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Chilli Farming (Mirchi) Under shade net- Guide To Produce Higher Yield Of Green Chilli

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Chilli farming

Shade net is a structure made up of  plastic, polyethylene sheet or any other woven material to grow plants in well-controlled climatic conditions. Growing Green Chillies in shade net has several advantages over the traditional cultivation in the open field.

Shade net Green Chilli farming is practised by many farmers as plants can be grown in well-controlled climatic conditions for higher yield. You might have many questions like what shade net is and  how it is made, so we will take you through it step by step. 

Table of Contents

Introduction to Chilli Farming (Mirchi) under shade net

Let’s know what is shade net

Why shade net farming for chillies

Advantages of shade net farming

Soil requirement for shade net Green Chilli Farming

Water requirement

Propagation of Green Chilli in shadenet

Transplanting of Chilli

Pest control in Chilli plants

Harvesting Green Chillies

Introduction to Chilli Farming (Mirchi) under shade net

Chilli is used worldwide for its spicy flavour. Different types of chillies are used in different dishes. Green Chilli belongs to the Solanacece family and is botanically called Capsicum frutescens (Scientific name).

Chilli is one of the important spices in the Indian kitchen. India is not only the world’s largest producer of Chilli but also the largest consumer, and exporter. In India, green chillies are mainly grown in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu. 

Chilli is an annual herbaceous plant that has a tap root system with simple leaves. Chilli is packed with fibre, vitamin E, and vitamin C. The ingredients in chilli can reduce the sugar craving and help you in weight loss.

chilli farming
Chilli farming

Let’s know what is shade net

Before going to shade net Green Chilli Farming, we must understand what a shade net is. Shade net is a structure built up with plastic, polyethylene sheet or any other woven material to grow plants in appropriate micro climatic conditions.

Why shade net farming for chillies?

Green chilli is a tropical and subtropical plant that requires warm, humid, and dry weather in different phases of growth. It needs warm and humid weather during the growth phase but dry weather is appropriate for fruit maturity. 

In shade net, the temperature range of 25 – 27℃ is best for green chilli growth. If the temperature is 37℃ or higher, the fruit growth will be affected. Heavy rain causes defoliation and rotting of plants. In the case of low moisture conditions during the fruiting period, the bud will become deformed and it may also cause deflowering.

Hence, shade net is a good option for chilli farming and to earn more profit.

Advantages of shade net farming

  • Helps to protect crops from adverse environmental conditions.
  • Required amount of sunlight and moisture can be allowed
  • Increase in quantity and quality of produce
  • Protects crops from animals and birds
  • The quantity of water and fertiliser supplied to plants is controlled

Soil requirement for shade net Green Chilli Farming

Choosing appropriate soil for green chilli farming depends on the type of irrigation you adopt. If you grow rainfed crops then black soil is a good choice as the water retention is good. If you adopt other irrigation methods then, well-drained sandy loam with rich organic content is the best.

Water requirement

You have to water chilli plants only when it is needed as they cannot withstand water logging conditions. Overwatering chilli plants may lead to the shedding of flowers. The amount of water and frequency of irrigation depends on climatic conditions and soil type. 

Propagation of Green Chilli in shade net

To yield healthy Chillies, disease-free and good-quality seeds should be chosen for sowing. Rainy and extreme cold climatic conditions are not suitable for the seed germination and damage the quality of chilli seedlings. Thanks to shade nets, now we can grow chilli plants inside shade nets with less damage to the seedlings. 

The roofs of shade nets are built with plastic, polyethylene sheet or any other woven material. The framework of shade nets must be made of G.I.pipe.

Transplanting of Chilli

Before transplanting the seedlings to the main field, the roots should be dipped with any systemic fungicide or Trichoderma viridae solution for about half an hour. The seedlings can be planted at 75-90 cm (Row to Row) and 45-60 cm (Plant to Plant) spacing for better yield.

Pest control in Chilli plants

There are chances that the chilli plants get damaged from pest attacks or diseases like leaf curl, spots, cutworms, thrips, mites, branch rot, botrytis blight etc.

To manage the pest and diseases;

  • Make sure to use only well-rotten organic manure
  • Intercrop with onion/marigold as it keeps pests at bay. The trap crop should be planted 15-20 days earlier to the chilli crop so that the pests are attracted to the flowers of trap crops and do not damage the main crop.
  • Neem seed kernel extract can be used for controlling trips and mites
  • Install pheromone traps to control fruit borers

Harvesting Green Chillies

Generally, green chillies are ready to harvest in 90 days after transplanting. The best time to harvest is when the chillies turn green and glossy. You can harvest them by cutting them with scissors or a knife. 

What are you waiting for? Start your chilli cultivation now and yield healthy and fresh chillies.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Cultivation Package Of Practices For Chilli Growers

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chilli farming

Are you someone who is interested in the business of chilli farming or planning to start the cultivation of chilli? Are you someone who finds Chilli farming fascinating? Do you want to know about Chilli farming and the process of growth? We will introduce you to every vital aspect of Chilli cultivation. Let’s directly jump into the article to know everything.

Table of Contents

Introduction to Chilli Farming

Various varieties of Chilli across the world

Suitable climate conditions for chilli farming

Soil preparation for Chilli cultivation

Reasons behind dying of chilli flowers

Unpredictable temperature switch

Pollination issues

Nitrogen availability

Overwatering or low watering

Spacing between plants

Prevention and cure of blossom drop in Chilli plants.

Temperature

Humidity

Nitrogen levels

FAQs

Introduction to Chilli Farming

Chilli is one of the essential spices grown in India, China, Peru, Pakistan, Mexico, Spain, and many other countries. Chilli originated from South America and was bought by the Portuguese at the end of the 15th century. It belongs to the Solanaceae family and is used in the preparation of multiple cuisines. There is a wide variety of Chillies such as dried Chillies, red Chillies, green chillies, etc.  

The most reflective characteristic of Chilli is its colour and spice, pungency, and presence of capsanthin pigment. The commercial cultivation of chilli is pretty profitable for farmers.

It’s the official spicing agent in food. India is the largest consumer and producer of Chilli globally. Greenhouses, Open fields, pots, containers, etc., are places where Chilli can be grown with suitable soil preparation and climatic conditions.

chilli farming
chilli farming

Popular types of Chillies found in India are given in the following table with the region of cultivation and flavor:

Names of Chillies Mostly cultivated in Flavor
Bhut Jolokia North-east India World’s hottest Chilli
Naga Chilli / Naga Morich Nagaland and Manipur Amonth world’s top ten hottest chillies
Kashmiri Chillies Kashmir Less pungent and known for its colour
Guntur Chilli Andhra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Hot and average pungency
Kanthari Chilli Kerala Hot and highly pungent
Byadagi Chilli Karnataka Deep red colour with mild pungency
Mundu Chilli Tamil nadu Fat, round, dark red and pungent
Sannam Chilli Andra Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh Hot and medium pungency
Jwala Chilli Gujarat Highly pungent

 

Famous hybrid varieties of Chilli in India are the following:

MI-1 KA2 CO4 PLR1 NS 1072
MI-2 Arunalu CO2 KKM NS 1701
MI-HOT G-2 PMK 1 NS230 VNR-212-7
K1 G-3 PKM 1 NS238 Hybrid Chilli red devil
K2 G-4 NS NS 1101 F1 Hybrid Chilli Agni
Hybrid Chilli Sachin Kashmiri double Chilli Kiran Phule Mukta Phule Jyoti
Aparsana Musalwadi Suryamukhi S-1182 of Punjab Jwala

 

Suitable climate conditions for chilli farming

Chilli requires a combination of climates to grow, which combines humid, dry, and warm weather. Dry weather is considered the best for fruit maturity. Around the worth weeks of Chilli farming, it needs humid and warm weather. 

A temperature range of 20 to 25℃ suits best for green chilli growth. If the temperature is 37℃ or higher, fruit development is affected. Heavy rainfall leads to rotting of plants.

Low moisture increases transpiration during flowering resulting in shedding of buds and flowers.Unpredictable weather conditions can cause deflowering or minimal Chilli fruit formation.

Soil preparation for Chilli cultivation

Black soil is the perfect soil for Chilli farming. Black is tested and proven to be the moistest soil and implements the best growth of Chilli. Crops like Chilli need organic compounds for best development and well-drained sandy loam texture soil.

Black soil fulfils all requirements. If soil is well-drained, deltaic and are well-irrigated, then chillies can be grown in such soils. Chilli is produced in different geographical regions of India with the proper preparation of soil. Like in Uttrakhand, the soil is mixed with gravel to sow the Chilli seed and attain the best produce.

Reasons behind dying of chilli flowers

chilli farming
chilli farming

Unpredictable temperature switch

The combination of warm, dry, and humid temperatures allows the Chilli flower to grow into fresh Chilli with authentic taste and colour. Fluctuation in temperature may cause deflowering and improper growth.

Pollination issues

Bees and butterflies are the active pollinators in Chilli farming. The correct population of bees and butterflies promotes healthy flowering. On the other hand, cotton balls and a small paintbrush are also used for hand pollination to fulfil the requirement.

Nitrogen availability

Nitrogen is an excellent nutrient that acts as a major component in the growth of Chilli flowers. Nitrogen deficient soil can cause stunted chilli plants, while excess nitrogen produces lush foliage at the cost of fruit and blooms.

Overwatering or low watering

Make sure to water the plants at a uniform interval. Water the Chilli plants once a week with 1 to 2 inches and let them incorporate into the soil. Always analyse the soil moisture before watering to determine the right amount of water. Excess water or less water can cause deflowering. The real aim is to keep the soil moist and not make it soggy.

Spacing between plants

There must be a proper gap between Chilli plants to promote air circulation. Not keep too much gap or too much space; the spacing must be uniform for better growth and development of the plants.

Prevention and cure of blossom drop in Chilli plants

Temperature

To prevent blossom drop due to temperature, plant the chilli plants where they get bright sunlight in the morning and shaded from the intense sunlight in the afternoon if grown outdoors. If it is grown indoors, just move them to a shaded place when the sunlight is falling.

Humidity

If your plants’ problem is low humidity then mist your Chilli plants with water twice a day, but avoid doing it in areas with high humidity or when fungal diseases are present.

Nitrogen levels

Adding a good amount of compost before planting chillies is the first step to keep the nitrogen at a proper level. If your chilli plants need more nitrogen, then you can supply fertiliser solutions to them.

FAQs on Chilli Farming and flower dropping

Q1. What are the health benefits of Chilli?

Ans. Here are the benefits of Chilli:-

  • Chilli is an excellent source of B-complex group iron and cures cancer.
  • Chilli promotes immunity and is best for prostate health.
  • Chilli contains zero calories, so it helps in the weight management diet.
  • Chilli fixes the high blood sugar level.

Q2. What is the most suitable month for Chilli farming?

Ans. July and August is the best time for Chilli cultivation in the Kharif season. On the other hand, October and November are best for sowing in the Rabi season.

Q3. Explain the Chilli plant growing stages in brief?

Ans. The Chilli plant growing stages start with the opening of petals of the Chilli plant and develop into several tiny buds. Fruits began to appear, pollination started, and the flower became fruit in 23 weeks. After two weeks, the first Chilli appears in every plant, and fruits mature. It takes 25 weeks to mature the chillies in one Chilli cultivation.

Q4. How to speed up the yield of Chilli farming?

Ans. Here is a tip to speed up the growth of Chilli cultivation. Take an old newspaper, cut it into pieces and mix the small paper into the soil of the Chilli plant. Now cover the area of soil where paper is mixed and follow the regular maintenance routine for healthy production. Repeat the process once every two weeks.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Hydroponic Beans Farming – A Complete Guide

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Beans Farming

This article will walk you through the best techniques followed in Hydroponic farming. Stick around to know the hacks that work and benefit from it.

Learn to Grow Beans Hydroponically

Are you someone who wants to grow Beans Hydroponically and is waiting for a guide? Then you’re at the right place. We will provide you with a step-by-step guide on Hydroponic Beans farming. So let’s dive into the topic. 

Table of Contents

Learn to Grow Beans Hydroponically

Introduction to Hydroponic Beans Farming

Popular types of Beans

Advantages of Hydroponic Beans Farming

Selecting a site for Growing Beans Hydroponically

Seed Germination of Beans in a hydroponic system

Media required for hydroponic beans farming

Hydroponic system for Beans Farming

Lighting requirement for hydroponic beans

Nutrients Solution

Harvesting of hydroponic beans

Introduction to Hydroponic Beans Farming

Hydroponic farming is a process of growing plants in nutrient-rich water solution instead of growing it in soil. Hydroponic farming gives higher yield and it is easy to grow indoors. However, you can grow it both indoors and outdoors as well. 

Beans are one of the most loved vegetables and are used worldwide in different dishes for their flavor and for the rich nutrients it carries. They are a good source of fiber and  Vitamin-B. Now, we need not limit the cultivation of fresh Beans in the spring or the fall and grow them year-round with Hydroponic Beans Farming. 

Growing Beans plants is loved by most farmers and gardeners as it is easy to grow. It is also more productive and at the same time requires low maintenance if grown hydroponically. If given proper care and nutrients, the Beans plant will give you healthy, green, and tall vegetables in return. 

Beans Farming

Popular types of Beans cultivated

Beans are classified into two types based on their growing habits, namely determinate-type growth and indeterminate-type growth. 

Determinate types are beans that grow as low as a bush, they are more appropriate for small spaces. Indeterminate types are climbers that include the majority types of beans, trellis should be provided for these kinds of beans for them to grow vertically and yield more.

When it comes to selecting beans for a hydroponic garden, both types do well.

Advantages of Hydroponic Beans Farming

Hydroponic Beans farming has many advantages compared to traditional beans farming. Soil-borne diseases can be avoided as we don’t use soil for planting bean plants.

Other advantages are;

  1. Faster and more yield due to high oxygen level in the nutrient solution.
  2. You can grow bean plants year-round.
  3. As water is circulated in the hydroponic method, plants only use 10% of the water used in the traditional method.
  4. You can check the plants’ requirements for nutrients before planting and mix it with water accordingly.
  5. Hydroponic beans can be easily grown at home regardless of their size and location.

Selecting a site for Growing Beans Hydroponically

As we saw earlier there are two types of beans. The climber beans require support to grow vertically, you can use poles, ropes, or trellis to support their growth. So you have to select a place where you can place the hydroponic system with the support. 

Make sure the place you choose gets good sunlight, this will make your beans plant healthy and result in a higher yield.

Seed Germination in Hydroponic system

Generally, the seeds are sown 1 inch deep, however, it varies depending on the type of seed, quality, and other factors. The most favorable temperature for seeds until germination is 16℃ – 18℃.

Germination is a process where the plant breaks out of the seed coat to become seedlings. Hydroponic Beans are propagated by using their seeds. Usually, the beans germinate very fast, it takes about a week or a couple of weeks after the seeds are sown. 

After the seeds have germinated and when you see that the plants have developed 2 to 3 real leaves, transplant them into a hydroponic system with utmost care. Make sure you place the climber beans 4-6 inches apart to avoid overcrowding. Bush beans can be planted 2-4 inches apart.

Media required for hydroponic beans farming

Blend of Perlite and Vermiculite – Perlite is an inorganic medium manufactured from volcanic glass that has great aeration. Vermiculite is a highly absorbent and porous medium that has a neutral pH. The blend of both works best for hydroponic beans.

Expanded clay pebbles- It is one of the most versatile mediums to grow as they have the ability to retain a high level of water, oxygen, and nutrients.

Hydroponic system for Beans Farming

There are two main systems that are recommended for commercial hydroponic bean farming. They are the ebb-and-flow system and NFT (Nutrient flow technique) system. For home gardeners, the dutch bucket system with loose grow media works well.

Lighting requirement for hydroponic beans

Your bean plants love bright sunlight, so it is better to choose a site that gets direct sunlight or you can arrange lights for your plants. The more your plant gets sunlight the better the yield.

Nutrients solution

Hydroponically grown bean plants require a relatively small amount of nutrients. You can either formulate the solution on your own or you can buy a pre-mixed, ready-to-use nutrient formula. 

 Carefully read the instructions given on the packet and follow them accordingly. Change the solution periodically to prevent plant damage via salt buildup.

Harvesting of hydroponic beans

Beans farmingFinally, it’s harvest time! Hydroponically grown beans harvest faster than those grown traditionally. Green beans should be harvested young before they mature and lose their crisp and freshness.

Make sure you don’t disturb other plants during the harvesting process. You can also place new plants in the hydroponic system every 2 weeks for continual harvest. 

Get started with your hydroponic beans farming and yield fresh and healthy bean vegetables. 

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Production technology for banana cultivation

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banana farming

It enables the banana growers to learn better techniques in Banana farming, from land preparation to the harvesting of Banana fruit. 

Things you should know about banana farming

We know you’re looking for guidance on Banana Farming which helps you to get better yield and more profit. So here we have come to help you with this guide which will give you more insight on the type of soil it requires, suitable climatic conditions, number of irrigations, fertilizer doses, pests and diseases of banana and their control measures, etc. 

Table of Contents

Production technology for Banana cultivation

Everything you should know about banana farming

Importance of Banana farming in India

Varieties of Bananas Cultivated in India

Best soil type for Banana farming

Suitable Climatic Conditions

Planting material 

Suckers

Tissue Cultured Seedlings

Planting Time

Methods and number of Irrigation required

Recommended doses and sources of fertilizers 

Important Insect-Pests & Diseases and their control measures

Weed Management

Mulching

Inter-cropping

Banana Harvesting

Bottom line

Importance of Banana farming in India

Banana is used worldwide for different purposes, not only the fruit but also the leaf and stem fibers of the Banana plant  is useful. It is the only tropical fruit that is exported in large amounts.

Unlike most other fruits, Bananas can be cultivated across India. Cultivation of Bananas can give you consistent income throughout the year, which is why they are an economically important fruit crop in India. 

banana farming

Varieties of Bananas Cultivated in India

There are nearly 1000 types of Bananas grown in different countries. The most commonly grown is Cavendish Banana. 

Commonly grown varieties of bananas and their characteristics are listed below.

Varieties of Banana  Shape Size Flavor Color
Cavendish banana Long and slightly curved About 7 inches Sweet with creamy Immature- Green,

Ripe- Bright golden yellow

Burro Banana Shorter and squarer than Cavendish About 6 inches Lemony Banana flavor Immature- Dark green

Ripe- Deep yellow with black spots

Manzano Banana Small and slight curve About 4 inches Sweet with pineapple flavor Yellow

Ripe- skin covered with black spots

Red Banana Shorter and squarer than other bananas About 6 inches Sweet with a slight raspberry flavor Purple or Maroon-red
Blue Java Banana Small and rectangular-like About 7 inches Sweet with slight vanilla flavor Silver blue matte

 

Best soil type for Banana plantation

Banana plants  need well-drained and fertile soil. Loamy soil, a mixture of clay sand and humus is ideal for your Banana plantation. Growing Bananas in poorly aerated, ill-drained soil might kill your Banana tree. 

Get your soil tested before starting Banana farming. If the pH of your soil is in the range of 6.5 – 7.5 and is rich in the organic matter then nothing like it.

Suitable Climatic Conditions

Banana crops are adapted to a wide range of climatic conditions, however tropical to subtropical climates having 70 – 75% relative humidity and a temperature range of 15- 30 degrees celsius are recommended. 

Heavy storms, frost, and extremely low or high temperatures might result in abnormal or malformed fruits.

Planting material

It is not possible to propagate bananas from seeds. The two ways of propagation of Bananas are; one from suckers and the other from tissue-cultured seedlings.

Suckers

Using suckers includes selecting a sucker from a banana plant, defoliating and removing it from its mother, and finally uprooting it. The consequence of using suckers are non-uniform crop growth, infections from pathogens, and prolonged harvesting.

Tissue Cultured Seedlings

Tissue culture is a process of cloning and culturing of vegetative plant parts which is taken from disease-free areas of the mother banana plant. Seedling grown through this procedure is known as tissue cultured/micropropagated seedlings. This method is more efficient compared to the former. 

Planting Time

You can plant Bananas throughout the year, however, it is good to start planting in May and June or between September to October and avoid planting during the extreme summer and winter seasons. 

Methods and number of Irrigation required

For Banana cultivation, make sure you keep the soil moist always. As the Banana plant is shallow-rooted, it requires a high amount of water. Micro-irrigation methods, especially drip or sprinkler irrigation is recommended for banana plants.

It is recommended to irrigate your Banana field at an interval of 4-5 days in summer and at an interval of 7-8 days in winter. Do not irrigate the field during the rainy season as excess water can affect your plant health.

You can adopt drip irrigation to use water efficiently. It also helps in boosting crop yield by 23 – 32%.

Recommended doses and sources of Fertilizers

The banana crop is a heavy feeder crop, their shallow roots make them respond well to supplement nutrients. It requires Farm Yard Manure, Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium and some micronutrients. The quantity of fertilizer to be used varies for different types of Bananas.  Usually, 300 Kg N, 40-50 Kg P and 250-300 K should be given through Urea, DAP/SSP and MOP per ha. 

Application of micronutrients are generally provided with foliar spraying. Foliar spray of ZnSO4 (0.5%) + FeSO4 (0.2%) + CuSO4 (0.2%) + H3BO3 (0.1%) at 3rd, 5th and 7th month after planting (MOP) are generally recommended to increase the yield of banana fruits. 

Farmers also adopt fertigation to boost the yield and lessen the loss of nutrients from the soil. Fertigation is a process that combines fertilization and irrigation where fertilizer is added through the irrigation channel. 

Important Insect-Pests and Diseases of Banana

It is important to protect your Banana plant from pests like thrips, banana beetle, banana aphids, and diseases like Panama wilt, leaf spot, shoot rot, etc. You can achieve this by using Neemastra or Agneyastra periodically.

banana farming

Weed Management

Weed management is the process of removing weeds to improve your Banana crops’ yield. An effective weed management program includes:

Mulching 

Mulching is a process of covering the ground with any plastic sheets or planting any dwarf crops to cover the soil that prevents weed growth while not affecting the banana production.

Herbicides

The herbicide should be used before the weeds have started producing seeds and when the climatic conditions are suitable.

Inter-cropping

When you plant a banana plantation, you can plant other short-term crops like beans, soya beans, and groundnuts to avoid weeds. This is referred to as intercropping. 

Banana Harvesting

You can harvest your Bananas at the 3/4th maturity stage for export purposes and harvest at full maturity for local markets.

Leave 2 ft of peduncle on banana bunches while harvesting.

Bottom line

Banana cultivation is high yielding and more profitable. So, what are you waiting for? Start your cultivation now. 

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Best fertilizers for soybean crop: organic, compost, NPK, when and how to apply

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Soyabean farming
Soyabean farming information


Soybean counts among the world’s most essential pulse crops, plus it contains plenty of protein and fulfills oil needs. Soybean efficient production is a limitation related to abiotic and biotic factors and crop management operations. 

The soil fertility and nutrition contribute to the soybean crop’s high-yield production. Manage the right amount of nutrients in the soil; there must be a combination of fertilizers.

Organic matter, compost, NPK, and manure are proven best fertilizers. Let’s read about them to understand how and when to apply them.

Table of contents-

Compost manure for the soybean crop

Manure is the powerhouse of potassium, phosphorus, and other micronutrients. The yield takes a different direction due to excess nitrogen, and yet the measurement of nitrogen before mixing is essential. The nitrogen may affect the growth of soybean crops in other ways, so producers avoid (N).

The optimum utilization of fertilizers in boosting the yield also shows excellent results in grain production. The fertilizer practice enhanced the species’ growth.

However, measuring various fertilizers should be vital to direct the growth on a positive path. 

Must fertilizers for the soybean crop

  • Nitrogen

Nitrogen contributes a prominent role in the growth of soybean crops, is an essential part of chlorophyll and boosts overall crop development. In micronutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are mixed as the best fertilizer, which produces energy and offers nutrients.

  • Potassium

Potassium is not less than any other fertilizer and plays a vital role in fertilizer mix. It keeps pests and diseases at bay and directly nourishes the soybean crop’s fruits. In the fertilizer mixture, 20 parts of potassium contribute to the fertilizer mix.

A soil test must happen before sowing to analyze the need for Potassium. Keep the crop seeds away to prevent salt injury. Potassium is mixed maximum in the fertilizer mix as the soybean crop needs it most for growth.

  • Phosphorous

Phosphorous helps in photosynthesis as it converts solar energy into food for the crop. The fruits get the right shape due to phosphorous, plus it derives the micronutrients from the surrounding soil. The contribution in fertilizer mix is 15-10 parts only to keep the soil happy.

  • Sulphur, Magnesium, and Iron

Calcium, Magnesium, Iron, sulphur, and zinc are the other nutrients that contribute to optimum growth by boosting photosynthesis. It also covers pests, insects, and diseases in roots, stems, and fruits. Boron helps in producing a fresh set of fruits from the soybean crop.

soybean crop
Soybean seeds

FAQs

1. What is the NPK ratio?

– In the northern plain, the ratio of NPKs is 20:60:40:30 plus zinc 5 kg/zn through zinc sulphate.

2. What is fertilizer application?

– As a basal dressing, the ratio of N is 25kg, K2O is 40kg, P204 is 60 kg, and 30kg S is gypsum. 25kg ZnSO4 is the amount of irrigation required in soil.

– Apply 400mg/l foliar spray of NAA and salicylic acid 100mg/l once in 15 days.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Brinjal (Eggplant) Farming- A brief guide for best Cultivation Practices

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Brinjal cultivation


Brinjal is in the Solanaceae family and is a typical tropical vegetable grown in India and globally throughout the year. Eggplant, garden egg, badanekai, vankaya, baingan, aubergine, and vangi are some famous names of Brinjal. Pests, diseases, and pathogens create hindrances in brinjal farming.

Brinjal cultivation is low-maintenance and usually requires 26° during the day and 18° at night, preferably high temperature for high yield. Calcium, phosphorus, and iron are common nutrients in every variety of brinjal cultivation. Crop rotation, vermicompost, manure, and biological pest control are the techniques of organic brinjal cultivation.

Let’s read about other aspects of brinjal cultivation.

Table of Contents

Climate and soil requirement

Planting procedure

Irrigation requirement

Harvest

FAQs

  1. What is the brinjal yield per acre?
  2. Name organic pesticide for brinjal cultivation.
  3. Name some varieties of Brinjal.
Brinjal cultivation
Brinjal cultivation

Climate and soil requirement

Prolonged warm weather is ideal for Brinjal cultivation. A good amount of water and complete sunlight is the top requirement of brinjal cultivation. A temperature between 13-21° is suitable. Well-drained soil alongside organic matter is preferred. The best time to sow the brinjal crop is between rainy-summer seasons. Sandy and clayey soil produce early and high yields in brinjal. 

Maintain the pH of around 6.5-7.5 of soil mixed with organic matter.

Planting procedure

The brinjal seeds are sown in the nursery bed to raise seedlings for transplanting in the field. The soil is left to get warm for 8-12 weeks and get over the last frost for a better yield of the next crop.

In sandy soil, flatbeds are sown with seeds, and raised beds are prepared to avoid water logging in heavy mud. The distance between two beds for watering and air circulation must be 70 cm, and 7.2 x 1.2m & 10-15 cm height is the ideal measurement for raised beds for brinjal cultivation. Drench the soil with bavistin at 2 gm/litre of water.

transplant the seedlings 2-3 feet apart in a double row or set them 18-24 inches away from the raised beds. Black plastic mulch is used to warm the soil in long springs. During the farming season, mix organic matter every two weeks in the ground.

Cover the soil with dry straw and sugarcane grass to maintain moisture and temperature. Transplanting within 4-6 weeks produces a good yield. 

Irrigation requirement

For a fuller development of brinjal hybrid varieties, optimum water supply is the priority in brinjal cultivation. In summer, irrigation in  3-4 days and 7-12 days in winter is preferred. Do not irrigate excess in the early stage.

Otherwise, the damping-off disease will attack and damage.

Optimize the available water through drip irrigation. Avoid under-watering and over-watering. Keep it moist. Irrigation is a crucial aspect of high-yielding brinjal.

Harvesting of Brinjal

Brinjal cultivation
Brinjal cultivation

The brinjal harvest starts after attaining full size and color and before the ripening phase. Check the firmness of the vegetable; if it’s tender and glossy, harvesting is done. Don’t pull the Brinjal directly; use garden scissors for harvest. The glossy finish, dense color, and perfect size are signs of the optimum time to harvest the brinjal.

FAQs

Q1. What is the brinjal yield per acre?

– The brinjal yield per acre depends on various factors like the season, location, and hybrid seeds. A change in any one of the factors changes the yield. But the expected yield is 200-300 quintals per hectare.

Q2.  Name some varieties of Brinjal.

– Pusa purple long or round or cluster, Azad Kranti, Arak Keshav or harshitha or shirsha or kusumkar or Navneet or Nidhi, Punjabi Bahar, and many more.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

15 Most Important Steps to Boost the Cabbage Production

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Cabbage farming
Cabbage farming in India


Are you tired of following a million steps in cabbage cultivation? Don’t worry, We have curated the 15 most important steps needed to follow for getting higher cabbage production. 

A brief guide to the 15 important steps to boost cabbage production which covers all necessary aspects of cabbage farming.

Table of Contents

Introduction to cabbage cultivation

  1. Climate and soil for high-yield
  2. Selection of site and land preparation
  3. Selection of premium variety cabbage
  4. Suitable season for plantation
  5. Increase Cabbage left growth
  6. Plantation tips
  7. Fertilization
  8. NPK Fertilization
  9. Reason behind small or no head
  10. Reason behind holes in leaf and wilting in Cabbage
  11. Spacing between plants
  12. Irrigation technique
  13. Pests and diseases in cabbage plant
  14. Harvesting for cabbage plant growth

FAQs

  1. What type of manure is suitable for cabbage plants?
  2. Name the high-yield variety of cabbage plants.

Introduction to cabbage cultivation

Cabbage is an annual crop and is cultivated globally in different regions. Cabbage’s various colors include green, red, purple, and white. The white and red color has low availability, but green and purple are found almost across the globe. 

The cabbage plant is an annual leafy plant that varies due to size, quality, growing & maturity phase, and transplant season. After potatoes, Cabbage is the second largest green vegetable crop and the most popular daily.

Quality, taste, and shelf life can be boosted by following a proven roadmap of 15 steps. Without further ado, let’s jump into the article.

Cabbage plant
Cabbage plant

1. Climate and soil requirement

Sandy, medium-textured and heavy soil that is moist and eliminates water logging is ideal for cabbage plants. Fertilizers, organic matter, compost, and manure rich in nutrients are required to grow high-yield cabbage. The early phase plant prefers light soil with moisture, and the last stage prefers heavy soil.

Fertilizer, soil, and climatic conditions play a significant role in the cabbage’s quality production and maximum growth. The farmer must test the soil’s pH level as it directly affects its nutrients, growth rate, and microorganism activity. 

2. Selection of site and land preparation

Choose a farm with no history of growing Cole crops such as Cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts. It will prevent the disease from attacking the cabbage plant early on. Treat the soil with aged compost, manure, and organic matter, nutrients to the crop at the initial stage. 

3. Selection of premium varieties 

Savoy, red and green is the three wide varieties of cabbage plants. Savoy cabbage plant is yellow-green with high yield; the green cabbage plant is a combination of light-dark green, and the red cabbage is crimson-purple in color with smooth texture.

4. Suitable seasons for plantation

Climatic conditions, method of farming, variety of cabbage plants, and area of farming decide the suitable season for cabbage cultivation. Like, in the plains, July-November is convenient, and April-August is ideal for hilly regions.

5. Increase Cabbage growth 

Before planting, treatment includes mixing the farm soil/bed with aged manure and organic compost for 5-7 cm and turning it to 30cm. The pH level should lie between 6.5-6.8 cm and be adjustable to 7cm by adding extra lime to prevent diseases.

Mix nitrogen in areas with sandy soil and fill the earth with cottonseed or nitrogen-rich meal to hike the growth and increase the leaf in the cabbage plant.

6. Plantation tips

Grow the cabbage plant in well-drained soil under the sun in cold weather to get total growth of the crop. Rich nutrients from aged compost build the capability of fighting disease and pests while growing.

7. Fertilization 

Cabbage requires a lot of nutrients from sowing to the development phase into a giant head cabbage plant. Apply a basal dose of fertilizers according to recommendations and the soil test report. Avoid spray fertilizers as they can damage the leaf quality and manual application of fertilizer is preferred for cabbage. 

Regularly irrigate the field in order to maintain the soil moisture and nutrients that reach the cabbage plant. Avoid fertilizer while developing the head as it could lead to rapid growth and cracked heads. Know the nutrition profile of soil and then decide the proportion of the earth.

8. NPK Fertilization

Nitrogen, potassium, and phosphorus are great agents for soil nutrients and the development of the cabbage plant. During soil preparation, mix 12 tonnes of compost or FYM per acre plus NPK in 36:36:36 kg/acre. Apply the half amount of nitrogen 30-45 days after planting.

Calcium helps in absorbing ground water and boosts leaf growth. A deficiency of any nutrients can turn the leaves bitter, hard and pale. Spread urea solution and liquid fertilizer to increase production.

9. Reason behind small or no head in cabbage

Cabbage plant
Cabbage plant

There are four major reasons for small heads, loose leaves, discolored leaves, and puffy heads which are:

  • – High temperature
  • – Over or less fertilization
  • – Insufficient irrigation
  • – Excess or less nitrogen

Always consider testing soil, climate, and crop variety before the application of fertilizer, water, compost, nitrogen, and other fertilizers. Either extra or less quantity can become a hindrance in the development of cabbage plants. 

10. Reason behind holes in leaf and wilting in Cabbage

Cabbage looper, yellow striped caterpillars, and adult brown nocturnal eating the leaves and making holes. Remove these insects from the hand by spraying chemicals.

11. Spacing between plants

Planting in the 5-4 levels, depth of 1/4 – 1/2 inches, and root depth of 2-5 feet boosts the profitability of the cabbage crop. Height of 12-15 and width of 24-20 inches plus a seed rate of 300-500 gm per acre is necessary.

12. Irrigation technique

The best irrigation prefers 3-12 days while keeping an eye on the climate, soil, and cabbage plant growth. Sprinkle and furrow methods to conserve and spread the right amount of water to crops.

Assess the groundwater level and water in 10-15 days and avoid flooding while developing the head. A thin layer of mulch helps in keeping the soil moist.

13. Pests and diseases in cabbage plant

Cabbage plant

Pests and diseases cause damage to the leaves and roots of cabbage plants. Here are the control methods:

  • Avoid too much fertilizer
  • Cover the cabbage plant when necessary
  • Patiently select premium quality seed
  • The farmer must use hybrid and variety resistance in cabbage farming.

14. Harvesting for cabbage plant growth

They are ready to harvest when curds appear soft and firm. Asian and Napa cabbage varieties are ready to harvest when leaves turn 12 inches long and 4-10 inches strong base head. Cabbage cultivation during winter crops is easy for transport and storage. Remove the damaged leaves and harvest the fresh cabbage plant.

FAQs

Q1. What type of manure is suitable for cabbage plants?

– The aged or old manure is best for the cabbage plant before sowing. Never treat your soil with fresh manure as it can cause human pathogen transmission to the crop. It can pop as a hindrance in the way of high yield.

Q2. Name the high-yield variety of cabbage plants.

– Pride of India, which is a medium size fruit with high-yield production.

– Baraka F1 is the heaviest cabbage plant weighing 4-6 kg with a green-blue color combination.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Nutritional Needs Of Maize Crop and Application Of Fertilizers

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maize crop

 

Maize rewards so much nutrition to our body but do you know where maize gains the food? Well, it gains nutrients from the soil, indicating the first requirement for maize farming. Only premium quality soil can take the load of maize, and to maintain the nutrient level of soil, it needs a regular boost.

Nutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and organic fertilizers will rejuvenate soil fertility and soil nutrition. The maize crop is a stable food option and a significant crop for farmers in many parts of the world.

Let’s read about the fertilizers that are best for both soil and maize crops.

Table of contents

Nutritional needs of maize crop

NPK and other nutrients for growth

Manure & compost

Fertilizer for irrigated and rainfed maize crop

FAQs

  1. What is the pre-treatment of biofertilizer and seeds?
  2. What are the options available in the Organic management of nutrients?
  3. What is the ratio of NKP for maize crops?

Nutritional needs of maize crop

Maize farming
Maize farming

Maize crop requires high-level nutrition from soil which needs premium quality fertilizers. Perform a soil test before adding the proportion of fertilizer to the ground. Maize crop needs

40 % N, 25% P,  20% K, and the remaining small portion of micronutrients for better and high yield.

NPK and Zn are the best sources for crop growth and a good yield of maize, either organic or inorganic fertilizer, is required for the entire crop growth period. Fertilizer requirements for the maize crop will be based on selected varieties.

NPK and other nutrients for growth

Apply recommended NPK fertilizers as per soil test. If there is no soil test then adopt a blanket recommendation of 27.4 kg N, 4.8 kg P, and 18.4 kg K. per acre. 

check for the extra husk or crop residue and organic waste present in the soil then we have to give nutrients as per the requirement of the soil and crop. Excess nitrogen can degrade soil fertility, and crop growth and reduce the yield of the crop.

Phosphorus helps in the overall development and root growth of crops. It also reduces resilience and frostbite.

Potassium plays a vital role in regulating water, and sugar in the crop. Potassium is essential at the mid-stage i.e., cob initiation and silking stage of maize crop.

The application of micronutrients, like calcium, sulfur, Magnesium, Boron, and zinc are great nutrients required for crops and soil which will help in the retention of soil fertility and also increase the crop yield. 

Manure & Compost

To increase the productivity of the maize crop, well-decomposed compost is necessary. Mix the soil with  FYM of 4-5  tonnes per/acre 25 days before sowing the crop in order to increase soil fertility, crop growth, and crop yield. 

Fertilizer requirement for irrigated and rainfed maize

For Irrigated maize, choose FYM or compost at  4-5 tonnes per acre during land preparation before sowing, application of 1-2 kg of Azospirillum will help in increasing the soil fertility for good crop growth. 

Follow the same amount of FYM or compost or coir pith in rainfed soil and spread it. Next, take ten packets of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria, or 4 kg of Azophos, and leach in the ground. Rainfed maize crop needs more fertilizer than compared to irrigated maize crop.

FAQs

Q1. What is the pre-treatment of biofertilizer and seeds?

Ans. Seeds must be treated with 600g/ha of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria. 

Q2. What types of organic fertilizers are used to improve the nutrients in maize crops by adding soil?

– There are the best four fertilizers options that can help the growth and add the right amount of nutrients for the maize crop:-

  • Green manuring.
  • Application of soil Azospirillum/Azotobacter with VAM and PSB.
  • add straw or compost and leave 10-30% of crop residues like wheat, paddy, and maize crop.
  • Pre-treatment of regular and hybrid seeds.

Q3. What is the ratio of NPK for maize crops?

– Make sure to check the requirement of NPK in the soil and prepare a balanced mixture of 140 N, 65 P, and 50 K – Kg/ha-1.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Symptoms of Diseases and Insect-pests of Carrot: their preventive and Control Measures

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Carrot farming


Orange and red coloured carrots are everyone’s favourite because of their vibrant colour and sweet taste. The only hindrance to high-yielding carrot plants is damage caused by pests and diseases. Management of these diseases require preventive and control measures. 

Let’s examine the article and discuss several diseases and pests with their preventive and control measures.

Table of Contents

Introduction to diseases in the Carrot plant

Alternaria leaf blight

Cercospora leaf blight

Downy mildew

Bacterial leaf blight

Cavity spot

Introduction to pests in Carrot plant

Aphids

Carrot rust flies

Carrot weevil

Root-knot nematodes

FAQs

  1. What are the symptoms of Damping-off?
  2. What is the prevention for flea beetles?

Introduction to diseases in the Carrot plant

  • Alternaria leaf blight

– The leaves of carrot plants will turn brown-green watery lesions which spread quickly and turn into yellow leaves. It kills the carrot plant in the shortest time. 

– Prevention is keeping the warm conditions, and spraying fungicide in the early stage of the disease.

carrot plant
carrot plant
  • Cercospora leaf blight

– Appearance of petty, necrotic flecks in leaves which later turn into blown big patches. The lesions twist, curl and kill the carrot plant. Early-age seedlings get the majority of diseases.

– Prevention is crop rotation, seeds free from pathogens, and a regular spray of fungicides.

  • Downy mildew

– The leaves appear to develop a white fluffy texture along with huge yellow spots. Lesions mature fast on the leaves, and this disease is encouraged by foliage.

Use pathogen-free seeds. Avoid planting too close and maintain uniform spacing.  

  • Bacterial leaf blight 

– Angular, small, and pale spots change shapes frequently with the watery lesions. Yellow halo and brittles, which damage the flowers, also appear. Poor care and sanitization make a home for disease.

– Assess the condition of the carrot plant and use bactericides and avoid the sprinkle irrigation method as prevention.

  • Cavity spot

– Symptoms occur in leaves plus roots such as elliptical, grey, and sunken lesions around the roots. It causes cracks and discolouration in the roots. Soggy and wet soil encourages the disease.

– Select the field with a clean history of disease and pests in the soil for carrot plantation. Over-irrigation and fertiliser can ruin the carrot crop.

Introduction to pests in Carrot plant

carrot plant
Carrot farming
  • Aphids

-The green & yellow colour insects hide inside stems and leaves and slowly distort the leaves, developing yellow patches and little shoots.

– Check the plants before transplanting; they must be free from Aphids. Use canola oil or neem oil that works best against aphids.

  • Carrot rust flies

– Appearance of tunnels on the taproots is the first symptom of Carrot rust flies. They fill the tunnels with rust and damage the carrot crop from the roots.

– For prevention, start harvesting carrot plants in blocks, and don’t forget to cover to prevent them from laying eggs.

  • Carrot weevil

-Black gloves and yellow leaves are the symptoms of this pest. The dark shade beetle and C-shaped white grubs are larvae that destroy carrot cultivation.

– As prevention, encourage crop rotation and manage sanitation 

  • Root-knot nematodes

-Cracks, distorted and forked taproots are an early symptom of nematodes, reducing the yield by 40%.

-For prevention, the soil must be solarised before planting the carrot crop.

FAQs

Q1. What are the symptoms of Damping-off?

– If the seed is not germinating or rotting or the texture of the seeds is soft, then it’s time to take preventive measures. Fungi encourage the spread of disease. The disease can be prevented by keeping the soil warm and not wet or cool.

Q2. What is the prevention for flea beetles?

– The usage of a floating row helps create a shield around the young seedling.

– Early-stage plantation of carrot seeds keeps common diseases away from carrot farms.

– Garlic oil, organic matter, and neem powder or oil have a stinky smell which successfully keeps the pests out of the carrot crop.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

A Guide for Bottle Gourd Farming

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Bottle gourd farming
Bottle gourd farm


Do you want to grow a high-yield bottle gourd? We are here to help you with the best techniques to follow at each step from choosing the right type of soil to the right way to harvest.

Table of Contents

A Guide for Bottle Gourd Farming

Introduction to Bottle gourd seeds

Soil & Climate

Location and land preparation

Planting process

Stages of bottle gourd seeds growth

Irrigation

Manure

How & when to harvest the bottle gourd

FAQs

  1. What are the different varieties of bottle gourd seeds?
  2. How to control weed in the organic bottle gourd seeds?
  3. What is the seed rate and spacing in bottle gourd seeds?

Introduction to Bottle gourd

Bottle gourd is an annual, popular, and nutritious vegetable in India and worldwide. 

Lagenaria sicerariais the scientific name and belongs to the cucumber family Cucurbitaceae. The most popular vegetable names are Lauki, dudi, and calabash, and the English name is Bottle gourd.

The unique name is derived from the bottle-kind shape of the vegetable packed with nutrients and 92% water. Bottle gourd seeds germinate with minimum care. Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh are the states which produce this vegetable.

It grows in a high-temperature climate. Organic matters, aged compost, and manure are the best fertilizers to produce a high yield.

Let’s read about the growth phase aspects of bottle gourd seeds.

Bottle gourd farming
Bottle gourd farming

Soil & Climate

Early growth of the bottle gourd requires a minimum temperature of 180C, while ideal temps are between 24 and 270C. Although the crop can withstand low temperatures, extremely cold temperatures will stunt growth and cause the plant to die from frost. The plants can tolerate many different levels of rainfall. Although the bottle gourd may grow in a variety of soil types, it favours a sandy loam soil that drains well and is rich in organic matter. Although 6.0 to 6.7 is the ideal range for soil pH, plants may survive alkaline soils up to 8.0.

Location and land preparation

Leaf mold, manure, and compost are some organic matter that boosts the soil’s structure. Fertile, well-drained, loamy soil is the ideal soil for the cultivation of organic bottle gourd seeds. It grows best in between the summer- rainy season. It needs sufficient irrigation, and an area with water scarcity is unsuitable for bottle gourd cultivation.

Finely ploughed land like furrow and tilth with 2-3 metres distancing is the beginning of land preparation. Apply the FYM before planting with the distance between 1.0-1.5 m between each bottle gourd seeds. Soak the seeds in 600 ppm succinic acid for 12 hours or use water for soaking for 12-24 hours. It boosts the process of seed germination.

Planting process

  • Bottle gourd seeds are sown directly into small pits or soaked in water or succinic acid for 12-24 hours for early germination. 
  • Usually, germination takes 6-7 days after planting.
  • To grow big fruits, mix potting soil, vermicompost, and coco peat equally to retain growth and moisture.
  • Build strong trellis support to the trail of the plant to grow maximum and spread. Keep the plant open to the sun.
  • Just after pollination, female flowers develop small gourds around them.
  • Bottle gourd seeds require 1-inch water weekly to keep the soil moist and loamy. Start watering in the initial stage to avoid diseases by sprinkling or furrowing to avoid direct pressure.
  • Pipes, wires, and bamboo are the best-proven support for trellis with a height of 5-6 feet. 
  • Bottle gourd farming requires less cost and produces fresh produce in a short period.

Stages of bottle gourd seeds growth

Here is the sequence of growing stages in bottle gourd cultivation:

  • Sprouting set 6-8 days after sowing, the seeds germinate and visualize in sprout form.
  • Cotyledons are the rise of the first two fake leaves, which tear down automatically and begin the natural growth.
  • First leaves appear at the end of the second week over the Cotyledons.
  • The seedling stage is the growth of seedlings from the second week and forming small plants on beds.
  • Thinning is cutting weak seedlings and keeping only one in the spot. Cut the weak with scissors after the second week. 

Bottle gourd seeds are sown 1-2 cm in depth. The perfect sowing time for bottle gourd seeds is March-February, July-June, and December-November months of the year to expect the best produce.

Irrigation

Furrow irrigation method is best to water the right amount in the right way to the bottle gourd seeds. The irrigation session for the bottle gourd seeds is pretty straightforward. After sowing, the seeds require water in intervals of 3-4 days and alternative days during flowering & fruiting. 

Water the bottle gourd seeds at least 1 inch every week to keep it moist and enact. The practice drainage system in the rain for proper development and survival of initial and near harvest phase of bottle gourd seeds.

Manure

Mix good quality manure, vermicompost, FYM, cow dung, or liquid fertilizers in the 2:1 ratio. It will indulge more in the soil and nourish the bottle-gourd seeds. 

Apply NPK at 15:15:15, around one tablespoon, and mix evenly in every single plant with vermicompost to get that extra boost.

How & When to harvest the bottle gourd

Bottle gourd farming
Bottle gourd farming

When the green colour of the bottle gourd turns pale to yellow, it’s the right time to harvest. Tender and medium plant crops are harvested according to the market demand. The various bottle gourd seeds are harvested between 60-70 days and stay fresh with a suitable storage facility.

Different varieties have a harvest gap of 3-4 days, so the picking must be active to avoid waste. The over-mature fruits are preserved for further bottle gourd cultivation. The session begins after 3-2 weeks of plantation and continues to around eight weeks for healthy and fresh produce.

FAQs

Q1. What are the different varieties of bottle gourd seeds?

– Here are the popular varieties of bottle gourd seeds:

  • Punjabi Barkat is Cylindrical, light green, and prone to mosaic disease.  
  • CO1 is a pale green color with a bottleneck body.
  • PKM is extra long fruit (180-200) cm.
  • Punjabi Komal is a roundish shaped fruit with green color.
  • Punjabi Bahar is round and green-coloured fruit.

Q2. How to control weed in the organic bottle gourd seeds?

– The racking and weeding of soil is a regular practice to boost the organic development of bottle gourd seeds. Use plastic or organic mulch for mulching the crops developing in raised beds. During the growth phase, keep the amount of weed in control.

Q3. What is the seed rate and spacing in bottle gourd seeds?

– Seed requirement is 0.5 kg/acre and provides spacing of 45-60cm between plants and 2.0-2.5 m between rows of plants.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.