the field.
Blanching is a common practice in the cultivation of asparagus to obtain the
whitish spears particulary for canning purpose, cover the plants with soil upto a height of
25-30 cm.
Harvesting
The asparagus crop do not harvest for the first two years after planting. In the
third year, harvest spears from mid-April for six weeks. To harvest, cut individual spears
with a sharp knife 2.5 cm below the soil when they are no more than 18 cm tall. In warm
weather, harvest every two to three days for the best quality spears.
Yield
4-5 t/ha
AGATHI
Botanical Name : Sesbania grandiflora (L.) Poir.
Family : Fabaceae
Origin : Malaysia and India
Agathi is a tropical tree grown as a standard for black pepper and betel vines, as
shade plant for the coconut seedlings and as wind-break for banana in Tamil Nadu. It is
grown throughout Mexico and the US Southwest region, the warmer areas of South
America, Cuba, the Dominican Republic, Nepal and parts of Africa. In India, it is grown
in Punjab, New Delhi, West Bengal, Assam, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Andhra Pradesh,
Gujarat and Andamans.
It’s both leaves and flowers are used as vegetable and has ornamental, food and
fodder values also. The bark contains tannin, fiber, gum and used as astringent to contract
the tissues and stop bleeding. Agathi leaves are used to treat fever, sinus, toxicosis,
itching, respiratory problems and excess kapha, while the flowers can be used to treat
night blindness, headaches, catarrh and cough. It acts as a coolant, purgative and worm-
killer. Its leaves have an anthelmintic, diuretic, laxative, wound healing potential,
anticonvulsant activity, anti-cancer activity, antiulcer properties and can aggravate pitt.
Carbohydrates 12 g Iron 4 mg
Agathi prefers warm humid and sub-humid tropical climate. It grows well in both
wet and dry regions of the tropics and is frost sensitive. Temperature between 26°C and
36°C maximum and 18°C and 24°C minimum are best suited for its growth. Temperature
below 10oC is not tolerable for the plant.
It can be grow in a wide range of soils but black cotton soil is best. It can tolerate
a wide pH range and salinity. It grows quickly if the surface soil is loose.
Varieties
There is no improved variety of agathi. But there are two forms of agathi-one with
red flowers and other with white flowers are found. The white flower agathi is suitable
for kitchen gardening, whereas the red flowers are mainly used as a medicine.
Sowing time
June-July
Seed rate
7.5-8.0 kg /ha
Sowing method
Agathi is propagated by both seeds and cuttings. Seeds are sown directly or in the
nursery. The seedlings are raised in nursery or in polythene bags. 15-20 cm tall seedlings
are transplanted in the main field at a spacing of 1.5-2.0 m. The pits of 30 cm3 size are
dug and filled with top soil mixed with farmyard manure.
Spacing
90 cm x 90 cm
Application of super phosphate as a basal dose followed by two applications of
NK combination in form of urea and muriate of potash @ 100 g per tree at monthly
interval is advantageous to the crop.
Agathi crop is resistant to drought and watering should be necessary when comes
to flower in September-December month and to fruiting during summer.
The field should be kept weeds free and worked up frequently to make the soil
loose.
Harvesting
Ripe agathi leaves which are green and pliable should be harvested. Dried,
desiccated leaves ready to fall from the main stem should be avoided.
Yield
Leaves: 4.5-9.0 kg/ year
Flowers: 4-6 kg/ year
BASELLA
Botanical Name : Basella alba L.
Family : Basellaceae
Chromosome No. : 2n=2x=44, 48
Origin : South-East Asia
Basella is an important summer green leafy climbing perennial vine. It is known
by various common names such as Poi, Indian Spinach, Malabar Nightshade, Malabar
spinach, Ceylon spinach, Chinese spinach, Vine spinach, Climbing spinach, East-Indian
spinach and Cyclone spinach. It is widely distributed in China, Tropical Africa,
Brazil, Belize, Colombia, West Indies, Malaysia, Philippines, Tropical South America
and French Polynesia. In India, it is mostlygrown in North-East and South India states.
Basella is a short day and C4 plant like amaranth.
B. rubra var. alba: Green leaves cultivar, petioles and stem. These types of cultivars are
commercially cultivated.
B. rubra var. rubra: Reddish leaves cultivar, petioles and stem.
Basella is rich source of vitamin A, C and several vital carotenoid pigment anti-
oxidants such as ß-carotene, lutein and Zea-xanthin. Further, its leaves are good sources
of minerals like K, Fe, Ca, Mn, Mg and Cu. Fresh succulent leaves and tender stems are
used as vegetables either raw or cooked. Curry, bhaji and soup is also prepared from
leaves. The roots are cooked and used against diarrhoea. Regular consumption of Basella
in the diet helps to prevent weakness of bones and anemia. Besides, it is believed to
protect the body from cardiovascular diseases and cancer of colon.
Moisture 93 g Energy 31 kcal
Basella prefers warm moist climate and can be grown in areas lower than 500
metres above sea level. The best temperature is 25-32°C for more yield and growth. High
temperature and short days is favorable for its better plant growth compared to low
temperature resulting in low yields.
It grows in well drained sandy loam soils rich in organic matter with pH ranging
from 5.5 to 8.0.
Sowing time
South India: October-November
N-E plains: March-May
Hills: March-April
Seed rate
Transplanting: 3-4 kg/ha
Direct sowing: 12-15 kg/ha
Sowing method
Basella crop is direct sowing in the field by seeds. It can be propagated by stem or
root cuttings. Stem cutting of 20-25 cm length with 3-4 internodes are used for planting.
Stem cuttings are soaked in water for 1-3 days to develop roots before transplanting in
field. As the plants are climbing vines they should be trained on trellis or pandals for its
spread at faster rate.
Spacing
Annual crop: 20-30 cm x 15-20 cm
Perennial crop: 1.0 m x 0.60 m
A basal application of 20-25 tonnes of well decomposed FYM and 60:60:40 kg of
N:P:K per hectare is recommended for high yield. As a leafy vegetable, it responds very
well to N fertilizer and enhances quality and yield. Hence, another dose of 40-60 kg of
nitrogen should be given in split doses.
Due to succulence nature it requires plenty of water. First irrigation is given
immediately after transplanting to ensure good crop stand. In general it should be
irrigated at every 10 days during cool, dry season and weekly during hot dry season.
Thinning should be done 15-20 days after sowing, if direct sowing is practiced.
Basella seeds are relatively slow to germinate, so early weed control is essential.
Mulching is recommended to reduce weeds. A light hoeing helps to reduce weed and
promotes crop growth by loosening the soil.
Harvesting
Basella usually becomes ready for harvesting in 50-60 days after planting. Stems
or shoots of 15-25 cm long are cut close to ground, washed and tied in bundles. Leaves
are also plucked from the plants. Sunken, dry, bruised, and discolored leaves should be
avoided. With multiple harvests, young leaves and shoots are picked at weekly intervals.
Frequent harvesting delays flowering and stimulate growth of side shoots. It can be
harvested throughout the year two months after planting.
Yield
15-20 t/ha
CURRY LEAF
Botanical Name : Murraya koenigii (L.) Spreng
Family : Rutaceae
Origin : India
Curry leaf is an important perennial tree vegetable cum spice crop of India. It
grows wild in the hills and plains of the Himalayas from Kumaon to Sikkim. In South
India, especially in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, West Bengal, Assam and Deccan
Plateau at least one curry leaf plant is found in each homestead and commercially. A
crystalline glucoside ‘Ksenigin’ from the leaves and ‘Murayin’ from the flowers are
industrial products.
Its leaves are used mainly to improve the taste and flavour of foods. Leaves are
slightly pungent and retain their flavor even after drying. The leaves, root and bark have
stomachic and carminative properties. The green leaves and roots are useful in cure
dysentery, diarrhea, piles, inflammation and itching. The roasted leaves used to control
vomiting and juice relieve for kidney disorders.
Curry leaf does not require a specific climate and can come up in dry climate too.
The optimum temperature requirement is 26 to 37°C. But below 16°C, its growth is
affected.
It can be cultivated in most of the soil types. Red sandy loam soil is ideal for its
cultivation. The field is ploughed 3-4 times to get a fine tilth. Before last plough well
decomposed FYM is applied. Pit size of 30 cm3 is dug one to two months before planting
at a recommended spacing.
Varieties
Suwasini KAU, It has an oil content of 5.22% and good aroma. It is mainly
Thrissur cultivated in Karnataka.
DWD-1 UAS, Having good aroma and oil content 5.22%. It is mainly
Dharwad cultivated in Karnataka.
DWD-2 -do- A good aroma variety. Oil content 4.10%. Mostly
cultivated in Karnataka.
Senkambu - Keep good aroma. It is mainly cultivated in Karnataka.
Senkampu - Red petiole type local cultivar and popular in Tamil Nadu.
Sowing time
May-June
Seed rate
By seeds and root suckers
Sowing method
The seeds are sown either in nursery or poly bags filled with a mixture of 1:1:1
sand, soil and farmyard manure. Seeds germinate in three weeks. One year old seedlings
are planted in the main field. It can also be propagated by root suckers. There are a
number of root suckers near its plants. They are separated from the main plant during
rainy season and planted immediately in the main field. Planting in the main field is done
during the monsoon season. The main field is ploughed thoroughly and made 3m3 pits
size.
Spacing
4.0 m x 4.0 m
The plant may be given 10 kg farmyard manure and NPK 60:80:40 g/plant/year
for better growth and higher yield. The fertilizers may be applied at the onset of the
monsoon.
The plant should be irrigated at 3-4 days interval, if there are no rains.
The field should be kept free from weeds. The plants should be trained and
pruned to maintain a height of 1.0 m. Their terminal buds are removed to encourage
lateral branching.
Harvesting
The minimum of 5-6 branches are kept per plant. The leaves can be clipped from
young shoots at the end of first year. Commercial harvest can be started from 3 year old
plants.
Yield
2nd year onward: 5-10 t/ha
4th year onward: 20 t/ha
CHEKURMANIS
Botanical Name : Sauropus androgynus Meer
Family : Euphorbiaceae
Origin : Indo-Burma region
Chekurmanis is a perennial small shrubby leafy vegetable. Mostly it is grown as a
live-fence or hedge for kitchen garden height of 2-3m. It has high nutritive value so, it is
popularly known as ‘Multi-vitamin greens’ and ‘Multi-mineral packed vegetable’. It is
also referred as 21st century vegetable.
It is rich source of carbohydrates, protein, minerals, vitamins A and C. Besides,
they also contain vitamins such as B-complex, D, F and K. Juice of leaves is used against
eye troubles. It is used as ingredient of idli and dosa. Fresh tender leaves can also be used
as a salad.
Carbohydrates 11 g Iron 3 mg
It requires a warm humid-climate with good rainfall and grows luxuriantly at an
elevation of 500m. It doesn’t grow at temperatures below 15°C.
It can grow in any type of soil but sandy loam soils are better for well growth. The
soil should be deep, well-drained and has high organic matter content.Field is ploughed
3-4 times.
Varieties
No improved varieties of chekurmanis are available. The local cultivars are being
cultivated.
Sowing time
May-June
Seed rate
Annual types: 625 g/ha
Perennial types: limb cuttings
Sowing method
Chekurmanis is propagated through seeds and limb cutting. Perennial types are
propagated through limb cutting of 6-12 months old, 90-100 cm length and 5-8 cm
diameter. Seeds can be either sown in pits or transplanted after raising seedlings in
polythene bags. Transplanting of seedlings can be made one month after sowing.
Spacing
Annual types: 2.5 x 2.5 m
Perennial types: 6.0 x 6.0 m
Farm yard manure at the rate of 5 kg per plant per year and 7:10:5 kg NPK per
plant are recommended. Application of organic manures increases number and frequency
of cuttings.
Chekurmanis is drought tolerant crop. It does not require frequent irrigation but
should be irrigated 1-2 week interval during summer.
In early stages of crop growth frequent weeding should be given. To check the
height of the plant and to get frequent harvests, the tips are clipped-off intermittently.
Harvesting
The plants are ready to harvest after 2-3 months of planting, when plants reached
to a height of 60 cm. The tender leaves are clip-off and stored at ambient conditions.
Yield
2-5 kg/m2/year
DRUMSTICK
Botanical Name : Moringa oleifera Lamk
Family : Moringaceae
Origin : South West India
Drumstick is an important perennial multipurpose vegetable. It is popularly
known as Horse radish tree, Radish tree, Ganigana, Mullakkai, Murrugi, Sahjan, West
Indian bean and Moringa. In India, it is commercially grown in Tamil Nadu. Drumstick is
highly cross pollinated crop due to hetermorphism and is pollinated by entomophilous.
Its tender leaves and immature fruits are eaten. The flower buds are also used for
culinary purposes. All parts of the plant have nutritional value and medicinal properties.
Its leaves, flowers and tender pods are excellent sources of vitamin-A, C, minerals and B-
complex vitamins B1, B2, B3 and B6. It is useful in hypertension, cold, flu, infection,
digestion problems, lung problems, urinary disorders, impotency, asthma, bronchitis,
tuberculosis and diabetics. It also improves vision of eye, retina, bone density, nervous
and immune system. Drumstick leaves plays vital role in hair-growth, spermatogenesis
and skin health and reduces chances of cancer to 80%. Taking soup prepared from
drumstick pods help in treating diseases of liver, spleen, paralysis, etc. Roots are used as
gargle for painful gums and throat problems.
Drumstick is most commonly grown in tropical or semi-tropical conditions. The
optimum temperature for better growth is 25-30°C. Higher temperature results in heavy
flower shedding. The crop is also injured severely by frost.
It is grown all types of soils but performance is better insandy loam or black soil.
The pH range of 6.0-7.5 is ideal.Field is ploughed 3-4 times and makes pit of size 45 x 45
x 45 cm at proper spacing.
Varieties
Konkan Ruchira BSKKV, Medium size tree with medium long sticks with
Dapoli best quality. Yield is 30-35 t/ha.
Dhanraj UAS, This is an annual drumstick propgated through
Karnataka seeds
PKM-1 HRS, TNAU, Annual type and come to flower in 90-100 days
Periyakulam after planting. Fruits are green coloured and
highly pulpy.
PKM-2 -do- Annual type and suitable for homestreads.
Jaffna - A perennial type which bears 60-90 cm long
pods with soft flesh and good taste.
Chavakacheri - A perennial type producing 90-120 cm long pods
Chemmurungai - Perennial type flowers and bears red tipped
fruits.
Kodikalmurungai - Annual type and used as support for betel vine
plants
Palmurungai - Pods having thicker pulp and better taste
Punamurungai - This variety is produce thinner fruits
Yazphanammuringa - Perennial type variety, produce 60-90 cm long
pods with soft flesh and good taste.
Kudumianmalai-1 - Bushy type variety. Plants come to bear 6 months
after planting and can be rationed for 2-3 years.
Sowing time
Rainy Season: June-July
Winter Season: November-December
Seed rate
Annual types: 625 g/ha seeds
Perennial types: limb cuttings (1-1.5 m length)
Sowing method
Pits of 45 cm3 size are dug at 2.5 m x 2.5 m spacing for annual and 6.0 m x 6.0 m
for perennial types before one week planting.The farmyard manure @ 15 kg/pit is applied
and 60 cm circular irrigation basin is made around the pit. Two seeds are sown 3-4 cm
deep in each pit in the centre. Seeds germinate 7-9 days after sowing. Seeds can also be
sown in polythene bags. Four to five weeks old seedlings are planted.
Spacing
Annual types: 2.5 m x 2.5 m
Perennial types: 6.0 m x 6.0 m
Organic manures of 75 kg/plant can be given to one year old plants. First dose of
fertilizer containing NPK 45:20:30 g/plant should be applied 3 months after sowing,
whereas second dose of N after six months.
Drumstick plants do not need much watering. Provide light irrigation for early
emergence of seedlings for annual type. Moringa trees will produce flowers andpods
whenever, there is sufficient water available.
Pruning is essential at the time of harvesting. The plants are topped at 75 cm
height. The field should be maintained weed free for initial two months. There is no need
for weeding. If necessary, weeding can be done. For first 3 years, chilli, brinjal, tomato
and cotton can be grown as intercrops, depending on the location.
Harvesting
The annual drumstick types come to harvest six months after sowing while the
perennials types take 8-9 months for bearing. The fruits are ready for harvest 60 days
after flowering.
Yield
Annual type: 200-250 fruits/plant
Perennial types: 80-90 fruits/tree/year
RHUBARB
Botanical Name : Rheum rhaponticum L.
Family : Polygonaceae
Origin : Siberia
Rhubarb is an herbaceous perennial with large fleshy underground rhizome
having fibrous-root system. Large thick leafstalk or petiole is the economic part which is
used for sauces and pies. The crop is protandrous in nature; self-pollination within a
flower does not take place. Small greenish white flowers are borne in panicles, which
emerge successively.
It is a good source of ascorbic acid and contains traces of vitamins A, B2, protein,
minerals, Ca, P and Fe.
Rhubarb is a cold resistant plant. When the temperature goes above 25 °C during
summer and below 4.5°C during winter the plant does not grow well, suppress reddening
of the stalks, and possibly cause problems in plant establishment. The optimum
temperature require for proper development of stalks would be 15.6°C. The best stalk
colour is produced at about 10°C.
A fertile, sandy loam which is well-drained is best for rhubarb. It requires slightly
acidic condition of 5.6-6.5 pH.
Varieties
Varieties Salient features
Victoria It is also known as Large Victoria. Large, sweet, red stalks with good
productivity. Excellent for commercial purposes.
Mc Donald It has highly productive, extremely vigorous, good red color and
excellent for pies. Resistant to wilt and root rot disease.
Valentine Excellent for home gardeners.
Sunrise All around variety for freezing, canning, jellies and pies.
Strawberry Pink petioles, red petioles, medium to heavy seed stalk production.
Cherry Red It is a sweet, tender variety with long and thick stalks.
The Sutton This variety is fragrant, tender and slightly sweet.
Sowing time
April-September
Seed rate
Division of crowns 10,000 to 11,800 pieces/ hectare
Sowing method
Rhubarb is propagated through the division of crowns and each crown should
contain strong buds. The crown with buds are planted 5 cm below the soil surface. Soil is
firmed around the root but that around the bud is left loose.It can be propagated by seeds
but seeds do not give rise to true to type plants.
Spacing
1.2-1.8 m x 0.6-1.2 m
Organic matter should be supplied with well rotten organic manure at 50 t/ha
before ploughing. A fertilizer dose of 280:180:500 kg/ha N:P:K is recommended for
good growth of rhubarb crop.
Rhubarb needs more water. Water the soil often and never allow it to become
dried out.
Weeds can be controlled by frequent shallow cultivation before sprouting.
Harvesting
Rhubarb is harvested from the second year of planting. The stalks are pulled and
then the leaf blades are cut-off. When they are very much crowded and the leaf stalks
have become small, the plants are uprooted. Production of rhubarb stalks during the
winter is called ‘forcing of rhubarb’ in region where the climate is suitable for production
of vigorous crowns.
Yield
0.5-1.5 kg/ plant/ year
Insect-pests
Aphids (Aphis spp.): Insect suck sap from the foliage of leaves thus reduce quality.
Leaf eating caterpillar (Laphygm exiqua): The caterpillars make the hole in the leaves
and deteriorate the quality of produce.
Control: Spray Spinosad 45 SC @ 0.5-0.6 ml/litre water.
Rhubarb curculio beetle (Lixus concavus): Insect damage visible mainly on the leaves
and stalks with gummosis.
Control: Remove infected stalks and burn them.
Asparagus beetle (Crioceris asparagi): Both adult and larvae stage feed on tender shoots
of plant and later on berries.
Diseases
Damping off (Pythium sp., Phytophthora sp., Rhizoctonia sp.): The affected seedlings
fall on the ground and finally die. This is a seious nursery disease.
Control: i) Avoid excess water in the nursery bed, ii) Drench nursery bed with
Captan or Thiram @ 0.4% after seed germination, iii) Fumigate the soil with 7%
Formalin, and iv) Seed treatment with Captan or Carbendazim or Thiram @ 3 g/kg.
Asparagus rust (Puccinia asparagi): It appears on the plant as small reddish-yellow
spots on the main stem and on the branches.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/litre of water.
Fusarium wilt (Fusarium spp.): The spears affected with wilt may show brown
discolouration of the surface after become wilted and stunted.
Control: Spray the crop with Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/litre of water.
Crown rot (Phytophthora nicotianae var. parasitica): The crown, roots and stem are
affected by a rot that causes the whole plant to eventually collapse.
Control: Spray Ridomil MZ-78 @ 2 g/litre water.
Downy mildew (Peronospora jaapiana): Appear white powdery substance of lower
portion of the leaves and later dry out to papery texture.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/litre water.
Rust (Puccinia rheiundulate): The small, raised, rust-coloured pustules on the leaves and
stalks.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre of water at 10 days interval.
Leaf spot (Ascochyta rhei): Characterised by round, light-tan spots on leaves and on
stems after develop small black dots.
Control: Spray Carbendazim or Indofil M-45 @ 2 g/litre water.
Soft rot (Erwinia spp.): Plant tissues become soft and watery and discoloration of the
leaves appears. Usually it is caused by excessive moisture.
Control: Spray Indofil M-45 @ 2g/litre water.
Root-knot nematode (Meliodogyne spp.): Basella and rhubarb crop are susceptible by
nematode. Galls are formed on the attacked roots. The infected plants grow slowly and
remain stunted and weak. Leaves become yellow, wilt and drop.
Control: i) Deep ploughing during summer, ii) Grow trap crops like marigold, iii)
Fumigate the soil with Nemagon @ 20-25 kg/ha, and iii) Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg
a.i./ha at the time of transplanting.

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1.

Botanical Name : Solanum lycopersicum Mill.

Botanical Name : Solanum melongena L.

Botanical Name : Pisum sativum L.

Botanical Name : Cucumis sativus L.

Botanical Name : Citrullus lanatus (Thumb)

Botanical Name : Cucumis Melo L.

Botanical Name : Cucurbita pepo L.

Botanical Name : Beta vulgaris var. bengalensis (Roxb.)

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