Agriculture Crop Manual

O/o. COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE TAMIL NADU AGRICULTURAL UNIVERSITYChepauk, Chennai 5. Coimbatore 641 003.

1999

COTTON FARM IMPLEMENTS

FOOD

GRAINS SOYBEAN

SUNFLOWER

COCONUT

E D I T O R I A L B O A R D

DIRECTORATE OF AGRICULTURE TNAU

Syed Nazeer Peeran

S.P. Ganesan

R. Padmanaban

R. Kesavan

I. Dorairajan

P. Badrinarayanan

Dr.C. Vidhyasagar

Team of Scientistsunder the Chairmanship of

Dr. T.V. Karivaradaraaju

Typeset

Computer Centre,Directorate of Agriculture

R. RavichandranT.S. Manoharan

Printing Coordination

Suresh Joe Kumar Bright

Directorate of Agriculture

Printed at Agricultural Information Unit Press:O/o. Commissioner of Agriculture, Chepauk, Chennai 600 005.

To meet the food needs of the burgeoning population, there is an imminent need to revise the research

agenda and refine the agricultural production technology. Commercial Agriculture has come up as a new

dimension and is gaining momentum after the implementation of liberalisation policy.

The agricultural research has to meet the negative consequences like depletion of natural resources,

energy crisis, climatic changes, pollution of environment, deforestation, desertification etc, which resulted

owing to the revolution in the field of agriculture during the past.

In the current context of increasing scarcity of land shrinking water resources, the optimum utilization

of land and water resources assumes paramount importance. The situation warrants the need to utilise the

waste lands which in turn calls for the generation of technologies with a multipronged approach encompassing

agriculture, horticulture, forestry with watershed as a basic unit. Hence, there is a need to revise the Crop

Production Guide in tune with the latest developments.

The Agricultural Scientists of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University are involved in problem oriented,

location specific research programmes to develop appropriate technologies to address the issues/needs and

crop varieties catering to the requirements of the farming community in various agroclimatic zones.

Technology transfer is a vital link between the researches and farmers with the extension functionaries.

To make this important mission very successful, updated Crop Production Guide provides the basic information.

The Guide prepared jointly by the Tamil Nadu Agricultural University and the Department of Agriculture

is updated periodically by involving University Scientists and Senior Officials of the Department of Agriculture.

My sincere appreciation and compliments to both the officials of the Department of Agriculture and

scientists of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in bringing out the updated Crop Production Guide.

It is beyond doubt that this Guide will be of immense value for the extension functionaries and scientists

of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for enhancing the productivity of agricultural crops.

(A.ABDUL KAREEM)

Dr. A. ABDUL KAREEM,M.Sc.(Ag.), Ph.D.,

Vice-Chancellor,Tamil Nadu Agricultural University

Dated: May 21, 1999.

FOREWORD

Coimbatore641 003.

V.K. SUBBURAJ, I.A.S.,Commissioner of Agriculture

Dated:

FOREWORD

The type and gravity of challenges facing agriculture on the eve of the advent of the new century are

unique. It is warned by the experts that half of the world would live in towns by the turn of the century, that

a grossly reduced cultivable landscape would have to support the increasing food needs of an expanding

population, its increasing per capita consumption (consequent to the impact of rural and urban poverty alleviation

programmes), the increased grains for animal product conversion (due to increase in non vegetarian consumption

of those released from poverty) etc., not to speak of the needs of the raw materials for the expanding agro-

based industries.

As such all out efforts are called for, to usher in radical improvements in the technology generation,

effective delivery and skilful application of the innovations in a big way. The scientists, extension officials

and the farmer trio have to accomplish this. The big gap between the yield performances achieved in several

potential pockets, the crop yield competitions, etc., and the average yields arrived at district and state levels

show clearly the task ahead. The potential is there and the performance does not seem to match it. The

production guide aims to provide the messages for the best performance of diverse crops under various

district and cropping conditions. The extension officials should find and provide the right choice of varieties

and management aspects to the farmers duly taking into account the potential / problems and peculiarities of

the farmholds.

The Guide has been not merely updated but enriched with much more information of practical utility

and I commend the editorial team for its efforts. I hope the exercise will continue in future to provide the best

of alternative for the guidance of the field officers and take the State to the forefront of agricultural performance.

(V.K. Subburaj)

Chepauk,Chennai 5.

Dr. K. ARULMOZHI, I.A.S.,Director of Agriculture

Dated:

FOREWORD

Technical input is the major and primary prerequisite for production increase in agriculture. The need

for updating the technical knowhow and dohow among field functionaries needs no emphasis. The Crop

Production Guide being updated periodically has a major role to play in this regard. The Tamil Nadu

Agricultural University supplies the latest information inputs for dissemination among the farmers of this

State.

The great strides made in the production front from the First Five Year Plan period has been possible due

to the varietal and agronomic interventions proposed by the University as much as due to timely supply of

quality fertilizer and pesticide inputs made available by the private agencies, the extension strategies like

demonstrations and campaigns skilfully adopted by the Department and the resourcefulness of the farming

community. As such the recent version of the Crop Production Guide deserves all appreciation for the inclusion

of new findings, refinement of existing technologies etc.

I commend the Scientists of TNAU and Officers of this department who had meticulously prepared this

document and hope it will pave the way for greater production performance in this State in years to come.

(K. Arulmozhi)

Chepauk,Chennai 5.

N. ATHIMOOLAM, I.A.S.,Secretary to Government,

Agricultural Department.

Dated:

FOREWORD

The revised Crop Production Guide brought out by the Department of Agriculture and the Tamil Nadu

Agricultural University for the use of the field functionaries of the Department for propagation of technologies

to the farmers, has been meticulously compiled incorporating all the latest details required for deciding the

varietal choice, nutrient and pest management etc., at farm level.

The extension functionaries shall find the guide of immense practical utility in the field. The right

choice of technologies has however to be made to suit the requirements of the local conditions. The yield of

the various crops could be very much improved by the right choice and skilful application of the technologies

set forth in the Guide.

I commend the efforts of the scientists of diverse disciplines who have contributed to this Guide and the

officers who have neatly compiled this for the use of the field staff. I hope this will go a long way in achieving

the production goals set for the Ninth Five Year Plan. I also wish that the Guide is updated periodically

incorporating the whole range of latest technologies received from the various universities not only from all

over the country but also from aborad.

(N. Athimoolam)

Fort St. George,Secretariat, Chennai 9.

A.P. MUTHUSWAMI, I.A.S.,Chief Secretary to Government

Government of Tamil Nadu

Dated:

FOREWORD

The Agricultural and allied activities occupy a key position in the State's economy. Though the share of

the primary sector in the State Domestic Product is around 20% only, about 65% of the population depend on

this sector for their livelihood and the State is concerned with their welfare. Further agriculture is considered

as a source of growth in a developing economy, as it helps growth of secondary and tertiary sector activities

as well. Hence it is necessary to take steps to increase the production of this sector by every means.

Though the productivity of major field crops like cholam, cumbu, groundnut, sugarcane and rice are

among the best in the country, the total output is much below the States like the resource-rich Punjab and the

water starved Maharashtra, due to lack of scope for area expansion. Therefore, besides the measures to

preserve the cultivable area from diversion to other purposes, there is urgent need to "double" the productivity

in the next ten years, for which appropriate technology-mix have to be identified and popularised effectively.

I commend the efforts of the editorial team to update the Crop Production Guide for use of the extension

functionaries, to achieve greater productivity. I wish the Department of Agriculture and the Tamil Nadu

Agricultural University all success in achieving the above goals.

(A.P.Muthuswami)

Fort St. George,Chennai 9.

CROP PRODUCTION GUIDE - 1999

CONTENTS

Crop Page No.

1 RICE 1

2 MILLETSSorghum 33

Cumbu 48

Ragi 54

Maize 60

Small Millets 67

3 WHEAT 72

4 PULSESRedgram 73

Blackgram 79

Greengram 83

Cowpea 88

Horsegram 93

Bengalgram 94

Lab lab (Avarai) 97

Lab lab (Mochai) 101

Soya bean 103

Sword bean 107

5 OILSEEDSGroundnut 108

Gingelly 117

Castor 122

Safflower 124

Sunflower 125

Coconut 130

Oilpalm 138

Niger 147

Crop Page No.

6 FIBRE CROPSCotton 148

Jute 172

Agave 173

7 SUGARCANE 174

8 TOBACCO 190

9 FORAGE CROPSFodder Cholam 198

Fodder Cumbu 200

Fodder Maize 201

Neelakolukattai 202

Guinea grass 203

Deenanath grass 204

Cumbu Napier Hybrids 205

Lucerne 206

Hedge Lucerne 207

Fodder Cowea 208

Grass leaf desmodium 210

Muyal Masal 210

Leucaena 211

Sesbania rostrata 213

10 OYSTER MUSHROOM 213

11 MILKY MUSHROOM 215

12 PALMAROSA 216

13 COMPOSTING 218

14 SERICULTURE 221

15 AGRO FORESTRY 224

16 INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM 235

Crop Page No.

17 SOIL RELATED CONSTRAINTS &THEIR MANAGEMENT 240

18 CHISEL TECHNOLOGY 242

19 SURGE IRRIGATION 243

20 AGROMETEOROLOGY 246

21 FARM IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERYI. Land preparation implements 251

II. Sowing implements 255

III. Inter-cultural equipments 265

IV. Plant Protection equipments 267

V. Harvesting and thrashing machines 271

VI. Other equipments 277

22.AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENTSI. Shelling/Decorticating/Dehusking equipments 281

II. Cleaning & Grading equipments 287

III. Milling/Extraction equipments 289

23.SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATIONENGINEERING 291

24.NEW VARIETIES 296

Rice

1

RICE ( Oryza sativa )

I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

District/Season Month Varieties

1. Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur

Sornavari (April-May) TKM 9, ADT 36, IR 36, IR 50, ADT 37, ASD 16, ASD 17, IR64, ASD 18, JJ 92 (ADT 41), ADT 42, MGR(CORH1), MDU5,ASD20, ADT43,ADTRH 1

Samba (August) IR 20, White Ponni, CO 43, ADT 40, PY 4,CO 25, ADT 39, CO 45, TRY 1, ASD 19, ASD 20, CORH 2

Late Samba (Sep - Oct) IR 20, White Ponni, ADT 39, CO 45, CO 43, TRY 1, MDU5,ASD 20, CORH 2

Navarai (Dec - Jan) IET 1722, IR 20, ADT 36, ADT 39, CO 43, ADT 37, ASD 16, IR64, CO 37, ASD 18, ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU5, ASD 20

Dry (July - Aug) TKM 9, IR 50, PMK 1, PMK 2, MDU 5, TKM 11.

Semi-dry (July - Aug) TKM 9, IR 20, PMK 1, TKM 10, PMK 2, MDU 5,TKM 11

2. Vellore/TiruvannamalaiSornavari (April - May) IR 64, TKM 9, ADT 36, IR 50, CO 37, ADT 37, ASD 16, ASD

17, ASD 18, JJ 92(ADT 41), ADT 42, MGR (CORH1),MDU5, ASD 20, ADT 43, ADT RH1

Samba (August) Ponmani, ADT 40, Bhavani, IR 20, White Ponni, CO 43,Paiyur 1, PY 4, CO 45, TRY 1, ASD 19, MDU 5, ASD 20,CORH 2

Navarai (Dec - Jan) Rasi, ADT 36, IR 20, CO 37, ADT 39, CO 43, IR 64, ASD 16,ASD 18, ADT 42, MGR (CORH1), MDU 5, ASD 20

3. Cuddalore/ VillupuramSornavari (April - May) ADT 36, TKM 9, IR 50, ASD 16, IR 64, ASD 18, JJ 92 (ADT

41), ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20, ADT 43,ADTRH 1

Samba (August) IR 20, White Ponni, CO 43, Ponmani, PY 4, ADT 38, CO 45,TRY 1, ASD 19, MDU5, ASD 20, CORH 2

Navarai (Dec - Jan) ADT 36, IR 20, IR 36, IR 64, ADT 39, ASD 16, ASD 18, ADT42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU5, ASD 20

4. Tiruchirappalli/Karur/Perambalur

Kuruvai (Jun - Jul) TKM 9, ADT 36, IR 50, IR 64, CO 37, ASD 16, ADT 37, ASD18, JJ 92(ADT 41), ADT 42, MGR(CORH 1), MDU5, ADT 43,ADTRH 1

Samba (August) IR 20, White Ponni, CO 43, Paiyur 1, ADT 40, Ponmani, CO45, TRIY1, ASD 19, MDU 5, ASD 20.

Late Samba (Sep - Oct) IR 20, White Ponni, ADT 39, CO 43, CO 45, TRY 1, Thaladi,ASD 19, ASD 20

Navarai (Dec - Jan) IET 1722, ADT 36, IR 64, ASD 16, ASD 18, ADT 42, MGR(CORH 1), MDU5, ASD 20

Crop Production Guide

2

5. Thanjavur/Nagapattinam/Tiruvarur

Kuruvai (Jun - Jul) ADT 36, TKM 9, IR 50, IR 64, ADT 37, ASD 16,ASD 18, ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ADT 43, ADTRH1, CORH 2.

Samba (Aug) CO 25, IR 20, White Ponni, CO 43, Ponmani, ADT 38, ADT40, CO 45, TRY 1, ASD 19, MDU 5, ASD 20, CORH 2

Late Samba/Thaladi (Sep - Oct) ADT 38, IR 20, CO 43, Ponmani, ADT 39, CO 45, TRY 1, ASD19, ASD 20

Navarai (Kullankar) (Dec - Jan) ADT 36, ADT 37, IR 64, ASD 16, ASD 18, ADT 42, MGR(CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20

6. Pudukottai

Kuruvai (Jun - Jul) ADT 36, TKM 9, IR 50, IR 64, ASD 16, ADT 42, MGR (CORH1), MDU 5, ASD 20, ADT 43, ADTRH 1,CORH 2

Samba (August) IR 20, White Ponni, CO 43, Paiyur 1, Ponmani, ASD 18, TRY1, ASD 19, MDU5, ASD 20, CORH 2

Late Samba/Thaladi (Sep - Oct) IR 20, ADT 38, ADT 39, CO 45, TRY 1, ASD 19,CO 43, ASD 20

Dry (Jul - Aug) ADT 36, Rasi, PMK 1, TKM 9, PMK 2, TKM 10

Semi-dry (Jul - Aug) ADT 36, Rasi, PMK 1, TKM 9, PMK 2, TKM 10

7. Madurai,/Dindigul/Theni

Kar (May - Jun) CO 37, ADT 36, TKM 9, IR 50, IR 36, IR 64, ADT 37, ASD 16,ASD 18, JJ 92 (ADT 41), ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5,ASD 20, ADT 43, ADTRH 1

Samba (Aug) IR 20, White Ponni, CO 42, CO 43, MDU 2, Paiyur 1, ADT 38,ADT 40, CO 45, MDU 4, TRY 1, ASD 19, MDU 5, ASD 20,CORH 2.

Late Samba/Thaladi (Sep - Oct) IR 20, White Ponni, MDU 2, MDU 3, ADT 39, CO 45, MDU 4,CO 43, ASD 19, TRY 1, ASD 20

Navarai (Dec - Jan) CO 37, Rasi, IR 64, ADT 36, ADT 37, ASD 16, ASD 18, ADT42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20.

Semi-dry (Jul - Aug) PMK 1, TKM 9, PMK 2, TKM 10, MDU 5

8. Ramanathapuram

Samba (Aug) IR 20, White Ponni, CO 43, CO 45, ASD 19, TRY 1, MDU 5,ASD 20, CORH 2

Rainfed & Semidry (Jul - Aug) ASD 17, ADT 36, PMK 1, PMK 2, MDU 5

9. Virudhunagar

Dry (Jul - Aug) TKM 9, ADT 36, Rasi, PMK1,PMK 2, MDU5,CORH 2.

10. Sivaganga

Semi-dry (Jul - Aug) ADT 36, Rasi, PMK 1, PMK 2, MDU 5

11. Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi

Early Kar (Apr - May) TKM 9, IR 50, ADT 36, IR 64, ADT42,MGR(CORH 1)

Kar (May - Jun) ASD 16, ASD 17, ASD 18, JJ 92 (ADT 41), ADT 42, MGR(CORH 1), ADT 43, (for Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi), ADTRH 1

Rice

3

Late Samba/Thaladi (Sep - Oct) White Ponni, IR 20, ADT 39, ASD 19, TRY 1, MDU 5, ASD20, CORH 2.

Pishanam/Late Pishanam CO 45, ASD 18, ASD 19, CO 43, TRY 1, ASD 20

Semi Dry MDU 5

12. Kanyakumari

Kar (May - June) TKM 9, ADT 36, IR 50, TPS 1, IR 56, IR 64, ASD 16, ASD 17,ASD 18, JJ 92(ADT 41), ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5,ASD 20, ADT 43, ADTRH 1

Late Samba/Thaladi (Sep - Oct) White Ponni, IR 20, Ponmani, CO 43, TRY 1, ASD 20Pishanam ADT 39, ADT 40, CO 45, ASD 18, ASD 19, MDU 5, ASD 20

Semi-dry (Jul - Aug) ADT 36, Rasi, TPS 1, ASD 17, PMK 1, PMK 2

13. Salem, Namakkal

Kar (May - Jun) IR 50, ADT 36, CO 37, IR 36, IR 64, ADT 37, ASD 16, ASD18, ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20, ADT 43, ADTRH1

Samba (August) IR 20, White Ponni, Bhavani, CO 43, Paiyur 1, CO 45, MDU4, TRY 1, ASD 19, MDU 5, ASD 20

Navarai (Dec - Jan) IR 20, CO 37, ADT 36, IR 36, IR 64, ADT 39, ASD 18, CO 43,ASD 19, ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20

14. Dharmapuri

Kar (May - June) CO 37, IR 50, IR 64, ASD 16, Bhavani, IR 20, White Ponni,Paiyur 1, CO 43, MDU 2, ASD 18, MDU 4, JJ 92 (ADT 41),ASD 19, PAIYUR 2, ADT 42, MGR (CORH1), TRY 1, MDU5,ASD 20, ADT 43, ADTRH 1

Navarai (Dec- Jan) CO 37, Rasi, IR 64, ADT 37, ASD 16, ADT 36,ASD 18, PAIYUR 1, ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1),MDU 5, ASD 20

Samba/Late Samba (Aug - Oct) TRY 1, Bhavani, IR 20, White Ponni, Paiyur 1,CO 43, MDU 4, ASD 19.

15. Coimbatore

Kar (May - Jun) CO 37, IR 50, ADT 36, ASD 16, IR 64, ASD 18, JJ 92 (ADT41), ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20, ADT 43,ADTRH 1

Samba (August) IR 20, CO 43, White Ponni, ADT 39, CO 45, MDU 4, TRY 1,ASD 19, MDU 5, ASD 20, CO 46, CORH 2

Late Samba/Thaladi (Sep - Oct) IR 20, ADT 39, CO 45, ASD 20, CO 46, CORH 2

Navarai (Dec - Jan) CO 37, IR 20, ADT 39, ADT 36, IR 64, ASD 16, ASD 18, TRY1, CO 43, ASD 19, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20

16. Erode

Kar (May - Jun) CO 37, IR 50, ASD 16, IR 64, ADT 36, ASD 18, JJ 92 (ADT41), ADT 42, MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20, ADT 43,ADTRH 1

Samba (August) IR 20, Bhavani, CO 43, White, Ponni, ADT 39, CO 45, TRY 1,ASD 19, MDU 5, ASD 20, CO 46


4

Late Samba (Sep - Oct) IR 20, White Ponni, ADT 39, CO 45, CO 43, TRY 1, ASD 19,ASD 20, CO 46, CORH 2

Navarai (Dec - Jan) IR 20, CO 37, Rasi, ADT 36, IR 64, ASD 16, ASD 18, ADT 42,MGR (CORH 1), MDU 5, ASD 20.

17. The NilgirisSamba (Jul - Aug) IR 20, CO 43, CO 45, TRY 1, MDU 5, ASD 20.

II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIESPARTICULARS TKM 9 IR 20 BHAVANI

Parentage TKM 7 X IR 8 IR 262 X TKM 6 Peta x BPI 76Duration (Days) 100 - 105 130 - 135 130 - 135Average Yield (kg/ha) 5019 5000 50001000 grain wt (g) 25.13 19 21.5Grain L/B ratio 2.71 3 4.72Grain type Short bold Medium slender Long SlenderMorphological CharactersHabit Semi-dwarf Semi-dwarf Medium tallLeaf sheath Green-purple Green Green

line at baseSeptum Light purple Cream CreamLigule Light purple White ColourlessAuricle Light purple White ColourlessPanicle Medium compact Medium compact Long compactHusk colour Straw Straw StrawRice colour Red White WhiteAbdominal white Present Absent AbsentGrain size (mm)Length 8.12 8.2 9.6Breadth 2.99 2.7 2.03Thickness 2.01 2 1.5

PARTICULARS CO 37 ADT 36 IET 1444

Parentage TN 1 x CO 29 Triveni x IR 20 TN1X CO 29Duration (Days) 115 110 115Average Yield (kg/ha) 5000 4000 45001000 grain wt (g) 22.5 20.6 19.7Grain L/B ratio 2.7 3.1 3.8Grain type Medium Medium Medium

Morphological CharactersHabit Erect short Erect ErectLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum Cream Green CreamLigule Colourless Colourless ColourlessAuricle Colourless Colourless ColourlessPanicle Long compact Long compact Medium compactHusk colour Straw Straw StrawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Absent Absent

Grain size (mm)Length 8 7.8 7.8Breadth 2.9 2.5 2.7Thickness 2.9 2 2

Rice

5

II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIES (CONTD . . . )PARTICULARS PY 2 PAIYUR 1 IR 50

Parentage Kannagi X Cul.2032 IR 1721-14 x IR 2153-14 XIR 1330-33-2 IR 28 X IR 36

Duration (Days) 115 150 105(Summer)130 (Winter)

Average Yield (kg/ha) 4500 5000 60001000 grain wt (g) 18.4 15.7 20.35Grain L/B ratio 3.6 3.5 3.9Grain type Medium Fine Long Slender

Morphological CharactersHabit Erect Erect, Semi-tall ErectLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum Cream Cream GreenLigule Colourless Colourless ColourlessAuricle Colourless Colourless ColourlessPanicle Long compact Large compact Long & droopingHusk colour Brown Dirty brown StrawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Absent Absent

Grain size (mm)Length 8.1 7.9 8.9Breadth 2.2 2.2 2.3Thickness 1.7 1.6 1.8

PARTICULARS CO 43 Ponmani IR 36

Parentage Dasal x IR 20 Pankaj x Jagan- IR 1561-228/1nath IR 244/O.niv./

CR 94-13Duration (Days) 135 - 140 155 - 160 120Average Yield (kg/ha) 5200 5300 50001000 grain wt (g) 20 23.5 21Grain L/B ratio 3.5 2.2 2.88Grain type Medium slender Short bold Medium

Morphological CharactersHabit Erect Erect Dwarf ErectLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum Green Green CreamLigule White, longer White ColourlessAuricle Colourless Colourless ColourlessPanicle Long drooping Medium drooping CompactHusk colour Straw Straw StrawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Absent Absent



6

II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIES (CONTD . . . )PARTICULARS White Ponni MDU 2 MDU 3

Parentage Taichung 65/2 CO 25 X IR 8 IR 8/W 1263Mayang Ebos-80

Duration (Days) 135 - 140 130 - 135 120 - 125Average Yield (kg/ha) 4500 4700 49701000 grain wt (g) 16.4 19.5 23.1Grain L/B ratio 3.22 2.96 3.92Grain type Medium slender Medium slender Long Slender

Morphological CharactersHabit Medium tall Erect Semi dwarfLeaf sheath Green Pale Green GreenSeptum Green Cream CreamLigule White White WhiteAuricle Colourless Pale Green White, 2-CleftedPanicle Long drooping Compact, long Medium CompactHusk colour Straw Straw StrawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Present Absent

Grain size (mm)Length 8 7.7 9.4Breadth 3 2.6 2.4Thickness 2 1.5 1.6

PARTICULARS TPS 1 PMK 1 PY 4 (JAWAHAR)

Parentage IR 8 X Kattisamba CO 25 X ADT 31 IR 8 X H 4Duration (Days) 110 - 115 110 - 115 145 - 150Average Yield (kg/ha) 4800 3200 53301000 grain wt (g) 24.3 24 24.8Grain L/B ratio 2.5 2.47 3.1Grain type Short bold Short bold Long bold

Morphological CharactersHabit Semi tall Erect Semi dwarf, erectLeaf sheath Purple Green GreenSeptum Cream Cream GreenLigule White Colourless ColourlessAuricle Colourless Colourless ColourlessPanicle Long, compact, Long compact Long drooping

denseHusk colour Straw Straw StrawRice colour Red Dull White WhiteAbdominal white Present Present Absent

Grain size (mm)Length 7.7 7.9 9.3Breadth 3.1 3.2 3Thickness 2 1.96 1.8

Rice

7

II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIES (CONTD . . . )PARTICULARS ASD 16 ASD 17 ADT 37

Parentage ADT 31/CO 39 ADT 31/RATNA/ BG 280-1 2/ASD 8/IR 8 PTB 33

Duration (Days) 110 - 115 101 105Average Yield (kg/ha) 5600 5422 62001000 grain wt (g) 24.2 23.8 23.4Grain L/B ratio 2.6 2.24 1.79Grain type Short Bold Short bold Short boldMorphological CharactersHabit Semi dwarf Semi dwarf Semi dwarf

erect slightly open semi erectLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum Cream Cream WhiteLigule White White, 2-clefted WhiteAuricle Colourless Pale green WhitePanicle Long Compact Long, Intermediate Compact

densely drooping, high paniclejust exerted weight

Husk colour Straw Straw StrawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Present Present PresentGrain size (mm)Length 7.86 7.9 5Breadth 3.02 2.8 2.8Thickness 1.96 1.88 1.88

PARTICULARS ADT 38 TPS 2 ADT 39

Parentage IR 1529-680-3-2/ IR 26/CO 40 IR 8/IR 20IR 4432-52-6-4/IR 7963-30-2

Duration (Days) 130 - 135 125 - 130 120 - 125Average Yield (kg/ha) 6200 4615 50001000 grain wt (g) 21 23.5 18Grain L/B ratio 3.2 2.89 2.9Grain type Long Slender Short Bold Medium slenderMorphological CharactersHabit Semi dwarf, erect Semi dwarf Semi dwarfLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum White Cream Light CreamLigule White White Papery white

Non-prominentAuricle White White Non-pigmentedPanicle Long moderately Medium Medium, Modera-

dense tely denseHusk colour Straw White StrawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Present Absent

Grain size (mm)Length 6.9 8.1 7.6Breadth 2.4 2.8 2.3Thickness 2 2 1.9


8

II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIES (CONTD . . . )PARTICULARS ADT 40 IR 64 AU 2

Parentage RPW 6-13/Sona IR 5657-33-2-1/ Selection fromIR 2061-465-1-5-3 IR 42

Duration (Days) 145 - 150 115 - 120 140 - 145Average Yield (kg/ha) 4690 6146 52001000 grain wt (g) 25.2 23.1 27Grain L/B ratio 2.95 3.25 2.72Grain type Short bold Long slender Long Bold

Morphological CharactersHabit Semi dwarf,erect Semi dwarf Medium tallLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum Cream White GreenLigule White clefted Light green WhiteAuricle Dull White Light green ColourlessPanicle Well exerted Intermediate, Long, compact

well exerted droopingHusk colour Straw Straw StrawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Absent Present


PARTICULARS CO 45 ASD 18 MDU 4

Parentage Rathu Heenathi/ ADT 31/IR 50 AC 2836/JagannathIR 3403-267-1Duration (Days) 135 - 140 105 - 110 120 - 125Average Yield (kg/ha) 5800 5900 59001000 grain wt (g) 24.9 21.8 22.9Grain L/B ratio 3.23 3.2 4Grain type Long, slender Medium slender Long slender

White riceMorphological CharactersHabit Erect Semi dwarf(90cm) Erect, tallLeaf sheath Green Pale Green GreenSeptum Cream Light green GreenLigule White clefted White clefted ColourlessAuricle Colourless Pale green ColourlessPanicle Long and dense Medium, compact Compact, Medium

exertedHusk colour Straw Straw YellowRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Slightly present Absent

Grain size (mm)Length 9.8 8.64 9.12Breadth 2.5 2.7 2.26Thickness 2.07 2.2 —

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9

II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIES (CONTD . . . )PARTICULARS TKM 10 JJ 92 (ADT 41) TPS 3

Parentage CO 31/C22 Dwarf mutant RP 31-492/LMNof Basmati 370

Duration (Days) 135 105 - 115 135 -140Average Yield (kg/ha) 2563 4758 52531000 grain wt (g) 23.2 24.2 23.2Grain L/B ratio 3.6 4.3 2.06Grain type Medium slender Extra long Short Bold

slenderMorphological CharactersHabit Semi tall Semi dwarf Semi dwarf/erectLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum Green Cream CreamLigule Colourless White cleft —Auricle Colourless Pale green —Panicle Compact Intermediate LongHusk colour Light brown Straw StrawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Present Occasionally Present

presentGrain size (mm)Length 9 12.02 7.96Breadth 2.53 2.3 3Thickness 1.75 1.88 2

PARTICULARS MGR (CORH 1) ADT 42 PMK 2

Parentage IR62829A/ AD9246/ IR13564-IR10198-662R ADT 29 149-3/ASD 4

Duration(Days) 115 115 110-115Ave. yield (kg/ha) 6000 5537 32001000 grain wt(g) 20.3 24.8 22.1Grain/L/B ratio 3.63 3.6 2.53Grain type Medium, slender Long, slender Medium bold

Morphological charactersHabit Semi-dwarf Semi-dwarf ErectLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum Cream Cream CreamLigule White White PalegreenAuricle Palegreen Palegreen PalegreenPanicle Intermediate Intermediate Medium, compactHusk colour straw straw strawRice colour White White Dull whiteAbdominal white Occasionally Occasionally Present

present presentGrain size(mm)Length 8.38 9.32 7.8Breadth 2.31 2.58 3Thickness 1.75 1.89 2


10

II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIES (CONTD . . . )PARTICULARS ASD 19 TRY 1 MDU 5

Parentage Lalnakanda/ IR578-172-2-2/ O.glaberima xIR 30 BR-1-2-B-1 Pokkali

Duration(Days) 127 (120-132) 135-140 95 - 100Ave. yield (kg/ha) 5800 5255 -1000 grain wt(g) 18.39 24 21.1Grain/L/B ratio 3.06 2.6 3.12Grain type Short, slender Medium Medium slender

Morphological charactersHabit Semi-dwarf, erect Erect ErectLeaf sheath Light green Green GreenSeptum Cream White -Ligule White White ColourlessAuricle Palegreen White ColourlessPanicle Compact, dense Long, moderately Intermediate

drooping & compactwell exerted

Husk colour — straw strawRice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Absent -

Grain size(mm)Length 8.28 6.2 8.45Breadth 2.32 2.4 2.7Thickness 1.72 1.8 -

PARTICULARS ASD 20 CO 46 ADT 43

Parentage IR 18348/IR25863/ T7/IR 20 IR 50/ImprovedIR 58 Ponni

Duration(Days) 110 125 1101000 grain wt(g) 22.08 23.5 15.5Grain/L/B ratio 3.12 3.14 2.81Grain type Long Slender Long Slender Medium slender

Morphological charactersHabit Erect - Semi dwarfLeaf sheath Pale green Green Light greenSeptum Cream - CreamLigule Pale white - WhiteAuricle Pale green Colourless -Panicle Medium compact Long, heavy & Moderately long,

Compact Intermediate type,drooping

Husk colour - - -Rice colour White White WhiteAbdominal white Absent Absent Very occassionally

presentGrain size(mm)Length 9.38 6.6 5.46Breadth 2.18 2.1 1.94Thickness 1.46 1.7 1.63

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II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIES (CONTD . . . )PARTICULARS TKM 11 ADTRH 1 CORH 2

Parentage C22/BJ1 IR 58025/IR 66 R IR 58025/C 20RDuration(Days) 110 - 120 115 1251000 grain wt(g) 21.4 23.8 23.77Grain/L/B ratio 3.2 3.46 2.62Grain type Long slender Long slender MediumMorphological charactersHabit Erect Semi dwarf, erect Semi dwarfLeaf sheath Green Green GreenSeptum Cream Cream CreamLigule Colourless White WhiteAuricle Light green - AbsentPanicle Long, compact Long Compact

droopingHusk colour - - StrawRice colour White White milky, scented WhiteAbdominal white - Very occasionally present Occasionally presentGrain size(mm)Length 9.3 6.96 6.11Breadth 2.3 2.01 2.33Thickness 1.6 1.72 1.86

III. RICE SEASONS OF TAMIL NADU

Month of Season Duration of Districtssowing the varieties

Dec - Jan Navarai Below 120 days Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai,Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur,Karur, Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Madurai,Theni, Salem, Namakkal, Dindigul, Dharmapuri,Coimbatore,Erode and Pudukkottai.

April - May Sornavari Below 120 days Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai,Cuddalore, Villupuram

April - May Early Kar Below 120 days Tirunelveli, Kanyakumari, Thoothukudi, ErodeMay - June Kar (Thadapalli, Arakankottai), Coimbatore, Madurai,

Theni, Dindigul, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri.June - July Kuruvai Below 120 days Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Thanjavur,

Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Pudukottai, ErodeJuly - Aug. Early Samba 130 to 135 days Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai,

Salem, Namakkal, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Madurai,Theni, Ramanathapuram, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore,Erode, Pudukkottai, The Nilgiris

August Samba 130 to 135 and All districtsabove 150 days

Sep - Oct Late Samba 130 - 135 days Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur, Madurai, Theni,Thaladi/Pishanam Coimbatore, Erode

Nov to Oct Late Thaladi 115 - 120 days Thanjavur, Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur, Tiruchirapalli,Perambalur, Karur,

130 - 135 days Madurai, Theni, Dindigul, KanyakumariLate Pishanam Tirunelveli , Thoothukudi

Note of Caution of the varieties: TKM9 - It is susceptible to blast when sown in Navarai (Whenexposed to cold weather at any stage of the crop)IR 50 Recommended for Kar, Sornavari andKuruvai seasons. It should not be grown during cold weather period.


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IV. SEED RATE

Adopt a seed rate of 60 kg for short duration, 40 kg for medium duration and 30 kg for longduration varieties per hectare.

V. NURSERY PRACTICES

1. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDS WITH NUTRIENTSi) Soak the seeds in water for 10 hrs. and drain excess water.

ii) If the seeds are required for sowing immediately, keep the soaked seed in gunny in dark andcover with extra gunnies and leave for 24 hrs. for sprouting.

iii) To induce tolerance under short and prolonged drought situation in Kharif season in Periyar-Vaigai Command, a combination of seed treatment with 1% KCl + CCC at 500 ppm withfoliar application at vegetative stage is effective in mitigating the drought and in increasingthe yield.

2. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDSa) Dry seed treatment

i) Mix any one of the following fungicides at 2 g/kg of seeds.

Thiram, Captan, Carboxin or Carbendazim.

ii) Treat the seeds atleast 24 hours prior to soaking for sprouting. The treated seeds can bestored for 30 days without any loss in viability.

b) Wet seed treatment i) Treat the seeds in Carbendazim or Pyroquilon or Tricyclozole solution at 2 g/lit of water for

1 kg of seed.

ii) Soak the seeds in the solution for 2 hrs.

iii) Drain the solution, sprout the seeds and sow in the nursery bed.

iv) This wet seed treatment gives protection to the seedlings upto 40 days from seedling diseasesuch as blast and this method is better than dry seed treatment.

c) Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens Treat the seeds with talc based formulation of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10g/kg of seed and

soak in 1lit of water for over night. Decant the excess water and allow to sprout the seeds for 24 hand then sow.

Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers.Biofertilizers and biocontrol agents can be mixed together for seed soaking.Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.

3. SELECTION OF SUITABLE NURSERY AREASelect 20 cents (800 m2) of land near the water source for raising seedlings per hectare.

4. APPLICATION OF ORGANIC MANURE TO THE NURSERYApply 1000 kg of FYM or compost to 20 cents nursery and spread the manure uniformly on dry,

unprepared soil.

5. PREPARATION OF NURSERY FOR SOWINGFlood the nursery area one or two days before ploughing and allow the water to soak in. Keep the

soil under shallow submergence. Before ploughing, allow water to a depth of 2.5 cm. Plough and bringit to a puddled condition.

Broad cast VAM fungi (Glomus intraradices) in the nursery at the rate of 50 g/m2 (for 8 centnursery 0.6 kg mixed with sand 1:1 ratio) to mobilise the phosphorous. (Mix with equal quantity ofsand)

6. APPLICATION OF DI-AMMONIUM PHOSPHATE (DAP) TO THE NURSERYi) Before the last puddling, apply 40 kg of DAP and if not readily available, apply straight

fertilizers 16 kg of urea and 120 kg of super phosphate. Basal application of DAP is

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13

recommended when the seedlings are to be pulled out in 20-25 days after sowing. If seedlingsare to be pulled out after 25 days, application of DAP is to be done 10 days prior to pullingout.

ii) Clayey soils, where root snapping is a problem, DAP has to be applied at 1 kg/cent 10 daysafter sowing.

7. APPLICATION OF PHOSPHORUS TO THE NURSERY HAS THE FOLLOWINGADVANTAGES

i) Seedlings absorb and store phosphorus and utilise it even in later stages of crop growth.

ii) If 30% of phosphorus recommended as per soil test is applied to main field, besides nurseryapplication, higher yield can be realised.

iii) Application of phosphorus to nursery is very economical.

8. FORMING SEED BEDSi) Mark out plots, 2.5 metres broad with channels 30 cm wide in between.

ii) Collect the mud from the channel and spread on the seed beds or drag a heavy stone alongthe channel to lower it, so that the seed bed is at a higher level.

iii) Level the surface of the seed bed, so that the water drains into the channel.

9. SEED TREATMENT WITH Azospirillumi) Three packets (600 g/ha) of Azospirillum AZ204 M culture are to be mixed with sufficient

water wherein the seeds are soaked overnight before sowing in the nursery bed (The bacterialsuspension after decanting may be poured over the nursery area itself).

ii) Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens for the management of rice blast: Threepackets (600 g/ha) of Pseudomonas fluorescens peat culture should be added in waterwherein the seeds are soaked overnight before sowing in the nursery bed. P.fluorescenscan be mixed with Azospirillum AZ204 M culture as it is not inhibitory to Azospirillum.

10. SOWINGHaving a thin film of water in the nursery, sow the sprouted seeds uniformly on the seed bed.

11. WATER MANAGEMENTi) Drain the water 18 to 24 hours after sowing and if there are pockets where water is stagnating,

drain it into the channel (Germination will be affected in place where there is water stagnation).ii) Allow enough water to saturate the soil from the 3rd to 5th day.iii) From the 5th day onwards, increase the quantity of water to a depth of 1.5 cm depending on

the height of the seedlings.iv) Afterwards, maintain 2.5 cm depth of water.

12. WEED MANAGEMENTApply any one of the pre-emergence herbicides viz., Butachlor 2 l/ha, Thiobencarb 2 l/ha,

Pendimethalin 2.5 l/ha, Anilophos 1.25 l/ha on 8th day after sowing to control weeds in the lowlandnursery. Keep a thin film of water and allow it to disappear. Avoid drainage of water. This will controlgerminating weeds.

13. PEST MANAGEMENTNursery

An area of 800 sq.m. (20 cents) nursery is required for planting one ha of main field. Forty litresof spray is necessary for spraying the nursery area.

i) Army worm: Drain water from the nursery and spray chlorpyriphos 20 EC 80 ml or Endosulfan35 EC 80 ml during late evening.

ii) Thrips:Sampling: Pass a wet table tennis bat (painted with white paint) over the foliage in 12places in the nursery. If thrips population exceeds 60 numbers in 12 passes or if rolling


14

of 1/2 area of first and 2nd leaves in 10% of seedlings is noticed, apply one of the followinginsecticides.

Phosphamidon 85 WSC 25 ml (or) Monocrotophos 36 WSC 40 ml (or) Endosulfan 35 EC80 ml

iii) Green leaf hopper

Sampling: Take 25 net sweepings in the nursery area. If the population exceeds 60 for 25sweepings or 20/M2 by actual counting, spray any one of the following insecticides.

Fenitrothion 50 EC - 80 ml Phosphamidon 85 WSC - 25 ml

Fenthion 100 EC - 40 ml Quinalphos 25 EC - 80 ml

Phosalone 35 EC - 120 ml Endosulfan 35 EC - 80 ml

Monocrotophos 36 WSC - 40 ml (or)

maintain 2.5 cm of water in the nursery and broadcast anyone of the following: Carbofuran 3G 3.5 kg, Phorate 10 G 1.0 kg, Quinalphos 5 G 2.0 kg.

iv) Caseworm: Mix 250 ml of kerosene to the standing water, dislodge the cases by passing arope and drain water, collect the cases and destroy and spray Monocrotophos 36 WSC 40ml or Quinalphos 25 EC 80 ml.

v) White tip nematode: Presoaking overnight and sun drying for 12 hours at 6 hrs/day for twodays, two or three days prior to sowing to denematize the seeds.

vi) Rice-root nematode: Application of carbofuran 3G at 3.5 kg/20 cent nursery.

14. DISEASE MANAGEMENTBlast/Brown spot:

If dry seed treatment alone is done, spray the nursery with any one of the following fungicides onobserving the initial infection of blast or brown spot in the nursery along with insecticides: Carbendazim40 g; Copper oxychloride 100 g; Mancozeb 80 g; Edifenphos 40 ml for blast and any one of the abovefungicide except Carbendazim for Brown spot.

Spray the nursery with any one of the following fungicides on observing initial symptom of diseasessuch as blast or brown spot in the nursery along with insecticides if necessary. Edifenphos 50 EC 25ml, Carbendazim 50 W - 25 g. for 8 cents nursery.

Tungro diseaseApply Carbofuran 3 G at the rate of 3.5 kg ten days after sowing or spray two rounds (10 and 20

days after sowing) with any one of the following insecticides: Monocrotophos 36 WSC 40 ml,Phosphamidon 85 WSC 40 ml, Fenthion 100 EC 40 ml for 20 cents nursery.

Blast:Seed treatment with Carboxin or Carbendazim 4 g/kg of seed and spraying of Edifenphos at 1%,

immediately on noticing blast (or) The spray formulation (500 g) of Pseudomonas fluorescens may bedissolved in 500 litres of water and used for one ha.

Biological control :Stagnate water to a depth of 2.5cm over an area of 25m2 in the main field. Sprinkle 2.5kg of the

talc based formulation of Pseudomonas fluorescens and mix with stagnated water. The seedlingspulled out from the nursery are to be soaked for 30 min in the stagnated water and then transplanted.

15. TOP DRESSING WITH FERTILISERSIf seedlings show symptoms of nitrogen deficiency and if growth is not satisfactory, apply urea at

500 g/cent of nursery, 7-10 days prior to pulling. If DAP is applied 10 days prior to pulling, ureaapplication is not necessary.

16. AGE OF SEEDLINGSThe normal age of the seedlings is 18-22 days for short, 25-30 days for medium and 35-40 days

for long duration varieties.

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17.PULLING OUT THE SEEDLINGSi) Pull out the seedlings at the appropriate time.

ii) If too much mud is found sticking to the roots, do not strike against a rod or any other hardobject as this injures the seedlings.

iii) Tie the seedlings into convenient bundles of 5 to 8 cm diameter with soft materials such asbanana twine and keep the root portion submerged in water.

iv) Do not allow the seedlings to dry.

VI.MAIN FIELD PREPARATION

Wet rice requires a well puddled soil. Proper puddling helps in the following ways:

i) The fine clay particles in the soil disperse and help in preventing loss of water by seepageand through percolation.

ii) It destroys the weeds.

iii) Eggs and larvae of pests in the soil are destroyed.

iv) Organic matter gets rapidly decomposed.

1. PREPARATION OF FIELDi) Plough the land during summer to economise the water requirement for initial preparation of

land.

ii) Flood the field one or two days before ploughing and allow water to soak in. Keep thesurface of the field covered with water.

iii) Before ploughing allow water to a depth of 2.5 cm.

iv) Compaction technology

a) For fluffy paddy soils: Compact the fluffy paddy soils by passing 400 kg stone roller oroil drum with stones inside, eight times at proper moisture level (Moisture level atfriable condition of soil which is approximately 13 to18%) once in three years, to preventthe sinking of draught animals and labourers during puddling.

b) Sodic soils: For sodic soils with pH values of more than 8.5, plough at optimum moistureregime, apply gypsum at 50% gypsum requirement uniformly, impound water, providedrainage for leaching out soluble salts and apply green leaf manure at 5 t/ha, 10 to 15days before transplantation.

Mix 37.5 kg of Zinc sulphate per ha with sand to make a total quantity of 75 kg andspread the mixture uniformly on the levelled field. Do not incorporate the mixture in thesoil. Paddy under sodic soil responds well to these practices.

c) Saline soils: For saline soils with EC values of more than 4 m.mhos/cm, provide lateraland main drainage channels (60 cm deep and 45 cm wide), apply green leaf manure at5 t/ha at 10 to 15 days before transplanting and 25% extra dose of nitrogen in additionto recommended P and K and ZnSo

4 at 25 kg/ha at planting.

2. APPLICATION OF ORGANIC MANURESi) Apply 12.5 tonnes of FYM or compost per ha.

ii) Spread the manure evenly on the dry soil before letting in water as spreading organic manureover dry soil helps in even distribution of the manure.

iii) If FYM or compost is not applied, apply green manure at 6.25 t/ha. Compute the quantity orgreen manure as follows:

a) Cut one square metre of green manure crop and weigh. Compute the quantity of greenmatter using the formula: Production per acre yield per M2 in kg x 4000 or

b) In the absence of a balance, compute on the basis of head load - one head load weighsabout 20 kg.


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c) The yield of green matter may be taken on hectare basis directly; the yield from onehectare of pure crop of green manure is Daincha 10,000 to 15,000 kg; Sunnhemp 8000to 12,000 kg; Kolingi 5000 to 7500 kg; Sesbania 6000 kg.

3. INCORPORATION OF GREEN MANURESesbania rostrata: Grow the of stem nodulating Sesbania rostrata in the month of March-April.

Adopt a seed rate of 50-60 kg/ha before sowing. Treat the seeds with rhizobial culture. Cut the cropat 45th to 60th day to have maximum green matter (25 to 30 t/ha). Resort to spraying of rhizobialculture on the 15th day if the seed treatment is not done.

Application of 10 kg N/ha as urea at the time of first puddling incorporating the stubbles ofprevious crop (10 days prior to planting of subsequent crop) is suggested for kullan kar area ofNagapattinam/Tiruvarur district.

i) If the green manure crop is raised in the field itself and if the yield is estimated at about 6tonnes per ha. plough in the green manure crop directly into the soil using a mould board orcountry plough or tractor.

ii) Maintain 2.5 cm depth of water in the field.

iii) Plough the field and incorporate the green matter to a depth of 15 cm using Burmese Setturn.

iv) If the green manure is brought from outside for application, plough the field twice with mouldboard plough or thrice with country plough maintaining 2.5 cm depth of water in the field.

vii) Spread the green manure evenly on the puddled field. The cut plants should be laid parallel toeach other in the same direction to facilitate easy incorporation.

4. APPLICATION OF PHOSPHORUS AND POTASSIC FERTILIZERSi) If di-ammonium phosphate is applied to the nursery, apply 30% of the recommended dosage

of P2O

5 over and above the di-ammonium phosphate application to the nursery.

ii) When straight fertilisers are applied, mix the phosphate and potassic fertilisers by thequartering method.

iii) When green manure is applied, mix the phosphate and potassic fertilisers by the quarteringmethod. In the place of green manure pressmud, composted coirpith can also be used.

iv) When the green manure is applied, rock phosphate can be used as a cheap source ofPhosphorus. It will also hasten decomposition of stubbles in the second crop.

v) In case of in-situ ploughing of green manure plants into the field, apply the fertilisers on thegreen manure plants prior to ploughing. Apply in the early morning, so that the fertiliser maystick on the moist leaves.

vi) In case green manure is brought from outside and applied, spread the green manure first onthe ploughed field and then apply the fertilisers over the green matter and then incorporate.

vii) Apply 50 kg P2O

5/ha as rock phosphate plus 10 tonnes of green manure. If rock phosphate

is applied, the succeeding rice crop need not be supplied with phosphorus. Application ofrock phosphate + single super phosphate/DAP mixed in different proportion (75:25 or 50:50)is equally effective as SSP/DAP alone. Application of phosphate fertilisers with green manurehas the following advantages

a) The organic acids produced during the decomposing process dissolve the phosphatesand make them easily available to the crop.

b) Potash application along with green manure has no special advantage. But applicationof fertilisers simultaneously saves labour and is therefore more economical.

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c) Do not apply nitrogenous fertilisers at this time as loss of nitrogen will be inevitable, ifthe puddle dries out. However, if a sheet of water is maintained over the puddle, thereis no loss of nitrogen.

d) Broadcast Phosphobacteria 10 packets mixed with sand or soil, with 75% ofrecommended inorgonic P for both Kuruvai and Thaladi seasons.

e) Split application of N and K for hybrid rice (CORH 1). Apply N and K @ 150 - 50 kg/haas four splits viz., basal tillering, panicle initiation and heading for light textured soilwhile for heavy textured soils apply in two splits viz., basal and tillering.

f) Foliar application of DAP: Apply DAP 2% solution as foliar spray to the seed crop at65th and 80th DAS.

5. WATER MANAGEMENTi) Plough the field after water has soaked in and allow water to a depth of 2.5 cm, plough the

land once with mould board plough or twice with country plough or work tractor with cagewheel once with sufficient water. Follow it with working puddler or Burmese setturn to levelthe field.

ii) Summer ploughing tends to minimise water requirement for land preparation.

iii) Maintain 2.5 cm of water over the puddle and allow the green manure to rot inside the puddlefor a minimum of 7 days in the case of softer plants like sunnhemp and 15 days for greenmanure plants which are more fibrous.

iv) Ploughing with tractor cagewheel reduces percolation losses and saves 20% of waterrequirement.

6. DIGGING CORNERS AND MAINTENANCE OF BUNDSi) Dig the corners of field which are not covered by ploughing.

ii) Cut off 2.5 cm of soil from the top and sides of the bunds to remove the weeds along withtheir seeds and to destroy the eggs of insect pests by using mammutty.

iii) If the bunds are very broad, trim them to a width of 15 cm and height of 15 cm so that rats donot harbour in the bunds.

iv) If rat burrows are noticed, insert pellets of 0.5 g or 0.6 g Aluminium phosphide and plug theexit holes.

v) Apply mud paste to the sides and top of the bund to a thickness of 2.5 cm with a mammuttyand plaster it using the flat surface of the mammuty. Plastering the bunds helps in checkingweed growth and prevents harbouring of insect pests.

7. FIELD PREPARATIONi) If only FYM or compost is added, plough the field after water has soaked in and let in water

to a depth of 2.5 cm. Plough the land once with a mould board plough or twice with acountry plough or work a tractor with cage wheel once followed by working puddler or Burmesesetturn.

ii) Drain the excess water and have only a thin film of water.

iii) Level the field by using a levelling board.

iv) As far as possible, apply fertilizers as per soil test recommendations. If soil testrecommendation is not followed, adopt blanket recommendation as follows:

N P2O

5 K

2O

Short duration varieties 120 38 38 kg/haMedium and long duration varieties 150 50 50 kg/haAlthough a blanket recommendation is given for the short, medium and long duration varieties the

need for giving specific recommendations for different tracts for obtaining the maximum yield has beenwell recognised.

For this purpose, the various recommendations of the soil testing laboratories made in thedistricts in the past for the different tracts have to be critically analysed with the help of the chemists


18

incharge of Soil Testing Laboratories as well as the Scientists of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University,available in the districts and the same have to be discussed in the monthly zonal workshops prior tothe season and suitable recommendations for the different tracts in the districts have to be made foradoption.

v) Ammonium chloride application to rice as a source of N on equal nitrogen basis is comparableto urea.

vi) If nursery is already manured with di-ammonium phosphate, full dose of P2O

5 need not be

applied. Apply only one third of the recommended dose for higher yield.

vii) Apply 50 per cent of the total N along with P2O

5 and K

2O basally at the last ploughing,

keeping a thin film of water. Apply 50% of the K2O with P

2O

5 basally at the last ploughing

keeping a thin film of water.

viii) If green manure is applied, wherein the P2O

5 and K

2O are applied earlier, plough the field

once with mould board plough or twice with a country plough or work a tractor with cagewheel once followed by a puddler or Burmese setturn after the green manure has rotten.

ix. Apply 50% of N basally during last ploughing. In light soils, apply 25% N basally.

x. Apply rock phosphate to supply 50 kg P2O

5 along with green leaf or rice stubbles for thaladi.

xi. Basal application of N can be skipped if green manure is incorporated. Under this situation,apply N as top dressing in 3 splits at 10 days interval between 15 and 45 days after transplantingfor short and medium duration rice varieties.

xii. For Kuruvai rice, whenever green manure is applied (6.25 t/ha), the recommended N can beapplied as split of 1/6th N at 7 DAT, 1/3rd at 21 DAT, 1/3rd at PI and 1/6th N at first flowering.

8. BIOFERTILISERS:When bio-fertilisers are used by seed, seedlings and main field apply only 75% of N recommended

for the area by the Soil Testing Laboratory. For lowland rice under Dindigul/Theni condition Azospirillumstrain IPI responds well.

9. APPLICATION OF ZINC SULPHATEi) Mix 25 kg of zinc sulphate and sand to make a total quantity of 75 kg and

ii) Spread the ZnSO4 - sand mixture uniformly on the levelled field. Do not incorporate in the

soil as there will be Zn-phosphate interaction.

iii) When green manure (6.25 t/ha) is applied, it is enough to apply 12.5 kg ZnSO4/ha.

Correction of zinc deficiency: Basal application of ZnSO4 at 25 kg/ha or 0.5% ZnSO

4 foliar spray

on 30, 40 and 50 days after planting for medium and long duration varieties and 20, 30 and 40 daysafter planting for short duration varieties.

10. DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSi) Nitrogen deficiency: Plants become stunted and yellow in appearance first on lower leaves.

In case of severe deficiency the leaves will turn brown and die. Deficiency symptoms firstappear at the leaf-tip and progress along the midrib until the entire leaf is dead.

ii) Potassium deficiency: Bluish green leaves - when young, older leaves irregular. Chloroticand necrotic areas - grain formation is poor - weakening of the straw which results in lodging.

iii) Magnesium deficiency: Leaves are chlorotic with white tips.

iv) Iron toxicity: Brown spots on the lower leaves starting from tips and proceeding to the leafbase and turns into green or orange purple leaves and spreading to the next above leaves.

v) Zinc deficiency: Lower leaves have chlorotic particularly towards the base. A deficient plantgive a brown rusty appearance.

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11. APPLICATION OF LIMEApply lime to acid soils based on the soil analysis for obtaining normal rice yields. Apply 2.5

tonnes of lime per ha before last ploughing. Apply lime at this rate to each crop upto the 5th crop.

12. NEEM TREATED UREA AND COALTAR TREATED UREABlend the urea with crushed neem seed or neem cake 20% by weight. Powder neem cake to

pass through 2 mm sieve before mixing with urea. Keep it overnight before use (or) urea can be mixedwith gypsum in 1:3 ratio, or urea can be mixed with gypsum and neem cake at 5:4:1 ratio to increasethe nitrogen use efficiency. For treating 100 kg urea, take one kg coal tar and 1.5 litres of kerosene.Melt coaltar over a low flame and dissolve it in kerosene. Mix urea with the solution thoroughly in aplastic container, using a stick. Allow it to dry in shade on a polythene sheet. This can be stored fora month and applied basally.

13. BASAL APPLICATION OF GYPSUMGypsum at 500 kg/ha applied basally with NPK in the main field in non-calcareous heavy soils.

VII. TRANSPLANTING

1. ROOT DIPPINGIf rice-root nematode is a problem, dip the seedlings roots in phosphamidon 0.02% solution for 20

minutes prior to planting.

2. TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS IN THE MAIN FIELDPlant the seedlings at the correct age and at optimum spacing. When super seedlings are used,

transplant 20-25 days after sowing in the 4th leaf stage for short and medium duration varieties. Incase of seedlings other than super seedlings, transplant at 4th or 5th leaf stage.

Medium and low fertility High fertility

DURATIONShort Medium Long Short Medium Long

No.of seedlings per hill 2-3 2 2 2-3 2 2Depth of planting (cm) 3 3 3 3 3 3Spacing (cm) 12.5x10 20x10 20x15 20x10 20x15 20x20No.of hills/M2 80 50 33 50 33 25

Note: Give closer spacing (80 hills/M2) in case of light soils. Use transplanting rod to ensure adequatepopulation.

VIII. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD OPERATIONS

1. WATER MANAGEMENTAt the time of transplanting, a shallow depth of 2 cm of water is adequate since high depth of

water will lead to deep transplanting resulting in reduction in tillering. Upto seven days of transplanting,maintain 2 cm of water. During this period, establishment of seedlings take place. That is, thedepletion should be recouped as and when it occurs. After the establishment stage, cyclic submergence(as in table) of water is the best practice for rice crop. This cyclic 5 cm submergence has to becontinued throughout the crop period.

Days after disappearance of ponded water at which irrigation is to be given

SOIL TYPE SUMMER WINTER

Loamy 1 day 3 days

Clay Just before/immediately after disappearance 1 - 2 days

Moisture stress due to inadequate water at rooting and tillering stage causes poor root growthleading to reduction in tillering, poor stand and low yield.


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Critical stages of water requirement in rice are a) primordial initiation, b) booting, c) heading andd) flowering. During these stages, the irrigation interval should not exceed the stipulated time so as tocause the depletion of moisture below the saturation level. At booting stage, excess water, due torainfall and canal supply to more than 5 cm inundation, leads to delay in heading and reduction in thegrowth of panicles. Provide adequate drainage facilities to drain excess water. Stop irrigation 15 daysahead of harvest.

CONTINGENT PLANIn command areas, anticipating the release of water, rice crop can be raised under semi-dry

condition upto the maximum of 45 days. Weed control should be attended to carefully. Therefore,convert the crop to wet condition on receipt of water. This saves 30 - 40 per cent of water.

Spray Cycocel @ 1000 ppm (1 ml of commercial product in one lit. of water) under water deficitsituations to mitigate ill-effects.

Split application of potassium 50% at basal and 25% each at tillering and panicle initiation stagesalong with Azospirillum (Seed inoculation, seedling dipping or soil application) alleviates harmful effectsof the soil moisture deficiency. Foliar spray of Kaolin 3% or KCl 1% to overcome moisture stress atdifferent physiological stages of rice.

For delayed water release in LBP area, irrigating rice to 5 cm depth three days after disappearanceof pounded water and growing ADT 38 rice can be resorted to if the release of water is delayed uptoSeptember.

PRECAUTIONS FOR IRRIGATIONa) The field plot can be 25 to 50 cents depending on the source of irrigation.b) Field to field irrigation should be avoided and they should be irrigated individually from a

channel.c) Small bund may be formed parallel to the main bund of the field at a distance of 30 to 45 cm

within the field to avoid leakages of water through main bund crevices.d) To minimise percolation loss, the depth of stagnated water should be 5 cm or less.e) In water logged condition, open channel drains, about 2 feet in depth and one and half feet

width, may be formed in the field across.f) Care should be taken not to allow development of cracks.g) In canal command area, conjunctive use of surface and ground water may be resorted to for

judicious use of canal water and to guard against water logging.In double cropped wetland of Periyar-Vaigai command area, raise groundnut in the place of Kharif

rice if water is a constraint.

2. WEED MANAGEMENT - PRE-EMERGENCETransplanted rice:

a) Use Butachlor 2.5 l/ha or Thiobencarb 2.5 l/ha or Fluchloralin 1 l/ha or Pendimethalin 3 l/haor Anilophos 1.25 l/ha as pre-emergence application. Alternately, pre-emergence applicationof herbicide mixture viz., Thiobencarb 1.2 l+2,4 DEE 1.5 l/ha, Butachlor 1.2 l + 2,4 DEE 1.5l/ha, Fluchloralin 1.0 l + 2,4 DEE 1.5 l/ha or Pendimethalin 1.5 l + 2,4 DEE 1.5 l/ha orAnilophos + 2, 4 DEE ready mix at 1.25 l/ha followed by one hand weeding on 30 - 35 daysafter transplanting will have a broad spectrum of weed control in transplanted rice.

b) Any herbicide has to be mixed with 50 kg of sand on the day of application (3 - 4 days aftertransplanting) and applied uniformly to the field in 2.5 cm depth of water on the 10th day afterplanting. Water should not be drained for 2 days from the field (or) fresh irrigation should notbe given.

c) Wherever there is possibility of heavy weed infestation, herbicides can also be applied withneem coated urea which could serve as carrier, three to four days after transplanting insteadbasal application of N at last puddling.

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3. WEED MANAGEMENT - POST-EMERGENCEIf herbicides are not used as pre-emergence, hand weed on 15th day after transplanting. 2,4-D

sodium salt (Fernoxone 80% WP) 1250 g dissolved in 625 1/ha of water is sprayed with a high volumesprayer, three weeks after transplanting or when the weeds are in 3 - 4 leaf stage.

4. GAP FILLINGFill up the gaps between 7th and 10th day after transplanting.

5. APPLICATION OF BIOFERTILISERSa) Azolla as a bio-fertilizer for rice has been found to be effective. It is also able to reduce the

nitrogen bill upto 25 to 30 kg/ha. It is raised as a dual crop by inoculating 250 kg/ha 3 to 5days after weeding and then three weeks thereafter will add 20/30 kg N/ha.

b) Powder 10 kg of soil based blue green algae flakes. Broadcast the powdered algae flakes10 days after tranplanting. Maintain a thin film of water in the field.

c) Prepare the slurry with 5 packets (1000 g)/ha of Azospirillum inoculant in 40 lit. of water anddip the root portion of the seedlings for 15 - 30 minutes in bacterial suspension and transplant.

d) Mix 10 packets (2000 g)/ha of Azospirillum inoculant with 25 kg FYM and 25 kg of soil andbroadcast the mixture uniformly in the main field before transplanting.

Note: Blue green algae multiplies well from March to September and can be used for any varietyraised during this period provided there is adequate water supply. Care should be taken thatgreen algae is not multiplied.

6. PEST MANAGEMENTi) Remove/destroy stubbles after harvestii) Trim field bundsiii) Provide effective drainage if requirediv) Avoid use of excessive ‘N’ fertilizers.v) Avoid close planting, especially in BPH and leaf folder prone areas/seasons.vi) Leave 30 cm space at every 2.5 Mvii) Use irrigation water judiciouslyviii) Keep the fields free from weedsix) Use light traps to monitor pest incidencex) Remove egg masses of stemborerxi) In BPH prone areas/seasons, avoid use of synthetic pyrethroids, Methyl parathion and

Quinalphos and use recommended chemical at recommended doses.xii) Use insecticides based on ETLs.

PESTS E.T. LEVELS

Stemborer 2 egg masses/M2 or 10% dead heartsGall midge 10% silver shootsWhorl maggot 25% damaged leavesGreen leaf hopper 60/25 net Sweeping or 5/hill at vegetative stage or 10/hill at

flowering or 2/hill in tungro endemic area

Spray any one of the following/ha. Fenthion 100 EC 500 ml, Endosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml, Fenitrothion50 EC 1000 ml, Phosalone 35 EC 1500 ml, Quinalphos 25 EC 1000 ml, Phosphamidon 85 WSC 300ml.

THRIPS: ETL as in the nursery. Phosphamidon 85 WSC 300 ml, Monocrotophos 36 WSC 500ml, Endosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml.

i) Stem borer and leaf folderRelease of Trichogramma japonicum on 30 and 37 DAT (twice) and T.chilonis on 37, 44 and

51 DAT (thrice) followed by three sprays of Monocrotophos 1000 ml/ha on 58, 65 and 72 DAT alsoreduce the damage. The sprayings are based on ETL. Release of Trichogramma japonicum


22

against stem borer is effective at 5 ml/ha/release at weekly intervals. Release of T.chilonis against leaffolder is effective at 5 ml/ha/release at weekly intervals.

ii) Gall midgeRelease of Platygaster oryzae parasitised galls @ 1 per 10 M2 in the main field 10 days after

transplanting gives effective control.

iii) Brown Plant Hopper i) Avoid excessive use of nitrogen

ii) Control irrigation by intermittent draining

iii) Drain the water before use of insecticides and direct the spray towards the base of theplants. Apply any one of the following insecticides if BPH is present at the rate of 1 hopper/tiller in the absence of wolf spider and 2 hoppers per tiller when wolf spider at 1/hill.Phosphamidon 85 WSC 500 ml; Monocrotophos 36 EC 1250 ml; Phosalone 35 EC 1500ml; Carbaryl 10% dust 25 kg/ha; Methyl demeton 25 EC 1000 ml/ha; Acephate 75 SP 625gm/ha; Chlorpyriphos 1250 ml/ha; Carbofuran 3 G, 17.5 kg/ha; Dichlorvos 76 WSC 350 ml/ha; Neem seed kernel extract 5% 25 kg; Neem oil 3% 15 lit; Iluppai oil 6% 30 lit.

iv) Set up light traps or yellow pan traps during day time.

iv) WBPHSpray Phosphamidon 500 ml/ha for effective control of WBPH.

v) Leaf folderWhen 10% leaves are damaged in the vegetative phase and 5.0% of flag leaf damage is noticed

at flowering, spray any one of the following:

Fenitrothion 50 EC 1000 ml Phosphamidon 85 WSC 300 mlMonocrotophos 36 WSC 1000 ml Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1250 mlPhosalone 35 EC 1500 ml Carbaryl 50 WP 1.0 kgQuinalphos 25 EC 1000 ml Fenthion 100 EC 500 mlDichlorvos 76 WSC 250 ml Neem seed kernel extract 5% 25kgvi) Stem borer

If 2% white ears at initial flowering are noticed apply any one of the insecticides suggested forstem borer (dead heart) control in the vegetative stage.

vii) Mealy bugSpray any one of the following in the initial stage of infestation. Phosphamidon 85 WSC 300 ml;

Fenitrothion 50 EC 1000 ml; Phosalone 35 EC 1500 ml; Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml.

viii) Black bugSpray Monocrotophos @1000 ml/ha or acephate @625 g/ha or NSKE 5% for effective control of

black bug.

ix) Earhead bugWhen present at the rate of 5 bugs/100 earheads at flowering and 16 bugs/100 earheads at milky

stage to grain maturity, dust any one of the following at 25 kg/ha twice, the first during flowering andsecond a week later:

Quinalphos 1.5% D Carbaryl 10% DFenitrothion 2% D Malathion 5% D (OR)Spray any one of the following twice as above:Monocrotophos 36 WSC 500 ml/ha Fenthion 100 EC 500 ml/haFenitrothion 50 EC 1000 ml/ha Malathion 50 EC 500 ml/ha

Botanical powder formulations viz., NSK, Notchi leaf powder extract, Ipomoea leaf powder andProsopis leaf powder are effective in reducing the earhead bug population.

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x) TermiteApply chopped paddy straw treated with Quinalphos 1.5D @ 50 kg/ha to reduce the harvester

termite (Anacanthoterimus viarum) damage.

xi) Rice-root nematodeApply Carbofuran 3G 16.25 kg in 2 cm standing water. Treat Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10

and 20 g/kg of seed to protect against rice root nematode.

xii) White tip nematode:Spray any one of the following:Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1250 mlPhosphamidon 85 WSC 300 ml/ha

Spray Monocrotophos 36 WSC at 1 l/ha immediately after the emergence of boot leaf to reducethe percentage of chaffiness and to check the white tip nematode incidence in rice.

xiii) RatUse poison bait at 1 part Zinc phosphide with 49 parts popped corn/rice/dry fish or Warfarin 0.5%

1 part with 19 parts of popped corn/rice/dry fish or Bromodiolone 0.25 w/w (1:49) at 0.005%. Use baitat one part of Bromodiolone + 49 parts of bait and keep inside the field.

Setting up of owl perches effectively reduces the rat damage.

7. DISEASE MANAGEMENTi) Blast

Chemical: Spray any one of the following fungicides on observing initial infection of the disease.Edifenphos 500 ml/ha; Carbendazim 250 g/ha; IBP 500 ml/ha. Tricyclozole 75 WP 500 g/ha. SprayPseudomonas fluorescens formulations (500 g) dissolved in 500 litres of water and used for onehectare.

Biological control :Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens

Treat the seeds with talc based formulation of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10g/kg of seed andsoak in 1lit of water for over night. Decant the excess water and allow to sprout the seeds for 24 hand then sow.

Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers.Biofertilizers and biocontrol agents can be mixed together for seed soaking.Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.

Stagnate water to a depth of 2.5cm over an area of 25m2 in the main field. Sprinkle 2.5kg of thetalc based formulation of Pseudomonas fluorescens and mix with stagnated water. The seedlingspulled out from the nursery are to be soaked for 30 min in the stagnated water and then transplanted.

Foliar spray :Spray the talc based formulation of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 0.2% concentration (1kg/500l/

ha) commencing from 45 days after transplanting at 10 days interval for 3 times depending on diseaseseverity.

Cultural:

a) Remove collateral weed hosts from bunds and channelsb) Use only disease free seedlingsc) Avoid excess nitrogend) Apply N in three split doses (50% basal, 25% in tillering phase and 25% N in panicle

initiation stage)e) In Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur district samba crop may be planted in September to minimise

losses caused by Brown spot, sheath rot and grain discolourations.ii) Brown spot

Spray Edifenphos 500 ml/ha or Mancozeb 1000 g/ha when grade reaches 3. If necessary, repeat15 days later.


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iii) Sheath rotSpray Carbendazim 250 g or Edifenphos 500 ml/ha; Mancozeb 1 kg/ha or NSKE (5%) or Neem

oil 3% or Ipomoea leaf powder extract (25 kg/ha) or Prosopis leaf powder extract (25 kg/ha). Firstspray at boot leaf stage and second 15 days later. Application of Gypsum @ 500 kg/ha basally isbeing adopted. If it is given as two equal splits, once basally and another at active tillering can alsoeffectively reduce the sheath rot of rice. Neem formulations Neem oil 60 EC(A) and Neem oil 60 EC(C)developed by TNAU is advocated as foliar spray at 30 ml/l of water twice at 15 days interval startingfrom panicle emergence to reduce the sheath rot incidence in rice.

iv) Bacterial leaf blightSpray Streptomycin sulphate + Tetracycline combination 300 g + Copper oxychloride 1250 g/ha.

spray when grade reaches 3. If necessary repeat 15 days later. Nickel nitrate 0.3% controls thiseffectively or foliar spray fresh cowdung extract 20% twice (starting from initial appearance of thedisease and another at fortnightly interval) or spray neem oil 3% and NSKE 5%

v) Sheath blightSpray Carbendazim 250 g or IBP 500 ml/ha or Edifenphos 500 ml/ha or Carbendazim 200 gm or

Neem oil 15 l/ha as foliar spray. Neem cake at 150 kg/ha followed by foliar spray with Neem oil at 3%starting from disease appearance reduces sheath blight intensity or Apply Pseudomonas fluorescenstalc based formulation or combined application of P.fluorescens viz., Seed soaking (10g/Kg), rootdipping (1.5 Kg/ha), Soil application at 30 DAT @ 2.5 Kg/ha and foliar spray at boot leaf and 10 dayslater @ 1 Kg/ha to effectively control sheath blight.

vi) Grain discolourationSpray Mancozeb at 1000 g/ha or IBP 500 ml or Carbendazim 250 g/ha at the boot leaf stage.

Spray Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf 1 TNAU formulation) @ 1 kg/ha twice, once at booting and again15 days after first spraying to reduce the grain discolouration in rice.

Spray Neem formulations Neem oil 60 EC (A) 3% and Neem oil 60EC(C) 3% twice once atbooting and again at 15 days after first spraying to reduce the incidence of grain discolouration in rice.

vii) TungroTo identify the plants infected by tungro virus, collect leaf samples at 6 a.m. The top 10 cm

portion of the leaf is immersed in a solution containing 2 g of iodine and 6 g of potassium iodide in 100ml of water for 15 minutes or 10 ml of tincture of iodine + 140 ml of water for one hour. They are thenwashed in water and examined. Tungro infected leaves develop dark blue streaks.

viii) RTV ManagementTo control the green leaf hopper vector in the main field, two rounds of any one of the following

insecticides Monocrotophos 36 WSC (1000 ml/ha), Phosphamidon 85 WSC (500 ml/ha) or Fenthion100 EC (500 ml/ha) may be sprayed 15 and 30 days after transplanting. The vegetation on the bundsshould also be sprayed with the insecticides.

Light traps are to be set up to attract and control the leaf hopper vectors as well as to monitor thepopulation. In the early morning, the population of leafhopper alighting near the light trap should bekilled by spraying/dusting the insecticides. This should be practiced every day.

ix) Rice yellow dwarfPlough the stubbles as soon as the crop is harvested to prevent the survival of yellow dwarf

pathogen during off-season.

x) CompatibilityThe compatibility of insecticides Monocrotophos or Phosalone with fungicides Edifenphos or

Mancozeb along with ZnSO4 has been established to have good control of yellow stemborer, rice leaf

folder, brown leaf spot and sheath rot.

xi) The Integrated Pest Management practices to be adopted in rice has been identified asfollows:

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1. Use of a resistant variety.

2. Seed treatment with carbendazim

3. Nursery application of Carbofuran 3G 3.5 kg/20 cents at 15 DAS.

4. Split application of N at 50% basal, neem coated urea 25% at tillering and 25% at panicleinitiation stage.

5. Neem based application of fungicides.

6. ETL based application of insecticides.

7. Use of neem seed kernel extract 5% instead of insecticides.

8. Rodent management using Bromodiolone.

Pest control measures for JJ 92Apply carbofuran 3G @ 3.5 Kg/20 cents nursery followed by spraying edifenphos @ 250 ml/ha on

30 and 45 DAT, Carbendazim 50 WP @ 250 g/ha on 35 DAT under Chengleput condition.

8. TOP DRESSING THE BALANCE QUANTITY OF NApply only 25% of the N and K basally to ensure the activation of blue green algae and apply the

balance 75% of the N in three split doses at active tillering, panicle initiation and at heading to maintainthe proportion of 1:1 N and K.

In light textured soils, three top dressings may be done viz., 1/4 at active tillering, 1/4 at panicleinitiation and 1/4 at heading in addition to the 1/4 dose as basal.

9. SPRAYING ZINC SULPHATEIf Zinc sulphate is not applied basally, spray 0.5 per cent Zinc sulphate solution thrice during the

crop growth on 20th, 30th and 40th day of planting for short duration varieties and 30 and 40 and 50thday for medium and long duration varieties in case of zinc deficiency is noticed.

10. LATE HAND WEEDINGHand weed a second time, 80 to 85 days after transplanting, if necessary.

Yield maximisationi) Thamirabarani Tract

Kar season: Adopt plant population of either 80 hills/M2 (15 cm x 8 cm) with NPK at 125:50:50kg/ha along with other recommended practices. Apply ‘N’ in five equal splits and ‘K’ in two (basal andpanicle initiation) equal splits.

ii) Coimbatore tractKar/kuruvai: Apply and incorporate 12.5 t/ha of green manure with NPK at 150:50:50 kg/ha.

Apply N and K in three splits and 50% basal, 25% at tillering, 25% at panicle initiation stage. Adoptplant population of 80 hills/M2 (12.5 cm x 10 cm) with other recommended practices.

Kharif (Technology package) Irrigate rice to 5 cm depth once in 4 days. Cultivate ADT 38 insteadof IR 20 rice. Apply Zinc sulphate 25 kg/ha and Azospirillum AZ 204 M. Apply Butachlor at 1.25 Kg ai/ha as Pre emergence application + One hand weeding.

iii) Cauvery Delta ZoneKuruvai: Adopt plant population of 80 hills/M2 (12.5 x 10 cm) with NPK at 150:50:50 kg/ha with

other recommended practices. Apply N in four equal splits at basal, tillering, panicle initiation andheading stage and ‘K’ in two equal splits at basal and panicle initiation.

Apply 50 Kg ha-1 of Ferrous sulphate in Kuruvai and Thaladi.

Application of balanced fertilizer for getting higher net income through fertilizer recommendationobtained through STCR fertilizer prescription equation for targetted yield test verified indicated itsvalidity.

Application of P as DAP or Super Phosphate or rock phosphate along with phosphobacteriumsaved the P fertilizer to the tune of 25%


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Foliar spraying of 2% DAP at panicle initiation and boot leaf stage mitigates yellowing syndrome.

11. HARVESTINGi) Taking the average duration of the crop as an indication, drain the water from the field 7 to 10

days before the expected harvest date as draining hastens maturity and improves harvestingconditions.

ii) When 80 per cent of the panicles turn straw colour, the crop is ready for harvest. Even atthis stage, the leaves of some of the varieties may remain green.

iii) Confirm maturity by selecting the most mature tiller and dehull a few grains. If the rice isclear and firm, it is in a hard dough stage.

iv) When most of the grains at the base of the panicle in the selected tiller are in a hard doughstage, the crop is ready for harvest. At this stage harvest the crop, thresh and winnow thegrains.

v) Dry the grains to 12% moisture level and store.

vi) Maturity may be hastened by 3-4 days by spraying 20% NaCl a week before harvest toescape monsoon rains.

WET SEEDED RICE

a. Optimum seed rate for wet seeded rice is 80 Kg/ha

b. In wet seeded rice, apply Thiobencarb at 1.25 Kg ai ha-1 or Pretilachlor 0.45 Kg ai ha-1 on 4DAS/6DAS/8DAS followed by one hand weeding for effective control of weeds.

c. In wet seeded rice, Pre-emergence application of (Pretilachlor + Safener) at 0.3 Kg ai ha-1 on4 DAS followed by one hand weeding on 40 DAS effectively controls weeds.

Technologies to be adopted for cultivation of rice in salt affected soils.

In addition to the normal package of practices, the following technologies are recommended:

1. Seedlings have to be kept for one more week in the nursery than normal.

2. The dosage of Nitrogen has to be increased by 25%

3. Forty Kg of Zinc sulphate has to be applied per ha before planting.

4. Four seedlings have to be planted per hill.

The following special package of practices are to be adopted for MGR (CORH 1) rice cultivation.

Seed rate : 20 Kg per hectareNursery : Basal application of DAP at 2 Kg per cent of nursery area (50 g per m2 )

Sparse sowing of seeds at one Kg. per cent of nursery area (25 g per m2)This gives robust seedlings with 1-2 tillers per seedling at the time ofplanting. If the soil is heavy, apply 4 Kg. of gypsum per cent of nurseryarea, 10 days before pulling of seedlings.

Age of seedling : 20 to 25 daysSpacing : 20 x 10 cm (50 hills/m2) or 25 x 10 cm (40 hills/m2) according to soil

fertility.Seedling per hill : One with 1-2 tillers.

Other operations are as usual for any other high yielding varieties.

RAINFED RICE

1. DISTRICTSKanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Pudukottai, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Sivaganga and Kanyakumari.

2. SEASONJune - July to November - December.

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3. FIELD PREPARATIONi) The field has to be prepared to a very fine tilth, taking advantage of summer rains and early

monsoon showers.ii) Apply gypsum at one t/ha basally wherever soil crusting and soil hardening problem exist.

4. SOWINGi) Seed rate: 75 to 100 kg dry seed per ha for any recommended variety.ii) Seed treatment: As adopted for wet paddy.iii) Broadcast the seeds, cover immediately by harrows or sow by local ‘gorrus’ for line sowing.

5. AFTER CULTIVATIONThinning and gap filling should be done 10 - 12 days after sowing, taking advantage of the immediate

rain.

6. MANURES AND MANURINGApply 750 kg of FYM enriched with fertilizer phosphorus basally (P at 25 kg/ha) and N at 50 kg/

ha and K at 25 kg/ha in the two equal splits viz., 20 - 25 and 40 - 45 days after germination.

7. WEEDINGi) First weeding should be done between 15th and 20th day.

ii) Second weeding may be done 45 days after first weeding.

iii) Use Thiobencarb 2.5 1/ha or Pendimethalin 3 l/ha 8 days after sowing if adequate moistureis available, followed by one hand weeding on 30 to 35 days after sowing.

8. INTERCROPPINGRaise one row of blackgram for every four rows of rice.

9. SPRAYINGInsecticides and fungicides may be need based.

10. HARVESTINGSame as that for wet rice cultivation.

Technologes for Ramnathapuram districta) Varieties PMK 2 and ASD 17 are more suitableb) Best time of sowing is between September 15 to October 1stc) Apply 75% P as enriched FYM + Phosphobacteria to seed and soil

SEED TECHNOLOGY

Upgrading : Upgrade the seeds on weight basis before sowing by density gradingusing common salt solution having a specific gravity of 1.13 (1.5 kgin 10 l potable water) and collect only the heavy seeds that sink atthe bottom and rinse with water.

Seed hardening : Hardening of rice seeds with 1% KCl solution prior to direct seedingunder dry condition has been found useful to obtain normal yieldunder Cauvery delta region. For this seeds are to be soaked in 1%potassium chloride solution (equal volume) for 20 hrs. After soaking,they are dried to original moisture content.

For breaking dormancy : Seeds may be soaked in 0.18 Con.HNO3 (240 ml in 45 l water) at 1:1

(equal volume) for 12 - 16 hrs. The seeds may then be air dried tooriginal moisture.

Seed treatment : Treat the seeds with panostine guazatine at 0.2% dissolved inDichloromethane or with Cuman 1.0% dissolved in 20% PEG for 12hr. to kill H. Oryzae internally borne. Air dry the seeds.


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Root-soak treatment : Prepare the transplants giving root-soak treatment with 100 ml ofChlorpyriphos 20 EC and 2. 5 kg/lit of urea dissolved in water for 20minutes.

Spacing : Double row planting with spacing of 15 x 10 cm.

Manuring : N at 100 kg, P2O

5 at 50 kg and three levels of K

2O at 50, 75 and 100

kg/ha (for all the rice duration groups).

Harvesting : The earheads should be harvested when the seeds have attainedmaximum physiological maturity (in 28 and 31 days respectively formedium and short duration varieties) after the 50 per cent of thespikelets in the panicle have flowered. At this stage 90% of theseeds will be straw coloured and associate with moisture content of20% for short and medium duration varieties and 17% for long durationvarieties.

Threshing : Harvested earheads should be threshed at 16-17 per cent seedmoisture content.

Drying : Dry the seeds to reduce the moisture content to 13 - 14%.

Grading : A sieve size of 1.3 mm x 19 mm oblong perforations for fine seedvarieties and a sieve having 1.5 mm x 19 mm oblong perforations formedium and less coarse-seed varieties and 1.8 mm x 19 mm forcoarse seeded varieties should be used.

Treating : Treat the seed with Captan or Thiram 75% WDP at 4 g/kg of seed at13% moisture for open storage and at 9 - 10% for moisture-vapour-proof storage. Use Captan or thiram to control the infection byDrechslera oryzae, Sarocladium oryzae and Trichoconis padwickiiupto 8 months in storage without affecting germination and seedvigour in rice.

Container : a) For short-term carry over use moisture free container like freshgrade bag or gunny bag.

b) For long term carry over use moisture proof 700 guage polythenebag or PAFP bags.

Mid storage correction : Seeds from storage can be given with hydration-dehydration treatmentwith Disodium phosphate (3.60 g/100 l) to improve the viability andvigour.

SEED PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY FOR MGR HYBRID RICE (CORH 1)

Particulars Female parent Male parent

1. Duration 115 days 105 days2. Sowing season May-June, Dec-Jan May-June, Dec-Jan3. Planting 30 days old Seedling 20 days old Seedling4. Rows 8 to 10 25. Spacing(cm) 15 x 10 or 15x15 15x20x306. Seedling per hill One Two7. Seed rate in the nursery One Kg/cent One Kg/cent8. Seed rate /ha. 20 Kg 10 Kg.9. DAP basal in the nursery 2 Kg/cent 2 kg/cent10. Fertilizer dose NPK-150+50+50 Kg/ha. N and K in three splits.

Application of 200 kg N/ha is recommended for hybrid rice ADTRH 1 and CORH 2.

11. Points to be noted for synchronisation of floweringMale parent will flower 10-15 days earlier than female parent with short flowering period of 8-10

days. Hence, two sowings of male parent can be taken up on 10th and 15th day after sowing of femaleline and make them to flower 2-3 days later than female parent.

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Female flowering period is longer (8-12 days) and hence the two peak period of flowering ofparental lines should coincide. To enhance the panicle exertion in female parent spray GA3 (Gibberellicacid) at 100g/ha in two doses with knapsack sprayer. One at 25% of flowering (50g/ha in 500 litres ofwater) and another on the next day (50 g/ha in 500 liters of water). First the GA3 should be dissolvedin alcohol (1g in 50 ml of 75% alcohol) and the dissolved solution can be stored even for weeks undercool condition (25oC) in brown glass bottles and mixed in water whenever necessary. Spraying in themorning time is preferable (8 - 10 am) than in the evening (4 - 6 pm). Second spraying should be doneon the next day within 24 hours of the first spraying.

Sowings can be taken either in May-June or December-January. Since, during winter the femaleline will prolong its duration for another 10 days. September - October sowings may be avoided.

If male line comes to flowering very early ie. 4-5 days earlier than female parent, remove the earlyemerging panicles (Jerking) from the male line and allow to emerge the panicles from side tillers. Insuch cases apply one more split nitrogen to male line to prolong its duration and give some more tillersto flower.

Application of more nitrogen to the field or a spray of 2% urea will delay the flowering and 2% DAPspray will enhance flowering in both the lines. After the spray of GA3, supplementary pollination withrope pulling may be done for one week both in the morning (11 to 12 noon) and evening (3-4 pm) threeto four times. Supplementary pollination is not necessary in windy days.

xii. Planting the rows across the wind direction will enhance the pollination and seed set on thefemale line.

xiii. By proper management, seed set in female line can be increased to 40-50 per cent.

xiv. Roguing should be done periodically from tillering onwards to remove the off types both inmale and female lines.

xv. During flowering, every day, the pollen shedders, the plants which are having yellow andplumpy anthers should be removed. Only white, narrow and shrivelled anthered plants to beallowed in the female population. At maturation, the plants with full seed set (>70%) infemale parent should removed.

xvi. At the time of harvesting the male parents should be harvested first from the field and thenthe female parent.

xvii. After harvest the seeds may be cleaned, dried, graded and stored at 12% moisture level.

Commercial cultivation of MGR rice hybrid (CORH 1)Total Duration : 110 - 115 daysSeason : May - June - sowing (Kuruvai)

December - January - sowing (Navarai)Seed rate : 20 Kg/haNursery area : 20 cents/haSowing the seed : 1 Kg/centDAP as basal : 2 Kg/centGypsum -10 days beforepulling out of the seedings : 4 Kg/centFarm yard manure : 12.5 tonnes per ha.Inorganic fertilizers : 150:60:60 Kg NPK Kg/ha.

N P K (Kg/ha)Basal : 50 60 20First top dressing at active tillering : 50 - 20Second top dressing at panicleinitiation stage : 50 - 20


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Seedling age : 20 - 25 daysTransplanting : one seedling/hillSpacing-in fertile soil : 25 x 10 cm (40 hills per sq.m)Spacings-in normal soil : 20 x 10 cm(50 hills per sq.m)Plant Protection Need based protectionIrrigation & Post harvest technology : Similar to other normal varieties

Note: Fertilizer dose may be increased or decreased according to the fertility of the soil.Planting ratio for Hybrid rice

A planting ratio of 10:2 (female to male) can be adopted for CORH 1 hybrid seed. For seedproduction in Kharif, the male parent may be sown 5 to 10 days than the female parent and in Rabi 10to 15 days later.

To improve panicle exertion, give a foliar spray of GA3 at 125 g/ha.

Dry dressing of paddy seedsDry dressing of paddy seeds at 13% seed moisture with halogen mixture (Pure

CaCl2+CaCO3+arappu leaf powder at (5:4:1 ratio) @ 3g/kg and packed in gunny bag controlls loss ofgermination and vigour during storage.

DIRECT SEEDING IN RICE CULTIVATION

� Direct seeding in rice is widely practiced in sandy loam soils of Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur districtand is getting popularised in clay soils of Nagapattinam/Tiruvarur district due to late receipt ofwater. Suitable and specific varieties are recommended as follows for specific month of sowing.

Ponmani 160 to 165 days From 1st August to 30th AugustCo 43,IR20, ADT 38 125 - 135 days From 1st September to 30th September.ADT 39, Ponni, White PonniADT 36, ADT 37 105 - 110 days From 1st October to 10th October

TKM 9 and IR 50 should not be sown after 15th July.� On receipt of showers during the months of May - July repeated ploughings should be carried out

so as to conserve the moisture, destroy the weeds and break the clods.

� Application of FYM/Compost at 5 t/ha is necessary. In addition 62 kg of super phosphate tosupply 10 kg P

2O

5, 17 kg of MOP to supply 10 kg of K

2O and 10 kg of Ferrous sulphate should be

applied in the field and properly incorporated.

� Alternatively, application of 750 kg of FYM enriched with 50 kg P2O

5/ha can be applied as basal

dose in clay soils of Nagapattinam/Tiruvarur district.

� For new deltaic area of Nagapattinam/Tiruvarur district, combined application of ZnSO4 at 25 kg/

ha and FeSO4 at 50 kg/ha can be recommended as basal or foliar spray of 1% FeSO

4 + 0.5%

ZnSO4 on 15th, 25th and 35th day after planting.

� A seed rate of 80-100 kg/ha should be adopted.

� Seedling throwing method of planting: The seedlings raised in the nursery area meant for thespecified area is thrown into the levelled puddled field. A slight yield reduction is compensatedby less labour consumption.

� Azospirillum inoculant 10 packets (2 kg/ha) mixed with 25 kg of FYM may be broadcasteduniformly over the field before sowing.

� Seed hardening can be carried out with 1% potassium chloride solution. One kg of KCl in 100litres of water for 100 kg of seed will be sufficient for treatment.

� The seeds should be soaked for 10 hours and drained. The soaked seeds should be treated with1% KCl solution for another 10 hours and dried under shade to restore the original moisturecontent of the seed.

� Seed treatment with Thiram at 4 grams/kg of seed can be done 24 hours prior to sowing.

Rice

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� The seeds can be mixed with Azospirillum at 10 pockets per hectare. A little quantity of rice‘Kanji’ can be added for sticking to the seeds.

� The seeds can be sown behind the country plough or drilled with local implement called ‘Gorru’and the depth of sowing should be 3 cm and the top soil can be made compact with guntakha.

� Pre-monsoon sowing is advocated so that the germination will be uniform on receipt of soakingrain.

� If the seeds are sown in moist soils the covering will be difficult in clay soils.

� The same dose of N at 100 - 125 kg/ha recommended for low land rice can be applied for directseeding as top dressing. 3 - 4 split doses can be carried out.

� For direct seeded lowland rice, 125 Kg N ha-1 for ADT 36 and 150 Kg N ha-1 for IR 20 is optimum.Apply this dose as 50% N at 15 DAS, 25% N at AT and 25% N at PI stage.

� The first top dressing should be applied immediately after the receipt of sufficient rain or canalwater.

� Hand weeding, thinning and gap filling should be done before N-fertilizer application.

� Subsequent top dressings in two or three splits should be done before heading.

� Use of herbicide is possible in direct seeding. Thiobencarb/Butachlor at 2.5 lit/ha as pre-emergenceapplication one day after wetting/soaking can be applied and it should be followed by handweeding on 30th day. Sufficient soil moisture should be available for herbicidal use.

� Proper plant protection measures should be carried out.

SEMI DRY RICE

1. DISTRICTSKanchipuram/Tiruvallur, Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Kanyakumari, Nagapattinam/Tiruvarur and

Pudukottai.

2. SEASONSJuly - August - Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur, KanyakumariAugust - Nagapattinam/Tiruvarur, PudukottaiSeptember - October - Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga

3. FIELD PREPARATIONi) On the receipt of showers during the months of May - July, repeated ploughings should be

carried out so as to conserve the moisture, destroy the weeds and break the clods.ii) Apply FYM/compost at 12.5 t/ha. Application of 750 kg of FYM enriched with 50 kg P

2O

5/

ha can be applied as basal dose in clay soils of Nagapattinam/Tiruvarur district.iii) Seed treatment with Thiram at 4 grams/kg of seed can be done 24 hours prior to sowing.iv) The seeds can be mixed with Azospirillum at 10 pockets (2 kg) per hectare. A little quantity

of rice ‘Kanji’ can be added for sticking to the seeds.v) Drill sowing with bullock drawn seed drill with 20 cm inter row spacing.vi) In the event of uncertainity in the release of water as late as 45 days, the following technologies

can be adopted.a) Seed treatment and foliar application of KCl(1%) + basal application of 25% N + full

dose of P as enriched FYM and Potash.b) Pre emergence application of pretilachlor 0.3 kg/ha followed by post emergence

application of 2,4-D Na salt 1.0 kg/ha + one hand weeding on 45 DAS.

4. AFTER CULTIVATIONThinning and gap filling should be done on 25 - 30th day after receipt of sufficient rain or impounding

water in the field from the adjoining tanks.


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5. MANURES AND MANURINGi) Apply 100 kg of N/ha in three splits. 50% N at basal, 25% N at tillering and remaining 25%

at panicle initiation stage.

ii) The first top dressing should be done immediately after the receipt of sufficient rain or canalwater.

6. WEEDINGUse Thiobencarb 3 l/ha or Pendimethalin 4 l/ha on 8th day after sowing as sand mix if adequate

moisture is available, followed by one hand weeding on 30-35 days after sowing.

7. WATER MANAGEMENTIn command area, anticipating the release of water, rice crop can be raised under semi dry

condition upto a maximum of 45 days. Then convert the crop to wet condition on receipt of water. Thissaves 30-40 per cent of water. In Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur and Ramanathapuram district, the crop isirrigated from 30-35 days onwards, after impounding water in the tanks.

8. SPRAYING OF INSECTICIDES AND FUNGICIDESMay be need based.

9. HARVESTSame as that for wet rice cultivation.

For rice-groundnut system, planting rice in 2nd week of August with irrigation to a depth of 5 cmat once in 4 days and sowing groundnut during first fortnight of January with irrigation at 0.6 IW/CPEratio (once in 10-12 days) were optimum for Bhavanisagar condition.

Integrated farming system of rice (ADT 36) - rice (ADT 38) - Maize (CO 1) + fish culture fromdraining the excess water from surrounding rice field is superior over farmers’ practice of rice-rice-blackgram.

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MILLETS

SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor)

I. SEASON AND VARIETIESDISTRICTS/SEASON VARIETIES/HYBRIDS

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur1. Thaipattam CO 21, K 5, CSH 5, CO 26, BSR 1, COH 42. Chithiraipattam K4, CSH 5, COH 3, CO 26, BSR 1, COH 43. Adipattam K 5, K Tall, COH 3, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1, COH 44. Puratasipattam K 5, K Tall, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1

Vellore, Tiruvannamalai1. Thaipattam CO 21, K 5, CSH 5, COH 3, CO 26, COH 4, BSR 12. Chithiraipattam CO 21, CSH 5, COH 3, CO 26, BSR 1, COH 43. Adipattam CO 19, K 5, K Tall, COH 3, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1, COH 44. Puratasipattam CO 21, K 5, K Tall, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1

Cuddalore, Villupuram1. Thaipattam CO 21, CSH 5, COH 3, CO 26, BSR 12. Chithiraipattam CSH 5, COH 3, CO 26, BSR 13. Adipattam K 5, K Tall, COH 3, CO 25, CO 26, CO 21,

CSH 5, BSR 1, COH 44. Puratasipattam CO 21, K 5, K Tall, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1

Tiruchirapalli, Karur, Perambalur1. Thaipattam CO 25, CSH 5, COH 3, COH 4, BSR 12. Chithiraipattam CO 25, CO 21, CSH 5, COH 3, BSR 1, COH 43. Adipattam K 5, K Tall, COH 3, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 14. Puratasipattam K Tall, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1

Kanyakumari1. Thaipattam K 82. Chithiraipattam K 83. Adipattam K 34. Puratasipattam K 3

Salem, Namakkal1. Thaipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 12. Chithiraipattam CO 18, CO 26, BSR 13. Adipattam CO 19, Paiyur 1, Paiyur 2, BSR 14. Puratasipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, Paiyur 2, BSR 1

Dharmapuri1. Thaipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 12. Chithiraipattam CO 25, CO 26, BSR 13. Adipattam CO 19, CO 26, Paiyur 1, Paiyur 24. Puratasipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, Paiyur 2

Coimbatore1. Thaipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, CSH 5, COH 4, BSR 12. Chithiraipattam CO 25, CO 26, CSH 5, BSR 1, COH 43. Adipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 14. Puratasipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26

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Erode1. Thaipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, CSH 5, COH 4, BSR 12. Chithiraipattam CO 25, CO 26, CSH 5, BSR 1, COH 43. Adipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1, Paiyur 24. Puratasipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1, Paiyur 2

Pudukottai1. Thaipattam CO 21, CO 25, COH 3, CSH 5, BSR 1, COH 42. Chithiraipattam CO 25, COH 3, CSH 5, BSR 1, COH 43. Adipattam CO 23, CO 25, CO 26, COH 3, K Tall, BSR 1, COH 44. Puratasipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, K Tall, BSR 1

Madurai, Dindigul, Theni1. Thaipattam CO 25,CO 26,CSH 5,COH 3,K 5,K 8,COH 4, BSR 12. Chithiraipattam CO 25, COH 3, CSH 5, CO 26, K 8, BSR 1, COH 43. Adipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, COH 3, K 5,

CSH 5, K 8, BSR 1, COH 4, APK 14. Puratasipattam CO 21, CO 25, CO 26, K Tall, K 8, BSR 1, APK 1

Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar1. Thaipattam K 5, K4, COH 3, CSH 5, CO 26, K 8, BSR 1, COH 42. Chithiraipattam COH 3, CO 26, CSH 5, K 8, BSR 1, COH 43. Adipattam CO 21, COH 3, CSH 5,K 8, BSR 1, COH 4, APK 14. Puratasipattam CO 26, K 10, CO 25, K 5, K Tall, K 8, BSR 1, APK 1

Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi1. Thaipattam K 8, CO 25, CO 21, K 4, COH 3,CO 26, COH 4, BSR 1,2. Chithiraipattam K 8, CO 25, K 4, CSH 5, COH 3,CO 26, COH 4, BSR 1,

K 9 for Tenkasi tract3. Adipattam K 8, CO 21, K4, K Tall, COH 3,CO 25, CO 26, BSR 1, APK 14. Puratasipattam CO 25, KTall, CO 26, K 8, K 10, BSR 1, APK 1

Note: Thaipattam: January - February; Chithiraipattam: April - May; Adipattam: June - July;Puratasipattam: September - October.

II. SELECTION OF SEEDS

Good quality seeds are collected from disease and pest-free fields.

Quantity of seed requiredIrrigated Transplanted 7.5 kg/ha, Direct sown 10 kg/haRainfed Direct sown 15 kg/haSorghum under irrigated condition is raised both as a direct sown and as a transplanted crop.

Irrigated transplanted cropTransplanted crop has the following advantages:

a. Main field duration is reduced by 10 days.

b. Shoot fly, which attacks direct sown crops during the first 3 weeks and which is difficult tocontrol can be effectively and economically controlled in the nursery itself.

c. Seedlings which show chlorotic and downy mildew symptoms can be eliminated, therebyincidence of downy mildew in the main field can be minimised.

d. Optimum population can be maintained as only healthy seedlings are used fortransplanting.

e. Seed rate can also be reduced by 2.5 kg/ha.

Population60 plants for 10 m2, leaving only one healthy plant per hill.

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III. PARTICULARS OF SORGHUM VARIETIESPARTICULARS K 5 K 7 CO 19 CO 26

Parentage Reselection K 3 x M 35-1 A mutant from Derivative offrom IS 3541 CO 2 MS 8271x

IS 3691Duration (days) 90 - 95 105 - 110 145 105 - 110Area (Districts) All districts Southern dists. Salem & D'puri ..Season (Pattam) Adi Puratasi .. All seasonsRainfed Puratasi .. Puratasi ..Irrigated Thai .. .. ..Grain yield kg/haRainfed 2750 690 900 4500Irrigated 3500 .. .. 6000Fodder yield kg/haRainfed 8750 20,000 8,000 14000Irrigated 10500 .. .. 19000Stalk Juicy, Sweet Juicy, Sweet, Pithy Juicy, Sweet

non-pithyHeight (cm) 170 220 370 160 - 190Sheath colour Brown Reddish purple Purple GreenNode Green, glabrous Green, glabrous Green, hairy GreenMidrib Dull Dull white White Dull whiteEarhead shape Lanceolate Obovate Ovate Long cylindricalCompactness Semi-open Semi-compact Open Semi compactGrain colour Light green, pearly White, pearly White, pearly Pearly whiteSpecial feature .. .. .. ..

PARTICULARS CO 20 (Fodder) CO 21 K 4 K 8

Parentage Sele. from inter- Mutant of CSV 5 CO 18 X K2 IS 12611 Xspecific cross (dwarf) SV 108CO11x S.halapense

Duration (days) 55 - 60 100 - 105 90 85Area (Districts) .. All districts Southern districts Southern distsSeason (Pattam) All seasons Chithirai (Pre- Thai, Chithirai Puratasipattam

monsoon sowing)Rainfed .. Puratasi, Adi .. PuratasipattamIrrigated .. Thai, Chithirai .. ..Grain yield kg/haRainfed .. 2750 3000 2440Irrigated .. 4250 .. ..Straw yield kg/haRainfed 20,800 15000 8000 7300Irrigated 44,500 18750 ... ...Stalk Juicy,sweet brix 7% Juicy, sweet Juicy non pithy ...Height (cm) 260 200 Medium tall 170 - 180Sheath colour Green Reddish purple Reddish purple Reddish purpleNode Green Green, glabrous Green ...Midrib Dull white Dull white Dull white Dull whiteEarhead shape Loose panicle blac- Ovate Ovate ...

kish purple GlumeCompactness Loose Semi compact Compact Semi compactGrain colour Yellow White pearly White pearly Pearly whiteSpecial feature Suited for Moderately Suited for summer Tolerant to dro-

ratooning resistant to major cropping under ught, moderatepests & diseases irrigation in resistant to

southern districts shootfly,stem borer

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III. PARTICULARS OF SORGHUM VARIETIES (CONTD...)PARTICULARS K 9 K 10 COH 4 PAIYUR 1

Parentage Hybrid derivative K 7 x SPV.102 296A X TNS30 CO 19 X CO 24(M.36200 xTenkasi Vellai xTenkasi Vellai)

Duration (days) 120 110 - 115 105 - 110 145 - 150Area (Districts) Tenkasi Vellai- ... ... ...

cholam tractSeason (Pattam) ... ... ... ...Rainfed Chithiraipattam Puratasi Thai, Chithirai Adi, PuratasiIrrigated ... ... ... ...Grain yield kg/haRainfed 2000 1600 ... 1000Irrigated ... ... 6500 ...Straw yield kg/haRainfed 8300 16000 ... 9000Irrigated ... ... 20000 ...Stalk Green Sweet, Juicy Juicy JuicyHeight (cm) 190 - 200 250 200 - 215 300Sheath colour Reddish purple Reddish purple Green GreenNode ... Green, glabrous Green GreenMidrib White Dull white White WhiteEarhead shape Erect, obovate Erect, loose Elliptic Lax panicleCompactness Semi compact Semi open Semi Compact OpenGrain colour Pearly white Dull white lustrous Pearly white Pearly whiteSpecial feature Field tolerant Good dry fodder High yield, Low Tolerant to

to drought sorghum for incidence of leaf drought, non-rainfed diseases, grain lodging

mould & sugary photosensitivedisease

PARTICULARS CO 25 CSH 5 K TALL COH 3

Parentage 3 Way cross 2077A X CS3541 2219A x IS3541 2077Ax699 TallderivativeDuration (days) 115 - 120 100 90 105 - 110Season (Pattam) All seasons Thai,Chithirai All Seasons All seasonsGrain yield kg/haRainfed 3680 4000 3750 3000Irrigated 6000 4500 4250 6000Straw yield kg/haRainfed 13250 8750 11250 12500Irrigated 17500 12500 13250 15000Stalk Juicy sweet Pithy Juicy Juicy/sweetHeight (cm) 190 ... ... ...Sheath colour Green Reddish Brown TanNode Green Green Green GreenMidrib Dull white Dull Dull white Dull whiteEarhead shape Long cylindrical Lanceolate Lanceolate LanceolateCompactness Semi compact Semi compact Semi open Semi looseGrain colour White pearly Cream pearly Cream pearly Pearly whiteSpecial feature ... ... ... Striga

resistant non-lodging

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III. PARTICULARS OF SORGHUM VARIETIES (CONTD...)Particulars BSR 1 Paiyur 2 APK 1

Parentage (Multiple cross derivative Pureline selection Hybrid derivative of(SC 108 - 3 x ICSV 4) from IS 15845 TNS 30 x CO 2616-3-1 x (MR-801 xR 2751) 4-1-1

Duration (days) 105-110 90-95 105-110

Area (Districts) Western Zone Salem, Namakkal Southern districts of(Coimbatore, Erode, Tamil Naduparts of Salem,TrichirappalliPerambalur, Karurand Dindigul)

Season (Pattam) Kharif (rainfed) Rainfed - Adi and June - July (Adiand summer (irrigated) Purattasi pattam) - as rainfed

Sep - Oct(Purattasi pattam)as rainfed

Rainfed June - July — —Irrigated December - January — —

Grain yield (Kg/ha) Rainfed 2500 - 3500, Rainfed 2113 2619 kg/haIrrigated 6000 - 6500

Fodder Yield(kg/ha) Rainfed 1180 Rainfed 8789 8090Irrigated 9600

Stalk Juicy, sweet Juicy, sweet Pithy

Height (cm) 150 - 180 200-215 175

Sheath colour Reddish purple Green Tan

Node Green Green Green

Mid rib Dull white White Dull white

Earhead shape Long, cylindrical Elliptic Medium cylindrical

Compactness Semi-compact Semi-compact semi-compact

Grain colour Pearly white Red White

Special feature Fertilizer responsive, Dual purpose red grain Non-lodgingmoderate resistance to sorghum suited to rainfedearhead bug, shoot fly tract of Salem Namakkaland stem borer. districts. Tolerant to

downy mildew andcharcoal rot diseases.

IV. NURSERY PRACTICES

1. NURSERY PREPARATIONFor raising seedlings to plant one hectare, select 7.5 cents (300 m2) near a water source

where water will not stagnate.

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2. APPLICATION OF FYM TO THE NURSERYi. Apply 750 kg of FYM or compost for 7.5 cents nursery and apply another 500 kg of

compost or FYM for covering the seeds after sowing.

ii. Spread the manure evenly on the unploughed soil and incorporate by ploughing or applyjust before last ploughing.

3. LAYING THE NURSERYi. Provide three separate units of size 2m x 1.5 m with 30 cm space in between the plots

and all around the unit for irrigation.

ii. Excavate the soil from the interspace and all around to a depth of 15 cm to form channelsand spread the soil removed on the bed and level.

4. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDSi. Treat the seeds 24 hours prior to sowing with Carbendazim or Captan or Thiram 2g/kg of

seed.

ii. Treat the seeds with 2% KH2PO

4 for 6 hours and shade dry. Dissolve 20 g KH

2PO

4 in one

litre of water for soaking 5 kg seeds.

iii. Dissolve 0.5 g of gum in 20 ml of water. Add 4 ml of Chlorpyriphos 20 EC or Monocrotophos35 WSC or Phosalone 35 EC. To this add one kg of seed, pellet and shade dry.

iv. Treat the seeds with three packets (600 g)/ha of Azospirillum using rice kanji as binder.

v. Harden the seeds with 1% aquous fresh leaf extract of Prosopis juliflora and pungam,(Pongamia pinnata) mixed in 1:1 for 16 hrs at 1:0.6 ratio (Seed and solution) followed bydrying and subsequently pelleting the seeds with Pungam leaf powder @300 g/ka withgruel.

vi. Halogenise the seeds containing CaOCl, CaCO3 and arappu leaf powder @5:4:1 ratio oriodine based (containing 2 mg of Iodine in 30 g of CaCO3) formulation @ 3g/kg packedin polylined cloth bag to maintain seed viability for more than 10 months.

vii. Dry the seeds to 9 - 10% moisture, treat with thiram @ 2 g/kg seeds and store in polylinedcloth bag to maintain 75% of germination upto 9 months of storage.

5. SOWING AND COVERING THE SEEDSi. Make shallow rills, not deeper than 1 cm on the bed by passing the fingers vertically over

it.

ii. Broadcast 7.5 kg of treated seeds evenly on the beds.

iii. Cover by levelling the rills by passing the hand lightly over the soil.

iv. Ensure that the seeds are not sown deep as germination will be affected.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTi. Provide one inlet to each nursery unit.

ii. Allow water to enter through the inlet and cover all the channels till the raised beds arewet and then cut off water and

iii. Adjust the frequency of irrigation according to the soil types as follows:

Number of irrigations Red soils Heavy soils

First irrigation Immediately after sowing Immediately after sowingSecond irrigation 3rd day after sowing 4th day after sowingThird irrigation 7th day after sowing 9th day after sowingFourth irrigation 12th day after sowing 16th day after sowingFifth irrigation 17th day after sowing .. ..

NOTE: Do not keep the seedlings in the nursery for more than 18 days. If older seedlings areused, establishment and yield are adversely affected. Do not allow cracks to develop inthe nursery by properly adjusting the quantity of irrigation water.

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V. MAIN FIELD PREPARATION FOR IRRIGATED CROP

1.PLOUGHINGPlough the field with an iron plough once and twice with a country plough. Sorghum does not

require fine tilth since it adversely affects germination and yield in the case of direct sown crop.

To overcome the subsoil hard pan in Alfisols (deep red soils) chiselling the field at 0.5 mintervals to a depth of 40 cm on both the directions of the field followed by disc ploughing once andcultivator ploughing twice help to increase the yield of Sorghum and the succeeding blackgramalso. This was true with Sorghum followed by Groundnut also.

Application of FYM and 100% of recommended N can also be followed. In soils with sub-soilhard pan, chiselling should be done every year at the start of the cropping sequence to create afavourable physical environment.

2.APPLICATION OF FYMSpread 12.5 t/ha FYM or composted coir pith along with 2 kg of Azospirillum (10 pockets/ha)

on the unploughed field and incorporate the manure in the soil by working a country plough. Applywell decomposed poultry manure @ 5 t/ha to improve the grain yield as well as physical propertiesof soils.

3. FORMATION OF RIDGES AND FURROWSi. Form ridges and furrows using a ridger 6 m long and 45 cm apart

ii. Form irrigation channels across the furrows

iii.Alternatively, form beds of size 10 m2 and 20 m2 depending on the availability of water.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSTransplanted crop:

i. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations. If soil test recommendations arenot available, adopt a blanket recommendation of 90 N, 45 P

2O

5, 45 K

2O kg/ha.

ii. Apply half the dose of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O basally before planting.

iii. In the case of ridge planted crop, open a furrow 5 cm deep on the side of the ridge at twothirds the distance from the top of the ridge and the bottom and place the fertilizer mixturealong the furrow and cover with soil upto 2 cm.

iv. Soil application of Azospirillum at 10 packets (2 kg/ha) after mixing with 25 kg of FYM +25 kg of soil may be carried out before sowing/planting.

Direct sown cropi. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations as far as possible. If soil test

recommendations are not available, adopt a blanket recommendation of 90 N, 45 P2O

5,

45 K2O kg/ha.

ii. Apply half the dose of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O basally before sowing and if basal

application is not possible the same could be top dressed within 24 hours.

iii. In the case of bed planted crop, mark lines to a depth of 5 cm and 45 cm apart. Place thefertilizer mixture at the depth of 5 cm along the lines. Cover the lines upto 2 cm from thetop before sowing.

iv. In the case of sorghum raised as a mixed crop with a pulse crop (Blackgram, Greengramor Cowpea) open furrows 30 cm apart to a depth of 5 cm.

v. Apply fertilizer mixture in the two lines in which sorghum is to be raised and cover upto 2cm.

vi. Skip the third row in which the pulse crop is to be raised and place fertilizer mixture in thenext two rows and cover upto 2 cm with soil.

vii. Application of bio-fertilizers: When Azospirillum is used apply only 75% of recommendedN for irrigated sorghum.

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viii. Soil test based fertilizer recommendation may be adopted in Western and North WesternZone in soils viz., Alfisol, Inceptisol and Vertisol for prescribing fertilizer doses for specifiedyield targets.

5. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT MIXTURETransplanted Crop

i. Mix 12.5 kg/ha of micronutrient mixture formulated by the Department of Agriculture,Tamil Nadu with enough sand to make a total quantity of 50 kg and apply the mixture overthe furrows and on top one third of the ridges.

ii. If micronutrient mixture is not available, mix 25 kg of zinc sulphate with sand to make atotal quantity of 50 kg and apply on the furrows and on the top one third of the ridges.

Direct Sown Cropi. Mix 12.5 kg of micronutrient mixture formulated by the Department of Agriculture, Tamil

Nadu with enough sand to make a total quantity of 50 kg.

ii. Spread the mixture evenly on the beds.

iii. Basal application of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha for the deficient soils.

iv. Basal application of FeSO4, 50 kg/ha along with 12.5 t/ha FYM for iron deficient soils.

VI. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD

1. TRANSPLANTED CROPi. Pull out the seedlings when they are 15 to 18 days old.

ii. Prepare slurry with 5 packets (1000 g/ha) of Azospirillum inoculant in 40 lit. of water anddip the root portion of the seedlings in the solution for 15-30 minutes and transplant.

iii. Let in water through the furrows

iv. Plant one seedling per hill

v. Plant the seedlings at a depth of 3 to 5 cm.

vi. Plant the seedlings on the side of the ridge, half the distance from the top of the ridge andthe bottom.

vii. Maintain a spacing of 15 cm between plants in the row which are 45 cm apart (15/m2).

2. DIRECT SOWN CROPSeed hardening ensures high germination. The seeds are pre-soaked in 2% potassium

dihydrogen phosphate solution for 6 hours in equal volume and then dried back to its originalmoisture content in shade and are used for sowing.

i. In the case of pure crop of sorghum, maintain the seed rate at 10kg/ha.

ii. In the case of inter crop of sorghum with pulse crop, maintain the seed rate of sorghumat 10 kg/ha and pulse crop at 10 kg/ha.

iii. In the case of pure crop of sorghum, sow the seeds with a spacing of 15 cm betweenseeds in the rows which are 45 cm apart.

iv. Maintain one plant per hill.

v. If shootfly attack is there, remove the side shots and retain one healthy shoot.

vi. Sow the seeds over the lines where fertilizers are placed.

vii. Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 cm and cover with soil.

viii. In the case of sorghum intercropped with pulses sow one paired row of sorghum alternatedwith a single row of pulses. The spacing between the row of sorghum and pulse crop is30 cm.

Forage cowpea CO 1 can be inter-cropped in sorghum at two rows of fodder cowpea inbetween paired rows of sorghum.

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3. WEED MANAGEMENTi. Apply the pre-emergence herbicide Atrazine 50 WP - 500 g/ha on 3 days after sowing as

spray on the soil surface, using Backpack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with a flat fannozzle using 900 l of water/ha.

ii. Sorghum is slow growing in early stages and is adversely affected by weed competition.Therefore keep the field free of weeds upto 45 days. For this, after pre-emergenceherbicide application, one hand weeding on 30 - 35 days after sowing may be given.

iii. If pulse crop is to be raised as an inter-crop in sorghum do not use Atrazine.

iv. Hoe and hand weed on the 10th day of transplanting if herbicides are not used. Hoe andweed between 30 - 35 days after transplanting and between 35 - 40 days for a directsown crop, if necessary.

4. APPLICATION OF NITROGENOUS FERTILIZERSTransplanted crop

Apply the balance 50 per cent of N along the furrows on the 15th day of planting and irrigate.

5. THINNING OF THE SEEDLINGS AND GAP FILLINGDirect sown crop

Thin the seedlings and gap fill with the seedlings thinned out. Maintain a spacing of 15 cmbetween plants after the first hand weeding on the 23rd day of sowing. Thin the pulse crop to aspacing of 10 cm between plants for all pulse crop except cowpea, for which spacing is maintainedat 20 cm between plants.

6. DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSZinc: Deficiency symptoms first appear in the newly formed leaves at 20 to 30 days age.

Older leaves have yellow streaks or chlorotic striping between veins.

Iron:Interveinal chlorosis will be observed. If the deficiency continues the entire leaf includingthe veins may exhibit chlorotic symptoms. Newly formed leaves exhibit chlorotic symptoms. Theentire crop may exhibit bleached appearance, dry and may die.

Direct sown cropi. Spray only if micronutrient mixture is not applied.

ii. Apply in case of iron deficiency.

iii. If soil is calcareous

7. DISEASE MANAGEMENTRust: Spray Mancozeb at 1 kg/ha when the disease reaches grade 3. Repeat fungicidal

application after 10 days.

Sugary diseasei. Sowing period to be adjusted so as to prevent heading during rainy season and severe

winter.

ii. Spray any one of the following fungicide at emergence of earhead (5 - 10% floweringstage) followed by a spray at 50% flowering and repeat the spray after a week if necessary.Ziram 1 kg/ha, Mancozeb 1 kg/ha, Zineb 1 kg/ha

Head MouldSpray any one of the following fungicides in case of intermittent rainfall during earhead

emergence and a week later. Mancozeb 1 kg/ha, Zineb 1 kg/ha, Captan 1 kg/ha + Aureofungin sol.100 g/ha.

Downy mildewSeed treatment with Metalaxyl at 4 g/kg of seed. Rogue infected plants upto 45 days after

sowing and spray Metalaxyl 500 g or Mancozeb 1 kg or Ziram 1 kg or Zineb 1 kg/ha. SprayMancozeb 1250 g/ha after noticing the symptoms of foliar diseases, for both transplanted anddirect sown crops.

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Charcoal RotTreat the seeds of Cholam with Trichoderma viride @ 4g/Kg of seed.

8. PEST MANAGEMENTi. Take up early sowing of sorghum immediately after the receipt of South West or North

East monsoon to minimise the shootfly incidence.

ii. Use seeds pelleted with insecticides.

iii. In case of direct seeding, use increased seed rate upto 12.5 kg per hectare and removethe shootfly damaged seedlings at the time of thinning or raise nursery and transplantonly healthy seedlings.

iv. Plough soon after harvest, remove and destroy the stubbles.

v. Set up the TNAU low cost fish meal trap @ 12/ha till the crop is 30 days old. ArpocarbFishmeal formulation is more effective in attracting the shootfly adults especially thefemales.

Preparation of Arpocarb fishmeal formulation for shootfly attraction: Fishmealpowder is to be sprayed first with 2.0 per cent starch dissolved in hot water as a stickingagent. The insecticide Arpocarb should then be sprayed at 50 ml/kg of fishmeal powder.The resultant mixture is shade dried and can be used at 50 g/trap. The formulated productshould be moistened well before placing in the trap. The formulation can be changedonce in 10 - 14 days depending upon the smell.

vi. The sowing of sorghum should be completed in as short a time as possible to avoidcontinuous flowering which favours grain midge and earhead bug multiplication in anarea.

vii. Sowing the lab lab or cowpea as an intercrop to minimise stemborer damage (Sorghum:Lab lab 4:1).

viii. Setting up of light traps till mid night to monitor, attract and kill adults of stem borer, grainmidge and earhead caterpillars.

ix. Setting up sex pheromone traps at 12/ha to attract male moths of Helicoverpa sp. fromflowering to grain hardening. Two applications of NPV at 10 days interval at 250 LE/haalong with crude sugar 2.5 kg + Cotton Seed Kernel powder 250 g on the earheads iseffective in reducing the larval population of Helicoverpa.

x. Apply insecticides when the pest population reach the ET levels viz., Shootfly one eggper plant in 10% of the plant population in the first two weeks of sowing or 10 per centdead hearts. Stemborer 10 per cent damage; grain midge 5 per earhead; earhead bug10 per earhead; earhead caterpillar 2 per earhead, mites 5 per sq. cm.

a. Shootfly: In nursery, spray one of the following for an area of 120 sq. m, Endosulfan35 EC 18 ml; Methyl demeton 25 EC 12 ml; Dimethoate 30 EC 12 ml. In main fieldfor direct sown crop, spray one of the following per ha - Endosulfan 35 EC 500 ml;Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml; Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml (250 l of spray fluid/ha).Keeping 12 Nos. of fish meal traps/ha effectively reduces the damage.

b. Seed-borne disease and shootfly control: Combined application of Carbendazim2 g/kg + Monocrotophos 4 ml.

c. Stemborer: Mix any one of the following insecticides with sand to make up a totalquantity of 50 kg/ha and apply in the leaf whorls. Quinalphos 5 G 15 kg; Endosulfan4 G 15 kg; Phorate 10 G 8 kg; Carbofuron 3 G 17 kg; Carbaryl 4 G 20 kg; Carbaryl +Lindane (Sevidol) 4 G 20 kg; Endosulfan 4 D 10 kg; Phosalone 4 D 10 kg; Fenthoate2 D 5 kg or Endosulfan 35 EC 750 ml or Carbaryl 50 WP 1.00 kg (500 l spray fluid/ha).

d. Grain midge, earhead bug, earhead caterpillar: Dust carbaryl 10 D 25 kg/ha;Malathion 5 D 25 kg/ha; Phosalone 4 D 25 kg/ha. Dust on 3rd and 18th day after

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panicle emergence. For the earhead bug and sugary disease predominance, spraytwice with Malathion 500 ml/ha. Plus Ziram 1.25 kg/ha in 500 lit of water at 10%heading and 9 days after.

e. Mites: Spray 3.75 kg wettable sulphur or 1500 ml dicofol per ha. Direct the sprayfluid towards the under surface of the leaves. ETL for Sorghum mite = 5 mites/cm2

of leaf area.

f. Storage Pests: Rice weevil (Sitophilus oryzae) treat the seeds with Monocrotophosor Chlorpyriphos 4 ml per kg of seed.

Some of the pesticides listed may cause phytotoxicity to sorghum crop.

1. Dichlorvos 2. Fenitrothion 3. Phosphamidon 4. Methyl Parathion 5. Quinalphos 6. Monocrotophos 7. Copper Oxychloride 8. Methyl demeton 9. Dimethoate 10. Thiometon

VII. WATER MANAGEMENT

Regulate irrigation according to the following growth phase of the crop.

Transplanted crop Direct sown crop

Growth phase 1 to 40 days 1 to 33 daysFlowering phase 41 to 70 days 34 to 65 daysMaturity phase 71 to 95 days 66 to 95 days

No. of Days of Transplanting/Sowing of Crop

STAGES Irrigation Transplanted Direct sown

Light soilsi. Irrigate for germination 1 1st day 1st dayor establishment 2 4th day 4th dayii. Regulate irrigation 1 15th day 15th dayduring vegetative phase 2 28th day 28th dayiii. Flowering phase (copious irrigation) 1 40th day 40th day

2 52nd day 52nd day3 .. 64th day

iv. Maturity phase (Control irrigation) 1 65th day 76th day2 .. 88th day

v. Stop irrigation thereafter .. ..Heavy soilsi. Irrigate for germination 1 1st day 1st dayor establishment 2 4th day 4th dayii. Regulate irrigation 1 17th day 17th dayduring vegetative phase 2 30th day 30th dayiii. Flowering phase (give 1 40th day 45th daycopious irrigation) 2 52nd day 60th day

3 .. 75th dayiv. Maturity phase (Control irrigation) 1 72nd day 90th dayv. Stop irrigation thereafter

NOTE: Adjust irrigation schedule according to the weather conditions and depending upon thereceipt of rains.

Contingent Plan: Spraying 3% Kaolin (30 g in one litre of water) during periods of stress willmitigate the ill effects.

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VIII. HARVESTING AND PROCESSING

i. Consider the average duration of the crop and observe the crop. When the crop maturesthe leaves turn yellow and present a dried up appearance.

ii. The grains are hard and firm.

iii. At this stage, harvest the crop by cutting the earheads separately.

iv. Cut the straw after a week, allow it to dry and then stack.

v. In the case of tall varieties, cut the stem at 10 to 15 cm above ground level and afterwardsseparate the earheads and stack the straw.

vi. Dry the earheads.

vii. Thresh using a mechanical thresher or by drawing a stone roller over the earheads or byusing cattle and dry the produce and store.

RATOON SORGHUM CROP

1. VARIETIES FOR RATOONING: CO 25, CO 26, Hybrid CSH 5, K Tall.

2. RATOONING TECHNIQUEi. Harvest the main crop leaving 15 cm stubbles.

ii. Remove the first formed two sprouts from the main crop and allow only the later formedtwo sprouts to grow. Allow two tillers per hill.

3. HOEING AND WEEDINGi. Remove the weeds immediately after harvest of the main crop.

ii. Hoe and weed twice on 15th and 30 th day after cutting.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSi. Apply 100 kg N/ha in two split doses.

ii. Apply the first dose on 15th day after cutting and the second on 45th day after cutting.

iii. Apply 50 kg P2O

5/ha along with first application of N.

5. PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENTi. Since the ratoon crop invites pests and diseases in early stages, plant protection measures

have to be resorted to. Spray chemicals immediately after application of fertiliser beforeirrigation.

ii. Follow the plant protection measures as recommended for the control of stemborer,earhead midge and earhead bug for the main crop.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTi. Irrigate immediately after cutting the main crop.

ii. Irrigation should not be delayed for more than 24 hours after cutting.

iii. Irrigate on 3rd or 4th day after cutting.

iv. Subsequently irrigate once in 7 - 10 days.

v. Stop irrigation on 70 - 80 days after ratooning.

7. HARVESTHarvest the crop when the grains turn yellow.

NOTE: The duration of the ratoon crop is about 15 days less than the main crop.

RAINFED SORGHUM

1. RAINFALL Average and well distributed rainfall of 250-300 mm is optimum for rainfed sorghum.

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2. DISTRIBUTIONMadurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar,

Sivagangai, Tiruchirapalli, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Coimbatore and Dharmapuri Districts.

3. SEASONThe crop can be grown in South West and North East monsoon seasons.

4. FIELD PREPARATIONTest the soil and apply fertilizers based on soil test recommendations.

i. Field has to be prepared well in advance taking advantage of early showers. FYMapplication should be done at 12.5 t/ha and well incorporated at the time of ploughing.

ii. Chiseling for soils with hard pan

Chisel the soils having hard pan formation at shallow depths with chisel plough at 0.5 Minterval, first in one direction and then in the direction perpendicular to the previous oneonce in three years. Apply 12.5 t FYM or composted Coir pith/ha besides chiselling toget an additional yield of about 30% over control.

iii. To conserve the soil moisture sow the seeds in flat and form furrows between crop rowsduring inter cultivation or during third week after sowing.

5. VARIETIESCO 21, CO 26, CO 25, K Tall, COH 3, K5, K8.

6. SEED RATE 15 kg/ha

7. SEED TREATMENTi. Soak the seeds in 2% (20 g in one litre of water) potassium dihydrogen phosphate or 500

ppm of CCC (1 ml in one litre of water) for six hours and shade dry the seeds for 5 hours.Use 350 ml of solution for soaking one kg of seed.

ii. Treat the seeds with three packets of Azospirillum (600 g) and 3 packets ofPhosphobacterium. In the main field, apply Azospirillum 2 kg (10 pockets/ha) withPhosphobacteria 2 kg with 25 kg FYM + 25 kg soil.

8. SOWINGSow the seeds well before onset of monsoon at 5 cm depth (by seed drill or by country

plough). The seed is pelletised with 15 g of Chloropyriphos in 150 ml of gum and shade dried.

Pre-monsoon sowingSow the hardened seeds at 5 cm depth with Seed cum fertilizer drill to ensure uniform depth

of sowing and fertilizer application before the onset of monsoon as detailed below:

District Optimum period

1. Coimbatore 37-38th week (II to III week of September)2. Erode 38th week (III week of September)3. Sivaganga 40th week (I week of October)4. Ramanathapuram 40th week (I week of October)5. Thoothukudi 39-40th week (Last week of September to I week of October)6. Vellore, Tiruvannamalai 37th-38th week (September II week to September III week)

i. Sow the sorghum seeds over the line where the fertilizers are placed.

ii. Sow the seeds at a depth of 5 cm and cover with the soil.

iii. Sow the seeds with the spacings of 15 cm in the paired rows spaced 60 cm apart.

iv. Sow the pulse seeds to fall 10 cm apart in the furrows between the paired rows of sorghum.

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9. SPACING45 x 15 cm or 45 x 10 cm.

10. FERTILIZERApply 12.5 t/ha or Composted Coir pith + NPK at 40:20:0; enriched FYM 750 kg/ha. The

recommended dose of 40 kg N and 20 kg P2O

5/ha for rainfed sorghum can be halved if FYM @ 5 t/

ha is applied.

11. WEED MANAGEMENTKeep sorghum field free of weeds from second week after germination till 5th week. If sufficient

moisture is available spray Atrazine @ 500 g/ha as pre-emergence application within 3 days afterthe receipt of the soaking rainfall for sole sorghum while for sorghum based intercropping systemwith pulses, use Pendimethalin at 3.0 l/ha.

12. CROPPING SYSTEM1. The most profitable and remunerative sorghum based cropping system adopted is

intercropping sorghum with cowpea, redgram, lab-lab, blackgram.

2. In rainfed Vertisol, adopt paired row planting in sorghum and sow one row of blackgram/cowpea in between paired rows of sorghum to have 100% population of sorghum plus33% population of blackgram/cowpea.

3. Intercropping of sunflower CO 1, with the main crop of sorghum CO 26 in 4:2 ratio isrecommended under rainfed conditions during North-East monsoon for black soils ofCoimbatore.

4. Intercropping of soyabean with sorghum in the ratio 4:2 is recommended or kharif andsummer seasons.

5. For sorghum - blackgram intercropping system as well as sole cropping, application of20 kg N and 20 kg P

2O

5/ha through enriched FYM and treating the seeds with Azospirillum

is recommended for Aruppukottai region.

6. For sorghum (CO 25) + Fodder cowpea (CO 1) intercropping system, application of 20 kgN and 20 kg P

2O

5/ha with enriched FYM is recommended for Coimbatore region.

7. The intercropping system, fodder sorghum (K 7) + Fodder cowpea (CO 5) at 3:2 ratio isfound profitable for rainfed Vertisols of Aruppukottai.

8. Tamarind and Neem trees upto 3-4 years from date of planting form an ideal treecomponent for agroforestry in black cotton soils of Kovilpatti. Sorghum and blackgramgiven higher yield even at 50 per cent of the recommended level of fertilizer application.

HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION

1. SEASON October - December for hybrid. June - July and October - November for varieties.

2. SOWINGTo achieve synchronised flowering of the parental lines and quick disposal of the produce,

sowing the parental lines from 15th November to 15th of January is most advantageous. Theflowering period should coincide with cool and low temperature for proper seed set. UnderCoimbatore conditions for CSH 5 the female parent (MS 2077A) must be sown 10 - 15 days earlierto the male (CS 3541), for K tall MS 2219-A must be sown 3 - 5 days later to IS 3541 and for CSH6 the female parent MS 2219-A can be sown simultaneously, with CS 3541 and for CSH 9 thefemale parent MS 206 A must be sown 7 - 10 days earlier than male CS 3541 in November -December season.

Presowing hardening: Soak the graded seeds with 2% Potassium dihydrogen phosphate(KH

2PO

4) for 10 hrs and dry back to original moisture content. The same may be further seed

treated before sowing.

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3. PLANTING RATIO4:2 at F.S. and 5:2 at C.S. Spacing : 45 x 10 cm

4. FERTILIZERS100:50:50 kg NPK/ha. 50:50:50 as basal; 25:0:0 top dressing after weeding; 25:0:0 kg at boot

leaf stage (i.e.) 45th day of sowing.

5. TO ACHIEVE SYNCHRONISATION1. Spraying growth retardant Maleic hydrazide 500 ppm at 45th day after sowing delays

flowering in advancing parent.

2. N in the form of urea 1% can be sprayed to the logging parent.

3. With-hold one irrigation in advancing parent.

4. Take up staggered sowing.

5. Spraying CCC 300 ppm will delay flowering.

6. Pre-harvest sanitation spray: Spraying of Carbendazim or Carboxin for black mouldattacked or rain soaked earheads.

6. PHYSIOLOGICAL MATURITY:Attains physiological maturity 40 - 45 days after half-bloom stage when seed moisture content

would be 30 per cent.

7. HARVEST:Harvest the male rows first and then the female.

8. THRESHING:At a seed moisture content of 15 - 18 per cent.

9. SIEVE SIZE:9/64" round perforated sieve.

10. STORAGE:Dry the seeds to safe moisture content of 7 per cent. Treat with Captan or Thiram @ 2 g/kg of

seed and pack it in cloth bag for short term and in 700 guage polythene bag for long term storage.

11. MID STORAGE CORRECTION:Old seeds with declining viability may be upgraded and soaked for 6 hrs in double the volume

of Disodium hydrogen phosphate (3.59 g/100 l water) and quickly dried back to 8% moisture content.

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CUMBU ( Pennisetum glacum )


Districts/Season Varieties/Hybrid

1. IRRIGATEDi. CHITHRAIPATTAM (March-April)

All districts except Kanchipuram WCC 75, K 3, CO 7, X 6, X 7Tiruvallur and The Nilgiris.

ii. MASIPATTAM (January-February)All districts except The Nilgiris, WCC 75, CO 7, X 6, X 7Kanchipuram & Tiruvallur

2. RAINFEDi. ADIPATTAM (June-July)

All districts except Kanchipuram WCC 75, K 3, CO 7, X 6, X 7Tiruvallur and The Nilgiris K4HB

II. NURSERY1. PREPARATION OF LAND

i. For raising seedlings to plant one ha select 7.5 cents near a water source. Water shouldnot stagnate.

ii. Plough the land and bring it to the fine tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply 750 kg of FYM or compost and incorporate by ploughing. Cover the seeds with 500 kg

of FYM.

3. FORMING RAISED BEDi. In each cent mark 6 plots of the size 3 m x 1.5 m with 30 cm channel in between the plots

and all around.

ii. Form the channel to a depth of 15 cm.

iii. Spread the earth excavated from the channel on the beds and level.NOTE: The Unit of 6 plots in one cent will form one unit for irrigation.

4. REMOVAL OF ERGOT AFFECTED SEEDS AND SCLEROTIA TO PREVENT PRIMARY INFECTION

i. Dissolve 1 kg of common salt in 10 litres of water.

ii. Drop the seeds into the salt solution.

iii. Remove the ergot and sclerotia affected seeds which will float.

iv. Wash seeds in fresh water 2 or 3 times to remove the salt on the seeds.

v. Dry the seeds in shade.

vi. Treat the seeds with three packets (600 g) of Azospirillum inoculant.

5. TREATMENT OF THE NURSERY BED WITH INSECTICIDESApply phorate 10 G 180 g or Carbofuran 3 G 600 g mixed with 2 kg of moist sand, spread on

the beds and work into the top 2 cm of soil to protect the seedlings from shootfly infestation.

6. SOWING AND COVERING THE SEEDSi. Open small rills not deeper than 1 cm on the bed by passing the fingers over it.

ii. Sow 3.75 kg of seeds in 7.5 cents (0.5 kg per cent).

iii. Cover the seeds by smoothening out the rills with hand. Sprinkle 500 kg of FYM orcompost evenly and cover the seeds completely with hands.

NOTE: Do not sow the seeds deep as germination will be affected.

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7. IRRIGATION OF THE SEED BEDi. Provide one inlet to each unit of 6 plots to allow water in the channels.

ii. Allow water to enter the channel and rise up in it. Turn off the water when the raised bedis wet.

iii. Irrigate as per the following schedule.

Light Soil Heavy Soil

1st immediately after sowing Immediately after sowing2nd on 3rd day after sowing On 3rd day after sowing3rd on 7th day after sowing On 9th day after sowing4th on 12th day after sowing On 16th day after sowing5th on 17th day after sowing

8. PROTECTION OF SEEDLINGS IN THE NURSERY FROM PEST ATTACKIf seed bed is not treated before sowing, protect the nursery by applying any one of the

insecticides given below on the 7th and 14th day of sowing by mixing in 6 litres of water. Endosulfan35 EC 12 ml; Methyl demeton 25 EC 12 ml; Dimethoate 30 EC 12 ml.

NOTE: 1. The seedlings should not be kept in nursery for more than 18 days. As they mature,establishment and yield are affected adversely.

2. Ensure that cracks do not develop in the nursery. This can be avoided by properlyadjusting the quantity of irrigation water.

III. PARTICULARS OF CUMBU HYBRID AND VARIETIES

PARTICULARS X 6 WCC 75 K 3 CO 7 X 7

Season-irrigated/ Both Both Both Both BothrainfedDuration (Days) 90 - 100 95 85 90 - 100 90Grain yield (kg/ha)Rainfed grain 2394 2000 800 2500 - 2800 2513Rainfed fodder — 2750 1600 4000Irrigated Grain 3236 3000 1100 3000 - 3500 3295Irrigated fodder — 6250 2500 6300Plant height (cm) 155 - 175 170 - 180 140 - 160 130 - 145 155 - 180Tillers (No.) 4 - 6 2 - 3 4 - 7 6 - 10 4 - 7Pigmentation Green Green Light purple Green Non-

pigmentedHairiness Glabrous Glabrous Glabrous Glabrous GlabrousDays to 50% bloom 55 - 60 50 50 65 - 70 50 - 55Shape of earhead Spindle Spindle Spindle Conical/ Candle

cylindrical/spindleBristles Absent Present Nil Nil —Length of earhead 20 - 25 25 - 28 25 - 28 22 - 26 25 - 35(In cm)Breadth of earhead — 2 - 3 2 - 3 3 - 4 —(In cm)Grain colour Slate Slate grey Slate grey Slate colour Slate1000 grainsweight (gm) 7.7 - 8.8 8 - 9 6.6 6.8 - 7.2 8.0 - 9.0Special features Resistant to ... ... Resistant to Resistant to

downy downy mildew downymildew mildew

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IV. PREPARATION OF MAIN FIELD1. FIELD PREPARATION

i. Plough with an iron plough twice and with country plough twice. Bring the soil into finetilth.

ii. CHISELING FOR SOILS WITH HARD PAN: Chisel the soils having hard pan formationat shallow depths with chisel plough at 0.5 M interval, first in one direction then in thedirection perpendicular to the previous one, once in three years. Apply 12.5 t/ha FYM, orcomposted coir pith besides chiseling, to get an additional yield of about 30% over control.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOSTSpread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost or composted coir pith uniformly on unploughed soil.

Incorporate the manure by working the country plough and apply Azospirillum to the soil @ 10packets per ha (2000 g).

3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWS/BEDSi. From ridges and furrows (using 3 ridges) 6 m long and 45 cm apart. If pulses is

intercropped, form ridges and furrows 6 m long and 30 cm apart. For CO 7 cumbu, formridges 40 cm apart.

ii. If ridge planting is not followed, form beds of the size 10 m2 or 30 m2 depending uponwater availability.

iii. Form irrigation channels.iv. To conserve soil moisture under rainfed condition, sow the seeds in flat and form furrows

between crop rows during intercultivation on third week after sowing.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSApply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations as far as possible. If soil test

recommendation is not available follow the blanket recommendation of 70:35:35 kg N, P2O

5, K

2O/

ha for all varieties. For hybrids, apply 80 kg N, 40 kg P2O

5 and 40 kg K

2O per ha. Apply 50 per cent

of the recommended nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus and potassium basally.

Combined application of Azospirillum SP 7 and Phosphobacterium along with 75 per cent ofthe recommended level of N and P is recommended for rainfed conditions.

Method of application: For transplanted crop, open a furrow more than 5 cm deep on the sideof the ridge (1/3 distance from the bottom), place the fertilizer and cover. For the direct sown crop,mark the lines more than 5 cm deep 45 cm apart in the beds for all strains except CO 7. For CO 7mark the lines 35 cm apart. Place the fertilizer below 5 cm depth and cover upto 2 cm from the topbefore sowing. In the case of intercropping with pulses, mark lines more than 5 cm deep 30 cmapart in the beds. Apply fertilizer only in the rows in which cumbu is to be sown and cover upto 2cm. When Azospirillum inoculant is used for seeds, seedlings and soil apply only 50 kg N/ha forvariety, 60 kg N/ha for hybrid, in other words, reduce 25% N of soil test recommendations.

5. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT MIXTUREApply 12.5 kg/ha of micronutrient mixture formulated by the Department of Agriculture. Mix

the mixture with enough sand to make 50 kg and apply on the surface just before planting/aftersowing and cover the seeds. Broadcast the mixture on the surface to seed line. If micronutrientmixture is not available apply 25 kg of zinc sulphate per ha. Mix the chemical with enough sand tomake 50 kg and apply as above.

V. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD OPERATIONS1. TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS OR SOWING PRE-TREATED SEEDSTransplanted Crop

i. Pull out the seedlings when they are 15 to 18 days old.

ii. Adopt the spacing 45 x 15 cm for all the varieties except CO 7. For CO 7 the spacing is35 x 15 cm.

iii. Plant seedlings on the side of ridge, half way from the bottom. Depth of planting shouldbe 3 to 5 cm.

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iv. Root dipping with bio-fertilizers: Prepare the slurry with 5 packets (1000 g)/ha ofAzospirillum SP 7 inoculant in 40 lit. of water and dip the roots of the seedlings 15 - 30minutes before planting.

Direct sown cropSoaking of cumbu seeds either in 2% Potassium chloride (KCl) or 3% Sodium Chloride (NaCl)

for 16 hours followed by 5 hours shade drying improves germination and stand.i. Adopt the spacing of 45 x 15 cm for all varieties except CO 7. For CO 7, give a spacing

of 35 x 15 cm. If pulse is intercropped, adopt a spacing of 35 x 15 cm for cumbu and 30x 10 cm for Cowpea and 30 x 10 cm for other pulses. One pair row of cumbu is alternatedwith a single row of pulse crop.

ii. In the furrows in which fertilizers have been applied, place 5 kg of seed, allowing them tofall 4 - 5 cm apart (Use higher seed rate of 5 kg to offset mortality). The optimum populationshould be 1,45,000 per ha.

iii. Where pulse seeds are to be sown, drop pulse seeds to fall 5 cm apart and cover.

2. WEED MANAGEMENTSpray Atrazine 50 WP 500 g/ha on the 3rd day. Then, one hand weeding on 30 - 35 days after

transplanting may be given. If herbicide is not used hand weed on 15th day and again between 30and 35 days after transplanting.

Direct Sown cropi. Apply the pre-emergence herbicide Atrazine 50 WP at 500 g/ha, 3 days after sowing as

spray on the soil surface using Back-pack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat typenozzle using 900 l of water/ha.

ii. Apply herbicide when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.

iii. Hand weed on 30 - 35 days after sowing if pre-emergence herbicide is applied.

iv. If pre-emergence herbicide is not applied hand weed twice on 15 and 30 days after sowing.

3. THINNING AND GAP FILLINGIn direct sown crop after 1st weeding at the time of irrigation, gap fill and thin the crop to a

spacing of 15 cm between plants; cowpea crop to 20 cm between plants and other pulses crops to10 cm between plants.

4. TOP DRESSING OF FERTILIZERSi. Top dress the remaining quantity of nitrogen (50%) 15 days after transplanting for

transplanted crop and 30 days after sowing for direct sown crop.

ii. In transplanted crop, open a furrow 5 cm deep with a stick or hoe at the bottom of thefurrow, place the fertilizer and cover.

iii. In the case of direct sown crop apply the fertilizer in band. If intercropped with pulsesapply the fertilizer to cumbu crop only.

iv. After the application of fertilizer, irrigate the crop.

5. EARHEAD PROTECTIONApply any one of the insecticides at 25 kg/ha at 50 per cent flowering: Carbaryl 10% D,

Malathion 5% D, or spray Carbaryl 50 WP 750 g or Endosulfan 35 EC 750 ml (500 l of spray fluid/ha).

VI. WATER MANAGEMENT

The different growth stages of cumbu are as follows and regulate irrigation according to growthphases. Heading and flowering are the critical phases of water demand.

Vegetative Phase a. Seedling 1 to 18 daysb. Tillering 19 to 35 daysc. Flowering phase 36 to 55 daysd. Maturity phase 56 to 85 days

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Days after transplantation/sowingSTAGES No. of Transplanted Crop Direct Sown Crop

irrigation

Light Soilsi. Germination 1 1st day after transplanting 1st day after sowing

2 4th day 4th dayii. Vegetative phase 1 15th Day 17th day

2 28th day 30th dayiii. Flowering phase 1 40th day 42nd day

2 52nd day 55th day3 49th day 70th day

iv. Maturity phase 1 59th day 73rd dayv. Stop irrigation thereafterHeavy Soilsi. Germination 1 1st day after planting 1st day after sowing

2 4th day 5th dayii. Vegetative phase 1 15th day 15th day

2 28th day 30th dayiii. Flowering phase 1 42nd day 45th day

2 44th day 60th dayiv. Maturity Phase 1 54th day 75th dayv. Stop irrigation thereafter

NOTE: This is only a guideline and the irrigation schedule is to be adjusted depending upon theprevailing weather conditions.

VII. HARVESTING THE CROP

1. SYMPTOMS OF MATURITYi. Leaves will turn yellow and present a dried apprearance.

ii. Grains will be hardened.

2. HARVESTINGi. Cut the earheads separately.

ii. Cut the straw after a week, allowing it to dry and stack it in the field till it can be transported.

3. THRESHING, CLEANING, DRYING AND STORING i. Dry the earheads

ii. Thresh in a mechanical thresher or

iii. Spread it and drag a stone roller over it or

iv. Cattle thresh.

VIII. DISEASE MANAGEMENT (SPECIFIC PROBLEMS)

1. SUGARY AND ERGOT DISEASES (CHEMICAL CONTROL)Spray Carbendazim 500 g or Ziram 1000 ml or Mancozeb 1 kg when 5 - 10% flowers have

opened and again 50% flowering stage.

2. RUSTSpray any one of the following fungicides when the initial symptoms of the diseases are

noticed. Wettable sulphur 2.5 kg or Mancozeb 1 kg/ha. Repeat the application of any one of thefungicides 10 days after.

Sowing during December - May result in less incidence of rust disease. Control measuresare to be adopted when there is rust incidence in the early stages as spread of infection to topleaves results in poor grain filling.

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3. DOWNY MILDEWGrowing downy mildew resistant varieties CO7, WCC 75 is recommended. Transplanting

reduces disease incidence. At the time of planting infected seedlings should be removed. In thedirect sown crop, infested plants should be removed upto 45 days after sowing as and when thesymptoms are noticed.

Treat seeds with Metalaxyl at 6 g/kg followed by one spraying with metalaxyl 500 g or RidomilMZ WP 2 kg/ha or Mancozeb 1 kg/ha.

IX. SEED TECHNOLOGYCUMBU HYBRID / VARIETY / COMPOSITE1. SEASON

Winter season - October - December. The parental lines of Pusa 23 cumbu can be raised inthe ratio of 8:2 F:M for maximising hybrid seed production.

2. SPACING Give a spacing of 45 x 20 cm.

3. PLANTING RATIO Plant in the ratio of 6:1 (6 female lines and 1 male line) for hybrid.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSN P K (Kg/ha)

i. Basal 50 50 50 ii. Top dressing (30th day after sowing) 50 .. ..iii. Foliar application Diammonium phosphate 1%

at peak tillering phase.5. HARVESTING AND THRESHING

The earheads should be harvested at 20 - 25 per cent moisture content and threshed afterreducing the moisture content to 15 - 20 per cent in a mechanical thresher at 1400 rpm. Harvestingthe earheads from late formed tillers (7th onwards) should be avoided as the seed yield and qualitydeclines.

6. DRYINGDry the precleaned seeds in a hot-air dryer for 8 hrs to reduce the moisture content to 10 per

cent.

7. GRADINGA grading sieve with the specification of 4/64" (1.6 mm) diameter round perforations was

found optimum for obtaining higher recovery of 90 - 95 per cent good quality seeds. (For WCC 75,use 5/64" round perforated sieve).

8. SEED TREATMENTSlurry treat the seeds with Thiram 75% WDP at 2 g dissolved in 5 ml of water per kg. of seed.

9. STORAGETreated seeds packed in cloth bag and polythene bags of 700 gauge thick will be able to

remain germinable to an extent of 80 - 90 per cent respectively over a period of 15 months underambient temperature and relative humidity obtainable at Coimbatore.

10. STORAGE HYDRATION - DEHYDRATION FOR PROLONGING THE SHELF LIFEOF SEEDS

Seeds that show a decline in vigour and germinability during the early period of storage shouldbe soaked for three hours in double the volume of Disodium phosphate 10.4 M (36 mg/lit of water).The seeds after soaking should be air-dried first and then sundried until they dry back to 8% moisturecontent and dry-dressed with Thiram or Captan 75% WP at 2 g per kg of seeds to maintain shelflife upto ten months, with minimum loss in vigour and viability.

��

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54

RAGI ( Eleusine coracana )1. SEASONS AND VARIETIES

DISTRICTS/SEASON VARIETIESIrrigated

i. Marghazipattam (December - January)

Kanchipuram & Tiruvallur,Vellore, Tiruvannamalai CO 11, CO 7, CO 18Cuddalore, Villupuram CO 7, CO 11, CO 12, CO 13Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam CO 11, TRY 1, CO 13Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Pudukottai CO 11, CO 7, TRY 1Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, CO 11, CO 7, K 7Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi,Sivaganga, Thoothukudi CO 11, K 5, K7Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri CO 11, CO 7, CO 12, CO 13Erode, Coimbatore CO 11, CO 12, CO 7, CO 13

ii. Chithiraipattam (April - May)Kanchipuram & Tiruvallur, Vellore, CO 11, K 7Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur,Karur, Pudukottai, TirunelveliCuddalore, Villupuram CO 11, CO 12, K 7, CO 13Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam CO 11Thoothukudi, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar CO 11, K 5, K 7Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri CO 11, CO 7, CO 12, CO 13Coimbatore, Erode CO 11, CO 7, CO 12, CO 13

Rainfedi. Adipattam (June - July)

All districts except Kanyakumari CO 11, CO 7, CO12, Paiyur 1and The Nilgiris

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore,Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore INDAF 5Villupuram, Salem, NamakkalDharmapuri, Coimbatore, Erode

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore,Tiruvannamalai, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur,Karur, Salem, Namakkal, Pudukottai, K 7Thoothukudi, Virudhunagar, Dharmapuri,Coimbatore, Erode, Sivaganga

ii. Puratasipattam (September - October)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore,Tiruvannamalai CO 11Cuddalore, Villupuram CO 11, CO 12Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam CO 11Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur,Madurai, Dindigul, Theni CO 11, CO 7, K 7Pudukottai CO 11, CO 7Ramnad, Sivaganga, Virudhunagar CO 11, K 5, K7Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi CO, 11, K 7Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri CO 11, CO 7, Paiyur 1, CO 12Coimbatore, Erode CO 11, CO 7, CO 12, INDAF 5, CO 13

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II. PARTICULARS OF RAGI STRAINS

PARTICULARS CO 12 Paiyur 1 K 5 TRY 1 INDAF 5

Parentage Selection from Pureline Sarada x Selection from Cauvery x IE929Variety PR 722 EC 158 HR 374

Duration (days) 110 - 120 115 - 120 105 102 105 - 110SeasonRainfed Both (Northern Rainfed Both Khariff irri- Adipattam/BothIrrigated districts) gated Sodic/

saline soilsGrain yield kg/haIrrigated 4750 .. 1800 4011 4000Rainfed 3250 3125 1100 .. 2500Straw yield kg/haIrrigated 8750 .. 3000 6800 7500Rainfed 6250 5750 2000 .. 5200Stem Erect Erect Erect Erect ErectHeight (cm) 90 - 120 110 100 - 120 .. 85 - 95Tillers 5 - 7 1 - 3 5 - 6 5 - 7 5 - 8Days to 50% 70 - 75 80 70 78 70 - 75floweringEar size and shape Incurved to Open Incurved Incurved Open, incurved

fistyFingers 5 - 7 6 - 8 7 - 9 5 - 8 6 - 8Ear length (cm) 8 8 7 - 8 7.6 7.5Grain colour Brown Brown Brown Brown Brown1000 grain wt (g) 2.8 2.7 2.57 2.74 2.0

PARTICULARS CO 7 CO 11 K 7 CO 13

Parentage Pureline Pureline CO 8 x K 2 CO 7 X TAH 107Duration (days) 100 90 - 95 95 - 100 95 - 100SeasonRainfed/Irrigated Irrigated Irrigated Both Both

Grain yield kg/haIrrigated 4500 4750 .. 3600Rainfed 2750 3250 3130 2300

Straw yield kg/haIrrigated 7500 8750 .. 10000Rainfed 5000 6250 5750 7500Stem Erect Erect ErectHeight (cm) 100 - 120 90 - 120 110 85 - 90Tillers 5 - 6 5 - 7 1 - 3 3 - 5Days to 50% 70 - 75 80 55 - 60 55 - 60floweringEar size and shape Incurved Incurved to Open Open

fistyFingers 7 - 9 5 - 7 6 - 8 10 - 17Ear length (cm) 7 - 8 11 8 ..Grain colour Brown Brown Brown Light Brown1000 grain wt (g) 2.57 2.8 2.7 1.7

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III. PREPARATION OF NURSERY (IRRIGATED TRANSPLANTED CROPS)

1. PREPARATION OF LANDi. For raising seedlings to plant one ha of main field, select 12.5 cents (500 m2) of nursery

area near a water source, where water does not stagnate.

ii. Mix 37.5 kg of super phosphate with 500 kg of FYM or compost and spread the mixtureevenly on the nursery area.

iii. Plough two or three times with a mould board plough or five times with a country plough.

2. FORMING RAISED BEDi. Mark units of 6 plots each of size 3 m x 1.5 m. Provide 30 cm space between plots for

irrigation.

ii. Excavate the soil from the interspace and all around to a depth of 15 cm to form channelsand spread the soil removed from the channels on the bed and level.

3. PRE-TREATMENT OF THE SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDESi. Mix the seeds in a polythene bag to ensure a uniform coating of seeds with Thiram 4 g/

kg or Captan 4 g/kg or Carbendazim 2 g/kg of seeds.

ii. Treat the seeds atleast 24 hours prior to sowing.

iii. Seed treatment with Azospirillum may be done @ 3 packets/ha (600 g/ha).

5. SOWING AND COVERING THE SEEDSi. Make shallow rills not deeper than one cm on the beds by passing the fingers vertically

over them.

ii. Broadcast 5 kg of treated seeds evenly on the beds.

iii. Cover the seeds by levelling out the hand lightly over the soil.

iv. Sprinkle 500 kg of powdered FYM over the beds evenly to cover the seeds which areexposed and compact the surface lightly.

NOTE: Do not sow the seeds deep as germination will be adversely affected.6. WATER MANAGEMENT

i. Provide one inlet to each nursery unit.

ii. Allow water to enter through the inlet and cover all the channels around the beds. Allowthe water in the channels to raise till the raised beds are wet and then cut off water.

iii. Adjust the frequency of irrigation according to the soil type.

No. of irrigations RED SOILS HEAVY SOILS

1st Immediately after sowing Immediately after sowing2nd 3rd day after sowing 4th day after sowing3rd 7th day after sowing 9th day after sowing4th 12th day after sowing 16th day after sowing5th 17th day after sowing ..

NOTE: 1. One irrigation is given on the 3rd day in the case of red soil to soften the hard crustformed on the soil surface and also to facilitate seedlings to emerge out.

2. Do not allow cracks to develop in the nursery bed by properly adjusting the quantity ofirrigation water.

7. PROTECTION OF THE SEEDLINGS IN THE NURSERY FROM PESTS ANDDISEASES

i. Spray any one of the following insecticides mixed in 10 litres of water using a high volumesprayer if dusting is not done. Methyl demeton 25 EC - 20 ml, Dimethoate 30 EC 20 ml.

ii. Spray any one of the following fungicides using a high volume sprayer. Cover 3 centsnursery area on noticing initial infection of blast. Carbendazim 5 g or Edifenphos 10 mlor IBP 10 ml in 10 litres of water.

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iii. The sprayable insecticides and fungicides can be applied simultaneously.

NOTE: If pelleting of seeds with either Carbendazim or Edifenphos is done prior to sowing, nurseryspraying need not be given.

8. PULLING OUT THE SEEDLINGS FOR PLANTINGPull out seedlings on the 17th to 20th day of sowing for planting.

IV. PREPARATION OF MAIN FIELD

1. PLOUGHING THE FIELDPlough twice with mould board plough or thrice with wooden plough till a good tilth is obtained.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOSTSpread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost or composted coir pith evenly on the unploughed field

and then plough and incorporate in the soil.NOTE: Do not spread and leave the manure uncovered in the field as nutrients will be lost.

3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSi. Soil test based fertilizer recommendations may be adopted in Western and North Western

Zones in soils of Vertisols, Alfisols, Inceptisols and Entisols for prescribing the fertilizerdoses for specified yield targets. In soils having high intensive cropping system viz.,Ragi-Maize-Cowpea, having high soil available K (310 kg/ha) potassium need not beapplied. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation as far as possible. If soiltest recommendation is not available, adopt a blanket recommendation of 60 kg N, 30 kgP

2O

5 and 30 kg K

2O per ha.

ii. Apply half the dose of N and full dose of N and full dose of P2O

5 basally before planting.

iii. Broadcast the fertilizer mixture over the field before the last ploughing and incorporateinto the soil by working a country plough.

iv. Apply 10 packets/ha (2000 g) of Azospirillum inoculant after mixing with 25 kg of soil and25 kg FYM before transplanting.

4. FORMING BEDS AND CHANNELSi. Form beds of size 10 m2 to 20 m2 according to topography of the field.

ii. Provide suitable irrigation channels.

5. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT MIXTUREi. Mix 12.5 kg of micronutrient mixture formulated by the Department of Agriculture, Tamil

Nadu with enough sand to make a total quality of 50 kg/ha.

ii. Apply the mixture evenly on the beds.

iii. Do not incorporate the mixture in the soil.

V. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD

1. TRANSPLANTING THE SEEDLINGSi. Let water into the bed, level the bed, if it is not levelled.

ii. Plant 2 seedlings per hill.

iii. Plant the seedlings at a depth of 3 cm.

iv. Plant 18 to 20 days old seedlings.

v. Adopt a spacing of 15x15 cm for planting.

vi. Root dipping with Azospirillum Prepare slurry with 5 packets (1000 g)/ha of Azospirilluminoculant in 40 litres of water and dip the root portion of the seedlings in the solution for15 - 30 minutes and transplant.

2. WEED MANAGEMENTi. Apply Butachlor 2.5 l/ha or Fluchloralin 2 l/ha or Pendimethalin 2.5 l/ha, using Backpack/

Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan type of nozzle with 900 l of water/ha.

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58

ii. Apply the herbicides when there is sufficient moisture in the soil or irrigate immediatelyafter application of herbicide.

iii. If pre-emergence herbicide is not applied, hand weed twice on 10th and 20th day aftertransplanting.

iv. For rainfed direct seeded crop, apply post emergence herbicide; 2,4-DEE OR 2,4-D Nasalt at 0.5 kg/ha on 10th day after sowing depending on the moisture availability.

3. PEST MANAGEMENTi. Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha for the control of leaf hopper, aphids

and stemborer: Endosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml, carbaryl 50% 1 kg (500 l spray fluid/ha).

ii. Spray Carbaryl 50 WP 1.0 kg/ha at milky stage to check earhead bug and earheadcaterpillar.

4. HOEING AND HAND WEEDINGi. Hoe and hand weed on the 15th day of planting in light soils and 17th day of planting in

heavy soils and subsequently on 30th and 32nd days, respectively.

ii. Allow the weeds to dry for 2 or 3 days after hand weeding before giving irrigation.NOTE: Do not adopt hoeing and hand weeding if herbicide is applied.

5. DISEASE MANAGEMENTBlast: Spray Edifenphos 500 ml or Carbendazim 250 g or IBP 500 ml/ha. First spray immediately

after noticing the symptoms. Second and third sprays at flowering stage at 15 days interval tocontrol neck and finger infection of blast disease if necessary.

Treat the seeds with Pseudomonas fluorescens and spray the extracts of Prosopis julifloraleaf extract (10%) Ipomoea carnea leaf extract (10%) to reduce the incidence of blast.

Foliar spray with Aureofungin sol (100 ppm) at 50% earhead emergence followed by a secondspray with Mancozeb (0.2%) 10 days later to reduce neck and finger blast.

Mosaic streak and mottle streak viruses:Rogue out the affected plants. Spray Monocrotophos 36 WSC 0.05% or Methyl demeton 500

ml/ha on noticing symptoms and repeat twice if necessary at 20 days intervals.

VI. WATER MANAGEMENT

Regulate irrigation according to the following growth phases of the crop

Stages No. of Crop durationIrrigations 80 days 100 days 120 days

Vegetative phase(Nursery) 1 to 16 1 to 18 1 to 20Vegetative phase(in main field) 1 to 18 1 to 20 1 to 22Flowering phase 19 to 40 21 to 55 23 to 69Maturity phase Beyond 40 days Beyond 55 days Beyond 69 daysHeavy soilsEstablishment 1 1st day 1st day 1st day(1 - 7 days) 2 5th day 5th day 5th dayVegetative phase 1 18th day 20th day 20th day(8 - 20 days) 2 31st day 33rd day 30th dayFlowering phase 1 41st day 42nd day 37th day(21 - 55 days) 2 51st day 52nd day 44th day

3 .. .. 63rd dayMaturity phase 1 61st day 62nd day 78th day(56 - 120 days) 2 .. .. 93rd dayStop irrigation thereafter

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Stages No. of Crop durationIrrigations 80 days 100 days 120 days

Light soilsEstablishment 1 1st day 1st day 1st day(1 - 7 days) 2 5th day 5th day 5th dayVegetative phase 1 15th day 16th day 16th day(8 - 20 days) 2 26th day 28th day 28th dayFlowering phase 1 36th day 36th day 36th day(21 - 55 days) 2 45th day 45th day 45th day

3 .. 54th day 54th dayMaturity phase 1 58th day 69th day 78th day(56 - 120 days) 2 70th day .. 93rd dayStop irrigation thereafterNOTE: The irrigation schedule is given only as a general guideline. Regulate irrigation depending

upon the prevailing weather conditions and receipt of rain.

VII. HARVESTING

1. DECIDE WHEN TO HARVESTi. Ragi crop does not mature uniformly and hence the harvest is to be taken up in two

stages.

ii. When the earhead on the main shoot and 50% of the earheads on the crop turn brown,the crop is ready for the first harvest.

2. HARVEST OF THE CROPFirst harvest

i. Cut all earheads which have turned brown.ii. Dry, thresh and clean the grains by winnowing.

Second Harvesti. Seven days after the first harvest, cut all the earheads including the green ones.ii. Cure the grains to obtain maturity by heaping the harvested earheads in shade for one

day without drying, so that the humidity and temperature increase and the grains getcured.

iii. Dry, thresh and clean the grains by winnowing and store the grains in gunnies.

Protection from storage pests:1. Grain purpose: Dry the seeds adequately to reduce the moisture level to 10%.2. Seed purpose: Admix one kg of Activated kaolin or Malathion 5% D for every 100 kg of

seed. Pack in gunny or polythene lined gunny bags for storage.

Special problemsi. Root Aphids: Mix Dimethoate 3 ml in one litre of water and drench the rhizosphere of the

infested and surrounding plants with the insecticidal solution.ii. Rainfed ragi: Azospirillum mixed with FYM and applied to field saves the cost of nitrogen

by 50% with a comparable yield obtained with 40 kg N/ha.iii. Management of aged seedlings of ragi under rainfed conditions: When planting ragi

seedlings beyond 21 days, increase the number of seedlings to 3/hill and increase Nlevel by 25% to minimise yield loss.

iv. Apply VAM culture (Glomus fasciculatum) at 100 g/m2 in the nursery and also treat withAzospirillum and Phosphobacterium as seed treatment, seedling dip and field applicationto reduce the reniform nematode population in ragi.

VIII. SEED TECHNOLOGY

SELECTION OF SEEDSlurry treat the graded seed with Carbendazim at 2 g or Thiram 75% WDP at 4 g in 5 ml water

per kg of seed.

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NURSERY SOWING Sow in rill not deeper than 1 cm in raised bed and sprinkle with 200 kg of powdered FYM.

Level and compact the surface lightly.

SPACING, MANURES Etc., RECOMMENDED PACKAGESHarvesting

First harvest when 50% of the earheads on the crop turn brown. The second harvest a weekto 10 days later when all the remaining earheads turn brown (Spikelets are non-shattering).

POST-HARVEST TECHNOLOGYi. Threshing

Green earheads if harvested will contaminate the seeds with immature seeds and interferecleaning, drying and grading. Dry earheads until seed moisture content is 15% and separatemanually by threshing with pliable bamboo stick or machine thresher.

ii. Precleaning and dryingThreshed seeds should be precleaned before sundrying, seeds must be dried to 12% before

grading.

iii.Grading(Bold seeds retained by BSS 12 x 12 will be between 70 and 77%)a. BSS 10 x 10 (aperture width 2.4 mm) as scalper.

b. BSS 12 x 12 (aperture width 2.0 mm) as grader for CO 7, CO 10, CO 11 and PR 202Processing loss will be 10 to 15%.

iv. Seed treatment :a. As above in the selection of seed

b. Pre-sowing hardening : Soak seeds in 0.5% Ca Cl2 at 1:1 ratio until visible expression of

embryonic growth. Air dry to original moisture content.

v. Storage, package, labelingSeed retains viability and vigour better than any other cereal crop with marginal storage facilities

in hot humid areas. On less humid places use fresh gada cloth for short term storage. For longterm storage, in humid places 700 gauge polythene bag may be used.

MAIZE ( Zea mays )I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

SEASON STRAINRainfed

1. Adipattam (July - August) COH 1, CO 1, COH 2, COH 3, COBC 12. Purattasipattam (September - October) CO 1, COH 1, COH 2, COH 3, COBC 13. Thaipattam (January -February) K 1, Ganga 5, COH 1, CO 1, COH 2

COH 3, COBC 1

II.PREPARATION OF THE FIELD (IRRIGATED CROP)1. FIELD PREPARATION

In Western Zone black soils, plough the field with disc plough once followed by cultivatorploughing twice along with composted coir pith @12.5 t/ha and 150% recommended N to enhancethe yield in maize-sunflower cropping sequence.

Plough twice with an iron plough or three or four times with a country plough. In between theploughing, break the clods, if necessary, or plough six times with a country plough till a fine tilth isobtained.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOSTSpread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost or composted coir pith evenly on the unploughed field

along with 10 packets of Azospirillum (2000 g/ha) and incorporate in the soil.

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3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWS OR BEDSi. Form ridges and furrows, 6 m long and 60 cm apart.

ii. Form irrigation channels across the furrows.

iii. If ridges and furrows are not made, form beds of size 10 m2 or 20 m2 depending on theavailability of water.

iv. Use a bund former or ridge plough to economise cost of production.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSi. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation as far as possible. If soil test

recommendation is not available adopt a blanket recommendation of 135:62.5:50 NPKkg/ha.

ii. Apply quarter of the dose of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O basally before sowing.

iii. In the case of ridge planted crop, open a furrow 6 cm deep on the side of the ridge at twothirds the distance from the top of the ridge.

iv. Apply the fertilizer mixture along the furrows evenly and cover to a depth of 4 cm with soil.

v. If bed system of planting is followed, open furrows 6 cm deep at a distance of 60 cmapart.

vi. Place the fertilizer mixture along the furrows evenly and cover to a depth of 4 cm with soil.

vii. When Azospirillum is used as seed and soil application, apply 100 kg of N/ha (25%reduction on the total N recommended by soil test).

5.DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSNitrogen deficiency: Leaves become yellow, older leaves show drying at tips with progress

along mid veins, stalks become slender.

Phosphorus deficiency : Leaves are purplish green during early growth. Growth spindly,slow maturity, irregular ear formation.

Potassium deficiency : Leaves show yellow or yellowish green streaks - become corrugated- Tips and marginal scorch. Tips end in ears are poorly filled. Stalks have short internode - plantsbecome weak and may fall down.

Magnesium deficiency : Older or lower leaves are the first to become chlorotic at marginsand between veins. Streaked appearance of leaves. Necrotic or chlorotic spots seen in leaves.

Zinc deficiency : Older leaves have yellow streaks or chlorotic striping between veins. Inseveral cases, unfolding of young leaves may be white or yellow.

Iron deficiency : Interveinal chlorosis. The entire crop may exhibit bleached appearance.

6. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTi. 12.5 kg of micronutrient mixture formulated by the Department of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu,

mixed with sand to make a total quantity of 50 kg/ha is to be applied.

ii. Apply the mixture over the furrows and two thirds in the top of ridges, if ridge planting isfollowed.

iii. If bed system of sowing is followed, apply the micronutrient mixture over the furrows.

iv. Do not incorporate the micronutrient mixture in the soil.

III. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD

1. SEED RATESelect good quality seeds and adopt the seed rate; hybrids - 15 kg/ha and varieties 20 kg/ha.

2. SPACING:Adopt a spacing of 20 cm between plants in the rows which are 60 cm apart. Population :

80,600/ha

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62

3. PRE-TREATMENT OF THE SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDESi. Treat the seeds with Metalaxyl or Carbendazim or Thiram @ 2 g per kg of seed.ii. Seeds treated with fungicides may be treated with three packets (600 g/ha) of Azospirillum.iii. Halogenise the seeds with either chlorine or iodine as dry or slurry at 3 g/kg seeds and

store in Polylined cloth to maintain seed viability for more than 10 months.

4. SOWINGi. Dibble the seeds at a depth of 4 cm along the furrow in which fertilizers are placed and

covered with soil.ii. Put one seed per hole in the case of Ganga 5, CO 1 and two seeds per hole in the case

of K 1.

5. WEED MANAGEMENTi. Apply the pre-emergence herbicide, Atrazine 50 WP at 500 g/ha (900 lit of water) 3 days

after sowing as spray on the soil surface using Backpack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fittedwith flat fan (or) deflection type of nozzle followed by one hand weeding on 40-45 daysafter sowing. For maize + Soybean intercropping System, apply pre-emergence Alachlorat 4.0 l/ha or Pendimethalin at 3.3 l/ha on 3rd day after sowing as spray.

ii. Apply herbicide when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.iii. Do not disturb the soil after herbicide application.iv. Hoe and hand weed on the 17th or 18th day of sowing, if herbicide is not applied.

NOTE: If pulse crop is to be raised as intercrop, do not use Atrazine.6. THINNING AND GAP FILLING

i. Leave only one healthy and vigorous seedling per hole and remove the other on the 7th or8th day of sowing.

ii. Where seedlings have not germinated, dibble seeds at the rate of 2 seeds per hill andimmediately pot water.

7. PEST MANAGEMENTi. Mix any of the granular insecticides with sand to make up a total quantity of 50 kg and

apply in the leaf whorls on the 20th day of sowing : Quinalphos 5 G 15 kg/ha, Carbaryl 4G 20 kg/ha.

ii. If granular insecticides are not used, spray Quinalphos 25 EC 1 lit or Carbaryl 50 WP 1kg/ha on the 20th day of sowing for the control of stemborer, weevils and aphids (500 l ofspray fluid/ha).

8. NEMATODEIf lesion nematodes are present apply Carbofuron 3 G at 30 kg/ha in the seed holes at the time

of sowing.

9. DISEASE MANAGEMENTi. Downy mildew : CO 1, COH 1 and COH 2 are resistant to downy mildew. Rogue out

affected plants. Spray Metalaxyl 72 WP @ 1 kg/ha, Mancozeb 1 kg/ha 20 days aftersowing.

ii. Leaf spot : Spray Mancozeb or Captan 1 kg/ha when the disease intensity reachesgrade 3.

10. HOEING, HAND-WEEDING AND EARTHING UPi. Hoe and hand-weed on the 30th day of sowing.ii. Demolish the original ridges.iii. Earth up and form new ridges so that the plants come directly on the top of the ridges.

This will provide additional anchorage to the plants.

11. TOP DRESSING WITH Ni. Open a furrow 5 cm depth along the base of the ridge (10 cm away from the base of the

plants) with a hand-hoe or stick.

ii. Place half of the dose of N on the 25th day of sowing along the furrows evenly and coverit with soil.

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12. APPLICATION OF INSECTICIDESi. Apply any one of the granular insecticides as in item 7, if the pests persist.ii. If granular insecticides are not applied, mix any one of the following sprayable insecticides

and fungicides and spray simultaneously on the 35th day of sowing : Quinalphos 25 EC1 lit/ha, Carbaryl 50 WP 1 kg/ha (500 l spray fluid/ha).

NOTE: Use alternate chemicals for each application and do not repeat the same chemical.

13. APPLICATION OF FUNGICIDESMancozeb 1.25 kg/ha. Mix fungicides with insecticides if initial foliar symptoms of diseases

are noticed.

14. SECOND TOP DRESSING WITH NPlace the remaining quarter of N on the 45th day of planting as furrow application at a depth

of 5 cm and 10 cm away from the base of the plants and cover with soil.

IV. WATER MANAGEMENTRegulate irrigation according to the following growth phase of the crop.

Germination phase 1 to 14 daysVegetative phase 15 to 39 daysFlowering phase 40 to 65 daysMaturity phase 66 to 95 days

Heavy soils

Stage No.of Days after sowingirrigation K1/COH 1 Ganga 5

Irrigate for germination 1 Irrigate after sowing Irrigate after sowing 2 Life irrigation 4th day Life irrigation4th day

Vegetative Phase 1 12th day‘ 12th day 2 25th day 25th day 3 36th day 36th day

NOTE : Maize crop is sensitive to both moisture stress and excessive moisture, hence regulateirrigation according to the requirement.

Irrigate copiously duringthe flowering phase 1 48th day 48th day

2 60th day 60th dayControl irrigation duringmaturity phase 1 72nd day 76th day

Stop irrigation 10 days prior to harvest.

NOTE : Ensure optimum moisture availability during the most critical phase (40 to 65 days aftersowing); otherwise yield will be reduced by a considerable extent. Skipping irrigation atseedling, knee high and dough stage may be followed under water scarce situation.

Light soilsIrrigate for germination 1 Irrigate after sowing Irrigate after sowing

2 Life irrigation Life irrigation4th day 4th day

Vegetative Phase 1 12th day 12th day 2 22nd day 22nd day 3 31st day 32nd day 4 40th day

Irrigate copiously 1 42nd day 50th dayduring the flowering 2 52nd day 50th day

3 62nd day 72nd day 4 72nd day 80th day

Control irrigationduring maturity phase 1 75th day 99th dayStop irrigation 10 days prior to harvest

Maize


64

Yield maximisation: Adopt plant population of 1,11,000 plants (60 x 15 cm) with NPK at200:100:80 kg/ha. Apply N and K in three equal splits at sowing, knee high and tasseling stages.Apply ZnSO

4 at 25 kg/ha as basal in addition to other recommended practices.

V. HARVESTING THE CROP

1. STAGE OF HARVESTi. Observe the following symptoms, taking into consideration the average duration of the

crop. The sheath covering the cob will turn yellow and dry at maturity.

ii. The seeds become fairly hard and dry. At this stage the crop is ready for harvest.

2. HARVESTING THE CROPi. Break off or cut and remove the cobs alone along with the sheath.

ii. Remove the sheath to separate the cob.

iii. Carry out harvest operations at a single stage.

3. THRESHING THE COBSi. Dry the cobs in the sun till the grains are dry.

ii. Use mechanical threshers for threshing or beat with a stick and separate the grains fromthe cob.

iii. Clean the seeds by winnowing

iv. Collect and store the dry grains in gunnies.

4. STACKING THE STRAW FOR FEEDING CATTLEi. Do not dry maize fodder as it is a good cattle feed when green.

ii. Harvest the crop and cut the green straw into bits with a chaff cutter or chopping knifeand feed the cattle.

VI. SPECIFIC PROBLEMS

1. COB BORERApply any one of the insecticides at silk drying stage. Carbaryl 10 % dust 25 kg/ha or carbaryl

50 WP 1.0 kg/ha. Repeat the insecticidal application 15 days later (500 l spray fluid/ha).

In deep black clayey soils of Western Zone (Periyanaickenpalayam Soil series), the lowpermeability and poor infiltration are the main soil problems.

To over come these physical constraints, in a maize-groundnut cropping sequence, ploughingthe field with mould board plough once, followed by disc harrowing twice for the first crop of maizeand working the cultivator twice for the second crop of groundnut can be done.

RAINFED MAIZE1. FIELD PREPARATION:Chisel the soil having hard pan formation at shallow depths with chisel plough at 0.5 Minterval first in one direction and then in the direction perpendicular to the previous oneonce in three years. Apply 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost or composted coir pith besideschiselling, to get an additional yield of about 30% over control.2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOST:Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost or composted coir pith evenly on the unploughedfield along with 10 packets of Azospirillum (2000 g/ha) and incorporate in the soil.3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZER

i. Apply NPK as per soil test recommendation as far as possible. If soil test recommendationis not available, adopt a blanket recommendation of 60 : 30 : 30 NPK kg/ha for Alfisolsand 40 : 20 : 0 NPK kg/ha for Vertisols.

ii. Apply half of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O with enriched FYM as basal along with

Azospirillum (10 packets/ha).

65

iii. Top dress remaining half of N at tasseling.

4. SEED RATESelect good quality seeds. Adopt the seed rate; Hybrid - 15 kg/ha and varieties - 20 kg/ha.

5. SPACINGAdopt a spacing of 45 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants in the row.

Population : 1,11,000 plants/ha.

6. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDESi. Treat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram at 2 g/kg of seeds

ii. Seeds treated with fungicides may be treated with three packets (600 g/ha) of Azospirillum

7. SOWINGDibble or drill the seeds at a depth of 4 cm.

8. CROPPING SYSTEMSi. Intercropping system of maize + cowpea or maize + blackgram is recommended for

higher net returns in the red lateritic soils of Southern districts.

ii. For Vertisols of Southern district, maize + redgram intercropping systems is ideal.

VII. SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. SEASONNovember - December

2. SPACINGGive a spacing of 45 x 10 cm for varieties and 60 x 25 cm hybrids (CO 1).

3. SEED RATEUse a seed rate of 10 kg/ha.

4. PLANTING RATIOFor multiplication of ‘A’ line (A x B) 12 kg/ha, 4 kg/ha plant in the ratio of 4 : 2 to female to male

line.

5. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSBasal : 40:75:40 NPK kg/ha. Top dressing 20th day 50:0:0 NPK in kg/ha. Top dressing 40th

day 60:0:35 kg/ha. For CO 1 hybrid, 200 : 100 : 100.

6. HARVESTINGHarvest the crop when the husk completely turns into straw colour. Manual dehusking is

better. Sort the cobs true to type (remove ill filled diseased cobs and cobs having kernel colourvariation).

7. SHELLINGThe shelling moisture content should be 15 - 18%. Shelling the seed cob by beating with

a pliable stick and also by maize sheller is safer to seed quality. Injury due to improper shellingamounts to 48% pericarp injury will promote Penicillium sp. Mechanical injury can be estimatedby treating the kernels with 20% FeCl

3 or staining with 0.25% tetrazolium solution.

8. GRADINGGrade the seeds in cleaner using the sieve with a size 18/64" (7.28 mm).

9. SEED TREATMENTSlurry treat seeds with 8% moisture content either with Captan or Thiram 75% WP @ 70 g/

100 kg with 0.5 litre of water. Treated seeds can be stored for one year in cloth bag.

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MAIZE - MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTIONPARTICULARS K1 Ganga 5 CO 1 COH 1

Parentage Composite (CM-111xCM202) Unit Selection UMI 29xUMI 51variety x cm 500 Indonesian popu-

lation Suwan 1Duration (days) 80 - 85 100 - 110 105 - 110 90 - 95Area of Adoption Pudukottai & Entire State Coimbatore, All districts

Pattukottai Erode,Tiru-nelveli,Thanjavur &Pudukottai

Rainfed/Irrigated Both Both Both BothGrain yield kg/haIrrigated 3000 4000 6250 5000Rainfed 2000 3000 3380 3750Special features Short duration Suited for Resistant to Short duration

drought tolerant factory downy mildew, drought tole-possesses good purposes well developed rant, resistantcooking and ears to downykeeping quality mildew

Sheath colour Green Green Deep orange Deep yellowgrain colour and flint type

Node colour Green Green Green GreenMid rib White White White WhiteCob size Medium Big Big MediumHusk coverage Full Full Full FullGrain colour Yellow Deep yellow Deep orange Deep yellowNature of kernels Flint Flint or semi-flint Flint Flint

PARTICULARS COH2 COH 3 COBc1 (Baby corn)

Parentage UMI 810 x (UMI 101 x UMI 130) x Composite involving UMI 836UMI 90 (UMI 90 x UMI 285) and UMI 836-1-2-55-65

Duration (days) 100 - 105 100 55 - 65Area of Adoption Coimbatore, Coimbatore, Dindigul All maize growing

Erode, Than- Erode, Thanjavur, areasjavur, Pudu- Pudukottai,kottai, Madurai,Theni, TirunelveliThoothukudi

Rainfed/Irrigated Both Both BothGrain yield kg/haIrrigated 5400 5023 6.7 t tender cobs kg/ha &Rainfed 3500 4215 32.3 t green fodder/ha

3 t tender cobs/haSpecial features Resistant to Resistant to downy First Baby corn, multiple cob

downy mildew mildew, very high seed production (2 to 3 cobs/plant)and bold grain set, high starch, tender cobs between 50 to

high protein 65 daysSheath colour Green GreenNode colour Green Green GreenMid rib White White WhiteCob size Medium Big SmallHusk coverage Full Nil NilGrain colour Yellow Orange YellowNature of kernels Flint Flint Dent

Small Millets

67

SMALL MILLETS

1. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Crop Districts grown

Tenai Dharmapuri, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Salem, Namakkal,Erode, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni,Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi.

Samai Dharmapuri, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Coimbatore,Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi .

Varagu Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal,Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur,Nagapattinam, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni and Ramanathapuram.

Panivaragu Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni,Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi.

Kudiraivali Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur,Pudukottai, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli & Thoothukudi.

Particulars Variety Duration (Days)

1. TENAIRainfed

a) June-July (Hill slopes of Coimbatore and CO 5 90Erode Districts) K 3 82

CO 6 85 - 90b) September-October CO 4 65

(Coimbatore and Southern CO 5 90districts) CO 6 85 - 90

Irrigateda) February-March K 2 80b) September-October CO 5 90

CO 6 85 - 902. SAMAI

a) June-July (Hill slopes CO 2 55of Coimbatore and Erode districts) CO 3 80 - 95

b) July-August (Dharmapuri) Paiyur 1 105 CO 3 80-85

c) September-October K 1 100CO 3 80 - 85

CO3 for All samai growing areas of Tamil Nadu.3. VARAGU

Rainfeda) June-July K 1 100b) July-August CO 3 120

APK 1 100Vamban 1 95 - 100

4. PANIVARAGURainfed

a) September-October K 1 70CO 2 80CO 3 80CO 4 75K 2 75


68

Irrigateda) February-March K 1 60

5. KUDIRAIVALIRainfed

a) September-October CO 1 105Irrigated

a) February-March CO 1 105

Package of practices for TenaiVarieties : CO 4, K2 and K3Duration : CO 4 : 65 days

CO 5 : 90 daysK2 : 80 daysK3 : 82 days

Season : RainfedJune - July : CO 5, K3(Hill slopes of Coimbatoreand Erode districts)September - October : CO 4, CO 5(Coimbatore and Southerndistricts)IrrigatedFebruary - March : K2September - October : CO 5

Seeds and sowing : For line planting : 10 kg/haFor sowing : 12.5 kg/haUse of Gorru or seed drill is recommended.

Seed treatment : Treat 1 kg of seeds with 2 g Thiram or Carbendazim.Field preparation : Plough the field thoroughly using a small iron plough or country

plough to fine tilth.Fertilizer application : Apply basally FYM/Compost 12.5 t/ha

Nitrogen 44 kg/haPhosphorus 22 kg/ha

Spacing : For line planting 22 x 10 cm, for sowing 10 cm in between plantsWeeding : First weeding is done on the 15th DAS and the second weeding

on 40th DASThinning : Thinning is done soon after weeding or before 20 DASPlant Protection : Generally no major problem of pests and diseases

Package of practices for SamaiVarieties : CO 2, Paiyur 1, K1, CO 3Duration : CO 2 : 55 days

Paiyur 1 : 105 daysK1 : 100 daysCO 3 : 80 - 85 days

Season : June - July : CO 2, CO 3(Hill slopes of Coimbatore and Erode districts)July - August (Dharmapuri) : Paiyur 1, CO 3September - October : K1, CO 3(Madurai, Dindigul, Theni,Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi)

Small Millets

69

Seeds and sowing : For line planting 10 kg/haFor sowing 12.5 kg/haUse of Gorru or seed drill is recommended.

Seed treatment : Treat 1 kg of seeds with 2 g Thiram or Carbendazim.Field preparation : Plough the field thoroughly 2 or 3 times using a small iron plough

or country plough to fine tilth.Fertilizer application : Apply basally

FYM/Compost 12.5 t/ha,Nitrogen 44 kg/ha,Phosphorus 22 kg/ha,

Spacing : For line planting 25 x 10 cm for sowing 10 cm in between plantsWeeding : First weeding is done on the 15th DAS

and the second weeding on 40th DASThinning : Thinning is done soon after weeding or before 20 DASPlant Protection : Usually no major problem of pests and diseases

Pakcage of practices for Varagu

Varieties : K1, CO 3, APK 1Duration : K1 : 100 days; CO 3 : 120 days; APK 1 : 100 daysSeason : Rainfed

June - July : K 1; July - Aug : CO 3; Sep - Jan : APK 1Seeds and sowing : For line planting 10 kg/ha; For sowing 12.5 kg/ha

Use of Gorru or seed drill is recommended.Seed treatment : Treat 1 kg of seeds with 2 g Thiram or Carbendazim.Field preparation : Plough the field thoroughly using a small iron plough or country

plough to fine tilth.Fertilizer application : Apply basally FYM/Compost 12.5 t/ha; Nitrogen 44 kg/ha

Phosphorus 22 kg/haSpacing : For line planting 45 x 10 cm for sowing 10 cm in between plantsWeeding : First weeding is done on the 15th DAS

and the second weeding on 40th DASThinning : Thinning is done soon after weeding or before 20 DASPlant Protection : Generally no major problem of pests and diseases

SMALL MILLETS - MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION

PARTICULARS Kudiraivali CO 1 Kudiraivali K 2

Parentage Pureline selection from Single plant selection from localCoimbatore local

Duration (days) 75 90Pigmentation Green GreenTillering ability High ProfusePanicles Loose density subsent Compact - Secondary branches incurvedGrain Character Yellow Dull white

Grain Yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 1750 1250

Special features No major Non-lodging anddiseases noted drought tolerant


70

SMALL MILLETS - MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION (CONTD...)PARTICULARS Tenai CO 4 Tenai CO 5 Tenai K 2 Tenai K3 CO 6 Tenai

Parentage Selection Hybrid deriva- Reselection Selection Hybridfrom Gujarat vative of from Japanese from SIA 2567 derivative oflocal CO1 x A113/2 type CO 5 x ISe 301

Duration (days) 65 - 70 90 - 95 80 82 85-90

Pigmentation Base purple Green Green Green --throughout

Tillering ability High Moderate to Moderate Moderate Highhigh

Panicles Small Bold, profusely Compact and Long cylin- Long andprofusely bristled with nonshedding drical panicle droopingbristled blunt tip

Grain Buff Pink Yellow Bold & YellowCharacter Yellow seeds Small grains

Yield (kg/ha) 600 1200 Rainfed 1700 1620 Rainfed 1565 Irrigated 3800 Straw 3.7 t/ha

Special features Specially Rust resistant Tolerant to Non-lodging, Suitable forsuited to pest and tolerant to irrigated &mixed and diseases under drought, major rainfedconditi-multiple field pests and ons good graincropping conditions diseases quality rich in

protein, fat andminerals thanCO 5

PARTICULARS Samai K1 Samai CO 2 Samai Paiyur 1 Samai CO 3

Parentage Reselection Selection Pureline Selection fromfrom PM 368 Ananthapur germplasm bank

Duration (days) 90 80 - 85 105 - 110 80 - 85

Pigmentation Green Green ...

Tillering ability Moderate Moderate Moderate High

Panicles Loose, Open Well branched Semi compact —open & Loose Long

Grain Character Buff colour Brown & small Brown Brown

Grain Yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 1300 700 870 1066Special features ... ... .... Bold grain Nonlodging

suits for early & latesowing

Small Millets

71

SMALL MILLETS - MORPHOLOGICAL DESCRIPTION (CONTD...)PARTICULARS Varagu K1 Varagu CO 3 Varagu APK 1 Vamban1 Varagu

Parentage Reselection Selection from Selection from Pureline selectionfrom IPM 600 Georgia var. Pune varagu from a germ-

Culture PSC 5 plasm line Pali.Duration (days) 100 120 100 95-100Pigmentation Green Purple stem Green Basal pigmentation

Tillering ability Profuse High Moderate HighPanicles Compact Well exposed Loose & Open Medium

clustersspikelets

Grain Character Dark brown Brown & Bold withDark brown Brownhard seed coat

Grain Yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 1800 1500 - 1800 2400 1683Special features Shorter than Tolerant to Short duration Resistant to

CO 2 Varagu smut, short non-lodging & sheath blight &duration non-shattering smut diseases.

suitable for early Tolerant to shootand late sown fly pest. Richseasons within starch, amylosestands short protein than CO 3periods of inter-mittant drought,tolerant to downymildew, smut, ergot& stemborer.

PARTICULARS Panivaragu Panivaragu Panivaragu Panivaragu PanivaraguK1 K2 CO 2 CO 3 CO 4

Parentage Pureline sele- Selection from Selection from Selection from Purelinection from PV1685 Manjanaikanur Coimbatore selection fromKovilpatti local local local collectionlocal of TNAU

Duration (days) 65 75 70 - 75 80 75Pigmentation Green Green Green Green Green

throughout throughoutTillering ability Moderate to High Moderate to Moderate to High

high high highPanicles Loose & long Loose Dense Loose and Loose density

with more no. subsequent spear shaped subscentof branches drooping

Grain Character Smoky white Grey Shining yellow Shining yellow Goldenbold yellow

Grain Yield (kg/ha)Rainfed Rainfed 1380 3184 1200 - 1500 1500 1500

Irrigated 2010Special features A very short Non-lodging Non-lodging Tolerant to High tillering

duration type drought tolerant tolerant to head smut widerdrought Non-shattering drought adaptability

and responsive suitable for late stableto fertilisers sown conditions

WHEAT ( Triticum spp. )


District Season VarietiesCoimbatore, Erode, Winter HD 2189 (85 - 90 days)Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri (Nov - Feb) DWR 39 (85 - 90 days)* Sowing should be done within the first fortnight of November.

II. SEED RATE

For a pure crop 125 kg/ha is needed.

III. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD PREPARATION

1. FIELD PREPARATIONPlough twice with an iron plough and two to three times with country plough and prepare the

land to a fine tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOSTSpread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost on the unploughed field.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDESTreat the seeds with any one of the fungicides, 24 hours before sowing. Carbendazim or Thiram

at 2 g/kg of seeds.

4. FORMING BEDS AND CHANNELForm beds of size 10 m2 or 20 m2 depending on the availability of water. ii. Use a bund former

to economise cost of production.

5. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSi. Apply NPK fertilizer as per soil test recommendation as far as possible. If soil test

recommendation is not available, adopt a blanket recommendation of 80:40:40 NPK kg/ha.

ii. Apply half of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O basally before sowing and incorporate in the

sowing line.

6. SOWINGDraw the lines 20 cm apart and sow the seeds continuously after application of fertilizers to a

depth of 3 cm. Avoid deep sowing and thinning the seedlings.

7. WEED MANAGEMENTi. Spray Isoproturon 800 g/ha as pre-emergence spraying 3 days after sowing followed by

one hand weeding on 35th day after sowing.

ii. If herbicide is not applied, give two hand weedings on 20th and 35th day after sowing.

8. WATER MANAGEMENTThe crop requires 4 - 6 irrigations depending on the soil type and rainfall. The critical stages for

irrigation are crown root initiation (21 days), late tillering (35 days), late jointing (45 days), flowering(60 days) and milk stage (75 days). Of which, crown root initiation and flowering are the most criticalstages. Water stagnation should be avoided at the time of germination.

9. TOP DRESSING Apply remaining half of N at crown root initiation stage (20 - 25 days).

10. HARVESTINGHarvest the crop when the grains become hard and straw becomes dry and brittle. Trash and

winnow the grains. Use mechanical threshers to reduce the cost of threshing and winnowing.

11. YIELD:2000 kg/ha.


72

PULSES

REDGRAM ( Cajanus cajan )

I. SEASON AND VARIETIESDistrict/season VarietiesAdipattam (June - August)

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Dharmapuri, Erode SA 1, CO 4, CO 5,Coimbatore, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai,Cuddalore, Villupuram, Salem, Namakkal CO 6*, COH 1, COH 2* For all districtsPudukottai Vamban 1Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchirapalli,Perambalur, Karur, Pudukottai, Madurai, Dindigul,

Theni, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, CO 4, CO 5Thoothukudi, Sivagangai

Purattasipattam (September - November)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai,Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Erode, CO 5, COH 1, COH 2Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni

Summer (February - March)All districts except theThe Nilgiris and Kanyakumari CO 5, COH 1, COH 2Pudukottai Vamban 1Wetlands bunds SA 1, CO 3, CO 4, BSR 1

Note: CO 4 redgram can be sown in late AugustII. SEED RATE

Quantity of seed required kg/ha

Strains SA 1 CO 3 CO 4 CO 5 CO 6 Vamban 1 COH 1 COH 2

Pure Crop 10 25 25 25 10 20 10 25Mixed Crop 5.0 12.5 12.5 12.5 5 10 5 ..SA 1, CO 3, CO 4 and BSR 1 (Bund Planting) 50 g/100 metre

Select good seeds from pest and disease free plants.

III. DESCRIPTION OF REDGRAM VARIETIESPARTICULARS SA 1 CO 3 CO 4

Parentage Pureline selection Mutant CO 1 Pureline selectionfrom Thirupattur from gene pool

50% flowering (days) 120 - 130 90 - 95 90 - 95Duration (days) 180 130 130Grain Yield (Kg/ha)Rainfed 1250 1180 980Irrigated — 1400 1750Height (cm) 120 - 150 105 - 110 120Branches 12-16 11-12 10-12Plant spread Semi spreading Erect Semi spreadingColour of standard yellow with faint red Yellow Yellow with purplepetal veins veinsColour of pod Green with purple Green with purple Green with purple

streaks streaks streaksColour of grain Pale reddish brown Reddish brown Light brown100 seed weight (g) 8.5 7.2 8.5Pattern of growth NDT DT NDT

Pulses

73

PARTICULARS CO 5 BSR 1 CO 6

Parentage Mutant CO 1 Pureline selection Mutant of SA 1from Mayiladum- (25Kr gammaparai, Madurai rays)

50% flowering 70 - 75 100 - 110 120 - 130(days)Duration (days) 110 180 170 - 180Grain Yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 760 0.75 - 1.0 kg of 893

green pods/plantIrrigated 1440 .. ..Height (cm) 90 150 - 200 166Branches 7-8 7-10 8-12Plant spread Semi spreading Semi spreading Semi spreadingColour of yellow with Red at dorsal side Yellow with lightstandard petal purple veins purpleColour of pod Green with Red with diagnal Green with

purple streaks constriction purple streaksColour of grain Red brown Reddish brown Reddish brown100 seed weight(g) 8 12 8.8Pattern of growth NDT NDT NDT

NDT: Non-Determinate DT : Determinate

Vamban 1 COH 1 COH 2

Parentage (Prabath x NY3C) MS T 21 x ICPL 87109 MS Co 5 x ICPL 83027x (T21 x ICP 102)

50% flowering (days) 70 65-70 60 to 75Duration (days) 95 - 100 115-120 120 - 130Grain yield(Kg/ha) Rainfed - 840 Rainfed - 936 Irrigated - 1050

Irrigated - 1200 Irrigated - 1500Height (cm) 80 - 90 100-150 70 - 90Branches 4 - 5 9 to 12 4 to 6Plant spread ErectColour of standard Yellow Yellow with red to dark Yellow with faintPetal red veins throughout red veinsColour of Pod Green and purple Green with purple Green with purple

streaks when youngand brown at maturity.

Colour of grain Medium,square& Light brown Tan brownbrown coloured

100 seed weight(g) 6.7 10.3 9.0 to 9.4Pattern of growth DT NDT (Non determinate) NDT

IV. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATION

1. PREPARATION OF THE LANDPrepare the land to fine tilth.

2. SEED TREATMENTTreat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram @ 2 g/kg of seed 24 hours before sowing (or) with

talc formulation of Trichoderma virdie @ 4g/kg of seed (or) Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kgseed. Bio control agents are compatible with biofertilizers. First treat the seeds with Biocontrolagents and then with Rhizobium. Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.


74

3. TREATMENT OF THE SEEDS WITH BACTERIAL CULTUREa) Fungicide treated seeds should be again treated with a bacterial culture. Treat with Rhizobial

culture CC 1. There should be an interval of atleast 24 hours after fungicidal treatment forgiving the bacterial culture treatment. For red lateritic soil Rhizobial culture VPR 1 is effective.

b) Three packets of Rhizobial culture are sufficient for treating seeds required for one ha.The bacterial culture slurry may be prepared with rice kanji. Dry the bacterial culturetreated seeds in shade for 15 minutes before sowing.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSa) Apply fertilizers basally before sowing.

Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O

5/ha

Irrigated : 25 kg N + 50 kg P2O

5/ha

b) Soil application of 25 kg DAP/ha and foliar application of 25 kg DAP/ha with 25 kg ofsulphur as gypsum (110 kg / ha) or 2% urea in two sprays at flower commencement and15 days after may be given.

c) Treat the seeds at 8 - 9% moisture with halogen mixture (containing pure CaOCl, CaCO3and arappu leaf powder as 5:5:1 ratio @ 3 g/kg and store in 700 gauge polybags to maintainhigh germination for more than 10 months.

5. APPLICATION OF NAAApply 40 ppm of NAA (40 mg/litre). This may be advantageously mixed with urea and sprayed.

6. SOWING THE SEEDSDibble the seeds adopting the following spacing.

Strain Pure crop Mixed crop

SA 1 90 cm x 30 cm 240 cm x 30 cmCO 2 45 cm x 30 cm ———CO 3 45 cm x 30 cm ———CO 4 45 cm x 30 cm ———CO 5, Vamban 1 45 cm x 20 cm ———COH 1 45 cm x 20 cmCOH 2 45 cm x 15 cmCO 6 90 cm x 30 cm 240 cm x 30 cmBund Crop 60 cm for SA 1, BSR 1 and

30 cm for others.

* Optimum populations - 1,60,000/plants/ha7. WEED MANAGEMENT

i) Spray Fluchloralin 1.5 l/ha (or) Pendimethalin 2 l/ha 3 days after sowing mixed with 900 l ofwater using Backpack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer using flat fan type of nozzle. Then irrigatethe field. Following this, one hand weeding may be given on 30-35 days after sowing.

Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin at 1 Kg ai ha-1 followed by one hand weedingis also effective in controlling weeds.

ii) If herbicide is not given, give two hand weedings on 15 and 35 days after sowing.

8. PROTECTION OF THE SEEDLINGS AGAINST INSECT PESTSIf sucking pests are noted, spray Methyldemeton 25 EC 500 ml or Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml; or

Phosphamidon 85 WSC 250 ml/ha (250 l spray fluid/ha).

9. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing, 3rd day after sowing, bud initiation, 50 % flowering and pod

development stages. Water stagnation should be avoided.

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10. PROTECTING INFLORESCENCE AND PODS FROM POD BORERSThe economic threshold levels for the following insects are;

a. Maruca testulalis spotted borer - 3/plant

b. Exelastes atomosa pod borer - 5/plant

Whenever Helicoverpa is predominant, apply NPV at 500 LE/ha in 0.1% Teepol.Apply any oneof the following insecticides at 25 kg/ha, Endosulfan 4% D; Quinalphos 4% D; Carbaryl 5% D orspray per ha, Endosulfan 35 EC 1.25 lit., Monocrotophos 36 WSC 625 ml. Spraying NSKE 5% twicefollowed by triazophos 0.05%

NSKE 5%, Neem oil 2% and phosalone 0.07% are effective in the management of pest complexand for higher yield.

11. DISEASE MANAGEMENTi) Sterility mosaic: Rogue out the infected plants in the early stages of growth. Spray

monocrotophos 500 ml/ha on noticing the initial symptoms and repeat after a fortnight.

ii) Wilt and root rot:

a. Spot drench around the base of the affected plants as well as healthy plants surroundingthem with carbendazim @ 1 g/litre for wilt and root rot.

b. Soil application of Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50 kg of welldecomposed FYM/sand at 30 days after sowing.

iii) Varieties VRI 1 and TMV 3 are moderately resistant to cyst nematodes.

12. HARVESTING THE CROPHarvest the plants when 80% of the pods are mature. Stack the plants for a few days.

13. INTER-CROPPINGRaising one row of redgram as inter crop for every six rows of groundnut (6:1) is recommended

for Aliyarnagar region during Kharif season.

a) Multistoreyed cropping: For rainfed Vertisols of Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudidistricts recording more than 300 mm of rainfall during the crop growth period, multistoreyedcropping system Agathi + Redgram (CO 5) + Cotton (MCU 10) + Blackgram (CO 5) ishighly profitable. (Agathi in I tier with 1 x 1 m spacing - Redgram in II tier with a spacing of45 x 20 cm - Cotton in the III tier with a spacing of 45 x 15 cm - Blackgram in the IV tier withthe spacing of 30 x 10 cm).

For rainfed Vertisols receiving less than 300 mm of rainfall, Agathi + Sorghum (CO 26) +Cotton (MCU 10) + Blackgram (CO 5) system is ideal. For both systems, apply 40 kg Nand 20 kg P

2O

5/ha. (Agathi in I tier with a spacing of 1 x 1 m - sorghum in II tier with a

spacing of 45 x 15 cm - cotton in III tier with the spacing of 45 x 15 cm and Blackgram in IVtier with 30 x 10 cm).

14. PROTECTING THE SEEDS FROM STORAGE PESTSa) Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10%.

b) SEED: Admix one kg of activated clay (or) Malathion 5% for every 100 kg of seed. Packin polythene lined gunny bags for storage.

15. NUTRITIONAL DISORDERSGreengram/Blackgram/Cowpea/Redgram

Zinc: Symptom appears within a month of sowing. The plants are stripped with yellow or palegreen foliage. Veins and mid ribs of the leaves are green although tissue around them becomesyellow and bronzed.

Iron: Reduced concentration of Chlorophyll in leaves - pale leaf colour may be indistinguishablefrom deficiency of nitrogen or other elements.


76

V. SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. SELECTION OF SEED FOR SOWINGRemove all discoloured seeds. Use only highly germinable (90% and above) and normal coloured

seeds retained by the wiremesh sieve, B.S.S. 5 X 5 (aperture width 3.35 mm) for large seededvarieties and B.S.S. 6 x 6 (2.8 mm) for small seeded varieties.

2. PRE-SOWING TREATMENTSoak the seeds before sowing for 3 hrs in aqueous solution of ZnSo

4 100 ppm (10 g/100 lit of

water) at 1/3 volume of seeds and quickly air dry in shade to their original weight.

3. SEED TREATMENTSlurry treat the seeds with Thiram 75% WDP @ 2 g dissolved in 5 ml of water per kg of seeds.

After air-drying, treat the seeds with the Rhizobial culture before sowing, following the recommendedprocedures.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSBasal 25 kg N + 50 Kg P

2O

5/ha

5. SUPPLEMENTARY FOLIAR APPLICATIONSpray 250 litres of aqueous solution containing urea, DAP, muriate of potash and potassium

sulphate at 10.0, 2.6, 1.75 and 1.4 kg respectively with the addition of succinic acid at 40 gm andteepol at 120 ml per hectare on the 55th and 70th day after sowing. The spray application should bemade only in the afternoon.

6. SOWINGDibble the seeds at about 4 to 5 cm depth at the side of the ridges.

7. SPACING A spacing of 40 x 30 cm may be adopted.

8. HARVESTINGPods should be harvested 40 days after the 50% flowering stage in order to obtain seeds

possessing high germination, vigour and storability.

9. PRE-HARVEST SANITATION SPRAY3-5 days before harvesting, application of pre-harvest sanitation sprays with endosulfan or

malathion @ 0.07% will minimise bruchid infestation.

NOTE: At this stage, the majority of the pods (80%) will be tan-coloured. Pod moisture content willbe about 17 to 18 per cent.

10. POST HARVEST PROCESSING FOR STORING SEEDSDry the pods immediately to about 12 to 13 per cent moisture content and thresh to separate the

seeds in a pre-cleaner. Dry the seeds to 10 per cent moisture content. Size grade using wire meshsieve B.S.S. 5 x 5 (width of square aperture 3.35 mm) for large seeded varieties and 6 x 6 (2.8 mm)for small seeded varieties and reject those that pass through these sieve as well as the discolouredand broken seeds.

11. STORAGEThe graded seeds should be further dried to 7 to 8 per cent moisture content and treated with

any one of the following chemicals mentioned in the order of preferences.

i. Thiram 75% WP at 200 g dissolved in 500 ml of water per quintal of seeds.

ii. Captan 75% WDP at 200 g dissolved in 500 ml of water per quintal of seeds.

iii. For grain cum seed storage, activated clay, neem oil, groundnut oil, leaf powder of tobacco,nochi, neem, Albizzia amara (arappu) and fruit rind powder of Sepindus laurifolius (Poochikottai) and Acacia concinna (Soapnut powder) also can be used for storage of seeds.

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77

iv. For storing seeds in dry places like Coimbatore upto six months, they should be packed infresh gada cloth or gunny bags. For storing in humid areas and for long term (1-2 years)storage they should be packed in moisture-vapour-proof container like polythene bags of700 guage thickness. These bags should be filled with seeds leaving only sufficient spaceto close their opening by perfectly heat-sealing to make it air tight. They should be stitchedand closed. These bags may in turn be covered by gunny bags and closed before stockingto prevent slipping. Store the bags on racks or wooden pallets in a dry storage room.

Pigeon pea hybrid ICPH 8 produced during Kharif had better seed quality than summer. Aplanting ratio of 1:6 (Male:Female) and application of 30:60:20 Kg NPK ha-1 is to be adopted.Two foliar sprays of DAP 2% one at 50% flowering and the second at 10 days after,augumented the seed yield and seed quality. The seeds attain physiological maturity 35days after 50% flowering accompanied by change of pod colour from green to brown. Thehybrid seeds can be processed using 11/64" sieve. The seeds dried to 6% moisture contentand treated either with activated clay (10g Kg ha-1) or Thiram (2g Kg ha-1) and packed in600 gauge polythene bag prevented bruchid and maintained 80% germination upto 8 monthsunder ambient condition. Seed parent (MS Prabhat DT) has better storage potential thanthe pollinator (ICPL 161) or the hybrid (ICPH 8).

BSR 1 - PERENNIAL REDGRAM

BSR 1 Redgram a long duration variety having a duration of 180 days and can be keptin fields for more than two years after ratooning. The plants are semi spreading with non-determinate growth. It has become very popular not only in Tamil Nadu but also in Keralaand Andhra Pradesh. The seeds are bold, just like peas, and when they are tender thebeans are pinkish green in colour and can be cooked as curry or added to Kurma or Sabji.When the beans mature they can be used as Dhall.

BSR 1 variety is recommended for growing in kitchen gardens, backyards, farm roadsides, as border crop in sugarcane, banana and betelvine and as a shade crop in turmericand as a bund crop in paddy double cropped wetlands.

The best season for sowing this crop is June - July. Small pits are dug 90 cm apartand the pits are filled with a mixture of well decomposed manure or compost and soil.Fifteen grams of urea and 30 grams of superphosphate need to be applied in each pit. Twoto three seeds are dibbled per pit and watered. When they grow six inches height one plantmay be retained in each pit.

Watering is to be done as and when needed. The plant grows 150 - 200 cm in heightwith 7 - 10 branches. It comes to flowering in about five months. If harvested when thepods are tender the beans will be fit for making curry. Each plant will yield two to three kgof green pods at an average seed yield of 750 g to one kg per plant. After the first harvestthe branches are pruned and allowed to grow further.

In another 45 - 60 days the plants produce the second flush. For pure crop, about 3 kgof seeds may be required.

��


78

BLACKGRAM ( Vigna mungo )1.SEASON AND VARIETIES

District/Season VarietiesAdipattam (June-August)

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Trichirapalli, CO 4, KM 2, T 9, VBN 1, VBN 2Perambalur, KarurVellore, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, PudukottaiCuddalore, Villupuram, Salem and Namakkal KM 2, T 9, TMV 1, VBN 1, VBN 2Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, SivagangaiTirunelveli and Thoothukudi CO 5, KM 2, T 9, VBN 2Madurai, Dindigul, Theni CO 5, KM 2, VBN 1Erode, Coimbatore CO 4, CO 5, VBN 1, VBN 2

Puratasipattam (September-November)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, TiruvannamalaiCuddalore, Villupuram, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal CO 5, KM 2, VBN1, K 1, VBN 2Pudukottai, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram,Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli.Erode,Coimbatore,Tiruchirapalli,Perambalur,Karur CO 5, VBN 1, VBN 2

Rice fallows (January)Cuddalore, Villupuram, Thanjavur,Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Trichirapalli,Perambalur, Karur ADT 2, ADT 3, ADT 4,ADT 5

Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi ADT 2, ADT 3, ADT 4,ADT 5, TMV 1

Summer (February-March)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvan-namalai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, DharmapuriThanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchi- KM 2, TMV 1, ADT 5rapalli, Perambalur, Karur,

Pudukottai, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramana-thapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar CO 5, KM 2, T 9

Tirunelveli, Thothukudi, Salem, Namakkal CO 5, KM 2

Erode, Coimbatore CO 5, CO 4, TMV 1

II. DESCRIPTION OF BLACKGRAM VARIETIES

Particulars CO 4 CO 5 KM 2

Parentage Mutant of CO 1 Pureline selec- Derivative fromtion from Musiri T9 x L.64

50% flowering (days) 35 35 - 40 30 - 35Maturity duration (days) 70 70 - 75 60 - 65Grain yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 640 740 690Irrigated 1040 1270 ..Rice fallows .. .. ..Height (cm) 30 30 - 35 25 - 35Clusters 10 to 12 10 to 12 10 to 12Hairiness of pods Glabrous Hairy HairyColour of grain Black & Dull Black & Dull Black with green

mottlings100 grain wt (g) 5.7 5.1 4

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Particulars VBN 1 T 9 ADT 2

Parentage KM1xH76-1 Pureline Derivative fromselection T.Veli ADT 1

50% flowering (days) 30 - 35 30 - 35 30 - 35Maturity duration (days) 60 - 65 65 - 70 70 - 75Grain yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 700 .. ..Irrigated 850 1000 ..Rice fallows .. .. 970Height (cm) 30 - 35 35 - 40 60Clusters 12 to 13 10 to 12 25 - 30Hairiness of pods Hairy Glabrous HairyColour of grain Black Black & Dull Black & dull100 grain wt (g) 4.6 4 4.7

Particulars ADT 3 TMV 1 ADT 4

Parentage Pureline selec- Derivative from 29/ADT2/planttion from T.Veli Midhiulundu xKM1 6114

50% flowering (days) 30 - 35 35 - 40 30 - 35Maturity duration (days) 70 - 75 65 - 70 60 - 65Grain yield (kg/ha)Irrigated .. 1320 ..Rice fallows 720 .. 600Height (cm) 50 40 20 - 25Clusters 10 to 15 15 - 18 ..Hairiness of pods Hairy Hairy ..Colour of grain Black & dull Black & Dull Black100 grain wt (g) 3.6 5.7 4.99

Particulars ADT 5 K 1 VBN 2

Parentage Pureline selec- CO 3 x US 131 Spontaneous mutantfrom Kanpur variety from Type 950% flowering (days) 32 40 - 45 —Maturity duration (days) 62 70 - 75 60 to 70Grain yield (kg/ha) Rainfed - 707 750Rice fallows 1323Height (cm) 20 - 25 30 - 35 25 to 35Clusters 13 - 15 10 to 13 —Hairiness of pods Hairy Hairy GlabrousColour of grain Black Dull black —100 grain wt (g) 3.6 5.3 gm —

III. SEED RATE

Quantity of seed required kg/haSTRAIN Pure crop Mixed crop

KM 2, T 9, CO 5, TMV 1, VBN 1, VBN 2 20 10

CO 4, ADT 2, ADT 3, ADT 4, ADT 5, TMV 1(Rice fallows) 25 ..CO 4, ADT 2 (Wet land bunds) 50 g/100 m length ..

Optimum plant population 3,25,000/ha


80

IV. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. FIELD PREPARATIONi. Prepare the land to fine tilth and form beds and channels.

ii. Amendments for soil surface crusting: To tide over the soil surface crusting apply limeat the rate of 2 t/ha along with FYM at 12.5 t/ha or composted coirpith at 12.5 t/ha to get anadditional yield of about 15 - 20%.

2. SEED TREATMENTa) Treat the seeds with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/kg seed (or) Pseudomonas

fluorescens @ 10 g/kg seed.

Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers.

First treat the seeds with biocontrol agents and then with Rhizobium.

Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.

b) Treat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram @ 2 g/kg seed at least 24 h before sowing.

Note: Seed treatment will protect the seedlings from seed borne pathogens, root-rot and seedlingsdiseases.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTUREa) Fungicide treated seeds, should be again treated with a bacterial culture. There should be

an interval of atleast 24 hours between the fungicidal and bacterial culture treatments.

b) Three packets of multistrain rhizobium are sufficient for treating seeds required for one ha.The bacterial culture slurry may be prepared with rice kanji. Dry the bacterial culturetreated seeds in shade for 15 minutes before sowing.

Note: Pre-monsoon sowing after the seeds treated with paste made of ash (500 g/kg of seeds)plus 3% gum followed by 5 hrs shade drying is recommended. The rhizobial strain CoC 10 isvery effective.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATIONApply fertilizers basally before sowing as follows:

Rainfed - 12.5 g N + 25 kg P2O

5/ha

Irrigated - 25 kg N + 50 kg P2O

5/ha

Rice fallows - spray 2% Diammonium phosphate at flower initiation stage.5. SOWING OF SEEDS

a) Apply Carbofuran 3 G (30 kg) or Aldicarb 10 G (10 kg)/ha in soil at the time of sowingagainst stemfly and sucking pests. Spray Endosulfan 35 EC 500 ml/ha a week aftergermination and again 10 days after first round.Seed pelleting with Dimethoate at 5 ml/kgfollowed by one round of spraying with Endosulfan 0.035%.

Method of pelleting: Dissolve 1 g gum in 20 ml of water. Add 5 ml of Dimethoate. Pelletseeds and shade dry.

b) Dibble the seeds adopting 30 cm x 10 cm spacing.

c) For rice fallows, broadcast seeds in the standing crop 5 to 10 days before the harvestuniformly when soil moisture is optimum (i.e.) the seeds should get embedded in the waxymire. On wetland bunds, dibble the seeds with 30 cm spacing.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing, followed by life irrigation on the 3rd day. Irrigate at intervals of

10 to 15 days depending upon soil and climatic conditions. Flowering and pod formation stages arecritical periods when irrigation is a must. Avoid water stagnation at all stages. Apply KCl at 0.5 percent as foliar spray during vegetative stage if there is moisture stress.

7.PROTECTION OF YOUNG PLANTSIf sucking pests are noted, spray Methyldemeton 25 EC 500 ml; or Dimethoate 30 WSC 500 ml

or Phosphamidon 85 EC 250 ml/ha (250 l of spray fluid/ha).

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8. SPRAYING OF DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE AND NAA (IN RICE FALLOWS)a. Spray 2 per cent Diammonium phosphate at the time of first appearance of flowering.b. Give the second spray 15 days after the first spraying.c. Spray NAA 40 ppm twice at first appearance of flowers and after a fortnight.

9. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Spray Fluchloralin 1.5 l/ha or Pendimethalin 2.0 l/ha on 3 days after sowing using Backpack/

Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle using 900 l of water for spraying oneha. After this, one hand weeding on 30 days after sowing gives weed free environmentthroughout the crop period.

ii) If herbicides are not applied give two hand weedings on 15 and 30 days after sowing.

10. PROTECTION OF THE INFLORESCENCE AND PODS FROM INSECT PESTSApply any one of the following insecticides at 25 kg/ha. Endosulfan 4% D; Quinalphos 1.5% D;

Phosalone 4% D and Carbaryl 5% D or spray per ha Endosulfan 35 EC 1.0 l or Monocrotophos 36WSC 500 ml (Spray fluid 500 l/ha).

11. PROTECTION FROM STORAGE PESTSGrain: Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 8%.Seed: Admix 1 kg of activated Kaolin or Malathion 5% D for every 100 kg. Pack in polythene

lined gunny bags for storage. Neem Seed Kernel Powder 3% effectively controls the infestation ofstorage pest, Bruchid beetle.

12. DISEASE MANAGEMENTApply any one of the following fungicides when the symptom of disease reaches grade 3.i) Powdery mildew: Carbendazim 250 g or Wettable sulphur 2.5 kg/ha.ii) Rust: Mancozeb 1 kg or Wettable sulphur 2.5 kg/ha.iii) Leaf Spot: Carbendazim 250 g/ha.iv) Tip blight: Carbendazim 250 g/ha.

v) Yellow Mosaic, Leaf Curl and Leaf Crinkle: Pull out and destroy plants infected in theearly stages of growth (Upto 30 days) and spray any one of the following insecticides afterthe appearance of the disease.

Monocrotophos 500 ml/ha, Methyl demeton 500 ml/ha and repeat after 15 days, if necessary.For seed crop, the plants affected by leaf crinkle should be periodically removed upto 45days after sowing since the leaf crinkle virus is seed borne.

vi) Root rot:

a) Treat the seeds with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/kg seed (or)Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg seed.Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers.First treat the seeds with biocontrol agents and then with Rhizobium.Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.

b) Treat the seeds with carbendazim or Thiram @2 g/kg seed atleast 24hours before sowing.

Spot drench Carbendazim 1 g/lit (or) soil application of Pseudomonas fluorescens @2.5 kg/hamixed with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM/sand at 30 days after sowing.

Seed * and Soil** application of Trichoderma viride and Pseudomonas fluorescens

* Seed application @ 4g/Kg - same for both ** Soil application

Apply Neem cake @ 150 kg/ha basally to reduce root rot and also to have nematostaticacation against cyst nematode.

SPECIAL SITUATIONS1. Sowing of blackgram, greengram and cowpea during 2nd fortnight of July and first week of

October is recommended for red lateritic soils of Pudukottai.

2. For blackgram grown in calcareous soils in Coimbatore region under irrigation, applicationof 68 kg P

2O

5/ha in the form of superphosphate (425 kg/ha) or 44 kg P

2O

5/ha in the form of

DAP (100 kg/ha) is recommended for higher yield.


82

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83

GREENGRAM ( Vigna radiata )


District/Season Varieties

Adipattam (June - July)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, CO 4, KM 2, VBN 1, CO5Cuddalore, Villupuram, Pudukkottai, Madurai,Dindigul, Theni

Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchirapalli, CO 4, KM 2, VBN 1Perambalur, Karur

Salem, Namakkal CO 4, KM 2, Paiyur 1, CO 5

Dharmapuri CO 4, KM 2, Paiyur 1, VBN 1, CO 5

Erode, Coimbatore, Kanyakumari CO 4, VBN 1, CO 5

Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai CO 4, KM 2, VBN 1, CO 5Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi

Puratasipattam (September - October)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, CO 4, KM 2, VBN 1, CO 5Cuddalore, Villupuram, Pudukottai

Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Tirunelveli, CO 4, CO 5, Paiyur 1, VBN 1, K1Thoothukudi

Erode, Coimbatore CO 4, VBN 1, CO 5

Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai CO 4, CO 5, KM 2, Paiyur 1, K1

Madurai, Dindigul, Theni CO 4, Paiyur 1, CO 5

Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur Paiyur 1, VBN 1, CO 5

Rice fallows (January - February)Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchirapalli, ADT 2, ADT 3Perambalur, Karur, Pudukottai, Tirunelveli,Thoothukudi

Summer (February - March)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallore, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, CO 4, KM 2Cuddalore, Villupuram, Pudukkottai

Salem, Namakkal,Dharmapuri,Tiruchirapalli, CO 4, Paiyur 1Perambalur, Karur, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi

Erode, Coimbatore, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, CO 4, Paiyur 1Nagapattinam

Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, CO 4, KM 2, Paiyur 1Virudhunagar, Sivagangai

II. DESCRIPTION OF GREENGRAM VARIETIES

Particulars Paiyur 1 ADT 2 ADT 3 CO 4

Parentage PS from AB-33X Hybrid deri- Mutant ofDPT 703 ADT 1 vative H70-16/ CO 1

Rajendran/G6550% flowering (days) 45 - 50 50 36 40 - 45Duration (days) 85 - 90 70 - 75 66 85Grain yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 742 850 500 910Irrigated .. .. 500 (Rice fallows) 1550Plant height (cm) 55 - 60 35 35 - 45 80Stem, branches etc. Green Green Green Green stemBranches 3- 4 2 - 3 2 - 3 3 - 4

5 - 6 cluster branches branchesLeaves Broad Medium Medium broad, Broad tripartate

broad petiole long and hairyColour of pod Dull green Green with Dark brown Green when tender

purple suture & black on dryingColour of grain Dull green Very light green Very light green Dull green100 grain wt (g) 3.5 3.3 2.6 4.1

Particulars KM 2 VBN 1 CO 5 K 1

Parentage Hybrid deri- Hybrid deri- Hybrid deri- Co 4 x ML 65vative of vative of vative of KM2xMGNo.127xS.9 S.8xPIMS 3 50.10 (G)

50% flowering (days) 35 - 40 30 - 35 40 - 43 —Duration (days) 65 - 70 65 70 - 75 70 - 75Grain yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 767 770 900 670Irrigated .. .. ..Plant height (cm) 35 - 45 40 - 45 55.3 70 - 75Stem, branches etc. Green stem Green, Erect, green Green, slightly

sparsely hairy PubescentBranches .. 2 to 3 3 to 4 3 to 4Leaves Medium Medium Normal Broad,

foliate, ovate trifoliatesparcely hairy

Colour of pod Dark brown Dark green, Dark brown Green withand tip sparsely hairy distinct redcovered dry pods light

blackishColour of grain Shiny green Green Dull green Dull green100 grain wt (g) 3 3.6 3.7 3.5

III. SEED RATE

Particulars Quantity of seed required kg/haPure crop Mixed crop

All strains 20 10Rice fallows - ADT 2 25 ..

Optimum plant population 3,25,000/ha.


84


1. FIELD PREPARATIONi) Prepare the land to get fine tilth and form beds and channels.

ii) Amendments for soil surface crusting: To tide over the soil surface crusting apply lime atthe rate of 2 t/ha along with FYM at 12.5 t/ha or composted coir pith 12.5 t/ha to get anadditional yield of about 15 - 20%.

2. SEED TREATMENTTreat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram at 2 g/kg of seed or Trichoderma at 4 g/kg.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTUREa) The seeds should again be treated with bacterial culture. There should be an interval of

atleast 24 hours after fungicidal treatment for giving the bacterial culture treatment. Thestrain COG 15 is more effective than CMBS 1 in increasing the yield.

b) Three packets of multi-strain Rhizobium are sufficient for treating seeds required for oneha. Prepare the bacterial culture slurry with rice kanji. Dry the bacterial culture treatedseeds in shade for 15 minutes before sowing.

c) Treat the seeds with carbendazim or thiram 2 g/kg seed 24 hour before sowing (or) withtalc formulation of Trichoderma viride @ 4g/kg (or) Pesudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kgseed.




4. FERTILIZER APPLICATIONApply fertilizers basally before sowing as follows:

Rainfed - 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O

5/ha

Irrigated - 25 kg N + 50 kg P2O

5/ha

5. SOWINGDibble the seeds adopting a spacing of 30 x 10 cm in wet lands. For rice fallows, broadcast

uniformly the seeds in the standing crop, 5 to 10 days before the harvesting when soil moisture isoptimum (i.e.) the seeds should get embedded in the waxy mire. On wetland, bunds dibble theseeds with 30 cm spacing.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing, followed by life irrigation on the third day. Irrigate at intervals

of 10 to 15 days, depending upon soil and climatic conditions. For wetland bunds, pot water daily fora week after sowing. Flowering and pod formation stages are critical periods when irrigation is amust. Avoid water stagnation at all stages.

7. PROTECTION OF SEEDLINGS FROM INSECT PESTSIf sucking pests are noted, spray Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml or Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml or


8. APPLICATION OF DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE AND NAA (RICE FALLOWS)a) Spray 2% Diammmonium phosphate at the time of first appearance of flowers. Give a

second spray 15 days after first spraying.

b) Spray NAA 40 ppm first round at first flowering and a second round after a fortnight. NAAcan be mixed with pesticides or fungicides.

9. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Spray Fluchloralin 1.5 l/ha or Pendimethalin 2.0 l/ha as preemergence spraying 3 days

after sowing followed by one hand weeding on 30 days after sowing.

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85

ii) If herbicide is not applied give two hand weedings on 15th and 30th day after sowing.

10. PROTECTING INFLORESCENCE AND PODS FROM POD BORERSProtect the flower parts and pods from pod borers by applying any one of the following insecticides

at 25 kg/ha; Endosulfan 4% D, Quinalphos 1.5% D; Phosalone 4% D or Carbaryl 5% D, or spray perha Endosulfan 35 EC 1.0 l or Monocrotophos 36 WSC 500 ml (500 l spray fluid/ha).

Application of Neem Seed Kernel Extract 5% twice, starting from 50% flowering stage followedby one round of Endosulfan 0.07%.

11. PROTECTION FROM STORAGE PESTSGrain: Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10%.

Seed: Admix one kg of Malathion 5% D with activated Kaolin for every 100 kg of seeds. Pack inpolythene lined gunny for storage.

12. DISEASE MANAGEMENTApply any one of the following fungicides when the symptoms of disease reaches grade 3.

i) Powdery mildew: Spray Carbendazim 250 g/ha or Wettable sulphur 2.5 kg/ha. Repeatthe spraying after 15 days if infection persists. Spray NSKE (5%) or Neem oil (3%) twice at10 days interval from initial disease appearance.

ii) Rust: Spray Mancozeb 1 kg or Wettable sulphur 2.5 kg/ha.

iii) Leaf spot: Spray Carbendazim 250 g or Mancozeb 1 kg/ha.

iv) Yellow mosaic, leaf curl and leaf crinkle: Pull out and destroy plants exhibiting symptomsof virus diseases in the early stages of growth (upto 30 days) and spray any one of thefollowing after the first appearance of the disease.

Monocrotophos 500 ml/ha, Methyldemeton 500 ml/ha if necessary a second time 15 dayslater. For seed crop, plants affected by leaf crinkle should be periodically removed upto 45days after sowing since the virus is seedborne.

v) Root rot: Spot drench Carbendazim 1 g/lit (or) soil application of Psudomonas fluorescens@ 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM/sand at 30 days after sowing.

13. HARVESTINGHarvest the plants when 80 per cent of the pods are mature and stack the plants for a few days

before threshing.

V. SEED TECHNOLOGY

BLACKGRAM AND GREENGRAM1. SELECTION OF SEEDS FOR SOWING

Remove all discoloured seeds and use only normal coloured seeds (black coloured in blackgramand olive green in greengram). As regards size of the seeds those retained by the sieve B.S.S. 7 x7 (Aperture width 2.36 mm) for large seeded varieties and B.S.S. 8 X 8 (Aperture width 2.00 mm) forsmall seeded varieties are to be used.

2. SEED TREATMENTIn greengram and blackgram if the hard seed percentage exceeds more than 10 per cent

commercial H2SO

4 may be used for scarification for 2 min. washed and used for sowing and then

treated with fungicides and inoculated with rhizobium.

Soak the greengram seeds for 3 hours in aqueous solution of manganese sulphate 100 ppm/(0.1 g/lit) at 1/3 volume of seeds and quickly air-dry in shade to their original moisture content. Forblackgram, zinc sulphate may be used as in redgram.

3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERi) Basal 25 kg N : 50 kg P

2O

5/ha


86

ii) Supplementary foliar application spray 250 litres of aqueous solution containing the followingper ha.

Chemicals Blackgram Greengram

Urea 7.5 kg 10 kg or 7.5 kgDAP 1.95 kg 2.6 kg or 1.95 kgMuriate of Potash 1.313 kg 1.75 kg or 1.313 kgPotassium sulphate 1.05 kg 50 gSuccinic acid 40 g 50 gTeepol 125 ml 125 mlFirst spray 25th day after sowing 25th day after sowingSecond spray 40th day after sowing 40th day after sowing

4. SOWINGDibble the seeds at 3 to 4 cm depth at the side of ridges.

5. SPACINGAdopt the following: Blackgram 25 x 15 cm, Greengram 30 x 15 cm.

6. HARVESTINGPods should be harvested 30 days after the 50 per cent flowering stage has been reached to

obtain seeds possessing high germination, vigour and storability.

Note: At this stage the colour of the majority of the pods (80%) will be black in blackgram andbrown in greengram.

The pod moisture content will be about 17 - 18%. The seed coat of blackgram will be black incolour and of greengram olive green in colour.

7. POST-HARVEST PROCESSINGDry the pods immediately to 12 to 13 per cent moisture content and thresh to separate the

seeds in a pre-cleaner. Tamil Nadu Agricultural University Model Pulses Thresher may be used.

Dry the seeds to 10 per cent moisture content and size-grade using B.S.S 7 X 7 wire mesh sieve(Aperture width 2.36 mm) for large seeded varieties and reject those that pass through these sievesas well as the discoloured and broken seeds.

8. STORAGEThe graded seeds should be further dried to 7 to 8 per cent moisture content and treated with

chemicals mentioned in the order of preferences.

i) Thiram 75% WDP at 75 g plus Carbaryl 50% WP at 7.5 g dissolved in 500 ml of water perquintal of seeds.

ii) Activated clay @ 1:100 to be dusted dry.

Note: Activated clay should be free from acid and absolutely dry and then only used.

9. STORAGE CONTAINERSFor storing seeds in dry places like Coimbatore upto months, they should be packed in fresh

gada cloth or gunny bags. For storing in humid areas and for long term (1 - 2 years) storage, theyshould be packed in vapour proof containers like polythene bags of 700 guage thickness. thesebags should be filled with seeds leaving only sufficient space to close their opening by perfectly heatsealing to make it air tight. They should not be stitched and closed. Place the heat sealed bag in agunny bag and close before stacking to prevent slipping. Store the bags on racks or wooden palletsin a dry storage room.

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87

COWPEA ( Vigna unguiculata )


DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIES

Adipattam (June-August)

For all districts CO 6, VBN 1, VBN 2

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, CO 3, CO 4

Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri CO 3, CO 4, Paiyur 1

Cuddalore, Villupuram CO 3, CO 4, KM 1

Salem, Namakkal CO 2, CO 3, CO 4, Paiyur 1

Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur CO 4, KM 1

Pudukottai CO 2, CO 3, CO 4, KM 1

Erode CO 2, CO 4, CO 3, Paiyur 1

Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni,Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar CO 2, CO 4

Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi , Kanyakumari, CO 4Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam

Purattasipattam (September - November)

For all districts CO 6, VBN 1, VBN 2

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur CO 3

Dharmapuri CO 3, CO 4, Paiyur 1

Cuddalore, Villupuram CO 3, KM 1, CO 4, Paiyur 1

Salem, Namakkal CO 2, CO 3, CO 4, Paiyur 1

Pudukottai CO 2, CO 4, KM 1

Erode CO 3, CO 4, CO 2

Coimbatore CO 2, CO 4, Paiyur 1

Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram,Virudhunagar CO, 2, CO 3

Sivagangai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi , CO 2, CO 4

Kanyakumari, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, CO 3, CO 4, Paiyur 1

Summer irrigated

Salem, Namakkal, Coimbatore, Erode, CO 2, CO 4, VBN 2Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Tiruchirapalli,Perambalur, Karur and Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi


88

II. PARTICULARS OF VARIETIES

Particulars CO 2 CO 3 CO 4 KM 1

Parentage Hybrid Pureline Selection from Hybridderivative from AC 152 Russian Giant derivative(C521 x C49) (JC5xDufasli)

50% flowering(days) 45 35 - 40 40 - 45 30 - 35

Duration (days) 90 80 85 60 - 65

Grain yield(kg/ha)Rainfed ... ... ... ...Irrigated 1375 830 961 905

Vegetable 9400 1085 1570 ...

Plant height (cm) 30 - 40 40 - 50 50 28 - 30

Stem, branches Green stem Green stem Clusters are Erect &compactpurple wash at purple wash projected aboveat nodes, 3-4 at nodes,3-4 the canopy,3-4branches branches branches

Leaves Trifoliate, Trifoliate Trifoliate Narrow leafletsbroad and long green leaflets green leaflets parrot greenpetioles

II. PARTICULARS OF VARIETIES (CONTD...)

Particulars CO 2 CO 3 CO 4 KM 1

Colour of pods Tender Green Green Light greengreenish white

Dry Greyish white Brown with Grey white Straw colourpurple tingelight brown

Colour of grain Reddish brown Greenish brown White withwith irregular slate colour prominentpatches black hilum

100 grain wt (g) 12.5 10 11.5 7

Particulars Paiyur 1 CO 6 VBN 1 VBN 2

Parentage Selection from MS9804 x Selection from Selection fromVM 16 C152 T-85-F-2020 IT-81-D-1228-10

50% flowering(days) 75 35 35 - 40 40 - 45

Duration (days) 90 65 - 70 55 - 65 75 - 85

Grain yield(kg/ha)Rainfed 900 671 950 (grain) —Irrigated ... ...

Vegetable ... ... 10581

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89

Particulars Paiyur 1 CO 6 VBN 1 VBN 2

Plant height (cm) 60 - 70 34.5 25 - 30 45 - 60Stem, branches Erect Green stem

purple washat nodes, 3-4branches

Leaves Dark green Trifoliate,leaflets entire, green,possessing tri- purple spot atangular white the base ofspots leaflet

Colour of pods Green Dark greenpigmented tip

Dry Brown Brown atmaturity

Colour of grain Brick red Light cream White Ivory white, hilum withtan ring surrounded bybrown band

100 grain wt (g) 9.9 9.9 12 to 15 13 to 15

III. SEED RATE

STRAIN Quantity of seed required kg/haPure crop Mixed crop

Paiyur 1, KM 1, CO 2, CO 3, CO 4 20 10

Optimum plant population 3,50,000/ha.


1. FIELD PREPARATIONPrepare the land to fine tilth and form beds and channels.

2. SEED TREATMENTTreat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram 2 g/kg of seed 24 hours before sowing (or) with

talc formulation of Trichoderma viride @ 4g/kg of seed (or) Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kgseed.




3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTUREa) Fungicide-treated seeds, should be again treated with a bacterial culture. There should be

an interval of atleast 24 hours between fungicidal and bacterial culture treatments. Theimproved rhizobial strain COC 10 is more effective in increasing the yield.

b) Three packets of multi-strain rhizobium are sufficient for treating seeds required for one ha.Use rice ‘Kanji’ as binder. Dry the bacterial culture treated seeds in shade for 15 minutesbefore sowing.


90

c) Seed hardening: Soak cowpea seed in aqueous solution of ZnSO4 at 100 ppm (10 g/100 l

of water) at 1/3 volume of seeds for 4 hours and quickly airdry in shade to original weight.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATIONApply fertilizers, basally before sowing as follows:Rainfed: 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P

2O

5/ha

Irrigated: 25 kg N + 50 kg P2O

5/ha

Application of 20 kg K2O/ha is beneficial for red lateritic soils in increasing the yield.

5. SOWINGDibble the seeds adopting the following spacing.

Strain Pure crops Mixed crops

CO 4, KM 1, VBN 1 30 cm X 15 cm 200 cm X 15 cmCO 3, CO 2, VBN 2 45 cm x 15 cm ..Paiyur 1 30 cm x 15 cm ..

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing followed by life irrigation on the third day. Irrigate at intervals

of 10 to 15 days depending upon the soil and climatic conditions. For wetland bunds, pot water dailyfor a week after sowing. Flowering and pod formation stages are critical periods when irrigation is amust.

7. PROTECTION OF SEEDLINGS FROM INSECT PESTS:If sucking pests are noted spray Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml or Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml or


8. APPLICATION OF DIAMMONIUM PHOSPHATE AND NAA IN RICE FALLOWSa) Spray 2% Diammonium phosphate at the first appearance of the flowers and the second

spray 15 days after the first spray.

b) Spray Planofix 40 ppm first round at the first appearance of flowering and a second roundafter a fortnight.

9. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Fluchloralin may be applied to the irrigated crop at 1.5 l/ha or Pendimethalin 2.0 l/ha as pre-

emergence. Spray 3 days after sowing followed by one hand weeding on 30 days aftersowing.

ii) If herbicide is not applied give two hand weeding on 15 and 30 days after sowing.

10. PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENTi) Protection of inflorescence and pods from pod borers: Dust any one of the following

insecticides at 25 kg/ha. Endosulfan 4% D; Quinalphos 1.5% D; Phosalone 4% D; Carbaryl5% D; or spray per ha Endosulfan 35 EC 1.0 l or Monocrotophos 36 WSC 500 ml (500 lspray fluid/ha).

ii) Stem fly: Soil application of Carbofuron 3 G (15 kg/ha) at the time of sowing or sprayEndosulfan 35 EC 500 ml/ha a week after germination and second round 10 days after firstround.

iii) Rust : Two sprays of chlorothanil 0.1% or one spray with 0.1% chlorothanil followed by 3%Neem oil after the appearance of rust disease, effectively controls the disease.

iv) Protection from storage pests:

a) Grain: Dry the seeds till the moisture is brought to 10% and store.

b) Seed: Mix one kg of BHC 10% D or Malathion 5% D or Activated kaolin for every 100kg of seed and store in polythene lined gunny bags.

v) Root rot: Spot drench Carbendazim 1 g/lit (or) soil application of Pseudomonas [email protected] kg/ha mixed with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM/sand at 30 days after sowing.

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vi) Mosaic virus: Roguing out of cowpea mosaic virus diseased plants in the early stage ofgrowth upto 30 days and spraying twice at fortnightly intervals with Monocrotophos 500 ml/ha (or) Methyldemeton 500 ml/ha.

11) HARVESTINGPull out the plants when 80% of the pods are mature and thresh after drying.

V. SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. SEASONWinter - September to October

2. SOWINGRemove all discoloured seeds and use highly germinable (more than 90%) seeds retained by

the 12/64" diameter (aperture width 4.6 mm) round perforated sieve for CO 2 and 10/64" diameter(aperture width 3.96 mm) round perforated sieve for small seeded varieties.

Slurry-treat, 24 hours before sowing, with Captan at 2 gm mixed with 5 ml of water per kg ofseed. Just before sowing, treat with the rhizobium culture.

3. SPACINGAdopt a spacing of 45 x 20 cm.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSApply 25:50:0 NPK kg/ha.

5. PLANT PROTECTIONPull out and destroy plants exhibiting severe symptoms of mosaic in the early stages of growth.

Protect the flower parts and pods from pod borer by applying any one of the following insecticides.

Carbaryl 5% D 25 kg/ha; Phosalone 4% D 25 kg/ha; Endosulfan 4% D 25 kg/ha; Quinalphos1.5% D 25 kg/ha; Endosulfan (0.07% spray) 1250 ml/ha; Monocrotophos (0.04% spray) 625 ml/ha.

Pinching the tendrils and application of NAA 40 ppm (40 mg/l) may be followed at flower initiationand at peak flowering stage to promote fruit setting.

6. HARVESTINGHarvest the pods as they turn light straw in colour and the seeds within turn brown or mottled in

colour. At this stage the moisture content of seeds will be about 18 per cent.

Air dry the pods at first for 1-2 days and sun dry until they become brittle and easily break bygenetic flailing with pliable bamboo stick or machine thresh by adjusting the cylinder to avoid splittingand cracking of seeds. At threshing, the seed moisture content should be about 12%. Tamil NaduAgricultural University Model Pulses Thresher may be used.

7. GRADING Grade the seeds at 10% moisture content using 12/64" diameter (Aperture width 4.60 mm)

round perforated sieve for CO 2 and 10/64" diameter (aperture width 3.96 mm) for small seededvarieties.

8. DRYING, TREATING AND STORAGEThe graded seeds after the removal of the broken and immature seeds should be dried to 7 to

8 per cent moisture content.

For short-term storage use fresh gada cloth bag or gunny bag and for long term storage use 700guage thick L.D. Polythene bags. Alternately, activated clay @ 1 kg/100 kg of seeds may be drydressed for grain cum seed storage use.


92

HORSEGRAM ( Macrotyloma uniflorum )


DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIESNovember (Winter season) (Rainfed)

All districts exceptThe Nilgiris and Kanyakumari CO 1, Paiyur 1, Paiyur 2

II. SEED RATE

For a pure crop 20 kg/ha is needed.

III. DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES

Variety CO 1 Paiyur 1 Paiyur 2

Parentage PurelineSelection PurelineSelection Gamma irradiationfrom Mudukulathur from Mettur local of CO 1

50% flowering (days) 55 - 60 45 - 50 _Maturity duration(days) 110 110 100 - 105

Grain yield (Kg/ha)Rainfed 560 650 870

Height (cm) 30-40 35 - 40 40 - 45Branches 2-3 2-3Colour of grain Buff mottled Light brown100 grain weight (g) 4.6 3.4


1. FIELD PREPARATIONPrepare the land to a fine tilth.

2. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDESTreat the seeds with any one of the following fungicides. Carbendazim or Thiram at 2 g/kg

seed.

3. FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATIONApply basally 12.5 t/ha FYM/Compost, 12.5 kg/ha nitrogen, 25 kg/ha phosphorus.

4. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTUREThree packets of Rhizobial culture (multistrain) are sufficient for treating the seeds required for

one ha. Use rice kanji as binder. Dry the bacterial culture treated seeds in shade for 15 - 30 minutesbefore sowing.

5. SOWINGDibble the seeds adopting a row spacing of 30 cm. Thin the plants in the row to a spacing of 10

cm between plants.

6. WEED MANAGEMENTGive one weeding and hoeing between the 20th day and 25th day after sowing.

7. PROTECTING FROM VIRUS DISEASERogue out infected plants upto 30 days.

8. HARVESTING:Harvest the plant when all the pods mature. Thresh the pods and extract seeds.

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9. SEED STORAGE:Grain and seed purposes: Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10 per cent.

V. SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. SEED RATEAdopt a seed rate of 20 kg/ha.

2. SEED TREATMENTTreat the seed with Captan 75% WP at 2 g/kg of seed.

3. SPACINGPlant in solid rows along lines formed 30 cm apart.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSApply NPK at 10 : 30 : 30 kg/ha.

5. HARVESTINGSeeds attain physiological maturity when the pods turn yellowish brown in colour. Harvest pods

when 75 - 80% of the pods have matured.

6. SEED YIELDThe mean seed yield will be 750 kg/ha.

7. SEED GRADINGGrade the seed with a sieve having 8/64" round perforation.

8. STORAGE CONTAINER AND STORABILITYa) Cloth bags - 2 years, b) Polythene bags (700 g) 2 1/2 or 3 years.

NOTE: i) Magnesium chloride is to be sprayed against any chlorotic symptom at 6 g/litre with apower sprayer 2 - 3 times at 5-day interval.

ii) Timely harvest is essential taking care not to expose the pods to rain or very moistweather which may change the seed coat colour from light brown to dark brown or lightblack.

iii) The discoloured seeds loose viability much faster than the normal seeds in storage.

iv) The hard seededness of 50 - 55% noticed immediately after harvest declined to 4 to 6%over a period of 2 months.

BENGALGRAM ( Cicer arietinum )


DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIESNovember (Winter season) RainfedVellore, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Namakkal, Tiruchirapalli,Perambalur, Karur, Dharmapuri, Pudukottai, Erode,Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Virudhunagar, CO 2, CO 3, CO 4Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi.

II. SEED RATE

� CO 2 - 45 kg/ha as a pure crop to have an optimum plant population 3,25,000/ha.� CO 3 - 90 kg/ha.� CO 4 - 75 kg/ha.


94

III. DESCRIPTION OF VARIETIES

Variety CO 2 CO 3 CO 4

Parentage Pureline selection Pureline selection ICCC 42 xfrom Accn. No. from Maharashtra ICC 12237GB2-404 collection

50% flowering (days) 40 - 45 35 - 40 _Duration (days) 90 85 80 - 85Grain yield (Kg/ha)Rainfed 980 1000 1150Height (cm) 25 - 30 25 - 30 35 - 40Branches 2 - 4 3 - 5 3 - 5Flower colour Pink & veined Light pink & veined Light pink & veinedColour of grain Brown Light brown Brown100 seed weight (g) 14 - 15 30-32 30 - 32


1. FIELD PREPARATIONPrepare the land to fine tilth.

2. SEED TREATMENTa) Treat the seeds with Carbendezim (or) Thiram @ 2g/kg of seed 24hrs before sowing (or)

with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/kg seed (or) Pseudomonas fluorescens@ 10 g/kg seed.




b) Application of 12.5 t FYM and seed treatment with the recommended chemicals or biocontrolagents will reduce root rot and wilt incidence.

The above seed treatment will protect the seedlings from seed borne pathogens in the earlystages.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTUREFungicides-treated seeds should be again treated with bacterial culture. There should be an

interval of atleast 24 hours after fungicidal treatment for giving the bacterial culture treatment. Threepackets of multi strain rhizobial culture is sufficient for treating the seeds required for one ha. Userice kanji as a binder. Dry the bacterial culture treated seeds in shade for 15 minutes before sowing.

Combined application Rhizobium strain CO Be 13 with phosphobacterium increased the yieldeffectively. Rhizobium CO Be 13 is very effective than COC 10.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATIONApply fertilizers basally before sowing as followsRainfed crop : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P

2O

5/ha Irrigated : 25 kg N + 50 kg P

2O

5/ha

5. SOWINGThe seeds soaked in 1% KH

2PO

4 solution for 4 hrs and dried in shade before sowing. Dibble the

seeds by adopting the spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm.

6. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Spray Fluchloralin 1.5 l/ha or Pendimethalin 2.5 l/ha as pre-emergence spray on 3rd day

after sowing followed by one hand weeding on 25 - 30 days after sowing.

ii) If herbicide is not applied give two hand weedings on 15th and 30th day after sowing.

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96

7. PROTECTION OF FLOWERS AND PODSApply any one of the following at 25 kg/ha , Phosalone 4% D, Quinalphos 1.5% D; Carbaryl 5%

D; NPV 250 larval equivalent/ha; NSKE 5% 25 kg or spray per ha, Endosulfan 35 EC 1.0 l orMonocrotophos 36 WSC 500 ml (500 l spray fluid/ha). Spray Endosulfan 0.07% in combination withNeem oil 0.01% for effective control of Helicoverpa. Three sprays of NPV along with 10% aqueousleaf extract of Vitex negundo to control Helicoverpa larvae. ETL for Helicoverpa armigera is, twoearly instar larvae/10 plants. Apply B.t.k. @1.5 l/ha for effective control of Helicoverpa armigera

8. MANAGEMENT OF BENGALGRAM WILTThe seeds may be treated with Pseudomonas fluorescens culture at the rate of 4g/kg of seed

and sown. Soil application with P. fluorescens peat culture at the rate of 2.5 kg/ha is alsorecommended. The peat culture may be mixed with organic manure or sand and applied along withthe rows at the time of sowing and at 30 and 60 days after sowing. Treat the seeds with P.fluorescenstalc formulation @ 10g/kg.

Root rot: For Biological control of root rot by the combined application of Trichoderma viride +Pseudomonas fluorescens (4 g/ha) is effective.

9. PROTECTION FROM STORAGE PESTSGrain: Dry the seeds adequately to reduce the moisture level to 10%.

Seed: Admix 1 kg of Malathion 5% D or Activated Kaolin for every 100 kg of seed. PACK INPOLYTHENE LINED GUNNY BAG FOR STORAGE.

10. INTERCROPPING IN BENGALGRAMBengalgram in paired row planting with one or two rows of Coriander as intercrop would give the

highest return. Wheat can also be intercropped in deep black cotton soil in Coimbatore, Erode,Salem, Namakkal and Dharmapuri districts.

11. HARVESTINGHarvest the plants when all the pods are mature. Thresh the pods and extract seeds.

V. SEED TECHNOLOGY

Sieve size: Use seeds retained by 12/64" (4.8 mm) or 11/64" (4.4 mm) diameter round perforatedsieve for large and medium seeded varieties.

Pre-sowing treatment: Soak the seeds in 1% aqueous solution of KH2PO

4 for 3-4 hrs at 1/3rd

volume of seeds and quickly air dry in shade.

Seed treatment: Slurry treat the seeds with Captan or Thiram 75% WDP at 2 g mixed with 5ml of water per kg of seeds. Then treat the seeds with rhizobial culture.

[When root rot sets in 45 days, remove all the affected plants and spray the remaining plantswith aqueous solution of urea (2%), jaggery (2%) and Carbendezim (0.1%) immediately and again10 days after.]

Spacing: 30 x 10 cm

Fertilizer: NPK @ 10:10:10 kg/ha.

Harvesting: Harvest at physiological maturity of 35 - 40 days after anthesis when 70 - 80%pods present creamy colour appearance.

Grading: 13/64" round perforated sieve.

Storage: Slurry treat the seeds with Captan 75% WP (or) Bavistin (or) Thiram 75% WDP at 2g mixed with 5 ml water per kg seeds. For grain cum storage technology, activated clay @ 1:100 (W/W) may be used at 7% moisture content of seeds (700 gauge polythene bag) and 9% moisturecontent (gunnybag/cloth bags).


96

97

GARDEN LAB LAB (AVARAI) ( Lab lab purpureus var typicus )



Adipattam (Jul - Aug)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, CO 3, CO 4, CO 5, CO 13Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai,Ramanathapuram, VirudhunagarSivagangai CO 9, CO 6, CO 8, CO 13Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi , Salem, Namakkal,Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchirapalli, CO 10, CO 11, CO 12, CO 13Perambalur, Karur, Pudukottai, Kanyakumari, Erode

Purattasipattam (Sep - Nov)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, CO 6, CO 7, CO 8, CO 13Karur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Villupuram.Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal CO 9, CO 10, CO 11, CO 13Pudukottai, Erode, Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul,Theni, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, CO 12, CO 13Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi ,Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam.

Summer (April)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, CO 6, CO 7, CO 8Cuddalore, Villupuram.Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, CO 9, CO 10,Nagapattinam.Kanyakumari, Pudukottai, Erode, Coimbatore, Madurai, CO 11, CO 12Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar,Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Sivagangai

II. DESCRIPTION OF AVARAI VARIETIES

Particulars CO 3 CO 4 CO 5 CO 6 CO 7

Parentage Pureline Pureline Pureline Derivative of Derivative ofselection from selection from selection DL 3176 x CO5 DL3196xCO5Coimbatore Coimbatore from Ganjam

1st flowering 120 120 120 45 45(days)Duration 240 240 240 120 120IrrigatedPod yield(kg/ha) 10300 13500 6000 4500 4000Habit Climber Climber Climber Erect, Bushy Erect, BushyHeight (cm) ... ... ... 70 - 90 70 - 90Colour ofFlowers Purple Purple White Light purple WhitePod Green with Deep purple Pale green Green Greenish white

purple margin

Shape of pod Broad & flat Flat Tubular and Tubular and Tubularcurved curved

Grain Black Black Chocolate Black Chocolate

100 seed wt(g) ... ... ... 24.5 25.9

Avarai


98

DESCRIPTION OF AVARAI VARAITIES (CONTD...)

Particulars CO 8 CO 9 CO 10

Parentage Derivative of Spontaneous Mutant of CO 6CO 5 x DL 3196 mutant of MS 98678

1st flowering (days) 45 45 45Duration 120 120 120Grain yield (kg/ha)Irrigated 4750 7500 7200Habit Erect, bushy Erect, bushy Erect, bushyHeight (cm) 50 - 70 70 - 80 60 - 70Colour of flowers White White PurpleColour of pod Greenish white Light green Greenish whiteShape of pod Tubular & curved Flat Tubular & curvedColour of grain Chocolate Chocolate Chocolate

brown black100 seed wt(g) 24.4 32.5 22.5

Particulars CO 11 CO 12 CO 13

Parentage Pedigree selection Pedigree selection Derivative of CO 9from (CO9 x White from CO 9 x CO 4 x Flori field Anaikathu)

1st flowering (days) 40 40Duration 95 - 100 100 - 110 110 - 120Grain yield (kg/ha)Irrigated 9900 9700 10000Habit Erect, bushy Erect, bushy Dwarf, bushy and

tendency to form tendrilsHeight (cm) 60 - 70 60 - 70 50 - 75Colour of flowers Purple Purple WhiteColour of pod Green flat Deep purple Whitish greenShape of pod Broad with Broad, flat Flat and long

purple marginColour of grain Purple Black Brown100 seed wt(g) 35.9 38.4 35.2

III. SEED RATE


CO 3, CO 4, CO 5, CO 6, CO 7, CO 8 4 -CO 9 20 12.5CO 10 25 12.5CO 11, CO 12 20 10.0CO 13 25 -


1. FIELD PREPARATIONPrepare the land to fine tilth. Form beds and channels for bushy types and form pits of one

cubic foot for pandal types.

99

Avarai

2. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDESa) Treat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram @ 2 g/kg of seed.

b) Treat the seeds atleast 24 hours before sowing.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTUREFungicide treated seeds should be again treated with bacterial culture. There should be an

interval of atleast 24 hours between fungicidal and bacterial culture treatments. Three packets ofmultistrain bacterial culture are sufficient for treating seeds required for one ha. The bacterial cultureslurry may be prepared with rice kanji. Dry the inoculated seeds in shade for 15 minutes beforesowing.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATIONApply fertilizers basally before sowing as follows:Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P

2O

5/ha

Irrigated : 25 kg N + 50 kg P2O

5/ha

For pandal varieties, 115 g each in Ammonium Sulphate and superphosphate per pit may beapplied basally.

5. SOWINGDibble the seeds adopting the following spacing.StrainCO 3, CO 4, CO 5 : 90 cm X 90 cmCO 6, CO 7, CO 8, CO 9, CO 10, CO 11, CO 12 : 45 cm X 15 cmCO 13 : 45 cm X 30 cm

6. PROTECTING THE SEEDLINGS FROM INSECT PESTSIf sucking pests are noted spray Methyl-demeton 25 EC 500 ml or Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml or


7. WEED MANAGEMENTGive one weeding between 20th and 25th day of sowing and again weed on the 45th day.

8. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing followed by life irrigation on the 3rd day and later, at intervals

of 15 to 20 days according to soil and climatic conditions. Flowering and pod formation stages arethe critical periods when irrigation is most essential.

9. PROTECTING INFLORESCENCE AND PODS FROM POD BORERDust any one of the following at 25 kg/ha: Endosulfan 4% D; Phosalone 4% D, Carbaryl 5% D,

Quinalphos 1.5% D or spray Endosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml or Monocrotophos 36 WSC 500 ml/ha(Spray fluid 500 l/ha). Apply NPV 125 LE + Teepol 0.1% + Endosulfan 0.07% (High volume spray).Neem formulations viz., TNAU Neem (0.03% EC) and Nimbecidine (0.03% EC) effectively controlthe pod borer.

10. CONTROL OF ANTHRACNOSE AND DIE-BACKSpray Mancozeb one kg/ha or Carbendazim 250 g/ha soon after the appearance of the disease

and if necessary, a fortnight later.

11. PROTECTION FROM STORAGE PESTSa) Grain: Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10%.

b) Seed: Admix one kg of activated Kaolin or Malathion 5% for every 100 kg of seeds. Packin polythene lined gunny bags for storage.

12. PRUNING TECHNIQUEA spacing of about 10 feet between lines and four feet between plants is adopted. Pits are dug

and two to three seeds are sown in the middle of the pit. One healthy seedling is allowed to grow andthe rest removed. The vine is propped with a stick. When the vine reaches the pandal, the terminal


100

bud is nipped. Allow the branches to trail over the pandal. Each branch may be pruned at three feetlength so that the pandal is covered with vines. Branches arising on the main vine below the pandalare removed. When flowering starts, prune the tip of the branches bearing inflorescence havingthree nodes from the productive axil. Continue this procedure throughout the reproductive phase.

13. HARVESTINGPick the pods when they are completely dry. Thresh the pods and clean the beans. Pick the

tender pods once in a week.

V. SEED TECHNOLOGY

LAB LAB - CO 9

1. SEASONMarch - April; September - October.

2. SOWINGRemove all discoloured seeds and use highly germinable (more than 90%) seeds retained by

the 18/64" (aperture width 7.28 mm) diameter round perforated sieve. Slurry treat seeds, 24 hoursbefore sowing, with Captan at 2 gm mixed in 5 ml of water per kg of seeds. Before sowing mix theseed with rhizobium culture as per the recommended procedure and sow.


4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSApply 25:50 kg N P/ha.

5. PLANT PROTECTIONPull out and destroy plants exhibiting severe symptoms of mosaic in the early stages of growth.

Protect the flower parts and pods from borer by applying any one of the following insecticides.

Carbaryl 5% D 25 kg/ha; Phosalone 4% D 25 kg/ha; Endosulfan 4% D 24 kg/ha; Quinolphos1.5% D 25 kg/ha; Endosulfan (0.07% spray) 1250 ml/ha; Monocrotophos (0.4% spray) 625 ml/ha.

6. HARVESTINGA pre-harvest sanitation spray with 0.07% Malathion or Endosulfan may be taken up before

harvesting the pods to minimise egg laying by bruchid. Harvest the pods as they turn straw coloured.Discard the terminal pods, as they invariably contain immature and diseased seeds. The seedmoisture content at this stage will be about 15 per cent and the green colour of the seed coat will turnto chocolate brown colour. Dry the pods to render them just brittle and flail them with pliable bamboostick to separate the seeds.

7. GRADINGGrade the seeds at about 10% moisture content using 18/64" diameter (aperture width 7.28

mm) round perforated sieve.

8. DRYING, TREATING AND STORAGEThe graded seeds after the removal of the broken and immature seeds should be dried to 7 to

8 per cent moisture content. Slurry treat either with

(i) Captan at 2 g + Carbaryl 50% WP at 200 mg/kg of seed or

(ii) Activated clay at 1:100. The seeds after treatment should be packed in moisture-vapourproof container.

The treated seed can be packed in fresh gada cloth bags for short term storage and for longterm purpose 700 gauge thick L.D. Polythene bag may be used.

101

FIELD LAB-LAB (MOCHAI)

( Lab lab purpureus Var lignosus )



All districts except The NilgirisJune - July CO 1All through the year CO 2

II. SEED RATE


CO 1 20 10.OCO 2 25 12.5

III. DESCRIPTION OF MOCHAI VARIETIES

Particulars CO 1 CO 2

Parentage Pureline selection Derivative of CO 8 X CO 1

50% flowering (days) 75 - 90 35 - 45

Duration (days) 140 105

Grain yield (Kg/ha)

Rainfed 1600 900

Irrigated .. 1400

Habit Medium Erect and bushy Erect and bushy determinate(indeterminate) photo sensitive photo insensitive

Height (cms) 60 - 70 60

Colour of flowers Purple Purple

Colour of pod Green Green

Shape of pod Flat Flat

Colour of grain Black Black

100 seed weight (g) 24.4 20.0

Mochai


102

IV. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS1. FIELD PREPARATION

Prepare the land to fine tilth.

2. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDESTreat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram at 2 g/kg of seed. Seed treatment should be done

atleast 24 hours before sowing. This will protect the seedlings from seed borne pathogens.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTUREFungicide treated seeds should be again treated with bacterial culture. There should be an

interval of atleast 24 hours between fungicidal and bacterial culture treatments. Three packets ofbacterial culture (Multistrain) are sufficient for treating seeds required for one hectare. The bacterialculture may be prepared with rice kanji. Dry the inoculated seeds in shade for 15 minutes beforesowing.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATIONApply fertilizers, basally before sowing as followsIrrigated : 25 kg N + 50 kg P

2O

5/ha

Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O

5/ha

5. SOWINGDibble the seeds, adopting the following spacing.Strain Pure crop Mixed cropCO 1 90 cm x 30 cm 200 cm x 30 cmCO 2 45 cm x 15 cm 200 cm x 15 cm

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing followed by life irrigation on the 3rd day and later, at intervals

of 15 to 20 days according to soil and climatic conditions. Flowering and pod formation stages arethe critical periods when irrigation is most essential.

7. WEED MANAGEMENTGive one weeding and hoeing between 20th and 25th day after sowing and a second one, if

required on 30 - 35 days after sowing.

8. PROTECTING THE SEEDLINGS FROM INSECT PESTSIf sucking pests are noted, spray Methyl-demeton 25 EC 500 ml or Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml or

Phosphamidon 85 WSC 250 ml/ha.

9. PROTECTING INFLORESCENCE AND PODS FROM POD BORERApply any one of the following insecticides at 25 kg/ha Endosulfan 4% D; Phosalone 4% D;

Quinolphos 1.5 D; Carbaryl 5% D or spray Endosulfan 35 EC 1.00 l/ha. Apply NPV 125 LE + Teepol0.1% + Endosulfan 0.07% (High volume spray).

10. PROTECTION FROM STORAGE PESTSa) Grain: Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10%.

b) Seed: Admix one kg of activated kaolin or Malathion 5% D for every 100 kg of seed. Packin polythene lined gunny bags for storage.

11. CONTROL OF Anthracnose AND DIE BACKSpray Mancozeb one kg or Carbendazim 250 g/ha soon after the appearance of the disease

and if necessary a fortnight later.

12. HARVESTINGDry pod may be collected for grain purposes. Green mature pods may be collected and extracted

for vegetable purpose.

103

SOYABEAN ( Glycine max )


Adipattam (June - July)Purattasipattam (Sep. - Oct.) CO 1 (Irrigated), CO 2Masipattam (February - March)Rice fallows ADT 1, CO 1, CO 2** Under protected irrigation.

II. SEED RATE

CO 1 - 80 kg/ha. Optimum plant population 6,66,000/ha.

CO 2 (irrigated) Pure crop : 60-70 Kg/ha; Inter crop : 25 Kg/ha

III. DESCRIPTION OF THE VARIETY

Variety CO 1 ADT 1 CO 2

Parentage Re-selection from a Pureline selection UGM 21 x JS 335Thailand variety from ‘Hill’

50% flowering 37 days — 30-40 daysDuration (days) 85 85 - 90 75 - 80Grain yield (Kg/ha)Rainfed 1080 — 1340Irrigated 1640 —Rice fallows — 1270Height (cm) 58 65 - 70 30 - 40Branches 6 3 - 5Flower colour Pink Violet coloured Pink to purple

standard petalColour of grain Cream Cream Cream to yellow100 seed weight (g) 12.5 10.0 13 - 14


1. FIELD PREPARATIONPrepare the land to get fine tilth and form beds and channels.

2. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDESa) Treat the seed with Carbendazim at 2 g/kg of seed.

b) Treat the seeds atleast 24 hours before sowing.

c) Treat the seeds required for ha with three packets of Rhizobium japonicum strain (61A 76and G-3), Phosphobacterium using rice ‘kanji’ as binder.

d) Newly identified Rhizobium isolate CRS 3 is superior to the recommended CRS 1.

e) Coat the seeds with ZnSO4 @ 300 mg/kg using 10% maida solution as adhesive (250 ml/kg) or gruel and arappu leaf powder (250 g/kg) as carrier to increase the field stand.

3. FERTILIZER APPLICATIONApply 20 kg N and 80 kg P

2O

5 and 40 kg K

2O per ha 40 kg of S as gypsum (220 kg/ha) per ha

as basal dressing. Give 40 kg P2O

5 as foliar spray (2% P) on 40 DAS.

Salicylic acid at 100 ppm (50 g/500 l/ha) as foliar spray on 30th and 45th day to increase theyield.

Soyabean


104

4. SOWINGDibble the seeds at a depth of 2 - 3 cm adopting a spacing of 30 x 5 cm. In Erode district,

Soybean + Castor (60 cm apart) cropping system gives high net return.

5. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing. Give life irrigation on the 3rd day. Further irrigations at

intervals of 7 - 10 and 10 - 15 days during summer and winter season respectively may be givendepending on soil and weather conditions. Soyabean is very sensitive to excess moisture and thecrop is affected if water stagnates in the fields. The crop should not suffer due to water stress fromflowering to maturity. To alleviate moisture stress spray of either Kaolin 3% or liquid paraffin at 1%on the foliage. In Erode district Soybean + castor with irrigation at 0.60 IW/CPE ratio (i.e.) once in 10to 12 days is recommended to realise maximum benefits.

6. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Fluchloralin may be applied to the irrigated crop at 2 l/ha or Pendimethalin 3.3 l/ha after

sowing, followed by one hand weeding on 30 days after sowing.

ii) If herbicide spray is not given two hand weedings on 20 and 35 days after sowing may begiven.

iii) Pre-emergence application of Fluchloralin at 1.0 kg ai/ha or Alachlor 2.0 kg ai/ha may beused in Soybean wherever labour availability for timely weeding is restricted.

7. DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSi) Phosphorus: Leaves show brown spots after flowering. Root development is poor.

ii) Boron: Young leaves show interveinal chlorosis, with downward curling of tips and crinklingin older leaves, Tips die back. Flowering prevented. Roots are stunted.

iii) Zinc: Foliage restricted. Leaves show browning followed by interveinal chlorotic mottling.Marginal scorching, leaves apices downward.

a) 25 kg ZnSO4 + 12.5 t FYM/ha in the case of zinc deficient soil.

b) For Manganese deficient soils apply 25 kg MnSO4 + 12.5 t FYM/ha as basal. If basal

application is not done 1.0% MnSO4 spraying on 20 - 30 and 40 days.

8. CROP PROTECTIONCaterpillars: Spray Endosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml/ha.

Whitefly: Spray any one of the following insecticides @ 500 ml/ha, Methyldemeton 25 EC,Phosphamidon 85 WSC, Dimethoate 30 EC.

Leaf Miner: Apply Quinalphos 1.5% D 25 kg/ha on 15th and 25th day after sowing.

Geluricid beetle: Spray methyl demeton 500 ml/ha to control the damage.

Note: Do not use Carbaryl as Soyabean is sensitive.

Virus disease (Yellow mosaic and bud blight): Rogue out infected plants upto 30 days.Spray twice on 15th and 30th after sowing with Monocrotophos 500 ml/ha or Methyldemeton 500 ml/ha.

Rust: Spray Triadimefon (or) Propiconazole (or) Hexaconazole @ 0.1% at flowering stage orat the onset of disease.

8. YIELD MAXIMISATIONSeason: Adipattam - Third week of June for Western Zone.

Masipattam - Third week of February.

Adopt a plant spacing of 30 cm x 5 cm (6.66 lakh plants/ha). Apply NPK at 60:120:40 kg/ha asbasal with combined foliar spray of 2% DAP and 0.5% ZnSO

4 at flowering stage in addition to other

recommended practices.

105

9. HARVESTINGYellowing of leaves and shedding indicate the maturity of the crop. Cut the entire plant when

most of the pods have turned yellow.

10. SEED STORAGEa) Dry the pods adequately in sun and thresh with sticks when seeds are to be used for grain

purpose.

b) For seed purpose, hand threshing is preferable.

c) Seeds dried at 8% moisture, treated with Thiram @ 2 g/kg and packed in 300 gauge thickpolylined gunny bag or ordinary gunny bag to maintain 70% germination for 8 months.

SOYABEAN IN RICE FALLOWSSoyabean can be sown in rice fallows from middle of January to middle of March. Seeds can be

dibbled at 75 kg/ha.

SPECIAL SITUATIONS1. Optimum time of sowing Soyabean CO 1 - 2nd fortnight of June in Kharif at Bhavanisagar.

2. Intercropping of Soyabean CO 1 in Sugarcane is recommended for North Western Zone.

3. Intercropping of Soyabean in coconut gardens of more than 10 years is recommended.

4. Soyabean varieties UGM21, UGM 37 and ADT 1 are recommended for sowing in ricefallows of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam district.

5. Vermipelleting (50 g/kg) and adopting spacing of 30 x 10 cm and two foliar sprays of 2%DAP during flowering is recommended to achieve higher yield.

RAINFED SOYABEAN

1. VARIETIESCO 1, ADT 1

2. SEASONThe crop can be grown in South-West and North-East monsoon seasons. The middle of July is

the optimum time of sowing for rainfed Soyabean in North Western Zone.

3. FERTILIZER APPLICATIONi) Apply NPK as per soil test recommendation as far as possible. If soil test recommendation

is not available adopt blanket recommendation of 20:40:20 NPK kg/ha if adequate moistureis available.

ii) Apply entire dose of N, P and K as basal.

4. SPACINGAdopt a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants in the row.Population : 3.3 lakh plants/ha.

5. SEED TREATMENT WITH THE FUNGICIDESa) Treat the seeds with Carbendazim at 2 g/kg of seeds, atleast 24 hours before sowing.

b) Treat the seeds required for ha. with three pockets of Rhizobium japonicum strain usingrice kanji as binder.

6. SOWINGDibble or drill the seeds.

Soyabean


106

7. WEED MANAGEMENTi) If sufficient moisture is available, spray Fluchloralin at 1.0 kg/ha as pre emergence within 3

days after sowing.

ii) If herbicide spray is not given, two hand weeding on 20 and 35th day after sowing.

V. SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. SEASONFirst fortnight of July and Winter - September and October.

2. SOWINGRemove all discoloured seed and use highly germinable (more than 90 per cent seeds retained

by the 14/64" (aperture width 5.72 mm) dia meter round perforated sieve. Mix the seeds with 5%moist sand and keep it for 16 hrs. Sieve off the sand. Slurry-treat with Captan 75% WP at 2 g mixedin 5 ml of water per kg of seed and air-dry. Before sowing, mix the seed with Rhizobium culture asper the recommended procedure.

3. SEED RATE Adopt a seed rate of 35 - 40 kg/ha.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSBasal 40:160:80 NPK in kg/ha. Top dressing (at first flowering) 40 kg N/ha.

5. SPACINGGive a spacing of 30 x 10 cm.

6. PLANT PROTECTIONTo control white fly, spray any one of the following: Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml/ha;

Phosphamidon 85 WSC 500 ml/ha; Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ha.

7. HARVESTINGHarvest 60 days after flowering when 75 per cent of the pods turn yellow and a few pods turn

brown in colour. Moisture content of seeds at this stage will be about 20 per cent. Cut the stems anddry in shade for 1 - 2 days after stacking the plants in an upright position in small heaps to ensureventilation and then dry in sun.

Threshing should be done when pods become brittle and break upon pressing for when theplants are gently beaten on a wooden plank. At this stage the seed moisture content will be about 15per cent. If machine threshed, the speed of the cylinder must be as low as possible to keep thebreakage of seeds to the minimum.

8. GRADINGGrade the seeds at about 10% moisture content using 14/64" diameter (aperture width 5.72

mm) round perforated sieve.

9. DRYING, TREATING AND STORAGEThe graded seeds after the removal of the broken and green seeds should be dried to 7 to 8 per

cent moisture content.

Dry dust with Captan at 2 g/kg of seeds (or) Carbendazim at 2 g /kg of seeds.

For period upto 8 months use cloth bag for storage. For a period upto 18 months L.D. Polythenebag of 700 gauge thickness may be used.

107

SWORD BEAN ( Canavalia gladiata)Sword bean SBS 1 is an introduction and is one of the vegetables with photo-insensitivity. It

matures in 110 - 120 days. It can be grown throughout the year and gives good response to irrigation.Tender pods are ready for harvest from 75 days after sowing. As a pure crop it gives an averagegrain yield of 1356 kg/ha and green pod yield of 7500 kg/ha. This can also be grown as border crop,intercrop and a shade crop.

I. SEASON

June - July (Rainfed), September - October (Rabi), February - March (Summer).

II. DESCRIPTION OF VARIETY - SBS 1

Plant habit Dwarf, erect, bushy

Pigmentation Green

Branches (No) 4 - 6

Inflorescence Axillary raceme

Flower Bold, light purple

Pods Long, pendulous, green, flat and fleshy (for vegetable use).Becomes very hard on maturity.

100 seed weight (g) 131.6

Seed colour Milky white

Days to 50% bloom 45 - 50

Salient features Early duration (110 - 120 days)Vegetable cum grain cropFree from beany odourHighly nutritious and delicious (25.9% protein)No major pests and diseases

III. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. Seed rate (kg/ha) 110 - 120 (pure crop)

2. Fertilizers (kg/ha) 25 N 50 P2O

5

3. Spacing 45 x 30 cm (irrigated); 30 x 20 cm (rainfed)

Sword Bean

��


108

OILSEEDS

GROUNDNUT ( Arachis hypogaea )



A. Rainfed

1. Chithiraipattam (Apr - May)Pollachi, Theni and TMV 2, TMV 7, JL 24, CO 2,Tenkasi VRI 2, VRI 3, ALR 2, VRI 4

2. Early Adipattam (Jun - Jul)Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, TMV 2, TMV 7, TMV 10, VRI 3, VRI 4Tiruvannamalai and Cuddalore,Villupuram

Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, CO 2, JL 24, VRI 2, VRI 3, VRI 4Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur,Pudukottai, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur,Nagapattinam,Erode, Coimbatore CO 2, JL 24, VRI 2, VRI 3, VRI 4, BSR 1

3. Late Adipattam (Jul - Aug)Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Sivagangai TMV 2, TMV 7,TMV 10, CO 1, CO 2,Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, JL 24, VRI 2, VRI 3, BSR 1, VRI 4Salem, Namakkal, Kanyakumari,Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur,Ramanathapuram and Pudukottai

4. Aippasipattam (Oct)Kanyakumari, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, TMV 7, TMV 2, CO 2, JL 24,Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur and VRI 2, VRI 3, BSR 1, VRI 4Cuddalore, Villupuram.

B. Irrigated1. Summer (Apr - Jul)

All districtsTMV 2, TMV 7, CO 1, CO 2,VRI 2, VRI 3, BSR 1, VRI 4

2. Margazhipattam (Dec - Jan)All districts except Erode & Coimbatore TMV 2, TMV 7, CO 1, CO 2

VRI 2, VRI 3, VRI 4Erode, Coimbatore BSR 1, VRI 4

3. Masipattam (Feb - Mar)(New Delta areas of Thanjavur, TMV 2, TMV 7, CO 2, JL 24,Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam) VRI 2, VRI 3, BSR 1, VRI 4

109

II. PARTICULARS OF GROUNDNUT VARIETIES

Particulars TMV 2 TMV 7 TMV 10 CO 1 CO 2

Parentage Mass selection Pureline Spontaneous Ah 6279 Mutant fromfrom Gudiatham selection from mutant from x TMV3 POL 1

Tennessee ArgentinaDuration (days) 100 - 105 100 - 105 120 - 130 100 - 105 100 - 105Average yield of 1250 1400 1650 1675 1650pods kg/haShelling % 76 74 77 74 76100 seed wt(g) 36 36 43 34 41Oil content % 49.4 49.6 54.4 50.4 51.4Special features Cosmopolitan Seed dor- Yield, oil, Field dor- Bold 1 - 2

mancy for shelling high mancy 10 to seeded, basal10 days 15 days setting suitable

for rainfed andirrigated

Growth habit Bunch Bunch Semi-spreadingBunch BunchLeaf colour Green Green Dark green Light green GreenSeed colour Light rose Light rose Red blotched Rose Rose

with white

Particulars JL 24 ALR 2

Parentage Mass selection ICGV 86011from Taiwan (DH 320 x USA 2)

x NCAC 2232

Duration(days) 95 - 105 105

Average yield 1650 1740of pods (kg/ha)

Shelling % 75 70

100 Seed wt. (g) 46 38

Oil content % 50.1 52

Special features Suitable for Suitable forrainfed and rainfed, tolerant toirrigated rust, Dormancy

for 15 days,Plants remaingreen evenafter maturity

Growth habit Bunch BunchLeaf colour Green Dark green

Seed colour Light rose Rose

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II. PARTICULARS OF GROUNDNUT VARIETIES (CONTD...)Particulars VRI 2 VRI 3 VRI 4 BSR 1

Parentage JL24 x CO2 J11 x Robou VG 5 x ICGV 44 x33 - 1 Nc Ac 17090 (Robut 83-1 x

NCAC 2821)Duration(days) 100 - 105 90 105 - 110 100-105Average yield of 1791 1668 Rainfed 1660pods (kg/ha) 2060 1882 Irrigated 2171 2845

Shelling % 74.8 73 72 70100 Seed weight (g)49.9 35 40.8 38.5Oil content % 48 48 47 44.5Special features Pods bold/ Suitable for High sugar (10.9%) Suitable for irrigatedclustered at rainfed and and protein (21.25%) Dormancy for 21

base, dormancy irrigated Tolerant to rust, daysfor a week Medium sized

kernels

Growth habit Spanish bunch Bunch Bunch BunchLeaf colour Ashy green Light green Dark green Dark greenSeed colour Light rose Light rose Tan Light rose


1. FIELD PREPARATIONi) Plough with tractor using a disc followed by harrow once or twice with iron plough or 3 - 4

times with country plough till all the clods are broken and a fine tilth is obtained.

ii) Chiselling for soils with hard pan: Chisel the soils having hard pan formation at shallowdepth with chisel plough at 0.5 M interval first in one direction and then in the directionperpendicular to the previous one once in three years. Apply 12.5 t/ha FYM or compostedcoir pith besides chiselling.

iii) Amendments for soil surface crusting: a) To tide over the surface crusting apply lime @ 2t/ha along with FYM or composted coir pith @ 12.5 t/ha. b) When coir pith at 12.5 t/ha isconverted into compost by inoculating with Pleurotus and applied, it serves as a goodsource of nutrient.

2. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSApply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation. If soil test is not done, follow the blanket

recommendation.N P K Sulphur sludge

Rainfed 10 10 45 kg/ha ...Irrigated 17 34 54 kg/ha 60 kg/haSimple nomograms of Fertiliser prescriptions based on soil tests have been developed for

dominant groundnut growing soils of Tamil Nadu for adoption.

3. FORMING BEDSi) Form beds of size 10 m2 to 20 m2 depending upon the availability of water, slope of the land

and type of soil.

ii) Wherever tractor is engaged, bed former may be used.

4. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTSMix 12.5 kg/ha of micronutrient mixture developed by Department of Agriculture with enough

dry sand to make a total quantity of 50 kg/ha. Broadcast evenly on the soil surface immediately aftersowing. Do not incorporate the micronutrient mixture to the soil.

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5. NUTRITIONAL DISORDERZinc deficiency: Light yellow stripes along with veins of leaf blade under acute condition-veinally

chlorosis and cessation of growth of terminal bud. Apply 25 kg ZnSO4/ha (basal) for zinc deficient soils.

If soil analysis shows less than 1.3 pm of zinc, soil application of 25 kg ZnSo4 is recommended.

For the standing crop, less than 39.4 ppm of zinc in leaves, foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSo4 is recommended.

Iron deficiency: Interveinal chlorosis - Depression on growth of aerial parts and roots. Stuntedgrowth. For correction of iron deficiency spray 1% FeSO

4 on 30, 40 and 50 days after sowing.

Boron deficiency: Growth of young leaves restricted giving a rosette effect. The poddevelopment is affected resulting in the production of ‘pop’ pods. Apply Borax 10 kg + Gypsum 200kg/ha at 45th day after sowing for Boron deficient soil.

Sulphur deficiency: Stunted growth, uniformly chlorotic plants, thin stemmed and spindleappearance.

6. SEED RATEUse 140 kg/ha of kernels for the rainfed crop and 125 kg for irrigated crop. Increase the seed

rate by 10% in the case of bold seeded varieties like JL 24,CO 2 & TMV 10.

7. SPACINGAdopt a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. Wherever groundnut ring

mosaic (bud necrosis) is prevalent, adopt a spacing of 15 x 15 cm.

8. QUALITY OF KERNELSSelect sound, mature and good quality kernels. Use hand decorticator for shelling and discard

insect shrivelled, insect damaged, disease affected, broken kernels.

9. SEED TREATMENTi) Treat the seeds with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/kg seed (or) Pseudomonas

fluorescens @ 10 g/kg seed.




ii) Treat the seeds with Trichoderma @ 4g/kg. This can be done just before sowing. It iscompatible with biofertilizers. SUCH SEEDS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED WITHFUNGICIDES. (or)

iii) Treat the seeds with Thiram or Mancozeb at 4 g/kg of seed or Carboxin or Carbendazim at2 g/kg of seed.

iv) Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g)/ha of Rhizobial culture TNAU14 developed at TNAUusing rice kanji as binder. If the seed treatment is not carried out apply 10 packets/ha(2000 g) with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of soil before sowing.

Seed treatment will protect the young seedlings from root-rot and collar rot infection.

10. SOWINGi) Dry: a) Use Kovai seed drill/gorru to sow the seeds in lines. b) Put one seed in each hole.

Protect the seeds from crows and squirrels. c) Sow during June for higher yield.

ii) Irrigated: Dibble the seeds at 4 cm depth along with fertilizer. Sowing may be taken up inJuly (60 DAS) to avoid the early appearance of late leaf spot.

iii) Seed Management Technique: A new seed management technique has been developedto separate the dead seeds from the seed lot before sowing for the maintenance of plantpopulation.

a) The seed graded using 18/64" round perforated sieve may be hardened by soaking in50% of volume solution of 0.5% Calcium chloride, for 6 hours.

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b) Then spread the seeds over the moist gunny bags and cover with the moist gunny for20 - 24 hours.

c) After 20 - 24 hours, the kernels with visible expression of radicle emergence (justsprouted) are to be separated dried under shade.

d) The process has to be repeated for 2 - 3 times at 2 hours interval and all the viableseeds which expressed radicle emergence are to be further separated and driedunder shade.

e) The viable seeds thus separated should be dried under shade immediately and couldbe used for immediate sowing.

f) The seeds could also be stored for 7 - 10 days by drying to original moisture contentafter separation.(When such viable seeds are used for sowing, the field emergencewill be about 95% and the final field population could be maintained to more than 90%with the resultant increased yield of about 15%. This technique involves three stagesnamely, absorption, separation of dead seeds and pre-emergence sowing of viableseeds.

11. INTERCROPPINGRainfed:

i) Raise one row of cowpea for every 5 rows of groundnut wherever red hairy caterpillar isendemic to minimise plant protection.

ii) Raise intercrops like redgram, blackgram, sunflower, gingelly or other pulses.

iii) Cumbu can be raised as intercrop

iv) Groundnut + Gingelly or Groundnut + Blackgram in the ratio of 4:1 or Groundnut + Cowpeaat 6:1 ratio and Groundnut + Sunflower at 6:2 ratio may be raised.

12. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Pre-sowing: Fluchloralin at 2.0 l/ha may be applied and incorporated.

ii) Pre-emergence: Fluchloralin 2.0 l/ha applied through flat fan nozzle with 900 l of water/hafollowed by irrigation. After 35 - 40 days one hand weeding may be given.

iii) Pre emergence application of metalachlor (1.0 Kg ai/ha) plus one hand weeding on 30days after sowing in more profitable.

iv) In case no herbicide is applied two hand hoeings and weedings are given 20 and 40th dayafter sowing.

13. GAP FILLINGFill up gaps before 10th day of sowing if optimum moisture is available.

14. PEST MANAGEMENTApply anyone of the following insecticides at 25 kg/ha to control leaf miner and other insect

pests. Phosalone 4% D; Endosulfan 4% D; Carbaryl 10% D; Fenitrothion 2% D or spray Endosulfan35 EC 750 ml/ha; Dichlorvos 76 WSC 625 ml/ha; Monocrotophos 36 WSC 750 ml/ha; Phosphamidon85 WSC 375 ml/ha; Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1250 ml/ha; Phosalone 35 EC 750 ml/ha; Quinalphos 25EC 750 ml/ha and Phenthoate 50 EC 750 ml/ha in 375 l of water.

a) ETL 1 larva per metre row (leaf miner)

b) Intercrop groundnut and cumbu at 4:1 ratio.

For leaf miner control, set up light traps between 8 and 11 p.m at ground level.

Application of NPV @ 250 LE/ha along with the adjuvant jaggery 2.5 kg/ha and Teepol 250 ml/ha either one or two application depending on the incidence of early instars at 10 days intervalreduce the larval population of Spodoptera litura

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15. DISEASE MANAGEMENTi) Rust: Spray the crop with any one of the fungicides when the disease intensity crosses

grade 3. Mancozeb 1 kg/ha or Chlorothalonil 1 kg/ha, Wettable sulphur 2.5 kg/ha orTridemorph 500 ml/ha. If necessary, repeat the spray 15 days later.

ii) Leaf spot: Apply any one of the fungicides to the crop when the disease intensity crossedgrade 3. Carbendazim 500 g/ha. or Mancozeb 1 kg/ha; or Chlorothalonil 1 kg/ha. Ifnecessary, give the second round 15 days later.

iii) Combined infection of rust and tikka: Spray with any one of the fungicides when thedisease intensity crosses grade 3. Carbendazim 250 g/ha + Mancozeb 1 kg/ha orChlorothalonil 1 kg/ha. If necessary, give second round 15 days later.

iv) Whenever insects and diseases occur simultaneously apply any one of the sprayableinsecticides along with any one of the sprayable fungicides given above.

v) NPV of Spodoptera litura is compatible with Carbendazim or Mancozeb.

Root rot : Spot drench Carbendezim @ 1g/l (or) soil application of P.fluorescens @ 2.5kg/

ha with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM/Sand at 30 days after sowing.

15 A. NEMATODE - POD SCAB NEMATODE CONTROLApplication of gypsum 200 kg/ha, 45 days after sowing or phorate 1 kg ai/ha effectively controls

the pod scab nematode.

16. EARTHING UP:Accomplish earthing during second hand weeding/late hand weeding (in herbicide application).

NOTE: i) Earthing up provides medium for the peg. ii) Use the improved hoe with long handle whichcan be worked more efficiently in a standing position. iii) do not disturb the soil after the 45thday of sowing as it will affect pod formation adversely.

17. APPLICATION OF GYPSUM (CALCIUM SULPHATE)i) Apply gypsum @ 400 kg/ha by the side of the plants on the 40th to 45th day of sowing for

irrigated crop and on 40th to 70th day for rainfed crop depending upon soil moisture.

ii) Apply gypsum, hoe and incorporate it in the soil and then earth up.

iii) Avoid gypsum in calciferous soils.

iv) Gypsum is effective in soils deficient in calcium and sulphur.

NOTE: Application of gypsum encourages pod formation and better filling up of the pods.18. WATER MANAGEMENT

If irrigation is desired to supply based on climatic conditions, schedule the irrigation at 0.40 and0.60 IW/CPE ratio during vegetative and reproductive phases respectively. Regulate irrigationaccording to the following growth phase of the crop.

Pre-flowering phase 1 to 25 daysFlowering phase 26 to 60 daysMaturity phase 61 to 105 days

Regulate irrigation based on physiological growth phases. Pegging, flowering and poddevelopment phases are critical for irrigation during which period adequate soil moisture is essential.Give irrigation as follows:

i) Sowing or pre-sowing

ii) Life irrigation, 4 - 5 days after sowing if sowing irrigation given to break the

surface crust.

iii) 20 days after sowing

iv) At flowering give two irrigations

v) At pegging stage give one or two irrigations

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vi) In pod development stage, 2 - 3 irrigations depending on the soil type

Note: 0.5% potassium chloride spray during flowering and pod development stages will aid tomitigate the ill effects of water stress. Sprinkler irrigation will save water to the tune of about30%. Borderstrip irrigation is recommended in command areas in light textured soils.Composted coir pith increases moisture availability and better drainage in heavy texturedsoil.

19. HARVESTINGi) Observe the crop, considering its average duration. Drying and falling of older leaves and

yellowing of the top leaves indicate maturity.

ii) Pull out a few plants at random and shell the pods. If the inside of the shells is brownishblack and not white, then the crop has matured.

iii) Irrigate prior to harvest, if the soil is dry, as this will facilitate for easy harvesting. If there isenough moisture in the soil, there is no need for irrigation for harvesting.

iv) If water is not available for irrigating the field prior to harvest, work a mould board plough orwork a country plough, so that the plants are uprooted. Engage labour to search pods leftout in the soil, if necessary.

NOTE: Do not keep the pulled out plants in heaps, when they are wet especially the bunch varieties,as the pods will start sprouting.

v) Strip off the pods from the plants. Groundnut stripper developed by TNAU may be used.

vi) Dry the pods in the sun for 4 or 5 days. Repeat drying for 2 or 3 days more after an intervalof 2 or 3 days to ensure complete drying. When temperature is very high, avoid direct sundrying. Collect the pods in gunnies and store on the ground over a layer of sand to avoidany moisture coming in contact with dry pods.

The technology package of irrigating groundnut at 0.60 IW/CPE ratio, improved variety CO 2,use of biofertilizer, pre-emergence application of Fluchloralin at 2 l/ha , application of gypsum at 400kg/ha, use of micronutrient mixture at 12.5 kg/ha and timely plant protection measures gave highernet returns.

IV. SPECIFIC PROBLEMS

1) RED HAIRY CATERPILLARa) Dig out and destroy the pupae from the fields bunds and shady spots prior to summer

rains.

b) Set up 3 to 4 light traps and bonfires immediately after receipt of rains, after sowing in therainfed season to attract and kill the moths and also to know brood emergence.

c) Collect and destroy gregarious, early instar larvae on lace-like leaves of intercrops such asredgram and cowpea.

d) Collect and destroy egg masses in the cropped area.

e) Apply any one of the following insecticides at 25 kg/ha (for young caterpillars). Quinalphos1.5% D; Phosalone 4% D; Endosulfan 4% D; Carbaryl 10% D or spray Endosulfan 35 EC750 ml/ha; Fenitrothion 50 EC 750 ml/ha; Quinalphos 25 EC 750 ml/ha; Dichlorvos 76WSC 625 ml/ha; Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1250 ml/ha; Ethion 50 EC 500 ml/ha; Phosalone 35EC 750 ml/ha in 375 l of water. Or use nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) at 250 larvalequivalents per ha as detailed below.

Get nucleus culture of NPV either from TNAU, Regional Research Station, Paiyur or Coimbatoreor Madurai campuses of TNAU, for multiplication and field use as indicated below.

Collect medium sized larvae of Amsacta albistriga from the field and starve them over night.Make a pure suspension of virus with the nucleus culture, in water. Dip Calotropis leaves in virussuspension, shade dry and feed them to starved larvae 1 or 2 days. From third day, normal, untreatedleaves can be fed to these larvae. From 5th day, the treated larvae will start dying. Virus infected

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larvae can be diagnosed by their pinkish ventral surface, their head hanging downwards with whitebody contents oozing out through ruptured body wall in the late stage. Collect the dying larvae, keepin fresh potable water for a few days, grind the larvae and filter through several layers of fine clothand collect filtrate (Crude virus suspension). Use virus suspension obtained from 750 medium sizedlarvae for spraying one hectare along with a sticker 250 ml or Triton in 350 l of water. Use potablewater for spraying and spray in the evenings.

2. POD BORER (Earwig)i) Apply Malathion 5% D 25 kg/ha or Endosulfan 4% D 25 kg/ha to the soil prior to sowing in

areas where the earwig is endemic.

ii) Repeat soil application of any one of the above dust formulations on the 40th day of sowingand incorporate in the soil during the earthing up.

3. MillipedeApply Methyl parathion 2D @ 25 kg/ha during gypsum application and earthing up.

4. Spodopterai) Grow castor as border or intercrop in groundnut fields to serve as indicator or trap crop.

ii) Monitor the emergence of adult moths by setting up light and pheromone traps.

iii) Collect egg masses and destroy.

iv) Collect the gregarious larvae and destroy them as soon as the early symptoms of lace-likeleaves appear on castor, cowpea and groundnut.

v) Apply anyone of the following insecticides per ha to control the early instar (1st to 3rd instarlarvae) Carbaryl 10 D 25 kg; Fenitrothion 50 EC 750 ml; Carbaryl 50 WP 2.0 kg; Carbaryl+ Molasses 40 LV 2.0 l; Quinalphos 25 EC 750 ml; Fenthion 100 EC 500 ml; Phenthoate 50EC 1250 ml; Dichlorvos 76 WSC 750 ml; Endosulfan 35 EC 1.0 l.

vi) Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha to control the 4th to 6th instar larvae.Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 2.0 l; Dichlorvos 76 SC 1.0 l; Phenthoate 50 EC 2.0 l; Fenitrothion 50EC 625 ml + Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1.25 l in 1000 l of water.

vii) Spray both the upper and lower surface of leaves and also the soil and bunds.

viii) Avoid migration of larvae by digging a trench 30 cm deep and 25 cm wide with perpendicularsides around the infested fields.

ix) Prepare a bait with the following materials to cover one ha. Rice bran 12.5 kg; Molasses orbrown sugar 2.5 kg or Carbaryl 50 WP 1.25 kg. Mix the ingredients to obtain a homogeneousmixture, sprinkle water gradually and bring the bait to a dough consistency. Distribute theabove bait on the soil, around the field and inside in the evening hours immediately afterpreparation.

x) Apply nuclear polyhedrosis virus for the control of Spodoptera. Methods of mass culturingand application are the same as for Amsacta NPV use castor leaves for larvae. Combineduse of NPV of S.litura and H.armigera on groundnut indicated that single application ofNPV of each pest at 250 LE/ha with Crude sugar 2.5 kg/ha is as effective as that ofChlorpyriphos at 200 g a.i/ha at 7 days interval in reducing the larval population.

5. LEAF HOPPERIntercrop lab lab with groundnut 1:4 ratio.

6. GROUNDNUT RING MOSAIC (BUD NECROSIS)i) Adopt a close spacing of 15 x 15 cm.

ii) Remove infected plants upto 6 weeks after sowing and spray Monocrotophos 36 WSC 500ml/ha, 30 days after sowing either alone or in combination with antiviral principles (AVP)from sorghum or coconut leaves.

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Antiviral principles (AVP) are extracted as follows :

Sorghum or coconut leaves may be collected, dried, cut into small bits and powdered. Toone kg of leaf powder two litres of water is added and heated to 60°C for one hour. It is thenfiltered through muslin cloth and diluted to 10 litres and sprayed. To cover one ha 500 litre offluid will be required. Two sprays at 10 and 20 days after sowing will be needed.

7. ROOT ROTSpot drench Carbendazim 0.5 g/l or PCNB 1 g/l or soil application of Pseudomonas fluorescens

@ 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM / sand at 30 days after sowing.

SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. SEASONSJune - July; December - January; Boron deficient soil produces single compartment seeds;

Calcium deficiency causes production of darkened plumules. These soils need special attention.

2. SPACINGGive a spacing of 25 x 15 cm.

3. SEEDS AND SOWINGObtain seed from healthy pods. Shrivelled and disfigured seeds should be discarded. Use

seeds retained by 18/64" (7.28 mm) round perforated sieve and remove broken seeds. Treat thekernels with Rhizobium culture and dust with Thiram 75% WDP at 200 g/100 kg before sowing.

4. PRE-SOWING SEED HARDENINGThe graded seeds can be hardened by soaking in 0.5% CaCl

2 (50% seed volume) for 6 hrs.

After 6 hrs soaking and seeds should be spread over moist gunny bag and covered with anothermoist gunny bag for 24 hours. After 24 hrs the seeds with sprouted radicle (just visible expression ofradicle) should be separated and dried under shade. It should be repeated for 2 - 3 times, with 2 hrsinterval and all the viable seeds with expressed radicle emergence should be separated and driedunder shade. The viable and dead seeds are separated by the process which ensured plantingvalue.

5. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSBasal - FYM/Compost 12.5 t/ha; N/P/K (kg/ha) 40:40:60; Borax 10 kg/ha; Micronutrient mix -

12.5 kg/ha (apply micronutrient mixture on the surface after sowing).

6. HARVESTINGHarvest pods on 110th day after sowing when the colour of the inner side of the pod shell turns

black. The pod moisture will be 35 - 40%. Strip the pods and dry to 10 - 12 per cent moisture.Mechanically injured pods should be rejected. Remove all discoloured pods.

7. DRYINGPods can be dried under sun between 8 am and 4 pm with a stirring once in 2 hours.

8. DECORTICATIONPods can be dried to 16 per cent moisture content and decorticated. The kernels should be

dried to 7 to 8 per cent moisture.

9. SEED TREATMENTTreat the kernels with Thiram 75% WDP at 200 g/100 kg before sowing/storing pods with 6.7

per cent kernel moisture treated with Thiram can also be stored. Store the pods in closed plasticcontainer of gunny bags with Calcium chloride at 250 g/30 kg of pods.

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GINGELLY ( Sesamum indicum )



A) RainfedAdipattam (Jun - Jul)

All districts CO 1, TMV 3, TMV 5, VRI 1Karthigaipattam (Oct - Nov)

All districts CO 1, TMV 3, TMV 5, SVPR 1, VRI 1Summer season - Masipattam

Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Coimbatore CO 1, TMV 3, TMV 4, TMV 6, Paiyur 1, VRI 1

Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, SVPR 1Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai ,Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi,Virudhunagar

B) Irrigated - Masipattam (Feb - Mar)Coimbatore, Erode, Tiruchirapalli, TMV 3, TMV 4, TMV 6, CO 1, VRI 1Perambalur, Karur, Madurai, Dindigul,Theni,Thanjavur,Tiruvarur,Nagapattinam

C) Rice fallowsCoastal situations VRI 1

II. PARTICULARS OF GINGELLY STRAINS

Particulars CO 1 TMV 3 TMV 4 TMV 5

Parentage (TMV3xSl 1878) South Arcot Pureline from Pureline fromx Sl 1878 local x Malabar Sattur local Srivaikuntam

variety varietyDuration (Days) 85 - 90 80 - 85 85 - 90 80 - 85Yield kg/haIrrigated 750 - 790 625 - 750 700 - 950 ..Rainfed 450 - 650 400 - 650 .. 450 - 650Oil content(%) 51 51 50 51Habit Erect with branching Bushy with Bushy with Erect with

and short internodes profuse profuse moderateon the main stem branching branching branching

Capsules 4 loculed, closely 4 loculed 4 loculed 4 loculedset on the stem

Seeds Intense dark brown Darkbrown Brown Brownalmost black

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Particulars TMV 6 Paiyur 1 SVPR 1 VRI 1

Parentage Pureline selection SI 2511 x Selection from Pureline seletionfrom Andhra Pradesh SI 2314 Western Ghat from Tirukattu-variety White palli local

Duration (Days) 85 - 90 90 75 - 80 70 - 75

Yield kg/haIrrigated 700 - 875 644 807 650 - 900Rainfed .. .. 607 450 - 650Oil content(%) 54 50 53.8 51Habit Erect with moderate Bushy Erect and Moderate Moderate

branching branching branchingCapsules 4 loculed 4 loculed 4 loculed 4 loculedSeeds Brown Black White Brown


1. FIELD PREPARATIONa) Plough the field with tractor plough twice or thrice with a mould board plough or five times

with a country plough.

b) Break the clods in between the ploughings and bring the soil to a fine tilth to facilitate quickgermination as the seeds are small.

c) Chiselling for soils with hard pan: Chisel the soils having hard pan formation at shallowdepth with chisel plough at 0.5 m interval first in one direction and then in the directionperpendicular to the previous one once in three years. Apply 12.5 t FYM/composted coirpith besides chiselling.

d) For irrigated gingelly, form beds of size 10 m2 or 20 m2 depending upon the availability andinflow of water and the slope of the land. Level the beds perfectly without any depressionsto prevent water stagnation, which will affect the germination adversely.

e) In rice fallows the field is ploughed once with optimum moisture and seed is sownimmediately and covered with one more ploughing.

2. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSi) Spread FYM or composted coir pith or compost @ 12.5 t/ha evenly on the unploughed

land and plough it in.

ii) If the manure is not applied before commencement of ploughing, spread 12.5 t/ha of FYMor compost evenly on the field before the last ploughing and incorporate in the soil.

iii) Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation. If soil tests are not available, followthe blanket recommendations. Rainfed: Apply 23:13:13 kg NPK/ha or 17:13:13 kg NPK/ha + 3 packets of Azospirillum (600 g). Irrigated: Apply 35:23:23 kg NPK/ha or 21:23:23kg NPK/ha + 3 packets of Azospirillum.

iv) Apply full dose of N, P and K basally. Add 5 kg of Manganese sulphate per hectare. Apply50% of the recommended P

2O

5 and K

2O with full recommended dose of N to irrigated

gingelly, raised after groundnut fertilized with 100% of recommended NPK.

v) Open furrows to a depth of 5 cm and 30 cm apart and place the fertilizer mixture along thefurrows and cover to a depth of 3 cm with soil before sowing.

vi) If furrow application is not done, broadcast the fertilizer mixture evenly on the beds beforesowing.

3. APPLICATION OF Azospirillum25% of the N can be substituted by 3 packets (600 g) of Azospirillum by seed treatment and 10

packets (2000 g) of Azospirillum /ha as soil application.

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Azospirillum and biocontrol agent Trichoderma viride (4g/Kg) are compatible for seed treatmentand hence can be applied as a single treatment.

4. NUTRITIONAL DISORDERSa) Manganese deficiency: Leaves develop interveinal chlorosis, chlorotic tissue, later develop

light brown or husk coloured necrotic lesions.

b) Zinc deficiency: Middle leaves develop chlorosis in the interveinal areas and necrosisalong the apical leaf margins. Mix 5 kg/ha of Zinc sulphate with 45 kg of soil and broadcastevenly in the beds after sowing.

Note: Do not incorporate the micronutrient in the soil.5. SEED RATE

Adopt a seed rate of 5 kg/ha.

6. SPACINGa) Give a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants. b) For rice fallows, seeds

are broadcasted and thinned to maintain 11 plants/m2.

7. QUALITY OF SEEDSSelect mature, good quality seeds free from pest and fungal damage.

8. SEED TREATMENTTreat the seed with Trichoderma @ 4g/kg. This can be done just before sowing. It is compatible

with biofertilizers. SUCH SEEDS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED WITH FUNGICIDES or treat theseed with Thiram 4 g or Carbendazim at 2 g/kg of seed before sowing.

9. SOWINGa) Sowing the seeds preferably in lines.

b) Mix the seeds with 4 times its volume of dry sand and drop the mixture evenly along thefurrows in which fertilizers are applied.

c) Sow the seeds to a depth of 3 cm and cover with soil.

d) The optimum time of sowing for VRI 1 sesame is 2nd fortnight of February to first fortnightof March under Summer irrigated conditions.

10. WATER MANAGEMENTi) Irrigate at sowing and give life irrigation 7 days after sowing depending on the soil and

climatic condition and allow excess water to percolate.

ii) Give one pre-flowering irrigation (25 days): One at flowering and one or two at pod setting.An irrigation at flowering period is critical.

NOTE: The critical stage, for moisture requirement is the flowering phase i.e, between 35th to 45thdays of sowing. During the maturity phase, moisture status should be low. If more water isgiven during this phase, maturity of seeds is affected and filling up of the capsules will bepoor. Therefore, stop irrigation after 65 days of sowing.

11. THINNINGThin out the seedlings to a spacing of 15 cm between the plants on the 15th day of sowing and

30 cm on 30th day of sowing.

12. PESTS AND DISEASES1) Pests:

a) Apply any one of the following insecticides per ha on the 25th, 35th and 50th day of sowing,if needed, to control shoot webber/pod borer/gall midge. Dust 25 kg of Endosulfan 4 D;Phosalone 4 D; Quinalphos 1.5 D; Malathion 5 D/ha or spray Phosalone 35 EC 1000 ml;Quinalphos 25 EC 1000 ml; Dichlorvos 76 SC 500 ml; Monocrotophos 36 WSC 625 ml;Endosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml; Carbaryl 50 WP 1000 g in 500 l of water. Two rounds of sprayof neem oil 2% effectively controlled shoot webber and pod borer.

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b) Use alternate insecticides each time and avoid the usage of same insecticide every time.

c) Spraying Endosulfan 0.07% when the populatin exceeded two larvae per sq.m or 10%damage of shoot borer gives effective control.

d) Neem Seed Kernel Extract (5%) is equally effective as that of Endosulfan 35 EC (1.6 l/ha)for the control of Sesamum shoot webber.

2) Diseases :a) Powdery mildew: Apply any one of the following fungicides when the disease reaches

grade 3 at 15 day interval. Sulphur dust 25 kg/ha; Wettable sulphur 2.5 kg/ha.

b) Alternaria blight and Cercospora leaf spot: Mancozeb 1 kg/ha

c) Phyllody: Remove and destroy infected plants. Intercropping with Sesamum + redgram(6:1) reduces the incidence of phyllody and root rot.

d) Root Rot: Spot drench Carbendazim 1 g/l or soil application of Pseudomonas fluorescens@ 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM / sand at 30 days after sowing.

Soil application of Neem cake (150 kg/ha) combined with Trichoderma viride seed treatment(4kg/ha) effectively reduces root rot.

3) Storage pests:a) Dust on gunny - Malathion 5 D; or Phosalone 4 D or Carbaryl 10 D.

b) Mix 1.0 kg of activated clay with 100 kg of seeds after adequate drying of seeds.

13. WEED MANAGEMENTWeed and hoe on the 15th and 35th day of sowing. Apply Alachlor at 1.25 ai/ha on 20th day

after sowing and irrigate the crop immediately.

14. HARVESTINGa) Decide when to harvest

i) Observe the crop, considering the average duration of the crop.

ii) Twenty five per cent of the leaves from the bottom are shed and the top leaves loose theircolour and turn yellow at maturity.

iii) The colour of the stem turns yellow.

iv) The colour of the capsules turns yellow upto the middle.

v) Harvest before the bottom capsules turn brown.

vi) Examine the 10th capsule from the bottom by opening. If the seeds turn black, harvestmay be taken up for the black seeded varieties.

vii) If harvest is delayed, the capsules will dehisce resulting in yield reduction.

b) Harvesti) Pull out the plants from the bottom.

ii) Stack in the open, one over the other in a circle with the stems pointing out and the topportion pointing inside.

iii) Cover the top with straw, so that humidity and temperature increase.

iv) Cure like this for 3 days, shake the plants. About 75 per cent of the seeds will fall off.

vii) Dry the plants for one more day and again shake the plants. All the mature seeds will falloff.

viii) Winnow the seeds and dry in the sun for 3 days. Stir once in 3 hours to give uniform drying.

ix) Collect the seeds and store in gunnies.

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IV. SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. SEASONApril - May.

2. SEEDS AND SOWINGUse seeds retained by 4/64" diameter (1.6 mm) round perforated sieve.

3. SEED TREATMENTTreat the seeds with Thiram at 2 g dissolved in 5 ml of water/kg of seed.

4. SPACING30 x 30 cm.

5. FERTILIZER i) 50:25:25 kg NPK /ha, ii) Manganese sulphate 5 kg/ha

6. FOLIAR APPLICATION DAP at 1% at the time of first flowering and again 10 days after first spray.

7. HARVEST AND STORAGEHarvest when 75 - 80% of the pods start yellowing and bottom 1 or 2 pods have dehisced. At

this stage, the pod moisture content will be 50 - 60% and seed moisture content will be 25 - 30% andseeds would have attained chocolate brown colour. Stack the stalks vertically and allow them to airdry protecting from moisture; shake the stalks to separate the seeds.

8. SIEVEUse sieve with 4/64" (1.6 mm) diameter round perforations.

9. DRYINGDry the seeds to 7 - 8% moisture content and treat the seeds with Captan or Thiram @ 2 g per

kg of seed. Treated seeds can be stored for periods upto 9 months in gada cloth bag.

10. MID-STORAGE CORRECTIONStored seeds of gingelly showing declining trend in germination should be removed from storage

and pre-cleaned. The seeds should be soaked for two hours in double the volume of Disodiumphosphate solution (3.60 g/100 lit of water). If the salt is not available, potable salt free water alonecan be used. The floaters should be removed. The soaked seeds should be spread over a cleangunny bag and air dried, dressed with Carbendazim @ 2 g/kg of seeds and stored.

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CASTOR ( Ricinus communis )


SEASON VARIETIESi) Rainfed (Jun - Jul) TMV 4, SA 1, SA 2, TMV 5, TMV 6, TMVCH 1ii) Gardenland (border) TMV 4

II. DESCRIPTION OF CASTOR STRAINS

Particulars TMV 4 SA 1 SA 2 CO 1

Parentage Developed from a TMV 1 X RC 1094 Spontaneous Pureline200% pistillate (USA) mutant from selectionplant of SA 2 TMV 1 local from Annamalai

Duration (months) 3 1/2 5 4 1/2 Perennial

Average yield(kg/ha)Pure crop 750 1000 1200 2.5 kg/tree/yrMixed crop ... 500 600 ...Oil percentage 50 53.8 51 57

Special featuresStem colour Rose Rose Rose Pinkish greenBloom (Waxy Single Single Single No bloomcoat)Receme/ Small, lengthy Medium lengthy Small, semi- Bold sparse,capsule receme semi receme semi- compact, non- settings non

compact, non- compact, non- dehiscent dehiscentdehiscent dehiscent

Stability Pure crop, mixed Mixed crop Pure and mixed Bund crop andcrop, border crop fit for raisingcrop with short in vacant areas

duration crop

Particulars TMV 5 TMV 6 TMVCH1

Parentage SA 2 X S248/2 VP 1 x RC 962 LRES 17 x TMV 5

Duration (months) 4 160 160 - 170

Average yield(kg/ha)Pure crop 1100 928 1180Mixed crop ... 568 471Oil percentage 50 51.9 51.7

Special featuresStem colour Rose Red Red/roseBloom (Waxy coat) Treble Double Treble

Receme/ Spiny, non-dehiscent, Medium length Semi compactcapsule resistant to leafhopper spiny capsules Spiny capsules

Stability Pure and mixed Pure and mixed crop Pure and mixed crop

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III. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

1. PREPARATION OF THE FIELDPlough two-three times with country or mould board plough.

2. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSSpread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost evenly on the main field before last ploughing and incorporate

in the soil by working a country plough.

NOTE: a) Do not leave FYM or compost exposed to sunlight as nutrients will be lost.

b) Apply NPK fertilizers basally as per soil test recommendations as far as possible.

c) If soil test recommendations are not available, follow the blanket recommendation of30:15:15 kg/ha NPK.


4. SPACINGAdopt the following spacing for short and long duration strains.

Long Duration Spacing Short Duration SpacingSA 1 90 X 90 cm SA 2 60 X 45 cmTMR 6 90 X 60 cm TMV 4, TMV 5 60 X 30 cm5. SELECTION OF GOOD QUALITY SEEDS

Select well filled and shiny seeds and discard broken, damaged and ill filled seeds.

6. PRE TREATMENT OF SEEDSa) Treat the seeds with Thiram or Carbendazim 2 g/kg of seed. b) Treat the seeds 24 hours

prior to sowing.

7. SOWINGa) Sow the seeds adopting the recommended spacing. b) Place the seeds at depth 4 - 6 cm. c)

Put one seed in each hole.

8. THINNING AND GAP FILLINGGap fill on the 10th day of sowing. Soak the seeds in water for 20 hours.

9. WEED MANAGEMENTHoe and hand weed on 20th day of sowing and remove the weeds and repeat on 40th day of

sowing, if necessary.

10. INTERCROPPINGRaise one row of castor for every six rows of groundnut. In the case of late receipt of monsoon

blackgram + castor at 6:1 ratio is recommended.

11. APPLICATION OF INSECTICIDEApply Endosulfan 4 D 25 kg/ha to control semi-looper and other pests. Apply neem seed kernel

extract 3% + neem seed oil 2% for the control of castor semi-looper.

12. HARVESTING THE CROPObserve the crop considering the average duration of the variety. i) One or more capsules

show signs of drying. ii) Cut the matured receme without damaging the secondaries. iii) Dry thecapsule in the sun without heaping it in the shade. iv) Use castor sheller and separate the seeds orbeat the dried capsule with wooden planks, winnow and collect the seeds.

13. SPECIFIC PROBLEMSSpray any one of the following insecticides per ha, thrice from flowering at three weeks interval

to control capsule borer and semi-looper. Malathion 50 EC 2.0 l, Fenthion 100 EC 1.0 l and Carbaryl50 WP 2.0 kg in 1000 l of water.

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SAFFLOWER ( Carthamus tinctorius )


SEASON VARIETIESRainfed crop (November) K1, CO 1

II. PARTICULARS OF VARIETIES

K 1 CO 1

Duration (days) 120 125

Yield (kg/ha) Rainfed 700 800

Percentage of oil 30 to 3130 to 33

Plant character Spiny Non-spiny

III. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

1. FIELD PREPARATIONa) Plough with tractor 2-3 times with a mould board plough or 5 times with a country plough.

b) Break the clods in between the ploughings and bring the soil to a fine tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMa) Spread 12.5 t of FYM or compost or composted coir pith per ha evenly and incorporate in the

soil. b) If the manure is not applied before commencement of ploughing, spread the manure evenlybefore the last ploughing and incorporate in the soil.

NOTE: Do not leave the organic manure exposed to sunlight as nutrients will be lost.3. FORMING LINES

Form lines with a marker, 45 cm apart.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSApply N at 20 kg/ha basally.


6. SPACINGAdopt a spacing of 45 cm between rows and 15 cm between plants.

7. SELECTION OF GOOD QUALITY SEEDSSelect mature good quality seeds, free from pest damage and fungal attack.

8. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDESa) Treat with Carbendazim or Thiram at 4 g/kg of seed in a polythene bag and ensure a uniform

coating of the fungicide over the seed. b) Treat the seeds 24 hours prior to sowing.

NOTE: Seed treatment will protect the young seedlings from root rot disease in the early stage.9. SOWING

a. Sow the seeds in line at a depth of 2 to 3 cm and cover with soil. b. Sow using gorru orcountry plough.

NOTE: First week of November is the best sowing time.

10. THINNING OUT SEEDLINGSThin out the seedlings to a spacing of 15 cm between plants on the 15th day of sowing.

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11. WEED MANAGEMENTHoe and weed on 25th and 40th day of sowing.

12. HARVESTINGi) Observe the crop considering the average duration of the crop. ii) The leaves and entire plant

loose their colour and turn brown at maturity. iii) Cut the plants at the bottom. iv) Keep the plants inthe threshing floor and beat the plants (heads) with sticks till the mature seeds are separated. v)Winnow the seed and dry in the sun. vi) Collect the store the seeds in gunnies.

13. SPECIFIC PROBLEMSPests: Spodoptera, Helicoverpa and Perigoea (Capsule borers): Spray any of the following

insecticides per ha to control capsule borers. Endosulfan 35 EC 1.0 l; Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 2.0 l;Dichlorvos 76 WSC 1.0 l; Phenthoate 50 EC 1.0 l; Fenitrothion 50 EC 1.0 l in 500 l of water.

SUNFLOWER ( Helianthus annuus )


SEASON/DISTRICT VARIETIES

RainfedAdipattam (June-July)

Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, K 1, EC 68415, K 2, CO 1,Tirunelveli, DindigulDharmapuri, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur CO 2, CO 3, CO 4

Karthigaipattam (Oct - Nov)Cuddalore, Villupuram, Virudhunagar, K 1, K 2, Morden, CO 1, CO2, CO 3, CO 4Sivagangai , Ramanathapuram, Madurai,Dindigul, Theni, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur,Karur, Tirunelveli

Irrigated (April - May)Coimbatore, Erode K 1, K 2, EC 68415, Morden,

MSFH 1, CO 3Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, CO 3 (except Dharmapuri)Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur

(December - January)Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Erode K 1, K 2, EC 68415, Morden,Coimbatore MSFH 1,Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Tirunelveli, CO 1, BSH 1, CO 3, CO 4Thoothukudi CO 3 (except for Dharmapuri and

Madurai, Dindigul, Theni)

Kharif : 1st June is the optimum time of sowingfor BSH 1

Rabi : 15th December is the optimum time ofsowing for BSH 1, MSFH 1

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II. DESCRIPTION OF SUNFLOWER VARIETIES

Particulars CO 1 MORDEN K 2 K 1 BSH 1

Parentage Selection from Selection from Spontaneous Introduction 234A xCernianka 66 Cernianka 66 mutant from from RHA 274

EC 101495 EC 68414(Cerniankaculture)

Duration (days) 65 75 70 85 85Yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 800 900 750 1000 1250Irrigated 900 1000 1000 1250 1500%-age of oil 37 36 38 37 37Ray floret Light Light Lemon Light Light

yellow yellow yellow yellow yellowHeight (cm) 70 90 75 120 120Seed size Medium, Medium, Small, shiny Medium, Medium,

Seed Colour ` dark grey black with faint black with blackgrey marking grey edge

1000 seed 45 44 43 45 45weight (g)

Spacing (cm) 30 x 15 30 x 10 30 x 15 30 x 30 to 30 x 1060 x 30

Particulars EC 68415 CO 2 MSFH 1 CO 3 CO 4

Parentage Introdn. from Derivative from Now known Mutant from Extract fromRussia intermated CO 2 the cross

progeny of 7 Dwarf x Surgesingle crossesof exotic origin

Duration (days) 90 87 90 88 80 - 85

Yield (kg/ha)Rainfed 1000 900 — 1250 1600Irrigated 1250 1400 1500 1600 1750

(%)age of oil 37 37.4 39 39.7

Ray floret Light Light Light Light yellow —yellow yellow yellow

Height (cm) 130 135 170 145 - 175 145 - 175

Seed size & Medium, Medium dark Medium Oval linear Presence ofColour black grey to black and dark grey stripes in the

black linear seed coat

1000 seedweight (g) 46 45 45 50 to 60 56

Spacing (cm) 30 x 30 30 x 30 60 x 30 30 x 30 30 x 30

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1. FIELD PREPARATIONPlough once with tractor or twice with iron-plough or three to four times with country-plough till

all the clods are broken and a fine tilth is obtained.

2. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSi) Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost or composted coir pith evenly on the field before the

last ploughing and incorporate in the soil by working a country plough.

ii) Apply NPK fertilizers basally as per soil test recommendations. If soil test recommendationsare not available, follow the blanket recommendation of 40:20:20 kg NPK/ha for both irrigatedand rainfed crops.

iii) Azospirillum: Soil application - Mix 10 packets (2000 g)/ha of inoculant with 25 kg FYM and25 kg soil and apply before sowing.

3. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTSa. Mix 12.5 kg/ha of micronutrient mixture formulated by the Department of Agriculture. Tamil

Nadu with enough sand to make total quantity of 50 kg/ha.

b. Apply the mixture over the furrows and top two thirds of the ridges before sowing.

c. Do not incorporate the mixture in the soil.

i) To overcome manganese deficiency, foliar spray of 0.5% MnSO4 on 30, 40 and 50th

day.

ii) For zinc deficiency, apply 25 kg/ha ZnSO4 as basal, or 0.5% ZnSO

4 spray on 30, 40

and 50th day.

4. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWSa. Form ridges and furrows 6 m long.

b. Form the ridges 60 cm apart for BSH 1 and MSFH 1 and 30 cm apart for K 2 and others.

c. Use bund-former or ridge plough to economise and

d. Form irrigation channels across and ridges according to the topography of the field.

5. SEED RATEUse 15 kg per ha for varieties except CO 1 the seed rate is 30 kg/ha. Select good quality seeds.

6. SEED TREATMENTSoaking seeds in 2% ZnSO

4 for 12 hrs and shade drying recommended, for rainfed sowing.

i) Treat the seed with Trichoderma @4g/kg. This can be done just before sowing. It iscompatible with biofertilizers. SUCH SEEDS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED WITHFUNGICIDES.

ii) Treat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram at 2 g/kg of seed.

iii) Treat the seeds 24 hours prior to sowing.

iv) Azospirillum: Use 3 packets (600 g)/ha of inoculant for treating seeds using rice kanji asbinder. Dry the treated seeds in shade for 15 minutes and sow immediately.

v) Moist hydration for 24 hours in moist gunny bags followed by drying and seed dressingwith Thiram @ 2g/kg to enhance field emergence.

vi) Seeds dried to 8 - 9% moisture content, treated with Thiram @ 2g/kg and packed in polylined(300 guage) cloth bag can store upto 9 months with 70% germination.

7. SOWINGi) Place the seeds at a depth of 3 cm along the furrows in which the fertilizer mixture is placed

and cover with soil. Put two seeds per hole.

ii) Irrigate the crop according to the different growth stages. Regulate irrigation according tothe following growth phase.

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Pre-sowing irrigation; Life irrigation; 20th day after sowing; Early bud development;Flowering-2 irrigations and Seed development-2 irrigations; Flowering period is critical.

8. GAP FILLING AND THINNINGThin out seedlings leaving only one healthy and vigorous seedling in each hole on the 10th day

of sowing.

9. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Apply Fluchloralin at 2.0 l/ha before sowing and incorporate or apply as pre-emergence

spray on 3 days after sowing followed by irrigation or apply Pendimethalin as pre-emergencespray 3 days after sowing. The spray of these herbicides has to be accomplished withBack Pack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle using 900 l water/ha asspray fluid.

All the herbicide application is to be followed by one late hand weeding 30 - 35 days aftersowing.

ii) Hoe and hand weed on the 15th and 30th day of sowing and remove the weeds. Allow theweeds to dry for 2 - 3 days in the case of irrigated and then give irrigation.

10. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing followed by an irrigation on 4 - 5th day and later at intervals of

7 to 8 days according to soil and climatic conditions, seeding, flowering and seed development stage(ie) two weeks before and after flowering.

11. SPRAYING NAAi) Spray the hormone Napthalene Acetic Acid (NAA) at 20 ppm concentration (280 g NAA in

625 litres of water per ha) on the 30th and 60th day of sowing.

ii) Use a high volume sprayer and give a thorough coverage of the entire plant.

iii) Do not use brackish water.

12. PEST MANAGEMENT a. Spray anyone of the following insecticides per ha on the 30th day to control leaf caterpillars

and leaf weevils. Endosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml; Fenthion 100 EC 500 ml; Phosalone 35 EC1000 ml; Phenthoate 50 EC 500 ml.

Do not spray insecticides on the same day when NAA is sprayed.

b. Hand pick the Helicoverpa larvae and destroy.

c. Dust Endosulfan 4 D or Phosalone 4 D at 25 kg/ha or spray Phosalone 35 EC 1000 ml orEndosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml for the control of Helicoverpa and thrips on capitulum.

d. Insecticidal application at the time of bee visit is toxic to honey bees. So, apply theinsecticides after 4 pm when the bee activity is minimum.

13. DISEASE MANAGEMENT - HEADROTa. Spray Mancozeb 1 kg/ha in case of intermittent rainfall at the head stage, directing the

spray to cover the capitulum.

b. Repeat fungicidal application after 10 days if humid weather continues.

c. Alternaria leaf spot and wilt: Spraying Mancozeb 1 kg/ha.

d. Charcoal rot: Spot drench Carbendazim 1 g/lit of water.

14. IMPROVING SEED SET BY MECHANICAL MEANSa. During the mid flowering phase, improve pollination by:

i. Mild rubbing of the capitulum with the hand covered with soft cloth or

ii. Rubbing two flowers face to face gently.

b. The mid-flowering phase are: 58 to 60 days of planting for long duration varieties.

i. 45 to 48 days of planting for short duration varieties.

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c. Do this operation in the morning hours between 9.0 and 11.00 am when pollen shedding ishigh.

d. Keeping bee hives at the rate of 5/ha improves seed setting.

15. JUDGE WHEN TO HARVESTObserve the bracts on the backside of the capitula. When they turn yellow, the heads harden

and the crop is ready for harvest.

Bird damage: Use of reflective ribbons scares the birds effectively and thus prevents loss ofgrain.

16. HARVESTINGi. Cut the capitula (flower heads) only

ii. Thresh and clean

a. Immediately after harvest, dry the heads in the sun for 3 days.

b. Spread the heads in thin layer and give turning once in 3 hours.

NOTE: Do not heap or store the heads before drying properly as mould fungi will develop and spoilthe grain quality.

c. Thresh using a mechanical thresher, or beat with a stick and separate the grains.

d. Winnow and clean the seeds

e. Dry the seeds again in the sun for another two days

f. Store in gunny bags

IV. SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. SOWINGApril - August. Use seeds retained by 12/64" (4.7 mm) diameter, round perforated sieve or BSS

5 x 5 wire mesh sieve for EC 101495, for other varieties, use 9/64" (3.5 mm) diameter, round perforatedsieve or BSS 5 x 5 wire mesh sieve and winnow to eliminate chaffy, light and broken seeds.

If the seeds are fresh (1 to 5 month old) germination will be low due to dormancy. Hence, theyshould be soaked in aqueous solution of Etherel at 300 ppm for eight hours in air tight plastic containeror in aqueous solution of Potassium nitrate at 0.5 per cent concentration for 16 hrs in open plasticcontainer. Wash and air dry the seeds. Slurry treat with Captan 75% WDP at 2 g dissolved in 5 mlof water per kg of seed before sowing.


3. MANURING Apply N P K 60:45:45 kg/ha. Foliar application with 0.25% micronutrients at 4th melanin growth

stage is recommended for increased seed setting.

4. HARVESTINGHarvest when the drooping peduncular receptacle turns lemon or pale yellow in colour and at

this stage the seed moisture content will be 25 per cent and the seeds will be black in colour. Cut anddry the heads immediately until the seeds contain 15 - 16 per cent moisture and then separate theseeds with a mechanical thresher or manual labour and pre-clean.

5. GRADINGUse a sieve with 9/64" (3.6 mm) diameter round, perforated or BSS 7 x 7 wire mesh sieve.

Remove broken seeds.

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6. STORAGEFor short period upto 6 months, dry the seeds to 7 - 8% moisture content and store in a cloth

bag. For long period beyond 10 months, dry the seeds 5 - 6% moisture content and store in H.D.Polythene, 700 gauge, thick bag.

NOTE: Heat-seal the bag.Sunflower hybrid seeds dried to 8% moisture content and stored in cloth and 100 gauge polythene

bag upto 9 months with germination percentage of more than 72.

Soaking sunflower achenes in very dilute solution of Sodium dihydrogen phosphate (10-4 M) for2 hours followed by drying back to original moisture content (8%) effectively controls the deteriorationprocess in all sunflower hybrids particularly in low vigour CMS parental lines.

7. SEED TREATMENTSTreat with Captan 75% WP at 4 g in 5 ml of water/kg of seeds.

8. HYBRID SUNFLOWER BSH 1For the production of Sunflower hybrid Seed (BSH 1), a planting ratio of (4:1) four lines of female

parents and one line of male parent is recommended. Hand pollination at flowering to increase theseed set percentage and yield potential is recommended.

The best time for production is May to August for perfect synchronisation. Application of 90:90:40Kg NPK/ha is optimum to get higher yield.

Hydration-dehydration treatment of 5 months old seeds using Disodium phosphate (10-4 M)prolonged the shelf life upto one year.

For KBSH 1 and LMMRSH 3 hybrid the optimum planting ratios are 1:8 and 1:6 respectively.

9.HYBRID SUNFLOWER BSH 3For Seed production of hybrid sunflower BSH 3, a planting ratio of 1:6 is optimum.

For KBSH 1 the optimum planting ratio is 1:4. In this variety, the male parent lags behind thefemale parent by 7 days under Coimbatore conditions and hence the male parent can be sown sevendays ahead of female parent for synchrony of flowering.

COCONUT ( Cocos nucifera )

1. SOILRed sandy loam, laterite and alluvial soils are suitable. Only heavy soil, lacking drainage facilities

is unsuitable.

2. PLANTING SEASONSJune-July, December - January.

3. SPACINGAdopt a spacing of 25' x 25' with 175 plants/ha. For planting in field border as a single row, 20'

spacing between plants may be adopted.

4. PLANTINGPit size should be 3' x 3' x 3'. In the pits, Lindane 10% dust may be sprinkled to prevent white

ant damage. The pit should be filled to a height of one foot with FYM, red earth and sand mixed inequal proportions. At the centre, the seedling should be planted after removing all the roots. The soilaround the nut should be pressed well and the seedling should be provided with shade by usingplaited coconut leaves or palmyra leaves.

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5. WATER MANAGEMENTIn the first year, irrigate on alternate days and from the second year, till the time of maturity,

irrigation should be given twice a week and afterwards once in 10 days. During summer months andalso whenever there is no rain, irrigation is a must, depending upon soil moisture.

Coconut requires about 100 l/day/tree through drip irrigation for matured plantation. The coconuthusks at about 30 cm depth around the coconut trees at a radius of 1 m and covering it up with earthwill conserve soil moisture in light textured soil. Use of coir waste as soil mulch around the tree to athickness of about 3 cm is also advantageous to conserve soil moisture especially under scarcitycondition. Drip irrigation is the best method of irrigation for coconut. Pitcher irrigation under severewater scarce condition (4 pitcher/tree) may be followed.

Supply of water through drip system100% Eo level and slow release fertilizer with NP tablet (1.2 kg once in 3 years) with addition of

super phosphate (0.950 kg), muriate of potash (2.0 kg) every year/palm enhances the nut yield.

6. MANURINGFor a five year old palm, apply 50 kg compost or FYM or green leaves, 1.3 kg urea (560 g/N),

2 kg super phosphate (320 g P2O

5) and 2 kg muriate of potash (1200 g K

2O) should be applied in

1.8m circular basin, incorporated in soil and the basin irrigated. Fertilizers may be applied in twodoses, once in June - July and the second in Dec. to Jan.

Basal application of FYM (10 Kg) + top dressing of Nacl (1 Kg) 3 months after planting nuts4.5m2 or FYM + composted coir pith (10 Kg) both as basal application is effective for the good growthof seedlings of East Coast Tall Variety.

For 2, 3 and 4 years old seedlings, 1/4, 1/2, 3/4 doses of the above fertilizer schedule should beapplied. Any one of the green manure crops like sunnhemp, wild indigo, calapagonium or dainchamay be sown and ploughed in situ at the time of flowering as a substitute to compost applied intrenches. Manuring should be done when there is moisture in the field. Fertilizers can also besupplied by another method which is as follows.

The root activity is maximum around a radius of 1.5 m to 2 m from the base of the tree. Applicationof fertilizer to the entire area around the palm is recommended and the fertilizer is forked in. Sufficientmoisture should be present when manuring.

7. INTER-CULTURAL OPERATIONThe inter-space in the coconut garden has to be ploughed twice in a year in June-July and

December - January. Intercultural operation is essential.

i. to keep weed population under check.

ii. to ensure the utilisation of the applied plant nutrients by the coconut trees.

iii. to facilitate proper aeration to the roots of coconut and

iv. to induce fresh root growth

Application of 0.5 Kg N, 0.5 Kg P20

5 and 0.75 Kg K

20/palm (Urea 1.1 Kg, single super phosphate

3.1 Kg, muriate of potash 1.2 Kg/palm/year) is found economical for East coast Tall variety

8. INTER CROPPINGDuring the first five years, groundnut, sesamum, sunflower, tapioca and turmeric can be grown

as inter crops. In the shade of the well grown up plantation, cocoa, pineapple, banana and foragecrops like desmodium and desmanthus can be raised.

In multistoreyed cropping system Banana and Pineapple combination with coconut gives highernet returns per unit area.

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9. PESTS AND DISEASESi) Rhinoceros beetle

i. Remove and burn all dead coconut trees in the garden (which are likely to serve as goodbreeding ground) to maintain good sanitation.

ii. Collect and destroy the various bio-stages of the beetle from the manure pits (breedingground of the pest) whenever manure is lifted from the pits.

iii. Incorporate the entomopathogen i.e, fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) in manure pits tocheck the perpetuation of the pest.

iv. Soak castor cake at 1 kg in 5 l of water in small mud pots and keep them in the coconutgardens to attract and kill the adults.

v. Treat the longitudinally split tender coconut stem and green petiole of fronds with freshtoddy and keep them in the garden to attract and trap the beetles.

vi. Examine the crowns of tree at every harvest and hook out and kill the adults.

vii. For seedlings, apply 3 nos. of naphthalene balls/palm weighing 3.5 g each) at the base ofinterspace in leaf sheath in the 3 inner most leaves of the crown once in 45 days.

viii. Set up light traps following the first rains in summer and monsoon period to attract and killthe adult beetles.

ix. Field release of Baculovirus inoculated adult rhinoceros beetle reduces the leaf and crowndamage caused by this beetle.

x. Mixture of either neem seed powder + sand (1:2) @150 g per palm or Neem Seed Kernelpowder + Sand (1:2) @150 g per palm applied in the base of the 3 inner most leaves in thecrown effectively controlled rhinoceros beetle damage.

ii) Black headed caterpillari. The incidence of the pest is noticed from the moth of November to May and from August to

November after rainfall. The coconut trees of all ages are attacked.

Among the larval parasites, the bethylid Parasierola nephantidis is the most effective incontrolling the pest. The optimum level of release is 1:8 of host-parasite ratio. The parasiteshould be released @3000/ha under the coconut trees when the pest is in the 2nd or 3rdinstar larval stage. Parasite release trap may be used to release the parasite at the site offeeding. Parasites should not be released in the crown region since they will be killed bypredators like spiders and reduvid bugs.

ii. Remove and burn all affected leaves/leaflets.

iii. Release the larval (Bethylids, Braconid and Ichneumonid) and pupal (Eulophid) parasitesand predators periodically from January, to check the build up of the pest during summer.

iv. Spray Malathion 50 EC 0.05% to cover the undersurface of the leaves thoroughly in caseof severe epidemic outbreak of the pest in young palms.

v. Harvest all mature nuts, and drill a downward slanting hole and inject 5.0 ml ofMonocrotophos 36 WSC into the stem at about 1.5 m above the ground level and plug withclay mixed with Copper oxychloride. Monocrotophos (5 ml) may also be mixed in water(20 ml) and injected into the stem or a cotton wick soaked in Monocrotophos (after absorptionof 5 ml) and inserted into the hole and plugged. Plucking tender coconuts or harvesting thenuts should be strictly avoided for forty days after treatment.

vi) Root feeding for the control of coconut Black headed caterpillar: Select a fresh and liveroot, cut sharply at an angle and insert the root in the insecticidal solution containingMonocrotophos 36 WSC 10 ml + water 10 ml in a 7 x 10 cm polythene bag. Secure the bagtightly to the root with a cotton thread. Twentyfour hours later, check whether there isabsorption. If there is no absorption select another root. These methods should not beresorted to as a routine practice and it is suggested only for cases of severe epidemicoutbreak of the pest and when the survival of the tree is threatened.

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iii) Red palm weevili. Remove and burn all wilting or damaged palms in coconut gardens to prevent further

perpetuation of the pest.

ii. Avoid injuries on stems of palms as the wounds may serve as oviposition sites for theweevil. Fill all holes in the stem with cement.

iii. Avoid the cutting of green leaves. If needed, they should be cut about 120 cm away fromthe stem.

iv. Fill the crown and the top most three leaves axil with a mixture of fine sand and Chlordane5 D (1:1 by volume) once in three months to prevent the attack of rhinocerous beetledamage in which the red palm weevil lays eggs.

v. Plug all holes and inject Pyrocone E or Carbaryl at 1% or 10 ml of Monocrotophos or 5 mlof Monocrotophos + 5 ml of Dichlorvos into the stem by drilling a hole above the points ofattack.

vi. Setting up of attractant traps (mud pots) containing sugarcane molasses 2½ kg/toddy 2½litres + acetic acid 5 ml + yeast 5 g + longitudinally split tender coconut stem/logs of greenpetiole of leaves of 30 numbers in one acre to trap adult red palm weevils in large numbers.

vii) Root feeding: As under Black headed caterpillar

viii) Insert one or two tablets of Aluminium phosphide inside the tunneled trunk and plug all theholes with clay or cement mixed with phytolon to kill the insect by fumigant action.

iv) Termitesi. Locate termite mounds in or near the coconut nursery or garden and destroy.

ii. Spray Neem oil 5% once on the base and upto 2 m height of the trunk for effective control.

iii. Spray Copper Sulphate 1% then Cashew nut shell oil 80% followed by Copper Sulphate1% then neem oil 5% and copper sulphate 1%, then NSKE 20% to preserve planted coconutleaves from the termite attack.

v) Scale insectPluck mature nuts and spray Monocrotophos 0.036%. Do not harvest nuts for 1 1/2 months

after spraying.

vi) Mealy bugs:Remove leaflets harbouring these insects and destroy them and spray Malathion at 0.1% or

Dimethoate 0.03% or Methyldemeton 0.025% or Phosphamidon 0.05% or Monocrotophos 0.04% orMethomyl 0.25%.

Application of neem oil 3% was effective in controlling mealy bug.

vii) Leaf caterpillars, nut caterpillar and nut coreid bug:Collect and destroy the immature stages of the insects wherever possible and spray

Carbaryl 0.1%.

A combined treatment of root feeding of Monocrotophos at 5 ml + 5 ml water, spraying of 0.01%Monocrotophos followed by the release of Parasitoids at every 15 days interval of time effectivelycontrol leaf eating caterpillars.

viii) Scolytid bark borer beetles:This makes minute, numerous holes and makes the palms wilt. This can be controlled by (i)

stem injection through a stove wick soaked in 0.2% Fenthion or 0.2% Dichlorvos and plugging thehole and repeating the treatment using the same wick and hole a month after .

ix) Palm civet:Poison baiting with ripe banana fruit sandwiched with 0.5 g Carbofuran 3 G granules.

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x) Rat:Tree banding with inverted iron cores or Prosophis thorns. Baiting with Bromodialone 0.005%

at 10 g/tree at crown region twice at an interval of 12 days.

xi) Thanjavur wilt:Aureofungin-sol 2 g + one g Copper sulphate or 2 ml of Tridemorph dissolved in 100 ml water

may be applied as root feeding. The active absorbing root of pencil thickness be selected and aslanting cut is made. The solution is taken in a polythene bag or bottle and the cut end of the root isdipped in the solution. Forty litres of 1% Bordeaux mixture should be applied as soil drench aroundthe trunk in a radius of 1.5 metre. Neem cake (5 kg/tree can be applied along with fertilizers andAzotobactor (200 g/tree).

For early diagnosis of Thanjavur Wilt, an EDTA test utilising the root samples has been developedand based on the O.D. values the disease intensity can be detected.

Disease intensity Optical Density ValueMild 0.18 - 0.22Moderate 0.24 - 0.59Severe > 0.59Healthy palm 0.02 - 0.10

The test is simple and cost effective.

- Intercrop banana to reduce the severity of Thanjavur Wilt.

The causative organism of Thanjavur wilt has been identified as Ganoderma lucidum.

Application of phosphobacteria mixed in 10 Kg of FYM is effective in the management of Thanjavurwilt. Five Kg of Neem cake is to be applied in the basins of the diseased tree. After one month, onepacket of phosphobacteria (200 g) mixed with 10 Kg of FYM is to be applied. This may be donepreferably between September and January months and trees should be given regular irrigation.

xii) Bud rot:The infected tissues from the crown region should be removed and protected with Bordeaux

paste. Bordeaux mixture at 1% may be sprayed so as to reach the crown region as pre-monsoonspray.

xiii) Stem bleeding disease:The bark of the trunk should be removed in the bleeding area and Bordeaux paste should be

applied in this area.

a. Preparation of 1% Bordeaux mixture: A quantity of 400 g of copper sulphate should bedissolved in 20 litres of water and 400 g of lime in another 20 litres of water separately. Thecopper sulphate solution should be added to the lime solution constantly stirring the mixture.Earthen or wooden vessels alone should be used and metallic containers should not beused. To find out whether the mixture is in correct proportion, a polished knife should bedipped in the mixture for one minute and taken out. If there is reddish brown deposit ofcopper, additional quantity of lime should be added till there is no deposit in the knife.

b. Preparation of Bordeaux paste: Take 200 g of Copper sulphate and dissolve it in onelitre of water and 200 g of lime in one litre of water separately. Both are mixed simultaneouslyin a third vessel and the resultant mixture can be used as a paste.

xiv) Pencil point disease:Because of micronutrient deficiency, the stem will taper towards its tip with lesser number of

leaves. The leaf size will be greatly reduced and the leaves will be pale and yellow in colour. Alongwith the recommended fertilizer dose, 225 g each of Borax, Zinc sulphate, Manganese sulphate,Ferrous sulphate, Copper sulphate and 10 g of Ammonium molybdate may be dissolved in 10 l ofwater and poured in the basin of 1.5 m radius.

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SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN COCONUT

1. Rejuvenation of existing garden:The low yield in vast majority of gardens is due to thick population, lack of manuring and irrigation.

These gardens could be improved if the following measures are taken.

i. Thinning of thickly populated gardens: In the farmer’s holdings, 41 per cent of the treesgive a yield of less than 20 nuts/palm/year. By cutting and removal of these trees, the yieldcould be increased by 1750 nuts/ha. Besides, there is saving in the cost of cultivation andincrease in net profit to the tune of Rs.2000/ha. After removal of low yielding trees, thepopulations should be maintained at 175 - 200 palms/ha.

ii. Ensuring adequate manuring and irrigation: Research results have shown that theyield of coconut palms could be increased by 23 nuts/palms/year by applying the manurialschedule of 50 kg of FYM or green leaf plus NPK at 560, 320, 1200 g/palm. When irrigationat 10 days interval is also given during summer months in addition to manuring, the yieldincrease was 44 nuts/palm and when all these were combined (manuring + irrigation +cultural practices), the yield increase was 67 nuts/tree over control.

2. Button shedding:Shedding of buttons and premature nuts may be due to any one of the following reasons:i. Excess acidity or alkalinityii. Lack of drainageiii. Severe droughtiv. Genetic causesv. Lack of nutrientsvi. Lack of pollinationvii. Hormone deficiencyviii. Pestsix. DiseasesThe following remedial measures are suggested.

a) Rectification of soil pH: Excess acidity or alkalinity of soil may cause button shedding. If the soil pH is less than 5.5, it

is an indication of excess acidity. This could be rectified by adding lime. Increase in alkalinity isindicated by soil pH higher than 8.0. This situation could be rectified by adding gypsum.

b) Providing adequate drainage facilities:Lack of drainage results in the roots of coconut trees getting suffocated for want of aeration.

Shedding of buttons occur under such condition. Drainage channels have to be dug along thecontours to drain the excess water during rainy season.

c) Burial of coconut husk or coir waste:Severe drought condition and lack of irrigation during summer result in button shedding. To

rectify the situation coconut husks may be buried @ 100 husks with concave surface facing upwardsor 25 kg of coir waste in semi circular trenches, dug to one foot width and two feet depth at 1.5 metresradius. This may be applied at the bottom and the usual manures and fertilizers applied above thislayer when there is moisture in the soil. The monsoon rains are preserved by the soaking of thecoconut husk or coir waste as the case may be. Besides decomposition, of these materials provideaddition of potash to the coconut.

d) Genetic causes:In some trees button shedding may persist even after ensuring adequate crop pest and disease

management. This is an indication of inherent defect of the mother palm from which the seed materialwas obtained. This underlines the need for proper choice of superior mother palm for harvestingseed coconut to ensure uniformly good yielding trees.

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e) Lack of nutrition:Button shedding occurs due to inadequate or lack of manuring. The recommended dose of

manurial schedules and proper time of application are important to minimise the button shedding.Apply extra 2 kg of K

2O with 200 g of Borax/palm over and above the usual dosage of fertilizer to

correct the barren nuts in coconut.

f) Lack of pollination:Button shedding also occurs due to lack of pollination. Setting up of bee hives at 15 units per ha

may increase the cross pollination in the garden. Further the additional income obtained throughhoney, increases the net profit per unit area.

g) Hormone deficiency:The fertilised female flowers shed in some cases. By spraying 2 - 4 D at 30 ppm, the setting

percentage could be increased to 32.5 per cent as against 25 per cent in the control. The chemical2 - 4 D may be mixed at 30 mg per litre of water and sprayed one month after opening of the spatheusing micro sprayer.

h) Pests:Button shedding may happen due to the attack of bug. Spraying of systemic insecticides like

Methyldemeton 0.025% or Dimethoate 0.03% may reduce the occurrence.

i) Diseases: Button shedding also occurs due to disease incidence such as Thanjavur wilt.Adoption of control measures suggested for the disease reduces not only spread of the disease butalso prevents shedding of buttons.

COCONUT NURSERY MANAGEMENT

The seed for collecting seed materials from high yielding coconut palms can hardly be overemphasised in a perennial crop like coconut.

The following points may be remembered.1. Select seed gardens which contains large proportion of high yielding trees with uniformity

in yielding ability.

2. High yielding mother palms giving not less than 100 nuts/palm/annum should be chosenfor collecting seednuts. Alternate bearers should be avoided. The age of the palm chosenbe middle age i.e, from 25 to 40 years. Even trees with 15 years age can be selected, if itis high yielding and has stabilised yield.

3. A good regular bearing mother palm produces on an average one leaf and an inflorescencein its axil every month. So, there will be twelve bunches of varying stages of maturity at anyone time.

4. Harvest seed coconuts during the months of March - August to ensure good qualityseedlings.

5. The seednuts should be round in shape and when tapped by finger should produce metallicsound. Fully ripe nuts develop twelve months after fertilisation.

6. Harvest the bunches intended for seednut by lowering them to the ground using a rope toavoid injury to seednuts.

7. Seed nuts may be preserved in sand in shade for a month preceded by a week of shadedrying. Not more than four layers of seednut may be stacked in storage. Sprinkle water, ifthere is excess temperature due to summer. Seednuts may be dipped in Lindane solutionbefore planting. Four hundred grams of Lindane wettable powder may be dissolved in 100litres of water for this purpose.

8. Plant seednuts in raised sand bed adopting a spacing of 1' x 1'. Five rows of nuts may beplanted in each bed accommodating 25 to 50 nuts per row.

9. Irrigate the nursery beds every alternate day.

10. Provide shade to the nursery by raising Sesbania or Leucaena on the sides of beds.

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11. The seednuts start germination 6 - 8 weeks after planting and germination continues uptosix months. Select seedlings that germinate before 4 months after planting.

12. Select seedlings 9 to 12 months after planting. Seedlings which have germinated earlier,having good girth at collar and early splitting of leaflets should be selected for planting. Donot select the so called Kakkamukku Pillai i.e, seednuts which have just germinated.

VHC 2Coconut VHC 2 is suitable for Tamil Nadu which has the charecters of low buckling, high oil

content and yield.

Parentage East coast Tall x Malaysian dwarf yellow (MDY)Height 8.5 M (16 years old)Morphological characters Medium tall, thick trunk, semi circular to circular, large crownTime taken to 43 monthsfloweringYield 97 nuts/tree/yearNuts Medium to big, oblong, green to light yellowish green in colour.VPM 3Coconut VPM 3 is suitable for both rainfed and irrigated plantations of Tamil Nadu.Parentage Andaman OrdinaryHeight 7.8 to 8 m (25 years of bearing)Morphological character Tall, Circular trunk, round crownTime taken for flowering 63 monthsYield 92 nuts/palm/yearNuts Oblong, enlarged at the base, green with orange tinge and large nutsOil content 70.0%

MANAGEMENT OF THANJAVUR

WILT OF COCONUT

The management practices for the disease will be effective, only if they are adopted in the earlystage of the disease ie., as soon as bleeding symptoms are noticed.

In sandy soil, organic matter status of the soil has to be improved. For this, green manure cropsmay be raised and ploughed in situ or well decomposed farm yard manure at 50 kg per palm has tobe applied every year. Only if organic manures are applied, the fungicides will be effective.

Bordeaux mixture (1%) drenching should not be done in summer months especially duringMarch, April, May. When Bordeaux mixture drenching and root feeding of Calixin or Aureofungin-sol+ Copper sulphate are done, the palms should be irrigated only after 4 or 5 days. For Bordeauxmixture drenching the soil should be completely dry. Then only 40 litres solution will be required todrench at least 4 or 5" depth of soil. Latest method of application for Aureofungin-sol is root feeding(2g Aureofungin sol + 1 g copper sulphate in 100 ml of water) and not stem injection. Neem cake (5kg) also should be applied to diseased trees every year. Neem cake application should not becombined with Bordeaux mixture drenching. There should be at least one month intervalbetween neem cake application and Bordeaux mixture drenching.

If the above precautions are carefully followed and the integrated control measure of organicmanure application, cultural practices (Summer irrigation) and fungicides application are adoptedThanjavur wilt in coconut can be kept under check.

IPM Technology for Red palm weevil: The dead palm has to be disposed off and the stumpburnt. The garden should be kept clean. Root feeding of Monocrotophos @ 10 ml + 10 ml of water/palm given with due precaution, viz., i) Harvest and nuts before root feeding and subsequent harvestsdone 45 days after root feeding and ii) irrigation has to be given to root fed palms only after a week(or) Apply 1 - 2 Aluminium phosphide tablets in the bore holes and plug it immediately with moistcement and fytolan.

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OILPALM

1. INTRODUCTIONOil palm requires evenly distributed annual rainfall of 2000 mm without a defined dry season

since it is continuously growing and yielding all through the year. In areas with dry spell, a deep soilwith high water holding capacity and a shallow water table can however, satisfy the water requirementof the palm. Though the crop can withstand 3 to 4 months of dry period, continued moisture stressaffects the yield adversely, unless augmented with copious irrigation.

Temperature can be a limiting factor for oil palm production as it influences inflorescenceproduction, initiation of flower primordia, sex differentiation, anthesis, floral abortion and growth rateof palm. Prolonged cooler temperature with less than 19oC reduces the growth rate and leafproduction considerably in oil palm. More number of male inflorescences are produced under lowminimum temperatures. Best oil palm yields are obtained in places where a maximum averagetemperature of 29-33oC and minimum average temperature of 22-24oC are available. Higher diurnaltemperature variation causes floral abortion in regions with a dry season.

The crop requires 1800-2000 sunlight hours annually for producing good yield. The oil palmgrowth and yield will be drastically reduced when solar radiation levels fall below 300-Langleys (cal/cm2/day). Constant sunlight of atleast 5 hours per day is required for better oil palm yield.

Though oil palm is considered as a humid tropical crop, it can tolerate, a wide range of pedo-ecological conditions. It is found to grow well on a variety of soils. However, moist, deep and welldrained medium textured soils rich in humus content are considered ideal. Gravelly and sandy soils,particularly the coastal sands are not ideal for oil palm cultivation. Heavy clay soils with poor drainageproperties may pose problems of aeration during rainy seasons.

2. NURSERY AND ITS MANAGEMENTDirect planting of the germinated seedlings into the main-field is not advocated mainly due to the

anticipated damage of seedlings by rodents and also due to the expected uneven stand in the field.Therefore, a nursery is raised by planting germinated sprouts initially in a pre-nursery bed or inpolybags in a primary nursery and transplanting them at five leaf stage to a secondary nursery oflarge sized polybags. Raising seedlings in large polybags without a pre-nursery stage is also beingpracticed.

The potting mixture is made by mixing top soil, sand and well decomposed cattle manure inequal proportions. Smaller polybags of 250 guage and 23 x 13 cm size, preferably black are used forraising primary nurseries. These bags are filled with the potting mixture leaving one cm at the top ofthe bag. A healthy germinated sprout is placed at the centre at 2.5 cm depth. While placing thesprout, care must be taken to keep the plumule of the sprout facing upwards and the radicle downwardsin the soil. It is better to plant sprouts soon after the differentiation of radicle and plumule. Mulchingis beneficial for better growth in the nursery. Mulching with palm shell, finely divided bunch refuse,saw dust, groundnut husk or other fibrous material has been found to conserve moisture, preventcompaction of soil and provide certain amount of nutrition to the growing seedlings. Shading is alsofound beneficial at early stage especially when they are raised under higher temperature conditionsin certain parts of India. Adequate supply of water is to be ensured to these seedlings by installingpermanent irrigation facility. The seedlings are to be watered daily. Application of a fertilizer mixturecontaining one part of ammonium sulphate, one part of super phosphate, one part of muriate ofpotash and two parts of magnesium sulphate is recommended at 15 g at one month stage, 45 g atthree months stage and 60 g at six months stage per seedling. This has to be applied 6 - 8 cm awayfrom seedlings during the first application, 10-12 cm away during second and 15-20 cm away duringthe third application in primary nursery. Surface soil is slightly scratched at the time of fertilizerapplication.

3. SINGLE STAGE POLY BAG NURSERY AND SECONDARY NURSERYThe germinated seeds can be directly planted into large black polybags with the advantage of

avoiding the pre-nursery stage. Experimental trials conducted in Malaysia have shown that planting

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of germinated seeds directly into large polybags gives more vigorous larger seedlings than thoseobtained by raising pre-nurseries. At present the single stage polybag nursery is recommended inIndia. Since the plants are to remain in these polybags for more than one year, good quality polybagsof 500 gauge and 40 x 45 cm size are to be used. On the lower half of the bag, perforations are madeat an interval of 7.5 cm for drainage. A bag can carry 15 - 18 kg of nursery soil depending on the typeof soil mixture used.

Germinated seeds are planted in the same way as described under primary nursery. It isimportant to provide shade until seedlings attain two leaf stage. This can be done by staking palmleaflets in each bag so as to cover the bag like an umbrella over the developing seedlings. Thoughthe single stage nursery is more labour intensive, it is compensated by the reduction in the overalltime for transplanting by about two months. Where two stage nursery system is practiced, eightweek old pre-nursery seedling (five leaf stage) from smaller bag with its ball of soil is transplanted assuch into the larger polybag.

The water requirement for different stages of growth of seedlings are as follows: 0 - 2 months at4 mm/day, 2 - 4 months at 5 mm/day, 4 - 6 months at 7 mm/day and 6 - 8 months at 10 mm/day. Itis better to supply if feasible the daily requirement in two halves to prevent overflow and wastagecaused by one time application. Application of 9 - 18 lit. of water per seedling per week according tothe stage of growth and soil type.

Shading the nursery is not an usual practice and is not recommended except under hightemperature conditions. Hand weeding is recommended at monthly intervals both in polybags andthe intervening ground.

4. FIELD PLANTINGIt is necessary to prepare the land for oil palm plantings at least 3 months before transplanting

the seedlings to the main field. In the case of forest land chosen for oil palm plantation, the majoractivities involved are, felling of existing vegetation and piling up and burning of the residue. In soilswith low permeability, drainage channels are to be constructed to prevent water stagnation in upperlayer of soil. On steep slopes, circular platforms are cut with a diameter of 3 - 4 m and a slope backto the hill side of 7 - 8o. However, in very steep slopes of over 20o, terracing is required. Clearingpaths are constructed in the centre of every other avenue.

5. AGE OF SEEDLINGS AT TRANSPLANTINGIn places with no distinct dry season, it is advisable to plant well grown seedlings of 10 - 16

months old. In Malaysia, polybag seedlings of 13 months or more gave significantly higher yields inthe first three bearing ages than those transplanted at younger ages. From trials conducted in otheroil palm growing countries, it was observed that seedlings of 12 - 14 months of age are the ideal onesfor transplanting to main field. At this stage, a well developed tenera seedling will have a height of 1-1.3 m from base and will have more than 13 functional leaves. These seedlings were found tomaintain higher leaf production, bear earlier, produce heavy bunches, give higher fruit/bunch ratioand a higher oil to mesocarp in the first year of harvest.

6. SELECTION OF SEEDLINGSAll deformed, diseased and elongated seedlings are to be discarded. Differences in the height

of healthy seedlings ranging from 90 to 159 cm tend to even up after 14 months of transplanting tomaintain in Malaysia.

7. TIME OF TRANSPLANTINGTransplanting to the main field has to be done during the onset of rainy season so that the

seedlings can establish under favorable conditions. Most suitable time for transplanting seedlingsinto main field in India is with the onset of monsoon by which time the seedlings are to be atleast 12- 14 months in the nursery. Accordingly, raising nursery has to be planned well in advance for timelysupply of the seedlings.

In very impermeable soils and where there is chance for the seedlings to suffer severely duringrainy season, proper drainage has to be ensured. In Kuttanad region of Kerala, oil palm is being

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successfully grown on raised bunds or terraces which are surrounded by standing water during therainy season.

8. SPACING AND METHOD OF PLANTINGThe optimum planting density for oil palm is the density of population that gives maximum

production from unit area. When density is less than the optimum level, though individual palm yieldincreases to a certain extent, the total production per unit area will be lesser.

Population above optimum level will take also lead to reduced production of individual palmsdue to competition for water, nutrients and sunlight thus reducing the total yield per unit area. Yieldof individual palms are adversely affected due to increased density of planting causing mutual shadingof leaves. Although closer spaced palms gave higher yields initially, as the palms grow, mutualshading affects the yields adversely.

Under more favourable conditions a population of 127 - 135 palms per hectare was found to beoptimum whereas under less favourable conditions as in India, higher densities of 138 - 150 palmsper hectare are recommended.

Dense shade affects sex ratio in oil palm. Close planting induces more male inflorescence. Avery regular planting arrangement with largest possible number of similarly spaced surrounding palmsis desirable and triangular spacing fulfills this requirement best. Triangular system of planting with 9x 9 x 9 m spacing accommodates 143 palms/ha.

For efficient utilization of solar energy the rows are to be oriented in the North-South direction.Equilateral triangular system of planting with 9 m spacing between palms will allow each plant tooccupy the centre of a hexagon thus allowing better use of the area.

9. TRANSPORTING SEEDLINGS AND PREPARING PITSWhile transporting seedlings to the planting site one hand is placed at the bottom of the bag

while holding the plant collar with the other one. Leather gloves can be used to avoid injury withspines of the leaves.

Pits of 60 cm are taken prior to planting and filled with surrounding top soil and allowed to settle.In the refilled and root zone soil, a depression sufficient to cover the ball of earth is made at the timeof planting.

After removing the bag by cutting edges, the plant is carefully placed in the depression with theball of earth. The surface of the ball of earth must be at the soil level as planting below or above thesoil level is not congenial for the later development of the seedlings. The space in between the ballof earth and the hole is filled and compacted.

Protecting the seedling by placing wire net around the base of the seedling at the time of plantingis practiced in areas where wild bear or rodents are prevalent. Rock phosphate is applied at 200 gper planting pit. Nitrogen is not usually applied in the planting pits as the application of fertilizers maydamage the root system and affect survival of the plants if there is a dry period soon after planting.Nitrogen and potassium are usually applied 4 - 6 weeks after planting. In Mg deficient soils, magnesiumis applied at 100 g as anhydrous MgSO

4 or 200 g epsum salt per seedling.

10. REPLACEMENT AND GAP FILLINGField inspection is carried out one to two months after planting to gap fill dead plants. Replanting

is carried out during the onset of next monsoon. These palms are to be given special care so thatthey can catch up with the rest of the plantations. Early production of more female inflorescences inthe initial 30 months, is an indication of high yielders and all those that fail to produce female buncheswill remain as poor yielders. However, replacements are found to be affected to some extent by thevigorous growth of the neighbouring palms which will shade the replanted palms.

Pest Management:In India, since the import of germplasm is in the form of seeds/sprouts, possibilities for introduction

of the pest species from other countries are limited. But many of the pest species of related palm

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species such as coconut and areca palm, have got adapted to oil palm. Among the 49 species ofinsects infesting adult oilpalms, 14 species are known pests of coconut and 19 species are knownpests of areca palms. Insect pests of oilpalm in India are more or less same as those reported fromMalaysia and other South-East Asian countries.

Pest of adult palmsThe rhinoceros beetle:

The rhinoceros beetle is primarily a serious pest of coconut palm, and in recent years hasattained the pest status in oilpalm also. The adult beetle which bores through into the spear leaves,resulting in snapping of the fronds at the feeding sites. In oil palm plantations failed femaleinflorescences, dead palm trunks, persistent leaf axils and empty bunch heaps, act as breeding sitesfor the pest.

The red palm weevil:Infestation by the red palm weevil Chynchophorus ferrungineus was noticed in majority of oil

palm plantations resulting in the death of the palms. Damage is due to the feeding activity of thegrubs, usually 12-87 per palm, which bore through and feed on the softer tissues of stem and meristem.Palms infested by R.ferrugineus show gradual wilting and drying of outer whorl of fronds. In somecases roofing of spear was also noticed.

Biological controlIn nature, the rhinoceros beetle is suppressed by entomophogens like Baculovirus oryctus virus

and Metarhizium anisopliae. Release of Baculovirus oryctes minimise the pest incidence.

Cultural control:i) Field sanitation and elimination of breeding sites like dead palm trunks, empty bunch heaps

etc., within the plantations are essential for the management of both red palm weevil andrhinoceros beetle.

ii) When the infestation by rhinoceros beetle is very high, especially in young plantations,Hand picking of the adult beetles using hooks is very effective.

iii) For red palm weevils, use of attractants incorporating fermented sugarcane juice, aceticacid, yeast etc., to collect and kill the adult weevils is recommended.

Chemical control:i) For rhinoceros beetles, placing 3-4 napthalene balls in the youngest spear axils at weekly

intervals is recommended.

ii) For palms with advanced stage of infestation by red palm weevil, stem injection of 5-8 ml ofmonocrotophos is advised.

Fruit bunch covering against avian pestsCovering the bunches with different materials such as noirenets, reed baskets, plaited coconut

leaf baskets and senile oil palm leaf are effective in preventing the fruit damage. But senile oil palmleaf covering is more practical and economical as the material is readily available and involves onlythe labour charges and cost of rope bits.

Rodent control:Among rats, the burrowing type is more serious which tunnel into the bole of the seedlings.

Different baits such as acute poison baits (Zinc phosphide, Aluminium phosphide etc.) anticoagulants(warfarin, fumarin, bromadiolone) and traps such as iron like traps, snap traps, deathfall trap, borotrap etc. may be used as an integrated approach to minimise the rodent damage to the crop.

3.Disease:Oil palm, a new crop to the country is reported to be affected by a number of diseases and

disorders. Among these bud rot causes, considerable economic losses.

Bud rot:Higher disease incidence is noticed in young plantations. Rotting initiates at the basal portion of

the spear closure to the meristem and extends to the whole spear. The spear could be easily pulled

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off. Cleaning the affected tissues and drenching the crown with carbendazim 0.1 percent cures thedisease. The leaves emerging immediately after the application of fungicides are shorter andsuccessively emerging ones are normal.

Leaf spots:Leaf spots caused by Curvularia noticed on the inner whirl and young leaves. The fungal spots

enlarge with a yellow ring around spots. As these spots enlarge the leaf will be scorched.Pestalotipsis fungal spots are irregular with grey to brown centre. Numerous black dots, the

acervuli of the fungus, are seen on the lesions.Management: 1. Affected leaves must be cut and burnt. 2. Spray Mancozeb @ 0.2%.

CollanteCollante is a symptom associated with inadequate soil moisture conditions, planting of seedlings

in the field during dry weather also induces collante symptoms in the affected seedlings, the leavesfail to unfurl properly with a constriction developing in the central portion of the leaf. The rainsbecome prominent and the leaves rigid. In extreme cases the leaf remains as a woody spike withoutseparation of leaf lets. The symptoms are not seen in fresh leaves, when adequate watering is done.

Insect pollination in oil palm:The oil palm, hitherto though to be wind pollinated, has been now proved to be an a insect

pollinated species. From West Africa, the original home of oil palm, eight species of pollinatingweevils were reported. Occurence of Eldeidobius kamerunicus in the oil palm plantations of Keralawas introduced during 1985 from where it was introduced and got established in little Andamansduring 1986.

The weevils are dark brown in colour. Adult weevils feed on the anther filament. Eggs aredeposited inside the male flowers and larva feeds on the spent flowers. Life-cycle is completedwithin 11 to 13 days. Males live longer than females. The activity of the insects is in accordance withthe receptivity of the male and female inflorescences. It was roughly estimated that 40 palms in agrove might be the minimum to sustain a sufficiently high continuous population of pollinators topollinate. All are receptive female inflorescences. The weevils carry maximum pollen during thethird day of antheses. Antennae, rostrum, thorax, legs etc. are the main sites of pollen land.E.kamerunicus has a fairly good searching ability. It can survive in dry as well as in wet seasons.

Introduction of weevil in India increased the fruit let from 36.8 percent to 56.1 percent resultingin 40 per cent increase in F/B ratio. The maximum attainable pollination potential was as much as tocent percent with 57 percent increase in FFN weight.

For introduction, male flowers cut from palms which have the weevils are transferred to a plantationwhere one wishes to introduce. In order to make sure that they are not carrying any plant pathogensto other area/countries, we have to breed them under laboratory conditions for seven or eightgenerations before introduction.

11. ABLATIONThe bunches produced initially will be very small and have low oil content. Removal of such

inflorescences is called ablation or castration. Removal of all inflorescences during the initial threeyears is found to improve vegetative growth of young palms so that regular harvesting can commenceafter three and half years of planting. Ablation is done at monthly interval by pulling out the younginflorescence using gloves or with the help of devices such as narrow bladed chisels. Ablationimproves drought resistance capacity of young palms by improving shoot and root growth especiallyin low production areas where dry condition exists.

12. PRUNING OF LEAVESIn oil palm two leaves are produced per month. Therefore, it becomes necessary to prune

excess leaves so as to gain access to bunches for harvest. Severe pruning will adversely affect bothgrowth and yield of palm, cause abortion of female flowers and also reduce the size of the leaves. Itwas suggested that palms aged 4 - 7 years should retain 6 - 7 leaves per spiral (48 - 56), those aged

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8 - 14 years 5 - 6 leaves per spiral (40 - 49) and those above 15 years should have 4 - 5 leaves perspiral (32 - 40). Leaf pruning is carried out in India using chisels so that leaf base that is retained onthe palm is as short as possible or otherwise it may catch loose fruits, allow growth of epiphytes andthe leaf axils form a potential site for pathogens. The leaf petioles are removed by giving a clear cutat a sufficient distance from the base of the petiole using a sharp chisel for young palms and with thelong sickle in taller palms.

Pruning is preferably carried out at the end of the rainy season. It is also better to carry it outduring the low crop season when labourers are also available. Pruning is confined to only lowersenile leaves during initial harvests but when canopy closes in later years, leaves are cut so as toretain two whorls of fronds below the ripe bunch.

13. WEED CONTROLThe basin area of oil palm is kept free of weed growth through ring weeding. It is more important

for young palms, roots of which are to be kept free from competition from weed. Depending on theextent of weed growth and rainfall, hand weeding is carried out even upto four times in a year duringearly years of the plantation which is progressively reduced to two rounds a year.

Herbicide application has become common in recent years. Care must be taken in the choice ofherbicide and its application to prevent the damage of young palms. It is recommended to preferablyapply contact herbicides rather than translocated herbicides. Translocated herbicides like Paraquatwhich is inactivated when contacted with soil are also used. Herbicides such as 2, 4-D, 2, 4-5-T,halogenated aliphatic acids Dalapon and TCA are found to produce abnormalities in oil palm seedlingsand are to be avoided. Herbicide mixtures of 2 kg a.i. of Paraquat with 3 - 4 kg Atrazine Monuron andDiuron per ha sprayed/ground applied twice a year has been found to give control of weeds in youngpalms in Nigeria.

14. MAINTENANCE OF PATHSIn young plantation, the maintenance of paths is important for inspection and in later years for

harvesting. This is carried out by timely weed control as done in the case of ring weeding.

15. WATER REQUIREMENTContinuous soil moisture availability encourages vigorous growth and increased yield of oil

palm. Adequate supply of water, good soil depth and water holding capacity contribute to wateravailability. In oil palm as water deficiency increases, stomata will remain closed and the developmentand opening of spear will be inhibited. Water deficiency adversely affects flower initiation, sexdifferentiation and therefore, results in low sex ratio due to production of more male inflorescences.It is established that oil palm needs 120 - 150 mm of water to meet its monthly evapo-transpirationneeds. In areas where perennial water source is available, basin irrigation is possible. But where theterrain is undulating and water is scarce during summer months, drip irrigation is recommended tokeep four drippers per palm in the weeded palm circle to supply atleast 90 litres of water per palm perday during summer months which will vary according to the ETP values in a locality.

16. FERTILIZER REQUIREMENTBased on the fertilizer experiments conducted under rainfed conditions in India, the following

fertilizer schedule is recommended for oil palm until specific results are derived from multilocationalfertilizer trials.

Fertilizer recommendation for oilpalmAge Nutrients (gram/palm/year)

N P KFirst year 400 200 400Second year 800 400 800Third year 1200 600 1200onwards

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17. METHOD OF FERTILIZER APPLICATIONThe fertilizers are preferably applied in two equal split doses during May - June and September

- October by uniformly spreading them within a 2 metre circle around the base of the palm andforking to incorporate them into the soil. Supply of sufficient quantity of green leaves or compost isadvantageous especially where the soil is poor in organic matter content. Mg deficiency can becorrected through the application of 500 g of MgSO

4 /palm/year.

Urea is found to be the most economic nitrogen source if losses by volatilization and leachingare minimised. Rock phosphate and muriate of potash are the best source for phosphorus andpotassium respectively. During the initial years fertilizers may be applied within the area covered bythe crown canopy. In the case of older palms, fertilizers are applied depending on the concentrationof roots and are usually applied in the weeded circle. Appropriate soil conservation methods such asgrowing cover crops and platform cutting (on sloppy lands) enhance the efficiency of fertilizers bypreventing losses through run off.

18. NUTRIENTS - FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMSThe effect of major nutrients on growth and yield of oil palm has been studied in most of the oil

palm growing countries in Asia and Africa.

a) Nitrogen: In oil palm, characteristic yellowing symptoms are developed under N deficiencyconditions. Nitrogen is found to be essential for rapid growth and fruiting of the palm. It increases theleaf production rate, leaf area, net assimilation rate, number of bunches and bunch weight. Excessiveapplication of nitrogen increases the production of male inflorescence and decreases femaleinflorescence thereby reducing the sex ratio.

b) Phosphorus: In oil palm seedlings, P deficiency causes the older leaves to become dull andassume a pale olive green colour while in adult palms high incidence of premature desiccation ofolder leaves occurs. Phosphorus application increases the bunch production rate, bunch weight,number of female inflorescences and thereby the sex ratio. However, lack of response to P due to Pfixation in soils is very common in the tropics. Eventhough the main effect of phosphorus on theproductivity of the palm has not been significant in most studies, it gives a positive interaction withnitrogen and potassium.

c) Potassium: When potassium is deficient, growth as well as yield is retarded and it istranslocated from mature leaves to growing points. Under severe deficiency, the mature leavesbecome chlorotic and necrotic. Confluent orange spotting is the main K deficiency condition in oilpalm in which chlorotic spots, changing from pale green through yellow to orange, develop andenlarge both between and across the leaflet, veins and fuse to form compound lesions of a brightorange colour. Necrosis within spots is common, but irregular. Mid crown yellowing is anotherprominent K deficiency condition of the palm in which leaves around the 10th position on the phyllotaxybecome pale in colour followed by terminal and marginal necrosis. A narrow band along the midribusually remains green. There is a tendency for later formed leaves to become short and the palmhas an unthrifty appearance with much premature withering.

Potassium removal is large compared to the normal exchangeable K content in most top soils.It is mostly required for the production of more number of bunches, maximum number of femaleinflorescences, increased bunch weight and also for increasing the total dry matter production andyield.

d) Magnesium: In adult oil palm and in seedlings in the field, severe Mg deficiency symptomsare most striking and have been named as ‘orange frond’. While the lower most leaves are dead,those above them show a gradation of colouring from bright orange on the lower leaves to faintyellow on leaves of young and intermediate age. The youngest leaves do not show any discolouration.The most typical Mg-deficiency symptom is the shading effect in which the shaded portion of theleaflet will be dark green while the exposed portion of the same leaflet is chlorotic. Heavy rates of Kapplications induce Mg-deficiency, particularly on poor acid soils.

Among the secondary nutrients, calcium and sulphur, and probably chlorine, may not posemuch problems to oilpalm cultivation in the country.

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e) Micronutrients: Micronutrient elements, iron, manganese, copper and zinc are not generallyfound limiting in the nutrition of oil palm on acid soil conditions. Boron deficiency is occasionallyfound on young palms in the field showing a reduction of leaf area in certain leaves producing incipient‘little leaf’, advanced ‘little leaf’ with extreme reduction of leaf area and bunching and reduction in thenumber of leaflets and ‘fish-bone’ leaf. The ‘fish-bone’ leaves are abnormally stiff with leaflets reducedto projections. Leaf malformations including ‘hook leaf’ and corrugated leaflets are some otherassociated symptoms. Soil application of 50 - 200 g borax decahydrate, per palm, depending onage, and severity of symptoms is practiced for correcting the malady.

19. HARVESTINGProper and timely harvesting of fruit bunches is an important operation which determines the

quality of oil to a great extent. The yield is expressed as fresh fruit bunches (FFB) in kg per hectareper year or as oil per hectare per year. The bunches usually ripen in six months after anthesis.Unripe fruits contain high water and carbohydrate and very little oil. As the fruit ripens oil contentincrease to 80 - 85% in mesocarp. Over ripe fruit contains more free fatty acids (FFA) due todecomposition and thus increases the acidity. Usually the ripe fruits, attached to the bunches contain0.2 to 0.9% FFA and when it comes out of extraction plant the FFA content is above 3%.

Ripeness of the fruit is determined by the degree of detachment of the fruit from bunches,change in colour and change in texture of the fruit. Ripening of fruits start from top downwards,nigrescens fruits turning reddish orange and the virescens (green) to reddish brown. Fruits also getdetached from tip downward in 11 - 20 days time. Ripeness is faster in young palms than in olderpalms for the bunches of equal weight.

The criteria used in determining the degree of ripeness based on the fruit detachment are asfollows:

a) fallen fruits: 10 detached or easily removable fruits for young palms and 5 for adult palms,

b) number of fruits detached after the bunch is cut; 5 or more fruits/kg of bunch weight,

c) quantity of detachment per bunch; fruit detachment on 25% of visible surface of bunch.

These criteria could be applied with flexibility.

20. FREQUENCY OF HARVESTINGHarvesting rounds should be made as frequent as possible to avoid over ripening of bunches.

A bunch which is almost ripe but not ready for harvest for a particular harvesting round should not beover-ripe by next round. In lean period of production, harvesting can be made less frequent and itshould be more frequent in peak periods. Harvesting rounds of 7 - 14 days are generally practiced.Other factors determining frequency are, extraction capacity of the mill, transportation facilities, labouravailability and skill of the workers. In India, harvesting is usually carried out with a chisel of 6 - 9 cmwide attached to a wooden pole or light hollow aluminium pipe, Bunches are cut without damagingthe petiole the leaf that supports it. Use of narrow chisel is usually carried out till the palm reachestwo meters above the ground. For taller palms upto 4 meters, a wider chisel of 14 cm is used. Thecurved knife is attached to a long bamboo or aluminium pole with screws or steel wires to harvestfrom taller palms. In uneven stands, an adjustable, telescopic type of pole is in use.

21. ECONOMICSA detailed account of the economics of oilpalm cultivation in India has been furnished. The data

furnished therein is modified using current labour charges and oil price and the details on variousinvestments and returns from one hectare adult plantation is furnished in the Table 1, 2. This excludesthe cost of land as we expect government owned land, leased land, or already owned property will beused for oilpalm cultivation. From the fourth year, the yield of bunches increases upto tenth year,and a stabilized bearing is attained thereafter. The investment during first year under irrigation will bealmost three times of that under rainfed conditions mainly on account of the initial expenditure requiredto install the drip irrigation system. With irrigation the annual returns will exceed the annual expensesfrom the first harvest itself, i.e, during the fourth year after planting. By the end of sixth year the total

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returns will be more than total investments including all the expenditure for installing pumpset and thedrip irrigation system. A minimum of 22 FFB per hectare can be expected from the tenth yearonwards.

1. Labour cost of calculated at Rs.40/- per day.

2. Yield of 15 t under rainfed and 22 t under irrigated condition are the actual average yieldobtained at Central Plantations Crops Research Institute, Palode, Kerala from 10th yearonwards. This can go up to 30 t/ha with high yielding genotypes and added managementpractices as is estimated from the initial growth of palms in Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka.

3. Capital investment such as cost of land, cost of pumpset and irrigation system, etc., hasnot been included.

4. Intercropping is also possible in oil palm plantations with annual crops during the initial 5years and again after 10 years. Profitability from intercropping has not been taken intoaccount.

TABLE 1 - COST OF PRODUCTION AND EXTRACTION CHARGES (Rs.) PER HECTARE

Rainfed Irrigated

Labour cost 150 x Rs.40/- 6,000 8,000 **

Fertilizer cost 2,000 2,000

Plant protection cost 200 200

Total cost of production 8,200 10,200

Oil extraction charges 7,000 8,000

Total expenditure 15,200 18,200

** 200 x 40

TABLE 2 - INCOME FROM ONE HECTARE OF OIL PALM PLANTATION - PURE CROP -AFTER YIELD STABILIZATION (10th Year onwards)

Rainfed-average yield Irrigated-average yield Irrigated anticipatedobtained at Palode obtained at Palode inputs yield with high yielding

genotype and added

Produce Quantity Amount Quantity Amount Quantity Amountand rate (Rs.) and rate (Rs.) and rate (Rs.)

FFB Yield/ha 15 t 22 t 25 t 3 t 4.4 t 5 t

Oil 20% (Rs.) 20000 60000 20000 88000 20000 100000

Kernel 300 kg 10,500 440 kg 15,400 500 kg 17,500Oil @ Rs.35/kg @ Rs.35/kg @ Rs.35/kg

Fronds 24 fronds 420 24 fronds x 420 24 fronds x 420(firewood) x 140 @ 140 @ Rs.3/- 140 @ Rs.3/

Rs.3/24 24 fronds 24 fronds

TOTALINCOME 70,920 1,03,820 1,17,920

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NIGERSeason:Adipattam : June - July

Purattasipattam : Sep - Oct

Areas of adoption : Hosur and Denkanikotta taluks of Dharmapuri district and hillyregions of Shevroy, Kolli hills and Jawad hills.

Variety : Paiyur 1

Description of Varieties

Parentage : Mass selection from composite II

Duration (days) : 80

Yield (kg/ha) : 259

Oil content (%) : 44.6

Plant height (cm) : 80 - 85

Branches : Profuse

Seed : Bold

Colour of seed : Brown

50% flowering (days) : 50

MUSTARDLeaf webber: Spraying either endosulfan 35 EC 0.7% or Quinalphos 25 EC 0.5% to reduce the

incidence of leaf webber.

��

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COTTON


District/Season Varieties/HybridsIrrigated (Main)Winter irrigated (Aug - Sep)

Coimbatore, Erode, MCU 5, MCU 5 VT, MCU 9, MCU 11Madurai, Dindigul, Theni Suvin, Jayalaxmi*, TCHB 213*

HB 224*, Savitha

Dharmapuri MCU 5, MCU 11, Jayalaxmi*TCHB 213*, HB 224*, Savitha

Salem, Namakkal MCU 5, MCU 9, MCU 11, SuvinJayalaxmi*, HB 224*, TCHB 213*, Savitha

Cuddalore, Villupuram MCU 5, MCU 9, MCU 11, Jayalaxmi*,HB 224*, TCHB 213*, Savitha

Summer - Irrigated (Feb - Mar)Erode MCU 5, MCU 5 VT, MCU 9, MCU 11, Jayalaxmi*

HB 224*,LRA5166, TCHB 213*, SVPR 2

Madurai, Dindigul, Theni MCU 5, MCU 5 VT, MCU 9, MCU 11, Jayalaxmi*,HB 224*, LRA 5106, TCHB 213*, SVPR 1, SVPR 2

Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, MCU 5, MCU 9, Jayalaxmi*Sivagangai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi TCHB 213*, SVPR 1, SVPR 2

Short duration (Jan - Feb)Erode, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni,Ramanathapuram, Tiruchirapalli, MCU 7Perambalur, Karur, Thanjavur,Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore,Villupuram

Medium Duration (Jan - Feb)Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur,Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, LRA 5166Nagapattinam, Erode

Rainfed (Sep - Oct)Madurai, Dindigul, Theni MCU 10, LRA 5166, K10, K 11

Dindigul Paiyur 1

Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, MCU 10, LRA 5166, K 11, KC 2

Sivagangai

Tirunelveli, Thothukudi , K 9, K 10, Paiyur 1, KC 2

Dharmapuri MCU 10, LRA 5166, Paiyur 1

Rice FallowThanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam,parts of Trichirapalli, Perambalur, ADT 1, MCU 7, SVPR 2Karur, Cuddalore, and Villupuram

*Hybrid

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Cotton

II. PARTICULARS OF COTTON VARIETIES/HYBRIDS

Varieties/ Parentage Season Irrigated/ Mean yield Special featuresHybrids Rainfed of seed

(kg/ha)

MCU 5 Multiple cross Aug-Jan Irrigated 1850 Extra long staple (29 mmMHL) 70s, ginning 34%

MCU 7 X ray irradiation of Jan-Feb to Irrigated 1330 Medium staple of (23.7 mmx L 1143 EE May-June (Rice fallows) MHL) 40s, early maturing

(Summer) with 33.2% ginning outturn.Tolerant to Black arm.

MCU 9 MCU 8 x MCU 5 Aug-Jan Irrigated 2100 Extra long staple, 70s.,hybrid derivative (Winter) Combines yield ginning

outturn (34.9%) and 30.5mm MHL

MCU 10 Gamma irradiation Sep-Oct to Rainfed 750 Medium staple, 40s,of MCU 4 Jan-Feb resistant to bacterial blight,

field tolerant to rhizoctoniaand alternaria. High ginningoutturn of 37%, 25 mm MHL.

MCU 11 MCU 5 x Egyptian Aug-Sept. Irrigated 2200 Early, increased ginninghirsutum Hybrid outturn (3.2%) over MCU 5,derivative increased seed cotton yield.

Extra long staple.

LRA 5166 Laxmi x Reba Sep-Oct to Rainfed 725 Medium staple (29 mm),B.50 x AC 122 Jan - Feb 40s, ginning 36.2%

K 9 H4x0896 hybrid Sep-Oct to Rainfed 570 Medium staple (25 mmderivative Jan - Feb MHL), rainfed Karunganni,

36.8% ginning outturn

K 10 K 9 x 11876 hybrid Sep-Oct to Rainfed 726 Early (140 days), mediumderivative Jan - Feb staple, rainfed Karunganni,

38% ginning outturn, 23.8 mm MHL

K 11 (0794-1-Dx11876)x Oct - Mar Rainfed 1100 Better fibre properties with(0794-D x 11450) lesser pest incidence thanMultiple Hybrid K 10derivative

Suvin Hybrid derivative Aug-Feb Irrigated 1020 Extra long staplefrom the cross cotton with 28% ginningSujatha x outturn and 32 mm MHL,St. Vincent spins 100s

Jayalaxmi Interspecific hybrid Aug-Feb Irrigated 2880 High yielding hybrid withof DS 28 36.5, ginning outturn withG. hirsutum x 32.3 mm fibre length,SB 425 (VF) tolerant to red leaf blight andG.barbadense black arm, earlier by 10

days than Varalaxmi.


150

II. PARTICULARS OF COTTON VARIETIES/HYBRIDS (CONTD...)Varieties/ Parentage Season Irrigated/ Mean yield Special featuresHybrids Rainfed of seed

(kg/ha)

TCHB 213 Interspecific Hybrid Aug-Feb Irrigated 2215 High yielding,early maturing,of TCH 1218 Tolerant to leaf (G.hirsutum) spot diseasesand TCB 209 (G.barbadense)

SVPR 1 MCU 7 x AC 129/2 Feb - July Summer 15-16 Qtl. 1. Suited for summer irri-Irrigated of kapas/ha gated and tankfed rice fallows

of Virudhu nagar, Madurai,Dindigul, Theni, Tirunelvelidistricts.2. A medium staple cottonsuperior to MCU 7, yieldingadditional lint yield of 150 -180 kg/ha, maturing in 135days.

Paiyur 1 MCU 10 x SRT 1 Sep-Oct. Winter 1173 Resistant to bacterial blightRainfed and Alternaria leaf spot.

Suitable for late sowing inwinter rainfed tracts of Dhar-mapuri, Salem, Namakkal,Madurai, Dindigul, Thenidistricts. 145 - 150 daysduration.

Savitha T7 x M 12 Aug-Feb Irrigated 1800 It is an intra hirsutum hybrid(Intra hirsutum suited toWinter irrigated hybrid) tract of Tamilnadu. (Coimba-

tore, Erode, Salem, Namak-kal, Dharmapuri, Madurai,Dindigul, Theni districts). Ithas a ginning outturn of 34%and fibre length of 30 mm andcan spin 60’s count.

HB 224 It is an interspecific Aug-Feb Irrigated 2000 It is an interspecific hybridhybrid involving cotton involvingG.hirsutum xG.hirsutum G.barbadense species.x G.barbadense It is suited to Winter irrigatedspecies tract of Tamil Nadu

(Coimba-tore, Erode, Salem,Namakkal, Dharmapuri andDindigul districts). It has aginning outturn of 31.2% andfibre length of 32.4 mm andcan spin 80’s count.

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Cotton

II. PARTICULARS OF COTTON VARIETIES/HYBRIDS (CONTD...)Varieties/ Parentage Season Irrigated/ Mean yield Special featuresHybrids Rainfed of seed

(kg/ha)

ADT 1 It is a selection Jan-Feb Irrigated 1263 It is a short duration variety from Tomcot 37H with 125 days duration and it

is suited to rice fallow tract ofTamil Nadu (Thanjavur, Tiru-varur, Nagapattinam, parts ofTrichirapalli, Perambalur,Karur and Cuddalore, Villu-puram districts. It has given15% higher yield than MCU 7& it is 10 days earlier thanMCU 7. It is a medium staplevariety and can spin 30’scount.

SVPR 2 TSDT 22 Feb - Mar Irrigated 1658 Ginning out turn of 36.4%,x JR 36 summer medium staple (25.1 mm),

Irrigated can spin 40's suited tosummer irrigated and tankfedrice fallow tracts of TamilNadu.

KC 2 MCU 10 x KC 1 Sep - Oct Rainfed 772 Ginning out turn of 37.5%,medium staple cotton - 24.4mm, Rainfed black cotton soilof Tirunelveli, Thoothukudiand Virudhunagar.

III. PREPARATION OF FIELD FOR IRRIGATED COTTON CROP

1. PREPARATION OF THE FIELDi) Prepare the field to get a fine tilth.

ii) In garden lands, where ragi is the preceding crop and where ragi stubbles are still in thefield, do not plough.

iii) Chiselling for soils with hard pan: Chisel the soils having hard pan formation at shallowdepths with chisel plough at 0.5 M interval, first in one direction and then in the directionperpendicular to the previous one, once in three years. Apply 12.5 t farm yard manure orcomposted coir pith/ha besides chiselling to get an additional yield of about 30% overcontrol.

iv) If intercropping of Greengram/Soyabean is proposed, prepare the main field, so as to provideridges and furrows to take up sowing 20 days prior to cotton sowing.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOSTSpread 12.5 t of FYM or compost per ha if available, uniformly on the unploughed soil.

3. APPLICATION OF AzospirillumSeed treatment with Azospirillum at 3 packets (600 g) per hectare and 2 kg of Azospirillum/ha

mixed with 25 kg FYM and 25 kg of soil and applied on the seed line. This saves 25% nitrogenbesides increasing yield.


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4. FORMATION OF RIDGES AND FURROWSi) Form ridges and furrows 10 m long appropriate spacing depending upon the variety.

ii) Use ridge plough or bund former to form ridges so as to economise on cost of cultivation.

iii) In fields with ragi stubbles, just dibble cotton seeds at the specified spacings.

v) Adopt the following spacing between ridges for different varieties/hybrids.

Varieties/Hybrids Spacing between ridges (Incm)

MCU 5, MCU 9, MCU 5 VT, MCU 11, SVPR 1, LRA 5166 75Jayalaxmi 60TCHB 213, HB 224 120Suvin 90MCU 10 45

NOTE: Adopt higher spacing rows in fertile soils by 15 to 30 cm.5. APPLICATION OF INORGANIC FERTILIZERS

i) Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations.

ii) If soil test recommendations are not available, follow the blanket recommendation for thedifferent varieties.

Varieties/Hybrids Quantity of fertilizers in Kg/HaN P2O5 K20

MCU 7 60 30 30MCU 5, MCU 5 VT, MCU 9, MCU 11,Suvin 80 40 40Jayalaxmi, TCHB 213, HB 224 120 60 60

iii) If a heavily fertilised ragi crop precedes cotton crop, reduce the N recommendation by 25per cent.

iv) If basal application could not be done, apply on the 25th day after sowing.

v) Apply 50 per cent of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O basally for the normal crop. For

Jayalaxmi, apply 1/3 nitrogen and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O basally. In this case it would

be on 17 - 20 days.

vi) Apply the fertilizers in a band, two-thirds of the distance from the top of the ridge, andincorporate.

vii) Application of Azospirillum saves 25% N requirement. Hence apply 45 to 90 kg ‘N’/hadepending on the variety/hybrid.

6. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT MIXTUREMix 12.5 kg of micronutrient mixture formulated by the Department of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu

with enough sand to make a total quantity of 50 kg for one ha.

7. NUTRITIONAL DISORDERSNitrogen deficiency: Yellowing and drying or firing of lower leaves. Plants light green-lower

leaves yellow.

Phosphorus deficiency: Leaves dark green - Plants dwarfed - maturity delayed.

Potassium deficiency: Leaves show yellowish - white mottling - changing to light yellowishgreen - yellow spots occur between veins, the centre of these die and numerous brown specks occurat tips and margins between veins - tips and margin curl downward - leaves finally become reddishbrown.

Calcium deficiency: Petioles bend and collapse - in seedlings there is collapse and death ofprimary nodule, terminal buds and portion of hypocotyl.

Zinc deficiency: General bronzing of the first three leaves pronounced interveinal chlorosis.The leaves become thick and brittle with their margin turn upward - shortened internodes - bushyappearance.

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CottonSulphur deficiency:

The leaf blades become uniformly yellow or chlorotic - Old leaves as well as new leaves turnyellow.

a) In the case of Zinc deficient soils ZnSO4 @ 50 kg/ha as basal or ZnSO

4 0.5% spray thrice

after 40th DAS.

b) When reddening occurs in leaves apply 5% MgSO4, Urea and ZnSO

4 0.1% as foliar spray

on 50th and 80th day to correct this malady.

IV. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD OPERATIONS

I. SEED RATEAdopt the following seed rates for different varieties/hybrids.

Varieties/Hybrids Quantity of seed (Kg/ha)With fuzz Delinted Naked

MCU 5, MCU 9, MCU 5 VT, MCU 7, MCU 11, 15.00 7.50 ..

SVPR 2 15.00 .. ..

KC 2 20.00 15.00 ..

SUVIN .. .. 6.00

Jayalaxmi,HB 224 3.75 2.50 ..

TCHB 213 1.00 .. ..

NOTE: Even good quality seeds give a germination of only 60 per cent. So adopt a higher seed rateas above.

2. SPACINGIn a pure crop of cotton, adopt the spacing as below for the different varieties.

Varieties/hybrids Spacing (in cm)Between rows Between plants

MCU 5, MCU 5 VT, MCU 9 75 30

MCU 11, LRA 5166, SVPR 2

KC 2 45 15

SUVIN 90 45

Jayalaxmi, HB 224, TCHB 213 120 60

MCU 7, SVPR 1, ADT 1 60 30

Closer spacing (120x45 cm) and a fertilizer dose of 120:60:60 Kg N, P2O

5, K

2O/ha in DHB 105,

DHH 11, HB 224, DCH 32 and TCHB 213 give higher seed cotton yield.

b) If cotton intercropped with other crops, one paired row of cotton is alternated with threerows of intercrop and the total population of cotton crop is maintained at the same level asin the case of pure crop.

c) For intercropping with Greengram/Soyabean, complete sowing and irrigation 20 days priorto cotton sowing on one side of the ridge.

Intercropping system in cotton reduces the kapas and seed yield by 50% due to reduction inplant population. The reduction is more in alternate row system than in paired row system ofintercropping. Among the companion crops, cowpea and soybean have a smothering effect on thebase crop. The seeds from intercropping system deteriorated faster than counter part seeds of purecrop.


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Varieties/hybrid Spacing for cotton crop (in cm)Within Between BetweenPaired row Paired rows plants

MCU 5, MCU 9, MCU 5 VT, MCU 11 60 90 30SUVIN 80 100 45JAYALAXMI, HB 224, TCHB 213 100 140 60

Plant 2 rows of intercrop between each paired row of cotton

Intercrop Seed rate Spacing (cm)Rows Plants

Blackgram 12.5 30 10Greengram 12.5 30 10Cowpea 7.5 30 20Soyabean 20.0 30 10

For higher returns, advance sowing of either greengram or soyabean 20 days before sowing ofcotton in winter season is ideal.

3. ACID-DELINTING OF COTTON SEEDSi) Choose either plastic bucket or enamel bucket for acid delinting of seeds.ii) Do not use earthen wares, metal vessels, porcelain wares or wooden drum for acid delinting

as concentrated sulphuric acid will corrode them.iii) Put the required quantity of seeds in the container and add commercial concentrated

sulphuric acid at the rate of 100 ml per kg of fuzzy seed.iv) Stir vigorously and continuously with a wooden stick for 2 to 3 minutes till the fuzz sticking

to the seeds is completely digested and the seed coat attains a dark brown colour of coffeepowder.

v) Add water to fill the container. Drain the acid water and repeat the washing 4 or 5 times toremove any trace of acid.

vi) Remove the floating, ill-filled, damaged, diseased and insect attacked seeds while retainingthe healthy and good seeds which remain at the bottom.

vii) Drain the water completely and dry the delinted seeds in shade.

NOTE: Acid delinting has the following advantages:i) Eliminates some externally seed borne pathogenic organisms.ii) Kills eggs, larvae and pupae of pink boll worm.iii) Helps to remove immature, ill-filled, cut and damaged seeds.iv) Makes seed dressing more effective and easyv) Facilitates easy sowing.

4A. PRE-TREATMENT OF ACID DELINTED SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDESi) Treat the delinted seeds with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride @ 4g/kg of seed or

with Carbendazim (or) Thiram @ 2g/kg of seed.


First treat the seeds with biocontrol agents and then with biofertilizers.


ii) Treat the delinted fungicide treated seeds with 3 packets (600 g) of Azospirillum inoculantand sow immediately.

4B. SEED HARDENINGSoak the seeds in equal volume of Pungam leaf extract (1%) for 8 hours and dry back to original

moisture to increase germination and virour.

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CottonSeed pelleting: Seeds coated with arappu leaf powder (100 g/kg) along with DAP (40 g/kg),

micronutrient mixture (15 g/kg) and Azospirillum (200 g/kg) using 5% maida solution or gruel asadhesive (300 ml/kg) to increase the germination and vigour.

5. SOWINGi) Dibble the seeds at a depth of 3 cm in the furrows where fertilisers and insecticides are

applied, maintaining the correct spacing and then cover seeds with soil.

ii) In the case of intercropping, sow the seeds of the intercrop in between the paired rows ofcotton in a row of 5 cm apart and cover the seeds.

iii) Sow the required number of seeds in each hole.

Varieties/hybrids No. of seeds per holeFuzzy seeds Delinted seeds

Jayalaxmi, TCHB 213 2 1

All other varieties/hybrids 3 2

6. WEED MANAGEMENT

i) Apply any one of the following pre-emergence herbicides three days after sowing, using ahand operated sprayer fitted with deflecting or fan type nozzle. Sufficient moisture shouldbe present in the soil at the time of herbicide application or irrigate immediately afterFluchloralin application.

ii) Pre-emergence application of Fluchloralin 2.2 l/ha or Pendimethalin 3.3 l/ha followed byone hand weeding on 35 - 40 days after sowing.

NOTE: Do not use Diuron (Karmex) in sandy soil. Heavy rains after application of Karmex mayadversely affect germination of cotton seeds.

iii) Hoe and hand weed between 18th to 20th day of sowing, if herbicide is not applied at thetime of sowing.

7. GAP FILLINGa. Take up gap filling on the 10th day of sowing.

i) In the case of Jayalaxmi, HB 224, TCHB 213, raise seedlings in polythene bags of size 15cm x 10 cm.

ii) Fill the polythene bags with a mixture of FYM and soil in the ratio of 1:3.

iii) Dibble one seed per bag on the same day when sowing is taken up in the field.

iv) Pot water and maintain.

v) On the 10th day of sowing, plant seedlings maintained in the polythene bags, one in eachof the gaps in the field by cutting open the polythene bag and planting the seedling alongwith the soil intact and then pot water.

b. In the case of all other varieties, dibble 3 to 4 seeds in each gap and pot water.

8. THINNING OF SEEDLINGS:Thin out the seedlings on the 15th day of sowing. In the case of fertile soils, allow only one

seedling per hole, whereas in poor soil allow two seedlings per hole.


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10. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSi) Under normal culture:

Quantity of fertilizers (kg/ha)Basal Top dressing II top dressing

Varieties/Hybrids (18 - 20 DAS) (40 - 45 DAS) (60 - 65 DAS)N P K N P K N P K

MCU 7 30 30 30 30 .. .. .. .. ..MCU 5,MCU 5 VT, MCU 9, 40 40 40 40 .. .. .. .. ..SUVIN, MCU 11Jayalaxmi, HB 224, TCHB 213 40 60 60 40 .. .. 40 .. ..

FYM enriched with Mussorie Rock Phosphate (MRP) @20 kg P2O

5/ha and soil application of

phosphobacterium @2.5 kg/ha along with 40 kg N/ha as urea to enhance the yield.

ii) Application of fertilizers for Ragi stubble/dibbled cotton. If heavily fertilized ragi crop precedescotton crop reduce the ‘N’ recommendation by 25%.

Quantity of fertilizers (kg/ha) N, 75% of the recommended dose.Basal Top dressing II top dressing

Varieties/Hybrids (18 - 20 DAS) (40 - 45 DAS) (60 - 65 DAS)N P K N P K N P K

MCU 7 22.5 30 30 22.5 .. .. .. .. ..MCU 5,MCU 5 VT, MCU 9, 30 40 40 30 .. .. .. .. ..SUVIN, MCU 11Jayalaxmi, TCHB 213 30 60 60 30 .. .. 30 .. ..

11. TOP DRESSING OF ‘N’ FERTILIZERi) Top dress 50% of the recommended dose of N on 40 - 45th day of sowing for cotton

varieties.

ii) Top dress 1/3rd of recommended dose of N on 40-45th day sowing for hybrids.

NOTE: In case of winter irrigated cotton, whenever the cotton is dibbled in ragi stubbles and alsowhere the crop is sown with the receipt of rainfall and later converted into irrigated crop, or inareas of water scarcity during the initial period, the basal application can be postponed to25th day. In such cases, the full dose of phosphorus and potash with 25% Nitrogencan be applied on 25th day after sowing (after 1st weeding) and top dressing can be givenwith the remaining ‘N’viz., 50% at squaring stage (45 days after sowing) and another 25% atflowering (60th day).

iii) In the case of cotton dibbled in the ragi stubbles, top dress 20 kg of ‘N’ per ha on 40 - 45thday of sowing.

iv) In the case of hybrid cotton dibbled in the ragi stubble, top dress 30 kg of N/ha on 40 - 45thday of sowing.

12. RECTIFICATION OF RIDGES AND FURROWSReform the ridges and furrows after first top dressing in such way that the plants are on the top

of the ridges and well supported by soil.

13. SPRAYING OF NAPTHALENE ACETIC ACID (NAA)Spray 40 ppm NAA on the crop to prevent early shedding of buds and squares and to increase

the yield.

NOTE: 40 mg of NAA dissolved in one litre of water will give 40 ppm.

14. SECOND SPRAYING OF NAASpray 40 ppm NAA on the crop for the second time one month after first spray to prevent

shedding of buds and squares.

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Cotton

15. ARRESTING TERMINAL GROWTH:Nip the terminal portion of the main stem as indicated below:

For MCU 5, MCU 9 and MCU 11 nip the terminal portion of the main stem beyond the 15th node(70 to 80 days after sowing) and for Suvin and Jayalaxmi, TCHB 213 beyond the 20th node (90 daysafter sowing).

V. PEST MANAGEMENT

1. Remove cotton crop and dispose off the crop residues as soon as harvest is over.2. Avoid staking of stalks in the field.3. Avoid ratoon and double cotton crop.4. Adopt proper crop rotation. Use optimum irrigation and fertilizers.5. Synchronise the sowing time in the villages and complete the sowing within 10 to 15 days.6. Grow one variety throughout the village as far as possible.7. Avoid other Malvaceous crops in the vicinity of cotton crop.8. Timely earthing up and other agronomic practices should be done.9. Hand pick and burn periodically egg masses, visible larvae, affected and dropped squares,

flowers and fruits and squash pink bollworm in the rosettes.

10. Use locally fabricated light traps (modified Robinson type) with 125 Watt mercury lamps todetermine the prevalence and insect population fluctuations.

11. The magnitude of the activity of the moths of the cotton pink bollworm, the cutworm(Spodoptera litura) and the American bollworm can be assessed by setting up the species-specific sex pheromone trap each at the rate of 12 per ha.

12. Apply insecticides only where it is absolutely necessary when pest population or damagereaches ET level.

13. Intercropping with pulses viz., Cowpea, greengram, blackgram and soybean reduce thepopulation of sucking pests of cotton, viz., aphid and leaf hopper. Again, the bollwormincidence was low. Besides, the highest activity of natural enemies viz., spiders andpredatory lady bird beetles are significant.

WHITEFLY IN COTTON1. Avoid the alternate, cultivated host crops of the white fly in the vicinity of cotton crop.

2. Growing cotton only once a year either in winter or summer season in any cotton tract.

3. Adopting crop rotation with non-preferred hosts such as Sorghum, Ragi, Maize etc., for thewhite fly to check the build up of the pest.

4. Removal and destruction of alternate weed hosts like Abutilon indicum, Chrozophore rottlari,Solanum nigrum and Hibiscus ficulensus from the fields and neighbouring areas andmaintaining field sanitation.

5. White fly tolerant varieties like LPS 141 and Supriya may be tried.6. Timely sowing with recommended spacing, preferably wider spacing and judicious

application of recommended dose of fertilizers, particularly nitrogenous and irrigationmanagement is essential to arrest the excessive vegetative growth and pest build up. Latesowing may be avoided and the crop growth should not be extended beyond its normalduration.

7. Field sanitation may be given proper attention.8. Cultivation of most preferred alternate host crops like brinjal, bhendi, tomato, tobacco and

sunflower may be avoided. In case their cultivation is unavoidable, plant protection measuresshould be extended to these crops also.

9. Monitoring the activities of the adult white flies by setting up yellow pan traps and stickytraps at 1 foot height and also in situ counts.


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10. Collection and removal of whitefly infested leaves from the plants and those which wereshed due to the attack of the pest and destroying them.

11. Cypermethrin, Fenvalerte and Deltamethrin cause resurgence of white flies.

CHEMICAL CONTROL1. Plant products namely Neem Seed Kernel extract 5% (50 kg) and Neem oil at 5 ml/l or fish

oil rosin soap 25 kg at 1 kg in 40 lit of water may be sprayed or in combination with therecommended dose of insecticide (at 2 ml/l of water) is found effective when sprayed inhigh volume sprayer or spray 5% extract of Notchi leaves or Catharanthus rosea extract.

2. If 5 - 10 whiteflies/leaf (ETL) are observed, application of Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml orPhosphamidon 85 WSC 300 ml/ha in the early stage of the crop growth (500 l of sprayfluid/ha and spraying Phosalone 35 EC at 2.5 l or Quinalphos 25 EC at 2 l in the mid andlate stages of crop to control the pest (1000 l spray liquid/ha), Ethion 50 EC 1.0 l/ha andMonocrotophos 36 WSC 1.25 l/ha may also be used. In addition Triazophos 25 EC 2.0 l/haand Acephate 75 SP 1.30 kg/ha can be sprayed.

3. In the early stages with high volume sprayer use a goose neck nozzle to cover the undersurface of the foliage to get good control of the pest. If high volume sprayers are notavailable, 375 litres of spray fluid may be used per hectare for application in the low volumemotorised knapsack mist blower.

4. The use of synthetic pyrethroids should be discouraged/minimised to 2 to 3 sprayings incotton to avoid the problem of white fly. Avoid repeated spraying of pyrethroids.

5. The plant protection measures should be adopted on a community basis in a specifiedcotton areas.

Pest Economic threshold Suggested control measure

Thrips 50/50 leaves | Spray any one of the following insecticides Methyl| demeton 25 EC 500 ml/ha; Dimethoate 30 EC 500ml/ha

Aphids 15% of infested plant | Phosphamidon 85 WSC 300 ml/ha (500 l spray fluid/ha)| Spray Monocrotophos 1000 ml/ha and NSKE 5%

Leaf hopper 50/50 leaves | where the leaf hopper is a big menace. Chemical sprayingof Margocide 0.5% or Neem oil 3% thrice at fortnightlyintervals effectively controls leaf hopper.

Thrips and Spray Pyraclofos 50 EC at 1.5 l/haLeaf Hopper

Boll-worms 10% of affected During the early stages of square formation apply Endo-fruiting parts or bolls sulfan 2 l/ha. During bolling and maturation stage, apply

any one of the following insecticides per ha; Phosalone 35EC 2.5 l, Quinalphos 25 EC 2.0 l, Carbaryl 50 WP 2.5 kg(1000 l of spray fluid/ha), Pyraclofos 50 EC @ 1.5 l/ha.Quinalphos AF is equally effective as that of QuinalphosEC and Endosulfan EC. AF is desirable since it isecofriendly as it is devoid of inflammable solvent which isused in EC.

Pink bollworm Where pink bollworm is a big problem, sprayTriazophos 0.1% and Endosulfan 0.07% inalternation even after 100 DAS.

(Whenever there is infestation by mite, use either wettable Sulphur 1.25 kg/ha or dicofol 1.10l/ha. Release the bollworm parasite (Chelonus blackburnii at weekly intervals from squareformation stage and apply either Endosulfan or Carbaryl at the above dosage as needed(When the bollworm damage touches ETL of 10%).

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CottonSurface weevil: For the control of cotton surface weevil seed treatment with either Aldrin or

Chlorpyriphos (50 ml/kg of cotton seed) is effective.

Boll worm: Premonsoon sowing during 4th week of September significantly lower the bollwormdamage in rainfed areas of Virudhunagar and Thoothukudi districts.

VI. SPECIFIC PROBLEMS

1. TOBACCO CUTWORM (Spodoptera litura)a) Use of light trap to monitor and kill the attracted adult moths. Set up the sex pheromone

trap Pherodin S.L. at 12/ha to monitor the activity of the pest and to synchronise the pesticideapplication, if need be, at the maximum activity stage.

b) Growing castor along border and irrigation bunds.c) Removal and destruction of egg masses in castor and cotton crops.d) Removal and destruction of early stage larvae found in clusters which can be located

easily even from a distance.e) Collection and destruction of shed materials.f) Hand picking and destruction of grown up caterpillars.g) Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha using, a high volume sprayer covering

the foliage and soil surface. Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 2.0 l/ha; Dichlorvos 76 WSC 1.0 l;Phenthoate 50 EC 2.0 l/ha; Chlorpyriphos 20 EC and Fenitrothion 50 EC 1.25 l and 625 mlrespectively.

h) Spraying Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus at 250 larval equivalent per ha.i) Spraying of insecticide should be done either in the early morning or in the evening and

virus in the evening.j) Use of poison bait pellets prepared with rice bran 12.5 kg, jaggery 1.25 kg, Carbaryl 50%

WP 1.25 kg and water 7.5 litres. This bait can be spread in the fields in the evening hoursso that the caterpillars coming out of the soil, feed and get killed.

2. STEM WEEVILi) Soil application of Carbofuran 3 G at 30 kg or Aldicarb 10 G at 10 kg/ha. may be done on 20

days after sowing and earthed up.

ii) Basal application of FYM 25 t/ha or 250 kg/ha of neem cake.

3. MANAGEMENT OF Helicoverpa armigeraa. Monitoring:

Pest monitoring through light traps, pheromone traps and in situ assessments by roving andfixed plot surveys has to be intensified at farm level, village level, block level, regional and Statelevels. For bollworm, H.armigera management, an action threshold of one egg per plant or 1 larva/plant may be adopted.

b. Cultural practices:i) Synchronised sowing of cotton preferably with short duration varieties in each cotton

ecosystem.

ii) Avoiding continuous cropping of cotton both during winter and summer seasons in thesame area as well as ratooning.

iii) Avoiding monocropping. Growing of less preferred crops like greengram, blackgram,soyabean, castor, sorghum etc., along with the cotton as intercrop or border crop or alternatecrop to reduce the pest infestation.

iv) Removal and destruction of crop residues to avoid carry over of the pest to the next season,and avoiding extended period of crop growth by continuous irrigation.

v) Optimising the use of nitrogenous fertilisers which will not favour the multiplication of thepest.

vi) Judicious water management for the crop to prevent excessive vegetative growth andlarval harbourage.


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c. Biological controli) Application of nuclear polyhedrosis virus (NPV) at 500 LE/ha in evening hours at 7th and

12th week after sowing.

ii) Conservation and augmentation of natural predators and parasites for effective control ofthe pest.

iii) Inundative release of egg parasite, Trichogramma spp., at 6.25 cc/ha at 15 days interval 3times from 45 DAS egg-larval parasite, Chilonus blacksburnii and the predator Chrysoperla.1,00,000/ha at 6th, 13th and 14th week after sowing.

iv) ULV spray of NPV at 450 LE/ha with 10% cotton seed kernel extract, 10% crude sugar,0.1% each of Tinopal and Teepol for effective control of Helicoverpa.

NOTE: Dicofol, Endosulfan, Methyl demeton, Monocrotophos and Phosalone are comparatively saferto Chrysoperla larva recording low egg mortality.

d. Chemical controli) Discouraging the indiscriminate use of insecticides, particularly synthetic pyrethroids and

DDT.

ii) Use of proper insecticides which are comparatively safer to natural enemies such asEndosulfan, Phosalone, etc., at the correct dosage and alternating different groups ofinsecticides for each round of spray.

iii) Avoiding combination of insecticides as tank mix.

iv) Adopting proper delivery system using spraying equipments like hand compression sprayer,knapsack sprayer and mist blower to ensure proper coverage with required quantity ofspray fluid and avoiding ULV applications or Akela spray applications.

v) Proper mixing and preparation of spray fluid for each filling of spray fluid tank.

e. Monitoring Kit for detection of resistance to insecticides in H. armigera.This kit helps to find out the resistance level in various populations of H. armigera to various

insecticides. The resistance level ranged from 8 - 24, 68 - 84 and 30 - 54 per cent for endosulfan,fenvalerate and cypermethrin respectively.

4. COTTON NEMATODESSeed treatment with Carbosulfan 25% SP at 2% of w/w and soil application of Carbofuran 3 G at

(1 kg ai/ha) 30 kg/ha, 25 days after sowing.

IMPROVED PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES FOR HELICOVERPA NPVMass production of the hosts: Large scale culturing of Helicoverpa armigera is a primary

requisite for the mass multiplication of NPV. The mass production technique is as follows:

Establishment of colony: The laboratory culture may be started from field-collected larvae ormoths attracted to light traps. Field-collected larvae should be kept in quarantine to eliminate parasitizedand diseased insects. The healthy larvae may be taken for pupation. These larvae can be reared onnatural diet (soaked bengalgram seeds) or on semisynthetic diet. The healthy pupae collected threeto four days after pupation have to be washed in soap water and then immersed in 0.5% sodiumhypochlorite for one minute. Then the pupae should be washed in running water for 15 minutes.Those pupae after shade drying can be kept in sterilised vermiculite inside an adult emergence cage.Upon adult emergence, they must be provided with 10% sucrose solution, fortified with one drop ofcommercial multivitamin solution.

The adults can be sexed based on the colour of the scale. Males are plane greenish andfemales are chocolate brown. Five pairs of adults can be allowed in a wide mouthed plastic jar (15 x20 cm) and the mouth covered with muslin cloth. Adult feed in penicillin vials with cotton wool mustbe provided daily.

Egg collection: The females begin to lay eggs from 3rd day onwards after emergence. Theseeggs must be collected daily and kept under saturated atmospheric humidity. This can be achieved

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Cottonby keeping the egg cloth in a plastic container and placing this container inside a bucket containing alittle quantity of water and closed with a tight fitting lid.

The next day the egg cloth along with the eggs are sterilised in 10% formaldehyde for 10 minutesand thereafter rinsed in running water for 15 - 20 minutes. The egg cloth is then dried in shade.

Larval handling: When the larvae hatch, they can be introduced into a container containingthe semisynthetic diet.

COMPOSITION OF THE DIET1. Bengalgram flour/kidney bean seeds 100.0 g

soaked for 8 hours in water2. Yeast 30.0 g3. Wesson’s salt mix 7.2 g4. Agar agar 12.8 g5. Methyl-para-hydroxybenzoate 2.0 g6. Sorbic acid 1.0 g7. Ascorbic acid 3.2 g8. Choline chloride 10% 7.2 ml9. Streptomycin sulphate 40.0 mg10. Formaldehyde 40% 1.0 ml11. Vitamin solution 2.0 ml12. Distilled water7 20.0 ml

Preparation: Divide water into 2 halves. In one half add the flour/kidney bean seeds andautoclave at 15 Psi for 20 minutes. To the other half add agar agar and autoclave. Take the autoclavedflour/kidney bean in a waring blender and add yeast, Wesson’s salt mix, methylparahydroxy bensoateand sorbic acid and blend for 2 minutes. Autoclaved agar agar cooled to 55°C may then be addedand blended. Finally the other ingredients may be added one by one and blended thoroughly. Thediet is semisolid condition can be poured in diet trays made of plastic (26.5 x 16 x 6.5 cm) at 75 g/tray.The tray should then be closed with lid provided with suitable ventilation. About 200 larvae can beaccommodated in each tray and then larvae can be reared up to fourth instar.

Virus production: Once the larvae reach the fourth instar (head capsule width 1.45 mm) theycan be used for virus production

Virus feeding: Fourth instar larvae are inoculated by dipping their heads in a suspension of NPVcontaining 6 x 108 POB/ml. The larvae are then transferred to individual vials containing semisyntheticdiet. Five days after inoculation with the virus, the larvae dying due to virosis can be collected andsuspended in distilled water. The virus can be purified as follows:

1. Grind the larvae with a pestle and mortar in minimum quantity of water.

2. Filter with muslin cloth. Discard the residue in muslin cloth.

3. Centrifuge the suspension containing virus in two stages:

i. At 500 RPM for 1 minute. The tissue debris will settle down. Discard it and use thesupernatant in the subsequent stage.

ii. At 3000 RPM for 3 minutes the virus particles will settle down as a pellet. This pelletcontain the virus.

4. Standardisation of virus: The virus strength can be assessed with the help of ahaemocytometer.

VII. DISEASE MANAGEMENT

1. BACTERIAL BLIGHT (ANGULAR LEAF SPOT OR BLACK ARM)This occurs severely in Summer Cambodia tract. Adopt field sanitation and avoid stacking

infested plants in the field as the bacterium in affected plant material is viable upto 20 months.


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i) Spray any one of the following chemicals when initial symptoms of the disease appear onthe foliage. Streptomycin sulphate + Tetracycline mixture 100 g + Copper oxychloride 2kg/ha. Copper oxychloride alone 2.5 kg/ha.

ii) Repeat spraying at 10 days interval twice or thrice if drizzling continues.

2. ALTERNARIA LEAF SPOTSpray copper oxychloride or Mancozeb (1 kg) or chlorothalanil (0.5 kg) or Hexaconazole (2.0 l/

Ha.)

Grey mildewSpray Carbendazim (250 g/ha.)

3. BOLL ROTSpray any one of the following: Carbendazim 500 g, Mancozeb 2.0 kg, Copper oxychloride 2.5

kg/ha, along with an insecticide recommended for bollworm from 45th day at fortnightly interval.

4. ROOT ROTSpot drench Carbendazim @ 1 g/lit at the base of affected plants as well as surrounding healthy

plants.

Apply Neem cake @ 150 kg/ha to the soil and treat the seeds with talc based Trichodermaviride @ 4g/kg to reduce the root rot incidence.

VIII. WATER MANAGEMENT

Regulate irrigation according to the following growth phases of the crop.Germination Phase : 1 to 15 daysVegetative Phase : 16 to 44 daysFlowering phase : 45 to 100 days for Jayalaxmi, TCHB 213 and Suvin; 45 to 87 days for all

other varieties.Maturity Phase : Beyong 100 days for Jayalaxmi and TCHB 213 and beyond 88 days for

all other varieties.

Stages No. of Days after dibbling seedsIrriga-tions Light soil Heavy soil

Germination PhaseIrrigate for germination 1 Immediately after sowing Immediately after sowingestablishment 2 Give a life irrigation on Give a life irrigation on

5th day of sowing to 5th day of sowing tofacilitate the seedlings facilitate the seedlings toto emerge out emerge out

Vegetative phaseRegulate 1 Irrigate on the 20th or Irrigate on the 20th or 21st day

21st day of sowing, three of sowing, three days afterdays after hoeing and hoeing and weedingweeding

2 Irrigate again on Irrigate again onthe 35th or 36th the 40th day ofday of sowing sowing

Flowering phaseIrrigate copiously 1 48th day 55th day

2 60th day 70th day3 72nd day 85th day4 84th day 100th day5 96th day **

** For Jayalaxmi, TCHB 213 and Suvin cotton only.

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Cotton

Stages No. of Days after dibbling seedsIrriga-tions Light soil Heavy soil

Maturity phase For all varieties other than Suvin, Jayalaxmi, and TCHB 213Control irriga- 1 108th day 115th daytion during 2 120th day 130th daymaturity phase 3 130th day

4 144th dayStop Irrigation after the 150th day

For Suvin, Jayalaxmi, TCHB2131 108th day 115th day2 120th day 130th day3 132nd day 145th day4 144th day 160th day5 158th day ...

Stop irrigation after 160th day

NOTE: i. If irrigation is given on climatological approach, Schedule the irrigation at 0.40 and 0.60IW/CPE ratio during vegetative and reproductive phases respectively.

ii) The irrigation schedule given above is only a guideline and regulate the irrigationdepending upon the prevailing weather condition and receipt of rains.

ii) Adopt alternate furrow or skip furrow irrigation to save irrigation water.The features of the methods are furnished below:

Skip furrow irrigationa. Suited to heavy soils like clay and loam

b. Alternate furrows should be skipped and may be converted to ridges having a wide bedformation.

c. Short term crops like pulses may be raised in wider bed without exclusive irrigation.

d. Water saving is 50% when compared to control.

Alternate furrow irrigationa. During any one run of irrigation a particular set of alternate furrows is irrigated.

b. The interval of irrigation should be shortened when compared to the conventional furrows.

c. During the next run, the left over furrows be irrigated.

d. Suited to heavy soils like clay and loam.

IX. HARVESTING

a. Harvest at frequent intervals, at less than 7 days interval between each harvest.

b. Harvest in the morning hours upto 10 to 11 a.m only when there is moisture so that dryleaves and bracts do not stick to the kapas and lower the market value.

c. Pick kapas from well burst bolls only.

d. Remove only the kapas from the bolls and leave the bracts on the plants.

e. As kapas is picked, sort out good puffy ones and keep separately.

f. Keep stained, discoloured and insect attacked kapas separately.

NOTE: Do not mix stained, discoloured and insect damaged kapas with good kapas, as they willspoil the good kapas also and lower the market value of the produce.


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X. POST HARVEST OPERATIONS

1) Immediately after picking, dry the kapas in shade. If it is not dried immediately the colourwill change which will lower the market value.

2) Do not dry the kapas under direct sun as the fibre strength and luster will be lost.

3) Grade the kapas into good and second quality ones, if it is sorted out at the time of picking.

4) Spread a thin layer of dry sand on the ground and keep the kapas over it. The dry sand willabsorb moisture and prevent it from coming in contact with the kapas, as moisture will stainthe kapas and lower its value.

RICE FALLOW COTTON

MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. PREPARATION OF THE FIELDi) If the soil is in waxy condition, instead of Zero tillage, the seed rows may be tilled and the

seed dibbled in Virudhunagar district.

ii) If the soil is dry and not in condition to take up sowing, let in water and then allow the soil todry till soil comes to waxy condition.

iii) At the lower level of the field dig a trench 15 cm wide and connect this trench to the outsidechannel to drain off the excess water.

2. PRE-TREATMENT OF ACID DELINTED SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDESi) Same as for the irrigated crop.

ii) Treat the acid delinted and fungicide treated seeds with 3 packets (600g) of Azospirillumand sow immediately.

3. SOWING THE SEEDS

Particulars VarietyMCU 7 LRA 5166 ADT 1

a) Seed rate (kg/ha)i) Fuzzy seed 15.0 25 18ii) Acid delinted 7.5 15 9

b) Spacing (cm)i) Between rows 60 45 60ii) Between plants 30 15 30

c) Number of seeds per holei) Fuzzy seeds 4 4 4ii) Acid delinted 2 2 2

d) Depth of sowing (cm) 3 3 3

4. FILLING UP GAPSi) Fill up gaps on the 10th day of sowing.

ii) Dibble 2 to 3 acid delinted seeds or 4 to 5 fuzzy seeds in the gaps in the case of MCU 7and ADT 1.

5. THINNING SEEDLINGSi) Thin out seedlings on the 20th day of sowing

ii) Leave only one healthy and vigorous seedling per hill.

6. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Pre-emergence application of Fluchloralin 48 EC 2.2 l/ha or Pendimethalin 3.3 l/ha ensures

weed free condition for 40 - 45 days. This should be followed by one hand weeding andearthing up during 40 - 45 days. Fluchloralin need incorporation.

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Cottonii) Take up hoeing and weeding 20 days after sowing.

iii) Take up this operation when the top soil dries up and comes to proper condition.

7. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSOld delta

a) Apply NPK fertilisers as per soil test recommendations. If soil test is not done follow theblanket recommendation of 60:30:30 kg NPK/ha.

b) Apply half the dose of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O on the 30th to 35th day of sowing

along the rows of cotton plants.

c) Apply the remaining N on 50 - 55th day of sowing.

New deltaa) Apply NPK fertilisers as per soil test recommendations and if not done, follow the

blanket recommdation of 60:30:30kg NPK/ha

b) Apply one third the dose of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O on the 20th day of sowing.

c) Apply the fertiliser mixture in band along the row and then cover with soil.

d) Apply the remaining 2/3 of N on 40th day of sowing in bands.

8. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTSApply basally12.5 kg/ha micronutrients mixture prepared by Department of Agriculture.

9. FORMATION OF RIDGESOld delta

a) If soil is in condition, give a hoeing with mammutti and form ridges and incorporate thefertilizer in the soil around the plants between the 30th to 35th day of sowing.

b) If soil is not in condition, give one hoeing and weeding and cover the fertilizers.c) If ridges and furrows are not formed at the time of first application of fertilisers, form them

at this timed) Form long ridges and furrows from one end of the field to the other without forming any

separate channels for carrying water to prevent excessive soaking of water.f) Form ridges and furrows on alternate rows of plants. Skip furrow method of irrigation to

prevent excessive irrigation

New deltaa) Give a hoeing with mummutti and form ridges and incorporate the fertiliser in the soil around

the plants on the 40th day of sowing.

b) If soil is not in condition give one hoeing and weeding and cover the fertilizers.

c) Form long ridges & furrows on alternate rows of plants to adopt skip furrow irrigation.

Note: In case of zinc deficient soils application of ZnSO4 at 50 kg/ha is recommended.10. APPLYING OF NAA

Spray 40 ppm of NAA (40 mg of NAA dissolved in one litre of water) at 40/45th day. The highvolume spray liquid in 1125 l per ha. Repeat the same dose after 15 days of first spraying.

11. TOPPINGArrest terminal growth by nipping the terminal 10 - 12th node for controlling excessive vegetative

growth.

12. WATER MANAGEMENTRegulate irrigation according to the growth phases of the crops.


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Stages No. of Days after dibbling seedsIrriga-tions Old delta New delta

1. Vegetative PhaseRegulate irrigation 1 One wetting on the 30th One irrigation on the 20th dayduring the germination to 35th day of sowing after after the application of fertilisersphase the application of fertilisers

2 ... One irrigation on the 40th dayafter the application of N

2. Flowering PhaseIrrigate more frequently 1 45th day of sowing after the 45th day

application of 2nd dose of N2 55th day 51st day3 65th day 56th day4 75th day 61st day5 85th day 66th day6 ... 71st day7 ... 76th day8 ... 81st day9 ... 86th day10 ... 91st day

3. Control 1 99th day 98th dayIrrigation during 2 113th day 105th daymaturity phase 3 ... 112th day

Stop irrigation from the 113th day onwards.

Note: 1) The irrigation schedule given above is only a guideline and regulate irrigation dependingupon the prevailing weather conditions and receipt of rains.

2) Observe the crop and if the plants show wilting symptoms in the afternoon and in theevening hours, give an additional irrigation.

13. Harvesting |14. Post harvest operation | As that of the irrigated cotton.15. Pest and disease management |

RAINFED COTTONFollow water harvesting techniques and raise a successful crop of cotton.

I. SEASON AND VARIETIESFor Thirumangalam in Madurai district, Sattur in Virudhunagar district and parts of Kovilpatti in

Thoothukudi district, where the annual rainfall is 375 mm and most of it is received during Septemberor first week of October, select MCU 10 or LRA 5166.

In places where rains are received during October or November, select K9, K10. Select Paiyur1 for Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Madurai, Dindigul, and Theni districts.

II. PREPARATION OF LAND FOR RAINFED COTTON1. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

i) Start preparation of the land immediately after harvest of the previous crop.

ii) Adopt permanent broad ridges system.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOSTi) Spread 12.5 t of FYM or compost or composted coir pith per ha uniformly on the unploughed

soil. Apply 10 packets (2000 g/ha) of Azospirillum inoculant plus 25 kg FYM plus 25 kgsoil.

ii) Incorporate the manure in the soil by working the multipurpose implement or country plough.

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Cotton

3. APPLICATION OF INORGANIC FERTILIZERSi) Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation as far as possible.

ii) If soil tests are not done, follow the blanket recommendations for the different varieties.

Varieties/Hybrids Quantity of fertilizers in Kg/HaN P2O5 K20

K 9, K 10, K 11 20 0 0MCU 10 40 20 0Paiyur 1 40 20 0

4. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT MIXTUREi) Mix 12.5 kg of micronutrient mixture formulated by the Department of Agriculture, Tamil

Nadu with enough sand to make a total quantity of 50 kg.

ii) Apply uniformly over the furrows after sowing and cover the seeds.

iii) Do not incorporate in the soil.

5. SEEDS AND SOWINGi) Adopt the following seed rates for different varieties/hybrids.

Varieties Quantity of seeds (kg/ha)Fuzzy seeds Delinted seeds

K 9, K 10, K11 20 ..MCU 10, LRA 5166, Paiyur 1 20 15

Note: Delint only MCU 10, LRA 5166 and Paiyur 1 seeds. Do not delint seeds of K 9 , K10 & K 11ii) In the case of mixed crop of cotton, maintaining the same seed rates as for a pure crop and

adopt the following seed rate for the pulses crop.

Blackgram/greengram 10 kg/ha

Cowpea 7.5 kg/ha

6. SPACINGi) In the case of pure crop of varieties/hybrids, a spacing of 45 cm between rows and 15 cm

between plants may be adopted.

ii) In the case of cotton, intercropped with pulses, one paired row of cotton is alternated withtwo rows of pulses and the total population of cotton crop is maintained at the same line asthat for a pure crop of cotton.

Varieties/hybrid Spacing for cotton crop (in cm)Within Between BetweenPaired row Paired rows plants

K 9, K 10, K 11, LRA 5166, Paiyur 1 30 60 15

iii) Adopt a spacing of 30 x 10 cm for the pulse crop in between each paired row of cotton.APK 1 Blackgram is best suited for this situation.

7. ACID DELINTINGAdopt procedure for acid delinting as for an irrigated crop.

8. PRETREATMENT OF ACID DELINTED SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDESSame as for the irrigated crop.

9. SOWINGi) Use the multipurpose farming implement to sow the seeds and to apply basal fertilizers

simultaneously.

ii) Fill the hopper in the implement with the fertilizer mixtures and work the implement.

iii) Engage 3 persons for dropping the seeds, 2 for cotton and one for pulses.

In one operation, placement of fertilizer, sowing of seeds and covering will be completed.


168

NOTE: Cotton and pulses can be sown at a depth of 5 cm in black cotton soil even before the onsetof monsoon rains in dry bed sowing. When light rains are received, the moisture will notpenetrate deeper and the seeds will not germinate and die away. Only when good rains arereceived, the moisture level is sufficient to penetrate to the level of the seed and facilitategermination and proper establishment.

10. APPLICATION OF INSECTICIDESThe control measures recommended for irrigated cotton will hold good. However, when water

is not available, use any one of the following insecticides for the control of boll worms at 25 kg/ha.Endosulfan 4% D; Carbaryl 5% D and Phosalone 4% D.

11. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Pre-emergence application of Fluchloralin 2 l/ha or Pendimethalin 3.3 l/ha or Thiobencarb

3.0 l/ha followed by one hand weeding on 40 days after crop emergence. At the time ofherbicide application sufficient soil moisture must be there. Fluchloralin needs soilincorporation or irrigation immediately after sowing.

ii) If sufficient soil moisture is not available for applying herbicides hand weeding may begiven at 10 - 20 days after crop emergence.

12. GAP FILLINGDibble 3 to 4 seeds in each gap.

13. THINNING SEEDLINGSi) Allow two seedlings per hole and thin out on 15th day of sowing, adopting proper spacing

between plants.

ii) Thin the pulse crop on the 20th day of sowing, adopting a spacing of 15 cm between plantsfor cowpea and 10 cm for other pulse crop.

14. FOLIAR APPLICATION OF UREASpray 0.5% urea on the 45th and 65th day of sowing. Spray Kaolin 3% twice at peak flowering,

boll formation stage for summer cotton.

15. INTERCULTIVATION WITH DHANTHULU/BLADE HARROWWork dhanthulu or blade harrow on the 30th and 45th day of sowing.

NOTE: Other cultivation practices, plant protection measures, harvest etc., are the same as for theirrigated crop.

Reddening in cotton and its correction:Varieties of G. hirsutum and G. barbadense as well as hybrids manifest reddening of leaves. A

combination of Magnesium sulphate (5%). Urea (1%) and Zinc sulphate (0.1%) as foliar sprays on50th and 80th day corrects this malady. The sprays prevent further development of reddening.

SEED TECHNOLOGY

1. INFLUENCE OF SEASON ON SEED QUALITYGermination and vigour are better in seeds from winter crop than from the summer crop.

2. SPACINGA spacing of 90 x 60 cm may be given.

3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSa) Soil application (kg/ha)

N P Ki) Basal 35 35 35ii) Top dressing (at the time of earthing up) 35 .. ..

b) Foliar Application:Apply Diammonium phosphate @ 1% strength three sprays on 70th, 80th and 90th day after

sowing.

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CottonNOTE: Five kg of DAP should be soaked in 25 litres of water overnight and the supernatant liquid

should be taken and mixed with 475 litres of water for spraying one hectare.4. HARVESTING

i) Seed attains physiological maturity between 45 - 55 days after fertilization in differentpickings.

ii) Burst kapas should be picked periodically in six pickings at weekly intervals. Retaining thekapas unpicked for more than a week reduces seed quality.

iii) First five pickings in winter crop and first four pickings in the summer crop alone should betaken for seed purpose because the seed from the subsequent pickings is inferior in quality.

iv) The cumulative percentage of recovery of seed from the first five pickings in winter andfour pickings in summer is 90 and 80 respectively.

v) The percentage of mature seed ranges from 72 - 93 in winter and 65 - 92 in summer.

vi) The mean dormancy in seeds is 23 days in winter and 64 days in summer at the time ofpicking which can be overcome by drying the kapas for 3 - 5 days.

vi) The kapas should be dried in shade immediately after each picking for a period of 3 - 5days to reduce the moisture content to 15 - 17% which is the optimum range for ginningwith minimum injury to the seed.

viii) Faulty ginning causes seed injury which may go upto 6.5%.

ix) Immediately after ginning, the fuzzy seeds obtained should be air dried. If heaped, heatingwould cause loss in viability.

5. ACID DELINTING OF FUZZY SEEDSi) Quantity of commercial sulphuric acid required is 100 ml/kg of seed.

ii) Duration of treatment is 2 - 3 minutes.

iii) After acid treatment, the seed should be washed thoroughly for 3 or 4 times with freshwater.

iv) From the floaters, mature seeds without any visible damage can be picked and added tothe sinkers.

6. SEED YIELDThe mean seed yield may be around 1000 kg/ha.

7. SEED TREATMENTSlurry treat the seeds with Captan @ 2 g/kg of seed with 5 ml of water per kg of seed.

8. STORAGETreated seeds possessing about 7% moisture content can be stored in gunny bags for 24

months and in 700 guage polythene bags for 30 months. The polythene bags should be heat sealed.

9. SEPARATION OF DEAD SEEDSStored fuzzy or delinted seeds or fresh seeds may be used to separate the dead seeds. Delinted

seed may be soaked in double the volume of water for 3 hours and subsequently air dried to originalmoisture of 7 per cent. The seeds may then put to potable water. The dead seeds tend to float andthese may be removed.

10. MID STORAGE CORRECTIONStored fuzzy and delinted seeds may be soaked for 2 and 1 hr respectively in double the volume

of Disodium hydrogen phosphate solution (3.59 g/100 lit of water). The seeds are then air dried tooriginal moisture content and seed treated.

11. PERFORMANCE OF AGED SEEDThe productivity of seed decreased significantly with the period of storage. Hybrid seed production:

Important steps involved in the commercial production of cotton hybrid are presented in brief forclose followup to ensure adequate quantity of seed of acceptable purity.


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Preparatory tillage1. Plough the land 6" depth after the onset of monsoon. Harrow three times and remove

stubbles and trashes of previous crop. Prepare the land to fine tilth.

2. Open up ridges and furrows at a distance of 120 cm (4 ft.)

Manures and fertilizers1. Apply 5 cart loads of FYM per 0.5 acre before opening up ridges and furrows.

2. Apply 10 kg N (50 kg ammonium sulphate): 10 kg P2O

5 (60 kg single super phosphate) and

5 kg K2O (16 Kg of Muriate of potash) per 0.5 acre just before planting. Top dress at the

rate of 5 kg (25 kg ammonium sulphate) after 60 days and again after 90 days of planting.

Apply 50 kg/ha of zinc sulphate to the soil and apply as foliar spray at 0.5% concentration ofZnSO4 on 75 and 90 days after sowing to increase the number of flowers per plant, pollen weight andpollen viability.

Seeds and sowing1. Mend the ridges and furrows open at a distance of 4 feet. Apply 10:10:8 kgs of NPK along

with 5 kg Disulfotone 5% or 4 kg Phorate 10% to the plot uniformly at the base of eachridge.

2. If the seed production area is 0.5 acre, female plant (Laxmi) should be raised in 40 centsand male plant (SB 289-E) should be raised in 10 cents. Spacing for female is 4' x 2' andmale is 2' x 1 1/2'. The male should be sown 5 metre away from the female. In the case ofTCHB 213 Hybrid seed production, female parent (TCH 1218) will be raised in 80 centsand the male parent (TCH 209) will be raised in 20 cents. Spacing for female parent (TCH1218) will be 4' x 2' and for male parent (TCH 209) will be 3' x 2'.

For the production of quality seeds of parental lines of hybrid TCHB 213 namely TCH 1218(Female) and TCH 209 (Male) a spacing 75 x 45 cm and 90 x 45 cm for female and maleparent along with a fertilizer schedule of 100:50:40 N, P

2O

5 and K

2O/ha is optimum.

3. Seed required would be about 750 g of Laxmi and 300 g of SB 289-E. In the case of TCHB213 hybrid seed production, seed required for female parent (TCH 1218) will be 800 g andfor male parent (TCB 209) will be 200 g.

4. Dibble Laxmi during third week of August. Male parent SB 289-E may be sown in threeinstalments. Sowing of first 1/3 area along with Laxmi, 2nd and 3rd 1/3 areas after 10 daysand 20 days after Laxmi sowing.

In the case of TCHB 213 hybrid seed production, sow the seeds of male parent (TCB 209)on the 1st August and sow the seeds of female parent (TCH 1218) 10 to 15 days aftersowing of male parent to synchronise flowering.

5. Irrigate immediately after sowing.

6. Gap-fill if necessary on 10th day after sowing.

7. Thinning may be done at 20 - 25 days after sowing to regulate one seedling/hill.

Top dressing:First top dress at 60 days and second top dress after 90 days after sowing at the rate of 5 kg N/

acre (25 kg Ammonium sulphate)/plot with adequately earthup with first top dress. Application of 100ppm of Boric acid improves pollen viability. Irrigate immediately after every top dressing.

Irrigation:Irrigate the land once in 15 - 20 days depending on soil type and climatic condition. Heavy

irrigations during crossing period should be avoided.

Weeding and intercultivation:Hand weeding should be done as and when required. Intercultivate 4 - 5 times during crop

period to keep the plot clean.

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CottonPlant protection:

Important insect pests and diseases of crop are -

Insect:Jassids, Thrips, Aphids, Mites, Spotted boll worm, Pink boll worm, American boll worm.

Diseases:Black arm, Alternaria leaf spot, Helminthosporium leaf spot.

Control:As per the recommendation.

Foliar feeding:Add 20 g DAP/litre spray fluid and give 4 such sprays for better development of crossed bolls

during boll development period.

Steps necessary for efficiency in seed production

1. Emasculate and dust as far as possible all buds appearing during the first six weeks ofreproductive phase to ensure good setting and development of bolls.

2. Restrict your emasculation to each day evenings to 3 PM to 6 PM and pollination to morningbetween 10 AM to 1 PM to ensure highest purity of hybrid seeds. Emasculation should becomplete and perfect.

3. Choose optimum size of bud and avoid too young or too old buds for emasculation.

4. Cover the male buds with paper packets previous evening for their use next day.

5. Emasculated buds may be covered preferably with buffer paper packets.

6. Do not forget to tie a thread to the pedicel of the bud immediately after pollination.

7. Close your crossing programme after 9th week (from commencement of crossing) andremove all buds and flowers appearing subsequently to facilitate the development of crossedbolls.

8. Nip the top and side shoots at the stalks to stop further vertical and horizontal growth.

9. Light irrigations should be given as and when required. Excessive or scanty or inadequateirrigations should be avoided especially during crossing and boll development period.

10. Continue irrigation till last pick of the crossed bolls. Frequency of irrigation depends onweather factors like rainfall, temperature and wind velocity.

11. Pick up the ripe and completely opened bolls along with brackets and threads on andcollect in baskets for second sorting. Bolls without threads may be bulk harvested asLaxmi seed cotton.

12. Crossed bolls collected in baskets may be sorted out for second time to verify that they arecrossed bolls. then collect the crossed seed cotton and store in gunny bags carefullymarked as crossed bolls.

13. Rain touch cotton or hard locks should be picked and kept separately to avoid poorgermination of hybrid seeds.

14. Store the crossed seed cotton in a cool dry place till it is handed over to processing unit.

15. Seed producers are required to keep a clear account of the cost of production of hybridseed.

Ginning, storing and certification1. Gin the crossed kapas in separate gins erected in seed processing units or farm gins

under the close supervision of the authorities concerned to ensure purity and avoid seeddamage.

2. Sieve the seed in two types of mesh to remove small shriveled seeds, broken seeds andclean perfectly from any dirt or dust.

3. After ginning, the seeds should be dried well and cleaned by hand picking. After cleaning,certification agency will take sample for testing germination and genetic purity test.

Maximum germination 65% Genetic purity 90%

4. Certified seeds would be bagged in one kg bag, sealed and specified regarding its origin,germination per cent, physical purity per cent and genetical purity per cent, besides seasonof production and passed on to sale agencies or respective producers for commercialscale at the specified rate.

5. Uncertified seed would be procured by the concerned Department or Agency at the marketrate for the ordinary cotton seed for further destruction. This step is essential to avoidunauthorised sale of substandard uncertified seed.

NOTE: i) Dead seeds may be removed by soaking acid delinted cotton seeds in monolayer for 3hand drying back to original moisture content.

ii) The seeds when put into potable water will separate into sinkers and floaters. Deadseeds become buoyant and float.

iii) Sinkers may be soaked in double the volume of 3.59 g of Disodium phosphate in 100 lwater for 2 h (Fuzzy seeds 1 h). The soaked seeds should be air dried to originalmoisture content. The mid storage correction improves the planting value of old seeds.

JUTE ( Corchorus oletorius & Corchorus capsularis )Jute can be successfully grown in Coimbatore, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai,

Chengleput and parts of Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur,Pudukkottai and Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi districts where assured supply of irrigation water is availablefor its cultivation and rotting for fibre extraction.

Soil type: Alluvial sandy loam, clay loamy soils are best suited for jute production. Capsularisjute can grow even in standing water especially towards the latter part of its growth, but Olitorius jutewill not thrive in standing water. The latter is more drought resistant and is therefore grown on lightersoils than is Capsularis.

Season: February - May.

Land Preparation: Fine tilth is required since the seeds are very small.

Manures and fertilizer application: Five tonnes of well decomposed farm yard manure is tobe applied during last ploughing. Besides 20 kg per ha each of N, P

2O

5 and K

2O are to be applied

basally. Beds and channels are formed depending on water resources.

Varieties: Capsularis Jute = JRC 212, JRC 321, JRC 7447

Olitorius jute = JRO 524, JRO 878, JRO 7835

Crop duration : 120 to 140 Days

Seed rate and sowing: Seeds can be sown either by broadcasting or by line sowing.

Jute type Seed rate (kg/ha) Spacing No. of Plants/Line Sowing Broad Casting Sq. Mtr.

Olitorius jute 5 7 25 cm x 5 cm 80Capsularis jute 7 10 30 cm x 5 cm 67

Weed management: Hand weeding twice on 20 - 25 DAS and 35 - 40 DAS. Fluchloralin can besprayed on 3 days after sowing at the rate of 1.5 kg per hectare and is followed by irrigation. Furtherone hand weeding can be taken up on 30 - 35 DAS.


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Top dressing of fertiliser: Apply 10 kg of N on 20 - 25 days after first weeding and then againon 35 - 40 days after second weeding as top dressing. During periods of drought and fertilizershortage, spray 8 kg of urea as 2 per cent urea solution (20 gm urea in one litre of water) on jutefoliage on 40 - 45 DAS as well as 70 - 75 DAS.

Water Management: Jute crop requires 500 mm of water. First irrigation is to be given aftersowing and life irrigation on fourth day after sowing. Afterwards irrigation can be given once in 15days.

Harvest: Jute crop can be harvested from 100 to 110 days after sowing (DAS) but can beextended from 120 - 135 DAS depending on local cropping systems. Jute plants are left in the fieldfor 3 - 4 days for leaf shedding. Then thick and thin plants are sorted out and bundled in convenientsize.

Yield: The green plant weight yield is 45 to 50 tonnes per hectare whereas the fibre yield is 20to 25 quintals per hectare.

AGAVE - CULTIVATIONAmong the under-exploited resources, ‘Agave’ - a fibre yielding drought tolerant plant is one

which can prosper the life of the dry land farmers without any risk. Agave is a short stemmed plantbearing a rosette of long erect pointed fleshy leaves. Agave is noted for its strong, coarse fibre,superior to and more flexible than Manila hemp. It is widely used for making ropes, cordage, twine,fishing nets, door mats and rugs and the short fibres are used for making mops, brushes. The wastematerial left after decorticating the leaves is used for making craft paper and paper boards. Thefibres also contain about 73-78% of lignified form of cellulose. Apart from these wax from agavewastes and Hecogenin acetate a steroid useful for the pharmaceutical industry in India is obtainedfrom agave juice. The genus Agave has about 275 species of which A. sisalana, A.cantala andA.americana commonly occur in India. Agave blossoms only once during its life time and then dies.Agave plants are grown along railway line, road sides, river banks and as a hedge plant in drylandareas throughout the country. Till date it is grown in patches and as border crop in a neglectedcondition. The crop comes up on dry soils unsuitable for crop cultivation but grow vigorously on dry,well drained sandy loam soils.

Nursery: Agaves are usually propagated from bulbils or suckers. Grown up suckers can bedug out and planted during rainy months. In case of bulbils they are first sown in mother beds atclose spacing at 5000 bulbils per bed 1 x 20 M. After 6 months the seedlings are pulled out andplanted in the transplanting bed of size 20 x 1 m at 500 Plants. In the second stage it is kept for threemonths. After 9 months from the date of bulbils sowing suckers weighing 1/4 to 1/2 kg and 9 to 12"height are ready for planting.

Mainfield planting: In the main field they are planted at an espacement of 2 x 2 m in pits of size30 cm3. Planting is usually carried out during the rainy seasons for better establishment otherwiseinitial watering is quite essential for establishment.

Harvesting: The leaves are ready for harvesting from 3rd year onwards. The older leaves oflength not less than a metre is harvested in the 3rd year. Each plant yields 40-50 leaves/year. Thelife cycle of the plant is upto 8 years. The content of fibre varies with variety from 2.5% to 4.5% andthe highest is reported under A.sisalana as 4.5%. Agave sisalana produces a better quality fibrethan Agave americana. From 3rd year onwards leaf yield of 30-40 tonnes/acre could be harvestedand a net profit of not less than Rs.2000/acre could be obtained out of this crop. Even as border cropAgave could fetch a revenue of not less than Rs.400/acre/year from 3rd year until 8th year. Fromtraditional hand scraping process now we have mechanical decorticators for the extraction of fibre.The extracted fibres are washed in water, cleaned and dried and packed in bales. The precautionwhile fibre extraction is that it should be done on a bright sunny day and within 2 days of the harvestingof the leaves or else the quality of the fibre will be deteriorated. The fibre colour varies from mealywhite to golden yellow.

��

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Jute & Agave


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SUGARCANE ( Saccharum officinarum )A. PLANTED (MAIN) CROP

1. SEASON AND VARIETIESSugarcane is grown chiefly in the main season (December - May) in the entire State. In parts

of Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Salem, Namakkal and Coimbatore districts, it is also raisedduring the special season (June - September). The particulars in respect of each season are givenbelow:

SEASON, PERIOD OF PLANTING1. Main season

i) Early - Dec - Jan ii) Mid - Feb - March iii) Late - April - May2. Special season - June - July

The varieties noted below are susceptible to severe incidence of diseases and should bereplaced by new introductions.

Variety DiseaseCO 419, CO 740 SmutCO 62198 Grassy shoot

II. PARTICULARS OF VARIETIESVariety Duration (Month) Cane yield (T/ha) CCS% CCS(T/ha)

COC 671 10 123.5 14.20 17.50COC 771 10 140.0 13.10 18.30COC 772 10 143.3 14.00 20.00COC 773 10 97.5 13.20 12.60COC 800 (C 66191) 10 - 11 102.9 13.20 13.50COC 774 11 159.8 11.90 17.90COC 775 11 122.5 13.40 16.40COC 776 11 112.3 14.00 15.50COC 777 12 171.3 11.80 20.00COC 778 12 165.5 11.00 18.10COC 779 12 204.6 11.80 24.00COC 419 12 112.5 10.50 11.80CO 6304 12 115.0 13.50 15.50COC 8001 10 - 11 102.5 13.20 13.50COC 85061 10 - 11 128.5 12.90 16.60COC 86062 10 - 11 133.5 12.60 16.80COC 86071 10 - 11 131.7 12.20 16.00COC 90063 10 - 11 124.0 12.30 15.40COC 8021 10 - 11 137.7 11.00 14.60COC 91061 10 - 11 131.0 11.30 15.60COC 92061 8 - 11 132.7 12.76 16.05CO 8362 11 - 12 124.3 12.40 15.40COG 93076 11 - 12 132.0 13.20 17.40CO 8208 11 - 13 141.5 11.07 15.28COG 94077 11 133.2 13.5 17.6Jaggery : Recovery*; Yield** 10.9* 14.6**COG 95076 10 - 11 108.2 11.5 12.4CO 85019 12 134.5 12.5 16.8COSI 95071 10 152.0 12.9 21COSI 96071 10 145.0 11.9 17.3CO 8610 10 - 12 146.1 10.78 15.64COC 98061 10 - 11 120.0 11.60 13.80COSI 98071 12 144.7 12.3 17.7CO 86249 10 - 12 128.7 11.3 14.3

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Sugarcane

III. MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERSCharacters COC 671 COC 771 COC 772 COC 773

Parentage Q63xCO775 CO419xCO658 CO740xCO658 CO658XCO1305Leaf size Broad Broad Broad BroadLeaf colour Green Green Green GreenSheath colour Green with Green with Green with Green with

purple tinge purple tinge purple tinge purple tingeSheathClasping Loose Loose Loose LooseSpines Present Present Present PresentLigular process Present Absent Absent PresentStem colour Green with Yellow with Yellow with Yellow with

purple tinge purple tinge green tinge green tingeGirth Thick Medium Medium MediumJoint Staggered Straight Staggered StraightBud Groove Absent Present Absent AbsentSize Medium Medium Medium Medium

Character COC 774 COC 775 COC 776 COC 777

Parentage CO785x CO658xCO1305 CO419xCO775 CO419XCO853CO 658

Leaf size Broad Broad Broad BroadLeaf colour Green Green Green GreenSheath colour Green with Green with Green with Purple

purple tinge purple tinge purple tingeSheathClasping Tight Tight Tight LooseSpines Present Present Present PresentLigular process Present Present Present PresentStem colour Purple Green with Yellow with Purple with

purple tinge purple tinge green tingeGirth Medium Medium Medium MediumJoint Straight Straight Straight StaggeredBud Groove Absent Present Absent AbsentSize Medium Medium Medium Medium

Character COC 778 COC 779 CO 419 COC 85061

Parentage CO419xCO 853 CO419xCO853 Poj 2878xCO290 CO6304 GCLeaf size Broad Broad Broad MediumLeaf colour Green Green Green Light greenSheath colour Purple Purple Green with Green with

green tinge pink tingeSheathClasping Loose Loose Loose TightSpines Present Present Present GlabrousLigular process Present Present Lanceolate Present on one sideStem colour Purple Purple with Purple Greenish yellow

green tinge turns to pink onexposure to sunlight

Girth Medium Medium Thick MediumJoint Staggered Straight Staggered StaggeredBud Groove Absent Absent Present AbsentSize Medium Medium Medium Medium


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III. MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS (CONTD...)Characters COC86062 COSi 86071 CO6304 C66191(COC 8001)

Parentage MS68/47GC CO775xCO842 CO419xCO605 PO2874XCO658Leaf size Medium Broad Broad BroadLeaf colour Green Dark green Green GreenSheath colour Dark pink Yellowish green Green with Greenish

with pink tinge Purple tingeSheathClasping Loose Tight Loose LooseSpines Glabrous Present Present AbsentLigular Absent Present Present Bow shapeprocess on both sidesStem colour Yellowish green Purplish green Green with Greenish with

turns to dark turns to pink purple tinge light yellowishpink on exposure on exposure to tingeto sunlight sunlight

Girth Medium Thick Thick MediumJoint Staggered Staggered Staggered StraightBud Groove Absent Present Present IndicatedSize Small Big Medium Medium

Character COC 8201 COC 90063 CO 8021 COC 91061

Parentage CO740xCO62174 CO6304XCOC671 CO740xCO6806 COC779 G.C.Leaf size Medium Medium Medium MediumLeaf colour Green Green Green GreenSheath colour Green with Green Purple Whitish

Pink tinge YellowSheath clasping Loose Loose Loose TightSpines Glabrous Present Glabrous AbsentSplits .. Absent Present AbsentLigular Lanceolate Present on Present on one Absent onprocess one side side Lanceolate both sides

(4-5 cm)Stem colour Greenish yellow Yellowish green Purple with heavy Yellowish green

wax depositionGirth Medium Medium Medium MediumJoint Thick Staggered Erect StaggeredBud Groove Present Absent Present and Absent

ProminentSize Medium Medium Medium/Big Small

Character COC 92061 CO 8362 COG 93076 CO 8208

Parentage CO 7314 CC CO 6304X COC 772X CO 62198X(Natural cross) COC 671 CO 419 COC 671Involving CO6314as female

Leaf size Broad Medium Medium MediumLeaf colour Green Green Dark green Dark greenSheath Colour Purple with Green Dark green Greenish purple

heavy bloomSheath clasping __ Loose — LooseSpines Deciduous Deciduous Deciduous DeciduousSplits Absent Absent Absent —

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III. MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERS (CONTD..)Character COC 92061 CO 8362 COG 93076 CO 8208

Ligular process One side indica- Present on One side ‘K/H’ted and the other both side Asymmetricalside rudimentary

Stem colour Greenish yellow Purple green Greenish light Green withwith pink tinge yellow purple tinge

Girth — — — —Joint Slightly Straight Slightly Straight

staggered staggeredBud Groove Absent Absent Absent AbsentSize Medium Medium Medium Small

Character COG 94077 COG 95076 CO 85019 COSi 95071

Parentage CO 740 x C0 775 COC 771 x CO 775 CO 7201 x CO 775 COC 671x MS 6847Leaf size Medium Medium Length 140 cm Medium

width 6.0 cmLeaf colour Dark green Green Light green Green

at harvestSheath colour Greenish with Green Green with Light greenish

purplish tinge purple tinge yellowSheath Easily trashing LooseClasping Loose LooseSpines Absent Present,deciduous Hard few AbsentLigular process Present on One side lanceo Absent Present,

one side late and one side Asymmetricaldentoid

Stem colour Greenish Greenish yellow Exposed-Purple Greenish Yellowyellow with purplish tinge unexposed-yello-

wish green withheavy waxy coating

Girth Medium Medium 3.0 cm MediumJoint Slightly staggered Slightly staggered Zig Zag StaggeredBud groove Short, shallow Indicated Absent PresentSize Medium Medium small Medium

Character CO Si 96071 CO 8610 COC 98061 COSi 98071 CO 86249

Parentage GC Co.82061 Co 740 x Co 7409 C80 172 GC Bo 91/ Co 62198 Co J 64xCoA 7601

Leaf size Medium Broad Medium Broad MediumLeaf colour Green Lightgreen Green Dark green GreenSheath colour Lightgreen with Lightgreen with Green with Yellowish Light green

pink blotches pink blotches pink tinge greenSheathclasping — — — — —Spines Present & Absent Absent Deciduous

deciduousLigular Asymmetrial “ I ” Absent on Short lanceolate Small, presentprocess both sides on one sideStem colour Purplish Yellowish with Greenish yellow Yellowish green Greenish yellow

green tinge with slight purpletinge

Girth Medium Thick Medium Thick ThickJoint Concave,convex — Cylindrical Cylindrical CylindricalBudgroove Absent Prominent Absent Numerous AbsentSize Small Big Medium Big Big


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IV. DISTRICT/SEASON - SUITABLE VARIETIES

Early Mid late Special

Factory Jaggery Factory Jaggery Factory Jaggery Factory Jaggery

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur (Coastal Belt)CO 658 .. CO 658 CO 419 CO 6304 CO 62175 .. ..CO 62174 CO 671 CO 62198 CO 449 COC 8201 CO 419 .. ..CO 62198 COC 771 CO 6304 CO 6304 COC 771 CO 6304 .. ..COC 671 COC 772 COC 774 COC 776 COC 778 COC 8201 .. ..COC 771 COC 773 COC 775 COC 8001 COC 779 CO 740 .. ..COC 772 COC 8001 COC 8001 .. CO 419 .. .. ..COC 8001 COC 85061, .. .. CO 740 .. .. ..COC 85061 COC 86062 CO 658 .. .. ..COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..CO Si 95071 COG 94077 .. .. .. .. .. ..

COSi 95071

All districtsCO Si 96071 CO Si 96071CoC 98061 CoC 98061CO 86010 CO 86010

Cuddalore, VillupuramCO 658 CO 658 CO 419 CO 6304 CO 62175 .. ..CO 62174 CO 671 CO 62198 CO 449 COC 8201 CO 419 .. ..CO 62198 COC 771 CO 6304 CO 6304 COC 771 CO 6304 .. ..COC 671 COC 772 COC 774 COC 776 COC 778 COC 8201 .. ..COC 771 COC 773 COC 775 COC 8001 COC 779 CO 771 .. ..COC 772 COC 8001 COC 776 .. CO 419 .. .. ..COC 85061 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 8001 COC 8001 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..CO Si 95071 COG 94077 CO Si98071 CO Si98071 CO Si98071 CO Si98071

COSi 95071


Vellore, TiruvannamalaiCO 658 CO 658 CO 6304 CO 419 .. ..CO 62174 CO 671 CO 62198 CO 449 COC 8201 CO 62175 .. ..CO 62198 COC 771 CO 6304 CO 6304 COC 771 CO 6304 .. ..COC 671 COC 772 COC 774 COC 776 COC 778 COC 8201 .. ..COC 771 COC 773 COC 775 COC 8001 COC 779 COC 777 .. ..COC 772 COC 8001 COC 776 CO 740 CO 419 .. .. ..COC 8001 COC 85061 COC 8001 .. COC 777 .. .. ..COC 85061 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86062 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..

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Vellore, Tiruvannamalai (Contd...)COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COG 94077 .. .. .. .. .. ..COG 95076COSi 95071


Salem, NamakkalCOC 771 COC 771 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 CO 419 CO 419CO 6806 CO 855 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 6394 CO 419 COC 671 COC 671COC 671 CO 62174 COC 776 COC 776 CO 740 CO 6806 COC 771 COC 771COC 772 COC 772 COC 449 COC 740 COC 8201 COC 6304 COC 772 COC 772COC 773 COC 773 CO 740 COC 774 .. CO 740 COC 85061 COC 85061

CoSi 86071 COC 774 COC 8201 COC 85062 COC 85062COC 85062 COC 85061 COC 775 .. .. .. CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071COSi 86071 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063CO 8021 CO 8021 .. .. .. .. CO 8021 CO 8021COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 95071 COG 94077

COSi 95071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071


DharmapuriCOC 771 CO 853 .. .. .. CO 62175 .. ..CO 6806 CO 62174 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 419 .. ..COC 671 COC 671 COC 776 COC 776 CO 740 CO 6806 .. ..COC 772 COC 772 CO 449 CO 740 COC 8201 CO 6304 .. ..COC 773 COC 773 CO 740 COC 774 .. CO 740 .. ..COC 8001 COC 8001 COC 774 .. .. CO 8201 .. ..COC 85061 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 COC 86062 COC 775 .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063CO 8021 CO 8021 .. .. .. .. CO 8021 CO 8021COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 95071 COG 94077

COSi 95071



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CoimbatoreCOC 771 CO 853 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 CO 419 CO 419CO 6806 CO 62174 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 419 CO 671 COC 671COC 671 COC 671 COC 776 COC 776 CO 740 CO 6806 COC 771 COC 771COC 772 COC 772 CO 449 CO 740 COC 8201 CO 6304 COC 772 COC 772COC 773 COC 773 COC 740 COC 774 COC 6304 CO 740 COC 85061 COC 85061COC 8001 COC 8001 COC 774 .. CO 740 CO 8201 COC 86062 COC 86062COC 85061 COC 85061 COC 775 .. .. .. CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071COC 86062 COC 86062 COC 776 .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063CO 8021 CO 8021 .. .. .. .. CO 8021 CO 8021COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 95071 COG 94077

COSi 95071


ErodeCO 658 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 CO 419 CO 419CO 62174 COC 671 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 419 COC 671 COC 671CO 62198 COC 771 COC 776 COC 776 CO 740 CO 6806 COC 771 COC 771COC 671 COC 772 CO 449 CO 740 COC 8201 CO 6304 COC 772 COC 772COC 771 COC 773 CO 740 COC 774 .. CO 740 COC 85061 COC 85061COC 772 COC 8001 COC 774 .. .. CO 8201 COC 86062 COC 86062COC 8001 .. COC 775 .. .. .. CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071COC 8002 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 85061 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063CO 8021 CO 8021 .. .. .. .. CO 8021 CO 8021COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 95071 COG 94077



Tiruchirapalli, Karur, PerambalurCOC 771 COC 771 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 CO 419 CO 419CO 658 CO 419 CO 6304 CO 6304 .. CO 419 CO 671 COC 671CO 62174 COC 671 COC 776 CO 740 CO 740 CO 6804 COC 771 COC 771COC 772 COC 773 COC 774 COC 774 CO 6304 CO 740 COC 85061 COC 85061COC 8001 COC 8001 COC 775 .. .. COC 8201 COC 86062 COC 86062CO 62198 COC 772 CO 740 COC 776 COC 8201 COC 6304 COC 772 COC 772CO 72198 CO 62198 .. .. .. .. COC 8001 COC 8001COC 85061 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..CO 86071 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063COSi 95071 COG 94077


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PudukottaiCO 6806 CO 853 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 .. ..COC 671 CO 62174 CO 6304 CO 6304 COC 8201 CO 419 .. ..COC 771 COC 671 COC 776 COC 776 CO 6304 CO 6304 .. ..COC 772 COC 772 CO 740 .. CO 740 COC 8201 .. ..COC 773 COC 773 COC 775 .. .. .. .. ..COC 85061 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 95071 COG 94077

COSi 95071All districtsCO Si 96071 CO Si 96071CoC 98061 CoC 98061CO 86010 CO 86010

Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, NagapattinamCOC 671 COC 671 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 .. ..COC 658 CO 419 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 419 .. ..CO 62174 CO 771 COC 776 COC 776 COC 8201 CO 6806 .. ..COC 771 COC 772 .. .. .. CO 6304 .. ..COC 772 COC 773 .. .. .. COC 8201 .. ..COC 8001 COC 8001 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 8001 COC 8001 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 85061 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..CoSi 86071 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063CO 8021 CO 8021 .. .. .. .. CO 8021 CO 8021COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 95071 COG 94077

COSi 95071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071All districtsCO Si 96071 CO Si 96071CoC 98061 CoC 98061CO 86010 CO 86010

Madurai, Dindigul, Theni/Dindigal AnnaCO 6806 CO 853 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 .. ..COC 671 CO 62175 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 449 .. ..COC 771 COC 671 COC 776 COC 776 CoSi 8201 CO 6304COC 772 COC 772 CO 740 .. COC 777 COC 8201 .. ..COC 773 COC 773 COC 774 .. COC 778 .. .. ..CO 8134 COC 8001 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 8607 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 8001 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 85061 CoSi 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86071 .. .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSI 95071 COG 94077



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Ramanathapuram/Virudhunagar/SivagangaiCO 6806 CO 853 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 .. ..COC 671 CO 62174 CO 6304 CO 6304 COC 6304 CO 419 .. ..COC 771 COC 671 COC 776 COC 776 COC 8201 CO 6304 .. ..COC 772 COC 772 COC 740 .. COC 777 COC 8201 .. ..COC 773 COC 773 COC 774 .. COC 778 .. .. ..COC 8001 COC 8001 COC 775 .. .. .. .. ..COC 85061 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86071 COC 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 95071 COG 94077

COSI 95071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071 Co Si 98071


Tirunelveli, ThoothukudiCO 6806 CO 853 CO 419 CO 419 CO 419 CO 62175 .. ..CO 671 CO 62174 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 6304 CO 419 .. ..COC 771 COC 671 COC 776 COC 776 COC 8201 CO 6304 .. ..COC 772 COC 772 COC 740 COC 777 COC 771 COC 8201 .. ..COC 773 COC 773 COC 774 .. COC 778 .. .. ..COC 8001 COC 8001 COC 775 .. COC 779 .. .. ..COC 85061 COC 85061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 86062 COC 86062 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 86061 COC 86071 .. .. .. .. .. ..COC 90063 COC 90063 .. .. .. .. COC 90063 COC 90063COC 91061 COC 91061 .. .. .. .. .. ..COSi 95071 COG 94077

COSi 95071

Coastal Belt.. .. CO 85019 CO 85019CO 86249 CO 86249 CO 86249 CO 86249


V. PREPARATION OF THE LAND FOR RAISING SUGARCANE1. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

a) Wetland (Heavy soils): In wet lands, preparatory cultivation by way of ploughing the landand bringing the soil to fine tilth is not done.i. After harvest of the paddy crop, form irrigation and drainage channels of 40 cm depth

and 30 cm width at intervals of 6 m along and across the field and along the fieldborders.

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Sugarcaneii. Form ridges and furrows with a spacing of 80 cm between rows with mammutti.iii. Dig with hand hoes in the furrows, stir the furrows with hand hoes and allow the soil to

weather for 4 to 5 days.

b. Problem soils with excessive soil moisture: In problem soils, where excessive moistureis present and it is difficult to drain the water and to have a dry bed, do the following: Formraised beds at 30 cm intervals with the following dimensions. Length - 5 m, Width - 80 cm,Height 15 cm.

c. Garden lands and medium and light soils: In medium and light soil irrigated by flow orlift irrigation adopt the following:i. Plough deep with a tractor drawn plough or victory plough. Use junior hoe to break

the clods and get a fine tilth free of weeds and stubbles.ii. Open ridges and furrows 80 cm apart with the help of victory plough. The depth of

furrow must be 20 cm.iii. Open irrigation channels of 30 cm depth at intervals of 10 m.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM or COMPOSTApply FYM at 12.5 t/ha or compost 12.5 t/ha or filter press mud at 15 t/ha before the last ploughing

under gardenland. In wet lands this may be applied along the furrow and incorporated well.Preparation of reinforced compost from sugarcane trash and pressmud

Spread the sugarcane trash to a thickness of 15 cm over an area of 5 - 7 m x 3 m depending onthe area available. Then spread the pressmud over this trash to a thickness of 5 cm. Sprinkle theSRS fertilizer mixture containing mussoorie rock phosphate, gypsum and urea in the ratio of 5:4:1over these layers at the rate of 10 kg/100 kg of trash. Moist the trash and pressmud layers adequatelywith water. Repeat this process till the entire heap rises to a height of 1.0 m to 1.5 m according toconvenience. Use cowdung slurry instead of water to moist the layer wherever it is available. Coverthe heap with a layer of soil and pressmud at 1:1 ratio to a thickness of 15 cm.

Leave the heap as such for three months for decomposition. Moist the heap once in 15 days.During rainy season, avoid moistening the heap. After three months, turn and mix the heap thoroughlyand form a heap and leave it for one more month. Then turn and mix the heap thoroughly at the endof the fourth month. Moist the heap once in 15 days during 4th and 5th month also. This methodincreases the manurial value of trash compost by increasing, N, P and Ca content. It also bringsdown the C:N ratio by 10 times as compared to raw cane trash.

Enriched trash compost: An environment-friendly cost effective and feasible technology hasbeen developed at Sugarcane Research Station, Cuddalore for preparing enriched compost fromsugarcane trash within a reasonable time of 5 to 6 months. In this method, about 500 Kg of canetrash is spread in an area of 8 m x 5 m pit and above this layer about 500 Kg of press mud is spread.The layers are moistened and fertilizer mixture (M.R.P : Gypsum : Urea in 2:1:1 ratio) is sprinkled atthe rate of 50 Kg/tonne of trash to encourage multiplication of biodegrading microorganism. Thetrash and press mud layers are repeated till 10 layers of each are laid out. The heap is covered withthe soil and allowed for decomposition by moistening once in 7 days. A turning is given after 3months and at the end of 5th month 60% of cane trash and press mud is recovered as well decomposedcompost manure enriched with plant nutrients.

Composition of cane trash, pressmud and cane trash compost

Cane trash Pressmud Cane trash compost

Major nutrients PercentNitrogen (N) 0.40 1.90 1.60Phosphorus (P) 0.13 1.50 1.10Potassium(K) 0.40 0.50 0.40Calcium (Ca) 0.56 3.00 1.00Magnesium (Mg) 0.30 2.00 0.60Sulphur (S) 0.12 0.50 0.48


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Cane trash Pressmud Cane trash compost

Micronutrients PPMIron (Fe) 360 2240 2710Manganese (Mn) 110 400 450Zinc (Zn) 90 360 370Copper (Cu) 30 130 80C:N ratio 113:1 16:1 22:1

2.A. NUTRITIONAL DISORDERNitrogen Deficiency: Leaves yellowish green to yellow. Drying prematurely at tips and margins,

old leaves reddish purple, leaves narrows, stem thin.

Phosphorus deficiency: Leaves show narrow, bluish green lines - older ones turn yellow andshow tip die back - stalks are slender, growth stunted.

Potassium deficiency: Young leaves are first dark green - leaves turn pale yellow and reddishcolouration on upper surface of midribs. Older or lower leaves die back at tips and margin.

Zinc deficiency: Pronounced pale green colour along the major veins, striped chlorosis shorteningof internodes with stunted growth of the cane.

Iron deficiency : Newly formed leaves are chlorotic, typical interveinal chlorosis. In severecases even midrib and veins may turn white.

Recommendation: 37.5 kg ZnSO4/ha as basal in the case of Zinc deficient soil. If basal application

is not done 0.5% ZnSO4 foliar spray on 90, 105 and 120 days after planting.

3. APPLYING FERTILIZERSi) Test the soil for available P and apply P fertilizer based on soil test values. Apply super

phosphate (375 kg/ha) along with furrows and incorporate with hand hoe.

ii) Apply 37.5 kg Zinc sulphate/ha or 100 kg Ferrous sulphate/ha for soils with zinc and irondeficiency respectively.

VI. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD OPERATIONS

1. PREPARATION OF SETTS FOR PLANTINGa. Take seed material from a short crop (6 to 8 months nursery crop) free from borers, scales,

mealy bugs, grassy shoot, smut and resistant to red rot disease. In the case of iron deficiencyeither basal application of 100 kg FeSO

4 + FYM 12.5T/ha or 2% FeSO

4 as foliar spray

thrice on 90, 105 and 120 days after planting.

i) Detrash the cane with hand

ii. Use short knife to prepare setts without splits.

iii. Discard setts with damaged buds, sprouted buds, splits etc.

iv. Sett treatment with Azospirillum: Prepare the slurry with 10 packets (2000 g)/ha ofAzospirillum inoculum with sufficient water and soak the setts in the slurry for 10 - 15minutes before planting.

2. DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN SUGARCANE1. Select healthy setts for planting. In the seed crop, select plants which do not show symptoms

of red rot, smut, grassy shoot and ratoon stunting. Setts showing red colour at the cut endand hollows should be rejected and burnt.

2. Set fire to residues of previous crop to eliminate debris of fungal pathogens.

3. In fields which had shown high level of red rot disease, follow crop rotation with rice.

4. The setts should be soaked in 0.1% Carbendazim or 0.05% Triademefon for 15 minutes.

5. Treat setts with aerated steam at 50°C for one hour to control primary infection of grassyshoot disease.

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Sugarcane6. Clumps infected by grassy shoot, smut and ratoon stunting diseases should be immediately

uprooted and destroyed.

7. Use resistant varieties for the following diseases:

a. Red rot CO 62198, CO 7704 (Resistant), COC 8001, CO 8201 (Moderately resistant)

b. Smut CO 7704 (Resistant) COC 85061, COC 8201 (Moderately resistant)

3. ADOPTING THE SEED RATEi. 75000 two-budded or 50000 three-budded setts/ha.

ii. 1,87,500 single budded setts/ha (for single bud direct planting).

4. PLANTING THE SETTS Different systems of planting is not found to influence the millable cane population, CCS%,

cane and sugar yield. However, 25% additional N application on 5-7 days after ratoon, spraying 4%urea and 200 ppm ethrel on 15 and 30 days after ratooning help in increasing cane and sugar yield.

i. Irrigate the furrows to form a slurry.

ii. Place the setts end to end in the centre of the furrows, keeping the buds in the lateralposition and press the setts just to the ground level in the furrow.

iii. Avoid exposure of setts to sunlight.

iv. Plant extra setts near the channel for gap filling later.

5. FILLING UP GAPSi. Fill up gaps, if any, within 30 days after planting with sprouted setts.

ii. Maintain adequate moisture for 3 weeks for proper establishment of setts.

iii) For filling the gappy areas in the ratoon Sugarcane crop within 30 days of harvesting themain crop with sprouted cane stubbles taken from the same field is the best for fullestablishment. The next best method is gap filling with seedlings raised in polybags.

6. TRASH MULCHINGMulch the ridge with cane trash to a thickness of 10 cm uniformly three days after planting to tide

over drought and as moisture conservation, weed control and minimising shoot borer incidence.Mulch the field with trash only after 21 days in the case of heavy soil and wet land conditions. Avoidtrash mulching in areas where incidence of termites is noticed.

7. GROWING INTER CROPSIn areas of adequate irrigation, sow one row of soybean, blackgram or greengram along the

centre of the ridge on the 3rd day of planting. Intercropping of daincha in ridge side planting andincorporation of the same on the 60th day after planting helps to increase the soil fertility and also thecane yield. Intercropping of CO 1 Soybean in ridge side planting gives 800 to 970 Kg/ha without anyadverse effect on cane yield.

8. APPLICATION OF HERBICIDES FOR PURE CROP OF SUGARCANEWeed management in Sugarcane intercropping system

Premergence application of Thiobencarb @ 1.25 kg ai/ha under intercropping system inSugarcane with Soybean, blackgram or groundnut gives effective weed control. Raising intercropsis not found to affect the cane yield and quality.

i. Spray Atrazine 2 kg or Oxyflurofen 750 ml/ha mixed in 900 ltr. of water as pre emergenceherbicide on the 3rd day of planting, using deflector or fan type nozzle.

ii. If pre-emergence spray is not carried out, go in for post-emergence spray of Grammaxone2.5 ltr. + 2,4-D sodium salt 2.5 kg/ha in 900 ltr. of water on 21st day of planting or apply10% Ammonium sulphate on 45th, 75th and 105th day after planting as directed spray.

iii. If the parasitic weed striga is a problem, application of 2, 4-D sodium salt at 1.25 kg/ha isrecommended. Post-emergence application of 2,4-D sodium salt 1.75 kg/ha in 650 ltr. of


186

water/ha has to be sprayed 2, 4-D spraying should be avoided when neighbouring crop iscotton or bhendi (or) apply 20% urea for the control of striga as direct spray.

iv. If herbicide is not applied work the junior-hoe along the ridges 25, 55 and 85 days afterplanting for removal of weeds and proper stirring. Remove the weeds along the furrowswith hand hoe.

9. EARTHING UPOn 45th day a partial earthing up is given. After application of 3rd dose of manure (90 days),

work victory plough along the ridges for efficient and economical earthing up. Repeat with spade 150days after planting.

10. DETRASHINGRemove the dried leaves alone on 150th and 210th day.

11. PROPPINGDo double line propping with trash twist at the age of 210 days of the crop.

12. TOP DRESSING WITH FERTILIZERSa. Soil application

Apply 275 kg of nitrogen and 112.5 kg of K2O/ha in three equal splits at 30, 60 and 90 days in

coastal and flow irrigated belts (assured water supply areas). For plant crop, N at 45, 90 and 135days after planting is recommended. For ratoon crop 30, 60 and 90 days may be followed.

In the case of lift irrigation belt, apply 225 kg of nitrogen and 112.5 kg of K2O/ha in three equal

splits at 30, 60 and 90 days (water scarcity areas). For jaggery areas, apply 175 kg of nitrogen and112.5 kg of K

2O/ha in three equal splits on 30, 60 and 90th days.

b. Foliar and soil application:Economise nitrogen application by the following three methods.

i. Foliar spray

1st Dose: Apply 55 kg/ha of nitrogen to soil on 30th day of planting.

2nd Dose: Apply 55 kg of nitrogen/ha to soil on 60th day of planting.

3rd Dose: Resort to foliar spray of urea by dissolving 62.5 kg of urea in 850 litres of water(for high volume spray) or 312 litres of water (for low volume spray) on 90th day.

Repeat the above foliar spray on the 110th day. By this method, 37.5 kg of nitrogen can besaved.

ii. Soil application

a. Neem Cake Blended Urea: Apply 67.5 kg of N/ha + 27.5 kg of Neem Cake at 30days and repeat on 60th and 90th days.

Note: Neem cake blending: Powder the required quantity of neem cake and mix it withurea thoroughly and keep it for 24 hours. thus, 75 kg of nitrogen/ha can be saved bythis method.

b. Azospirillum: Mix 12 packets (2400 g)/ha of Azospirillum inoculant with 25 kg ofFYM and 25 kg soil and apply near the clumps on 30th day of planting. Repeat thesame on 60th day with another 12 packets (2400 gm). Repeat the above at the otherside of the crop row on the 90th day (for lift irrigated belt).

c. Band placement: Open deep furrows of 15 cm depth with hand hoes and place thefertilisers in the form of band and cover it properly.

d. Subsurface application: Application of 255 kg of Nitrogen in the form of urea alongwith potash at 10 - 15 cm depth by the side of the cane clump will result in the savingof 20 kg N/ha without any yield reduction.

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Sugarcane

13. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate the crop depending upon the need during different phases of the crop. Germination

phase (0 - 35 days): Provide shallow wetting with 2 to 3 cm of water at shorter interval especially forsandy soil for enhancing the germination by 10%. Sprinkler irrigation is the suitable method to satisfythe requirement.

In other crop phases irrigation can be provided at 0.75, 0.75 and 0.50 IW/CPE ratio duringtillering, grandgrowth and maturity phases respectively. The intervals of the irrigation in each phaseare given below:

Days of irrigation intervalStages Sandy soil Clay soilTillering phase (36 to 100 days) 8 10Grand growth Phase (101 - 270 days) 8 10Maturity phase (271 - harvest) 10 14

Contingent planGradual widening of furrow: At the time of planting, form furrow at a width of 30 cm initially.

After that, widen the furrow to 45 cm on 45th day during first light earthing up and subsequentlydeepened the furrow on 90th day to save 35% of water.

Drought Management: To alleviate moisture stress, soak the setts in ethrel 200 ppm or limesolution (80 kg Kiln lime in 400 lit) for one hour and plant in deep furrows of 30 cm depth. Then spraypotash and urea each at 2.5 per cent during moisture stress period at 15 days interval. Spray Kaolin(30 g in 1 ltr. of water) to alleviate the water stress effect. Under water scarcity condition, alternatefurrow and skip furrow methods are beneficial.

14. PRE-HARVEST PRACTICESa. Apply cane ripeners

i. Spray Sodium metasilicate 4 kg/ha in 750 litres of water on the foliage of crop at 6th monthsafter planting.

ii. Repeat the same twice at 8th and 10th month after planting to obtain higher cane yield andsugar percentage.

b. Assessing maturity of cropsi. Assess the maturity by hand refractometer brix by survey. 18 to 25 per cent indicates

optimum maturity for harvest.ii. Top-bottom ratio of H.R.Brix reading should be 1:1.

15. HARVESTINGDecide the age for harvest in relation to varieties and time of planting.

i. Early varieties to be harvested when 10 to 11 months old and mid-season varieties when11 to 12 months old.

ii. Harvest the cane at peak maturity, cut the cane to ground level for both planted and ratooncrops.

B. RATOON CROP

1. MANAGEMENT OF THE FIELD AFTER HARVEST OF THE PLANT CROPFollow the operations within 10 days of harvest of planted crop to obtain better establishment

and uniform sprouting of shoots.1. Remove the trash but do not burn it. Irrigate the field copiously.2. Follow stubble shaving with sharp spade to a depth of 4 - 6 cm along the ridges.3. Fill in gaps with sprouted stubbles or settlings or setts.4. Test the soil and apply phosphorus based on soil test values. Apply basal dose of organic

manure and super phosphate and work with cooper plough along the sides.


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II. MANAGEMENT OF THE CROP

Follow different operations similar to planted crop.1. Spray Ferrous sulphate at 2.5 kg/ha in 150 litres of water on the 15th day. If chlorotic

condition persists, repeat twice further at 15 days interval. Add urea 12.5 kg/ha in the lastspray.

2. Hoeing and weeding on 20th day and 40th to 50 th day.3. First top dressing on 25th day, 2nd on 45th to 50th day.4. Final manuring on 70th to 75th day.5. Partial earthing up on 50th day. If junior-hoe is worked two or three times upto 90th day,

partial earthing up is not necessary.6. Final earthing up on 90th day.7. Detrashing between 120th and 180 th day.8. Trash twist propping on 180th day.9. Harvest after 11 months.

C. SHORT CROP (NURSERY CROP)

I. SELECTION OF PROPER PLANTING MONTHS FOR RAISING NURSERY CROP INRELATION TO MAIN FIELD PLANTING

Raise six to eight months old nursery crop prior to main field planting in the following lines.

Raise nursery crop during To transplant duringJune December - January (early season)July February - March (Mid season)August April - May (Late season)Dec - Apr June - September (Special season)

II. PRECAUTIONS IN MAINTAINING NURSERY CROPAdopt similar production techniques for raising short crop with the following modifications.1. Do not detrash2. Do not prop3. Harvest at 6 to 8 months age4. Remove trash by hand while preparing setts5. Avoid bud damage6. Transport the seed material to other places in the forms of full canes with trash intact.

D. PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT1. PESTS

i. Shoot Borer: Apply any one of the following insecticides if 15% dead-heart incidence isnoticed. Carbaryl + Lindane (Sevidol) 4% G 12.5 kg; Lindane 10 G 12.5 kg; carbofuran 3G 33 kg (soil application), Monocrotophos 36 WSC 1000 ml; Endosulfan 35 EC 1000 ml,Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1000 ml, Phosalone 35 EC 1000 ml or Granulosis virus at 1.1 x 105

IBS/ml (750 diseased larvae/ha) or Release 125 gravid females of Sturmiopsis inferens.Spray, GV twice on 35 and 50 DAP.

NOTE: The virus should be applied with Teepol (0.05%) during evening hours. The granularapplication should be immediately followed by irrigation. ‘Granulosis’ virus spraying onsugarcane at 750 Nos. of diseased larvae, crushed and filtered mixed in 500 ltr. of water hasbeen found harmless to parasitoids and predators. A sticker like ‘Teepol’ (250 ml for 500 ltr.)can also be added to make the solution stick on to the surface of the crop and it is preferable

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Sugarcaneto use high volume sprayer to be most effective. Daincha intercropped sugarcane record thelowest early shoot borer incidence. Need based spray of Endosulfan 0.07% for lowestdamage is recommended. On cost benefit ratio basis NSKE 5% is recommended.

ii. Internode Borer: Release egg parasite, Trichogramma chilonis at the rate of 2.5 cc/release/ha. Six releases for every fifteenth day starting from fourth months onwards willbe necessary.

Detrash the crop on the 150th and 210th day after planting.

Control of minor pestsiii. Pyrilla: Spray any one of the following on the 150th and 210th day per ha (1000 ltr. spray

fluid). Malathion 50 EC 2.0 l, Endosulfan 35 EC 2.0 ltr. or detrash on the above days.Avoid excess use of nitrogen.

iv. Aleuroids: Spray 2.0 ltr. of any one of the following per ha as and when the incidence isnoticed (1000ltr. spray fluid). Fenitrothion 50 EC, Monocrotophos 36 WSC. The pestgenerally occurs in ill drained soil.

v. White grub: Provide adequate irrigation, since under inadequate soil moisture conditions,the pest appears in the root zone.

vi. Termite: Apply 125 kg of Heptachlor 3% D per ha in the furrows at the time of planting.vii. Mealy bug: Detrash as per schedule. Drain excess water. Apply any one of the following

insecticides per ha and when the incidence is noticed spray on the stem only. Methylparathion 50 EC 1000 ml, Malathion 50 EC 1000 ml.

viii. Nematode: Apply carbofuron 3 G at 33 kg/ha at the time of planting or 2 months after orCartop 1.5 kg ai/ha or apply pressmud at 15 t/ha or poultry manure at 2 t/ha or neem cake2 t/ha. Apply pressmud at 15 t/ha or poultry manure at 1 t/ha before last ploughing ingarden lands. Under wetland conditions this may be applied along with the furrow andincorporated well. Sunnhemp may be raised as intercrop to reduce the nematode population.

ix. Scale insect: Spray Dimethoate 0.06% on the 120th and 150th day after detrashing.

IMPROVED TECHNIQUES IN BIOLOGICAL CONTROLImproved adult feeding techniques for Trichogramma

Trichogramma adult feeding through cotton swabs will trap the adults which get entangled in thesticky cotton lint. To avoid this, a better adult feeding technique is developed.

Make small dotted holes in a thick mylar film sheet or old film negatives by using a sewingmachine, leaving a gap of 1 cm between the dotted holes horizontally. One side of the sheet (7 x 6cm) will be smooth and the other will be eruptive. Streak 50% honey solution on the smooth side byusing a camel hair brush. Then fold the sheet in such a way that the honey-smeared surface is onthe inside and the eruptive surface outside and staple it. The gap between the dotted holes willprovide free movement for the adults, which imbibe the honey through eruptive surface. In thismethod, the adults do not get trapped in the honey solution.

II. DISEASESi. Grassy shoot disease: In recent years, the grassy shoot disease is appearing in several

tracts. This disease is caused by a mycoplasma and is characterised by the production of numeroustillers from the base of affected shoots. Leaves become yellow and narrow. The plants appearbushy due to reduction in length of internodes and continuous formation of tillers. Cane formationdoes not take place. In the planted crop, the disease first appears due to planting of infected setts.The cane cutting knives also spread the pathogen. Treat setts with aerated steam at 50°C for 1 hourto control primary infection of Grassy shoot disease. Rogue out infected plants in the secondary andcommercial seed nursery. Select seed canes from the middle of the field as for as possible.

ii. Leaf spot: Spray Mancozeb 2.0 kg or Carbendazim 500 g/ha.iii. Rust: Spray Tridemorph 1.0 ltr. or Mancozeb 2.0 kg/ha.iv. Smut: Spray Triadimefon 250 g/ha 30 days after planting to control smut.

��

TOBACCO ( Nicotiana tabacum )

I. VARIETIES AND HYBRIDSTypes Varieties Hybrids Area of cultivation

I. Cigar Vellaivazhai(VV -2) ... Dindigul & VedasanthurKaruvazhai (KV-1) ... - do -... Krishna Tiruchirapalli

II. Country Oosikappal ... Erode (Bhavani)Cheroot (I-737) Kurichi) and Salem, Namakkal

... Bhavani Sangakiri, EdapadiSpecial

Oosikappal (OK-1) Salem, Namakkal... Sendarapatty spl. Sendarapatty

Gangavalli

III. Chewinga.Sun-cured Monnai(I-64) ... Madurai, Dindigul, Theni,

Kanchipuram, Tiruchirapalli,Perambalur, Karur, Erode

... Bhagyalakshmi - do -Vazhaikappal ... Coimbatore(I - 115) (Meemampalayam,

Karamadai, Avanasi,Mettupalayam)

Vadamugam (VD-1) ... Erode (Avanasi,Gobi)Vattakappal (VTK-1) ... - do -Vedaranyam (VR-2) ... Vedaranyam &

Chidambaram

b.Smoke Periya Vadamugam ... Madurai, Dindigul, Theni,cured (PV - 7) Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Erode,

... Thangam Coimbatore

... Maragatham - do -

c. Pit-cured Vattakkappal Vairum Coimbatore district(VTK - 1)Vadamugam (VD -1) ... Coimbatore (Palladam,

Sultanpettai)

CHARACTERS OF CIGAR, CHEROOT AND

CHEWING TOBACCO VARIETIES

Type pure line Hybrid Parentage Duration Yield * Plant Leaf size (topped) in cmSelection Varieties of the crop (kg/ha) height Length breadth Colour

(days)

* Cured leaves (irrigated condition)

I. Cigar filter & BinderVellaivazhai(VV - 2) ... Selected from 80 - 90 2100 45 - 50 70 - 75 25 - 30 Light

farmers’ field


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Characters of cigar, cheroot and chewing tobacco varieties (Contd...)


(days)


Kuruvazhai ... - do - 90 - 100 2400 30 - 35 60 - 65 30 - 35 Dark(KV - 1) green

... Krishna Maryland 100 - 110 2500 45 - 50 70 -75 20 - 25 Mediumgreen

II. Country Cheroot

a. Narrow leaf OosikappalI-737 ... Selected from 85 - 90 1600 45 - 50 60 - 65 10 - 12 Medium

farmers’ field green

... Bhavani I-737 x 90 - 100 2000 45 - 50 50 - 55 10 - 15 DarkSpl. Olor-10 green

b. Broad leaf OosikappalOK-1 ... Selected from 90 - 100 2000 45 - 50 55 - 60 20 - 25 Dark


... Sendara- OK - 1 x VV 2 90 - 100 2500 40 - 45 60 - 65 20 - 25 Mediumpatty spl. green

III. Chewing tobacco

a. Sun-curedMonnai (I-64) ... Selected from 110 - 120 3000 25 - 30 60 - 65 40 - 45 Dark


Bhagya- I-64 x I-375 115 - 125 3500 20 - 25 60 - 65 40 - 45 Darklakshmi Green

Vazhaikappal ... Selected from 100 - 110 2600 40 - 45 65 - 70 30 - 35 Medium(I-115) farmers’ field green

Vadamugam ... - do - 110 - 120 2500 30 - 35 60 - 65 30 - 35 Dark (VD-1) green

Vattakkappal ... - do - 120 - 130 2800 40 - 45 60 - 65 40 - 45 Dark(VTK-1) green

Vedaranyam ... - do - 110 - 120 2500 40 - 45 65 - 70 35 - 40 Dark(VR-2) green

b. Smoke cured

Periavada- ... - do - 110 - 120 3200 30 - 35 60 - 65 45 - 50 Lightmugam (PV-7) green

Than- (PV-7xI-64) 120 - 125 3000 45 - 50 65 - 70 40 - 45 Darkgam green

Mara- (PV-7xI-115) 100 - 105 3200 35 - 40 60 - 65 30 -35 Med.gadam green

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Tobacco

Characters of cigar, cheroot and chewing tobacco varieties (Contd...)


(days)


c. Pit cured

Vattakkappal ... Selected from 110 - 120 2800 40 - 45 60 - 65 40 - 45 Dark(VTK 1) farmers’ field green

Vadamugam (VD-1) - do - 110 - 120 2500 35 - 40 65 - 70 30 - 35 Darkgreen

Vairam I-64 x VTK-1 110 - 120 3500 45 - 50 65 - 70 35 - 40 Darkgreen

II. NURSERY MANAGEMENT

1. The best time of sowing in Tamil Nadu is from 15th August to September end.

2. Nursery area should be very close to the water source. There should be ample drainageand protection from heavy wind. The area should be free from nematode infestation. Redsandy loam soils are preferred for tobacco nurseries.

3. Seedlings should be raised in raised beds (10 cm) to prevent from ‘damping off’ and ‘leafblight’.

4. After preparation of the bed, rabbing (Spreading and burning of paddy husk at 15 kg/2.5 m2

bed or burning of farm waste such as tobacco stalks, bajra or jowar straw) should be doneto ensure destruction of pathogens, Pupae and egg masses of insects and weed seeds toa depth of 5 - 10 cm.

5. Seeds should be sown evenly to avoid over crowding of seedlings which will prevent dampingoff. Seed rate 1.0 to 1.25 g/2.5 m2 bed.

6. Manures: FYM or compost 12.5 kg + 80 g super phosphate/2.5 m2.

7. After sowing, the beds should be covered with coconut fibre/dried grass at 750 g/2.5 m2 toprotect the germinating seeds from beating rain and scorching sun and to conserve moisture.The covering should be removed in a phased manner from 15th to 25th day of sowing.

8. Watering the bed 5 to 8 times per day by rose can, ensures uniform germination of theseeds. It is imperative that the seed beds are neither allowed to dry nor retain excessmoisture.

9. At the end of the nursery period, the left-over seedlings are pulled and the area is immediatelyploughed.

PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENTA. Damping off:

Low lying area, use of high seed rate and excessive watering are the favourable conditions forthis disease.

Preventive measures:i. Preparation of raised seed beds with adequate drainage facilities.

ii. Use of recommended seed rate i.e, 1.0 to 1.5 g/2.5 m2.

iii. Regulating waterings to avoid excessive dampness.

Control measures:a. Pre-emergence damping off: Drench and seed bed with 1% Bordeaux mixture or Copper

oxychloride 0.2% 2 days before sowing.


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b. Post-emergence damping off: Drench 4% Bordeaux mixture or Copper oxychloride 0.2%or metalaxyl compounds 0.2%.

c. Schedule of spray: Drenching of Bordeaux mixture or any other fungicide 2 weeks aftersowing and subsequently at 4 days interval under dry weather and at 2 days interval underwet cloudy weather will save the seedling from damping off. It is a good practice to drenchimmediately after each rain.

B. Black shank:Symptoms: Blackening of roots and stem at ground level.

Control:

a. Burn the seed bed with paddy husk or groundnut shell at 15 - 20 cm thick layer beforesowing.

b. Drench seed bed area with 1% Bordeaux mixture/Copper oxychloride 0.2%, Ziram 0.2%before sowing.

c. Spraying of Copper oxychloride @ 0.2% concentration.

C. Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV) (Mormor tabaci):Symptom: Light and dark green mottlings on leaves.

Control:

It can be suppressed by spraying 1% Bougainvillea or Basella alba leaf extract 2 to 3 times atweekly intervals.

D. Tobacco Caterpillar or Cut-worm (Spodoptera litura):This caterpillar feeds on leaves during night and hide during day time. Young caterpillars are

light green with black head or black spots. Well grown caterpillars are grey or dark brown with a ‘V’shaped white mark on the front portion of the black head.

Integrated Pest Management (IPM):

1. Deep ploughing of nursery area 2 - 3 times in summer.

2. Grow castor as ‘Ovipositional trap crop’ around the nursery to attract moth for egg laying.

3. Collect and destroy egg masses and tiny caterpillars on Castor leaves.

4. Spray neem seed kernel Extract (NSKE) 5% or Nuclear polyhedrosis virus at 250 LE/ha on 4weeks old seedlings.

5. Spray Monocrotophos 36 WSC 15 ml or Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 25 ml or Quinal phos 25 EC 15ml or Endosulfan 35 EC 20 ml or Carbaryl 50 WP, 30 g or Acephate 75 SP 10 g in 10 l of water whenthe pest reaches economic threshold level ie., 6 seedlings damaged or one number of 3rd instarlarvae of Spodoptera litura is observed per one sq. meter area.

E. Grasshopper: Acrida exaltata, Atractomorpha cranulataSymptom: Cut holes on the leaves

Control

i. Keep the surrounding area clean

ii. Spray the surrounding vegetation with 30 ml of Endosulfan 35% EC in 22 ltrs. of water.

F. Green Peech Aphid:Apply Acephate 75 SP at 250 g/ha as high volume application to check the Green Peech Aphid

in tobacco. High volume application is safe to the adults of two coccinellid predators viz., Coccinellaseptumpunctata and Menochilus sexmaculata predaceous of this aphid.

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Tobacco

III. MAIN FIELD PREPARATION

1. SEASONRabi Planting: First fortnight of October. After first December in Vedaranyam.

2. PLOUGHING4 to 5 ploughing followed by 2 harrowings are necessary to get a desired tilth. Summer ploughing

reduces building up of the pest and disease including nematode.

3. PLANTING METHOD AND SPACINGPlanting in ridges is better than flat bed system.

1. Chewing tobacco : 75 x 75 cm

2. Cigar tobacco : 75 x 50 cm

3. Cheroot tobacco : 60 x 45 cm

4. MANURES AND FERTILIZERSOrganic manures: FYM 25 t/ha or sheep penning at 8 to 10 thousand sheep/ha or 25 t/ha of

nightsoil compost (compost should be applied one month prior to planting) or Neem cake 250 kg/ha.

Inorganic fertilizersNitrogen: 100 kg N/ha in the form of Ammonium sulphate for chewing tobacco. In case, brackish

water is used for irrigation, restrict to 75 kg N/ha. Apply 50% of the nitrogen at 45th day and the other50% at 60th day of planting. Application of half of the recommended ‘N’ through foliar spray of ureaat 2% concentration three times at an interval of 10 days starting from 60th day increases yield from6 to 12 per cent. By seedling dipping and soil application of Azospirillum, about 25% of recommendedN can be saved.

Phosphorus: Apply 100 kg of P2O

5/ha in the form of super phosphate in conjunction with sieved

FYM or Night soil compost in 1:4 ratio (625 kg super phosphate + 2500 kg NSC or FYM) at planting.

Potassium: Chewing tobacco: 50 kg/ha, Cigar and Cheroot: 100 kg/ha.Apply potassium in twosplit doses along with nitrogen at 45 and 60 days after planting.

5. PLANTINGSelect healthy seedlings of uniform size, free from pests and diseases and nematode and plant

them in the cool hours of the evening for better establishment. Gap filling: 7 to 10 days after planting.For intercropping in Tobacco (Bhagyalakshmi), onion and coriander (greens) were more suitablewithout affecting tobacco yield.

6. WEEDING AND INTERCULTUREFirst hand weeding - three weeks after planting. At 45 days after planting, a soil mulch is

created by spade digging making the ridges flat. Subsequently ridges are reformed after a weekcreating deep furrows to facilitate heavy irrigation at grand growth period of the crop.

Control of Orobanche: Remove as and when the shoot appear above the ground level beforeflowering and seed set. The removed shoot are to be buried or burnt. Trap cropping of greengramor gingelly or sorghum reduce the infestation.

Chemical weed control: Pre-emergence application of Fluchloralin at 1 lit/ha or Oxyfluorfen at0.5 lit/ha one week prior to planting controls most of the weeds.

7. IRRIGATIONSUpto first hoeing (45 days) irrigate the field at 3 to 4 days interval. 6 to 12 weeks: Heavy

irrigations are necessary for obtaining better yields. Maturity stage: Irrigate once in 4 - 5 days. Totalirrigations required: 20 - 25.

8. TOPPING AND DESUCKERINGChewing tobacco: Top, leaving 10 leaves on the plant, besides 2 end leaves.


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Desuckering: 1. Manual removal of suckers by hand 4 to 5 times at weekly intervals.

2. Application of neem oil emulsion at 35% immediately after topping completely suppress thesuckers. (Neem Oil 1.75 lit + Sandovit 0.5 lit + water 2.75 lit will suffice for 1000 plants).

9. HARVESTINGBulging of the intervenial portions of the leaf and the appearance of the brown spot on the

leaves are the signs of maturity. Harvest the plants by stalkcut method in the afternoon and allow itto wilt in the field over night.

10. POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGYi) Sun curing:

Cigar and chewing tobaccos are normally sun-cured. After harvest in the afternoon, followed byan initial period of wilting in the field, the plants are strung on bamboo poles and sun-cured for about2 - 3 weeks depending upon the moisture content of the plants and weather conditions. About 25 to30 pairs are hung on a 3 m long pole. On alternate days the stalks are turned to expose the plantsuniformly to sun on all sides. For reducing the cost, stringing can be done on wire at 15 to 22 cmdistance. By this the process of turning the plants on poles could completely be eliminated.

ii) Fermentation:After sun-curing the stalks are arranged layer by layer in rectangular bulks of dimensions of

1.75 m x 1.5 m x 1.25 m with the cut ends pointing outside, in a crisscross fashion. The bulk iscovered with date palm mats or thick hessian cloth. The bulks are broken and reformed initially at 3- 4 days intervals and thereafter at weekly intervals. When the temperature of the bulk rises over50°C, turnings are done more frequently at 2 - 3 days intervals. Thus in total 6 to 7 turnings aregiven. Later the leaves are stripped from the stem and graded into 2 lots viz., whole leaf and blemishedleaf. The whole leaf in turn is sub-graded into two lots based on the length of the leaf. The leaves aretied into bundles of 40 leaves each and subjected to fermentation in rectangular bulks of 1.75 m x 1.5m x 1.25 m giving about 7 turnings in about 5 weeks time.

iii) Smoke curing:This is being practiced in Madurai, Dindigul, Theni and Coimbatore districts. Plants are harvested

by stalk cut method and wilted over night and cured in a smoke curing chamber. The chambers areconstructed with bricks and mud plaster of 3.27 x 1.8 m dimensions, with an entrance of 0.9 x 0.75 mto feed the fuel. Coconut husk is generally used as fuel. The top of the curing chamber has arectangular opening in which thin bamboos fitted with 2 inch nails are arranged across the walls.

The stripped tobacco leaves are hung in bunches of three leaves each from the nails inside thecuring chamber. Coconut husk is fed to the chamber through the entrance and they are fired. Sufficientprecaution need to be exercised to see that only smoke is emitted from the fired coconut husk. Thiscould be ensured by sprinkling water on the husk as and when needed. Small leaves are spread ina thick layer over the bamboos to make sure that the smoke does not escape out of the chamber. Astandard chamber can normally hold 40 sticks, each stick accommodating 40 pairs of leaves. Smokecuring of the tobacco leaves is done for 12 hours over night. Later the leaves are removed from thechamber, bulked in rectangular or circular heaps and subjected to 2 to 3 turnings at 2 days intervals.The leaves are again loaded in the smoke curing chamber and cured for 12 hours, repeated 4 timesin total. Subsequently the tobacco leaves are hung in sheds and left for drying for 2 - 3 weeks. Theleaves are graded as per length and made into 1 kg bundles securing the butts with banana fibre.These bundles are treated with sea water by dipping them and excess water is drained. The bundlesare then opened and leaf unfolded. The individual leaf is then folded from either side of the midrib inthe form of a thick tape. Five such folded leaves are bundled and the bundles are bulked for a monthturned once in a fortnight and covering the heaps with palmyrah mats. After a lapse of 15 days, onecan observe the formation of whitish encrustations on the leaves.

After a month these bundles are taken out of the bulk and the leaves are arranged in layers oneover the other and made into 5 kg bundles. The leaf tips of smoke cured tobacco are secured withpalmyrah string giving it a unique shape and characteristic feature of smoke cured tobacco.

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Tobacco

iv) Pit-curing:This type of curing of chewing tobacco is practiced in Palladam and Sultanpet areas of

Coimbatore. In this method the plants are harvested by stalk-cut method and wilted overnight in thefield. They are loaded into cylindrical cement plastered pit of 3 m diameter and 3.6 m depth dimension.The plants are laid in layers uniformly trampled gently to displace air to facilitate anaerobic fermentationto set in. After completely loading the pit with leaf, the top of the pit is covered with a gunny cloth andsealed with mud plaster. One pit can hold the green leaf from 4 - 6 acres. After 2 weeks, the materialfrom the pit is taken out. The leaves are separated from the stalks along with a piece of stem. Thenthey are subjected to sun drying for three days on specially erected structure. The leaves are thenbrought into sheds and formed into bulks. The bulks are turned and remade at 4 - 5 days interval.During the process of fermentation, whitish encrustations form on the leaves and there also adevelopment of fruity odour in the leaf.

v) Shade-curing:Practiced in Bhavani, Sendarapatty areas of Tamil Nadu for cheroot. Harvesting is done by

stalk-cut method and the plants are left in the field over night for wilting. Next morning the wiltedplants are heaped and covered with palmyrah leaf. Again during night time the plants are spreadover the ground. This process of spreading during nights and covering during day time is repeatedfor about a week.

11. CROPPING SYSTEMSCrop rotation: Ragi - Tobacco - Sorghum.

Intercropping: Onion, Coriander (greens) can be grown as an inter crop in tobacco.

V. PLANT PROTECTION

PESTSi) Tobacco caterpillar ( Spodoptera litura ):

The incidence of this pest is normally noticed from the middle of December. Hand pick thecaterpillars and destroy them. If the incidence is severe, spray either Endosulfan 35 EC at 30 ml/Carbaryl 50% WP at 50 g, / Monocrotophos 36 WSC at 22 ml in 22 litres of water.

ii) White flies ( Bemisia tabaci ):These tiny white flies cause leaf curl disease. The leaves of curled plants are twisted and

thickened with abnormally prominent veins. Remove and destroy the curled plants to reduce theincidence. Spray Methyl-S-demeton 25 EC at 30 ml in 22 ltrs. of water four times once in 8 - 10 days.First spray in the nursery before pulling out of the seedlings and subsequent in the planted crop.

iii) Aphids ( Myzus persicae ):Spray any one of the following systemic insecticides in 500 ltrs. of water/ha.

i. Demeton - S - methyl 25% EC 500 mlii. Dimethoate 30% EC 500 mliii. Thiometon 25 EC 500 mliv. Phosphamidon 85 WSC 500 ml. First spray as soon as the symptoms are noticed and

subsequent sprays at 10 - 15 days interval.

iv) Grass hoppers:Acrida exalta walker, Cyrtacanthacris tartarica linn, Atractomorpha cranulata: These green or

grey jumping insects cut holes on the leaves.i. Keep the surrounding area free of weeds.ii. Spray the surrounding vegetation with Endosulfan 35% EC at 30 ml in 22 ltrs. of water or

dust the area with Endosulfan 4% dust at 40 kg/ha.


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v) Nematode ( Meloidogyne sp. )i. Deep summer ploughing

ii. Grow non-susceptible crops viz., Groundnut, Gingelly, Marigold in rotation with tobacco.Rotation for 2 - 4 years will give better results.

DISEASESi) Black shank ( Phytopthora parasitica var. nicotianae )

Affected plants show stunted growth and in advanced stage black discolouration on the midriband stem.

Control:

1. Discard seedlings showing blackening of roots and base of the stem.2. Spot application of Bordeaux mixture 0.4% or 0.2% Copper oxychloride.3. Remove carefully the wilted plants and destroy them.

ii. Leaf Spot diseaseFrog eye spot (Cercospora nicotianae) and brown spot (Alternaria alternata) commonly occur

on tobacco. Periodical spraying of Bordeaux mixture 0.4% or Thiophanate methyl at 750 g/ha orCarbendazim at 500 g/ha controls this disease.

iii. Leaf curl ( Ruga tabaci ):Leaf curl in tobacco is due to virus which is transmitted by insect vector (Whitefly Bemisia

tabaci)Control:1. Remove the affected plants and destroy2. Destroy the weeds harbouring white flies.3. Spray systemic insecticides like Demeton-S-methyl at 0.1 to 0.2%.

iv. Mosaic ( Mormor tabaci ):Mosaic affected plants are generally stunted with puckered, crinkled and mottled leaves. It is a

highly contagious disease spreads through workers while weeding or through other cultural operations.Control:1. Wash the hands with soap and running water before weeding/handling the seedlings.

2. Diseased plants should be removed and destroyed.

3. Spray leaf extracts of Basella alba, Bougainvillea (one litre of extract dissolved in 100 - 150ltrs. of water) on 30th, 40th and 50th days after transplanting.

Pesticides recommended: Endosulfan, Carbaryl, Monocrotophos, Pongamia cake, Demeton-S-Methyl, Thiometon, Dimethoate, Phosphomidon.

Pesticides not to be used:

� BHC or Lindane

� Toxaphene

� Aldrin

� Dieldrin

� DDT

� Heptachlor

� Chlordane

� Parathion dust (Eg. Folidol dust, Paramur dust, Ekatox dust).

��

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Tobacco


198

FORAGE CROPS

FODDER CHOLAM

I. SEASON AND VARIETIESDISTRICTS/SEASONS VARIETIESIrrigated (Jan - Feb and Apr - May)

All districts CO 11, CO 27Rainfed (Jun - Jul)

Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, CO 11, CO 27Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Coimbatore,Erode, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Thanjavur,Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukottai

(Sep - Oct)Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, K 7, CO 27, K 10Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Tirunelveli,Thoothukudi

II. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD (IRRIGATED CROPS)

1. PLOUGHING THE FIELDPlough with an iron plough once and with a country plough twice.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMa. Spread 12.5 MT/ha of FYM or compost on the unploughed field, along with 10 packets of

Azospirillum inoculant (2000 g).

b. Incorporate the manure into the soil during the ploughing.

3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWSa. Form ridges and furrows of 6 m long and 30 cm apart.

b. Form irrigation channels across the furrow using a ridge.

c. If ridges and furrows are not made, form beds of size 20 m2 depending on the availability ofwater.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERa. Apply NPK fertilizer as per soil test recommendation as far as possible. If soil test is not

done, follow the blanket recommendation of 60, 40, 20 kg NPK/ha respectively.

b. Apply half the dose of N and full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O basally before sowing.

c. In case of bed planted crop, mark lines to a depth of 5 cm and 30 cm apart. Place thefertilizer mixture at a depth of 5 cm along the lines. Cover the lines upto 2 cm from the topbefore sowing.

d. Application of Azospirillum and Phosphobacterium together as a mixture along with 75%recommended dose of N and P fertilizer enhanced the yield besides saving of 25% offertilizer dose.

5. SOWINGa. Maintain a seed rate of 40 kg/ha.

b. Sow the seed over the lines where the fertilisers are placed at a depth of 2 cm and coverwith soil.

c. Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g)/ha of Azospirillum

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing and give life irrigation on the third and there after once in

10 days.

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7. WEED MANAGEMENT Along with hand weeding thin the seedlings and gap fill with the seedlings thinned out and

maintain a spacing of 15 cm between plants after the first hand weeding on the 20th day of sowing,and hand weed between 35 - 40 days after sowing if necessary.

8. APPLICATION OF INSECTICIDESSpray any one of the following insecticides on the 10th and 17th day of sowing to control shootfly.

Endosulfan 35 EC 500 ml/ha; Methyldematon 25 EC 500 ml/ha; Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ha in250 ltrs. of spray fluid.

Apply any one of the following insecticides on the foliage on the 30th day of sowing.

Endosulfan 35 EC 750 ml/ha; Carbaryl 50 WP 1.0 kg/ha (or) apply any one of the following: Dustin the leaf whorl at 10 kg/ha mixed with sand to make up to 50 kg, Carbaryl 10 D or Endosulfan 4 D.

9. TOP DRESSING FERTILIZERSApply the balance 50% of N (30 kg N/ha) along with lines on the 30th day after sowing and

irrigate.

10. HARVESTINGIf it is a single cut, it should be harvested at 60 - 65 days (50% flowering) after sowing and if it is

a multicult, the first cut is 60 days after sowing and a second, 40 days after the first.

RAINFED CHOLAM

1. RAINFALLAverage and well distributed rainfall of 250 - 300 mm is optimum for rainfed fodder cholam.

2. DISTRIBUTIONMadurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, , Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi , Virudhunagar,

Sivagangai , Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Pudukkottai, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Coimbatore,Dharmapuri, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore and Tiruvannamalai districts.

3. SEASONThe crop can be grown in South West and North East monsoons.

4. FIELD PREPARATIONField has to be prepared well in advance taking advantage of early showers. FYM application

should be done at 12.5 t/ha and soil incorporated at the time of last ploughing.

5. VARIETIESK 7, CO 27 and K 10 for Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi,

Virudhunagar and Sivagangai districts. CO 27 and CO 11 for Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur,Pudukkottai, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Coimbatore, Dharmapuri, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore,and Tiruvannamalai districts.

6. SEED RATE75 kg/ha.

7. SOWINGSow the seeds well before the onset of monsoon at 5 cm depth (by seed drill or by country

plough).

8. SPACING30 x 15 cm


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9. FERTILIZER30 kg N; 20 kg P

2O

5 and 20 kg K

2O. 30:20:10 kg N, P

2O

5, K

2O/ha for Alfisols. 40:20 kg N, P

2O

5/

ha for Vertisols.

10. PLANT PROTECTIONNeed based. Avoid spraying/dusting for a fodder crop after 30th day of sowing.

III. PARTICULARS OF VARIETIES

Characters CO 11 K 7 CO 27 K 10

Green fodder yield t/ha 36.70 33.75 44.40 11.36Protein content (%) 9.38 9.77 9.82 9.20Dry matter (%) 20.26 21.52 24.17 ..Brix (%) 6.20 6.30 7.40 ..Plant Height (cm) 275 272 262 260Number of tillers 1 2 - 3 1 ..Number of leaves 8.80 10.50 18.66 12Leaf length (cm) 75.53 70.96 78.43 75Leaf breadth (cm) 7.21 7.62 6.18 8Leaf stem ratio 0.19 0.22 0.20 ..

Note: Fodder Cholam can be intercropped with CO 5 Cowpea at 1:1 ratio and harvested togetherto provide nutritious fodder.

CO 8 - FODDER CUMBU1. SEASON

Throughout the year as an irrigated crop. During Kharif and Rabi seasons as rainfed crop.

2. SOILAll types of soils with good drainage.

3. PREPARATORY CULTIVATION Plough 2 to 3 times to obtain a good tilth and form beds of convenient size.

4. SEED TREATMENTa) Removal of ergot affected seeds and sclerotia if any by soaking in salt solution (2.5 kg of

common salt in 12.5 litres of water). b) Seed treatment with fungicides 24 hours prior to sowing.

5. SEED INOCULATIONNil

6. MANURINGBasal application: FYM: 25 t/ha; NPK: 25:20:12 kg/ha.

Top dressing: 25 kg N/ha on 30 DAS

Application of Azospirillum and Phosphobacterium together as a mixture along with 75%recommended dose of N and P enhanced the yield besides saving of 25% of fertilizer dose.

7. SEED RATE10 kg/ha.


9. AFTER CULTIVATIONFirst hoeing and weeding on the 30th day after sowing.

10. IRRIGATIONOnce in 10 days.

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201

11. PLANT PROTECTIONGenerally not needed.

12. HARVESTHarvest at boot leaf stage, 40 - 45 days after sowing.

13. STORAGEFed to cattle as green fodder or ensilaged.

14. YIELD30 t/ha of green fodder.

Note: Co 8 fodder cumbu can be intercropped with CO 5 cowpea that can be harvested together toprovide a nutritious fodder to cattle.

FODDER MAIZE


Composite/hybrids: African Tall, Ganga 5 throughout the year for fodder in all districts underirrigation.

II. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD ( IRRIGATED CROP )

1. PLOUGHING THE FIELDPlough the field twice with an iron plough and three or four times with country plough to obtain

good tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply and spread FYM or compost at 25 t/ha on unploughed field along with 10 packets of

Azospirillum (2000 g) inoculum and incorporate the manure into the soil during ploughing.

3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWSForm ridges and furrows using a ridger, 6 m long and 30 cm apart and form irrigation channels

across the furrows. If ridges and furrows are not made, form beds of size 10 m2 or 20 m2 dependingon the availability of water and slope of the land.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSApply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation as for as possible. If soil testing is not

done, follow blanket recommendation of 60 N; 40 P2O

5; 20 K

2O kg/ha. Apply half the dose of N and

full dose of P2O

5 and K

2O basally before sowing. In case of bed planted crop, mark lines to a depth

of 6 cm and 30 cm apart. Place the fertilizer mixture at a depth of 6 cm along the lines and cover thelines to a depth of 4 cm with soil.

5. SOWINGa. Maintain a seed rate of 40 kg/ha and dibble one seed to a spacing of 15 cm between the

seeds in the row which are 30 cm apart. Sow the seeds at a depth of 4 cm over the lineswhere fertilizers are placed and cover.

b. Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g) Azospirillum inoculant before sowing.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing and give life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in

10 days.

7. WEED MANAGEMENTHoeing and weeding are done as and when necessary.

8. HARVESTINGHarvest the crop when the cob is in the milky stage.


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III. PARTICULARS OF COMPOSITE/HYBRIDDetails African Tall Ganga 5

Green fodder yield t/ha 42.00 34.00Crude protein (%) 9.80 10.63Dry matter (%) 17.65 14.27Plant height (cm) 302.00 231.00Number of leaves 13.30 11.50Leaf length (cm) 81.30 74.80Leaf breadth (cm) 8.15 8.50Stem thickness (cm) 1.77 1.69Leaf-stem ratio 0.21 0.17

Note: Fodder Maize can be intercropped with CO 5 Cowpea at 1:1 ratio and harvested together toprovide nutritious fodder.

CO 1 - NEELAKOLUKATTAIBLOU BUFFEL GRASS - ( Cenchrus glaucus )

Cenchrus is a promising green grass type which performs well in dryland cultivation underrainfed conditions. Cenchrus ciliaris and C. setigerus are the two commonly grown species but lowyielding in nature. C. glaucus is yet another type found to grow well in dry land areas but superiorthan the other species.

1. SEASON AND VARIETY

North-East Monsoon CO 1 (Neela Kolukattai)

Can be grown in Erode, Coimbatore, Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur,Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi , Ramanathapuram, Pudukottaiand other rainfed tracts of the State.

II. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD1. SOIL TYPE

Well drained soil with high calcium content is suitable.

2. PLOUGHING THE FIELDPlough the field twice or thrice with an iron plough to ensure good tilth.

3. APPLICATION OF FYMApply and spread 5 t/ha of FYM on the unploughed field and incorporate the manure into the soil

during ploughing.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERa. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations. If the soil test is not done, follow

the blanket recommendation of 25 kg N: 40 kg P2O

5 : 20 kg K

2O per hectare.

b. Basal dressing: Apply full dose of NPK before sowing.

c. Top dressing: After every harvest apply 25 kg N/ha after the rains.

5. SOWINGa. Seed rate: Sow the seeds at 6 - 8 kg/ha.

b. Spacing: Give a spacing of 50 cm between rows and 30 cm between plants.

c. Seeds are to be sown at shallow depth (1 cm) and cover with soil.

d. Care to be taken for the seeds not to be blown away by wind while sowing.

Fresh seeds will be dormant for 6 - 8 months. To break dormancy soak the seeds in Potassiumnitrate 1% solution for 48 hours prior to sowing.

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203

6. WEED MANAGEMENTHand weeding can be done as and when necessary.

7. HARVESTFirst cut on 70th or 75th day after sowing and subsequent 4 - 6 cuts depending on growth.

8. INTER CROPPINGHighly drought resistant legume fodder Stylosanthes scabra can be intercropped in the ratio of

1:3.

9. YIELD:A pure crop yields 40 t/ha/year in 4 - 6 cuts.

III. YIELD POTENTIAL OF BLOU BUFFEL GRASS

Characters CO 1

Green fodder yield t/ha/year 40 (4 cuts)Seed yield kg/ha/year 55 - 60Dry matter (%) 28.00Crude protein (%) 9.06Phosphorus (%) 0.26Calcium (%) 0.58Carbohydrate (%) 41.01Iron (ppm) 385Zinc (ppm) 24Manganese (ppm) 56Crude fibre (%) 34.62IVDMD (%) 49.45

CO 1 - GUINEA GRASS (Panicum maximum)1. SEASON

Can be grown throughout the year under irrigated conditions. Suitable for growing in the monsoonseason under rainfed condition.

2. SOILAll types of soil with good drainage. Does not come up well on heavy clay soil or flooded or

waterlogged conditions.

3. PREPARATORY CULTIVATIONPlough 2 to 3 times to obtain a good tilth and form ridges and furrows at 50 cm spacing.

4. SEED TREATMENTNil.

5. SEED INOCULATIONNil.

6. MANURINGBasal: FYM 25 tonnes/ha; NPK 50:50:40 kg/ha

Top dressing: 25 kg N/ha after each cut.

7. SEED RATESeed 2.5 kg/ha, slips 66,000 nos/ha.


9. AFTER CULTIVATIONFirst hoeing and weeding on 30th day after germination. Earthing up once in three harvests.


204

10. IRRIGATIONOnce in ten days or depending upon soil condition.

11. PLANT PROTECTIONGenerally not needed.

12. HARVESTFirst cut 75-80 days after germination or 45 days after planting of slips. Subsequent cuts at

interval of 45 days.

13. STORAGEFed to cattle as green fodder and ensilaged.

14. YIELD OF GREEN FODDER175 tonnes/ha per year in 8 cuts.

Note: Guinea grass can be intercropped with Velimasal at 3:1 ratio and can be harvested togetherand fed to the animals.

CO1 DEENANATH GRASS (Pennisetum pedicillatum)1.SEASON

Can be grown throughout the year under irrigated conditions. Suitable for growing in the monsoonseason under rainfed condition

2.SOILAll types of soil with good drainage. Does not come up well on heavy clay soil or flooded or

waterlogged conditions.

3.PREPARATORY CULTIVATIONPlough 2-3 times to obtain good tilth and form beds and channels.

4.SEED TREATMENTNil

5.SEED INOCULATIONNil

6.MANURINGBasal: FYM 25 t/ha NPK 40:60:40 kg/ha

Top dressing: 20 Kg N on 30th day after sowing (50% of this has to be applied for rainfed crop)

7.SEED RATE2.5 kg/ha

8.SPACING30 cm solid stand

9.AFTER CULTIVATIONHoeing and weeding on 30th day after sowing

10.IRRIGATIONOnce in ten days or depending upon soil condition

11.PLANT PROTECTIONGenerally not needed

12.HARVEST55-60th day after sowing.

13.YIELD OF GREENIrrigated crop: 40-45 t/ha fodder

Rainfed Crop: 20-25 t/ha

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205

CUMBU - NAPIER HYBRIDSI. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Hybrids recommended BN 2, NB 21, CO 1, CO 2Season Throughout the year in all districts

II. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD (IRRIGATED CROP)

1. PREPARATION OF FIELDPlough with an iron plough two to three times to obtain good tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply and spread 25 t/ha of FYM or compost every year on the unploughed field and incorporate

the manure in the soil during ploughing.

3. FORMING RIDGESForm ridges and furrows using a ridger, 6 m long and 50 cm apart and irrigation channels

across furrows.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSi. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations as for as possible. If soil testing is

not done, follow the blanket recommendations of 50:50:40 of NPK in kg/ha.ii. Apply full dose of NPK basally before planting by opening furrow 5 cm deep on the side of

the ridges and cover.iii. Application of Azospirillum and phosphobacterium along with 75% of recommended dose

of N and P fertilizers enhanced the yield besides saving of 25% of fertilizer dose.

5. PLANTINGi. Irrigate through the furrows and plant one rooted slip/stem cutting per hole and at a depth

of 3 to 5 cm on the side of the ridge, half the distance from the top of the ridge and thebottom.

ii. Maintain a spacing of 50 cm in the row in ridges which are 50 cm apart and 40,000 slipsrequired to plant one ha.

iii. As a mixed crop, 3 rows of Cumbu Napier Hybrid and one row of Desmanthus can beraised to increase the nutrient value.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTImmediately after planting, give life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in 10 days.

Sewage or waste water can also be used for irrigation.

7. WEED MANAGEMENTHand weeding is done whenever necessary.

8. HARVESTINGFirst harvest is to be done on 75 to 80 days after planting and subsequent harvests at intervals

of 45 days.

9. TOP DRESSINGAfter each harvest apply 100 kg N/ha (wherever Nitrate problem is more reduce the N application).

NOTE: 1. Quartering has to be done every year or whenever the clumps become unwieldy andlarge.

2. Wherever necessary to countermand the ill effects of oxalates in this grass, the followingsteps are suggested.

i. Feeding 5 kg of leguminous fodder per day per animal along with these grasses or

ii. Providing calcium, bone meal or mineral mixture to the animal or

iii. Giving daily half litre of supernatant clear lime water along with the drinking water orsprinkling this water on the feed to be given.


206

III. PARTICULARS OF CUMBU-NAPIER HYBRIDSDETAILS CO 1 CO 2 CO 3

Green fodder yield t/ha/yr 250 - 300 300 - 325 400Dry matter yield t/ha/yr 40.60 50.00 65.12Crude protein yield t/ha 4.58 5.00 5.40Mean plant height (cm) 232 275 300 - 360No. of leaves per clump 354 360 450No. of tillers per clump 29 30 30 - 40Leaf-stem ratio 0.94 0.95 0.70Leaf width (cm) 3.60 2.68 3.00 - 4.20Leaf length (cm) 84.40 89.31 80 - 95Dry matter (%) 16.20 15.00 17.08Crude protein (%) 9.38 9.38 8.30Calcium (%) 0.88 0.88 0.86Phosphorus (%) 0.24 0.24 0.24Oxalate (%) 2.97 2.92 2.51IVDMD (%) 58 58 60

Note: Cumbu-Napier grass can be intercropeed with Velimasal at 3:1 ratio and harvested togetherand fed to animals.

LUCERNE (Medicago sativa)


VARIETYCO 1

SEASONAll through the year in places like Coimbatore, Pollachi, Udumalpet and in other places during

July - December. Not suitable for very hot and very cold climates.

II. PARTICULARS OF STRAINS

Characters CO 1Green fodder yield t/ha/year 70 - 80 (In 10 harvests)Seed yield kg/ha 200 - 250Protein content (%) 20 - 24Dry matter (%) 18 - 20Plant height (cm) 60 - 80Mean clusters per tiller 12 - 15Mean No. of pods per tiller 22 - 25Mean No. of seeds per pod 4 - 6

III. PREPARATION OF FIELD (IRRIGATED CROP)

1. PLOUGHINGPlough twice with an iron plough and three or four times with country plough to obtain good tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply and spread FYM or compost at 12.5 t/ha on the unploughed field and incorporate the

manure into the soil during ploughing.

3. FORMING BEDSForm beds of size 10 m2 or 20 m2 depending on the availability of water and slope of land.

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207

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERa. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations as for as possible. If soil testing is

not done, follow the blanket recommendation of 25:120:40 kg NPK/ha.

b. Apply the full dose NPK of 25:120:40 basally before sowing.

c. Mark lines to a depth of 5 cm and 25 cm apart. Place the fertilizer mixture at a depth of 5cm along the lines and cover the lines upto 2 cm from the top before sowing.

Application of Biofertilizer mixture viz., Azospirillum, Rhizobium and Phosphobacterium alongwith 75% recommended dose of N and P enhanced the yield besides saving of 35% of fertilizer inlucerne, and Desmanthus.

5. SOWINGa. Good quality seeds without the seeds of Cuscuta should be used.

b. The seeds are to be treated with Rhizobial culture at 3 packets/ha (600 g).

c. Sow the seeds at 20 kg/ha in solid stand in rows of 25 cm apart over the lines wherefertilizer are applied at a depth of 2 cm and cover with soil.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing, life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in a week.

7. WEED MANAGEMENTHand weeding is given as and when necessary.

8. PLANT PROTECTIONa) Spray any one of the following insecticide within 5 days after harvest to control aphid

infestation.

i) Malathion 50 EC 500 ml/ha

ii) Endosulfan 35 EC 500 ml/ha

b) Wherever the parasite Cuscuta is observed uproot the affected plants along with the soiland burn

8. HARVESTING:First harvest 75 - 80 days after sowing. Subsequent harvests are made at intervals of 25 - 30

days.

HEDGE LUCERNE ( Desmanthus virgatus )

(VELIMASAL)


Variety : Velimasal

Season : Grown throughout the year under irrigation and during June - October as a rainfedcrop.


1. PLOUGHING THE FIELDPlough two to three times with an iron plough to obtain good tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply and spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost on the unploughed field and incorporate the


3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWSForm ridges and furrows 50 cm apart using ridger and irrigation channels across furrows.


208

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERSa. Apply NPK fertilizer as per soil test recommendations as far as possible. If the soil testing

is not done, follow the blanket recommendations of 10:60:30 kg NPK/ha.

b. Apply full dose of NPK basally before sowing.

c. Open a furrow 5 cm deep on the side of the ridges and place the fertilizer mixture at theabove rate along the furrows and cover with soil.

5. SOWINGPure crop: Sow the seeds at 20 kg/ha in solid stand on the side of the ridges over the lines

where fertilizers are applied at a depth of 2 cm and cover with soil.

Mixed Crop: Sow the Velimasal seeds in one row and plant Cumbu- Napier hybrid grass in thesubsequent three rows in the ratio of 1:3.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing, life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in a week.

7. WEED MANAGEMENTHoeing and weeding are given as and when necessary.

8. HARVESTINGa. Pure crop: First cut on 90th day after sowing at 50 cm height and subsequent cuts at

intervals of 40 days at the same height.

b. Mixed crop: First harvest on 60th day after sowing. Subsequent cuts at intervals of 45days at 50 cm height of Velimasal which is maintained throughout.

YIELD POTENTIAL OF VELIMASAL (HEDGE LUCERNE)

Characters Velimasal Grass +Legume Grass (BN 2)(CO 2 +Velimasal)

1. Total green fodder yield t/ha/year 125.00 225.00 250.002. Total dry matter yield t/ha/year 33.75 52.50 60.003. Total crude protein yield t/ha/year 6.45 6.25 5.254. IVDMD % 55.28 50.00 45.00

FODDER COWPEA

I. SEASON AND VARIETYVariety : Co 5

Season : Irrigated, June - July can be grown in Erode, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Cuddalore,Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai.


1. PLOUGHINGPlough twice with an iron plough and three or four times with country plough to obtain good tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply and spread FYM or compost at 12.5 t/ha, on the unploughed field and incorporate the


3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWSa. Form ridges and furrows of 6 m length and 30 cm apart.

b. Form irrigation channels across furrow using a ridger.

c. If ridges and furrows are not made, form beds of size 20 m2 depending on the availability ofwater.

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209

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERa. Apply NPK fertilizers as per the soil test recommendations as for as possible. if soil testing

is not done, follow the blanket recommendation of 25:40:20 kg NPK/ha.

b. Apply the full dose of NPK of 25:40:20 kg/ha basally before sowing.

c. In the case of bed planted crops, mark lines to a depth of 3 cm and 30 cm apart. Place thefertilizer mixture at a depth of 5 cm along the lines. Cover the lines upto 2 cm from the topbefore sowing.

d. In the case of ridges and furrows, mark lines on both sides at the bottom of the ridges.Place the fertilizer mixture as done in the bed planted crops.

e. Application of Biofertilizer mixture viz., Azospirillum, Rhizobium and Phosphobacteriumalong with 75% recommended dose of N and P enhanced the yield besides saving of 35%of fertilizer in lucerne, and Desmanthus.

5. SOWINGa. The seeds are to be treated with Rhizobial culture at 3 packets/ha (600 g) using rice kanji

as binder.

b. Maintain a seed rate of 40 kg/ha.

c. Sow the seeds over the lines where the fertilizers are placed at a depth of 2 cm and coverwith soil.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate immediately after sowing, life irrigation on third day and thereafter once in ten days.

7. WEED MANAGEMENTHoeing and weeding are given as and when necessary.

8. PROTECTION OF SEEDLINGS FROM INSECT PESTSIf sucking pests are noted spray Methyl _ Demeton 25 EC 500 ml or Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml

or Phosphamidon 85 WSC 250 ml/ha in 250 ltrs. of water. Stop spraying 20 days before harvest.

9. HARVESTINGHarvest 50 - 55 days after sowing (50% flowering stage).

III. PARTICULARS OF STRAIN

Characters CO 5

Green fodder yield t/ha 18 to 20Dry matter content (%) 14.64Crude protein content (%) 20.00Plant height (cm) 93.00No. of branches 2 - 3

No. of leaves 12Leaf length (cm) 12.1Leaf width (cm) 8.2Leaf stem ratio 8.3Plant Habit Semi spreadingPlant type Indeterminate


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GRASS LEAF DESMODIUM ( Desmodium tortuosum )


Variety : FD 275 from IGFRI, Jhansi

Season : Throughout the year

Species of Desmodium are so palatable and make such nutritious forage plants that they havebeen termed as “alfalfa of the tropics” or tropical Medic.

There are two economic tropical species for fodder in this crop namely 1) Grass leaf Desmodium(Desmodium tortuosum), 2) Silver leaf Desmodium (D. unciniatum)

Grass leaf Desmodium is an erect perennial legume and does best at an elevation upto 2000 m.It grows upto 6 - 8 feet and is distinguished by its leaves, which have fine hairs and bears characteristicbrown fleckings on the upper surface. The species is versatile in its soil requirement and is tolerantto acid conditions. Grass leaf Desmodium combines well with many grasses, gives a good responseto phosphates and is an efficient fixer of nitrogen. It is readily eaten by livestock and is propagatedfrom seeds.

Silver leaf Desmodium is distinguished by the presence of an irregular silver band along themidrib of the leaf. Livestock of all kinds relish both the leaves and young branches. it will grow wellin pasture land both in the tropics and sub-tropics. It will grow even in acid soils.

Desmodium is a shade tolerant forage legume, coming well under the shade of trees like tamarind,coconut and eucalyptus. When grown in June - July it can be cut four times a year. The crop undershade yield 23.75 t/ha/year. Desmodium fodder contains 27% dry matter and 20.9% crude protein.It is as good as alfalfa as a protein supplement in poultry feedings. A special feature of Desmodiumis its self-seeding ability. The Desmodium pods are in chain like form. Maturation of pods proceedsfrom top to bottom. As soon as top portion of the pod matures, it falls on the ground and remains.When rain is received or if water is let in, the fallen seeds germinate and a new crop comes updensely. If we allow the first crop to set seed it is very difficult to eradicate the crop from the field.Moreover the seeds will stick to the animals and spread very rapidly in the surrounding places.

The root system of the Desmodium fixes nitrogen through their root nodules. It is a goodlegume to raise in the pasture and in coconut gardens. It will not affect the coconut yield. The cropmust be harvested as soon as it starts flowering. If it is allowed for some more days after floweringthe stem gets hard and turns woody. Moreover the leaves start falling.

MUYAL MASAL (STYLO) - ( Stylosanthes scabra )Muyal Masal (Stylo) is a promising legume which is performing well under South Indian Agro-

climatic region. Stylos are drought resistant legumes coming up well in areas receiving a minimumrainfall of 450 - 840 mm annually. These can be grown in a wide range of soils. The crude proteincontent of stylos ranges from 15 to 18%. Stylosanthes scabra can be raised as an intercrop withCenchrus in the ratio of 1:3 under rainfed conditions.


1. SEASONJune - July to September - October.

2. VARIETIESa. S.hamata (Annual)

b. S.scabra (Perennial)

Forage Crops

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II. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

1. PLOUGHINGPlough the field two to three times to obtain good tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply and spread 10 t/ha of FYM or compost and incorporate the manure into the soil during

ploughing.

3. FORMING BEDSForm beds of size 10 m2 or 20 m2

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERa. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation as for as possible. If the soil testing is

not done follow the blanket recommendation of 20:60:15 kg NPK/ha.

b. Apply full dose of NPK basally.

5. SOWINGa. Seed are to be treated with cowpea group rhizobium culture.

b. For line sowing (30 x 15 cm) the seed rate is 6 kg/ha and for broadcasting 10 kg/ha.

c. Care should be taken that seeds are sown at a depth of 1 cm since any form of deepcoverage is disasterous.

d. Stylo seeds possess hard seed coat. So acid scarification is to be done by dipping theseeds in concentrated sulphuric acid for three minutes and washing thoroughly with tapwater. Acid scarified seeds are again to be presoaked in cold water overnight. (or) Seedscan also be scarified in hot water. Immerse the seeds for 4 minutes in hot water of 80o C.Scarified seeds are again to be presoaked in cold water overnight.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTIt is a rainfed crop. But during the period of establishment, care should be taken to provide

sufficient moisture.

7. WEED MANAGEMENTHand weeding may be given as and when necessary.

8. HARVESTINGFirst harvest can be taken 75 days after sowing at flowering stage and subsequent harvests

depending upon the growth.

9. YIELDIt is to be noted that during the first year, the establishment after sowing is very slow and the

yield is low. Later on when the crop establishes well due to self seeding it yields 30 to 35 t/ha/yearfrom the third year onwards.

LEUCAENA ( Leucaena leucocephala )


Season Varieties

Jun - Jul Hawaiian giant (Ivory coast), CO 1

Rainfed (Sep - Oct) K 8, Giant Ipil - Ipil, CO 1

Can be grown in Kanchipuram, Tiruvallore, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Villupuram,Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Erode, Coimbatore, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Thanjavur,Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai, Ramanathapuram, , Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi , Kanyakumari,Virudhunagar and Sivagangai districts.

II. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

1. PLOUGHING THE FIELDPlough twice with an iron plough and 3 or 4 times with country plough to obtain good tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply and spread 25 t/ha of FYM or compost on the unploughed field and incorporate the


3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWSForm ridges and furrows (using a ridger) 6 m along and 1 m apart and irrigation channels across

the furrows.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERa. Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations as far as possible. If soil testing is

not done, follow the blanket recommendation of 10:60:30 kg NPK/ha.

b. Apply full dose of NPK basally before sowing.

5. SOWINGa. Maintain a seed rate of 10 kg/ha for fodder and 1.25 kg for fuel.

b. Seeds are hard and require scarification to obtain high and uniform germination. Scarificationof seeds can be done by pounding the seeds with sand in mortar. Acid scarification isdone by dipping the seeds in concentrated sulphuric acid for three minutes and washingthoroughly with tap water. The easiest method is hot water treatment. Seeds are soakedin hot water (80o C) for 4 minutes. Boiling water removed from the flame and kept for 4minutes comes down to 80o C.

A still simpler method would be to bring water to boil (100o C) in a vessel, take it out of theflame and immediately pour it over the seeds and keep them for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, thevery hot water may be poured out and cold water added to steep the seeds over night. Thesimplest method is to soak the seed in plain water for 72 hrs and sowing in the field or in thepolythene bag.

c. Seed treatment with Rhizobial culture: After scarification, treat the seeds with Rhizobialinoculant using rice kanji as binder.

6. WATER MANAGEMENTThis may be done wherever the crop is raised under irrigation. Once established, this plant can

withstand several months of dry weather. However, to ensure rapid seedling growth, the land shouldbe adequately moist upto 5 - 6 months. In summer irrigation once in 6 weeks is adequate.

7. HARVESTINGPlant can be harvested in as short as 6 months after planting. However, the initial cutting

should not be done until the trunk has attained atleast 3 cm diameter or the plant has completed oneseed production cycle. Harvests can be repeated once in 40 - 80 days depending upon growth andseason. In drought prone areas, allow the trees to grow for two years to ensure deep root penetrationbefore commencing harvest. The trees can be cut at 90 to 100 cm height from ground level. Forpoles and fuel, allow the tree to grow straight without cutting for 2.5 or 5 years as the case may be.

8. YIELDAs green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 80 to 100 t/ha of green

fodder. Under rainfed conditions 40 t/ha of green fodder is got after 2 years of initial growth andpruning to a height of 100 cm.

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Green manure & Oyster Mushroom

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GREEN MANURE

Sesbania rostrata - CO 1

Parentage Pureline selection from unselected commercial

Duration 45 - 60 days

Season April - June

Yield 39.8 t/ha green matter; 900 - 1000 kg/ha seed

Special factors A high biomass yielding green manure crop, more number of stemnodules besides root nodules, high total nitrogen content (3.74%) lowC : N ratio (1:5.2)

Area of adoption Entire Tamil Nadu.

OYSTER MUSHROOM

1. SEASON AND VARIETIESThroughout the year. During summer months the yield may be reduced by 20 per cent. Cultivation

is indoor and requires mushroom house. White oyster mushroom (Pleurotus citrinopileatus) or CO1 and grey oyster mushroom (P.sajorcaju) or M2 are suitable for Tamil Nadu.

2. MUSHROOM HOUSEA thatched shed of 16 sq.m. is required. Divide the shed into spawn running and cropping

rooms.

Spawn running room: Maintain 25-30oC, provide ventilation, no light is required.

Cropping room: Maintain 23-25oC, RH above 75-80 per cent with diffused light and aeration.

3. SPAWNSuitable substrates for spawn: Cholam, maize, wheat grains.

Preparation of spawn: Half cook the grains, air dry, mix with Calcium carbonate at 2% level, fillthe grains in empty glucose drip bottles, plug with cotton and sterilize in autoclave at 15 psi. for 2 h.Inoculate with pure culture of the fungus and incubate at room temperature for 15 days. Use 15-18days old spawn for spawning.

4. PREPARATION OF MUSHROOM BED (CYLINDRICAL BED METHOD):Suitable substrates for cultivation: Paddy/wheat straw, sugarcane-bagasse, hulled maize cobs.

Pasteurization of substrate: Cut into 5 cm bits, soak in potable water for 5 h, boil water for 1 h,drain, air dry to 65% moisture.

Test for 65% moisture: No water drips when squeezed between hands.

Preparation of bed (Spawning): Use 60 x 30 cm polythene bags. Tie one end of bag, put twoholes of 1 cm dia in the middle. Put handful of straw in the bag to a height of 5 cm, sprinkle about 25g of spawn. Layer the straw to 10 cm height. Repeat the process to get four layers of spawn and 5layers of straw. Tie the mouth and arrange beds in tiers in the spawn run room. After 15-20 days, cutand remove the polythene bag and transfer the beds to cropping room. Maintain cropping conditions.Keep the beds moist by periodical spraying with water.

5. HARVESTMushroom pin heads appear on 3rd day of opening of beds and matures in 30 days. Harvest

matured mushrooms before spraying water. Second and third harvest can be obtained after scrapingthe surface of beds after first or second harvest.

6. AFTER CAREWeed moulds: Trichoderma, Penicillium, Aspergillus and Sclerotium are common weed moulds

appearing on beds. Use good quality spawn and straw, pasteurize the straw properly and maintainoptimum moisture (65%) and high level of cleanliness.

Phorid flies: Provide 35 mm mesh to windows, maintain cleanliness in and around mushroomhouse.

Bacterial rot: Avoid excess spraying of beds with water. Use chlorinated water to control rottingof mushrooms (2 g of stable bleaching powder in 10 l of water).

YIELD AND OTHER CHARACTERS OF OYSTER MUSHROOM VARIETIES

Characters White Grey APK 1 MDU1 Ooty 1 APK 2Oyster Oyster(Co 1) (M 2)

Colour White Grey Deep rose Bright Bright Milkybuds fading white white whiteto whiteat maturity

Spawn run (days) 15 20 7 - 12 12 - 16 33 24 - 28Yield in g/bed(0.5 kg air dry 395 328 910 538 531.34 712substrate) (0.5 kg dry

paddy straw)Bioefficiency (%) 79.0 65.6 182 122.8 116.11 143.2Crop cycle (days) 35-40 40-45 35 - 40 35 55 - 60 45 - 50Shelf life 72 h. 24 h. 36 h. 3 - 5 daysTexture Fleshy Fleshy FleshyNutritive valueMoisture at — — 90-95 — —50o C (%)Moisture at — — 9.51 — —100o C (%)Crude protein 27.66 — 18.01 33.58 30.65 32.3(% dry wt)Fat (% dry wt) 3.18 0.14 2.26 4.07 0.7Crude ash (%) — 4.63 10.79 9.75 8.89Crude fibre (%) — 64.20 10.90 8.97 41.1Carbohydrate — 3.51(By difference) (%)Iron 18 mg/g 0.01% 0.02% — 0.03Zinc — — — 0.0041 — —Copper 21 mg/g — — — —Calcium 28 mg/g 0.27% 0.03 0.031 0.12Manganese 3.10 mg/g — 0.0033 — —Phosphorus 1600 mg/g 0.43% 1.68 1.60 0.8Sodium — 0.15% — 0.95Potassium — 0.94% 2.80 2.80 4.52Magnesium 182 mg/g — 0.197 0.15 —

APK 2 can be grown in entire tamil Nadu throughout the year. Robust umbrella like mushroomeasy to cultivate, grows well in a variety of waste substrates, suitable for hot climate.

Ooty 1 is suitable for growing in temperate regions (hilly tracts), throughout the year.

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CULTIVATION TECHNIQUES FOR MILKY MUSHROOM (APK 2)

SUBSTRATESMilky mushroom can be cultivated on a wide range of cellulosic substrates namely, paddy

straw, maize stalks, sorghum stalks, pearlmillet stalks, palmarosa grass, vetiver grass, sugarcanebegasse, soy bean hay, groundnut haulms etc.

MUSHROOM SPAWNHalf cooked sorghum grains or paddy chaff are mixed with 2 per cent calcium carbonate and

filled in empty glucose bottles or in polypropylene bags. They are autoclaved at 1.4kg/cm2 pressurefor 1.5 to 2.0 h. The bottles/bags are aseptically inoculated with pure cultures of mushroom fungusmaintained in PDA medium and incubated at room temperature. The spawn run will be completed in10-12 days and these serve as mother cultures. From each bottle of mother culture 25 additionalspawn bottles can be prepared.

CULTIVATION CHAMBERBeds after preparation may be kept under normal room temperature (25 – 35oC) for spawn run.

After completion of spawn run and after casing, the beds are to be incubated over racks in a partiallysunken chamber lined with blue coloured high density polythene sheet as roofing material. Insidethe chamber the temperature should be around 30-35oC and the relative humidity more than 85 percent. Light intensity of about 1600 – 3200 lux is essential in the cropping room. Proper ventilation forgaseous exchange is also essential in this chamber.

MUSHROOM BED PREPARATIONPolythene bags of 60 x 30 cm size are used for mushroom bed preparation. Chaffed paddy

straw bits of 3-5cm in length are soaked in cold water for 4h. After draining the excess water, thestraw bits are boiled for 30-45 min. in a separate drum. Some times, steam treatment of substrate for1 h or chemical treatment with carbendazim 75 ppm + formalin 500 ppm (soaked for 16h) may befollowed. Comparatively hot water or steam treatment is safe and best. After substrate treatmentthey are shade dried to remove excess moisture and used for bed preparation. At the time of bedpreparation the substrate should contain around 60 per cent moisture (can be tested by squeezemethod). Sorghum grain / paddy chaff spawn may be used and cylindrical beds are prepared followinglayer method of spawning as we do in case of oyster mushroom. With each bottle of spawn 2-3cylindrical beds can be prepared. The beds are then incubated for spawn run under semi-dark conditionin a clean room. Spawn run will be completed in 10-12 days.

CASINGUnlike oyster mushroom cultivation, milky mushroom production involves an additional process

called casing. After the completion of spawn run the cylindrical beds are cut horizontally into twoequal halves. Over the each half bed casing soil is applied to a height of 1-2cm. For casing steamed(for 1h) garden soil(clay loam, pH around 8.0) is useful. In some cases, red soil mixed with sand andcalcium carbonate (2 per cent) or any other porous medium with good WHC, moderate CEC and lowEC are also found useful.

CROPPINGBeds after casing are kept in cultivation chambers and sprayed regularly with

water to maintain 50-60 per cent moisture level in the casing medium. Pin heads appear in 8-10days after casing and the first harvest can be made in 6-8 days after pinhead formation. After obtainingthe first harvest the casing medium is gently ruffled, slightly compacted back and sprayed regularlywith water. Second and third harvest may be obtained within 45-50 days of bed preparation. Thenthe beds are removed and fresh beds may be kept for cropping.

YIELDMean yield is 356 g/bed (contains 250g of paddy straw on dry weight basis) which accounts to

143 per cent bio-efficiency. On an average single mushroom weighs 55-60 g and in some times amaximum of 472 g / button has been recorded.

Milky Mushroom

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PALMAROSA - (Cymbopogon martini)


DISTRICTS/SEASONIrrigated Throughout the year in all districtsRainfed Jun-Jul - Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Vellore, Tiruvannamalai; Sep - Oct - Southern districts

II. NURSERY

1. PREPARATION OF LANDi) For raising seedlings to plant one ha, select 7.5 cents near a water source. Water should

not stagnate.

ii) Plough the land and bring it to fine tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYMApply 750 Kg of FYM or compost.

3. FORMING RAISED BEDS i) In each cent mark 6 plots of 3 x 1.5 m with 30 cm channel in between the plots all around ii) Form the channel to a depth of 15 cmiii) Spread the soil exhausted from the channel on the beds and level.

4. FERTILIZERApply 12.5:12.5:12.5 Kg NPK fertilizers to the nursery

5. SOWING AND COVERING THE SEEDSi) Open small rills not deeper than 1 cm on the bed by passing the fingers over it.

ii) Mix the seeds (12.5 kg/ha) with sand sufficiently since the seeds are lighter in weight.

iii) Cover the seeds by smoothening-out the rills with hand. Sprinkle either soil or compost/FYM(500 Kg) evenly and cover the seeds completely with hands.

6. IRRIGATION OF THE SEED BEDi) Provide inlet to each unit of the plots to allow water in the channels.

ii) Allow water to enter the channel and rise up in it. Turn off the water when the raised bed iswet. Do not allow the water to stagnate.

iii) Irrigate as the following schedule

Light soil Heavy soilIst immediately after sowing immediately after sowing2nd on 3rd day after sowing on 3rd day after sowing3rd on 7th day after sowing on 10th day after sowing4th on 15th day after sowing on 20th day after sowing5th on 22nd day after sowing on 30th day after sowing6th on 28th day after sowing —

Note: The seedlings of 30-40 days old should be transplanted in the main field.

III. PREPARATION OF MAIN FIELD

1. FIELD PREPARATIONPlough the field with iron plough and with country plough twice so that the soil is brought into

fine tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOSTSpread 5 t/ha of FYM or compost uniformly on unploughed soil. Incorporate the manure by

working with country plough.

3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWS/BEDSForm beds of 20 m2 size (depending upon water availability)


216

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS:Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations as for as possible. If soil test

recommendation is not available follow the blanket recommendation of 30:30:30 Kg NPK/ha. Apply10:30:30 Kg NPK/ha as basal. The remaining 20 Kg of N can be applied in two splits on 30th and60th day after planting.

IV.MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD OPERATIONS1.TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS

i) Pull out seedlings when they are 30-40 days old

ii) Adopt the spacing of 45 cm x 30 cm (or) 30 cm x 30 cm according to the soil type andwater availability.

2. WEED MANAGEMENTi) Pre-emergence application of Diuron 2 kg ai/ha or oxyflorgen 5 kg a.i/ha.

ii) Application of 2, 4-D Sodium Salt @ 2.5 kg ai/ha after the harvest, for the control of broadleaved weeds.

iii) Apply herbicides when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.

iv) Hand weed on 30-35 days after planting if pre-emergence herbicides is applied. If not,hand weed on 15 and 30 days after planting/sowing.

V. WATER MANAGEMENTIrrigate the crop according to the soil type.Heavy soil Once in 15 daysLight soil Once in 7-10 days

Note: Adopt irrigation in accordance with rainfall receipt.

VI. HARVESTING THE CROP

1.The crop starts flowering on 80th day after transplanting. Harvest the crop seven days afterflowering. Geranium content is found more when the crop is harvested seven days after flowering.

2.Harvest the crop, leaving 8-10 cm of crop portion at the base.3.Subsequent harvests can be done at an interval of 2 months and five harvests can be done

during the first year. The crop can be left in the field for another three years(total period 4 years) andsubsequent harvests can be done at an interval of 90 days . Geranium content is found more, whenthe harvest is done at 90th day of every harvest.

4.Yield: Green matter 20 tons/ha (From a total of 5 harvests)Oil: 2.5 - 3.0 Kg Oil/ton of green matter of palmarosa

VII. SEED TECHNOLOGY

1.Season June-July2.Spacing 45cm x 30 cm3.Seed rate 4-5 kg/ha4.Application of fertilisersNursery 12.5:12.5:12.5 kg NPKMainfield 30:30:30 kg NPK/ha5.Harvestingi) 1st harvest 7 days after floweringii) Subsequent harvests at 2 months interval during first yeariii) From second year onwards harvest at 3 months interval.Palmarosa Oil - Recommendations

RICE* Palmarosa oil 0.5% is as effective as Neem Seed Kernel Extract 5% or Monocrotophos 36

WSC at 1000 ml/ha in reducing leaf folder and stem borer infestation.

* Palmarosa oil 0.2% is equally effective as Neem Oil 3% in reducing the leaf folder damage.

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Palmarosa

COMPOSTING

1. COIRPITH COMPOSTINGCoirpith, the waste from coir industry contains not quickly degrading constituents like lignin

(30%) and cellulose (26%) which can be decomposed by employing the fungus Pleurotus sojar-cajuwith urea supplementation.

Five Kg of urea and 5 spawn bottles (250 g) of Pleurotus sp. are required to decompose 1 ton ofcoir pith.

In an elevated shady place or a thatched shed, level the area and mark an area of 5 x 3 meter.First spread 100 Kg of pith on this marked area. Then spread one bottle of Pleurotus spawn over thislayer. Again spread another 100 Kg of pith and over this uniformly spread one Kg of urea. Likewiserepeat the alternate application of Pleurotus sp.and urea over the each 100 Kg of coir pith layer forthe whole 1 ton of pith. Sprinkle water to a moisture level of 50 to 60%. The compost will be ready inabout a month. The height of the heap is to be above 1 metre while stacking. Sprinkle water whenthe moisture per cent goes below 50%. At the end of the period the coir pith is turned to a welldecomposed black mass. The C:N ratio is reduced to nearly 24:1 and it is enriched with N from 0.26to 1.06%.

2. COMPOSTING OF WEEDS AND COMMERCIALLY NOT UTILISED PLANTS (Parthenium, Water hyacinth, Ipomoea)

Composting is one of the useful way of utilization of some of the weeds and commercially not

utilized plants like Parthenium, water hyacinth, Ipomoea etc. instead of their eradication.

The plants can be composted using Trichoderma viridi and Pleurotus sajor-caju as a microbial

consortia with urea supplementation.

Select an elevated shady area or a thatched shed and mark an area of 5 x1.5 meter. Cut the

composting materials into 10 - 15 cm size. Spread 100 Kg of these materials over the marked area.

Sprinkle 1 bottle of microbial consortia over this layer. Again spread another 100 Kg of composting

materials over this layer. Spread 1 Kg of urea uniformly over this layer. Likewise repeat these

processes of spreading composting materials, then microbial consortia, again composting materials

followed by urea application until a minimum of 1 metre height is reached. Sprinkle water to a moisture

level of 50% to 60%. The surface of the heap is covered with a thin layer of soil. Sprinkling of water

is repeated depending upon the necessity to maintain the moisture around 50%. A turning is given at

the end of 20 days to give a thorough mixing of outside material with that of the inside ones. The

bioconverted compost will be ready in about 40 days time.

3. VERMI COMPOSTINGDegradation of organic wastes by earthworm is known as vermicomposting.

Phases of VermicompostingPhase I : Processing involving collection of wastes, shredding, mechanical separation of the metal,

glass and ceramics and storage of organic wastes.

Phase II : Vermicomposting which involves composting by earthworms. Organic wastes can also

be used first for biogas production and the slurry can be added to the earthworm beds

for vermicomposting. Earthworm bed can be prepared with concrete lining or in wooden


218

boxes for small scale use.

Phase III : Screening and sorting of larger undecomposed wastes which can be used for

reprocessing. Earthworms should be separated from the compost either by sieving or

drying. Vermicompost and earthworms thus obtained can be utilised as desired.

Earthworms suitable for vermicompostingSelection of suitable species of earthworm for vermicomposting should emphasise on more

consumption of organic biomass and rapid growth and reproduction within short time period.Earthworm species which live close to the surface and have greater preference for organic matterthan soil should be identified locally and used to produce vermicomposting.

Vermiculture:

Containers:Earthworm culturing can be done in shallow cement tanks, wooden boxes or plastic tubs of 1 m

x 1 m x 0.3 m size which can accommodate 2000 worms.

Culture bed:

Culture bed or worm bed (3 cm) can be prepared by placing either saw dust or husk or coirwaste or sugarcane trash in the bottom of the container. A layer of fine sand (3 cm) should be spreadover the culture bed followed by a layer of garden soil (3 cm). All layers must be moistened withwater.

Feed:

Dung of domestic animals such as cattle, sheep, horse, pig or poultry droppings mixed withkitchen wastes form an ideal feed. The best results are obtained if dung + wheat or rice bran + grambran + vegetable waste or leaf mould are mixed in 10:1:1:1 proportion. This layer should also bemoistened.

Placement of containers:

Vermiculturing has to be done in moist places with proper shelter to avoid direct sun light orheavy downpour. To ensure protection from predators, containers should be covered with cloth ormesh.

Vermicompost production and collection:

The worms that feed actively assimilate only 5-10 per cent and the rest is excreted as loosegranular mounds of vermicasting on the surface, generally away from the food source in about 2-10days. These have to be brushed aside and collected into separate trays. The castings, thus, collectedhave to be left over night in conical heaps for the worms to move to the bottom. The tops of thecones which are free of worms are then collected and lightly air-dried. The dried vermicastings aresieved through a3 mm mesh to separate cocoons and young ones from the vermicastings. Thesieved castings are now ready for use as vermicompost.

Vermicomposting:

Vermicomposting can be easily prepared by employing local earthworms. All that you need areearthworms, dung, soil, organic wastes and a place to compost. As earthworms are highly sensitiveto both direct sunlight and rain, composting should be done in a shaded place, preferably in a temporaryshed.

Composting

219

1. Select a levelled ground and spread soil (Free from clods, stones, glass pieces) uniformlyover the ground to a width of 90 cm and height of 30 cm . The length of the heap will varyaccording to the availability of organic wastes, space, dung and labour.

2. Moisten the soil (just wet to touch and avoid water stagnation)

3. Spread a layer of cowdung and organic wastes (Kitchen wastes, dried leaves etc.) overthe soil to a height of 15-20 cm. Moisten this layer also.

4. Collect earthworms from the field locally and release them in the heap.

5. Be sure to water the earthworm bed daily.

6. Earthworms will eat the wastes and cowdung and leave the excreta in the form of granularheaps. Remove the heaps every week and dry them in the shads as before. It is very richin nutrients and is known as vermicasting. Within 45-60 days about 10 Kg of castings canbe produced with 1 Kg of earthworms.

7. When the feed materials disappear, replenish them.

8. Remove the vermicastings as before and store them aside in conical heaps. As the heapsget dried up, the worms will move down to the bottom of the cone.

9. Remove the upper 3/4 layer of the heap and the separated worms can then be returned tothe bed.

10. The entire set up can be retained only for 6 months. As the volume goes down duringcomposting, the soil gets compacted and the worms will not be able to burrow through it. Ithas to be discarded and fresh bed should be laid again.

11. To get continuous supply of vermicompost through out the year, more beds should be laidout at regular intervals.

POINTS TO REMEMBER

1. Composting should be done in a shaded place to protect the worms from sunlight and rain.

2. Watering must be done regularly.

3. Fresh cowdung or any manure should not be used.

4. Cowdung should be shade dried and powdered before use.

5. If any other dung is used, they should be mixed with equal quantity of cowdung before use.

6. 1000 adult worms weigh approximately 1 Kg.

7. 1 Kg of adults can convert 5 Kg of waste per day.

8. 10 Kg of adults can convert one tonne of waste per month.

9. 2000 adults can accommodate in one m2 area.

10. Use only PIGMENTED/SMALL WORMS that are found in the UPPER 25 cm layer of soil forvermicomposting.

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SERICULTURE

MULBERRY VARIETIESIrrigated : KANVA-2 (M 5), MR 2, S 30, S 36, S 41, S 54, V1Rainfed : S 3, S 13, S 14, S 25, S 28

THE OPTIMUM CONDITIONS FOR MULBERRY GROWTHTemperature : 13oC to 37.7oC (24 to 28oC ideal)

Humidity : 65 to 80% RH

Rainfall : 600 mm to 2500 mm

Sunshine : 9 to 13 hrs.

Soil type : Red loamy

Soil pH : 6.2 to 6.8* Saline, alkaline or highly acidic soils should be avoided.* Avoid new plantation during severe winter period, December-January.* Take up plantation during pre-monsoon showers.* In April-May, ploughing operations can be done.* In June-July, planting can be taken up.

CUTTINGSCuttings are prepared from branches of 6 to 8 months old and 10 to 12 mm in diameter. The cut

should be clean and should not damage the bark. Reject the greenish tender portion of the branch.

The cuttings should be 15-20 cm long with 3 or 4 active buds and should have a 45o slanting cuton both sides.

NO. OF CUTTINGS REQUIRED TO PLANT ONE HECTAREIrrigated : at 60 x 60 cm spacing : 27,780

Rainfed : at 90 x 90 cm (pits) : 12,350

Biofertilizers : Azospirillum and Azotobacter applied in 2 methods.

Method 1 (Sett : 4 packets/20 litres of water Dip the basal portions of the

treatment) cuttings and plant/hectare.

Method 2 (Soil : 20 packets + 25 kg FYM. Mix and apply in the soil

application) furrow/hectare.

FYM : 20 tonnes/ha(irrigated) : 10 tonnes/ha (rainfed).

Weedicides : Two doses in March-April and May-June Grammaxone at 2-3 lit/ha orDalapon at 5-10 kg/ha. Before application, plantation should be cleared.

Weeding : First weeding is done after 45-60 days of planting. Glycel 0.71% @1.36 Kg ai/ha (7.1 ml in a litre of water) plus 0.5 g. Ammonium sulphate/lit spray fluid 600 lit/ha.

Fertilizers : 300 N : 120 P: 120 K (per ha/year) - irrigated

100 N : 50 P : 50 K (per ha/year) - rainfed

Micronutrient : Foliar application of Iron sulphate @ 1% or Zinc sulphate @ 0.5% forcrop in deficient area. Foliar spray should be given 30 days before leafharvest.

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Sericulture

PRUNING AND HARVESTThe well established plantations are pruned twice a year, the first during early June and the

second in November at 18-20 cm above ground level. The first harvest after pruning will becomedue after 10 weeks and thereafter subsequent harvests can be made at 6 to 8 week’s intervaldepending on growth. In all, 6 harvests can be taken. In rainfed areas, the pruning is done only onceduring June at 28/30 cm above ground level.

Yield : 35 MT of leaves (Irrigated); 25 MT of leaves (rainfed)

MULBERRY PROTECTIONMealy bug: Release of Cryptolaemus beetle at 1250 nos./ha to control mealy bug. Grow mulberry

5-6 m away from other crops to avoid drifting of pesticides.

SILKWORM REARINGSilkworm races

Multivoltine : PM, TW

Bivoltine : NB 7, KA, NB 18, NB4 D2

Cross breed : NB4 D2 x PCN, NB 7 x NB 18, CC1 x NB 18, CA2xNB 18, PM x NB 4D2,

PM x NB 18, RD 1 x NB 18 (for rainfed areas)

Egg period : 7 days

Larval period : 22-26 days

Pupal period : 8-15 days

Optimum temperature for silkworm rearing : 20-28oC

Optimum relative humidity for the growth : 75%

Before commencement of each rearing, the rearing equipments and the rearing house must bethoroughly washed, dried and disinfected with 2 to 4% formalin to destroy the disease causingorganisms.

INCUBATION OF EGGSThe egg sheets should be spread out in a single layer on a tray. Temperature of 25oC and

humidity around 80% are maintained. About 48 hours before hatching, the eggs should be kept indarkness by wrapping them in black paper or by keeping them in a box. On the expected day ofhatching, they are exposed to light early in the morning.

BRUSHINGThe hatched larvae should not be starved and must be brushed in a rearing tray with paraffin

paper. Chopped tender mulberry leaves of size 0.5 to 1 cm2 are sprinkled over the hatched larvae.To prevent drying of leaves and maintain the required humidity in the rearing bed, wet foam pads andparaffin paper covering are provided.

CHAWKI REARINGIn a tray of 4' x 3' x 3 1/2" size, 20 disease free layings are brushed and reared till the end of

second age. From brushing to the end of second age, the larvae are fed with tender leaf. The leavesare selected from the largest glossy leaf, 3rd or 4th from the top. The next 6 to 8 leaves are used torear the young age worms upto II moult. The size of the chopped leaf is around 0.5 to 1 cm2 duringthe first age and 1 to 2 cm2 during 2nd age.

CLEANINGIn the first age, one cleaning is given just a day before the worms settle for moult. In the second

age, two cleanings are given, one after resumption of feeding and the other a day before the secondmoult.


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At the time of moulting, care should be taken not to disturb the worms. Correct detection ofmoult and stopping of resuming feeds are very important for uniform growth of silkworms. Therearing bed should be kept thin and dry and should have proper aeration.

LATE AGE REARINGThe temperature and humidity requirements are:

Temperature (oC) Humidity % Period (days)III instar 26 80 3 - 4IV instar 25 70 - 75 4 - 5V instar 24 70 6 - 7The ideal size of the chopped leaves for feeding:III instar : 4 - 6 cmIV instar: 6 - 8 cm or entire leaves or cut shootsV instar: Entire leaves or cut shootsFour to five feedings are given daily.

CleaningIII instar : Thrice - first after the mould, second in the middle of the instar, third just before the

next moult.

IV instar : For shelf rearing - once a day.

V instar : For floor rearing - once for each instar

The worms in the beginning of third age will be kept in 20 bamboo bound trays 3 1/2' diameterwhich is doubled gradually by the end of each age.

MOUNTINGWhen the ripe worms cease to feed, they are translucent and raise their heads to find a place for

spinning. The worms have to be picked up and transferred to Chandraki for spinning cocoons. 1000worms can be mounted in a Chandraki of 6’x4' size. Mountages are kept in shade in a well ventilatedplace during spinning.

On 25th day the Worms are placed in mountages. On 29th day harvest is made.

a) Uzifly control: 1) By using nylon-net 2) Uzicide 1% 3) Use of China clay powder at 3 kg/100layings 4) Use of fish meal trap.

Release of hyper parasitoids Nesolynx thymus @ 1 lakh female parasitoids and 5000males in 3 split doses for every 100 layerings @ 8000, 16000 and 76000 during fourth andfifth stages of rearing and after cocoon harvest.

b) Dermestid beetle: In store houses, i) Fumigation with chloropicrin for 3 days at 500 g for283 sq. mt. ii) Dusting with Malathion 5% dust, provided the rearing house and the storehouse are sufficiently apart.

c) Diseases on silkworm: 1) Pebrine caused by Protozoa, 2) Flacherie caused by bacteria,3) Grasserie caused by NPV, 4) Muscardine caused by fungus.

Avoid contaminated chandriki. Disinfect the mountage with formalin 2% before use.

Spraying Chlorine dioxide on room and appliances will check the diseases. Chlorine dioxide500 ppm (500 ml/20 ltr water)

Bed disinfectant Vijetha @ 30-40 g/sqm area of bed during early instars and 40-50g/sqm areafor late instars. Apply half an hour after moulting and before commencement of feeding. This controlsgrasserie and muscardine diseases.

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AGROFORESTRYThe present trend of growing trees in the farm lands demands for identification of economically

potential tree species suitable to different climatic conditions and soil types. The concept of agroforestryimplies sustained, combined management of the same piece of land for silvicultural, agricultural andpastural crops leading to an overall increase of production compared to single crop management.This practice is of immense importance to our country for it is intimately linked with the question ofincreasing wood and food production to meet the needs of burgeoning population and conservationof soil land moisture resources which is vital for the tropical regions.

Properly distributed tree growth acts as a foster mother to agriculture. This is particularly true indry inhospitable climatic conditions. Tree growth in such cases conserves soil moisture, increasingatmospheric humidity, improves soil fertility, protects field crops against the scorching and desiccatingeffects of winds and generally makes the climate more equable and pleasant, thereby stepping upagricultural production.

Important tree species much involved in agroforestry system and their cultivation details havebeen presented hereunder viz., Acacia holosericea, Eucalyptus sp., Casuarina equisetifolia,Tamarindus indica, Azadirachta indica, Ceiba pentandra and Ailanlthus excelsa.

Acacia holosericeaOrigin: New introduction from Australia

Rotation age (felling age): 4-6 years

Spacing: 2 x 2 m or 1 x 4 m

Seed rate: 2500 plants/ha; app. 100 gm/ha.

Preparatory cultivation: One ploughing with disc is suggested. Pits of 30 x 30 x 30 cm arerecommended. Red lateritic soil preferred.

Nursery: Seed require hot water treatment for encouraging maximum germination upto 96 percent. Viability of seed is good for upto 6-7 years. Single seed is dibbled in 10 x 20 cm polythenecontainers filled with 3:1:1 soil : sand : manure. Seedling raised for 4-5 months to reach 50 cmheight.

Planting: First few rains of September to October (North east monsoon) Basin formation of 50cm radius is suggested for capturing rain water.

After cultivation: No weeding is needed.

Plant protection: No serious outbreak of pests or diseases reported so far.

Yield: At the end of 4 years, above ground biomass of 60 tonnes/ha is realisable.

Special features: High survival (above 99.0 per cent) under rainfed conditions. It is able to fixlocal rhizobium to form nodules. Suitable for low rainfall (600-800 mm), alkaline and lateritic soils.Resistant to termite in the field condition. The stem has very low moisture content (25.0 per cent) ascompared to Prosopis(47.0 per cent) and Eucalyptus(49.0 per cent). It is also resistant to browsing.It is thornless. Petioles modified into phyllodes for phytosynthesis.

Use: Fuel wood.

Eucalyptus sp.There are about 700 different Eucalyptus species in the world and majority of them are located

in Australia. Nearly 170 species are believed to have been tested under Indian conditions and ahandful are considered essential for industrial application. Eucalyptus camaldulensis and E. tereticornisare ideally suited for the plains receiving about 800-1000 mm rainfall and prefer sandy loam to loamsoils within a pH range of 6.0-7.5. Its altitudinal range limited to about 0-500 m above sea level.

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The preferred espacement is 2 x 2 m and seedlings are planted in pits 30 cm3. While preparatoryploughing by disc is desirable to enhance moisture conservation and subsequent survival rate, it issubstituted by ploughing with country plough. Seedlings grown in 10 x 20 cm. poly containers for aperiod of 5-6 months are preferred. Quality of seedlings is guaged by thickness of the stem ratherthan by height which remains fairly uniform among them.

Survival of planted seedlings in the field is influenced by the following:

i) Deeper pits of 30x30x45 as against 30x30x30 cm.

ii) Saucer basin formation around the planted saplings

iii) Coir dust/plant mulching around the plant.

iv) Compartment or contour bunding along the slopes.

v) Soil working during January-February to receive maximum benefit of summer rains.

vi) Intercropping with legumes by modifying the espacement from 2 x 2 m to 1x4, 1x5, 1x6 mso that the continued filling of the soil helps to aerate the plant roots and also capture andretain maximum moisture.

vii) Planting during the early phase of the monsoon, especially within a fortnight ofcommencement of the rains.

Despite the fact that E. camaldulensis and E.tereticornis are closely related, the former showsbetter adoption of drought conditions and also show least variation in foliar characteristics. Currently,a shift is noticed from E.tereticornis in developing large scale plantations due to the above causes.Once established, the above need no special care in maintenance.

Similar to the above, operational strategies remain the same for E. grandis which is slated foraltitudes in the range of 1000-1400 metres with an annual rainfall of 1200 to 1500 mm. Hence, thisspecies raised for rayon industries is found largely in Cumbum mettu, Bodi mettu, Hasanur plateau,Perumal malai, Thirumoorthi hills - all in Tamil Nadu and Western Ghat areas of Kerala.

E. globulus, the popular blue gum of the higher hills like Kodaikanal and The Nilgiris, demand analtitude of 1500-2500 metres with a rainfall of 1200-1800 mm and lands free from forests. Theplanting techniques being the same, the rotation period is fixed as ten years as against seven for theother low land species.

The significant management in these Eucalyptus is the coppice growth. These have high potentialto produce hundreds of new shoots from the callus tissue developing on the margin of the cut stem.Felling the trees immediately after the monsoon helps to rapid callus formation and consequentlythicker coppice stems.

Care should be taken to fell the trees with a gentle slope at the cut end so that rain water doesnot stay as a pool and cause decay of the callus tissue. Eventhough hundreds of coppice shootsmay develop by a process of natural competition and thinning, only two or three stems ultimatelyremain on the stump. There is no separate need to manually reduce this bulk of the growth occurringon the stump. Nature itself does the job. However, the health and number of coppice stumpsgrowing from the stump are related to the diameter of the stump.

The coppice growth are allowed before the stumps loose their regenerating power. Theproductivity of coppice plantation is generally higher by above 20-25 per cent as against the firstseedling plantation. At end of the second coppice growth it is necessary to uproot the roots.

Though fertilization with commercial fertilizers is resorted to in developed countries, no systematicschedule has been drawn for Eucalyptus type in India and our expertise in this area is incomplete.The productivity of a rainfed crop in Tamil Nadu plains range from 50-75 tonnes/ha/seven years andin mid-altitudes it is about 100-125 tonnes, while blue gum shows 100-140 tonnes at a high altitude.

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Casuarina equisetifoliaCasuarina species are native to the Southern hemisphere from tropical India to Polynesia.

Most are native to Australia where they occur in subtropical and tropical coastal regions as well as inthe arid central areas. In Tamil Nadu, this tree is mainly grown in coastal districts of Cuddalore,Villupuram, Kancheepuram,Tiruvallur Thanjavur and Ramanathapuram. It could also be seen onsandy soils of inland districts.

The tree is suited to a wide range of temperature from 10o-33oC from sea level upto 1500 m andmean annual rainfall between 700 to 2000 mm. The tree is best suited to light soils. This speciestolerates calcareous and slightly saline soils, but it is grown poorly on heavy soils such as clays. Itcan withstand partial water logging for a long time. Seedlings produced in the nursery are outplantedafter 6 months.

Site preparation: Since this tree is a light demander, the area should be cleared of its regrowthbefore planting.

Spacing: Depending upon the end use this is varied. Poles 1 m x 1 m, Fuel wood 0.5 m x 0.5 m,Pulp 2 m x 2 m, Agri-silviculture 4 m x 1 m.

Pitting and planting: Pits of 30 cm are prepared and seedlings are planted. Planting of nakedseedlings is done in coastal areas and container seedlings in inland. Planting of 2 seedlings per pitat an espacement of 2 m x 2 m has given more basal area/unit area.

Cultural practice: Weeding and Soil working: Not necessary in sandy soils. In heavy soilsweeding and soil working is essential.

Watering: Particularly in sandy tract watering is essential till the onset of monsoon. In highrainfall area it is not necessary. Early planting and establishment by the end of monsoon makes theplant to survive till next monsoon. Watering once in five to ten days is sufficient from December tonext monsoon.

Application of manure: Added fertilizer boosts up growth immediately in sandy tract, fertilizerapplication produces more survival percentage, farmyard manure serves better. Neem cakeapplication further acts as a pesticide also.

Pruning: At the end of 2nd year or after beginning of third year pruning is essential. Thereafterwhen the canopy is closed. Pruning is not essential as natural pruning occurs.

Thinning: This is done to get large size poles and straight poles.

Harvest: The trees are felled after the required period and the stumps are uprooted.

Intercropping: Pulses can be raised as intercrops in the inter space of tree rows (i.e. 4 m x 1 m;4 m North-South and 1 m East-west; in row spacing 1 m and inter row spacing 4 m) under protectiveirrigated condition.

Yield: Coastal area at 2 m x 2 m - 80 to 100 t/ha in 8 years. 1 m x 1 m spacing at Marakkanamyields 25 t/ha in 4 years.

Tamarindus indicaIt is an introduced tree in India from tropical Africa. It is not a tree of the forest. But it is

cultivated throughout India except the Himalayan region and arid western zone. It is mostly plantedas an avenue tree along roads and a shade tree in and around the villages.

Climate: Tamarindus indica is a tree of tropical climate. It is grown where the maximumtemperature touches about 46oC in South India and minimum temperature rarely drops to 0oC inNorth India. It is grown in areas where the annual rainfall varies from about 500 to 1500 mm.

Soil: It can be grown in variety of soils ranging from gravelly to deep alluvial soil. It thrives bestin deep loamy soil with adequate supply of moisture.

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Seed collection and storage: The ripe pods are collected from healthy trees by shaking thebranches. The pods should be allowed to ripen on the tree until the outer shell is dry and can beseparated from the pulp without adherence. Individual pods contain about 3 to 10 seeds coveredwith pulp. A good full grown tree produces about 2 quintals of fruits per season. The pods are trodby hand and washed in water to separate the seed which is dried in shade and stored. The seedsconstitute about one third the weight of the pods. The pulp is about 55 per cent and shell and fibreabout 11 per cent of the pod. About 1800-2000 seeds weigh one kilogram.

Direct sowing: Direct sowing can be done either in lines or in patches. Sowing in lines can bedone behind the plough. Depth of sowing should be about 5 cm. About 20 kg seed is needed to soweach hectare. For patch sowing, patches of 45 cm2 are prepared by digging the soil upto about 30cm depth and then pulverising it well. About 8-10 seeds are sown per patch.

Planting technique: Planting is done in July-August after the soil is fully soaked by monsoonrains. Pits of 30 cm should preferably be dug up in advance to allow soil weathering. Spacing isnormally 5 m x 5m to 10 m x 10 m. The plants are dug out from the nursery with balls of earth and theroot portion is wrapped in moist gunny bags. In case the seedlings are more than one year old,pruning of the tap root is necessary. Bushes likely to shade the plant should also be cut at the timeof digging of the pits or planting.

Pest and diseases: Larva attack fruits and destroy seeds. Sap rot - Xylaria euglosa and whiterot Tramates floccasa are the principal diseases, It will cause pre and post emergence rot of tamarindseedlings.

Uses: Leaves are regarded as good fodder. Tender leaves are used as vegetables. Theanalysis of leaves show that it contains 70.5% moisture, protein 5.8%, fat 2.1%, fibre 1.9%, carbo-hydrate 18.2% and minerals 15%. It also contains calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper,chlorine, sulphur, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin C.

Tamarind kernel powder is extensively used as sizing material in textile and jute industry andalso used as cattle feed.

Azadirachta indica (Neem)Distribution: Neem grows throughout the greater part of India more especially in the drier parts

of the country. It is a tree with wide climatic adaptability. In its range, the maximum temperature mayexceed 400C and the minimum temperature varies about 20 to 15oC. The annual rainfall varies fromabout 450 to 1125 mm.

Soil: It grows well on wide variety of soils ranging from sandy to clayey. It can thrive even instony shallow soils or with calcareous soils. It grows best on well drained soils with subsoil waterlevel fairly high. It can persist under adverse soil condition also.

Flowering and fruiting: Leaf shedding and flowering are controlled by the climatic conditions.The trees become leafless for a short period. The new leaves appear in March-April. It flowers inApril to May. The flowers are in panicles and are white in colour. The fruits appear soon after andattain full size in 2-3 months. A fully developed fruit is a smooth ellipsoidal drupe, greenish, yellowand normally one seeded. The fruits ripe generally in June - July.

The yield per tree varies from 30-33 kg of seeds depending upon age and soil characteristics.The oil content ranges from 40 to 45%.

Collection: Fruits fallen down or beaten down are swept together or hand picked. They aredepulped with water or by dumping them with soil/ash and then by trampling.

Processing: Processing is done by decorticating and winnowing. Decorticator gives 70% shelland 25% kernels. In a depulped seed 45% is shell and 50% kernel. Maximum oil is obtained onlyafter 2-5 months of collection.

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Cultural practices: Nursery technique: Seeds are sown either directly or in polybags. Theseeds do not require any pre-sowing treatment. As the seeds loose viability quickly the seedsshould be sown as soon as possible. About 3300 seeds weigh one kilogram.

Planting technique: One year old seedlings are preferable. Planting is done in July-August inpits dug up in April-May to allow weathering of the soil. The spacing may be 4 x 4 m and after 5years, alternate trees are felled down. The recommendation is 8 - 10 m spacing.

Economics: After planting, the tree flowers at 6th or 7th year. After 10 year, each tree yieldsabout 50 kg of fruits and 20 kg of seeds. In one acre of land 1000 kg of seeds can be obtained. If theseeds cost Rs.2/kg, the income is Rs.2000.

Ceiba pentandra (silk cotton)It is a native of South America and now grown in Myanmar (Burma), Jawa, Ceylon and India. It

grows to a height of 20 to 25 m under various agro - climatic conditions. It comes up well in heavyrainfall areas. In Tamil Nadu, it is grown in Coimbatore, Salem, Dharmapuri besides Madurai whereit is grown in very large areas of about 40,000 hectares.

Based on the branches, colour of the flower, number of fruits besides length and breadth of thefruits, pod breaking and colour of the fibre, the Ceiba pentandra can be differentiated into threetypes.

1. Var. indica

2. Var. caribea (Singapore kapok)

3. Var. africa

Of the above three types, the first two are mainly for fibre. Moreover caribea is otherwise calledas “Singapore Kapok”. Local variety is indica.

Difference between indica and caribea variety: 1. In Indica variety, the branches will start fromcentre of the trees and grown horizontally whereas in caribea variety the branches will go upright.

2. In Singapore variety, the fruits will be more. After the age of 8 to 10 years, it will yield 800 to900 fruits in the Singapore variety whereas in the local variety it is only 450 to 500.

3. In Singapore variety, the fruits are long and the length of fruits may vary from 25 to 35 cmwhereas in the local variety the length of the fruits is 10 to 15 cm.

4. The pods are not broken even in the fully matured fruits so there is no loss of fibre whereas inthe local variety, the fruits burst in the tree itself resulting in loss of fibre.

5. In Singapore kapok, colour of the fibre is pearl white whereas in the local variety it is only dullpale white colour.

6. Number of seeds per fruit is very low in Singapore variety as compared to local variety.

Uses

1. It is used as stuffing material for pillow and bed.

2. It is also used for making tennis ball, boxing gloves, shooting suits

3. Its oil is used for making soap, its cake used as cattle feed.

4. Shell is used for fuel.

Cultural practices:

Seeds and sowing: Fresh seeds can be used for sowing. The seeds are sown directly in thepolythene bags of size 20 x 10 cm and watered daily. Seeds start germinating at 7th day and it willbe over after 15 days. 6 months old seedlings are generally used for planting.

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Mainfield

Spacing: 7 x 7 m

Pit size: 30 cu.cm

Planting: During rainy season or at any time with irrigation facilities

Weeding: Should be done twice, first two years.

Irrigation: In areas receiving less than 1,000 mm rainfall, irrigation is a must especially duringsummer season at 10 days interval.

Intercropping: Pulse crops can be raised as intercrop for initial two years. Bund planting withan espacement of 6 m can be taken up and main field can be utilised for agricultural crops.

Ailanthus excelsaCommon name: The tree of Heaven, Matchsplint tree

Tamil name: ‘Aiyilai’ ‘peemaram’ ‘peenari’

Distribution: Indigenous to India and more common in Bihar; Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Orissaand South India.

Soil: Grows in all types of soils, but more suitable to red soil.

Flowering: February-March

Fruiting: April to May

Optimum time of fruit collection: April third week to 1st week of May, when the fruits turn tobrown/biscuit colour, before being blown off by wind from the mother tree.

Nursery: a) Use of presprouted seeds obtained by soaking seeds for 24 hours followed bysprouting in wet gunny bags for 48 hours is advocated for raising nursery seedlings in polythenecontainers filled with soil mixture. d) Some of the seed sprouted only in polythene bag size 10 x 20cm. 200 guage filled with nursery mixture of 1:1:1 red soil, sand and farmyard manure and Rosecanewatering is advocated; shifting the containers to prevent rooting in the arth once in 15 days is necessary.

Planting: Size of the pit 30 x 30 x 30 cm. Planting should be done during rainy season andsaucer basin should be done to conserve moisture.

Spacing: 5 x 5 m i.e. 160 seedlings/acre under agro-forestry situations, under rainfed conditions.The intercrops are cumbu, sorghum, blackgram, greengram and gingelly. If it is for a grove, thespacing should be 3 x 3 m. i.e. 444 seedlings/acre.

Yield: It depends on site quality; a ten year old tree given 150-200 kg wood. 20 - 30 tons ofwood/acre is expected. The current price is about Rs.1,000/ton. The price is flexible due to theproduction cost and availability of raw material.

Plant protection measures: Eligma narcissus, defoliator and Atteva fabriciella are importantpests. a) Eligema narcissus can be controlled by spraying monocrotophos 35 EC at 0.1% (1 ml. perlitre). b) Neem oil 2% (20 ml per litre) and mixed with teepol should be sprayed to control the pest.

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AGROFORESTRY OPTIONS FOR DIFFERENT AGROCLIMATICZONES OF TAMIL NADU

The state of Tamil Nadu has experienced drought almost every fourth of fifth year in the pastinvolving a decline in the annual rainfall. The severity of drought is highly pronounced if it occursduring the major north-east monsoon and especially when the first rains of the monsoon is delayedby three to four weeks from the customary third or fourth week of September. It is also on record thatthe monsoon rarely extends, itself beyond the second or third week of December. Hence, theprecipititiont falling within the eight to ten week period between October and November has to beharnessed for maximum exploitation. Since four to six weeks period is essential for the establishmentof planted up seedlings, the pace of planting operations that spans for about six to eight weeks fromthe third week of September has to be abridged to about two to three weeks in October and accelerationof all the connected activities is called for. It is in this backdrop, the present suggestions are put forthfor compliance to obtain a reasonably good survival of planted materiel across the different zones ofTamil Nadu.

PRECAUTIONS TO BE FOLLOWED IN PLANTING ACTIVITIES1. Choice of pit size

The conventional pitting of 30x30x30 cm. for species like Eucalyptus, casuarina etc., needs tobe deepened to at las 30x30x45 cm. so that it provides deeper open dug soil for the roots to meander.It is also necessary that the edges of the pit are cut critically at 45° so that it forms a wide mouthleading to a funnel like structure. This allows maximum rain water to accumulate on the tip andpercolate deep. This also helps for better harvesting of rain water during summer. Most hardenedseedlings of forestry species show a sudden spurt of new root primordia within a duration of five toseven days and elongation of roots is complemented by loosening the soil, both from the sides andthe bottom. The degree of drying moisture from ground level to the deeper layer, say about 30 cm.takes about 30-45 days after the cessation of the monsoon. The provision of extra 15 cm depthencourages percolation of moisture for the next 30-45 cm. depth (i.e. about 75-90 cm.from the groundlevel). In a normal distribution of rainfall, moisture reaches earily to a depth of 1.0 to 1.2 m belowground. The rainfall in deficit years does not encourage percolation of moisture to that extent. Hencethis simple method of deepening the pit and cutting the edges, though costing a little more than theconventional pitting, justifies towards better survival of the seedlings (Fig.2).

2. Organic amendment for filling the pitsIt is generally considered unnecessary to fill the pits with organic materials like FYM or good

tank silt in most forestry planting operation, hoping that the hardy seedlings will cope up the deficiencyin the soil in the long run. But in agroforestry situation every individual living tree is a monetaryadvantage to the farmer. Every possible support has to provided for the seedlings to firmly establighthrough a well established root system. It is a well established fact that there is a direct correlationbetween the quantum of organic matter in the soul and the rate of growth. Therefore the 2-3 kg oforganic input in the form of FYM per pit of 30x30x45 cm. is suggested so that the accelerated rootdevelopment will get a boost to dichotomise and consequently lead to greater shoot area development.In places where the pit sizes are bigger as in the case of 45x45x45 cm. and 60x60x60 cm. for timberspecies a proportionate increase in the organic inputs is also indicated.

3. Bio-fertilizer amendmentsIt has been provided beyond doubt that wherever, biofertilizers like Rhizobium, Azotobacter,

phosphobacteria or Arbuscular Mycorrhiza are incorporated, either within the containers or appliedinside a pit, they accelerate nutrient absorption and confer a higher root shoot ratio in the first yearitself which is a critical period for survival of seedlings. Most leguminous species have respondedwell to application of Rhizobium inoculation as evident in Acacia plantations under SIDA aided socialforestry programme. Release of unavailable phosphate from the laterite soils is possible with thehelp of phosphobacteria, both in the plains and in the hills.

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The non-leguminous species have responded favourably to the application of Azotobacter andArbuscular Mycorrhizal cultures in almost all situations. Hence this simple low cost technology couldbe effectively adopted to overcome the defecits caused by limited availability of moisture.

4. MULCHINGUse of locally available weed species that emerge out during the monsoon period is a rich

source to be used as a mulch over the pits soon after the monsoon rains are over. Despite the shortduration of monsoon, there is a preponderance of weeds like Croton sparsiflorus, Xanthium Sp.Leucas aspera etc. growing along the open spaces. These weed species can be harvested andcovered on the pits. Decomposition of the mulch over a period of time also enriches the top soil of thepit which is beneficial during the following summer rains or earlier monsoon rains for the growth ofthe plants.

5. SOIL CONSERVATION MEASURESIf is not possible to go far contour bunding within the short span of 2 to 3 months but an option

is available to erect square bunding enclosing a reasonably number of seedlings in places where theslope is less than two per cent. Where the slope exceeds from gentle to moderate or even steepslope, semicircular bunds of 1m radius and 15 cm height on the lower side of the gradient is stronglysuggested. Within level ground improvement in the form of circular basins is also desirable to encouragebetter moisture retention (Fig.3 and 4).

6. CHOICE OF SPECIESA wide range of species is available for planting in the normal course of a well distributed

monsoon. But in a situation like this where the imminent drought overrides all other considerations, arestriction in the choice of species quite compatible to drought is warranted. Based on this edict, tospecies recommended for different agroclimatic zones are mentioned below.

i) North eastern zoneSpecies that are suitable for block planting adopting the usual espacements are only indicated.

Intervention of intercropping is very much restricted because, the restricted rainfall does not satisfythe growth requirements of the locally accepted annual crops. Species like Casuarina equisetifolia,Acacia auritculiformis, A.holesericea, Bassia latifolia, Eucalyptus tereticornis and E.camaldulensis,can survive this situation. In the case of casuarina, which is planted with naked seedlings, instead ofplanting two seedlings per pit planting three seedlings per pit as in cluster planting is advocated. If byany chance, more than one seedling gets established in the field at the end of one year, the excessseedlings can be eliminated. Considering the relatively very low cost of naked seedlings, adoptingthis techinique should not cause serious monetary loss to the farmer. In the case of other containerisedseedlings, preference should be given to such seedlings having a taller growth and thicker shootcollar.

ii) North western zoneCompared to North Easter Zone, this zone has lesser rainfall in the order of 700-900 mm and

the terrain is also undulating as in the farthest western part. However the prevalence of plateau effectin the major part of the region can be exploited by planting fruit yielding species like mango, tamarind.The Thenkanikottai and Keelamangalam areas show an affinity for establishment of Jack trees.Higherwater table in this location can be made use of to grow these horticultural trees. Though silver oakand casuarina are recommended species for this plateau region,it is better to avoid them during thisdrought period.Pongamia pinnata, an oil yielding tree species is capable of with standing the restrictedrainfall and it can be planted in bigger pits of 45X45X45 cm.size.Since all these species demand awider espacement ranging from 5m x5 m to 10m x 10m the wide interspace can be successfullyintercropped with short duration Dolichos lablab,D.biflous,Cicer arietinum and also foxtail millet,Pongamia pinnata is the preferred species with an intercropping of Dolichos biflorus in the easternpart of NW Zone.

iii) Western zoneThis is largely benefited by North east monsoon.Hence it restricts the choice of species to

Ailanthus excelsa, Neem, Acacia ferrugenia and Acacia planifrons. Raising of tamarind and silk

Agroforestry


232

cotton can be confined to the foot hills along the Western Ghats. Since these species call for widerespacement, intercropping with short duration legumes like vegetable cowpea maturing in less than75 - 80 days is recommended.

These leguminous intercrops will also provide a living mulch for the exposed interspace.

iv) Cauvery delta zoneThis is a zone characterised by riverine alluvial soil with a high degree of water holding capacity

and offers a relatively greater chance of survival of the planted seedlings of any kind. Though lettingin of water from Mettur dam may be delayed by a month, planting of seedlings can progress rightfrom July onwards. Considering the precarious situation, hardly species like Acacia arabica for plantingalong the field bunds, Delbergia sissoo and Tectoina grandis along the canal bunds and Bambusabambos rhizomatous seedlings of not less than two years at elevated ground will certainly help inthe success of the planting. It is generally accepted that quite healthy and sturdy seedlings of notless than 60 cm for sissoo and babul and also teak stumps of not less than 2 cm thickness are thesuitable planting materials for this situation. Though it may not be necessary to irrigate them at theend of January or February, it is still prudent to do an occassional watering from the residual water inthe canals or ponds.

v) Southern zoneThis is an area comprising both vertisols and alfisols.There is a marginally better success in

vertisols accommodating species like Acacia nilotica, Azadirachta indica and Ailanthus excelsa.Though tamarind is found in the larger section of this tract, it is not recommended because its viabilityfollowing the severe summer stretching from March to September is very much doubtful as it is aslow growing species and it may not attain the required root/ shoot growth with very limited rainfall ofNE monsoon. However intercropping in vertisol with pulses of local preference is indicated. In thealfisol region, culture of Eucalyptus and Ailanthus excelsa are recommended. The problematic salineand alkaline patches along the coasts are better left unplanted. Planting of Borassus flabellifer(Palmyrah) on all field bunds in this tract is indicated. Though it takes nearly 10-11 months toemerge out, the palmyrah nut remain dormant in the subsoil until the favourable moisutre regimeoccurs in the following monsoon.

vi) High rainfall zoneNormally these regions have the benefit of two monssons. In such situations, where south west

monsoon, the dominant rain maker fails, the choice is left to take up planting in North East Monsoon.In this situation it is recommended that seedlings of spices and condiments need not be planted butwoodlots of Albizia falcatoria, Grevillea robusta, Callophyllum inophyllum and Havea brasilensis canbe grown successfully with the residual rains.

vii) Hilly zoneConsidering the limitation imposed by the restricted rainfall, planting of fuel and pulp wood

species like Eucalyptus grandis, E.globulus and Acacia mearnsii (Wattle) are recommended.

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Agro forestry

Fig.1 Tree Species for Agro-climatic Zones

LEGEND

AA = Acacia auriculiformisAH = Artocarpus heterophyllusAP = Acacia planifronsCE = Casuarina equisetifoliaEGL = E. globulusMI = Mangifera indicaAE = Ailanthus excelsaAI = Azardirachta indicaBB = Bambusa bambosCP = Ceiba pentandraE.Gr. = Eucalyptus grandisTI = Tamarindus indicaAF = Acacia ferrugineaAN = Acacia niloticaBL = Bassia latifoliaDS = Dalbergia sissooE.t = E. tereticornisTG = Tectona grandis

123456789012123456789012123456789012123456789012123456789012123456789012123456789012

��EXTENDED DEPTH ��

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Fig.2 Improved Pits


234

x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x

x x x x x x x x

Fig.4 Square Bunding and Saucer Basins

5 - 10% SLOPE

Fig 3. Semilunar Basins

235

Integrated Farming

INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH IN

TAMIL NADUAt present, the farmers concentrate mainly on crop production which is subjected to a high

degree of uncertainty in income and employment to the farmers. In this contest, it is imperative toevolve suitable strategy for augmenting the income of a farm. Integrations of various agriculturalenterprises viz., cropping, animal husbandry, fishery, forestry etc. have great potentialities in theagricultural economy. These enterprises not only supplement the income of the farmers but alsohelps in increasing the family labour employment.

The integrated farming system approach introduces a change in the farming techniques formaximum production in the cropping pattern and takes care of optimal utilisation of resources. Thefarm wastes are better recycled for productive purposes in the integrated system. A judicious mix ofagricultural enterprises like dairy, poultry, piggery, fishery, sericulture etc. suited to the given agro-climatic conditions and socio-economic status of the farmers would bring prosperity in the farming.

FARMING SYSTEM RESEARCH IN TNAUStudies on farming system in TNAU commenced as early as 1976. Two centres were identified

for the study viz., Paiyur (Dharmapuri District) and Yercaud (Salem District). Prior to thecommencement of the research programme, preliminary farm surveys were conducted at both thecentres to ascertain the average size of farm holdings and to understand the existing cropping patternand practices. Based on the survey, 5 treatments viz., crop + Dairy (3 milch cows), Crop + Poultry (6layers), dairy cum poultry (3 milch cows + 6 layers) improved cropping alone and farmers’ croppingpattern alone were fixed. Of all the treatments, in Paiyur, in a 2.00 acre farm, the dairy based farminggave the maximum income (Rs.4,872/acre/yr) and employment (518 mandays) in a year. In Yercaudthe dairy cum poultry farming yielded the maximum income (Rs.5529/acre/yr) and employment (556mandays).

In mid eighties TNAU has approached farming system development from three dimensions viz.,education, research and extension. A post-graduate programme on Farming System Managementwas offered. Under this programme the M.Sc.(Ag). students have worked on rice based IntegratedFarming System at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai involving dairy, goat, poultrycum fish culture and at Agricultural Research Station, Aruppukottai under dryland situations. Theresults of the studies are furnished below:

Wetlands: At TRRI, Aduthurai, an effort was made to study the role of poultry-cum-fish cultureas a component in mixed farming under small farm conditions. The study was conducted in aholding of 2.0 ha. In one hectare conventional cropping system (CCS) as practiced by farmers wastaken up. In IFS area an extent of 0.96 ha was utilised for crop activity, and an area of 0.04 ha wasallotted for poultry/cum/fish culture. The results indicated a net income of Rs.8,898 per ha andRs.8311 per ha in IFS and CCS respectively. The additional employment generated from IFS was124 mandays over CCS.

Field experiments were carried out at the Tamil Nadu Rice Research Institute, Aduthurai withduck cum fish culture as a component in the mixed farming. Two farm holdings each with the size ofone hectare were selected for conducting the study. In one holding, conventional cropping as practicedby farmers was followed.

In another plot, cropping was practiced in an area of 0.973 ha and an area of 0.027 ha wasallotted for duck cum fish culture. Economics of mixed farming was compared with existing croppingsystem. A net income of Rs.13,790/- was obtained from an hectare of existing cropping system(Kuruvai - Thaladi - rice fallow Pulse) and a net income of Rs.22,676 was obtained from the modifiedcropping system (Kuruvai - thaladi-rice fallow cotton and maize) even with an area of 0.973 haallotted for cropping. The additional profit from modified cropping alone was Rs.8,886/-. From duckcum fish culture as a component in mixed farming system a net profit of Rs.1,441/- was obtainedfrom an area of 0.027 ha. Totally an additional income of Rs.10.327/- was obtained from the mixed


236

farming system over existing cropping system. The existing cropping system could generate only252 mandays whereas mixed farming system generated 383 mandays. The additional employmentgenerated from mixed farming was 131 mandays over and above the existing method of cropping.

Another comparative study with Rice-Rice-Rice fallow pulses as conventional cropping System(CCS) and with Rice-Rice-Rice fallow blackgram, rice fallow cotton and NB21 green grass for 3number of milch animals as Integrated Farming System revealed that a net return of Rs.8,422/- wasobtained from CCS and Rs.10,912/- was obtained from IFS. Net return from dairy enterprise wasRs.8,896/-. The additional net income of Rs.11,477/- was obtained from the dairy based mixedfarming over the existing farmers’ method of cropping. Inclusions of dairy unit generated an additionalemployment of 190 mandays. The total additional employment generated by dairy based mixedfarming was 309 mandays over the practiced cropping system. The farm yard manure obtainedfrom dairy unit was applied to rice fallow cotton in combination with inorganic fertilizers. The treatmentrecorded the highest seed cotton yield of 17.6 q/ha and a net return of Rs.8,573/-. These studieshave confirmed the validity of the Integrated Farming System in boosting the income and employmentof the farm family.

Research on Integrated Farming System was done both at On-Station and On-Farm Studies onintegrated farming system involving poultry cum fish culture and mushroom production under lowlandsituation; dairy and biogas under irrigated situation; goat rearing and agro forestry under rainfedsituation have been conducted at TNAU Coimbatore.

In wetland condition poultry, fish culture and mushroom cultivation were integrated with cropcultivation. Cropping was undertaken in 0.36 ha and 0.04 ha was allotted for fish pond, the poultryshed was placed above the pond. The poultry unit comprised of 20 bapkok chick and fisheriescomprised of 300 polyculture fingerlings. The results were compared with that of the conventionalsystem. The gross income from the integrated farming system was Rs.35552/ha-1 yr-1 and that of thecontrol was Rs.15860/- ha-1 yr-1. Of the income from Integrated Farming System 59.2 per cent wasfrom cropping, 8.3 per cent from poultry, 7.5 per cent from fish culture and 25.0 per cent frommushroom. The additional net income realised from the integrated farming system was Rs.16481ha-1 yr-1.

GARDENLANDSUnder gardenland situation, dairy and bio-gas were integrated in 1.00 hectare area. The dairy

unit comprised of 3 graded jersy cross breed milch animals with two calves. For effective recyclingof farm and animal waste, a bio-gas unit of 2 cubic metre capacity was installed. The results of thestudy revealed that the entire system produced a net income of Rs.21,169 per hectare per annum.

DRYLANDSA study was taken up integrating crop and goat rearing under dryland in one hectare, considering

small and marginal farmers of Tamilnadu. The goat unit comprised of Tellicherry goats twenty evesand one buck. The results of integrated farming, system were compared with the control. The grossincome from the farming system was Rs.12,400/- and that of control Rs.3,697/-. Of the income fromthe integrated farming system, 57.4 per cent was from goat rearing. The additional net incomerealised from integrated farming system was Rs.3400/- as compared to cropping alone. The additionalemployment gained through integrated farming system over cropping was 106 mandays. By recyclingof goat manure along with coir waste (bedding materials) the land will be supplied with 13.2 kg N,16.8 kg P

2O

5 and 18 kg K

2O per annum.

On-Farm studies on integrated farming system were conducted in different location in Coimbatoredistrict. A survey of different farm holdings in the study area was done to understand the existingfarming system. From this sample, representative farm holdings were selected both under irrigatedand rainfed farming conditions. An exhaustive stock, taking of the available resources, potentials,constraints, Farmers’ preference etc., of these farms were done and improved alternate farmingsystem plans were developed, involving the farmer and with the aid of the technology developed inTNAU. The plans were implemented in the respective farms and monitored by periodical visits tofarms. The farms played a participatory role. Similarly, studies on integrated farming system arebeing conducted in Agrl.College and Research Institute at Madurai and Killikulam and other sub-stations.

237

A National seminar on Farming System for Semi-arid tropics was conducted in TNAU during1988. Six State Seed Farms were selected within the state and the respective farm managers weretrained on Integrated Farming System. This was followed by laying out Programmes involving suitableFarming Systems in the respective, State Seed Farms. Besides a training programme on IntegratedFarming System was organised by the Krishi Vigyan Kendra at Tamil Nadu Agrl.University for thecontact farmers in Coimbatore district. An educational programme on ‘Integrated Farming System’was conducted in collaboration with AIR in the Farm School programme.

Integrated Farming System for Rainfed Black Cotton Soils: Unlike irrigated agriculture, rainfedfarming is with full of uncertainties to the extent that getting a normal crop itself is uncertain. To offsetthe innate difficulty of uncertainties such as uncertain rainfall, heavy downpour and consequentdamage of crops and uncertain yield and income, exclusive concentration on cropping technologiesmay not give a practical solution to the farmers. The solution lies in changing the agricultural systemitself integrating cropping with maintenance of other enterprises. Keeping this objective in view, awell designed farming system has been developed for the benefit of rainfed black cotton soil farmers.

Integration of cropping, livestock (goat) and orchard crops is profitable. In an area of four acres,including livestock (1-5 Tellicherry goats) along with cropping 3 acres and orchard crops (one acre ofber or guava or any marketable drought tolerant fruit tree), the additional income obtained overcropping alone was on an average, Rs.3300/-. Depending upon the extent of holding, the size of thecomponents may be altered. Such integration is not only for higher income in favourable years butalso to safeguard the farmers from getting disaster income in poor rainfall years.

INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM MODELS FOR VARIOUSAGRO-CLIMATIC ZONES OF TAMIL NADU

Farming with crop cultivation alone will encounter certain specific problems like unstable income,under employment of farm family members and improper utilization of resources available in thefarm. Integrated farming with allied activities like dairying, poultry, fishery, sheep and goat rearing,piggery, rabbit rearing, duck farming, pigeon rearing, sericulture, apiary, mushroom production, biogasproduction, homestead garden and fruit tree cultivation and agro-forestry would result in stability offarm income with proper distribution of employment. Scientifically developed farming system modelsare available for stabilizing the farm income and standardizing the living of small and marginal farmers.Adoption of improved farming system models can result in the advantages listed below.

� Higher food production to equate the demand of the exploding population of our nation� Increased farm income through proper residue recycling and allied components� Sustainable soil fertility and productivity through organic waste recycling� Integration of allied activities will result in the availability of nutritious food enriched with protein,

carbohydrate, fat, minerals and vitamins� Integrated farming will help in environmental protection through effective recycling of waste

from animal activities like piggery, poultry and pigeon rearing� Reduced production cost of components through input recycling from the byproducts of allied

enterprises� Regular stable income through the products like egg, milk, mushroom, vegetables, honey and

silkworm cocoons from the lined activities in integrated farming� Possibility of adopting improved package of technology for crop cultivation through the regular

income realized from integrated farming system component� Inclusion of biogas & agroforestry in integrated farming system will solve the prognosticated

energy crisis� Cultivation of fodder crops as intercropping and in border cropping will result in the availability

of adequate nutritious fodder for animal components like milch cow, goat and sheep, pig andrabbit

� Firewood and construction wood requirements could be met from the agroforestry system withoutaffecting the natural forest

Integrated Farming


238

� Avoidance of soil loss through erosion by agro-forestry and proper cultivation of each part ofland by integrated farming

� Generation of regular employment for the farm family members of small and marginal farmers� Development of revenue paying allied farm activities at village level through integrated farming

Integrated farming system models will vary widely in each agro-climatic zones with very highlocation specific natural resource availability like rainfall, and other climatic factors, soil types andmarket demand. Based on the agro-ecological condition and successful cropping systems adoptedin each zone specific farming system models proposed based on the research carried out could berecommended with slight modification for each agro-climatic zones of Tamil Nadu.

I. WESTERN ZONEWetland

Integration of cropping in 0.90 ha with fishery in 0.10 ha, 50 layers of poultry, and 2 kg Oystermushroom production per day with one hectare lowland farming will result in higher net return ofRs.35000/ha/year. (or)

Integration of cropping Rice-Gingelly-Maize and Rice - Soybean-Sunflower in 0.90 ha with 0.10ha polyculture fish rearing, 100 pairs of pigeon and 2 kg mushroom production per day could resultin higher net return of Rs.88700 in one hectare farming with additional employment of 300 mandays/year.

Gardenland

Integration of six crossbred milch animal with 2 m3 biogas production, mushroom production(2 kg), and 20 bottles of mushroom spawn with farm forestry and homestead garden results in highernet return Rs.34,580 with 1250 mandays employment in one hectare farming under gardenlandcondition.

Rainfedland

Integration of grain crop cultivation with fodder production and sylvipastoral system involvingtrees like soobabul, Acacia sp. and thornless prosophis interplanted with cenchrus grasses andrearing of 20 female and one male Telicherry goat results in additional income of Rs.5970/ha inrainfed farming.

II. NORTH WESTERN ZONECrop cultivation in rainfed lands can be integrated with 3 milch cows, 6 layers of poultry in 0.80

ha land area will fetch additional income. (or)

Integration of cropping with 2 milch animal, 6 goats in 1.25 ha rainfed land, out of which 0.25 hawith mulberry cultivation for sericulture results in the net return of Rs.28560/year.

III HILLY ZONETo obtain higher income and regular employment in hilly zone, crop cultivation can be integrated

with 2 milch cows, 6 poultry layers and 9 broilers.

IV CAUVERY DELTA ZONEIntegration of rice based cropping with 2 milch animal resulted in Rs.19900 net income or 6 goat

rearing with crop cultivation fetched Rs.35400 or cropping with duck and fish rearing resulted in a netreturn of Rs.24110 and when this system is integrated with mushroom cultivation there is 25%additional income in lowland condition.

V SOUTHERN ZONEIntegration of rice based cropping with fish rearing and poultry in one hectare land area fetched

an additional income of Rs.9530 under Periyar Vaigai command area.

Integration of milch cow and fish rearing with rice based cropping system in wetlands of Tirunelvelidistrict will fetch a revenue of Rs.25210 as net income. In rainfed black clay soil integration ofcropping with fruit tree cultivation and goat rearing will result in better returns.

239

Integrated Farming

CROP CULTIVATION

Gross income Rs.5672

Expenditure Rs.2587

Net income Rs.3085

Contribution to total income

41%

INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEMS - DRYLANDS (1988 - 1993)

GOAT REARING

Tellichery breeds Female : 20 Male : 1

Gross income Rs.8169

Expenditure Rs.5583

Net income Rs.2586

Contribution to total income

59%

PlanGrossincomeRs./ha.

ExpenditureRs./ha.

Net incomeRs./ha

Employmentgeneration(Mandays/

year)

Integrated Farming System

13841 8170 5671 400

Crop cultivation alone

3939 2020 1919 86

Additional benefit 9902 6150 3752 314

�

�

�

�

Goat Manure

Feed

�


240

SOIL RELATED CONSTRAINTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENTA constraint free soil environment is very important for achieving higher food production. The

major constraints affecting the crop production in Tamil Nadu are salinity, sodicity, acidity, high orlow permeability, sub soil hard pan, surface crusting, fluffy paddy soils etc.

SALT AFFECTED SOILS1. Saline soils

Saline soils are characterised by higher amount of water soluble salt, due to which the cropgrowth is affected. For these soils with electrical conductivity of more than 4 dS m -1, provision oflateral and main drainage channels of 60 cm deep and 45 cm wide and leaching of salts couldreclaim the soils. Application of farm yard manure at 5 t ha -1 at 10 - 15 days before transplanting inthe case of paddy crop and before sowing in the case of garden land crops can alleviate the problemsof salinity.

2. Sodic soilsSodic soils are characterised by the predominance of sodium in the complex with the

exchangeable sodium percentage exceeding 15 per cent and the pH more than 8.5 .To reclaim thesodic soils, plough the soil at optimum soil moisture regime, apply gypsum at 50% gypsum requirementuniformly, impound water, provide drainage for leaching out the soluble salts and apply green manureat 5 t ha-1 10 to 15 days before transplanting in the case of paddy crop.

3. Fluffy paddy soilsThey are characterised by low bulk density of the top soil resulting in the sinking of farm animals

and labourers as well as poor anchorage to paddy seedlings. For such soils, passing of 400 kg stoneroller or oil drum with stones inside eight times at proper moisture level (moisture level at friablecondition of soil which is approximately 13 per cent) once in three years.

4. Sandy soilsSandy soils are containing predominant amounts of sand resulting in higher percolation rates

and nutrient losses. Campacting the soil with 400 kg stone roller or oil drum with stones inside eighttimes at proper moisture level ( moisture level at friable condition of soil which is approximately 13per cent ) once in three years could reduce the percolation losses.

5. Hard pan soilsHard pan occurs in red soil areas due to the movement of clay and iron hydroxides and settling

at shallow depth, preventing the root proliferation. These soils can be reclaimed by chiselling thesoils with chisel plough at 0.5 m interval first in one direction and then in the direction perpendicularto the previous one, once in three years. Application of FYM or composted coir pith at 12.5 t ha-1could bring additional yields of about 30 per cent over control.

6. Surface crusted soilsThe soils having weakly aggregated soil structure are easily broken by the impact of rain drops

resulting in the formation of clay crust at the soil surface. The clay pan prevent the emerging seedlingsand arrest the free exchange of gases between the soil and atmosphere. The surface crust can beeasily broken by harrowing or cultivator ploughing and its formation can be prevented by improvingthe aggregate stability by the application of lime at 2 t ha-1 or FYM at 12.5 t ha-1 .

7. Heavy textured clay soilsThe clay soils are containing major amounts of clay resulting in the poor permeability and nutrient

fixation. Such soils can be reclaimed by the addition of river sand at 100 t ha -1 or managed by deepploughing the field with mould board plough or disc plough during summer to enhance the infiltrationand percolation.

241

APPLICATION OF DISTILLERY EFFLUENT FOR THE CORRECTION OF SODICSOILS

The use of amendments to correct sodic soils are known, Amendments generally used aregypsum, phosphogypsum, iron pyrites or elemental sulphur. All these are inorganic in nature. Someof the organic amendments have also been used to correct the sodic soils are Press-mud, farm yardmanure (FYM), coir dust and green manure. Recent experience with direct discharge of distilleryeffluent to sodic soil to improve the productivity of the sodic soil is the new information. Distilleryspent wash is acidic (pH 3.8-4.2) with considerable quantity of magnesium. Organic compoundsmainly the humic related melanoidins improve the biocatalytic potential of the treated soil. Hence 2lakhs litres of distillery spent wash can be added to an acre of sodic soil in summer months. Naturaloxidation is induced for a period of six weeks with intermittent ploughing once in a month. In thesecond month (after 45-60 days) fresh water may be irrigated and drained. Such a treatment reducesthe pH and exchangeable sodium percentage and increases the productivity of the sodic soil. Cropproductivity increase by such treatment may be adopted in sodic soils.

APPLICATION OF DISTILLERY SPENT WASH TO CROPSDistillery effluent contains Nitrogen 1200 ppm, Phosphate 1500 ppm, Potash 120000 ppm,

calcium 1800 ppm and iron 300 ppm. Since the effluent has the electrical conductivity, 50 timesdiluted effluent can be irrigated to sugarcane, banana, ragi, sunflower, grass, cotton and soybean.However, the effluent irrigation should not be adopted in lands having drinking water sources.

ONE TIME APPLICATION OF DISTILLERY EFFLUENTDistillery effluent contains both macro and micronutrients. Because if its high salt content, it can

be used for one time application to fallow lands, About 20 to 40 tonnes /ha of distillery effluent can besprayed uniformly on the fallow land. It should not be allowed for complete drying over a period of 20to 30 days. The effluent applied field has to be thoroughly ploughed two times for the oxidation andmineralization of organic matter . Then the crops can be cultivated in the effluent applied fields byconventional methods.

IRRIGATION OF PULP AND PAPER MILL EFFLUENTSPulp and paper effluents contain lot of dissolved solids and stabilized organic matter. The properly

treated matter with EC less than dSm-1 as such can safely be used for irrigation with appropriateamendments viz pressmud @ 5 tonnes ha-1, fortified pressmud @ 2.5 tonne ha-1 or daincha as insitu green manure.

Though there were perceptible changes in soil pH,EC, available NPK, exchangeable cations,exchangeable sodium per cent and sodium absorption ratio, there is no detrimental effect due tosodium either on soil or plants grown in sandy loam soils with good drainage facilities, the treatedeffluent can be used for irrigation in these soils also. The following crops and varieties were found tobe suitable for cultivation along with recommended doses of amendments viz. pressmud @ 5tonnes ha -1, fortified pressmud @ 2.5 tonnes ha-1 or daincha as in situ green manure (6.25 tonnesha-1 ).

Rice IR 20, TRY 1, CO 43Maize CO 1Sunflower CO 2Groundnut TMV 2, TMV 7Soybean CO 1Sugarcane COC 92061,COC 671, COC 6304, COC 91064Fodder crops Cumbu-Napier hybrid, Paragrass,Guinea grass

Certain oil seed crops like gingelly and castor, pulses like greengram and blackgram werefound to be sensitive for effluent irrigation.

TREATED TANNERY EFFLUENT IRRIGATIONLeather industry is one of the major foreign exchange earners in India. Though the export of

leather and leather products earn more than Rs. 7000 crores per year besides providing direct

Soil Constraints & Management


242

employment to more then one million people, it is also one of the major sources of pollution. It isestimated that approximately 17,000 tonnes of hides and skins are daily converted into leather. Thisprocess uses about 35-40 litres of water per kg of leather processed. This implies 680 million litres ofwaste water are being generated per day. The effluent and sludge disposed from these industriesenfield into rivers and on the land has led to extensive degradation of productive land since thetannery effluent typically consist of high concentration of salt (sodium, chloride and sulphates etc.,)and chromium (Cr) and these pollute surface, subsurface land and water resources as well. Thetannery effluent varied considerably in pH (6.17-8.17) EC (10.4-23.0 dSm -1 ), Na(2042 -24765) mgL -1) and Cr (620 -26200 (µg L -1 ) concentration. The tannery sludge contained higher Cr(1179 -16158 mg kg -1 ). The salt and Cr rich tannery wastes disposal have a great impact in polluting theenvironment and the continuous disposal onto the land makes the soil more alkaline.

AMENDMENTS FOR RECLAMATION OF ALKALINE SOILSApplication of Gypsum will replace the sodium ions from the soil exchange complex with Calcium

and the rate of gypsum application may be calculated based on the Exchangeable Sodium Percentagevalue of soils. Organic amendments namely pressmud and FYM can be also applied @ 12.5 t/ha toreclaim the alkaline soils.

CROPS SUITED FOR CULTIVATION IN TANNERY AFFECTED (ALKALINE) SOILSCereals : Rice (TRY 1, CO 43, Paiyur 1 and ASD 16)Millets : Ragi (CO 12 and CO 13)Oilseeds : Sunflower (CO 4, Morden) & MustardCash crops : Sugarcane (COG 94076, COG 88123 and COC 771)Vegetables : Brinjal, Bhendi, Chillies, Tomato (PKM 1)Flowering crops : Jasmine, Neerium, TuberoseTrees : Eucalyptus, Casuarina and Acacia

PACKAGE OF PRACTICES FOR CHISEL TECHNOLOGY

The occurrence of hard pans at shallow depth is the most prevalent soil physical constraint insoils. The agricultural crops are denied of the full benefits of the soil fertility and nutrient use due tothis constraint. The sub-soil hard pans are characterised by high bulk density (1.8 g cc-1) which inturn lowers infiltration, water storage capacity, available water and movement of air and nutrients,with concomitant adverse effect on the yield of crops. This problem is predominantly present in sixdistricts of Tamil Nadu viz., Coimbatore, Erode, Dharmapuri, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Salemparticularly under rainfed farming affecting a total of 3.8 lakh hectares of land.

TECHNOLOGYPlough the field with chisel plough at 50 cm interval in both the directions viz., horizontally and

vertically. Chiselling helps to break the hard pan in the sub soil besides it ploughs upto 45 cm depth.Chisel plough is a heavy iron plough which goes up to 45 cm depth, thereby shatters the hard pans.It is usually drawn by the tractor. Fabrication of chisel plough has been done by the Department ofFarm Machinery, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore.

� Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM/pressmud/composted coir pith evenly on the surface.

� Give two ploughings using a country plough for intercropping the added manures.

� The broken hard pan and incorporation of manures make the soil to conserve more moisture.

VEGETATIVE BARRIERS FOR SOIL MOISTURE CONSERVATIONFor better in situ moisture conservation in drylands of Vertisols, raise vegetative barriers of

vettiver or lemon grass across the slope and along the contours at 0.5 m vertical interval.

CONTROL OF NUT GRASS AND BERMUDA GRASS IN UNCROPPED FIELDOf the eighteen Worlds’s worst weeds, these two weeds viz., Nut grass (Korai) and Bermuda

grass (Arugampul) rank first and second in the severity of damage caused to the crops. As far their

243

control, these weeds were elusive as several chemicals tested in the past were only partially effective.Now an integrated approach has been evolved to combat these weeds.

These weeds can be controlled during off season with glyphosate. Glyphosate should be sprayedat 5-10 ml per litre of water when Korai or arugampul are in 3-4 leaf stages. Addition of 10 gm ofAmmonium sulphate per litre of spray fluid and teepol will improve the herbicide efficacy.

The chemical being systemic enters the plant system and kills the weed including the undergroundrhizome/stolons in about 15 days. After a fortnight gap, the field may be summer ploughed once toexpose the secondary rhizomes/stolons in the soil. Spraying should be repeated when the secondarytubers put forth the growth. Sowing of crops can be taken up a month after using the chemical. Theherbicide, glyphosate being non selective translocated, care should be taken to avoid spray drift.

SURGE IRRIGATION

COST FREE SURGE IRRIGATION FOR FIELD CROPS

Surface method is still important due to its less cost and other feasibilities. Furrow irrigation isthe most important method. “Basin furrow” method is the most useful due to accommodation of 5 to6 furrows with a common opening for water entry. Often the furrow length is 5 to 10 meters. Hencethere is a land loss of 17 to 20 percent due to the presence of cross channels and equilizers withinthe basin furrow. There is Agronomical need and dialectical demand to evolve into a new method toavoid land loss, to achieve water economy and labour economy for irrigation.

SURGE IRRIGATIONSurge irrigation is the possible alternative for furrow irrigation. “Surge irrigation is the delivery of

water intermittently by “ON-OFF” fashion relatively over short span of time. Surge irrigation facilitatesquick water front advance and relatively even distribution of soil moisture from head reach to tail endof the furrow. Surface sealing of furrow bed is accomplished by soil particle displacement, migration,re-orientation and deposition on the furrow bed.

COSTLY AUTOMATED SURGE SYSTEMAutomated surge irrigation system of U.S.A. costs $ 36 per metre length. For a field size of

100 X 100 metre, it costs $ 3600. This is cost prohibitive under Indian conditions and in otherdeveloping countries.

COST FREE SURGE IRRIGATIONA cost free (or low cost) surge method was evolved at the Department of Agronomy Tamil Nadu

Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu.

Cost free surge method involves placing short inlet pipes of 50 cm length with a diameter of 6cm. Water enters into the furrow through inlet pipe at a flow rate of 1 to 1.5 lps. There by waterdelivery is accomplished gently without turbulence. Based on the quantum of flow and permissiblequantum one set of furrows are opened and another set of furrows are closed for specified time. Theoperation is repeated till the water front advance reaches near the tail end.

CROPS TESTED(1) Maize, (2) Sunflower (two varieties), (3) Sorghum (Greater millet)

Optimum length, ON-OFF time and flow rate (Land slope 0.5 to 0.6% existing slope) (Soil:Heavy and Medium soils)

Crop Length

Maize (Row spacing : 60 cm) 100 M 150 M 200 MQuantum of flow 1.0 lps 1.5 lps 1.5-2 lps“ON-OFF” time 10 mts 15 mts 15-20 mtsSorghum row spacing (45 cm Double row 90/2 = 45 cm) 100 MSunflower varieties 90/2=45 cm 60/2=30 cm

Surge Irrigation


244

Quantum of flow 1.0 lps“ON-OFF” time 10 mts

This technology could be applied to all field crops in lift irrigated areas with row spacing of 30 cmand above.

ADVANTAGESWater Saving 30-40 percentLand saving 17-20 percentLabour saving 40 percent

ONE PROBLEMThere is a problem of depression of crop growth in the penultimate area due lesser soil moisture

status. Penultimate (sector) depression can be overcome by placing a hydrophilic weir at 75 metrein a length of 100 metre. Coconut epicarp or materials like wooden planks can be used for thispurpose.

SIDE VIEW OF RIDGES AND FURROWS AND SURGE IRRIGATION

RIDGES AND FURROWS

SURGE IRRIGATION

245

SURGE IRRIGATION WITH INLET PIPE SINGLE/DOUBLE ROW

DOUBLE ROW

Surge Irrigation

SINGLE ROW

�

�

Ridge

Furrow

→| 60 CM |← →| 60 CM |←

→| 60 CM |←

→| 60 CM |←

→| 60 CM |←

→| |←30 CM


246

AGROMETEOROLOGYCROP PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

DRYLAND1. Length of growing season :

The length of growing season is defined as the period between the onset of sowing rains andcessation of rainfall. Based on this , the growing season for different agroclimatic regions is asfollows :

Name of the Zone Length of growing season (days)

1. North Eastern zone 165-1802. North Western zone 170-1903. Western zone 90-1104. Cauvery Delta zone 100-1205. Southern zone 85-1206. High rainfall zone 250-2707. Hilly zone 290-330

Refinement is made through water tolerance study

2. Climate of Tamil NaduSouth West Monsoon

Arid Semi arid Humid(MI=(-) 66.7 to (-) 100) (MI=(-) 66.7 to (-) 33.3) (MI= 20 to 80)Coimbatore Kanchipuram The NilgirisTiruchirapalli CuddaloreMadurai DharmapuriRamanathapuram SalemTirunelveli Pudukottai

ThanjavurKanyakumari

North East MonsoonDry sub humid Moist sub humid Humid MI= 20 to 80 PerhumidMI= (-) 33 to 0 MI= 0 to 20 MI= 20 to 80 MI= 100 and aboveCoimbatore Triuchirapalli Kanchipuram The NilgirisDharmapuri Pudukottai VelloreSalem Madurai Tiruvannamalai

Ramanathapuram CuddaloreVillupuramThanjavurKanyakumari

3. RAINFALL PATTERN IN TAMIL NADUThe rainfall pattern of Tamil Nadu based on the criteria of rainfall quantity and season of

precipitation is given below :A> 30 cm rainfall per monthB= 30-20 cm rainfall per monthC= 20-10 cm rainfall per monthD= 10-5 cm rainfall per monthE < 5 cm rainfall per month

Three distinct seasons have been consideredPre monsoon season : February to mayMonsoon season : June to September

247

Post monsoon season : October to January

Considering the distribution of rainfall within a season, a standard pattern is developed. This isexplained through the following example

A 2 B

2 (C

1 B

1 A

1 E

1) C

2 D

1 E

1

where is,i) Alphabets in bracket denote rainfall is monsoon season months.

ii) Left to bracket denote rainfall is pre-monsoon months.

iii) Right to bracket denote rainfall is post monsoon months.

iv) Alphabets represent the quantity of rainfall

v) Numerical suffix gives the number of months.

TABLE 9.2 RAINFALL PATTERN IN TAMIL NADU

Rainfall Taluks in which the pattern is seen

E 4 (E

4) C

2 E

2Aruppukottai, Paramakudi, Muthukulathur, Thiruvadanai, Sathur,Srivilliputhur, Kovilpatti, Vilathikulam, Sankaran kovil, Thoothukudi,Srivaikuntam, Udumalpet, Coimbatore, Dharapuram, Palladam,Gobichettipalayam, Bhavani, Erode, Avinashi, Uthamapalayam, Palani,Kodaikanal, Vedasandur, Dindugul, Nilakottai, Usilampatti, Thirumangalam,Periakulam, Karur

E 4 ( E

4) B

1 C

2 E

1Tiruchendur, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram, Ramanathapuram

E 4 (E

4) A

1 B

2 E

1Nagapattinam, Thiruthuraipoondi, Lalgudi, Musiri

E 4 ( C

1 E

3) C

2 E

2Thuraiyur, Kulithalai, Tiruchirappalli, Manapparai, Pollachi, Agastheswaram

E 4(C

1E

3) A

1B

1C

1E

1Mayavaram, Nannilam

E 4 ( C

2 E

2) C

1 E

3Vaniyambadi, Thirupathur, Uthankarai, Thirukoilur, Kallakurichi, Perambalur,Kulathur, Alangudi, Thirumayam, Harur, Athur, Thanjavur, Arathangi,Arakkonam, Walajapet, Cheyyar, Arani, Polur, Chengam,Thiruvannamalai,,Gudiyatham, Vellore, Thiruthani, Madurai North, MaduraiSouth, Melur, Thirupathur, Sivaganga, Chengam, Wandavasi.

E 4 (C

2E

2) B

1C

2E

1Virudhachalam, Ariyalur, Udayarpalayam, Kumbakonam, Papanasam,Mannargudi, Pattukottai, Orathanadu, Tenkasi, Shencottai, Thiruvallur,Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram, Chengalpattu, Maduranthagam, Tindivanam,Villupuram.

E 4(C

2E

2)A

1B

1C

1E

1Ponneri, Saidapet, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi.

C1E

3(C

1E

3)C

1E

3Hosur, Denkanikottai,

C1E

3(C

2E

2)C

1E

3Omalur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Mettur, Salem, Rasipuram, Sangagiri,Thiruchengodu, Namakkal.

PRE MONSOON SOWINGBased on the probability of receiving sowing rains, Pre monsoon dry seeding weeks have been

fixed for the different districts of Tamil Nadu, where dry seeding is feasible in Vertisols.

Name of the Districts Sowing STD week Dates

1. Coimbatore & Erode 37 to 38 Sep 10 to 232. Dharmapuri 38 to 39 Sep 17 to 303. Vellore 36 to 37 Sep 3 to 164. Ramanathapuram 40 to 41 Oct 1 to 145. Thoothukudi 39 to 40 Sep 24 to Oct 76. Virudhunagar 38 to 39 Sep 17 to 30

5. WATER BALANCE STUDY

Agrometeorology


248

Water balance study was conducted for the two taluks of Tamil nadu based on the WaterRequirement Satisfaction Index (WRSI). It is suggested that sorghum can be sown during 36 th Stdweek against 16 th STD week. The data from the table indicate that if it is sown 16 th STD week, thecrop may suffer due to soil moisture. This result is valid for sorghum crop for Manapparai Taluk.

Manapparai - Sorghum crop

Manapparai (16th week sowing) Manapparai (36th week sowing)STD week Date WRSI STD week Date WRSI

16 April 16 - 22 100.00 36 Sep 3 - 9 100

17 April 23 - 29 100.00 37 Sep 10 - 16 100

18 April 30 May 6 97.78 38 Sep 17 - 23 100

19 May 7 - 13 95.81 39 Sep 24 - 30 100

20 May 14 - 20 92.11 40 Oct 1 - 7 100

21 May 21 - 27 87.59 41 Oct 8 - 14 100

22 May 28 - Jun 3 81.80 42 Oct 15 - 21 100

23 June 4 - 10 74.58 43 Oct 22 - 28 100

24 June 11 - 17 66.13 44 Oct 29 - Nov 4 100

25 June 18 - 24 54.06 45 Nov 5 - 11 100

26 June 25 - July 1 48.29 46 Nov 12 - 18 100

27 July 2 - 8 43.93 47 Nov 19 - 25 100

28 July 9 - 15 43.93 48 Nov 26 - Dec 2 100

Similar study was undertaken for Namakkal Taluk for Groundnut sowing:

The result indicates that rainfed Groundnut sowing can be taken in the order of 28 th STD week,26 th STD week, 23 th STD week.

The dates are given in the table :

Namakkal Namakkal Namakkal(16th week sowing) (23rd week sowing) (28th week sowing)

STD Date WRSI STD Date WRSI STD Date WRSIweek week week

16 April 16 - 22 100 23 June 4 - 10 100 28 July 9 - 15 100

17 April 23 - 29 100 24 June 11 - 17 99.95 29 July 16 - 22 100

18 April 30 May 6 100 25 June 18 - 24 99.34 30 July 23 - 29 100

19 May 7 - 13 100 26 June 25 - July 1 95.97 31 July 30 - Aug 5 100

20 May 14 - 20 100 27 July 2 - 8 94.68 32 Aug 6 - 12 100

21 May 21 - 27 100 28 July 9 - 15 94.22 33 Aug 13 - 19 100

22 May 28 - Jun 3 100 29 July 16 - 22 92.82 34 Aug 20 - 26 100

23 June 4 - 10 100 30 July 23 - 29 92.92 35 Aug 27 - Sep 2 100

24 June 11 - 17 100 31 July 30 - Aug 5 92.82 36 Sep 3 - 9 100

25 June 18 - 24 100 32 Aug 6 - 12 92.74 37 Sep 10 - 16 100

26 June 25 - July 1 96.87 33 Aug 13 - 19 91.03 38 Sep 17 - 23 100

27 July 2 - 8 91.27 34 Aug 20 - 26 91.03 39 Sep 24 - 30 100

28 July 9 - 15 91.27 35 Aug 27 - Sep 2 91.03 40 Oct 1 - 7 100

29 July 16 - 22 90.52 36 Sep 3 - 9 91.03 41 Oct 8 - 14 100

249

30 July 23 - 29 90.52 37 Sep 10 - 16 91.03 42 Oct 15 - 21 100

31 July 30 - Aug 5 90.52 38 Sep 17 - 23 91.03 43 Oct 22 - 28 100

6. MEDIUM RANGE WEATHER FORECASTIn Tamil nadu, about 55.4 per cent of the arable land depends entirely on rainfall for its crop

productions. Since rainfall varies in space and time, there is risk in farming for dryland crop production.Proper understanding of the climate and issuing weather forecast based on the dynamic nature ofatmosphere would help is multiple ways. Four different weather forecasts are presently made. Theyare now casting, short range, medium range, long range.

Among the four forecasts, the weather forecast given under medium range seems to serve thepurpose of the farmers. Since it provides enough time to the farmers to change the agriculturaloperations based on anticipated weather change under dryland environment.

In this context, a project on the establishment of national centre for Medium Range WeatherForecast (NCMRWF) and Development of Agrometeorological service was approved by theGovernment of India and implemented by the Department of Science and Technology (DST) ismission mode. Currently local weather forecast based on direct Model output of General CirculationModel (GCM) is prepared by NCMRWF and given to 27 experimental agromet advisory service unitslocated at different State Agricultural Universities (SAU) including five in Tamil Nadu, three underTNAU (Coimbatore, Kovilpatti and Aduthurai) and two under Tamil Nadu veterinary and AnimalScience University (Chennai and Namakkal). In turn the SAU prepare weather based agro advisorybulletin and communicate to the farmers for making decisions on Agricultural activities based onanticipated weather change. The forecast covers, cloud cover, rainfall, wind speed, wind directions,maximum temperature, and minimum temperature.

��

Agrometeorology


250

IMPROVED BULLOCK DRAWN IRON PLOUGH

LOW DRAFT CHISEL PLOUGH

251

Farm Implements & Machinery

FARM IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY

I. LAND PREPARATION IMPLEMENTS

1. IMPROVED IRON PLOUGH

a. FunctionDry ploughing in all types of soils. The plough is provided with a mould board as on optional

attachment for soil inversion.

b. Specificationi. Type : Bullock drawn implement

ii. Power requirement : A pair of bullocks

iii. Overall dimensions : 3500 x 250 x 900 mm

iv. Weight : 17 kg.

v. Capacity : 0.5 ha/ day

c. Cost of the unitRs. 500/-

d. Cost of operationRs. 50/ ha.

2. LOW DRAFT CHISEL PLOUGH

a. FunctionFor deep tillage. The implement could be used for deep tillage upto a depth of 40cm of 40 cm

for opening hard soil pan.

b. Specificationi. Type : Mounted implement

ii. Power requirement : 35 to 45 hp tractor


iv. Weight : 42 kg.

v. Capacity : 1.4 ha /day

c. Cost of the unitRs. 5,000/-

d. Cost of operationRs.350/ ha.


252

TRACTOR DRAWN CHANNEL FORMER

TRACTOR DRAWN TRENCHER

253


4. TRACTOR DRAWN TRENCHER

a. FunctionTo form rectangular trench of 300 x 300 mm The two bottoms throw the removed soil in opposite

directions and form vertical walls one on each side of the trench. Useful for making trenches inbanana field for laying drip irrigation pipe lines and drainage channels.


ii. Power requirement : 35 to 45 hp Tractor


iv. Weight : 240 kg.

v. Capacity : 1700 m run per hour


d. Cost of operationRs. 9 per 100 m run

3. TRACTOR DRAWN CHANNEL FORMER

a. FunctionTo form irrigation channels of bunds size 300 mm and 800 mm channel size at required intervals

in ploughed soil. The channel size can be adjusted.


ii. Power requirement : 35 to 45 hp Tractor



v. Capacity : 3000 m run per hr.


d. Cost of operationRs. 5 per 100 m run


254

BROADCASTER

POWER TILLER OPERATED TERRACER CUM LEVELLER

255


5. POWER TILLER OPERATED TERRACER CUM LEVELLER

a. FunctionFor land levelling, terracing, bund forming and for forming soil and water conservation structures.

b. Specificationa. Type : Power tiller front mounted

b. Power requirement : 8 to 10 hp power tiller

c. Overall dimension : 780 x 1000 x 580 mm

d. Weight : 35 kg.

e. Capacity : 0.08 m3

c. Cost of the unitRs.3,500/-

d. Cost of operationCost of moving 1 m3 of soil is Rs.3.30

II. SOWING IMPLEMENTS

1. BROADCASTER

a. FunctionThe centrifugal type unit that is hung in front of the operator, broadcast seeds and granular

fertilizers. The material is put in the hopper in batches of 3 to 5 kg and the operator has to walk whilerotating the handle. The material is spread over a 3.5 to 10 m width.

b. Specificationi. Type : Manually operated

ii. Power requirement : One labour


iv. Weight : 3.6 kg.

v. Capacity : 4 ha / day


d. Cost of operationRs. 15 per ha


256

IMPROVED GORRU

BULLOCK DRAWN SEED PLANTER

257


2. IMPROVED GORRU

a. FunctionLine sowing and fertilizer application for crops like groundnut, sorghum, cowpea, bengal gram,

green gram, black gram etc. in three rows simultaneously.


ii. Power requirement : A pair of bullocks, and operator and two persons


iv. Weight : 45 kg.

v. Capacity : 1 ha /day



3. BULLOCK DRAWN SEED PLANTER

a. FunctionLine sowing of crops like groundnut, sorghum, cowpea, bengal gram, green gram, blackgram,

etc. in three rows simultaneously.


ii. Power requirement : A pair of bullocks


iv. Weight : 65 kg.

v. Capacity : 1 ha/ day


d. Cost of operationRs. 130/ha.


258

BROAD BED FORMER-CUM-SEED PLANTER

TRACTOR DRAWN SEED PLANTER

259


4. TRACTOR DRAWN SEED PLANTER

a. FunctionThis planter can be mounted to tractor drawn cultivator which is commercially available. This is

useful for line sowing of crops like groundnut, sorghum, maize, pulses and paddy. Suitable forsowing larger area in less time before the moisture is depleted in the dry tracts.


ii. Power requirement : 35 hp tractor

iii. Overall dimensions : 2350 x 1125 x 1150 mm.



c. Cost of the unitRs. 9,500/- (Planter attachment to the cultivator)


5. BROAD BED FORMER-CUM-SEED PLANTER

a. FunctionFor forming broad beds and line sowing simultaneously, the crops like groundnut, sorghum,

maize and pulses. Suitable for low rainfall regions.





v. Capacity : 3 ha/day


d. CapacityRs. 400/ha.


260

BASIN LISTER CUM SEED PLANTER

RIDGER SEEDER FOR COTTON

261


6. BASIN LISTER CUM SEED PLANTER

a. FunctionFor forming 1250 x 30 x 15 sized basins and the line sowing simultaneously of the crops like

groundnut, sorghum, maize and pulses. Suitable for low rainfall regions.








7. RIDGER SEEDER FOR COTTON

a. FunctionFor tilling, ridge forming and sowing delinted cotton simultaneously on the sides of the ridges at

the required depth.


ii. Power requirement : 35 to 45 hp tractor



v. Capacity : 3.5 ha/day


d. Cost of operationRs. 340/- ha.


262

DIRECT PADDY SEEDER FOR WETLAND

PADDY TRANSPLANTER

263


8. DIRECT PADDY SEEDER FOR WETLAND

a. FunctionFor sowing pre-germinated paddy seeds in rows directly in well puddled and levelled soil.


ii. Power requirement : Two labourers


iv. Weight : 12kg.




9. PADDY TRANSPLANTER

a. FunctionFor transplanting mat type paddy seedlings in 6 rows in puddle and levelled soil


ii. Power requirement : Two labourers. One for operation and another fortransporting mat seedlings


iv. Weight : 16 kg.



d. Cost of operationRs.450/ha.


264

LONG HANDLED WEEDER

ENGINE OPERATED WEEDER

265


III INTERCULTURAL EQUIPMENTS

1. LONG HANDLED WEEDER

a. FunctionFor weeding in row crops for removing shallow rooted weeds. It has been designed ergonomically

for easy operation. Useful in dryland and gardenland crops is ideal at a soil moisture content of 8 to10 per cent.


ii. Power requirement : A man labourer


iv. Weight : 3 kg.




2. ENGINE OPERATED WEEDER

a. FunctionFor weeding in between rows of crops like tapioca, cotton, sugarcane, maize, orchards, coconut

and arecanut plantations.

b. Specificationi. Type : Engine operated

ii. Power requirement : 3 hp petrol start kerosene run engine, one operatorand two labourers for weeding in between plants


iv. Weight : 90 kg.





266

BATTERY OPERATED LOW VOLUME SPRAYER

SPRAYERFOR

COCONUT TREE

267


IV PLANT PROTECTION EQUIPMENTS

1. BATTERY OPERATED LOW VOLUME SPRAYER

a. FunctionFor spraying chemicals on crops like paddy, groundnut, pulses and vegetables. It requires 50

litres of water per hectare.

b. Specificationi. Type : Knapsack

ii. Power requirement : 6 V rechargeable battery


iv. Weight : 17 kg. with pesticide




2. SPRAYER FOR COCONUT TREE

a. FunctionTo spray chemicals in tall coconut trees upto a height of 65 feet. Rotary and oscillary movement

of nozzle, and up and down movement of the telescopic pipe enables to reach any target in thecanopy.




iv. Weight : 200kg.

v. Capacity : 10 trees per hour


d. Cost of operationRs. 10 per tree


268

INSECT TRAP ATTACHMENT TO POWER SPRAYER

CORCYRA MOTH COLLECTOR

269


3. INSECT TRAP ATTACHMENT TO POWER SPRAYER

a. FunctionTo control crop insect pests without insecticides by effectively trapping the insects like hopper,

midges, white flies and ash weevils. It will be useful for the control of dreadful i n s e c t sespecially during outbreak.

b. Specificationi. Type : Knapsack

ii. Power requirement : A power sprayer


iv. Weight : 15 kg.


c. Cost of the unitRs.250/-


4. CORCYRA MOTH COLLECTOR

a. FunctionFor mass production of biological control agents. Used for collection of corcyra moth with

minimum health hazard. Productivity is increased as collection time is reduced. Ensured collectionof moth without damage.

b. Specificationi. Type : Vacuum cleaner principle

ii. Power requirement : 1/4 hp motorised blower


iv. Weight : 2 kg.

v. Capacity : 4600 moths per hour

c. Cost of unitRs. 1,000/- excluding source of vacuum

d. Cost of operationRs. 5/ hr.


270

CORCYRA EGG SCALE SEPARATOR

PADDY HARVESTER

271


5. CORCYRA EGG SCALE SEPARATOR

a. FunctionFor mass production of biological control agents by hygienic means. It works on the principle of

aspiration column. The egg-scale mixture is placed on a fine wire mesh and air is blown through itevenly. The lighter scales are separated and collected.

b. Specificationi. Type : Vacuum cleaner principle

ii. Power requirement : 0.1 hp electric motor


iv. Weight : 10 kg.

v. Capacity : 200 ml of eggs per hour

c. Cost of unitRs. 2,000/-

d. Cost of operationRs.10/hr.

V. HARVESTING AND THRESHING MACHINES

1. PADDY HARVESTER

a. FunctionFor harvesting and winnowing non-lodging paddy varieties. It is a self propelled unit and width

of coverage is 0.75 m.

b. Specificationi. Type : Engine operated

ii. Power requirement : 3 HP kerosene engine, 1 operator and 2 women labourers to collect and bundle the cut crop


iv. Weight : 30 kg.



d. Cost of operationRs. 260/ha


272

FODDER SORGHUM HARVESTER

GROUNDNUT HARVESTER

273


2. FODDER SORGHUM HARVESTER

a. FunctionFor cutting and winnowing the fodder sorghum and other crops like maize, gingelly, palmrosa,

etc. The width of cut is 1.0 m.

b. Specificationi. Type : Engine operated -walking behind

ii. Power requirement : 5 HP diesel engine


iv. Weight : 75 kg.


c. Cost of the unitRs. 21,000/- (without prime mover)


3. GROUNDNUT HARVESTER

a. FunctionFor harvesting and winnowing groundnut crop at soil moisture levels of 8-15%.


ii. Power requirement : 35-45 HP tractor





d. Cost of operationRs.660/-


274

CASTOR SHELLER

GROUNDNUT THRESHER

275


4. GROUNDNUT THRESHER

a. FunctionFor threshing and separating groundnut pods. Suitable for freshly harvested and high moisture

groundnut crop.

b. Specificationi. Type : Motor of Tractor PTO operated

ii. Power requirement : 5 hp


iv. Weight : 350 kgs.

v. Capacity : 200 kg pods/hour


d. Cost of operationRs.32 per quintal

5. CASTOR SHELLER

a. FunctionFor shelling castor pods and separating castor kernels. It can either be operated manually or by

electric motor. When operated by electric motor both shelling and cleaning are done simultaneously

b. Specificationi. Type : Manual or electric

ii. Power requirement : Manual -Two laboursElectric 0.5 hp and one labour


iv Weight : 65 kg.

v. Capacity : Manual -50 kg. pods /hourElectric -200 kg. pods /hour


d. Cost of operationRs. 25 per quintal (manual)

Rs. 10 per quintal (electric)


276

HAND CUM PEDAL OPERATED CHAFF CUTTER

POWER OPERATED CHAFF CUTTER

277


VI. OTHER EQUIPMENTS

1. HAND CUM PEDAL OPERATED CHAFF CUTTER

a. FunctionTo cut the chaff into bits for easy assimilation by animals. It is ideal for cutting green fodder, dry

fodder and paddy straw. Uniform sized bits can be obtained.

b. specificationi. Type : Manually operated

ii. Power requirement : Two persons


iv. Weight : 40 kg.

v. Capacity : 300 kg. green fodder /hour


d. Cost of operationRs. 10/hr.

2. POWER OPERATED CHAFF CUTTER

a. FunctionTo cut the chaff into bits for easy assimilation by animals. It is ideal for cutting green fodder, dry

fodder and paddy straw. Uniform size and required length of chaff bits, can be obtained.

b. Specificationi. Type : Power operated

ii. Power requirement : 2 hp


iv. Weight : 40 kg.

v. Capacity : 750 kg. green fodder /hour250 kg. dry fodder/hour

c. Cost of the unitRs .9,500/-



278

POWER TILLER OPERATED HEAVY DUTY AUGER DIGGER

MULBERRY STEM CUTTER

279


3. MULBERRY STEM CUTTER

a. FunctionTo cut the mulberry stem for planting without damage

b. Specificationi. Type : Hand cum pedal operated unit

ii. Power requirement : One person


iv. Weight : 26 kg.

v. Capacity : 2400 stems per hour

c. Cost of the UnitRs.1500/-

d. Cost of operationRs.10 / hr

4. POWER TILLER OPERATED HEAVY DUTY AUGER DIGGER

a. FunctionTo dig holes for planting tree saplings. Front mounted to any power tiller with slight modification.

It can dig holes of 30 cm diameter upto a depth of 45 cm.

b. Specificationi. Type : Worm gear box driven, operated manually

worm gear transmission ratio -1:10

ii. Power requirement : 8 to 10 hp power tiller

iii. Overall dimension : 1100 x 670 x 1830 mm

iv. Weight : 60 kg.

v. Capacity : 20 holes per hour




280

POWER TILLER OPERATEDDIRECT DRIVEN

AXIAL FLOW PUMP

GROUNDNUT DECORTICATOR(HAND OPERATED)

281


5. POWER TILLER OPERATED DIRECT DRIVEN AXIAL FLOW PUMP

a. FunctionFor pumping water from low heads for irrigation/drainage. The pump can be attached to the

front of the power tiller through an adjustable swivelling system which can incline suction pipe to thedesired level, thereby different depths of suction can be achieved.

b. SpecificationI. Type : Power tiller operated

ii. Power requirement : 8 to 10 hp power tiller



v. Capacity : 3500 litres per minute

c. Cost of the UnitRs. 6,000/-


AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENT

I. SHELLING / DECORTICATING / DEHUSKING EQUIPMENT

1. GROUNDNUT DECORTICATOR (HAND OPERATED)

a. FunctionTo shell the groundnut kernels from pods. Shelling is carried out by rubbing action of the

rocking assembly. Sieves can be replaced based on pod size and variety.

b. Specificationi. Dimension

(Length x Breadth x Height) : 1150 x 500 x 1320 mm

ii. Capacity : 100 kg/hr

iii. Power required : Nil

iv. Labour required : Three persons


d. Cost of operationRs. 15.5/hr


282

GROUNDNUT DECORTICATOR(POWER OPERATED)

1. FLY WHEEL2. CONNECTING ROD3. FEED HOPPER4. OSCILLATING SECTOR5. SIEVE6. HUSK OUTLET7. KERNELS OUTLET8. BLOWER9. ELECTRICAL MOTOR

(DIMENSION IN MM)

HUSKER SHELLERFOR MAIZE

1. FEED HOPPER2. ROTOR3. BLOWER4. AUGER5. AUGER CASING6. MOTOR7. GRAIN ELEVATOR8. MAIZE OUTLET9. HUSK AND DUST OUTLET10. CONCAVE SIEVE

283


2. GROUNDNUT DECORTICATOR (POWER OPERATED)

a. FunctionTo shell the groundnut kernels from pods. Shelling is carried out by rubbing action of the oscillating

sector. Sieves can be replaced based on pod size and variety.




iii. Power required : 1.0 hp electric motor

iv. Labour required : One


d. Cost of operationRs. 14.60 /hr

3. HUSKER SHELLER FOR MAIZE

a. FunctionDehusking and shelling of maize cobs along with sheath. The shelled kernels can be directly

collected in bags at any convenient height.



ii. Capacity : 10 t.cobs/day

iii. Power required : 7.5. Hp electric motor (3 phase)

iv. Labour required : Two


d. Cost of operationRs . 27/hr


284

COTTON SEED DELINTING MACHINE

Dimension in mm

1. MOTOR2. MAIN FRAME3. MAIN SHAFT4. STAINLESS STEEL VESSEL5. AGITATOR6. SHUTTER7. SEED OUTLET

1. BLOWER2. BEVEL3. FEED HOPPER4. COMPRESSION SPRING5. THRESHING DISC6. SIEVE7. HUSK8. GRAIN OUTLET9. MOTOR

MAIZE SHELLER

Dimension in mm

285


4. MAIZE SHELLER

a. FunctionTo shell the desheathed maize cobs and clean the separated kernels




iii. Power required : 1.0 hp

iv. Labour required : One



5. COTTON SEED DELINTING MACHINE

a. FunctionTo delint the cotton seed for sowing. Delinting is done in batches by treating with commercial

sulphuric acid and the treated seeds are washed with water.




iii. Power required : 1 hp electric motor



d. Cost of operationRs.16.30 / hr


286

1. OSCILLATING BOX2. FEED HOPPER3. MOTOR4. BLOWER5. GRAIN OUTLET6. SIEVES

GRAIN WINNOWER

Dimension in mm

SEED CLEANER CUMGRADER

Dimension in mm

1. IMPURITIES OUTLET2. MOTOR3. FEED INLET4. FEED ROLLER5. VIBRATORY SCREENS6. NYLON BURSHES7. ECCENTRIC8. BLOWER9. STAND10. GRAIN OUTLET

287


2. SEED CLEANER CUM GRADER (CRIPPEN MODEL)

a. FunctionSuitable for cleaning and grading of seeds like Paddy, Cholam, Cumbu, Maize etc.



ii. Capacity : 1500 kg/day

iii. Power required : 2.0 hp


c. Cost of the unitRs. 1,00,000/-


II CLEANING AND GRADING EQUIPMENT

1. GRAIN WINNOWER

a. FunctionContinuous type winnower to clean threshed grains of all crops




iii. Power required : 1.0 hp electric motor (3 phase)



d. Cost of operationRs. 20/hr


288

SEED CLEANER CUM GRADER (Petkus model)1. Big stones outlet 2. Feed hopper 3. Big impurities outlet 4. Sieves5. Dust outlet 6. Aspirator 7. Big impurities outlet 8. Trash outlet9. Graded seed outlet 10. Eccentric 11. Small impurities outlet 12. Motor

MINI DHALL MILL

Dimension in mm

1. FEED HOPPER2. FEED CONTROL SHUTTER3. SCREW AUGER4. MAIN BODY5. MOTOR6. STAND7. OUTLET8. HAND WHEEL9. LOCK NUT10. GRINDING DISC11. RUBBER PAD

289


3. SEED CLEANER CUM GRADER (PETKUS MODEL)

a. FunctionSuitable for cleaning and grading of seeds like Paddy, Cholam, Maize, Cumbu etc.



ii. Capacity : 4000 kg/ day

iii. Power required : 7.5 HP




III. MILLING/EXTRACTION EQUIPMENT

1. MINI DHAL MILL

a. FunctionTo split all kinds of pulses into dhal after premilling treatments. By simple replacement of the

abrasion disc into cast iron serrated disc this unit can be used for pulverising dry grain into flour.

b. specificationi. Dimension



iii. Power required : 0.5 hp electric motor

iv. Labour required : One person


d. Cost of operationRs. 10/hr


290

DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

SOIL AND WATER CONSERVATION ENGINEERING

1. DRIP IRRIGATION SYSTEM

A. FUNCTION

The system controls the supply of water to the plants by a network of tubes with water underpressure.

B. EQUIPMENTS / COMPONENTS

i. The Head unit consists of a pump or over head tank.

ii. Mainline 50 mm, 63 mm and 75 mm HDPE or PVC pipes are used

iii. Submain 45 mm, 50 mm HDPE pipes are used.

iv. Laterals 12 mm and 16 mm LLDPE pipes are used.

v. Drippers - pressure compensating type 2 lph, 4 lph, 8 lph are more suitable

vi. Filter unit : Sand filter for coarse particle detention. Mesh filter ( 120 micron) for fine particledetention.

vii. Fertiliser unit: A fertiliser tank with ventury setup is used for applying liquid or dissolvedfertilisers. Pressure gauges 0.5 to 2.5 Ksc and gate valve depending on pipe size are alsoessential for the system to control and monitor the flow.

C. SALIENT FEATURES

I. 50 to 65% water saving compared to control method.

ii. Crop attains early maturity.

iii. Crop quality and yield increased.

iv. Requires least land levelling.

v. Poor quality water can be used.

D. COST

The cost of the system varies with change in crop spacing. The cost for various crops are givenin table (1). Water requirement (lit/day) increase in yield and water saving (percent), are given inTable(2)

TABLE.1. COST OF DRIP SYSTEM

Crops Spacing (m) Cost Rs / ha

Coconut 7.5 x 7.5 25,000

Grapes 3.0 x 1.5 40,000

Mango 10.0 x 10.0 24,000

Guava 5.0 x 5.0 34,000

Sapota 10.0 x 10.0 24,000

Pomegranate 5.0 x 5.0 34,000

Banana 2.0 x 2.0 45,000

Vegetables 0.3 x 0.6 55,000

291

Soil and Water Conservation Engineering


292

CONTOUR BUND

BROAD BEDS AND FURROWS

Table 2. Water Saving and Yield Benefits in drip system

Crops Water Requirement lpd/plant PercentageDrip Conventional Increase in Water saving

yield

Coconut 75 -100 200 - 300 30 45Grapes 25 - 45 90 -100 23 48Mango 30 - 50 90 -150 23 40Guava 22 - 30 70 -100 40 50Sapota 20 - 30 70 -100 40 50Pomegranate 20 - 40 60 - 130 98 45Banana 8 -12 30 - 40 52 45Lemon 10 - 20 25 - 65 40 60Papaya 5 - 8 18 - 26 75 68Brinjal 1 - 2 4 - 8 14 53Bhendi 1 - 2 4 - 6 16 40Tomato 1 - 2 4 - 6 50 39Chillies 1 - 2 3 - 6 44 62Gourds 1 - 2 3 - 6 15 54

2. BROAD BEDS AND FURROWS

a. FUNCTIONTo control erosion and to conserve soil moisture in the soil during rainy days.

b. GENERAL INFORMATIONThe broad bed and furrow system is laid within the field boundaries. The land levels taken and

it is laid using either animal drawn or tractor drawn ridgers.

c. COSTApproximate cost for laying beds & furrows is Rs.800 / ha.

d. SALIENT FEATURESI. Conserves soil moisture in dryland

ii. Controls soil erosion.

iii. Acts as a drainage channel during heavy rainy days.

3. CONTOUR BUND

a. FUNCTIONTo intercept the run off flowing down the slope by an embankment.

b. GENERAL INFORMATIONIt helps to control run off velocity. The embankment may be closed or open, surplus arrangements

are provided wherever necessary.

c. COSTApproximate cost of laying contour bund is Rs.1400 / ha.

d. SALIENT FEATURESi. It can be adopted on all soils

ii. It can be laid upto 6% slopes.

iii. It helps to retain moisture in the field.

293



294

TYPES OF BENCH TERRACES

4. BENCH TERRACING

a. FUNCTIONIt helps to bring sloping land into different level strips to enable cultivation.

b. GENERAL INFORMATIONIt consists of construction of step like fields along contours by half cutting and half filling. Original

slope is converted into level fields. The vertical & horizontal intervals are decided based on levelslope.

c. COSTApproximate cost for laying the terrace is Rs.1600 / ha.

d. SALIENT FEATURESi. Suitable for hilly regions.

ii. The benches may be inward sloping to drain off excess water.

iii. The outward sloping benches will help to reduce the existing steep slope to mild one.

iv. It is adopted in soils with slopes greater than 6%

295


NEW VARIETIES

1. RICE - CO 47

SPECIAL FEATURES

� Short duration

� Semi dwarf

� Suitable for Sornavari, Kar, Kuruvai

� Medium slender, translucent white

� Resistant to blast

Parentage : IR50 / CO 43

Duration : 110 - 115 days

Season : Sornavari/Kar/Kuruvai:

Yield : 5832 kg/ha. superior in yield by 7.0% over ADT 36, 5.9% over ASD18and by 21.1% over IR 50

Area of adoption : Suitable for the districts of Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore, Salem,Dharmapuri, Coimbatore, Erode, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli, Thanjavur andThoothukudi districts.

2. REDGRAM-VAMBAN 2

SPECIAL FEATURES

� Medium duration type

� High yielding

� Resistant to sterility mosaic disease

� High protein (20.3%)

Parentage : ICPL 341xBhavanisagar Local

Duration : 170-180 days

Season : June/August

Yield : 1049kg/ha-superior in yield over SA 1 by 20% and CO 6 by 12.1%

Area of adoption : Entire Tamilnadu


296

3. REDGRAM -APK 1

SPECIAL FEATURES

� Short duration

� High yielding

� Suitable for Kharif, Rabi and Summer

� Resistant to sterility mosaic

Parentage : Pureline selection from ICPL 87101


Season : Kharif, Rabi, and Summer

Yield : 906 kg/ha - Superior in yield over Vamban 1 by 34.2%

Area of adoption : Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram, Siva-ganga, Madurai, Theni, Tuticorin,Tirunelveli, Tiruchirapalli, Salem, Dharmapuri and Coimbatore districts.

GREENGRAM -CO 6

SPECIAL FEATURES

� Short duration

� High yielding

� Reistant to yellow mosaic virus

� Suitable for Kharif and Rabi seasons

Parentage : WGG 37 x CO 5

Duration : 62 - 67 days

Season : June - July, Sept - October and February - March

Yield : 982kg/ha-superior in yield over CO 5 by 20.4% KM 2 by 20.7%.

Area of adoptiion : All greengram tracts of Tamilnadu.

297

New Varieties

5. GROUNDNUT - CO 3

SPECIAL FEATURES

� Bunch type

� Bold kernels suited for export

� Possesses dark green foliagge

� Oil content (49.2%)

� Shelling out turn (71.4%)

� Moderately resistant to Bud necrosis

Parentage : VRI 3 (VG 55) x JL 24

Duration : 105 days

Season : Kharif (rainfed), Rabi/Summer (irrigated)

Yield : Rainfed: 1750kg/ha-Superior in yield over VRI 2 and CO 2 by 17%

Irrigated: 2150kg/ha-Superior in yield over VRI 2 by 24% and overCO 2 by 28%.

Area of adoption : Entire Tamil Nadu.

6. GROUNDNUT - ALR 3

SPECIAL FEATURES

� High yielding, Bunch type

� Haulms remain green till harvest

� Resistant to rust and tolerant to late leaf blight

� High oil content (50%) Shelling out turn (69%)

Parentage : [(R-33-1xICG (FDRS) 68 X (Nc Ac 17090 x ALR 1)]

Duration : 110 - 115 days.

Season : Rainfed : April - May and June - July Irrigated : Dec - Jan.

Yield : Rainfed : 1683kg/ha-Superior in yield over ALR 2 by 51%

Irrigated : 1886 kg/ha -Superior in yield over ALR 2 by 29%.

Area adoption : Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Tiruchirapalli andThoothukudi districts.


298

7. COTTON-MCU 12

SPECIAL FEATURES

� High yielding than MCU 5 and LRA 5166

� Medium duration

� Fibre properties equal to MCU 5 and superior to LRA 5166

� Spinnability to 60's counts

� Suited for winter Cambodia tract

Parentage : LRA 5166 x MCU 11

Duaration : 150-160 days

Season : Aug-Feb.

Yield : 1574 kg/ha-Superior in yield over MCU 5 by 23.1% and LRA 5166 by24.5%

Area of Adoption : Winter irrigated tracts of Tamil Nadu.

8. SUGARCANE - COC 99061

SPECIAL FEATURES

� Mid late variety

� Non lodging, non flowering, erect, medium thick cane

� High cane, CCS and sugar yield

� Good ratooner

� Moderately resistant to red rot

Parentage : CO 6806 xCO 740


Season : Mid late

Yield : Cane : 130.3 t/ha-Superior in yield over CO 8021 by 5.9% CO 85019 by8.75% and COG 93076 by 6.72%

CCS(%) : 11.94 Sugar : 15.59 t/ha

Area of adoption : Entire Tamilnadu

299

New Varieties

9. PUDIA SOUNDEL (INTRODUCTION)

SPECIAL FEATURES

� High fodder yield

� Tolarent to Psyllid pest

� Low mimosine and tannin content

� Highly palatable for cattle, goat and sheep

Parentage : Leucaena diversifolia K 186 (Introduction from Australlia)

Duration : Perennial tree fodder

Season : Throughout the year

Yield : 40 t/ha/yr under rainfed condition

Area of adoption : Dry areas/ waste lands of entire Tamil Nadu.

10. BUTTON MUSHROOM - OOTY 1

SPECIAL FEATURES

� The buttons are pure white, round and 5 - 7 cm in diameter.

� It is compact, hard and withstands storage upto 5 days under room temperature and 10 daysunder refrigerated conditions

� High yielding

� The colour apperance, flavour, texture, taste and overall acceptability are very good.

� It contains 7.49% crude fat, 11.55% crude protein and 11.00% crude fibre.

� Longer time for opening of the sporophore, a plus point for growers and traders.

Parentage : Collected from local forests and isolated

Duration : 90 days

Season : In hills from March October

Yield : 1.376 kg of buttons/10 kg substrate

Area of adoption : The Nilgiris district


300

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