CROP PRODUCTION GUIDE

AGRICULTURE
2020

Directorate of Agriculture
Chepauk, Chennai - 600 005
&
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore - 641 003
 CONTENTS
S.No. Crop Page No.
1 RICE 1
2 MILLETS 65
1. Sorghum 65
2. Cumbu 81
3. Ragi 92
4. Maize 103
5. Small Millets 117
3 WHEAT 122
4 PULSES 125
1. Redgram 125
2. Blackgram 134
3. Greengram 145
4. Cowpea 154
5. Horsegram 159
6. Bengalgram 162
7. Garden Lab lab (Avarai) 166
8. Field Lab lab (Mochai) 171
9. Soya bean 174
10. Sword bean 179
5 OILSEEDS 181
1. Groundnut 181
2. Sesame 198
3. Castor 206
4. Sunflower 216
5. Safflower 224
6. Coconut 227
7. Oilpalm 239
S.No. Crop Page No.
8. Niger 249
6 FIBRE CROPS 253
1. Cotton 253
2. Jute 285
7 SUGARCANE 286
8 SWEET SORGHUM 309
9 TROPICAL SUGARBEET 311
10 FORAGE CROPS 316
(i) Fodder Cholam 316
(ii) Fodder Maize 318
(iii) Neelakolukattai 321
(iv) Guinea grass 323
(v) Deenanath grass 325
(vi) Cumbu Napier Hybrids 327
(vii) Lucerne – Kudiraimasal 329
(viii) Hedge Lucerne – Velimasal 331
(ix) Fodder Cowpea 333
(x) Muyalmasal 335
(xi) Leucaena – Soundal 337
11 GREEN MANURE CROPS 339
(i) Daincha 339
(ii) Sunnhemp 340
12 MUSHROOM CULTIVATION 341
13 COMPOSTING AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER
348
UTILIZATION
14 SERICULTURE 363
15 AGRO FORESTRY 385
S.No. Crop Page No.
16 INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEM RESEARCH IN TAMIL NADU 403
17 WEEDS 408
18 SOIL RELATED CONSTRAINTS & THEIR MANAGEMENT 410
19 CHISEL TECHNOLOGY 413
20 SURGE IRRIGATION 414
21 MICRO IRRIGATION 415
22 AGROMETEOROLOGY 421
23 FARM IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY 441
(i) Land preparation implements 441
(ii) Sowing implements 443
(iii) Inter-cultural equipments 445
(iv) Harvesting and Thrashing Machines 446
(v) Horticultural Implements 447
(vi) Miscellaneous Machinery 452
24 AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENTS 453
25 RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEERING 455
(i) Single Pot Chulha 455
(ii) Double Pot Chulha 455
(iii) Biomass Gas Stove 456
(iv) Downdraft Gasifier for water pumping 456
(v) Solar Tunnel Dryer 457
(vi) Biomass Hot Air Generation System Integrated with
458
Solar Tunnel Dryer
(vii) Night Soil Biogas Plant 458
(viii) Biodiesel Pilot Plant 459
26 HOME SCIENCE – FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES 460
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 Shri Gagandeep Singh Bedi, IAS
Agricultural Production Commissioner &
Principal Secretary
Government of Tamil Nadu
Secretariat,
Agricultural Department,
Chennai - 600 009

PREFACE

The Indian agriculture has taken a paradigm shift from conventional farming to
precision agriculture with an intend to overcome a bundle of constraints such as shrinking
arable lands, frequent droughts, declining organic matter, multi-nutrient deficiencies besides
exodus of people from farming. Despite the fact that the country faces extreme weather
conditions, the State of Tamil Nadu retained its glory by getting the Krishi Karman Award
2019 for the fifth time in a row for continued enhancement of food grain and oilseed
production. The data vividly indicate the successful accomplishments of both scientists of
TNAU and officials in the Department of Agriculture in the past several years.

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, is playing a pivotal role in design
and development of crop varieties, technologies and farm implements to suit the prevailing
situations and adapt to the climate change scenarios. In this context, there was an urgent
need for standard operational protocols and technology package of practices to fit various
agro-climatic zones of the state of Tamil Nadu. In this context, the TNAU under the dynamic
leadership of the Vice Chancellor, Director of Research and other technical directors, the
“Crop Production Guide (CPG) – Agriculture 2020” was revised, updated and put
together as a technology capsule prescribed for adoption by the Department of Agriculture
and in turn to the farmers of the State. While doing the revision, the Director of Agriculture
and entire team of Department officials ensured that the field level problems are addressed.

The CPG - Agriculture 2020 carries recommended crops and varieties, seed to
seed crop management technologies, seed invigoration techniques, soil-test crop response
based fertilizer prescription, drip fertigation, integrated weed management practices,
technology capsule for pests and diseases management, labour saving farm machineries and
post-harvest management practices.

I take this opportunity to thank and the Vice Chancellor, Director of Agriculture,
Director of Research, other Technical Directors and Department officials for their assiduous
efforts to orchestrate the document that serve as the base for the agricultural growth and
development in the State of Tamil Nadu.

(Gagandeep Singh Bedi)

 Dr. N. Kumar, Ph.D.,
Vice Chancellor
Tamil Nadu Agricultural University
Coimbatore 641 003

PREFACE

The Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, is one of the best State
Agricultural Universities in the country, evolving several crop varieties, technologies and
farm implements to promote productivity and profitability of farms while ensuring
environmental safety and rural livelihood. The TNAU has a well articulated and structured
research framework to develop varieties and technologies to enable adoption by the farmers
of the State.

The Research Council of TNAU identifies the field problems that are developed as
research projects, monitored and evaluated during the annual crop scientists meets and the
research outcomes are presented to the State level Scientific Workers Conference to take
the final decision on the varieties or technologies to be recommended for adoption. Such a
meticulous planning and execution help us in assembling basket of varieties and
technologies that are packaged as the Crop Production Guide.

The TNAU has taken efforts to revise and update the “Crop Production Guide
(CPG) – Agriculture 2020” involving the Directors and Deans in the university besides
Department of Agriculture and Department officials. In the past one year, there was a close
coordination between the Department and University in undertaking joint efforts to resolve
the unresolved field problems. Such network helped us to improve the CPG as a technology
package suitable for the farmers of the Tamil Nadu State. The CPG carries recommended
crop varieties, improved management technologies, precision farming practices, technology
capsule for the management of pests and diseases besides post-harvest management
practices.

I take this opportunity to thank the Agricultural Production Commissioner & Principal
Secretary to the Government, Director of Agriculture, Director of Research, other Technical
Directors, Deans and Department officials for their contribution towards the publication of
the CPG - Agriculture 2020.

(N. KUMAR)
 1. RICE (Oryza sativa L.)
CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

36 - 38 10 - 12 30 - 32 1000 - 4500 up to 2000
Tropical and sub tropical hot and humid climate. Minimum temperature required for
germination, flowering and grain formation is 10, 23 and 20°C, respectively. Optimum
temperature for growth, flowering and grain formation is 21 - 36, 25 - 29 and 20 - 25,
respectively. Short day plant.
CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone District/Season Month Varieties

I. Cauvery Delta Zone

a. Thanjavur/ Tiruvarur
Kuruvai (Jun -Jul) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6, ADT
36, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
Samba (Aug) CR 1009 Sub1, TNAU Rice ADT 50, ADT 51, CR 1009, TRY
3
Late Samba / Thaladi (Sep -Oct) VGD 1, TKM 13, CO 52, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38,
TNAU Rice ADT 49, CO 43, CO 43 sub.1, Imp.White
Ponni, ADT (R) 46, TNAU Rice TRY 3*, TNAU Rice Hybrid
CO 4
Navarai (Dec -Jan) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6, ADT 36,
ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
b. Nagapattinam
Late Kuruvai (July) ADT(R)48, MDU 5, CO 51, ADT 53, ADT(R)45, ADT 37,
ADT 36
Samba (Aug – Sep) CR 1009 Sub1, TNAU Rice ADT 50, ADT 51, CR 1009,

CO(R)50, CO 52, ADT (R)46, TKM 13, TNAU Rice TRY

3*, ADT 39, ADT 38, CO 43 sub 1, CO 43
Semi dry cultivation in August CR 1009, CR 1009 sub 1, ADT 51,TRY 3
Thanjavur, Thiruvarur and
Nagapattinam September ADT 38, ADT 39, ADT 46, Co 50, Co 52, TKM 13, TRY 3

c. Tiruchirapalli

Kuruvai (Jun -Jul) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6,
ADT 36, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9, TRY 2*
Samba / Thaladi (Aug -Sep) CR 1009 Sub1, TNAU Rice ADT 50, ADT 51,
CR 1009
1
 TNAU Rice TRY 3*, TRY 1*, CO 43, TKM 13, VGD 1, CO
52, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38, TNAU Rice ADT 49,
Imp.White Ponni, ADT (R) 46, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4
Summer (Dec.) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5, ADT 36, ADT 37,
CORH 3, ASD 16,
d. Flood affected areas (Aug-Sep) CR 1009 sub1

e.Salt affected areas TRY 1, TRY 2, TRY 3 and Co 43

II. North Eastern Zone

a. Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur
Sornavari (April -May) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5, ADT 36, ADT
37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9

Samba/ Late Samba (Aug- Sep) VGD 1, TKM 13, CO 52, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38,
TNAU Rice ADT 49, CO 43, Imp.White Ponni, ADT (R)
46, TNAU Rice TRY 3*, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4

Navarai (Dec -Jan) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, MDU 6, ADT 36, ADT 37,
CORH 3, TKM 9
Rainfed direct seeded (July - Aug) Anna (R) 4, ADT 36, ADT 39, TKM 9, TKM 11
and Semi-dry

b. Vellore/Tiruvannamalai
Sornavari (April-May) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6,
ADT 36, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
Samba (Aug) VGD 1, TKM 13, CO 52, Imp.White Ponni, ASD 19,
TNAU Rice ADT 49, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38, CO
43, ADT (R) 46, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4
Navarai (Dec -Jan) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6, ADT 36,
ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
c. Cuddalore/ Villupuram
Sornavari (April -May) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5, MDU 6,
ADT 36, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
Samba (Aug) CR 1009 Sub1, TNAU Rice ADT 50, ADT 51, CR 1009,

VGD 1,TKM 13, CO 52, Imp.White Ponni,, TRY 3*,

TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4,CO (R) 50, TNAU Rice ADT 49,
CO 43, TRY 1, ADT(R) 46, ADT 38
Navarai (Dec-Jan) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6, ADT 36,
ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9

Delta regions of Cuddalore

Samba (Aug) CR 1009, CR 1009 Sub 1, ADT 51

Late samba/Thaladi (Sep-Oct) ADT 38, ADT 39, ADT 46, Co 50, Co 52, TKM 13,
Improved white ponni, TRY 3
2
 Salt affected areas TRY 1, TRY 2, TRY 3 and Co 43
(Cuddalore)
III. Western zone
a. Coimbatore/Tiruppur/Erode
Kar (May - Jun) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6,
ADT 36, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16
Samba /Late Samba (Aug - Sep) CO 52, TKM 13, VGD 1, CO 43, Imp.White Ponni,
TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4, CO (R) 50, ADT(R) 46, TNAU
Rice ADT 49, ADT 39,
Navarai (Dec -Jan) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6, ADT 36,
ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16
b. Karur/Perambalur/Ariyalur
Kuruvai (Jun -Jul) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6,
ADT 36, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
Samba (Aug) CR 1009 Sub1, TNAU Rice ADT 50, ADT 51, CR 1009

Late Samba / Thaladi (Sep -Oct) VGD 1,TKM 13, CO 52, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38,
TNAU Rice ADT 49, CO 43, Imp.White Ponni, ADT (R)
46, TNAU Rice TRY 3*, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4, TRY 1*
Navarai (Dec -Jan) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6, ADT 36,
ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
Delta regions of Karur
Late Samba (Sep -Oct) ADT 38, ADT 39, ADT 46, Co 50, Co 52, TKM 13,
Improved white ponni, TRY 3
Delta regions of Ariyalur
Samba (Aug) CR 1009, CR 1009 Sub 1, ADT 51

Late samba/Thaladi (Sep-Oct) ADT 38, ADT 39, ADT 46, Co 50, Co 52, TKM 13,
Improved white ponni, TRY 3
IV. North Western Zone
a. Salem/Namakkal
Kar (May - Jun) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6,
ADT 36, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
Samba (Aug) VGD 1,TKM 13, CO 52, Imp.White Ponni, CO 43, TRY
1*, TNAU Rice TRY 3*, CO (R) 50, TNAU Rice ADT 49,
TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4
Navarai (Dec - Jan) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6, ADT 36,
ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
b. Dharmapuri/ Krishnagiri
Kar (May -Jun) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6,
ADT 36, ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9

Samba/Late Samba (Aug - Oct) VGD 1,TKM 13, CO 52, Paiyur 1, Imp.White Ponni,
TNAU Rice ADT 49, ADT 39, ASD 19, CO 43
Navarai (Dec- Jan) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , MDU 6, ADT 36,
ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16, TKM 9
3
V. High Altitude zone
a. The Nilgiris
Samba (Jul -Aug) CO(R)50, CO 52, ADT 39
VI. Southern zone
a. Pudukottai
Kuruvai (Jun -Jul) ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT (R) 45, TPS 5 , ADT 36,
ADT 37, CORH 3, ASD 16
Samba (Aug) CR 1009 Sub1, TNAU Rice ADT 50, ADT 51, CR 1009

Late Samba/Thaladi (Sep - Oct) VGD 1,TKM 13, CO 52, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38,
TNAU Rice ADT 49, CO 43, Imp.White Ponni, ADT (R)
46, TNAU Rice TRY 3*, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4
Rainfed direct seeded/ (Jul -Aug) CR 1009 Sub1, CR 1009, ADT 39
Semi-dry
Delta regions (Sep -Oct) ADT 38, ADT 39, ADT 46, Co 50, Co 52, TKM 13,
Improved white ponni, TRY 3
Salt affected areas TRY 1, TRY 2, TRY 3 and Co 43
b. Madurai/Dindigul/Theni
Kar (May -Jun) MDU 6, CO 51, ADT 53, ASD 16, MDU 5, ADT43,
ADT(R)45
Samba/ Late Samba (Aug- Sep) VGD 1,TKM 13, CO 52, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38,
TNAU Rice ADT 49, CO 43, Imp.White Ponni, ADT (R)
46, TNAU Rice TRY 3*, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4

Navarai (Dec -Jan) MDU 6, CO 51, ADT 53, ADT 36, ADT 37, ADT(R)45,
ASD 16
Semi-dry (Jul -Aug) Anna (R) 4, MDU 5, PMK (R) 3
c. Ramanathapuram
Samba (Aug) Imp.White Ponni, TNAU Rice TRY 3, TRY 1*, VGD
1,TKM 13, CO 52, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4, CO (R) 50,
CO 43, ADT 39
Rainfed direct seeded & (Jul -Aug) Anna (R) 4, MDU 5, MDU 6, PMK (R) 3, ADT 36, ADT
Semidry 53, CO 51
d. Virudhunagar
Samba (Sep-Oct) VGD 1,TKM 13, CO 52, CO (R) 50, ADT 39, ADT 38,
TNAU Rice ADT 49, CO 43, Imp.White Ponni, ADT (R)
46, TNAU Rice TRY 3*, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4
Rainfed direct seeded (Jul -Aug) Anna (R) 4, ADT 36, MDU 6, PMK (R) 3, ADT (R) 45
e. Sivaganga
Semi-dry (Jul –Aug) ADT 36, MDU 6, PMK (R) 3, Anna (R) 4, ADT 53, CO
51, ADT 39, TKM 13, VGD 1
f. Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi
Early kar (Apr - May) TPS 5 , ASD 16, ASD 18, ADT 53, CO 51, ADT 43, ADT
(R) 45, ADT 36, ADT 37, CORH 3, TKM 9
Kar (May -Jun)
Pishanam/Late (Sep-Oct.) TPS 3, ASD 19, VGD 1, TKM 13, CO 52, CO (R) 50, ADT
Pishanam 39, ADT 38, TNAU Rice ADT 49, CO 43, Imp.White
4
 Ponni, ADT (R) 46, TRY 1, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4

Semi dry (July- Aug) Anna (R) 4, PMK (R) 3

Drought affected areas Anna (R) 4, PMK 3

(Ramanathapuram,
Virudhunagar,
Tiruvallur& parts of
Madurai)
VII. High Rainfall zone
a. Kanyakumari
Kar (May –Jun) TPS 5, ASD 16, ADT 36, ASD 18, ADT 43,ADT(R) 45,
CORH 3, ADT 53, CO 51,
ASD 19, TPS 3, CR 1009 Sub1, CR 1009, CO 43, TRY 1*,
Pishanam / Late samba (Sep – Oct) TNAU Rice TRY 3, VGD 1,TKM 13, ADT 39, CO 52, ADT
(R) 46, TNAU Rice Hybrid CO 4, CO(R) 50, Imp.White
Ponni, CO 43
Semi-dry (Jul – Aug) ADT 36, TKM 9
* suitable for salt affected soils
Note of Caution of the varieties: ADT43 is recommended for Kar, Sornavari and Kuruvai seasons and
should not be grown during cold weather period. Improved white ponni is also susceptible to blast and
care should be taken on plant protection measures. All samba/late samba season varieties are likely to get
infected with false smut and hence prophylactic spraying has to beadopted.
Kuruvai/Navarai/Sornavari : Short duration
late samba/thaladi : Medium duration
Samba : long duration
II. PARTICULARS OF RICE VARIETIES
SHORT DURATION VARIETIES

PARTICULARS CO 51 MDU 6 TPS 5

Year of Release 2013 2015 2014
Year of SO.268(E)/28.1.2015 (SVRC)
SO.1379(E)/27.03.2018 SO.1556(E)/11.06.2015
Notification SO.1007(E)/30.3.2017(CVRC)
Parentage ADT 43 / RR 272-1745 MDU 5 / ACM 96136 ASD 16 / ADT 37
Duration (Days) 105-110 115-120 118
Average Yield
6641 6118 6301
(kg/ha)
1000 grain wt (g) 16.0 17.3 22.7
Grain L/B ratio 3.0 3.09 2.3
Grain type Medium Slender Long Slender Short bold
Morphological Characters
Habit Semi dwarf, erect Erect ,good tillering Erect
Leaf sheath Green Green Green
Septum - Green Green
Ligule - Pale green Light green
5
Auricle Pale Green Pale green Light green
Panicle Intermediate, droopy Intermediate, droopy Well exserted panicle
Husk colour Straw Straw Straw
Rice colour White White White
Abdominal
Occasionally present Occasionally present Occasionally present
white
Grain size (mm)
Length 5.5 6.8 6.1
Breadth 1.8 2.2 2.7
Thickness -- --
Seed centre,TNAU, Seed centre, TNAU, Seed centre, TNAU,
Seed source Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore Coimbatore
Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct
Bold variety : Direct
procurement centre procurement centre
procurement centre
Marketability Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct
Fine variety : Direct procurement procurement
procurement centre/private
traders. centre/private centre/private
traders. traders.

PARTICULARS ADT 36 ADT 37 ADT 43

Year of Release 1980 1987 1998
SO 19(E)/ SO.280(E)/ SO.425(E)/
Year of Notification
14.01.1982 13.04.1989 8.6.1999
Parentage Triveni/ IR 20 BG 280-1 2/ PTB 33 IR 50/ Imp. White Ponni
Duration (Days) 110 105 110
Average Yield
5500 6200 5900
(kg/ha)
1000 grain wt (g) 20.6 23.4 15.5
Grain L/B ratio 3.1 1.79 2.81
Grain type Medium Short bold Medium slender
Morphological
Characters
Semi dwarf, slightly
Habit Semi dwarf,Erect Semi dwarf, Erect
open
Leaf sheath Green Green Light green
Septum Green White Cream
Ligule Colourless White White
Auricle Colourless White -

Panicle Long compact Compact Moderately long,

Intermediate type,
6
 drooping
Husk colour Straw Straw Straw
Rice colour White White White
Very occasionally
Abdominal white Absent White, Present
present
Grain size (mm)
Length 7.8 5 5.46
Breadth 2.5 2.8 1.94
Thickness 2.0 1.88 1.63
Seed centre, TNAU, Seed centre,TNAU, Seed centre,TNAU,
Seed source
Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3
Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct
procurement centre procurement centre procurement centre
Marketability Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct
procurement procurement procurement
centre/private traders. centre/private traders. centre/private traders.

PARTICULARS ADT (R) 45 ASD 16 ASD 18

Year of Release 2001 1986 1991
Year of
SO.1134(E)/15.11.2001 SO.867(E)/26.11.1986 SO.615(E)/17.8.1993
Notification
Parentage IR50 / ADT 37 ADT 31/CO 39 ADT 31/IR 50
Duration (Days) 110 110 - 115 105 - 110
Average Yield
5400 5600 5900
(kg/ha)
1000 grain wt (g) 17.5 24.2 21.8
Grain L/B ratio 2.98 2.6 3.2
Grain type Medium slender Short Bold Medium slender
Morphological
Characters
Habit Semi dwarf, erect Semi dwarf,erect Semi dwarf
Leaf sheath Green Green Pale Green
Septum Cream Green Light green
Ligule White White White clefted
Auricle - Colourless Pale green
Medium, compact
Panicle Compact Long Compact
exerted

7
 Husk colour Straw Straw Straw
Rice colour White White White
Abdominal white Absent Present Slightly present
Grain size (mm)
Length 8.00 7.86 8.64
Breadth 2.16 3.02 2.7
Thickness 1.97 1.96 2.2
Seed centre, TNAU, Seed centre,TNAU, Seed centre,TNAU,
Seed source
Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3
Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct
procurement centre procurement centre procurement centre
Marketability Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct
procurement procurement procurement
centre/private traders. centre/private traders. centre/private traders.

PARTICULARS Anna (R) 4 CORH 3 (hybrid) ADT 53

Year of Release 2009 2006 2019
SO.2137(E)/ SO.1178(E)/ SO.3220(E)/
Year of Notification
31.08.2010 20.7.2007 5.9.2019
ADT 43 / JGL
Parentage Pantdhan 10 x IET 9911 TNAU CMS 2A/CB 87R
384
Duration (Days) 105-110 110-115 110-115
Average Yield (kg/ha) 3700 7500 6334
1000 grain wt (g) 25.7 22.0 14.5
Grain L/B ratio 3.45 2.95 3.1
Medium
Grain type Long slender Medium slender
Slender
Morphological
Characters
Medium tall,
Habit Semidwarf erect Semi dwarf erect
Leaf sheath Green Green Green
Septum - - Cream
White, Split
Ligule - - shape
Auricle Pale green Pale green Light green
Long, compact, Intermediate
Panicle Intermediate
drooping Compact
Husk colour Straw Straw Straw
Rice colour White White White
Abdominal white Absent Occasionally present Absent
8
Grain size (mm)
Length 6.90 6.2 5.8
Breadth 2.00 2.1 1.9
Thickness - 1.2 1.02

Seed centre,TNAU, Seed centre, TNAU, Seed

Seed source centre,TNAU,
Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3
Bold variety :
Direct
Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct procurement
procurement centre procurement centre centre
Marketability Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct Fine variety :
procurement procurement Direct
centre/private traders. centre/private traders. procurement
centre/private
traders.

PARTICULARS TKM 11 TRY 2

Year of Release 1998 2001
Year of Notification SO.425(E)/8.6.1999 SO.1134(E)/15.11.2001
Parentage C 22/BJ 1 IET6238/IR36
Duration (Days) 110-120 115-120
Average Yield (kg/ha) 3000 5362
1000 grain wt (g) 21.4 22.8
Grain L/B ratio 3.2 3.5
Grain type Long slender Long slender
Morphological Characters
Habit Erect Semi dwarf,erect
Leaf sheath Green Green
Septum cream Light green
Ligule Colourless Distinct
Auricle Light green Hairy light brown
Panicle Long, compact, drooping Compact
Husk colour - Straw
Rice colour White White
Abdominal white - Absent
Grain size (mm)
Length 9.3 9.1

9
 Breadth 2.3 2.6
Thickness 1.6 1.7
Seed source Seed centre,TNAU, Seed centre, TNAU,
Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3
Marketability Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct
procurement centre procurement centre
Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct
procurement centre/private procurement
traders centre/private traders

PARTICULARS ADT (R) 48 MDU 5 PMK (R) 3 TKM 9

Year of Release 2005 1996 2003 1978
Year of SO.599(E)/ SO.662(E)/ SO.1177(E)/ SO.19(E)/
Notification 25.04.2006 17.09.1997 25.08.2005 14.01.1982
Parentage IET 11412/IR 64 O.glaberrima/ Pokkali UPLRI 7/CO 43 TKM 7 / IR 8
Duration(Days) 94-99 95 - 100 110-115 100-105
Average Yield (Kg 4800 3025 5019
4500
/ ha)
1000 grain wt(g) 22.0 21.1 26.10 25.13
GrainL/B ratio 3.25 3.12 2.64 2.71
Grain type Long slender Medium slender Long bold Short bold
Morphological characters
Habit Semidwarf erect Erect Erect Dwarf
Leaf sheath Green Green Green -
Septum Cream - - Light blue
Ligule Acute, prominent Colourless Pale green -
Auricle - Colourless - -
Panicle Intermediate Intermediate Intermediate Compact
Gold yellow with Straw
Husk colour Straw Straw
brown streaks
Rice colour White White White Red
Abdominal white Occassionally - Present
-
present
Grain size(mm)
Length 9.15 8.45 6.75 8.12
Breadth 2.54 2.7 2.38 2.99
Thickness 1.90 - 2.08 2.01
Seed centre, Seed centre, Seed centre,
Seed source Seed centre,TNAU,
TNAU, TNAU, TNAU,
10
 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3
Bold variety : Bold variety : Bold variety :
Direct Direct Direct
procurement Bold variety : Direct procurement procurement
centre procurement centre centre centre
Marketability Fine variety : Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Fine variety :
Direct procurement Direct Direct
procurement centre/private traders procurement procurement
centre/private centre/private centre/private
traders traders traders

MEDIUM DURATION VARIETIES

PARTICULARS Rice CO 52 TKM 13 TNAU Rice TRY 3 VGD 1

Year of Release 2017 2015 2010 2019
SO.1379(E)/27.03. SO.3540(E)/ SO.1708(E)/26.07. SO.3220(E)/5.
Year of Notification
2018 22.11.2016 2012 9.2019
BPT 5204 / CO(R) WGL 32100 / ADT 43 / Jeeraga ADT 43/
Parentage
50 Swarna Samba Seeragasamba
Duration (Days) 130-135 130 135 130 - 135
Average Yield kg/ha 6191 5938 5833 5859
1000 grain wt (g) 14.10 13.8 23.0 8.8 to 8.9
Grain L/B ratio 3.0 2.83 2.58 2.1
Grain type Medium Slender Medium Slender Medium Short bold
Morphological Characters
Semi dwarf, erect, Intermediate Semi dwarf,
Habit Erect, Medium Tall non- lodging erect erect
Leaf sheath Green Green Green Green
Septum -- Cream -- Cream
Ligule -- Split, White Cleft, White White

White Present,
Auricle Colourless Light Green light green
Compact and
Long, compact, Well exerted, Intermediate,
Panicle Droopy Compact drooping at
Compact
maturity
Husk colour Straw Straw Straw Straw
Rice colour White White White White
Abdominal Occasionally Occasionally Occasionally
present present Absent
white present
Grain size (mm)
Length 5.5 5.44 6.2 3.7

11
 Breadth 1.8 1.92 2.4 1.8
Thickness -- -- 1.5 1.25

Seed Seed Seed Seed

Seed source centre,TNAU, centre,TNAU, centre,TNAU, centre,TNAU,
Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore
Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct
procurement centre procurement centre procurement centre procurement centre
Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct
Marketability
procurement procurement procurement procurement
centre/private centre/private centre/private centre/private
traders traders traders traders
PARTICULARS TNAU Rice ADT 49 CO (R ) 50 ADT 39 ADT 38
Year of Release 2011 2010 1988 1987
Year of SO.1708(E)/ SO.1708(E)/ SO.280(E)/ SO.280(E)/
Notification 26.07.2012 26.07.2012 13.04.1989 13.04.1989
IR 1529-680-3-2/
CR1009/ Jeeraga
Parentage CO 43 / ADT 38 IR 8/IR 20 IR 4432-52-6-4/
Samba
IR 7963-30-2
Duration (Days) 130- 135 130-135 120 - 125 130 - 135
Average Yield kg/ha 6173 6338 5000 6200
1000 grain wt (g) 14.0 20.5 18 21
Grain L/B ratio 2.77 2.90 2.9 3.2
Medium
Grain type Medium Slender Medium Long Slender
slender
Morphological Characters
Medium tall with
Habit Semi dwarf, Erect Semi dwarf Semi dwarf, erect
New plant type
Leaf sheath Green Green Green Green
Septum Cream - Light Cream White
White Non-
Ligule Split , white - Papery white
prominent

Auricle Colourless Pale green Non-pigmented White

Long compact Medium, Modera-

Panicle Compact Long moderately
droopy tely dense
Husk colour Straw Straw Straw dense
Rice colour White White White Straw
Abdominal Occasionally Occasionally
Absent White
white present present

12
Grain size (mm) Absent
Length 7.36 6.10 7.6 6.9
Breadth 2.24 2.10 2.3 2.4
Thickness 1.69 - 1.9 2

Seed centre, TNAU, Seed centre,TNAU, Seed centre,TNAU, Seed centre, TNAU,
Seed source
Coimbatore Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3
Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct Bold variety : Direct
procurement centre procurement centre procurement centre procurement centre
Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Direct
Marketability
procurement procurement procurement procurement
centre/private centre/private centre/private centre/private
traders traders traders traders
PARTICULARS Imp. White Ponni ADT (R) 46 CO 43 Paiyur 1
Year of Release 1986 2002 1982 1982
Year of SO.280(E)/ SO.1177(E)/ SO.596(E)/ SO.596(E)/
Notification 13.04.1989 25.08.2005 13.8.1984 13.8.1984
Taichung 65/2 IR 1721-14/IR
Parentage ADT38 / CO 45 Dasal x IR 20
MayangEbos*80 1330-3-3-2
Duration (Days) 135 - 140 135 135 - 140 135-140
Average Yield kg/ha 4500 6656 5200 5900
1000 grain wt (g) 16.4 23.8 20 -
Grain L/B ratio 3.22 3.12 3.5 -
Medium
Grain type Medium slender Long Slender Medium slender
slender
Morphological Characters
Erect, semi-
Habit Medium tall Erect Medium tall
dwarf
Leaf sheath Green Green Green -
Septum Green Cream Green -
Ligule White Long white White, longer -
Auricle Colourless Pale green Colourless -
Panicle Long drooping Intermediate Long drooping -
Husk colour Straw Straw Straw Straw
Rice colour White White White White
Abdominal
Absent Absent Absent Absent
white
Grain size (mm)

13
 Length 8 9.58 8.1 -
Breadth 3 2.46 2.3 -
Thickness 2 1.95 1.8 -
Seed centre, Seed centre, Seed centre,
Seed centre,TNAU,
Seed source TNAU, TNAU, TNAU,
Coimbatore-3
Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3
Bold variety : Bold variety : Bold variety :
Direct Direct Direct
Bold variety : Direct procurement procurement procurement
procurement centre centre centre centre
Marketability Fine variety : Direct Fine variety : Fine variety : Fine variety :
procurement centre/private Direct Direct Direct
traders procurement procurement procurement
centre/private centre/private centre/private
traders traders traders

TNAU Rice
PARTICULARS TPS 3 TRY 1 ASD 19
hybrid CO 4
Year of Release 1993 2011 1995 1995
SO.360(E)/ SO.1708(E)/ SO.92(E)/ SO.360(E)/
Year of Notification
1.5.1997 26.07.2012 2.2.2001 1.5.1997
TNAU CMS 23 IR578-172-2-2/
Parentage RP31-492/LMN Lalnakanda/ IR 30
A / CB 174 R BR-1-2-B-1
Duration (Days) 135-140 130 - 135 135-140 127 (120-132)
Average Yield (kg/ha) 5253 7348 5255 5800
1000 grain wt (g) 23.2 20.40 24 18.39
Grain L/B ratio 2.06 2.96 2.6 3.06
Medium
Grain type Short bold Medium Short, slender
slender
Morphological
Characters
Semi
Habit Semi dwarf Erect Semi-dwarf, erect
dwarf/erect
Leaf sheath Green Green Green Light green
Septum Cream - White Cream
Ligule - - White White
Auricle - Pale green White Palegreen
Long, Compact, dense
Long compact
Panicle Long moderately drooping & well
droopy
compact exerted
Husk colour Straw Straw Straw Straw
Rice colour White White White White
Occasionally
Abdominal white Present Absent Absent
present
Grain size (mm)
Length 7.96 5.67 6.2 8.28
Breadth 3.0 1.91 2.4 2.32

14
 Thickness 2.0 - 1.8 1.72
Seed centre, Seed centre, Seed
Seed centre,TNAU,
Seed source TNAU, TNAU, centre,TNAU,
Coimbatore-3
Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3
Bold variety : Bold variety : Bold variety :
Direct Direct Direct Bold variety : Direct
procurement procurement procurement procurement
centre centre centre centre
Marketability Fine variety : Fine variety : Fine variety : Fine variety : Direct
Direct Direct Direct procurement
procurement procurement procurement centre/private
centre/private centre/private centre/private traders
traders traders traders

LONG DURATION VARIETIES

PARTICULARS TNAU Rice ADT

Rice ADT 51 CR 1009 Sub 1 CR 1009
50
Year of Release 2017 2015 2012 1982
S.O. 6318(E) SO.3540(E)/22. SO.268(E)/28.01.2 SO.499(E)/08.07.
Year of Notification
/26.12.2018 11.2016 015 1983
BPT 5204 / CR 1009 / FR BPT 5204 / CR Pankaj/Jagannat
Parentage
I.W.Ponni 13 A (MAB) 1009 h
Duration (Days) 154 150-155 149 155 - 160
Average Yield
6587 5759 5945 5300
(kg/ha)
1000 grain wt (g) 23.9 23.0 15.9 23.5
Grain L/B ratio 2.74 2.05 2.56 2.2
Grain type Medium Short bold Medium Slender Short bold
Morphological
Characters
Habit Erect Semi Semi dwarf
dwarf tolerance to Medium tall Erect
submergence
Leaf sheath Green Green Green Green
Septum Cream - Cream Green
Ligule White - Split , white White
Auricle Present, Light Pale Green
green Absent Colourless
Panicle Well exerted, Medium
compact Intermediate Compact
panicle drooping
Husk colour Straw Straw Straw Straw
Rice colour White White White White
Occasionally Occasionally
Abdominal white Absent present Absent
present
Grain size (mm)
Length 6.3 5.06 7.24 6.9
Breadth 2.3 2.46 3.50 3.1
Thickness 1.56 -- 1.65 2.1
Seed centre, Seed centre,
Seed source TNAU, TNAU, Seed centre, Seed centre,
15
 Coimbatore-3 Coimbatore-3 TNAU, TNAU,
Coimbatore Coimbatore-3
Bold variety : Bold variety : Bold variety :
Direct Direct Direct
Bold variety : Direct
procurement procurement procurement
procurement centre
centre centre centre
Fine variety : Direct
Marketability Fine variety : Fine variety : Fine variety :
procurement
Direct Direct Direct
centre/private
procurement procurement procurement
traders
centre/private centre/private centre/private
traders traders traders

CROP MANAGEMENTSYSTEMS OF RICE CULTIVATION IN TAMIL NADU

Rice is cultivated under puddled and un-puddled lowland situations in Tamil

Nadu. ‘Transplanting’ and ‘direct wet seeding’ are the two environments under puddled
lowland. Whereas, un-puddled lowland cultivation undergoes different environments
like, dry seeding exclusively with rainfall, locally called as ‘rainfed rice’, with
supplemental irrigation during peak vegetative and reproductive phases by the rain
water collected / harvested in tanks (‘semi-dry rice’) and also assured irrigation from
canal after 30-45 days of dry situation (also called semi-dry rice) . They are grouped as
follows:

1. Transplanted puddled lowland rice

2. Direct seeded lowland rice
a. Wet seeded rice in puddled soil
b. Dry seeded rice in un-puddled soil
i) Rainfed
ii) Semi dry - supplemental irrigation
iii) Semi dry - canal irrigation* (contingent crop)

3. Dry seeded upland rice – This system of rice cultivation is there in areas with
high rainfall (like Assam and NE frontiers of India) where the land is slopy and
terraced and there is no possibility for bunding to stagnate the water. Grain
yield is poor due to loss of nutrients and soil mainly caused by water erosion.
Moisture availability is mostly at saturation or at wet range. There is very
limited area in Dharmapuri district, Tamil Nadu.

4. Deep water rice cultivation exists in certain pockets of Nagapattinam and

Tiruvarur districts particularly during NE monsoon with heavy downpour.

16
 1. TRANSPLANTED PUDDLED LOWLAND RICE
TRANSPLANTED RICE
1.1 Nursery management
1.1.1. Wet nursery Nursery area
Select 20 cents (800 m2) of land area near to water source for raising seedlings
for one hectare.

Seed rate
30 kg for long duration
40 kg for medium duration
60 kg for short duration varieties and 20 kg for hybrids

Seed treatment

a. Treat the seeds in Carbendazim or Pyroquilon or Tricyclozole solution at 2 g/l

of water for 1 kg of seeds. Soak the seeds in water for 10 hrs and drain excess
water.
b. This wet seed treatment gives protection to the seedlings up to 40 days from
seedling disease such as blast and this method is better than dry seed
treatment.
c. If the seeds are required for sowing immediately, keep the soaked seed in gunny
in dark and cover with extra gunnies and leave for 24hrs for sprouting.
d. 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 overnight. Decant the excess water and allow the seeds to sprout for
24hrs and then sow.
e. Seed treatment with biofertilizers : Five packets (1kg/ha) each of Azospirillum
and Phosphobacteria or five packets (1kg/ha) of Azophos bioinoculants are
mixed with sufficient water wherein the seeds are soaked overnight before
sowing in the nursery bed (The bacterial suspension after decanting may be
poured over the nursery area itself).
Carrier based formulation: Treat one hectare of seeds with 1 kg each of
biofertilizers viz., Azsopirillum, Phosphobacteria, (or) Azophos, Silicate
solubilizing bacteria (SSB) / Potash bacteria (KRB) using rice gruel, shade dry for
30 minutes before sowing.
Liquid formulation : Treat one hectare of seeds with 125 ml of each biofertilizers
viz., Azsopirillum, Phosphobacteria (or) Azophos, Silicate solubilizing bacteria
(SSB) / Potash bacteria (KRB) shade dry for 30 minutes before sowing.
• Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers
• Biofertilizers and biocontrol agents can be mixed together for seed soaking
• Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible

17
 Forming Seedbeds
• Mark plots of 2.5m breadth with channels 30cm wide all around the seedbeds.
• Length of the seed bed may vary from 8 to 10m according to soil and slope of
the land.
• Collect the puddled soil from the channel and spread on the seedbeds or drag a
heavy stone along the channel to lower it, so that the seed bed is at a higher
level.
• Level the surface of the seedbed, so that the water drains into the channel.

Sowing

• Sow the sprouted seeds uniformly on the seedbed having thin film of water in
the surface.

Water Management
• Drain the water 18 to 24 hrs after sowing
• Care must be taken to avoid stagnation of water on the seedbed.
rd th th
• Allow enough water to saturate the soil from 3 to 5 day. From 5 day
onwards, increase the water depth to 1.5 cm depending on the height of the
seedlings.
• Thereafter maintain 2.5 cm depth of water.

Weed Management
• Apply any one of the pre-emergence herbicides viz., Pyrazosulfuron ethyl @ 20
g/ha on 3rd or 4th day after sowing to control weeds in the lowland nursery. Keep
a thin film of water and allow it to disappear. Avoid drainage of water. This will
control germinating weeds.
• Pre-emergence herbicide Butachlor 1.0 l/ha (or) Pendimethalin 1.0 l/ha.
Herbicides should be applied on 8 DAS with thin layer of water in the field.

Nutrient management
• Apply 1 tonne of fully decomposed FYM or compost to 20 cents nursery and
spread the manure uniformly on dry soil.
• Basal application of DAP is recommended when the seedlings are to be pulled
out in 20-25 days after sowing in less fertile nursery soils.
• For that situation, 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.
• If seedlings are to be pulled out after 25 days, application of DAP is to be done
10 days prior to pulling out.
• For clayey soils where root snapping is a problem, 4 kg of gypsum and 1 kg of
DAP/cent can be applied at 10 days after sowing.
• Soil application of 100 g ZnSO4 /cent can be followed.
1.1.2. Dry nursery
• Dry ploughed field with fine tilth is required.
• Nursery area with sand and loamy soil status is more suitable for this type of
nursery.
18
 • Area 20 cents.
• Plots of 1 to 1.5 m width of beds and channels may be formed. Length may be
according to the slope and soil. Raised beds are more ideal if the soil is clayey in
nature.
• Seed rate and seed treatment as that of wet nursery.
• Sowing may be dry seeding. Seeds may be covered with sand and finely
powdered well decomposed farm yard manure.
• Irrigation may be done to wet the soil to saturation.
• Optimum age for transplanting – 4th leaf stage
• This type of nursery is handy in times of delayed receipt of canal water.
• During transplanting seedlings may be dipped in 2% ZnSO4 or ZnO for 30 min and
then transplanted.
1.2. Main Field Management
1.2.1. Land preparation
• Plough the land during summer to economize the water requirement for initial
preparation of land.
• Flood the field 1 or 2 days before ploughing and allow water to soak in. Keep the
surface of the field covered with water.
• Keep water to a depth of 2.5cm at the time of puddling.
• Special technologies for problem soils:
a) For fluffy paddy soils: compact the soil by passing 400kg stone roller or oil-
drum with stones inside, eight times at proper moisture level (moisture
level at friable condition of soil which is approximately 13 to18%) once in
three years, to prevent the sinking of draught animals and workers during
puddling.
b) For sodic soils with pH values of more than 8.5, plough at optimum
moisture regime, apply gypsum at 50% gypsum requirement uniformly,
impound water, provide drainage for leaching out soluble salts and apply
green leaf manure at 5 t/ha, 10 to 15 days before transplanting. Mix 37.5 kg
of zinc sulphate per ha with sand to make a total quantity of 75 kg and
spread the mixture uniformly on the leveled field. Do not incorporate the
mixture in the soil. Rice under sodic soil responds well to these practices.
c) For saline soils with EC values of more than 4 dS/m, provide lateral and main
drainage channels (60cm deep and 45cm wide), apply green leaf manure at 5
t/ha at 10 to 15 days before transplanting and 25% extra dose of nitrogen in
addition to recommended P and K and ZnSO4
d) For acid soils apply lime based on the soil analysis for obtaining normal rice
yields. Lime is applied 2.5 t/ha before last ploughing. Apply lime at this rate
to each crop up to the 5th crop.

1.2.2.Stand Establishment
Optimum age of seedlings for quick establishment
• Optimum age of the seedlings is 18-22 days for short, 25-30 days for medium
and 35-40 days for long duration varieties.

19
Pulling out the seedlings
th
• Pull out the seedlings at the appropriate time (4 leaf stage).
rd
• Pulling at 3 leaf stage is also possible. These seedlings can produce more tillers,
provided enough care taken during the establishment phase (See section 1.8
Integrated Crop Management (ICM) - Rice-SRI) through thin film of water
management and perfect leveling of main field.
th
• Transplanting after 5 and higher order leaf numbers will affect the
performance of the crop and grain yield. Then they are called as ‘aged
seedlings’. Special package is needed to minimize the grain yield loss while
planting those aged seedlings.
Root dipping
• Prepare the slurry with 5 packets (1 kg/ha) each of Azospirillum and
Phosphobacteria or 5 packets of (1 kg/ha) Azophos inoculant in 40 lit. of water
and dip the root portion of the seedlings for 15 - 30 minutes in bacterial
suspension and transplant.
Planting seedlings in the main field
Soil Medium and low fertility High fertility
Duration Short Medium Long Short Medium Long
Spacing (cm) Hills 15x10 20x10 20x15 20x10 20x15 20x20
/ m2 66 50 33 50 33 25
• Transplant 2-3 seedlings/hill for short duration and 2 seedlings/hill for medium
and long duration varieties
• Shallow planting (3 cm) ensures quick establishment and more tillers.
• Deeper planting (> 5cm) leads to delayed establishment and reduced tillers.
• Line planting permits rotary weeding and its associated benefits.
• Allow a minimum row spacing of 20 cm to use rotary weeder.
• Fill up the gaps between 7th and 10th DAT.

Management of Aged seedlings*

* Which developed tillers / underwent node elongation in the nursery itself and
About half of its leaf producing capacity may be already over.
• Follow the spacing recommended to medium and low fertility soil
• Plant two to three seedlings per hill
• Avoid cluster planting of aged seedlings, which are hindering the formation of
new tillers.
• New tillers alone are capable of producing normal harvestable panicle. Weak
panicle may appear in the mother culm within three weeks after transplanting
and vanishes well before harvest.
• To encourage the tiller production, enhance the basal N application by 50% from
the recommended and thereafter follow the normal schedule recommended for
other stages.

Gap filling
• Fill the gaps if any within 7 - 10 days after planting.Nutrient management
Application of organic manures
• Apply 12.5 t of FYM or compost or green leaf manure @ 6.25 t/ha.

20
 • If green manure is raised @ 50 kg seeds/ha in situ, incorporate it to a depth of 15
cm using a green manure trampler or tractor.
• In the place of green manure, press-mud / composted coir-pith can also be used.

1.2.3. Nutrient Management

Stubble incorporation
• Apply 10 kg N/ha (22 kg urea) at the time of first puddling while incorporating
the stubbles of previous crop to compensate immobilization of N by the
stubbles.
• This may be done at least 10 days prior to planting of subsequent crop. This
recommendation is more suitable for double crop wetlands, wherein, the second
crop is transplanted in succession with short turn around period.

Biofertilizer application
• Broadcast 10 kg of soil based powdered BGA flakes at 10 DAT for the dry season
crop. Maintain a thin film of water for multiplication.
• Raise Azolla as a dual crop by inoculating 250 kg/ha 3 to 5 DAT and then
incorporate during weeding for the wet season crop.
• Mix 2 kg each of biofertilizers viz., Azsopirillum, Phosphobacteria (or) Azophos,
Silicate solubilizing bacteria (SSB) / Potash bacteria (KRB) with 25 kg of FYM and
25 kg of sand and broad cast uniformly before transplanting and
• Pseudomonas fluorescens (Pf 1) at 2.5 kg/ha mixed with 50 kg FYM and 25 kg of
soil and broadcast the mixture uniformly before transplanting.

Application of inorganic fertilizers

• Apply fertilizer nutrients as per STCR-IPNS recommendations for desired yield
target (Appendix I) (or)
• N dose may be through Leaf Color Chart (LCC)*
• P & K may be through Site Specific Nutrition Management by Omission plot
technique**
• If the above recommendation are not able to be followed, adopt blanket
recommendation a follows:

N P2O5 K2O
Nutrients
(kg/ha)
Short duration varieties (dry season)
a) Cauvery delta & Coimbatore tract 150 50 50
b) For other tracts 120 40 40
Medium and long duration varieties (wet season) 150 50 50
Hybrid rice 175 60 60
Low N responsive cultivars (like Improved White Ponni) 75* 50 50
* For Ponni, N should be applied in three splits at AT, PI and H stages** in addition to GLM or FYM
application.
**Phenological stages of rice (days after sowing)
21
 Stages Short (105) Medium (135) Long (150)
Active Tillering (AT) 35-40 50-55 55-60
Panicle Initiation (PI) 45-50 70-75 85-90
Heading (H) 70-75 100-105 115-120

N management through LCC

Time of application is decided by LCC score
Take observations from 14 DAT in transplanted rice or 21 DAS in direct seeded
rice.
Repeat the observations at weekly intervals up to heading
Observe the leaf colour in the fully opened third leaf from the top as index leaf.
Match the leaf color with the colours in the chart during morning hours (8-10
am).
Take observation in 10 places.
LCC critical value is 3.0 in low N response cultures like White Ponni and 4.0 in
other cultivars and hybrids
When 6/10 observations show less than the critical colour value, N can be
applied as per the following recommendation : Application of 25 kg N ha-1 (1
bag urea) at 7 DAT followed by N @ 40 kg ha-1 each time for kuruvai/ short
duration rice / 30 kg ha-1 each time for medium & long duration rice as and when
the leaf colour value falls below the critical value of 4 for varieties and hybrids
and critical value of 3 for white ponni, monitored from 14 DAT.
For aged seedlings : Basal application of 35 kg N per ha is recommended to avoid
yield loss when seedlings aged 35 - 45 days are used for transplanting and the
LCC based N management can be followed from 14 DAT.
**Recommendation of P&K fertilizer rates based on SSNM approach for rice
growing tracts of Tamil Nadu (other than Cauvery Delta)

Calibrated SSNM fertilizer

Sl.
Location dose (kg/ha)*
No.
P 2O 5 K2 O
1 Cauvery delta
(i) Old delta 35 50
(ii) New delta 35 80
2 Coimbatore District
(i) General 30 40
(ii) Annamalai block 30 80
3 Killikulam 30 50
4 Trichy 35 50
5 Ambasamudram 40 50
6 Bhavanisagar 20 25
7 Paiyur 25 45
8 Yethapur 30 45

22
 9 Aruppukottai 20 30
10 Cuddalore 30 50
** The above SSNM based fertilizer P and K arrived based on yield response are recommended
for specific soil series prevailing in different rice growing areas for adoption by farmers
Split application of N and K
Apply N and K in four equal splits viz., basal, tillering, panicle initiation and
heading stages.
Tillering and Panicle initiation periods are crucial and should not be reduced with
the recommended quantity.
N management through LCC may be adopted wherever chart is available
Application of P fertilizer
P may be applied as basal and incorporated.
When the green manure is applied, rock phosphate can be used as a cheap
source of P fertilizer. If rock phosphate is applied, the succeeding rice crop need
not be supplied with P. Application of rock phosphate + single super phosphate
or DAP mixed in different proportions (75:25 or 50:50) is equally effective as SSP
or DAP alone.
Application of micronutrients
Soil Application
Soil application of 25 kg zinc sulphate/ha mixed with 50 kg dry sand or apply 25
kg of TNAU Wetland rice MN mixture/ha enriched in FYM at 1:10 ratio
incubated for 30 days at friable moisture, just before transplanting.
It is enough to apply 12.5 kg zinc sulphate /ha, if green manure (6.25 t/ha) or
enriched FYM, is applied.
For saline and sodic acid 37.5 kg ZnSO4 can be applied.
Apply 500 kg of gypsum/ha (as source of Ca and S nutrients) at last ploughing.
Application of 50 kg FeSO4 + 12.5 t FYM /ha, 40 kg S as gypsum can be followed,
if the soils are deficient in respective elements.
For Cauvery delta zone, application of 5 kg CuSO4 can be recommended.
Foliar nutrition
Foliar spray of 1% urea + 2% MAP + 1% KCl at Panicle Initiation (PI) and 10 days
after first spray to inprove grain filling rate and yield in all varieties.
If deficiency symptom appears in the standing crop (15 days after transplanting)
foliar application of 0.5% zinc sulphate + 1.0% urea can be given at 7-10 days for
short duration and 15 days interval for medium and copy duration crop until the
Zn deficiency symptoms disappear.
Biofortification strategies; For biofortification of Zn in rice, the efficient cultivars
viz., CO51, CO47, ADT 47, ADT 37 may be grown with the basal soil application of
50 kg ZnSO4 alongwith foliar spraying of 0.50% ZnSO4 thrice at 50% flowering,
milky and dough stages to enrich the grain Zn content.
Nutrient deficiency / toxicity symptoms
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 first appear at the leaf-tip and progress along the midrib
until the entire leaf is dead.
Potassium deficiency: Bluish green leaves - when young, older leaves irregular.
23
 Chlorotic and necrotic areas - grain formation is poor - weakening of the straw
which results in lodging.
Magnesium deficiency: Leaves are chlorotic with white tips.
Zinc deficiency: Lower leaves have chlorotic particularly towards the base.
Deficient plants give a brown rusty appearance.
Copper deficiency:: Leaves develop chlorotic streaks on either side of the midrib
and appearance of dark brown necrotic lesions on leaf tips. Unfolding of the
new leaves will also be seen.
Iron toxicity: Brown spots on the lower leaves starting from tips and proceeding
to the leaf base and turns into green or orange purple leaves and spreading to
the next above leaves.
Neem treated urea and coal-tar treated urea
Blend the urea with crushed neem seed or neem cake 20% by weight. Powder
neem cake to pass through 2mm sieve before mixing with urea. Keep it overnight
before use (or) urea can be mixed with gypsum in 1:3 ratios, or urea can be mixed with
gypsum and neem cake at 5:4:1 ratio to increase the nitrogen use efficiency. For
treating 100 kg urea, take one kg coal-tar and 1.5 litres of kerosene. Melt coal-tar over
a low flame and dissolve it in kerosene. Mix urea with the solution thoroughly in a
plastic container, using a stick. Allow it to dry in shade on a polythene sheet. This can be
stored for a month and applied basally.
N management through LCC For sodic soil
In the case of sodic soils, LCC critical value is 4.0 for varieties and 5.0 for the hybrids.

Other special cultural practices (Contingent Plan)

Application of Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (Methylobacterium sp.) as
seed treatment (@ 200 g / 10 kg seeds), soil application (@ 2 kg / ha) and foliar spray (@
500 ml / ha) at panicle initiation and flag leaf stages for alleviation of water stress effects in
both SRI and transplanted system of rice cultivation.

1.2.4. Weed management

• Use of rotary weeder from 15 DAT at 10 days interval. It saves labour for
weeding, aerates the soil and root zone, prolongs the root activity, and
improves the grain filling though efficient translocation and ultimately the grain
yield.
• Cultural practices like dual cropping of rice-azolla, and rice-green manure
(described in wet seeded rice section 2.5 & 2.6 of this chapter) reduces the weed
infestation to a greater extent.
• Summer ploughing and cultivation of irrigated dry crops during post-rainy
periods reduces the weed infestation.

Pre-emergence herbicides
• Use Butachlor 1.25kg/ha or Anilophos 0.4kg/ha as pre-emergence application.
Alternatively, pre-emergence application of herbicide mixture viz., Butachlor
0.6kg + 2,4 DEE 0.75kg/ha, or Anilophos + 2, 4 DEE ‘ready-mix’ at 0.4kg/ha
followed by one hand weeding on 30 - 35 DAT will have a broad spectrum of
weed control.
24
 • Any herbicide has to be mixed with 50kg of dry sand on the day of application
(3 - 4 DAT) and applied uniformly to the field with thin film water on the 3rd
DAT. Water should not be drained for next 2 days from the field (or) fresh
irrigation should not be given.
• Pre-emergence application of pretilachor at 1.0 kg ha-1 on 3 DAT + weeding
with Twin row rotary weeder at 40 DAT
• PE Pyrazosulfuron ethyl @ 20 g ha-1 on 3 DAT + hand weeding (HW) on 45 DAT.
• PE butachlor 0.75 kg ha-1 + bensulfuron methyl 50 g ha-1 on 3 DAT + HW on 45
DAT
• PE Oxadiazon 87.5 g ha-1 followed by Post emergence (POE) 2,4-D 1 kg ha-1
along with hand weeding on 35 DAT.
• PE butachlor 0.75 kg per hectare + bensulfuron methyl 50 g ha-1 on 3 DAT
followed by mechanical weeding on 45 DAT is effective for broad spectrum weed
control.
• Crop growth and yield were enhanced by butachlor 1.2 + 2,4-DEE 1.5 lit ha-1 with
100% inorganic nitrogen.
• Conventional tillage of one dry ploughing and two passes of cage wheel puddling
combined with pre-emergence application of butachlor at 1.25 kg ha-1 under
lowland situation.
• Stale bed preparation by pre-puddling minimum tillage with glyphosate combine
with post- plant pre emergence butachlor 1.25 kg ha-1 resulted in increased rice
grain yield, net income and B: C ratio in rice-rice cropping.
• If pre-emergence herbicide application is not done, hand weeding has to be
done on 15th DAT.
• 2,4-D sodium salt (Fernoxone 80% WP) 1.25 kg/ha dissolved in 625 litres with a
high volume sprayer, three weeks after transplanting or when the weeds are in 3
- 4 leaf stage.
• Early post emergence application of Bispyripac sodium 40 g ha-1 (2-3 leaf stage of
weeds) + Hand weeding on 45 DAT
• Pre emergence application of Pretilachlor @ 750 g/ha at 3 DAT followed by post
emergence application of Chlorimuron methyl + Metsulfuron methyl @ 4 g/ha on
25 DAT had higher weed contol efficiency and net return.
• Pre emergence application of Butachlor @ 1.0 kg ai/ha on 3 DAT + Finger type
single row or double row rotary weeders weeding on 45 DAT. If pre emergence
application is avoided, then finger type single row/double row rotary weeders
weeding on 20 and 40 DAT.

1.2.5. Water management

• Puddling and leveling minimizes the water requirement
• Plough with tractor drawn cage wheel to reduce percolation losses and to save
water requirement up to 20%.
• Maintain 2.5cm of water over the puddle and allow the green manure to
decompose for a minimum of 7 days in the case of less fibrous plants like
sunnhemp and 15 days for more fibrous green manure plants like Kolinchi
(Tephrosia purpurea).
• At the time of transplanting, a shallow depth of 2cm of water is adequate since
high depth of water will lead to deep planting resulting in reduction of tillering.
25
 • Maintain 2 cm of water up to seven days of transplanting.
• After the establishment stage, cyclic submergence of water (as in table) is the
best practice for rice crop. This cyclic 5cm submergence has to be continued
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 1 - 2 days
after disappearance

• Moisture stress due to inadequate water at rooting and tillering stage causes
poor root growth leading to reduction in tillering, poor stand and low yield.
• Critical stages of water requirement in rice are a) panicle initiation, b) booting, c)
heading and
d) flowering. During these stages, the irrigation interval should not exceed the
stipulated time so as to cause the depletion of moisture below the saturation
level.
• During booting and maturity stages continuous inundation of 5cm and above
leads to advancement in root decay and leaf senescence, delay in heading and
reduction in the number of filled grains per panicle and poor harvest index.
• Provide adequate drainage facilities to drain excess water or strictly follow
irrigation schedule of one day after disappearance of ponded water. Last
irrigation may be 15 days ahead of harvest.

Precautions for irrigation

• The field plot size can be 25 to 50 cents depending on the source of irrigation.
• Field to field irrigation should be avoided. Field should be irrigated individually
from a channel.
• 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.
• To minimize percolation loss, the depth of stagnated water should be 5 cm or
less.
• In water logged condition, form open drains, about 60 cm in depth and 45 cm
width across the field.
• Care should be taken not to allow development of cracks.
• In canal command area, conjunctive use of surface and ground water may be
resorted to for judicious use of water.

Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation (AWDI)

• Safe Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation (AWDI) is to monitor the depth of
ponded water on the field using ‘Field Water Tube’ (FWT) which is made of 40 cm
long plastic pipe with a diameter of 15 cm so that water table is easily visible.
• Tube is perforated with 0.5 cm diameter holes in the bottom and the top 15 cm
portion is non-perforated.

26
 • Above the perforated portion, markings are made for 5 cm so that irrigation at 5 cm
depth could be done.
• One Field Water Tube is required for adopting the AWDI in an area of 1 acre. The
FWT is installed in the field using mallet and it is inserted upto the perforated
portion buried inside the soil. The soil inside the tube is to be removed.
• FWT to be installed near the field levies so that the water level inside the FWT could
be monitored easily.
• Safe AWDI of 10 cm depletion in light soils and 15 cm depletion in heavy soils was
found to improve the water use efficiency in rice.

Non-Puddled machine Transplanted Rice (NPTR)

• Traditional transplanted rice cultivation requires 1200-1400 mm of water of which
puddling consumes 250 mm of water.
• In NPTR, puddling is replaced with dry ploughing (using cultivator and rotavator)
followed by laser leveling and wetting.
• Soil is allowed to settle for 12-24 hrs before transplanting very light irrigation is given
again to maintain a uniform depth of 1 cm standing water.
• Machine transplanting is adopted in the wetted soil.
• Alternate Wetting and Drying Irrigation method is followed for water management.
• Though there was a yield reduction, considerable water saving under NPTR from 120
to 245 mm.
1.3. Insect management: See Crop Protection Chapter
1.4. Disease management: See Crop Protection Chapter
1.5. Harvesting
• 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 harvesting conditions.
• When 80% of the panicles turn straw colour, the crop is ready for harvest. Even
at this stage, the leaves of some of the varieties may remain green.
• Confirm maturity by selecting the most mature tiller and dehusk a few grains. If
the rice is clear and firm, it is in hard dough stage.
• When most of the grains at the base of the panicle in the selected tiller are in a
hard dough stage, the crop is ready for harvest. At this stage harvest the crop, thresh
and winnow the grains.
• Dry the grains to 12% moisture level for storage. Grain yield in rice is estimated
only at 14% moisture for any comparison.
• Maturity may be hastened by 3-4 days by spraying 20% NaCl a week before
harvest to escape monsoon rains.
1.6. Seedling throwing method of stand establishment
• 20 days old seedlings of short duration rice varieties
• Requirement of seedlings will be approximately 20% more than the line planting
or equal to random planting.
• The seedlings are thrown into the puddled leveled field by labour without using
force.
• Suitable for all seasons except Thaladi or heavy rain season.
• 50% labour shaving as compared to line planting and 35% to random planting.
27
 • Up to 7-10 days of seedling throwing care should be taken to maintain thin film
of water (similar to wet seeded rice).
• Other cultural operations are same as in transplanted rice
• Grain yield will be equal to line planted crop and 10-12% higher than random
planted crop.

1.7. Transplanted hybrid rice

Seed rate 20 kg per hectare
Nursery Basal application of DAP at 2 kg/cent of nursery area. Sparse sowing of seeds
at one kg/cent of nursery area will give robust seedlings with 1-2 tillers per
seedling at the time of planting. If the soil is heavy, apply 4 kg gypsum/cent
of
nursery area, 10 days before pulling of seedlings.
Age of seedling 20 to 25 days
Spacing (cm) 20 x 10 (50 hills/m2 ) or 25 x 10 (40 hills/m2 ) according to soil fertility
Seedlings/ hill One (along with tillers if already produced)
Fertilizer 175:60:60 kg N, P2O5 and K2O/ha
Other package of practices: same as in transplanted rice varieties.

1.8. INTEGRATED CROP MANAGEMENT (ICM) - RICE

(SRI - System of Rice Intensification)

1.8.1.Season
• Dry season with assured irrigation is more suitable.
• Difficulty in crop establishment may be seen in areas with heavy downpour (NE
Monsoon periods of Tamil Nadu

1.8.2.Varieties
• Hybrids and varieties with heavy tillering feature

1.8.3.Nursery
1.8.3.1.Seed rate
• 5-7 kg/ha for single seedling per hill
• 12 -15 kg/ha for two seedlings per hill wherever difficulty in establishment of
rice is seen

1.8.3.2. Mat nursery preparation

• Preparation of nursery area: Prepare 100 m2 nursery to plant 1 ha. Select a level
area near the water source. Spread a plastic sheet or used polythene gunny bags
on the shallow raised bed to prevent roots growing deep into soil.
• Preparation of soil mixture: Four (4) m3 of soil mix is needed for each 100 m2 of
nursery. Mix 70% soil + 20% well-decomposed pressmud / bio-gas slurry / FYM +
10% rice hull. Incorporate 1.5 kg of powdered DAP or 2 kg 17-17-17 NPK fertilizer
in the soil mixture.
28
• Filling in soil mixture: Place a wooden frame of 0.5 m long, 1 m wide and 4 cm
deep divided into 4 equal segments on the plastic sheet or banana leaves. Fill the
frame almost to the top with the soil mixture.
• Seed Treatment with biofertilizers : Five packets (1 kg/ha) of Azospirillum and five
packets (1 kg/ha) of Phosphobacteria or five packets (1 kg/ha) of Azophos.
Biofertilizers are mixed with water used for soaking and kept for 4 hrs. The bacterial
suspension after draining may be sprinkled in the nursery before sowing the treated
seeds
• Pre-germinating the seeds 2 days before sowing: Soak the seeds for 24 hr, drain
and incubate the soaked seeds for 24 hr, sow when the seeds sprout and radicle
(seed root) grows to 2-3 mm long.
• Soil application of biofertilizers : Application of Azospirillum @ 2 kg and
Arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi @ 5 kg for 100 m2 nursery area
• Sowing: Sow the pre-germinated seeds weighing 90 -100 g / m-2 (100g dry seed
may weigh 130g after sprouting) uniformly and cover them with dry soil to a
thickness of 5mm. Sprinkle water immediately using rose can to soak the bed and
remove the wooden frame and continue the process until the required area is
completed.
• Watering: Water the nursery with rose can as and when needed (twice or thrice
a day) to keep the soil moist. Protect the nursery from heavy rains for the first 5
DAS. At 6 DAS, maintain thin film of water all around the seedling mats. Drain the
water 2 days before removing the seedling mats for transplanting.
• Spraying fertilizer solution (optional): If seedling growth is slow, sprinkle 0.5%
urea + 0.5% zinc sulphate solution at 8-10 DAS.
• Lifting seedling mats: Seedlings reach sufficient height for planting at 15
days. Lift the seedling mats and transport them to main field.
• For elite seedling production under modified mat nursery : seed fortification
with 1.0% KCl mixed with native soil and powdered DAP @ 2.0 kg per cent along
with Pseudomonas 240 g/ cent followed by drenching with 0.5 % urea solution on 9
DAS

1.8.4.Main field preparation

• Puddled lowland prepared as described in transplanted section
• Perfect leveling is a pre-requisite for the water management proposed
hereunder

1.8.5. Transplanting
• 1-2 seedlings of 14-15 days old
• Square planting of 25 x 25 cm (10 x 10 inch)
• Fill up the gaps between 7th and 10th DAT.
• Transplant within 30 minutes of pulling out of seedlings.
• There may be difficulty in crop establishment in areas with heavy downpour
(North East Monsoon periods of Tamil Nadu)
1.8.6. Irrigation management
• Irrigation to be done so as to moist the soil during early period upto 10 days
• Restoring irrigation to a maximum depth of 2.5 cm after development of hairline
29
 cracks in the soil until panicle initiation (PI)
• Increasing irrigation depth to 5.0 cm after PI one day after disappearance of
ponded water till completion of flowering stage.
• Placing of water pipe as safe alternate wetting and drying irrigation (AWDI)
reduces the total number of irrigation given to rice crop (Perforated water pipe is
placed 10 – 15 cm below the soil surface and the water lever moderation observed
for time of irrigation)

1.8.7. Weed management

• Using rotary weeder / Cono weeder / power operated two row weeder
• Moving the weeder with forward and backward motion to burry the weeds and
as well as to aerate the soil at 7-10 days interval from 10-15 days after planting on
either direction of the row and column.
• Manual weeding is also essential to remove the weeds closer to rice root zone.

1.8.8.Nutrient management
• As per transplanted rice.
• Use of LCC has more advantage in N management.
• Green manure and farm yard manure application will enhance the growth and
yield of rice in this system approach.
• Under sodic soils, during rotary weeding, apply Azophosmet @ 2.2 kg/ha and
PPFM as foliar spray @ 500 ml/ha

1.8.9.Other package of practices as recommended to transplanted rice

• STCR based fertilizer recommendation for transplanted rice (for some selected
districts) is given in the Appendix I.

2. WET SEEDED PUDDLED LOWLAND RICE

WET SEEDED RICE

2.1 Area
• Direct wet seeding can be followed in all the areas wherein transplanting is in vogue.

2.2. Season
• As that of translated rice

2.3.Field preparation
• On receipt of showers during the months of May - July repeated ploughing should be
carried out so as to conserve the moisture, destroy the weeds and break the clods.
• After inundation puddling is to be done as per transplanting. More care should be
taken to level the field to zero level.
• Stagnation of water in patches during germination and early establishment of the
crop leads to uneven crop stand.
• Land leveling has say over efficient weed and water management practices.
• Provision of shallow trenches (15 cm width) at an interval of 3m all along the field
will facilitate the draining of excess water at the early growth stage.
30
 2.4. Varieties
All the varieties recommended for transplanting can do well under direct wet
seeded conditions also. However, the following varieties are more suited.

Varieties Duration (days) Time of sowing

st th
Ponmani 160 to 165 1 to 30 August for Samba
CO 43, IR20, ADT 38 ADT 39, Ponni, 125 to135 1st to 30th September for Thaladi
Improved White Ponni
ADT 36, ADT 37 105 to 110 1st to 10th June for Kuruvai
1st to 10th October for late Thaladi

2.5. Sowing
• Follow a seed rate of 60 kg / ha
• Pre-germinate the seeds as for wet nursery
• Seed treatments as adopted for transplanted rice
• Sow the seeds by drum seeder or broadcast uniformly with thin film of water.

• Dual cropping of rice-green manure is economic for nutrient budget and efficient for
grain production. For this method use ‘TNAU Rice-Green manure seeder’.

TNAU Rice cum Green manure seeder

• Manually drawn seeder developed at TNAU to sow pre-germinated paddy and green
manure daincha crop (Sesbania aculeata) in alternate rows in puddled soil.
• On attaining a height of 40 cm after about one month of sowing the daincha crop
was trampled by using long handled IRRI design cono weeder.
• Seeder sows four paddy rows and four daincha rows in a single pass.
• Using one (male) operator and two women labourers half of ha can be sown with the
seeder in a day of 8 hours.
• Paddy was sown at 60 kg/ha seed rate and green manure crop at 20 kg/ha seed rate.
The distance between the adjacent rows is 12.5 cm. When compared to sole wet
seeded rice, weeds are better controlled in the wet seeded rice inter-cropped with
green manure.
• Also intercropping of rice with green manure dhaincha and incorporation at 7.0 t/ha
enhanced the growth and yield of rice and beneficial in terms of N addition (40 kg N
/ha).
• There is greater possibility of intercropping green manures during early stage of rice
crop with increased grain yield by one tones / ha.

2.6. After cultivation

• Thinning and gap filling should be done 14 - 21 days after sowing, taking advantage
of the immediate rain.
• If dual cropped with green manure, incorporate the green manure when grown to
40 cm height or at 30 days after sowing, whichever is earlier, using Cono-weeder.
• Green manure incorporated fields may be operated again with rotary weeder a
week later in order to aerate the soil and to exploit organic acids formed if any.
31
2.7. Manures and fertilizer application
• For direct wet seeded lowland rice, the recommendation is same at that of
transplanted rice.
• Apply N and K as 25% each at 21 DAS, at active tillering, PI and heading stages.
• If N applied through LCC, use the critical value 4 for line sown drill seeded rice.
• Entire P as basal applied in the last plough or at the time of incorporation of green
manure/ compost.
• Biofertilizers as recommended to transplanted rice may be followed wherever
feasible and moisture available.
• Micro nutrient, foliar application and biofertlizers as recommended to transplanted
rice.
2.8. Weed management
• In wet seeded rice, pre-emergence application of Pretilachlor 0.75 kg/ha on 8
DAS on 3-4 DAS followed by one hand weeding on 40 DAS in direct drum seeded
rice
• In wet seeded rice, sowing with drum seeder and cono weeding (manual / power
weeder) is done at 10, 20 and 30 DAS
• In wet seeded rice, hand weeding twice on 15 - 20 DAT and 45 DAT will control the
weeds effectively (or) Pendimethalin 1.0 lit/ha at 8 DAT with optimum moisture
condition and one hand weeding on 45 DAT.
• In rice -rice -fallow system intercropping of Sesbania rostrata control the weeds of
rice field along with incorporation of Sesbania rostrata in to the field and one hand
weeding on 35 DAS.
-1
• Apply PE Pretilachlor 0.45 kg ha on 3 DAS + Roto cylindrical weeder + weeding on
45 DAS in wet seeded rice have good control of weeds like Echinochloa crusgalli,
Panicum repens, Eclipta alba and Monochoria vaginalis.
• Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha at 3 DAS followed by post
emergence application of bispyribac sodium 25 g/ha at 25 DAS along with one hand
weeding 45 DAS effectively reduced weed density in wet seeded rice.
• Pre emergence application of pyrazosulfuron ethyl at 20 g a.i /ha on 3 DAS followed
by cono weeding on 25 DAS had higher weed control efficiency in drum seeded rice.
• Combination of drum seeded rice intercropped with green manure (dhaincha) along
with pre-emergence herbicide application of Pretilachlor (30.7 EC) @ 0.45 kg
ha-1 + safener on 5 DAS is the best weed control method in drum seeded rice.

2.9. Water management

• During first one week irrigate the soil with thin film of water.

• Depth of irrigation may be increased to 2.5 cm progressively as per the crop age.
• Follow schedule as given in transplanted rice.

2.10. Insect management: See Crop Protection Chapter

2.11. Disease management: See Crop Protection Chapter

Other package of practices

• As recommended in transplanted rice

32
 3. DRY SEEDED RAINFED UN-PUDDLED LOWLAND RICE

RAINFED RICE
The crop establishment, growth and maturity depend up on the rainfall received. There
will be standing water after crop establishment for a minimum period of few days to a
maximum up to grain filling, depending up on the rainfall. This type of cultivation in Tamil
Nadu is called as ‘rainfed rice’, with the assumption that the soil moisture will be under
unsaturated (dry) condition during establishment or entire growth period, with reference
to tropical climate.

3.1. Area
• Coastal districts of Tamil Nadu like Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Pudukottai,
Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai and Kanyakumari.

3.2. Season
• June – July – (Coastal northern districts)
• September – October (Coastal southern districts)

3.3. Field preparation

• Dry plough to get fine tilth taking advantage of rains and soil moisture
availability.
• Apply gypsum at 1 t/ha basally wherever soil crusting and soil hardening
problem exist.
• Perfect land leveling for efficient weed and water management.
• Provide shallow trenches (15 cm width) at an interval of 3m all along the field to
facilitate draining excess water at the early growth stage.

3.4. Varieties
• Short duration varieties as mentioned in season and varieties including local land
races suitable for those tracts.

3.5. Sowing
• Seed rate: 75kg/ha dry seed for any recommended variety.
• Seed hardening with 1% KCl for 16 hours (seed and KCl solution 1:1) and shade
dried to bring to storable moisture. This will enable the crop to withstand early
moisture stress.
• On the day of sowing, treat the hardened seeds first with Pseudomonas
fluorescens 10g/kg of seed and then with Azophos 1 kg or Azospirillum and
Phosphobacteria @ 1 kg each per ha seed, whichever is available.
• Drill sow with 20 cm inter row spacing using seed drill.
• The seeds can also be sown behind the country plough
• Depth of sowing should be 3 - 5 cm and the top soil can be made compact with
leveling board.
• Pre-monsoon sowing is advocated for uniform germination.

33
3.6. After cultivation
• 10 packets (2 kg/ha) each of Azospirillum inoculant and Phosphobacteria or 10
packets
(2 kg/ha) of Azophos mixed with 25 kg of FYM may be broadcasted uniformly
over the field just after the receipt soaking rain / moisture.
• Thinning and gap filling should be done 14 - 21days after sowing, taking
advantage of the immediate rain
• Foliar spray of Cycocel 1000 ppm (1 ml of commercial product in one lit. of
water) under water deficit situations to mitigate ill-effects.
• Foliar spray of Kaolin 3% or KCl 1% to overcome moisture stress at different
physiological stages of rice.

3.7. Manures and fertilizer application

• Blanket recommendation : 50:25:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O /ha
• Apply a basal dose of 750 kg of FYM enriched with fertilizer phosphorus (P at 25
kg/ha)
• Apply N and K in two equal splits at 20 - 25 and 40 - 45 days after germination.
• If the moisture availability from the tillering phase is substantial, three splits (25
kg N and 12.5 kg K at 20-25, 40-45 and 60-65 DAG) can be adopted.
• N at PI may be enhanced to 40 kg, if the tiller production is high (may be when
the estimated LAI is greater than 5.0) and moisture availability ensured by
standing water for 10 days.
• Basal application of FeSO4 at 50 kg/ha + 12.5 t FYM is desirable for iron deficient
soil (or) apply TNAU Rainfed rice MN mixture @12.5 kg/ha as EFYM at 1:10 ratio
incubated for 30 days at friable moisture.
• Need based foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid may
be taken up at tillering and PI stages.
• Foliar spray of 1% urea + 2% MAP + 1% KCl at PI and 10 days after may be taken
up for enhancing the rice yield if sufficient soil moisture is ensured
• Apply 25 kg ZnSO4 if the soil is Zn deficient.

3.8. Weed management

• First weeding can be done between 15 and 21 days after germination.
• Second weeding may be done 30 - 45 days after first weeding.
• Apply pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha on 5 days after sowing on the day of receipt of
soaking rain followed by one hand weeding on 30 to 35 days after sowing.

3.9. Insect management: See Crop Protection Chapter

3.10. Disease management: See Crop Protection Chapter
3.11. Harvesting
Same as that for wet rice cultivation

34
 4. DRY SEEDED RAINFED UN-PUDDLED LOWLAND RICE WITH
SUPPLEMENTAL IRRIGATION

Semi dry rice

It is called as semi-dry rice. Crop establishment is as that of rainfed rice but the rain
water collected in village tank (Kanmai) is supplemented to protect the crop during peak
vegetative and reproductive phases. Interaction between applied nutrients and crop is
positive here due to better moisture availability than rainfed rice and hence varieties may
be improved ones and nutrient levels may be higher than the previous system.

4.1. Area
Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Ramanathapuram,Sivaganga, Kanyakumari,
Nagapattinam, Tiruvarur and Pudukottai.

4.2. Seasons
July to August - Kanchipuram/Tiruvallur, Kanyakumari
August - Nagapattinam/Tiruvarur, Pudukottai
September to October - Ramanathapuram, Sivaganga

4.3. Field preparation

Dry plough to get fine tilth taking advantage of rains and soil moisture availability.
Apply gypsum at 1 t/ha basally wherever soil crusting and soil hardening problem
exist.
Perfect land leveling for efficient weed and water management.
Provide shallow trenches (15 cm width) at an interval of 3m all along the field to
facilitate draining excess water at the early growth stage.
4.4. Varieties
Short duration varieties as mentioned in season and vanities including local land
races suitable for those tracts.
Since there is supplemental irrigation high yielding improved short duration
varieties can yield more yield than the land races.

4.5. Sowing
Seed rate: 75 kg/ha dry seed for any recommended variety.
Seed hardening with 1% KCl for 16 hours (seed and KCl solution 1:1) and shade
dried to bring to storable moisture. This will enable the crop to withstand early
moisture stress.
On the day of sowing, treat the hardened seeds first with Pseudomonas
fluorescens 10g/kg of seed and then with Azophos 1 kg/ha or Azospirillum and
Phosphobacteria @ 1 kg/ha each per ha seed, whichever is available.
Drill sow with 20 cm inter row spacing using seed drill.
The seeds can also be sown behind the country plough
Depth of sowing should be 3 - 5 cm and the top soil can be made compact with
leveling board.
Pre-monsoon sowing is advocated for uniform germination.
35
 Sowing of seed by multi crop planter (Happy Seeder) under dry condition
@ 40 kg/ha

4.6. After cultivation

10 packets (2kg/ha) each of Azospirillum inoculants and Phosphobacteria or 10
packets (2 kg/ha) of Azophos mixed with 25 kg of FYM may be broadcasted
uniformly over the field just after the receipt soaking rain / moisture.
Thinning and gap filling should be done 14-21days after sowing, taking advantage
of the immediate rain
Foliar spray of Cycocel 1000 ppm (1 ml of commercial product in one lit. of water)
under water deficit situations to mitigate ill-effects.
Foliar spray of Kaolin 3% or KCl 1% to overcome moisture stress at different
physiological stages of rice. .

4.7. Manures and fertilizer application

Blanket recommendation : 75:25:37.5 kg N:P2O5:K2O /ha
Apply a basal dose of 750 kg of FYM enriched with fertilizer phosphorus (P at 25
kg/ha)
Apply N & K in three splits at 20-25, 40-45 and 60-65 days after germination.
Each split may follow 25kg N and 12.5 kg K2O.
If the moisture availability is substantial, the split at 40-45 DAS (panicle initiation)
may be applied up to 40kg N and 12.5kg K2O to enhance the growth and the grain
yield.
Basal application of ZnSO4 at 25kg/ha and FeSO4 at 50 kg/ha + 12.5 t FYM is
desirable wherever zinc and iron deficiency were noted (or) apply TNAU Rainfed
rice MN mixture @12.5 kg/ha as EFYM at 1:10 ratio incubated for 30 days at
friable moisture.
Need based foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid at
tillering and PI stages.
Foliar spray of 1% urea + 2% MAP + 1% KCl at PI and 10 days after may be taken up
for enhancing the rice yield if sufficient soil moisture is ensured

4.8. Weed management

First weeding should be done between 15 and 21 days after germination.
Second weeding may be done 30 - 45 days after first weeding.
Apply Pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha on 5 days after sowing followed by one hand
weeding on 30 to 35 days after sowing.
PE butachlor 1.0 kg ha-1 followed by weeding using finger type single row and
double row rotary weeders resulted in higher grain yield and net profit.
Application of [email protected] l/ha on 5 DAS and two machine weeding
(Power weeder) on 30 and 45 DAS, if sowing is done by using Happy seeder.

4.9. Water management

The crop to be irrigated from 30-35 days onwards, utilizing water impounded in
the tanks.
Irrigation to be given to a depth of 2.5 - 5.0 cm only. The schedule of irrigating
36
 one day after disappearance of ponded water to be followed in order to save
water and to bring additional area under rice cultivation.

4.10. Insect management: See Crop Protection Chapter

4.11.Disease management: See Crop Protection Chapter

4.12.Harvest
It is same as that of transplanted rice.
These areas are more suitable for combine-harvester

5. DRY SEEDED IRRIGATED UN-PUDDLED LOWLAND RICE

Also be called ‘semi-dry rice’

It is a contingent plan to command areas, anticipating the release of water; rice crop
can be established under rainfed condition up to a maximum of 45 days as that of previous
two situations. Filed is converted to wet condition on receipt of canal water. Conversion
depends up on receipt of canal water and nutrient management is decided according to
the period of irrigation.

5.1.Area
• Tiruvarur and Nagapattinam districts

5.2.Season
• Samba / Thaladi seasons command areas.

5.3. Field preparation

• Dry plough to get fine tilth taking advantage of rains and soil moisture
availability.
• Apply gypsum at 1 t/ha basally wherever soil crusting and soil hardening
problem exist.
• Perfect land leveling for efficient weed and water management.
• Provide shallow trenches (15 cm width) at an interval of 3m all along the field to
facilitate draining excess water at the early growth stage.

5.4. Varieties
• Medium duration varieties, if sown in August and short duration varieties
beyond September, as mentioned in season and vanities.
• Since there is assured irrigation from canal, high yielding improved short or
medium duration varieties can be cultivated depending up on the situation
(month of sowing, nearness to canal, depth of standing water during NEM
etc).

5.5. Sowing
• Seed rate: 75kg/ha dry seed for any recommended variety.
• Seed hardening with 1% KCl for 16 hours (seed and KCl solution 1:1) and shade
dried to bring to storable moisture. This will enable the crop to withstand early
37
 moisture stress.
• On the day of sowing, treat the hardened seeds first with Pseudomonas
fluorescens 10g/kg of seed and then with Azophos 1 kg/ha or Azospirillum and
Phosphobacteria @ 1 kg/ha each per ha seed, whichever is available.
• Drill sow with 20 cm inter row spacing using seed drill.
• The seeds can also be sown behind the country plough
• Depth of sowing should be 3 - 5 cm and the top soil can be made compact with
leveling board.
• Pre-monsoon sowing is advocated for uniform germination.
• Pre-monsoon sowing with medium duration variety is an advantage for higher
grain yield and as well to manage the heavy rainy season.

5.6. After cultivation

• 10 packets (2 kg/ha ) each of Azospirillum inoculant and Phosphobacteria or 10
packets (2 kg/ha) of Azophos mixed with 25 kg of FYM may be broadcasted
uniformly over the field just after the receipt soaking rain / moisture.
• Thinning and gap filling should be done 14 - 21 days after sowing, taking
advantage of the immediate rain.

5.7. Manures and fertilizer application

• Apply FYM/compost at 12.5 t/ha or 750 kg of FYM enriched with 50 kg P2O5 as
basal dose in clay soils of Nagapattinam / Tiruvarur district.
• Blanket recommendation : 75:50:37.5 kg N:P2O5:K2O /ha
• N and K in three splits at around 20-25, 40-45 and 60-65 days for short duration
varieties or four splits for medium duration varieties at around 20-25, 40-45,
60-65 and 80-85 days after germination is suitable.
• Each split may follow 25kg N and 12.5 kg K2O.
• If the moisture availability is substantial and canal water received from tillering
phases itself, the split at panicle initiation (40-45 DAS in short duration and 60-
65 DAS in medium duration) may be applied up to 40kg N and 12.5kg K2O to
enhance the growth and the grain yield.
• To induce tolerance under short and prolonged drought situation in Kuruvai
season, apart from seed treatment, foliar spray with 1% KCl + CCC at 500ppm
during vegetative stage is effective in mitigating the drought and in increasing
the yield.
• Basal application of ZnSO4 at 25 kg/ha and FeSO4 at 50 kg/ha + 12.5t FYM is
desirable wherever zinc and iron deficiency were noted (or) apply TNAU
Rainfed rice MN mixture @12.5 kg/ha as EFYM at 1:10 ratio incubated for 30
days at friable moisture.
• Need based foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citiric acid at
tillering and PI stages
• Foliar spray of 1% urea + 2% MAP + 1% KCl at PI and 10 days later may be taken
up for enhancing the rice yield if sufficient soil moisture is ensured

38
5.8. Weed management
• First weeding should be done between 15 and 21 days after germination.
• Second weeding may be done 30 - 45 days after first weeding.
• Apply pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha on 5 days after sowing followed by one hand
weeding on 30 to 35 days after sowing.
• Application of [email protected] l/ha on 5 DAS and two machine weeding
(Power weeder) on 30 and 45 DAS, if sowing is done by using Happy seeder.

5.9. Other special cultural practices

• Foliar spray of Cycocel 1000 ppm (1 ml of commercial product in one lit. of
water) under water deficit situations to mitigate ill-effects.
• Foliar spray of Kaolin 3% or KCl 1% to overcome moisture stress at different
physiological stages of rice.
• For delayed water release in LBP area, irrigating rice to 5cm depth three days
after disappearance of pounded water and growing ADT 38 rice can be resorted
to if the release of water is delayed up to September.
• First top dressing should be applied immediately after the receipt of sufficient
rain or canal water.
• 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.

5.10. Water management

• As that of irrigated rice when canal water is used for irrigation
• Possibility of subsequent conversion to deep water situation as seen in this
tract, specfic variety should be chosen.

5.11. Insect management: See Crop Protection Chapter

5.12. Disease management: See Crop Protection Chapter

5.13. Harvest
5.13.1. As that of transplanted rice. This area is more suitable to combine harvester.

5.14. DEEP WATER RICE

5.14.1. Cultivation is like the methods described in this section except the harvest.
Harvest may some times restricted only to panicle because of the standing water
even after maturity.

DRY SEEDED UPLAND RICE

Establishment
5.14.2. As that of section 3 to 5.

39
Area
5.14.3. There are small batches in and around Dharmapuri district. Rainfall availability in
these tract is better than the rainfed rice cultivated in other parts of Tamil Nadu.
There is no bund to stagnate the water. Moisture availability is there but crop
growth depends on the nutrient status.

Other Cultural practices

5.14.4. As recommended to semi-dry rice (sec. 4)
5.14.5. Nutrient may be split applied depending upon the growth.
5.14.6. LCC based N application is more suitable for this tract.
5.14.7. Use of PPFM-Pink Pigmented Facultative Microbes (seed treatment @ 0.2 kg /
5 kg seeds, soil application basal @ 2.0 kg/ha and foliar spray@ 500 ml/ha at PI
& flag leaf stages)for mitigation of terminal drought is recommended.

Intercropping
5.14.8. Blackgram for every four rows of rice.

Grain Yield
5.14.9. Grain yield depends up on the moisture availability and nutrient status.

AEROBIC RICE
5.14.10. Suitable variety PMK (R) 3
5.14.11. Optimum plant population : 50 hills per m2 (20 x 10 cm)
5.14.12. Green manure intercrop in aerobic rice : Daincha intercropping and
incorporation at 25 DAS
5.14.13. Ridges and furrows
5.14.14. Weed management : Pre emergence application of pendimethalin at 0.75 kg/ha
followed by two hand weeding or mechanical weeding on 25 and 45 DAS
5.14.15. PE pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 along with single tyne sweep weeding on 45 DAS
which was comparable with PE along with hand weeding.
5.14.16. Fertilizer dose : 150 : 50 : 50 kg NPK/ha.
5.14.17. N in four splits : 20 % at 15 DAS, 30 % at tillering and PI and 20% at flowering or
Nitrogen management at LCC value of 4
5.14.18. Basal application of ZnSO4 at 25 kg/ha and FeSO4 + 12.5t FYM at 50 kg/ha is
desirable wherever zinc and iron deficiency were noted (or) apply TNAU
Rainfed rice MN mixture @12.5 kg/ha as EFYM at 1:10 ratio incubated for 30
days at friable moisture.
5.14.19. Need based foliar application of 0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid may
be taken up at tillering and PI stages
5.14.20. Irrigation : IW/CPE ratio of 1.0 with 3 cm depth of water – total water
requirement of 650 mm.
5.14.21. Surface drip fertigation: Under aerobic rice conditions, schedule surface drip
irrigation (with the lateral distance of 80 cm) at 125 % Open Pan Evaporation
(PE) for clay soil / 150 % PE for sandy soil along with fertigation of 500 ml / ha
of Azophosmet (composite biofertilizer) as seed treatment (@ 200 g / 10 kg
40
 seeds) and fertigation through drip system @ 500 ml / ha to be given during
panicle initiation and flag leaf stages
5.14.22. Sub-surface drip biogation: Under aerobic rice conditions, schedule sub-surface
drip fertigation (laterals concealed at 10 cm soil depth at a distance of 80 cm)
scheduled at 125 % Open Pan Evaporation (PE) for clay soil / 150 % PE for sandy
soil along with fertigation of Azophosmet as seed treatment @ 200 g 10 kg /
seeds and fertigation @ 500 ml / ha and along with biogation of seaweed
extract @ 500 ml / ha to be given during panicle initiation and flag leaf stages

POST HARVEST TECHNOLOGY OF RICE PROCESSING OF RICE

Parboiling
5.14.23. Parboiling is a hydrothermal treatment followed by drying before milling for the
production of milled parboiled grain. Parboiling of paddy has been known in the
orient for centuries. Nearly 50 per cent of the paddy produced in India at
present is parboiled.
5.14.24. In general, the three major steps in parboiling, i.e. soaking, steaming and drying
and have a great influence on the final characteristics and quality of parboiled
rice.
5.14.25. Parboiling is the latest premilling treatment which improves the quality of rice.
The traditional parboiling process in India is carried out in different ways.
Paddy
Cleaning
Soaking in water (8 h)
Draining
Steaming (20 minutes)
Aerating (3h) and heaping (3h)
Tempering (1h)
Sun drying (2-4 h)
Dried paddy (14% moisture)

Improved parboiling method of CFTRI, Mysore, India (Batch)

Paddy
Cleaning
Soaking in hot water for 3 h (70 0 C)
Draining the water
Steaming
Shade drying (2-4 h)
Dried paddy (15 % moisture)

MILLING OF PADDY

Milling of dried paddy (raw and parboiled) Destoner (remove dust, dirt,
chaff and stones)
Sheller
41
 Husk Brown rice and unshelled paddy (aspirated through fan box)
Huller (primary polishing)
Bran Polished rice
Cone polishing
Bran Head rice
Packaging
PROCESSED PRODUCTS

Parched rice *
It is prepared by throwing rice in sand heated to a high temperature in an iron or
mud pan. On stirring, rice begins to crackle and swell. Then the content of the pan are
removed and sieved to separate the parched rice from sand. Parboiled rice is used for
making grayish to brilliant white colour parched rice and sold either salted or unsalted.
It is eaten as such or mixed with butter milk or milk.

Expanded cereals Expanded rice (Pori) *

5.14.26. Expanded rice (murmura, pori, muri) is a traditional convenience food widely
consumed in India either as such or with Jaggery, roasted Bengal gram and
shredded vegetables and spices. The product is mostly produced in home or
cottage sector by skilled artisans.
5.14.27. In the traditional process, the paddy is soaked in water preferably over night
until saturation, drained and then either steamed or dry roasted in sand for
parboiling. The parboiled paddy is milled, salted and again roasted in sand for
expansion.

Flow chart
Paddy
↓
Soaking in water (30% m.c)
↓
Parboiled rice (14% m.c)
↓
Milling (15% m.c)
↓
Dry heat parboiled rice in pans (110oC)
↓
Salting (Sodium chloride 10g/100ml water per kg of rice)
↓
Roasting in hot sand (250oC)
↓
Expanded rice (0.5% m.c)

Puffing / Popping * Puffed rice : (using rice)

This popular ready-to-eat snack product is obtained by puffing milled parboiled rice.
In the traditional process rice is gently heated on the furnace without sand to reduce the
42
moisture content slightly. It is then mixed with salt solution and again roasted on furnace
in small batches with sand on a strong fire for a few seconds to produce the expanded rice.
Rice expands about 8 times retaining the grain shape and is highly porous and crisp.

Parched paddy or puffed rice: (using paddy)

Sun dried paddy is filled in mud jars and is moistened with hot water. After 2-3 min.
the water is decanted and the jars are kept in an inverted position for 8-10 hours. Next the
paddy is exposed to the sun for a short time and then parched in hot sand as in the
preparation of parched rice. Puffed rice is prepared by throwing pretreated paddy into
sand heated to a high temperature in an iron pan. During parching the grain swell and burst
into a soft white product. The parched grains are sieved to remove sand and winnowed to
separate the husk.

Puffed rice from parboiled rice

The rice is soaked in salt water to increase the moisture to about 20%. The moist rice is
introduced into a hot vessel at about 250-275oC for 30-40 seconds. The rice puffs suddenly.

Popped rice
This is yet another traditional value added product prepared from raw paddy. The
paddy at a moisture content of 12-14% is directly roasted in iron pans using sand as a
medium at a temperature of 150-200oC. The production of popped rice is comparatively
less and the product is mainly used in religious functions and ceremonies.
Flaking *
Flaked rice is another important value added product prepared from paddy. Traditionally, it
is prepared from soaked paddy, after heat treatment and immediate flattening using a
flaking machine (an edge runner)
Paddy
↓
Soaking (12-18 hours)
↓
Roasting (200 – 2500C for 20-30 sec)
↓
Tempering (5 min)
↓
Flaking (using an edge runner) Flaking machine
↓
Flaked rice
Flaked rice is made from parboiled rice. Paddy is soaked in water for 2 -3 days to soften the
kernel followed by boiling water for a few minutes and the water is drained off. The paddy
is heated in a shallow earthen vessel or sand in iron pan till the husks break open. It is
pounded by a wooden pestle which flattens the kernel and removes the husk. The husk is
separated by winnowing. Flaked rice is thin and papery and of white colour.
Quick cooking rice is made by steeping polished rice in water to a moisture content of 35
per cent, cooking under pressure and drying. Alternatively the rice may be subjected to
freezing, thawing and dehydration.
Derived products
43
Polished rice may be precooked and canned as rice pudding and also used to make dry
breakfast cereals.
RICE AND RICE PRODUCTS

Modernization of rice milling Industry also results in production of quality by-products viz.,
broken rice, husk and rice bran. Technology is now available for the production of value-
added products from these by-products.

Byproducts of Rice Broken rice

The broken rice is widely used in the food preparations and in the industries for making
flour and in the manufacture of baby foods. The starch extracted from broken rice finds
wider application in the pharmaceutical, textile and other industries.

Rice husk
Rice husk that contains about 38% cellulose and 32% lignin and is one of the most abundant
renewable agriculture based fuel materials. The production of rice husk is about 80 million
tonnes per year, equivalent in energy to about 170 million barrels of oil. Paddy husk
contains about 22 per cent ash of which 95 per cent is silica. Because of its high silica
content, it is used as an abrasive. Large quantities of husk are used in India as fuel for
boilers, kilns and household purposes.

Rice bran
Commercially rice bran is the most valuable by-product, which is characterized by its high
fat (15 to 20%) and protein content. It also contains vitamins, minerals and many other
useful chemicals. It is a potential source of edible oil. Because of its nutritional value, it is
being used as feed for poultry and livestock. More stable defatted bran containing higher
percentage of protein, vitamins and minerals is an excellent ingredient for both food and
feed. The bran is the most nutritious byproduct of rice milling and is used almost exclusively
as a feedstuff. It is generally contaminated with husk, which lowers its nutritive value.
Rice bran contains about 12 per cent protein and 15 per cent fat.

Rice bran oil

Bran oil is obtained by the extraction of rice bran with solvents. Bran oil is also obtained in
the solvent extraction milling of rice. The oil contains a high percentage of unsaturated fatty
acids, yet it is quite stable because of the presence of natural antioxidants. When refined,
bleached and deodorized, it is used for salad dressing and as cooking oil. Bran after solvent
extraction has a higher percentage of protein that the original material. With its low fat
content it keeps well.

Importance
Rice bran oil is the oil extracted from the germ and inner husk of rice. Rice bran oil is rich in
vitamin E, γ-oryzanol (an antioxidant that may help prevent heart attacks) and
phytosterols (compounds believed to help lower cholesterol absorption) which may provide
associated health benefits. It has a mild taste and is popular in Asian cuisine because of its
suitability for high- temperature cooking methods such as deep-frying and stir-frying. Rice
bran oil is mostly monounsaturated - a tablespoon contains 7 grams of monounsaturated
44
fat, three of saturated fat and five of polyunsaturated fat.
Rice bran oil also contains components of vitamin E that may benefit health. The unique
components, such as oryzanol or tocotrienol, have been drawing people's attention.
Numerous studies show rice bran oil reduces the harmful cholesterol (LDL) without
reducing good cholesterol (HDL). In those studies, Oryzanol is reported as the key element
responsible for that function. Tocotrienol, on the other hand, is highlighted as the most
precious and powerful vitamin E existing in nature and is said to have an anti-cancer effect,
too. As a Vitamin-E source, rice bran oil is rich not only in alpha Tocopherol but also has
the highest amount of Tocotrienol in liquid form vegetable oils.

Uses
Rice bran oil is ideal oil for margarine and shortening. The flavor gives the good palatability
and the desired prime form crystal provides smooth plasticity and spreading qualities.
When processed to retain high levels of tocols, rice bran oil may be used as a natural
antioxidant source for topically coating a wide range of products such as crackers, nuts, and
similar snacks to extend shelf life.
Rice polishing
Rice polishing is also rich in nutrients. They are not recovered in sizeable quantity in India.
They are mostly used as animal feed.
Uses of defatted bran and bran
Defatted bran can be successfully used as an ingredient in the bakery products such as
bread, cake, biscuits etc. After finer grinding, it can be incorporated into maida flour up to
20 per cent for the preparation of bakery products.
Appendix – I
1. Cereals
Rice (1)
Soil : River alluvium (Noyyal series) FN = 4.39 T – 0.52 SN – 0.80 ON
Season: Kharif FP2O5 = 2.22 T – 3.63 SP–0.98 OP
Target : 7 t ha-1 FK2O = 2.44 T – 0.39 SK– 0.72 OK

NPK (kg ha-1) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t

Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 1
+ PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 18 300 150 67 25* 148 65 25*
220 20 350 140 60 25* 138 58 25*
240 22 400 130 53 25* 128 51 25*
260 24 450 119 45 25* 117 43 25*
280 26 500 109 38 25* 107 36 25*
* Maintenance dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.

45
Rice (2)
Soil : River alluvium (Noyyal series) FN = 4.63 T – 0.56 SN – 0.90 ON
Season: Rabi FP2O5 = 1.98 T – 3.18 SP– 0.99 OP
Target : 7 t ha-1 FK2O = 2.57 T – 0.42 SK – 0.67 OK

NPK (kg ha-1) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t

Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 18 300 159 58 25* 157 56 25*
220 20 350 148 52 25* 146 50 25*
240 22 400 137 46 25* 135 44 25*
260 24 450 126 39 25* 124 37 25*
280 26 500 114 33 25* 112 31 25*
*Maintenance dose
Rice - SRI (3)
Soil : River alluvium (Noyyal series) FN = 4.33 T – 0.53 SN – 0.68 ON
Season: Kharif FP2O5 = 2.08 T – 3.18 SP – 0.70 OP
Target : 8 t ha-1 FK2O = 2.78 T – 0.30 SK – 0.63 OK

NPK (kg ha-1) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t

Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 18 300 187 75** 75** 183 75** 75**
220 20 350 177 75** 75** 173 71 75**
240 22 400 166 73 69 162 64 68
260 24 450 156 67 54 152 58 53
280 26 500 145 61 39 141 52 38
** Maximum dose
Rice - SRI (4)
Soil : River alluvium (Noyyal series) FN = 4.20 T – 0.45 SN – 0.68 ON
Season: Rabi FP2O5 = 2.05 T – 2.65 SP – 0.66 OP
Target : 8 t ha-1 FK2O = 2.85 T – 0.29 SK – 0.59 OK

NPK (kg ha-1) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t

Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 18 300 193 75** 75** 191 75** 75**
220 20 350 184 75** 75** 182 75** 75**
240 22 400 175 75** 75** 173 76 75**
260 24 450 166 75** 65 164 70 66
280 26 500 157 72 50 155 65 51
** Maximum dose
46
Rice - SRI – White Ponni (5)
Soil : River alluvium (Noyyal series) FN = 3.43 T – 0.34 SN – 0.64 ON
Season: Rabi FP2O5 = 1.83 T – 3.24 SP – 0.61 OP
Target : 6 t ha-1 FK2O = 1.98 T – 0.18 SK – 0.37 OK
NPK (kg ha ) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
-1
Initial soil test values
-1 ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha )
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 18 300 85 25* 32 86 25* 35
220 20 350 78 25* 25* 79 25* 26
240 22 400 71 25* 25* 72 25* 25*
260 24 450 64 25* 25* 65 25* 25*
280 26 500 58 25* 25* 59 25* 25*
* Maintenance dose
Rice - SRI (6)
River alluvium
Soil : FN = 3.54T– 0.30 SN – 0.94 ON
(Ambasamudram series)
FP2O5 = 1.37T– 0.41 SP – 0.80 OP
Season: Rabi
FK 2O = 2.61T – 0.64 SK –0.61 OK
Target : 7 t ha-1
NPK (kg ha-1) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SPa SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 20 150 135 65 54 135 60 57
225 30 175 127 61 38 127 56 41
250 40 200 120 57 25* 120 52 25*
275 50 225 112 52 25* 112 47 25*
300 60 250 105 48 25* 105 43 25*
* Maintenance dose; SPa- Bray P
Rice - SRI (7)
Red non calcareous
Soil : FN = 3.49 T - 0.36 SN - 0.74 ON
(Vannapatti series)
FP2O5 = 1.66 T - 2.76 SP - 0.69 OP
Season : Rabi
FK2O = 2.19 T - 0.66 SK - 0.52 OK
Target : 7 t ha-1
NPK (kg ha-1) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1) -1
+ PSB @ 2 kg ha ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 12 100 119 60** 54** 115 51** 57**
220 14 120 112 55** 41** 108 46 44**
240 16 140 105 49** 28** 101 40 31**
260 18 160 98 44 25 94 35 25*
280 20 180 91 38 25 87 29 25*
47
** Maintenance dose
Rice (8)
Soil : Red sandy loam (Irugur series) FN = 5.19 T - 0.89 SN - 0.98 ON
Season : Kharif FP2O5 = 2.27 T - 4.50 SP - 1.09 OP
Target : 7 t ha-1 FK2O = 3.11 T - 0.59 SK - 1.02 OK
-1
NPK (kg ha ) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 160 168 60** 60** 166 60** 60**
180 14 180 150 60** 60** 148 60** 60**
200 16 200 132 60** 60** 130 57 60**
220 18 220 115 55 55 113 48 58
240 20 240 97 46 43 95 39 46
** Maximum dose

Rice (9)
Soil : Red -Sandy loam (Irugur series) FN = 4.88 T - 0.68 SN - 0.72 ON
Season : Rabi FP2O5 = 2.06 T - 2.91 SP - 2.27 OP
-1
Target : 7 t ha FK2O = 2.89 T - 0.47 SK - 0.59 OK
NPK (kg ha ) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
-1
Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 12 200 166 75** 75 164 75** 75**
200 14 220 153 75** 66 151 73 69
220 16 240 139 75** 57 137 68 60
240 18 260 125 69 47 123 62 50
260 20 280 112 63 38 110 56 41
** Maximum dose
Rice (10)
Soil : Black alluvium (Adanur series) FN = 2.80 T - 0.29 SN - 0.89 ON
Season: Rabi FP2O5 = 1.35 T - 1.28 SP - 1.78 OP
-1
Target : 8 t ha FK2O = 2.50 T - 0.42 SK - 1.14 OK
NPK (kg ha ) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
-1
Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 16 240 119 65 66 117 58 69
200 18 260 113 62 58 111 55 61
220 20 280 107 59 49 105 52 52
240 22 300 101 57 41 99 50 44
260 24 320 96 54 33 94 47 36

48
Rice (11)
Soil : Black alluvium (Kalathur series) FN = 5.29 T - 0.75 SN - 0.89 ON
Season: Kharif (Kuruvai) FP2O5 = 1.65 T - 1.76 SP - 0.78 OP
-1
Target : 7t ha FK2O = 2.73 T - 0.37 SK- 0.82 OK
-1
NPK (kg ha ) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
+ PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 18 260 167 61 62 165 54 65
220 20 280 152 57 55 150 50 58
240 22 300 137 54 47 135 47 50
260 24 320 122 50 40 120 43 43
280 26 340 107 47 32 105 40 35

Rice(12)
Soil : Black alluvium (Kalathur series) FN = 5.34 T - 0.67 SN - 0.73 ON
Season: Rabi FP2O5 = 1.90 T - 1.86 SP - 0.70 OP
Target : 7 t ha-1 FK2O = 2.81 T - 0.33 SK - 0.80 OK
NPK (kg ha ) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
-1
Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 18 260 187 75** 75** 185 70 75**
220 20 280 173 73 71 171 66 74
240 22 300 160 69 65 158 62 68
260 24 320 147 65 58 145 58 61
280 26 340 133 62 52 131 55 55
** Maximum dose
Rice (13)
Soil : River alluvium (Manakkarai series) FN = 4.25 T - 0.60 SN - 0.79 ON
Season: Kharif (Kuruvai) FP2O5 = 2.71 T - 4.39 SP - 0.89 OP
Target : 7 t ha-1 FK2O = 3.83 T - 0.60 SK - 0.82 OK
NPK (kg ha ) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
-1
Initial soil test values
-1 ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha )
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 14 240 137 75** 75** 135 75** 75**
200 16 260 125 75** 75** 123 75** 75**
220 18 280 113 75** 67 111 75** 70
240 20 300 101 75** 55 99 72 58
260 22 320 89 70 43 87 63 46
** Maximum dose
49
Rice (14)
Soil : River alluvium (Manakkarai series) FN = 4.47 T - 0.58 SN - 0.79 ON
Season: Rabi (Pishanam) FP2O5 = 2.66 T - 3.68 SP - 0.89 OP
Target : 7 t ha-1 FK2O = 4.08 T - 0.65 SK - 0.82 OK

NPK (kg ha-1) + GM @ 6.25 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t

Initial soil test values
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
(kg ha-1)
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 14 240 156 75** 75** 154 75** 75**
200 16 260 144 75** 75** 142 75** 75**
220 18 280 132 75** 71 130 75** 74
240 20 300 121 75** 58 119 75** 61
260 22 320 109 75** 45 107 75** 48
** Maximum dose

12 Points for SRI

Use of quality certified / hybrid seed Seed rate 2 kg per acre
40 m2 nursery for one acre Raised bed nursery / Tray nursery
14 days old seedling (3-4 leaf stage) Levelling with lazer leveller
Marker for square planting
Square planting with 25 cm x 25 cm Single seedling per hill
Alternate wetting and drying method of irrigation
Cono weeding four times from 10 DAT at an interval of 10-15 days Use of leaf colour chart
(LCC) for N management

CROP PROTECTION

A) Pest management
Nursery
Seed treatment with Imidacloprid 48FS @ 2.5 g/kg seed.
An area of 800 sq.m. (20 cents) nursery is required for planting one ha of main field. Forty
litres of spray fluid is required for spraying the nursery area.

Pests Management strategies

Thrips • Sampling: Wet your palm with water and pass over
Stenchaetothrips biformis the foliage in 12 places at random in the nursery
and count the number of thrips.
• ETYL: If thrips population exceeds 60 numbers in 12
passes or if rolling of half of leaf area of first and
2nd leaves in 10% of seedlings is noticed.
• Spray any one of the following insecticides:
Monocrotophos 36% SL 40 ml

50
 Thiamethoxam 25% WG 4 g

Green leafhopper • Sampling: Take 25 net sweepings in the nursery

Nephotettix nigropictus area. If the population exceeds 60 for 25 sweepings
N. cincticeps or 20/m2 by actual counting,
N. virescens • Maintain 2.5 cm of water in the nursery and
broadcast carbofuran 3% CG 3.5 kg in 20 cents

Caseworm • Mix 250 ml of kerosene with sand and apply to the

Parapoynx stagnalis standing water
• Dislodge the cases by passing a rope and drain
water
• Collect the cases and destroy
• Spray any one of the following insecticides:
Monocrotophos 36% SL 40 ml
Quinalphos 25% EC 80 ml
Army worm • Drain water from the nursery
Spodoptera mauritia • Spray chlorpyriphos 20% EC 80 ml during evening
hours.

ii) Main field

• Remove/destroy stubbles after harvest

• Keep the fields free from weeds
• Trim field bunds
• Provide effective drainage
• Avoid use of excessive ‘N’ fertilizers.
• Avoid close planting, especially in BPH and leaffolder prone areas/seasons
• Leave 30 cm space at every 2.5 m
• Use irrigation water judiciously
• Use light traps (1/ha) to monitor pest incidence
• Use pheromone traps (12/ha) to monitor stem borer and leaffolder incidence
• Remove and destroy egg masses of stem borer
• In BPH prone areas/seasons, avoid use of resurgence causing chemicals like
synthetic pyrethroids and quinalphos
• Use suggested insecticides at recommended doses based on ETL
• Avoid repeated use of same insecticide
• Dose recommended are per ha, unless otherwise specified

Economic threshold level (ETL) for important pests

Pest ETL
Stem borer 2 egg masses/m2 or 10% dead hearts or 2% white ear
Leaffolder 10% leaf damage at vegetative phase and 5% of flag leaf
damage at flowering
51
Gall midge 10% silver shoots
Whorl maggot 25% damaged leaves
Thrips 60 numbers in 12 passes or rolling of the first and second
leaves in 10% of seedlings.
Brown planthopper 1 hopper/ tiller in the absence of predatory spider and 2
hoppers / tiller when spider is present at 1/hill.
Green leafhopper 60/25 net sweeps or 5/hill at vegetative stage or 10/hill at
flowering or 2/hill in tungro endemic area
Earhead bug 5 bugs/100 earheads at flowering and 16 bugs/100 ear
heads from milky stage to grain maturity

Pests Management strategies

Stem borer • Release of the egg parasitoid, Trichogramma
Scirpophaga incertulas japonicum thrice (at weekly interval from 37 DAT) @
1,00,000/ha each release (when moth activity is
noticed)
• Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki @ 1.50 kg/ha
• Spray any one of the following insecticides: (per ha)
Acephate 75 % SP 670-1000 g
Acephate 95 % SG 590 g
Azadirachtin 0.03% 1000 ml
Carbofuran 3% CG 25 kg
Carbosulfan 6% G 16.7 kg
Carbosulfan 25% EC 800-1000 ml
Cartap hydrochloride 50 % SP 1000 g
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 150 ml
Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G 10 kg
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 1250 ml
Fipronil 5% SC 1000-1500 g
Fipronil 80%WG 50- 62.5 kg
Flubendiamide 20% WG 125 g
Flubendiamide 39.35% M/M SC 50 g
Thiacloprid 21.7% SC 500 g
Thiamethoxam 25% WG 100 g

52
Leaffolder • Release Trichogramma chilonis thrice (at weekly
Cnaphalocrocis interval from 30 DAT) @ 1,00,000/ha each (when moth
medinalis activity is noticed)
• Spray Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki 1.50 kg/ha
• Apply Beauveria bassiana 1.15 WP 2.5 kg/ha
• Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha:
Acephate 75 % SP 666-1000 ml
Acephate 95 % SG 590 g
Azadirachtin 0.03% 1000 ml
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 1250 ml
Carbosulfan 6% G 16.7 kg
Cartaphydrochloride 50 % SP 1000 g
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 150 g
Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G 10 kg
Fipronil 80%WG 50-62.5 g
Flubendiamide 20% WG 125-250 g
Flubendiamide 39.35% M/M SC 50 g
Indoxacarb 15.8% EC 200 g
Thiamethoxam 25% WG 100 g
Gall midge • Distribute Platygaster oryzae parasitised galls at 1 per
Orseolia oryzae 10 m2 on 10 days after transplanting (DAT), when
natural parasitisation is noticed in abundance.
• Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha:
Carbosulfan 25% EC 800-1000 ml
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 1250 ml
Fipronil 5% SC 1000-1500 g
Fipronil 0.3% G 16.67 - 25 kg
Quinalphos 5% G 5 kg
Thiamethoxam 25% WG 100 g
Whorl maggot • Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha:
Hydrellia sasakii Cartap hydrochloride 4% G 18.75 – 25 kg
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 1250 ml
Fipronil 5% SC 1000-1500 g
Fipronil 0.3% GR 16.67- 25 kg
Case worm Spray phenthoate 50% EC 1000 ml
Parapoynx stagnalis
Hispa/ spiny beetle • Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha:
Dicladispa armigera Carbofuran 3% CG 25 kg
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 1250 ml
Malathion 5% DP 25 kg

53
 Malathion 50%EC 1150 ml

Grasshopper Dust chlorpyriphos 1.5% DP 25 kg/ha

Thrips • Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha:
Stenchaetothrips Azadirachtin 0.15% W/W 1.5 – 2.5 kg
biformis Thiamethoxam 25% WG 100 g
Brown planthopper • Avoid excessive use of nitrogen
Nilaparvata lugens • Control irrigation by intermittent draining
• Set up light traps during night or yellow pan traps during
day time
• Drain water before use of insecticides
• Direct spray towards the base of the plants.
• Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha:
Acephate 75 % SP 666-1000 g
Acephate 95 % SG 590 g
Acetamiprid 20% SP 50-100 g
Azadirachtin 0.03% 1000 ml
Neem oil 3% 15 lit
Buprofezin 25% SC 800 ml
Carbosulfan 25% EC 800-1000 ml
Clothianidin 50% WG 20-24 g
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 150 g
Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G 10 kg
Chlorpyriphos 1.5% DP 25 kg
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 1250 ml
Dinotefuran 20% SG 150-200g
Fenobucarb 50% EC 500-1500 ml
Fipronil 5% SC 1000-1500 ml
Fipronil 0.3% GR 16.67-25 kg
Imidacloprid 70% WG 30-35 kg
Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 100-125 ml
Pymetrozine 50% WG 300g
White backed • Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha:
planthopper Phosphamidon 40% SL 1000 ml
Sogatella furcifera Azadirachtin 0.03% 1000 ml
Buprofezin 25% SC 800 ml
Carbosulfan 25% EC 800-1000 ml
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 150 g
Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G 10 kg

54
 Fipronil 5% SC 1000-1500 ml
Fipronil 0.3% GR 16.67-25 kg
Imidacloprid 70% WG 30-35 kg
Imidacloprid 17.8% SL 100-125 ml
Green leafhopper • Spray any one of the following insecticides twice, 15
Nephotettix nigropictus and 30 days after transplanting per ha:
N. cincticeps Phosphamidon 40% SL 1000 ml
N. virescens Carbofuran 3% CG 25 kg
Buprofezin 25% SC 800 g
Carbosulfan 25% EC 800-1000 ml
Fipronil 5% SC 1000-1500 g
Fipronil 0.3% G 16.67-25 kg
Imidacloprid 17.8% SL 100 -125 ml
Thiamethoxam 25% WG 100 g
• The vegetation on the bunds should also be sprayed
with the insecticides
• Set up light traps to attract and control the
leafhoppers as well as to monitor the vector
population.
• Destroy/ kill the leafhoppers attracted to light trap
Mealybug • Spray methyl demeton 25% EC 1000 ml/ha
Brevennia rehi
Blue leafhopper/ white • Spray methyl demeton 25% EC 500-1000 ml/ha
leafhopper
Black bug • Spray neem seed kernel extract 5% (25 kg kernel/ha)
Scotinophara lurida
Earhead bug • Dust/ spray any one of the following, the first during
Leptocorisa acuta and flowering and second a week later (per ha):
L. oratorius Quinalphos 1.5% D 25 kg
Malathion 50% EC 500 ml
Neem seed kernel extract 5% (25 kg kernel/ha)
Notchi or Ipomoea or Prosopis leaf extract 10%
KKM 10% D 25 kg
Termite • Apply chopped paddy straw treated with chlorpyriphos
Anacanthotermus 1.5% DP 25 kg/ha
viarum
Mite Spray any one of the following insecticides per ha:
Oligonychus oryzae • Dicofol 18.5% EC 1250 ml
Azadirachtin 0.03% 1000 ml

55
Rat • Poison bait at 1 part zinc phosphide with 49 parts
Rattus rattus rufuscens, popped corn/rice/dry fish or warfarin 0.5% 1 part with
Rattus meltada 19 parts of popped corn/rice/dry fish or bromodialone
0.25 w/w (1:49) at 0.005%. Mix one part of
bromodialone + 49 parts of bait and keep inside the
field.
• Mechanical collection and destruction
• Narrow bund maintenance (45 x 30 cms)
• Setting up of owl perches
• Setting up of Thanjavur bow trap @ 100/ha

IPM module
• Seed treatment with Imidacloprid 48%FS @ 2.5 g/kg
• Pseudomonas fluorescens – Seed treatment (10 g/kg), seedling dip (2.5 kg/ha), main
field application (2.5 kg/ha)
• Pest and disease management in nursery (preferably neem seed kernel extract 5% or
Neem oil 2%)
• Integrated Nutrient Management
• Use of neem cake coated urea (5 : 1)
• Incorporation of green manures / biofertilizers
• ‘N’ management by Leaf Colour Chart (LCC)
• ‘K’ application – basal (50%) + one top dressing (50%)
• Adoption of cultural practices
• Variety selection
• Spacing based on season, variety and location (endemic / hot spot)
• Rogueing space (1’ for every 8’)
• Water management – alternate wetting and drying and submergence of
recommended level during critical periods only
• Release of biocontrol agents (Trichogramma japonicum for stem borer and
Trichogramma chilonis for leaffolder), when the moth activity is noticed
• Set up bird (owl) perches at 40 to 50 /ha
• Application of botanicals especially Neem seed kernel extract 5% and Neem oil 2%
• ETL based insecticide / fungicide application (No synthetic pyrethroids)
• Integrated rodent management
Narrow bund maintenance (45 x 30 cms)
Zinc phosphide baiting (49: 1)
Trapping with Thanjavur bow trap (100 nos./ha)
Baiting with bromodialone

Resurgence
Repeated application of the following insecticides can cause resurgence of insect
pests Avoid spraying of synthetic pyrethroids and the following insecticides

56
 • BPH, Nilaparvata lugens : acephate, carbofuran, chlorpyriphos, deltamethrin,
ethopenprox, fenthion, fenvalerate, methomyl, methylparathion, monocrotophos,
permethrin, perthane, phosalone, quinalphos, thiometon, vamidothion
• GLH, Nephotettix virescens : deltamethrin, phorate
• WBPH, Sogatella furcifera : cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenvalerate
• Leaf folder, Cnaphalocrocis medinalis : Carbofuran

B. Disease Management

I. Disease management in nursery

Dry seed treatment • Treat the seeds with thiram or captan or carboxin or carbendazim
@ 2 g/kg of seeds
• Treat the seeds at least 24 hours prior to soaking for sprouting
• The treated seeds can be stored for 30 days without any loss in
viability

Wet seed • Treat the seeds with carbendazim or tricyclazole @ 2 g/l/kg of

treatment seeds
• Soak the seeds in the solution for 2 hours
• Drain the solution, sprout the seeds and sow in the nursery bed
• This wet seed treatment gives protection to the seedlings up to 40
days from seedling diseases such as blast and this method is
better than dry seed treatment or
• Treat the seeds with talc based formulation of Pseudomonas
fluorescens @ 10g/kg of seed and soak in 1lit of water overnight
• Decant the excess water and allow to sprout the seeds for 24 h
and then sow

CIB Recommendation
• Treat the seeds with carbendazim 25% + mancozeb 50% WS @ 3-
3.5 g/kg of seeds
Seedling dip with • Stagnate water to a depth of 2.5cm over an area of 25m2 in the
Pseudomonas main field
fluorescens • Sprinkle 2.5 kg of the talc based formulation of P. fluorescens and
mix with stagnated water
• The seedlings pulled out from the nursery are to be soaked for 30
min. in the stagnated water and then transplanted
™ Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers
™ Biofertilizers and biocontrol agents can be mixed together for seed soaking
™ Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible

57
II. Disease management in main field
Name of the Recommendations
Disease
Blast : 1. Cultural methods
Pyricularia • Remove collateral weed hosts from bunds and channels
grisea • Use only disease free seedlings
(Magnaporthe • Avoid excess nitrogen
grisea) • Apply N in three split doses (50% as basal, 25% at tillering phase and
25% at panicle initiation stage)
• Use resistant varieties like CO 47, CO 52 and TNAU rice hybrid CO 4
and moderately resistant varieties like CO 50 and CO 51 in endemic
areas

2. Chemical method
• Spray carbendazim 50WP @ 500 g/ha or tricyclozole 75 WP @ 500
g/ha or metominostrobin 20 SC @ 500 ml/ha or Azoxystrobin 25 SC @
500 ml/ha after observing initial infection of the disease

CIB Recommendation
• Spray isoprothiolane 40 % EC @ 750 ml/ha or kasugamycin 3% S.L @
1000 -1500 ml/ha or kasugamycin 5% + copper oxychloride 45% WP
@ 700gm/ha or picoxystrobin 22.52% SC @ 600 ml/ha or
tebuconazole 25% WG @ 750 gm/ha or mancozeb 75 % WP @ 1.5 -
2.0 kg/ha or aureofungin 46.15% SP @ 1% after observing initial
infection of the disease and repeat after 15 days, if required.

3. Biological control
• Treat the seeds with Pseudomonas fluorescens TNAU liquid
formulation @ 10 ml/kg of seeds
• Seedling root dipping with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @
500 ml for one hectare seedlings
• Soil application with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @ 500
ml/ha
• Foliar spray with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @ 5 ml/l

Brown spot: • Spray metominostrobin @ 500 ml/ha after observing initial infection
Drechslera of the disease
oryzae
(Cochliobolus CIB Recommendation
miyabeanus) • Spray propineb 70% WP @ 1500 – 2000 gm/ha or propineb 54.2% +
tricyclazole15 % WP @ 1250 gm/ha or carbendazim 5% GR @ 12.5
kg/ha
r combined infection of blast and brown spot
• Spray propineb 54.2% + tricyclazole 15 % WP @ 1250 gm/ha after
58
 observing initial infection of the disease.
For combined infection of blast, sheath blight and brown spot
• Spray azoxystrobin 16.7 % + tricyclazole 33.3% SC @ 500 ml/ha after
observing initial infection of the disease

Botanicals
Sheath rot: • Spray neem oil 3% or Ipomoea leaf powder extract @ 25 kg/ha or
Sarocladium Prosopis leaf powder extract @ 25 kg/ha. First spray at boot leaf stage
oryzae and second at 15 days later
Chemical method
• Spray carbendazim @ 500 g/ha or metominostrobin @ 500 ml/ha or
hexaconazole 75% WG @ 100 mg/ lit. First spray at the time of
disease appearance and second spray at 15 days later
Biological control
• Treat the seeds with Pseudomonas fluorescens TNAU liquid
formulation @ 10 ml/kg of seeds
• Seedling root dipping with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @
500 ml for one hectare seedlings
• Soil application with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @
500ml/ha
• Foliar spray with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @ 5ml/l
Sheath blight: Cultural method
Rhizoctonia • Apply neem cake @ 150 kg/ha to soil
solani Using botanical
(Thanatephorus • Foliar spray with neem oil 3% @ 15 l/ha starting from disease
cucumeris) appearance
Chemical method
• Spray carbendazim 50 WP @ 500 g/ha or azoxystrobin @ 500 ml/ha
or hexaconazole 75% WG @ 100 mg/l. First spray at the time of
disease appearance and second spray at 15 days later.
CIB Recommendation
• Spray azoxystrobin 11% + tebuconazole 18.3% w/w SC @ 750 ml/ha
or azoxystrobin 7.1% + propiconazole 11.9 % W/W SE @ 500 ml/ha or
flusilazole 40% EC @ 300 ml/ha or iprodione 50 % W.P @ 2.25 kg/ha
or pencycuron 22.9 % SC @ 600-750 ml/ha or propiconazole 25% E.C
@ 500 ml/ha or thifluzamide 24 % SC @ 375 ml/ha or carbendazim 25
% + flusilazole 12.5% SE @ 800-960 ml/ha after observing initial
infection of the disease
For combined infection of blast and sheath blight
• Spray hexaconazole 4% + carbendazim 16% SC @ 750 gm/ha or
hexaconazole 5% EC @ 1000 ml/ha or iprodione 25% + carbendazim
25% WP@ 500 gm/ha or carpropamid 27.8% SC @ 100 ml/ha or
iprobenphos 48 % EC @ 200 ml/ha or kresoxim-methyl 44.3% SC @
500 gm/ha or tebuconazole 25.9% E.C. @ 750 ml/ha or tricyclazole
45% + hexaconazole 10% WG @ 500 gm/ha or carbendazim 1.92% +
mancozeb 10.08% GR @ 12.5 kg/ha after observing initial infection of
59
 the disease. Repeat the applications as per severity of diseases.
Broadcast the granules under standing water condition
Biological control
• Treat the seeds with Pseudomonas fluorescens TNAU liquid
formulation @ 10 ml/kg of seeds
• Seedling root dipping with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @
500 ml for one hectare seedlings
• Soil application with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @ 500
ml/ha
• Foliar spray with P. fluorescens TNAU liquid formulation @ 5 ml/l
Rice grain • Spray carbendazim + thiram + mancozeb (1:1:1) @ 0.2% at 50%
discoloration: flowering stage
Helminthosporiu
m oryzae, CIB Recommendation
Alternaria tenuis, • Spray tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% WG @ 200 gm/ha at
Fusarium 50% flowering stage
Moniliforme, For combined infection of sheath blight, leaf blast and neck blast and
Sarocladium grain discolouration
oryzae • Spray tebuconazole 50% + trifloxystrobin 25% @ 200 gm/ha For
combined infection of blast, brown spot and grain discolouration,
spray tricyclazole 18% + mancozeb 62% WP @ 1000 – 1250 g/ha
Bacterial leaf • Spray 20% fresh cow dung extract twice (starting from initial
blight: appearance of the disease and another at fortnightly interval) or spray
Xanthomonas twice copper hydroxide 77 WP @1.25 kg/ha 30 and 45 days after
oryzae pv. planting or spray streptomycin sulphate + tetracycline combination @
oryzae 300 g + copper oxychloride @ 1.25 kg/ha. If necessary repeat 15 days
and later
Bacterial leaf • Application of bleaching powder @ 5 kg/ha in the irrigation water is
streak: recommended at the kresek stage
Xanthomonas • Spray neem oil 60 EC @ 3% or NSKE @ 5% for the control of sheath
oryzae pv. rot, sheath blight, grain discolouration and bacterial blight
oryzicola
False smut: • Two sprays with propiconazole 25 EC @ 500 ml/ha or copper
Ustiloginoidea hydroxide 77 WP @ 1.25 kg/ha at boot leaf and 50% flowering stages
virens CIB Recommendation
Two sprays with copper hydroxide 77 WP @ 2.0 kg/ha at boot leaf and
50% flowering stages
Rice tungro Physical methods
disease: • Set up light traps to attract and control the leaf hopper vectors as
Rice tungro well as to monitor the population.
Bacilliform virus • In the early morning, the population of leafhopper alighting near the
and light trap should be killed by spraying / dusting the insecticides. This
Rice tungro should be practiced every day
Spherical virus Chemical method
(Vectors: • Spray phosphamidon 40% SL 1000 ml/ha or carbofuran 3% CG 25
Nephotettix kg/ha or buprofezin 25% SC 800 g/ha or carbosulfan 25% EC 800-
60
virescens 1000 ml/ha or fipronil 5% SC 1000-1500 g/ha or fipronil 0.3% G
N. nigropictus 16.67-25 kg/ha or imidacloprid 17.8% SL 100 -125 ml/ha or
N. parvus thiamethoxam 25% WG 100 g/ha twice at 15 and 30 days after
N. malayanus transplanting
Recilia dorsalis) • The vegetation on the bunds should also be sprayed with the
insecticides
Cultural method
Rice Orange • Plough the stubbles as soon as the crop is harvested to prevent the
leaf: survival of orange leaf pathogen during offseason
Candidatus Chemical method
Phytoplasma • Spray phosphamidon 40% SL 1000 ml/ha or carbofuran 3% CG 25
(Vector: kg/ha or buprofezin 25% SC 800 g/ha or carbosulfan 25% EC 800-1000
Nephotettix ml/ha or fipronil 5% SC 1000-1500 g/ha or fipronil 0.3% G 16.67-25
virescens, kg/ha or imidacloprid 17.8% SL 100 -125 ml/ha or thiamethoxam 25%
N. nigropictus) WG 100 g/ha twice at 15 and 30 days after transplanting
• The vegetation on the bunds should also be sprayed with the
insecticides
C) Nematode management
™ Application of carbofuran 3G @ 1 kg a.i./ha both in nursery and in main field at
45days after planting reduces of rice root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne graminicola.

RICE - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety, if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production, a distance of 3 m all around the field from the
same and other varieties of the crop.

Pre-sowing seed management

• In dormant cultivars, break the dormancy by soaking the seeds in equal volume of
0.1 N conc. HNO3 or 0.5 % KNO3 for 12 - 16 h.
• Upgrade the seeds adapting specific gravity grading with salt solution prepared by
dissolving 1.5 kg of common salt in 10 lit of water. Remove the floaters and sinkers
should be used for sowing after repeated washing with water.
• Harden the seeds for rainfed or direct sowing by soaking in equal volume of
1% KCl solution for 16 h and dry back the seeds to original moisture content.
• Soak the seed in 4% Pseudomonas fluorescens for 12 h at the ratio of 1 : 1 and dry
back the seeds to original seed moisture content under shade.
• Soak the seeds in equal volume of 80 µM concentration of sodium nitroprusside for
16 hrs to raise the nursery in saline / sodic soils.

61
Method of planting
• SRI method can be adapted.

Recommendation for planting under saline soil condition

• Incorporation of green manure like daincha in soil.
• Shallow planting at 3 - 4 seedlings / hill.
• Basal application of gypsum @ 500 kg / ha.
• Foliar spray with 0.5 % FeSO4 and ZnSO4 at tillering stage.

Recommendation for Zinc deficient soils

• Apply ZnSO4 @ 25 kg / ha.

Fertilizer recommendation for different duration varieties

• Short duration : NPK @ 120:40:40 kg / ha
• Medium duration : NPK @ 150:50:60 kg / ha
• Long duration : NPK @ 150:50:80 kg / ha

Roguing space
• Leave a roguing space of 30 cm for every 150 cm.

Foliar application
• Foliar spray of 2 % DAP at boot leaf stage and at 5 - 10% flowering.

Harvesting
• When 90 % of the panicle are in golden yellow colour with the moisture content of
20% for short and medium duration varieties and 17% moisture for long duration
varieties.

Threshing
• Thresh either manually or using mechanical threshers at a seed moisture content of
16 - 17%.

Drying
• Dry the seeds to 12 - 13 % moisture content for short term storage and 8-9 %
moisture for long term storage.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture @ 3 g / kg (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia
amara) leaf powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1) as eco-friendly treatment.
• Seeds of poor storable paddy varieties (ADT 38, ADT 46) at 10 per cent moisture
content are to be treated with halopolymer @ 4 g / kg + Bavistin @ 2 g / kg +
Imidacloprid @ 1 ml / kg and stored in super grain bag for extending the storability.

62
Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8-9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 12 - 13 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12- 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

RICE - HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES

Land requirement
• Select fertile land with good drainage and irrigation facilities.
• Previous crop should not be different varieties / hybrids of paddy

Isolation
• Space isolation : 100 m
• Time isolation : 25 days (later)
• Barrier isolation : Either a distance of 30 m with vegetative barrier or plastic sheet
with 2 m height.

Staggered sowing
• Male parent should be sown in three to four staggered sowings based on the duration
of parental lines for continuous availability of pollen till the completion of flowering in
the female parent.

Main field management

Spacing
• Between 'A' lines 10 cm; between 'R' lines 30 cm; between A and 'R' line 20 cm :
within rows 15 cm.

Planting design
• Two paired row @ 2 - 3 seedlings / hill.

Fertilizer application
• Apply NPK @ 150 : 60 : 60 kg / ha.
• Apply N and K in 3 split doses during the basal, active tillering and panicle initiation
stages.

Foliar Application
• Foliar spray of 2 % DAP at boot leaf stage and another at 5 - 10 % flowering stage.

Special operations
Foliar spray of GA3 @ 75 g/ha for Panicle exertion
• First foliar spray of 40 g of GA3 at 5-10 % panicle emergence stage followed by 35 g of
GA3 at 24 h after first spray.

63
Note: GA3 should be dissolved in 70 % ethyl alcohol.

Supplementary pollination
• Rope pulling or shaking the pollen parent (R line) with the help of two bamboo
sticks at 30 - 40% of spikelets opening stage is followed as supplementary
pollination technique. This process is repeated for 3 to 4 times during the day time
(10 am to 1 pm) at an interval of 30 min and continued for 7 to 10 days during
flowering period.
Harvesting
• Harvest the male parent (R line) first and remove completely from the field.
• Then harvest the seed parent (A line).

Grading
• For getting better seed quality, size grade the seeds using 1.3 mm x 19 mm oblong
sieve.
• Size graded seeds may be upgraded by density grading using specific gravity
separator. Heavy and medium fractions with 90 - 92% recovery are selected for
seed purpose.

Drying
• Sundry the seeds to reduce the moisture content to 12 - 13 %.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture @ 3 g / kg (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia
amara) leaf powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 as eco-friendly treatment.

64
 2. MILLETS
(i) SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

Optimum
T_MaxoC T_MinoC o Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
C
40 7-8 27 - 35 400 - 600 up to 2300
Tropical crop. It can tolerate drought conditions as well as water logging
condition. Short day plant
CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Sl. Agro ecological Varieties/

Districts Season
No. zones Hybrids
1 North Eastern Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Jan-Feb
Zone Cuddalore, Villupuram, (Thaipattam)
Thiruvallur and Kancheepuram April - May
2 North Western Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri (Chithiraipattam)
Zone and Krishnagiri June-July
3 Western Zone Coimbatore, Erode, Karur, (Adipattam)
Tiruppur, Theni and Dindigul Sep-Oct CO 30
(Puratassipattam)
4 Cauvery Delta Trichy, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Jan-Feb
Zone Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai (Thaipattam)
Perambalur and Ariyalur April - May
(Chithiraipattam)
June-July
(Adipattam)
5 Southern Zone Madurai, Sivagangai, Jan-Feb
Virudhunagar, Ramanathapuram (Thaipattam)
CO 30 and
Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi April - May
K 12
(Chithiraipattam)
Sep-Oct
(Puratassipattam)

II. PARTICULARS OF SORGHUM VARIETIES

PARTICULARS K 12 CO 30
Year of Release 2015 2010
Year of Notification SO.1379(E)/ 27.03.2018 SO.1708(E)/26.07.2012
Parentage Derivative of SPV 772 × S 35-29 Derivative of APK 1 x TNS 291
Duration (Days) 95-100 95-105
Area (Districts) Southern districts of Tamil Nadu All districts
Season (Pattam)
Rainfed Puratasi Adi,Puratasi
Irrigated Chithirai Thai, Chithirai
65
 Grain yield (kg/ha)
Rainfed 3123 2400
Irrigated - 3360
Fodder yield (kg/ha)
Rainfed 11900 7000
Irrigated - 9200
Stalk Juicy Juicy
Plant height (cm) 225-240 220-240

Sheath Colour Reddish purple Tan Green

Midrib White Dull white
Earhead shape Elongated Cylindrical
Compactness Semi Compact Semi Compact
Grain Colour Creamy white White
Tolerant to drought, photo insensitive,
High dry Matter digestibility,
moderately resistant to shoot fly and
Special features tolerance to shoot fly, grain
stem borer, resistant to downy
mould and downy mildew
mildew. Suitable for rainfed situation
CROP MANAGEMENT
I. SELECTION OF SEEDS
Good quality seeds are to be collected from disease and pest-free fields.
Quantity of seed required
Irrigated Transplanted - 7.5 kg/ha; Direct sown - 10 kg/ha Rainfed Direct sown -
15 kg/ha Sorghum under irrigated condition is raised both as a direct sown and
transplanted crop. Transplanted 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 to control, can be effectively and economically controlled in the nursery
itself.
c. Seedlings which show chlorotic and downy mildew symptoms can be eliminated,
thereby incidence of downy mildew in the main field can be minimised.
d. Optimum population can be maintained as only healthy seedlings are used for
transplanting.
e. Seed rate can also be reduced by 2.5 kg/ha.
II. NURSERY PRACTICES
1. NURSERY PREPARATION
For raising seedlings to plant one hectare, select 7.5 cents (300 m2 ) near a water
source where water will not stagnate.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM TO THE NURSERY

i. 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 apply just before last ploughing.

66
3. LAYING THE NURSERY
i. Provide three separate units of size 2 m 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 inter-space and all around to a depth of 15 cm to
form channels and spread the soil removed on the bed and level.

4. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDS
i. Treat the seeds 24 hours prior to sowing with Carbendazim or Captan or Thiram
at 2g/kg of seed.
ii. Carrier based formulation: Treat one hectare of seeds with 1 kg each of
biofertilizers viz., Azsopirillum, Phosphobacteria (or) Azophos, Silicate
solubilizing bacteria (SSB) / Potash bacteria (KRB) and 25 g of powder
formulation of AM fungi using binder (polymer), shade dry for 30 minutes
before sowing.
iii. Liquid formulation: Treat one hectare of seeds with 125 ml of each biofertilizers
viz., Azsopirillum, Phosphobacteria (or) Azophos and Silicate solubilizing
bacteria (SSB) shade dry for 30 minutes before sowing

5. SOWING AND COVERING THE SEEDS

1. Make shallow rills, not deeper than 1 cm on the bed by passing the fingers
vertically over it.
2. Broadcast 7.5 kg of treated seeds evenly on the beds.
3. Cover by leveling the rills by passing the hand lightly over the soil.

6. WATER MANAGEMENT
i. Provide one inlet to each nursery unit.
ii. Allow water to enter through the inlet and cover all the channels till the raised
beds are covered with water and then cut off.
iii. Adjust the frequency of irrigation according to the soil types as follows:
Number of irrigations Red soil Heavy soil
First irrigation Immediately after sowing Immediately after sowing
Second irrigation 3rd day after sowing 4th day after sowing
Third irrigation 7th day after sowing 9th day after sowing
th
Fourth irrigation 12 day after sowing 16th day after sowing

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

MAIN FIELD PREPARATION FOR IRRIGATED CROP

1. PLOUGHING
Plough the field with an iron plough once (or) twice. 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 m
67
 intervals to a depth of 40 cm on both the directions of the field followed by disc
ploughing once and cultivator ploughing twice help to increase the yield of sorghum
and the succeeding crops.

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

2. APPLICATION OF FYM
Spread 12.5 t/ha FYM or any compost along with 2 kg each Azospirillum,
Phosphobacteria or 2 kg of Azophos on the unploughed field and incorporate the
manure in the soil. Apply well decomposed poultry manure @ 5 t/ha to improve the
grain yield as well as physical properties of soils.

3. FORMATION OF RIDGES AND FURROWS

i. Form ridges and furrows of 6 m length and 45 cm apart
ii. Form irrigation channels across the furrows
2 2
iii. Alternatively form beds of sixe 10 m and 20 m depending on the availability of
water.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS Transplanted crop

If soil test recommendations are not available, adopt a blanket recommendation of
90 N, 45 P2 O5 45 K2O kg/ha. Apply N @ 50:25:25 % at 0, 15 and 30 DAS and full
dose of P2 O5 and K2 O basally before planting. Apply 30 kg S basally for sulphur
deficient soils. Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR-
IPNS) recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified
yield targets (ready reckoners are furnished).

Sorghum - Hybrid (1)

Soil : Red sandy loam (Irugur series) FN = 4.86T - 0.53 SN - 0.98 ON
Target : 4.0 - 5.0 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 1.63T - 0.87 SP - 0.90 OP
FK2O = 4.56T - 0.59SK - 0.76 OK

Yield target – 4 t ha-1 Yield target – 5 t ha-1

Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
-1
(kg ha ) ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
+ PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 160 58 23 48 106 39 68**
180 14 180 47 23* 36 96 37 68**
200 16 200 36 23* 24 85 36 68**
220 18 220 26 23* 23* 74 34 58
240 20 240 45* 23* 23* 64 32 46
* Maintenance dose; ** Maximum dose

68
Sorghum -Varieties (2)

Mixed black calcareous

Soil :
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FN = 6.06T-0.81SN-0.53 ON
Target : 4.0- 5.0 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 2.06T-3.14 SP-0.72 OP
FK2O = 5.03T-0.47SK-0.66 OK

Yield target – 4 t ha-1 Yield target – 5 t ha-1

Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 12 300 45* 23* 23* 105 33 71
200 14 340 45* 23* 23* 89 27 52
220 16 380 45* 23* 23* 73 23* 33
240 18 420 45* 23* 23* 57 23* 23*
260 20 460 45* 23* 23* 45* 23* 23*
* Maintenance dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure inkg ha-1.

i. In the case of ridge planted crop, open a furrow 5 cm deep on the side of the
ridge at two thirds the distance from the top of the ridge and place the fertilizer
mixture along the furrow and cover with soil upto 2 cm.
ii. Soil application of Azospirillum at 10 packets (2 kg/ha) and 10 packets
(2000g/ha) of phosphobacteria or 20 packets of Azophos (4000g/ha) after
mixing with 25 kg of FYM + 25 kg of soil may be carried out before
sowing/planting.

Direct sown crop

i. 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 P2 O5, 45 2 5 K2O kg/ha.
ii. Apply N @ 50:25:25 % at 0, 15 and 30 DAS and full dose of P25 O5 and K2 O
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 the fertilizer mixture at the depth of 5 cm along the lines. Cover the lines
upto 2 cm from the top before sowing.
iv. In the case of sorghum raised as a mixed crop with a pulse crop (Blackgram,
Greengram or Cowpea) open furrows 30 cm apart to a depth of 5 cm.
v. Apply fertilizer mixture in two lines in which sorghum is to be raised and cover
upto 2 cm.
vi. Skip the third row in which the pulse crop is to be raised and place fertilizer
mixture in the next two rows and cover upto 2 cm with soil.
69
 vii. Application of bio-fertilizers: When Azospirillum is used apply only 75% of
recommended N for irrigated sorghum.
5. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS Transplanted 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 over the furrows and on top one third of the ridges (or) TNAU
MN mixture @ 12.5 kg ha-1 for irrigated; 7.5 kg for rainfed crop as enriched FYM.
Prepare enriched FYM @ 1:10 ratio of MN Mixture & FYM at friable moisture
and incubate for one month in shade.
ii. If micronutrient mixture is not available, mix 25 kg of zinc sulphate with sand to
make a total quantity of 50 kg and apply on the furrows and on the top one
third of the ridges.
Direct Sown Crop
i. 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.
-1
iii. Basal application of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha (or) 12.5 kg kg Zn SO4 + 12.5 t/ha FYM for
deficient soils.
iv. Basal application of FeSO4 @ 50 kg/ha along with 12.5 t/ha FYM for iron
deficient soils.
v. Foliar spraying of 0.5% ZnSO4, 1.0% FeSO4+0.1% citric acid thrice on 30, 40 and
50 DAS if deciciency observed in plants.

III. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD Spacing: 45 x 15 cm Population: 15/m2

1. TRANSPLANTED CROP
i. Pull out the seedlings when they are 15 to 18 days old.
ii. Prepare slurry with 5 packets of Azospirillum (1000g/ha) and 5 packets
(1000g/ha) of Phosphobacteria or 10 packets of Azophos (2000 g/ha) in 40 lit. of
water and dip 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 and the bottom.
2. DIRECT SOWN CROP
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
sorghum at 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
between seeds 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

70
 alternated with a single row of pulses. The spacing between the row of
sorghum and pulse crop is 30 cm.

Forage cowpea CO 1 can be intercropped in sorghum at two rows of fodder

cowpea in between paired rows of sorghum.

3. WEED MANAGEMENT
i. Apply PE Atrazine @ 0.25 kg/ha on 3-5 DAS followed by 2,4-D @ 1 kg/ha on 20-
25 DAS on the soil surface, using Backpack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with
a flat fan nozzle using 500 litres of water/ha (or) if herbicides are not used, hand
weeding twice on 10-15 DAS and 30-35 DAS.
ii. Apply PE [email protected] kg/ha on 3-5 DAS followed by one hand weeding on
30-35 DAS.
iii. In line sown crop, apply PE Atrazine @ 0.25 kg/ha on 3-5 DAS followed by Twin
Wheel hoe weeder weeding on 30-35 DAS.
iv. In transplanted crop, apply PE Atrazine @ 0.25 kg/ha on 3-5 DAT followed
by 2,4-D @ 1 kg/ha on 20-25 DAT.
v. If pulse crop is to be raised as an intercrop in sorghum do not use Atrazine, spray
PE Pendimethalin @ 0.75 kg/ha on 3-5 DAS

4. THINNING OF THE SEEDLINGS AND GAP FILLING Direct sown crop

Thin the seedlings and gap fill with the seedlings thinned out. Maintain a spacing of
15 cm between plants after the first hand weeding. Thin the pulse crop to a spacing
of 10 cm between plants for all pulse crop except cowpea, for which spacing is
maintained at 20 cm between plants.

5. DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS
Zinc: 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 including the veins may exhibit chlorotic symptoms. Newly formed leaves
exhibit chlorotic symptoms. The entire crop may exhibit bleached appearance,
dry and may die.
Direct sown crop
i. Foliar spraying of 1% FeSO4+0.1% citric acid thrice if deficieny symptom
appeared.
ii. Recommendation given in transplanted crop may be followed.
NOTE:
a. Spray only if micronutrient mixture is not applied.
b. Apply in case of iron deficiency.
c. If soil is calcareous

71
IV. 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 days
Flowering phase 41 to 70 days 34 to 65 days
Maturity phase 71 to 95 days 66 to 95 days

Stages No. of Days of Transplanting / Sowing of

Irrigation Crop
Transplanted Direct Sown
Light Soils
i. Irrigate for germination 1 1st day 1st day
or establishment 2 4th day 4th day

Regulate irrigation 1 15th 15th day

day
during vegetative phase 2 28th 28th day
day
iii. Flowering phase (copious 1 40th 40th day
irrigation) day
2 52nd 52nd day
day
3 .. 64th day
iv. Maturity phase (Control irrigation) 1 65th 76th day
day
2 .. 88th day
v. Stop irrigation thereafter .. ..
Heavy soils
i. Irrigate for germination 1 1st day 1st day
or establishment 2 4th day 4th day
ii. Regulate irrigation 1 17th 17th day
day
during vegetative phase 2 30th 30th day
day
iii. Flowering phase (give 1 40th 45th day
day
copious irrigation) 2 52nd 60th day
day
3 .. 75th
day
iv. Maturity phase (Control irrigation) 1 72nd day 90th
day
v. Stop irrigation thereafter
NOTE : Adjust irrigation schedule according to the weather conditions and depending upon the
receipt of rains. Contingent Plans to be done before 75% of soil moisture is lost from
available water. Foliar Spray of 3% Kaolin (30 g in one litre of water) during period of stress

72
 will mitigate the ill effects.
V. HARVESTING AND PROCESSING
i. Consider the average duration of the crop and observe the crop. When the
crop matures the 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 stalk 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
afterwards separate the earheads and stack the stalk.
vi. Dry the earheads.
vii. Thresh using a mechanical thresher or by drawing a stone roller over the
earheads or by using cattle and dry the produce and store.

RATOON SORGHUM CROP

1. RATOONING TECHNIQUE
i. Harvest the main crop leaving 15 cm stubbles.
ii. Remove the first formed two sprouts from the main crop and allow only the later
formed two sprouts to grow. Allow two tillers per hill.

2. HOEING AND WEEDING

i. Remove the weeds immediately after harvest of the main crop.
th th
ii. Hoe and weed twice on 15 and 30 day after cutting.

3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
i. Apply 100 kg N/ha in two split doses.
th th
ii. Apply the first dose on 15 day after cutting and the second on 45 day after
cutting.
th
iii. Apply 50 kg P2 O5 /ha along with the application of N on 45 day.

4. WATER MANAGEMENT
i. Irrigate immediately after cutting the main crop.
ii. Irrigation should not be delayed for more than 24 hours after cutting.
rd th
iii. Irrigate on 3 or 4 day after cutting.
iv. Subsequently irrigate once in 7 - 10 days.
v. Stop irrigation on 70 - 80 days after ratooning.

5. HARVEST
Harvest the crop when the grains turn yellow.
NOTE: The duration of the ratoon crop is about 15 days less than the main crop.

73
 RAINFED SORGHUM
1. RAINFALL
Average and well distributed rainfall of 250-300 mm is optimum for rainfed
sorghum.

2. DISTRIBUTION
Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi,
Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Tiruchirapalli, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Coimbatore and
Dharmapuri Districts.

3. SEASON
The crop can be grown in South West and North East monsoon seasons
provided the rainfall is evenly distributed.

4. FIELD PREPARATION

i Field has to be prepared well in advance taking advantage of early showers.

FYM application should be done @ 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 m interval, first in one direction and then in the direction perpendicular
to the previous one once in three years. Apply 12.5 t FYM or composted Coir
pith/ha besides chiseling to get an additional yield of about 30% over control.
iii. To conserve the soil moisture sow the seeds in flat beds and form furrows
between crop rows during inter cultivation or during third week after sowing.

5. SEED RATE
15 kg/ha

6. SEED TREATMENT Direct sown crop

Seed 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 original moisture content in shade and are used for sowing. (or)

i) 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 by drying and subsequently pelleting the seeds with Pungam
leaf powder @300 g/kg with gruel.
ii) Halogenise the seeds containing CaOCl, CaCO3 and arappu leaf powder @ 5:4:1
ratio or iodine based (containing 2 mg of Iodine in 3 g of CaCO3) formulation @
3g/kg packed in polylined cloth bag to maintain seed viability for more than 10
month.
iii) Treat the seeds with three packets of azospirillum (600 g) and 3 packets of
phosphobacteria or 6 packets of Azophos (1200 g/ha). In the main field, apply
10 packets of azospirillum 2000g/ha and 10 packets (2000g/ha) of
74
 phosphobacteria or 20 packets of Azophos (4000 g/ha) with phosphobacteria 2
kg with 25 kg FYM + 25 kg soil.
iv) The seed is pelletised with 15 g of Chloropyriphos in 150 ml of gum and shade
dried.

7. SOWING
Sow the seeds well before the onset of monsoon at 5 cm depth (by seed drill or
by country plough).

Pre-monsoon sowing
Sow 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 Sep.)
2. Erode 38th week (III week of Sep.)
3. Sivaganga 40th week (I week of Oct.)
4. Ramanathapuram 40th week (I week of Oct.)
5. Thoothukudi 39-40th week (Last week of Sep. to I week of Oct)
6. Vellore, Tiruvannamalai 37th-38th week (Sep. II week to Sep. 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.

8. SPACING
45 x 15 cm or 45 x 10 cm.

9. FERTILIZER
Apply 12.5 t/ha of Composted Coir pith + NPK at 40:20:0; Apply enriched FYM @
750 kg/ha. The recommended dose of 40 kg N and 20 kg P2 O5 /ha for rainfed sorghum
can be halved if FYM @ 5 t/ha is applied.

10. WEED MANAGEMENT

Keep sorghum field free of weeds from second week after germination till 5th
week. If sufficient moisture is available spray Atrazine 0.25 kg/ha as pre-emergence
application within 3 days after the receipt of the soaking rainfall for sole sorghum and
for sorghum based intercropping system with pulses, use Pendimethalin at 0.75 kg/ha.
Under rainfed sorghum intercropped with cowpea as a pre-plant incorporation
of isoproturan @ 0.5 kg ha-1 gave good control of weed with applied after 1st and 2nd
spell of rainfall pendimethalin 1.0 kg ha-1 will be safer for both the crops.

75
11. CROPPING SYSTEM
• The most profitable and remunerative sorghum based cropping system adopted
is sorghum with cowpea, redgram, lab-lab, blackgram.
• 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 plus 33% population of blackgram/cowpea.
• Intercropping of sunflower CO 1, with the main crop of sorghum CO 26 in 4:2
ratio is recommended under rainfed conditions during North-East monsoon for
black soils of CBE.
• Intercropping of soybean with sorghum in the ratio 4:2 is recommended for
kharif seasons.
• For sorghum - blackgram intercropping system as well as sole cropping,
application of 20 kg N and 20 kg P O /ha through enriched FYM and
treating the seeds with Azospirillum is 25 recommended for Aruppukottai
region.
• For sorghum (CO 25) + Fodder cowpea (CO 1) intercropping system, application
of 20 kg N and 20 kg P O /ha with enriched FYM is recommended for Coimbatore
region 25
• The intercropping system, fodder sorghum (K 7) + Fodder cowpea (CO 5) at 3:2
ratio is found profitable for rainfed Vertisols of Aruppukottai.
• Tamarind and Neem trees upto 3-4 years from date of planting form an ideal
tree component for agroforestry in black cotton soils of Kovilpatti. Sorghum and
blackgram gave higher yield even at 50 per cent of the recommended level of
fertilizer application.

CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest management
• Protect nursery by applying any one of the following insecticides (in 6 litres of water)
on 7th and 14th day of sowing
• Methyl demeton 25EC 12 ml
• Dimethoate 30EC 12 ml
• Plough soon after harvest, remove and destroy the stubbles.
• Treat seeds with chlorpyriphos 20EC or phosalone 35 EC (4 ml/kg) or imidacloprid
48FS or imidacloprid 70WS or thiamethoxam 30FS (10 g/kg) before sowing.
• Avoid repeated application of insecticides which may induce resurgence
• The sowing of sorghum should be completed in as short a time as possible to avoid
continuous flowering which favours grain midge and earhead bug multiplication in
an area.
• Set up light traps till mid night to monitor, attract and kill adults of stem borer, grain
midge and earhead caterpillars.

Economic threshold level (ETL) for important pests

Insect pest ETL
Shoot fly 1 egg/plant in 10% of plants in the first two weeks of sowing or 10 % dead
hearts
Mite 5 mites/cm2 of leaf area
76
Stem borer 10 % damage
Grain midge 5 / earhead
Earhead caterpillar 2 / earhead
Earhead bug 10 / earhead
Shoot fly • Take up early sowing of sorghum immediately after the receipt of
Atherigona soccata South West or North East monsoon to minimise shoot fly incidence
• In case of direct seeding, use increased seed rate up to 12.5 kg/ha and
remove shoot fly damaged seedlings at the time of thinning
• In case of trasnsplanting, transplant only healthy seedlings
• Spray dimethoate 30EC 12 ml for an area of 120 m2 nursery
• Set up fish meal trap @ 12/ha till the crop is 30 days old
• Plough soon after harvest, remove and destroy the stubbles
Apply any one of the following/ha
• Carbofuran 3CG 33.3 kg (at the time of sowing)
• Dimethoate 30EC 500 ml
• Neem seed kernel extract 5%
• Quinalphos 25EC 1500 ml
Mite, Oligonychus Spray quinalphos 25EC 1500 ml/ha
indicus Direct the spray fluid towards the under surface of the leaves
Aphids Spray dimethoate 30EC 500 ml/ha
Rhopalosiphum
maidis Melanaphis
sacchari
Stem borer, Chilo • Sowing lab lab / cowpea as an intercrop to minimize stem borer
partellus, Sesamia damage (Sorghum: Lab lab /cowpea 4:1)
inferens • Apply carbofuran 3CG 17 kg/ha (with sand) to make up a total
quantity of 50 kg/ha and apply in leaf whorls
Grain midge, • Apply any one of the following/ha on 3rd and 18th day after panicle
Contarinia sorgicola emergence
• Dimethoate 30EC 1650ml
• Malathion 50EC 1600 ml
• Malathion 5D 25 kg
• Neem seed kernel extract 5%
• Phosalone 35EC 1150 ml
• Phosalone 4D 25 kg
Earhead bug, Apply any one of the following/ha on 3rd and 18th day after panicle
Calocoris emergence
angustatus • Malathion 50EC 1000 ml
• Malathion 5D 25 kg
• Neem seed kernel extract 5%
• Quinalphos 1.5DP 25 kg
Earhead • Set up sex pheromone traps at 12 nos./ha to attract males of
caterpillar, Helicoverpa armigera from flowering to grain hardening
Helicoverpa • Apply NPV at 1.5 X1012 POB along with crude sugar 2.5 kg +
armigera cotton seed kernel powder 250 g on the earheads twice at 10
days interval (preferably during early morning or evening)
Apply any one of the following/ha on 3rd and 18th day after panicle
emergenc
77
 • Malathion 5D 25 kg
• Phosalone 4D 25 kg
Rice weevil, • Treat seeds with chlorpyriphos 20EC 4 ml/kg
Sitophilus oryzae

Disease Management
Nursery practices
Seed treatment: Treat the seeds 24h prior to sowing with carbendazim or captan or thiram
@ 2 g/kg of seeds or metalaxyl @ 6 g/ kg of seeds.

Name of the Disease Recommendations

Rust: Puccinia purpurea • Spray mancozeb @ 1 kg/ha. Repeat fungicidal

application after 10 days
Ergot or Sugary disease: • Adjust the sowing period to prevent flowering during
Sphacelia sorghi rainy and winter seasons
• Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g/ha or propiconazole @ 500
ml/ha at 5 - 10% flowering and at 50% flowering stages.
Repeat the spray after a week, if necessary
Head Mould: Fungal complex • Spray mancozeb or captan @ 1000 g + aureofungin sol
Fusarium, Curvularia, Alternaria, Aspergillus 100 g/ha in case of intermittent rainfall during earhead
and Phomasp. emergence and repeat, if necessary a week later
Downy Mildew: Peronosclerospora • Rogue out infected plants up to 45 days of sowing
sorghi • Spray metalaxyl + mancozeb @ 500 g or mancozeb @
1000 g/ha after symptom development
CIB recommendation
• Seed treatment with metalaxyl-M 31.8% ES @ 2 ml/kg of
seed or slurry seed treatment with metalaxyl35%WS @ 2
g/ kg seed
Charcoal Rot: Macrophomina • Treat the seeds with Pseudomonas fluorescens @10 g/kg
phaseolina or Trichoderma viride @ 4 g/kg of seed
Grain smut : Sphacelotheca sorghi CIB recommendation
• Treat the seeds with sulphur 80% WP @ 3-4 g/kg seed
SORGHUM - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety, if it is
certified as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 100 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.
• The distance may be extended to 400 m for the presence of Johnson grass.

Season
• June - July and October - November.

78
Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Soak the seeds in KH2PO4 2 % for 16 h at of 1:0.6 ratio and dry back the seeds to
original seed moisture content (8 - 9 %) under shade. This can be adopted both for
the garden and dry land ecosystem.
• Soak the seed in 4% Pseudomonas fluorescens for 12 h at 1 : 1 ratio and dry back the
seeds to original seed moisture content under shade.

Fertilizer requirement
• As basal application NPK @ 100 : 50 : 50 kg / ha.

Spacing
• 45 x 10 cm.

Pre-harvest sanitation spray

• Spray 2 % carbendazim at ten days before harvest against black mould.

Harvesting
• Seeds attain physiological maturity 40 - 45 days after 50 % flowering.
• Harvest the earheads as once over harvest, when the seeds have attained the
characteristic yellow colour.

Threshing
• Thresh the earheads either manually or mechanically at a moisture content of
15 - 18 %.
Seed grading
• Size grade the seeds either with 9 / 64” or depending upon the variety.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture @ 3 g / kg (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia
amara) leaf powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8-9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 10 - 12 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12- 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

SORGHUM - HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Fertile land with good drainage and irrigation facility.

79
 • Field should not have volunteer plants. Hence, the previous crop should not be the
same or different variety / hybrid of sorghum.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 200 m all around the field
from same and other varieties of sorghum.

Season
• For increased seed set and effective synchronization, sow the crop during October -
November.

Planting ratio
• Sow the female and male parents in the ratio of 4:2 for foundation seed production
and 5:2 for certified seed production

Border rows
• Sow the male parent in four rows around the field for the availability of adequate
pollen.
Fertilizer requirement
• NPK @ 100: 50: 50 kg / ha.
• Apply NPK @ 50:50:50 kg / ha as basal; 25 kg of nitrogen after first weeding and
during boot leaf stage as top dressing.

Foliar Application
• Foliar spray of 0.5% FeSO4 at primordial initiation stage and there after two sprays
at ten days interval to enhance the seed set.

Synchronization techniques (Adopt any one of the following)

• Apply 1 % urea at flower initiation to the delayed parent.
• Withhold one irrigation to the advanced parent.
• Staggering the sowing of male and female parents depending upon the hybrid and
location.
• Foliar spray of cycocel (CCC) @ 300 ppm to delay the flower formation
• Foliar spray of growth retardant, MH @ 500 ppm at 45 DAS to the advanced parent.

Harvesting
• Harvest the male parent (R line) first and remove from field.
• Harvest the hybrid crop when 90 % of seeds in the earhead have attained the
characteristic yellow colour.

Other management practices

The techniques recommended for varieties can be adapted.

80
 (i) CUMBU (Pennisetum glaucum (L) R. Br. )
CLIMATE REQUIREMENT
T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
40 8 - 10 27 - 35 250 - 350 up to 1800
Tropical warm weather crop. Grow in a wide range of ecological conditions and can still
yield well even under unfavourable conditions of drought stress and high temperatures.
Best suited temperature for crop growth is between 27 - 30°C. Short day plant.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
I SEASON AND VARIETIES

Agro ecological Varieties/

Sl.No. Districts Season
zones Hybrids
1 North Eastern Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Jan-Feb (Thaipattam)
Zone Cuddalore, Villupuram, April - May
Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram (Chithiraipattam)
2 North Western Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, June-July
Zone Krishnagiri (Adipattam)
3 Western Zone Coimbatore, Erode, Karur, Sep-Oct
Tiruppur, Theni and Dindigul Puratassipattam)
4 Cauvery Delta Trichy, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Jan-Feb (Thaipattam) CO 10 and
Zone Nagapattinam, Pudukkottai April - May Hybrid
Perambalur and Ariyalur (Chithiraipattam) CO 9
June-July
(Adipattam)
5 Southern Zone Madurai, Sivagangai, Jan-Feb (Thaipattam)
Virudhunagar, April - May
Ramanathapuram (Chithiraipattam)
Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi Sep-Oct
(Puratassipattam)

II. PARTICULARS OF CUMBU HYBRID AND COMPOSITE

PARTICULARS Hybrid CO 9 CO 10
Year of Release 2011 2016
Year of Notification SO.1708(E)/26.07.2012 SO. 2238 (E) /29.06.2016
Parentage ICMA 93111A x PT 6029-30 Composite of five elite
inbred lines
Season-irrigated/ rainfed Both Both
Duration (Days) 75-80 85-90
Grain yield (kg/ha)
Rainfed 2707 2923
Irrigated 3728 3526
Plant height (cm) 160-180 160-180
Tillers (No.) 4-6 4-6
81
Pigmentation - -
Hairiness Absent Absent
Days to 50% bloom 45-50 47-50
Shape of earhead Candle to Cylindrical Spindle
Bristles Absent Absent
Length of earhead (cm) 25-35 25-30
Earhead girth diameter (cm) 3.1-3.6 3.1-3.6
Grain Colour Grey yellow Grey brown
1000 grains weight (gm) 13-14 12-13
Special features Short duration, High Fe content High protein Content
(8mg/100g) Resistant to downy (12.07%) and Resistant to
Mildew downy mildew
CROP MANAGEMENT
II NURSERY
1. PREPARATION OF LAND
i. 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 the fine tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM
Apply 750 kg of FYM or compost and incorporate by ploughing. Cover the seeds
with 500 kg of FYM.

3. FORMING RAISED BED

i. 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 one 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 (600g) of the Azospirillum inoculant and 3
packets (600g) of phosphobacteria or 6 packets (1200g) of azophos.

5. TREATMENT OF THE NURSERY BED WITH INSECTICIDES

Apply 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.
82
6. SOWING AND COVERING THE SEEDS
i. 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 / cent) and use increased seed rate
upto 12.5 kg per ha in shootfly endemic area and transplant only healthy
seedlings.
iii. Cover the seeds by smoothening out the rills with hand. Sprinkle 500 kg of FYM
or compost evenly and cover the seeds completely with hands.
NOTE: Do not sow the seeds deep as germination will be affected.

7. IRRIGATION TO THE SEED BED

i. Provide one inlet to each unit so as to allow water in the channels.
ii. Allow water to enter the channel and turn off the water when the raised bed is
completely wet.
iii. Irrigate as per the following schedule.
Light Soil Heavy Soil
st
1 immediately after sowing Immediately after sowing
nd rd
2 on 3 day after sowing On 3rd day after sowing
3rd on 7th day after sowing On 9th day after sowing
4th on 12th day after sowing On 16th day after sowing
th th
5 on 17 day after sowing

8. PROTECTION OF SEEDLINGS IN THE NURSERY FROM PEST ATTACK

If 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. Endosulfan 35 EC 12ml ; Methyl demeton 25 EC 12 ml, Dimethoat 30 EC 12 ml.
Note:
1. The seedlings should not be kept in nursery for more than 18 days. Otherwise the
establishment and yield will be affected adversely.
2. Ensure that cracks should not develop in the nursery. This can be avoided by properly
adjusting the quantity of irrigation water.

I. PREPARATION OF MAIN FIELD

1. FIELD PREPARATION
i. Plough with an iron plough twice and with country plough twice. Bring the soil
into fine tilth.
ii. CHISELING FOR SOILS WITH HARD PAN: Chisel the soils having hard pan
formation at shallow depths with chisel plough at 0.5m interval, first in one
direction then in the direction perpendicular to the previous one, once in three
years.

83
2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOST
Spread 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 @ 10 packets per ha (2000 g) and 10 packets (2000g) of
phosphobacteria (or) 20 packets (4000g) of azophos with 25kg of soil and 25 kg of
FYM.

3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWS/BEDS

i. Form 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.
2 2
ii. If ridge planting is not followed, form beds of the size 10 m or 30 m depending
upon water 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 FERTILIZERS
Apply 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, P2 O5, K2O/ha for all varieties. For hybrids, apply 80 kg N, 40 kg P2O5
and 40 kg K2O per ha. Apply the recommended N in three splits as 25:50:25 per cent
at 0.15 and 30 DAS and full dose of phosphorus and potassium basally. Combined
application of azospirillum and phosphobacteria or azophos along with 75 per cent of
the recommended level of N and P is recommended for rainfed conditions. Apply 30 kg
S basally for S deficient soils.

Method of application: For transplanted crop, open a furrow more than 5 cm deep on
the side of 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.
Place the fertilizer below 5 cm depth and cover upto 2 cm from the top before sowing.
In the case of intercropping with pulses, mark lines more than 5 cm deep 30 cm apart in
the beds. Apply fertilizer only in the rows in which cumbu is to be sown and cover
upto 2 cm. When azospirillum inoculant is used for seeds, seedlings use only 50 kg
N/ha for variety, 60 kg N/ha for hybrid, as soil application in other words, reduce 25%
N of soil test recommendations.

Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified
yieldtargets. (ready reckoners are furnished )

84
Pearl millet- Hybrid
Mixed black calcareous FN = 6.04 T - 0.49 SN - 0.80 ON
Soil :
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FP2O5 = 2.78 T - 1.65 SP - 0.97 OP
Target : 3.0 – 4.0 t ha-1 FK2O = 3.29 T - 0.17 SK - 0.58 OK

Yield target – 3 t ha-1 Yield target – 4 t ha-1

Initial soil test value (kg -1 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @
NPK (kg ha ) + FYM @ 12.5 t
ha-1) 12.5 t ha-1 + Azospirillum
ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
@ 2 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 15 300 40* 25 20* 98 52 53
200 20 325 40* 20* 20* 89 44 48
220 25 350 40* 20* 20* 79 36 44
240 30 375 40* 20* 20* 69 28 40
260 35 400 40* 20* 20* 59 19 36
* Maintenance dose

Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP
and OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.

5. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT MIXTURE

Apply 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/after sowing and cover the seeds. Broadcast the mixture on the surface of seed
line (or) Apply TNAU MN mixture @ 12.5t/ha for irrigated and 7.5 kg/ha for rainfed crops as
enriched FYM (prepare enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN mixture and FYM at friable
moisture and incubate for one month in shade). If micronutrient mixture is not available
apply 25 kg of zinc sulphate per ha. Mix the chemical with enough sand to make 50 kg and
apply as above. For Mn deficiency apply 12.5 kg MnSO4ha-1 basally or foliar spraying of 0.2%
MnSO4 thrice can be followed.

II. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD

1. TRANSPLANTING SEEDLINGS OR SOWING PRE-TREATED SEEDS Transplanted 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 / hybrids.
iii. Plant seedlings on the side of ridge, half way from the bottom. Depth of
planting should be 3 to 5 cm.
iv. Root dipping with bio-fertilizers: Prepare the slurry with 5 packets (1000 g)/ha of
Azospirillum inoculant and 5 packets (1000g/ha) of phosphobacteria or 10
packets of azophos (2000g/ha) in 40 lit. of water and dip the roots of the
seedlings 15 - 30 minutes before planting.
85
Direct sown crop
Soaking 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 / hybrids. If pulse is intercropped,

adopt a spacing of 30 x 15 cm for cumbu and 30 x 10 cm for pulses. One pair row of
cumbu is alternated with a single row of pulse crop.
ii. In the furrows in which fertilizers have been applied, place 5 kg of seed, allowing
them to fall 4 - 5 cm apart (Use higher seed rate of 5 kg to offset mortality). The
optimum population should be 1,45,000 per ha. Use increased seed rate upto 12.5
kg per hectare in shoot fly endemic area and remove the shootfly damaged seedlings
at the time of thinning.
iii. Where pulse seeds are to be sown, drop pulse seeds to fall 5 cm apart and cover.

2. WEED MANAGEMENT Transplanted crop

Spray PE Atrazine 0.25 kg/ha on 3 DAT followed by one hand weeding on 30 - 35
DAT. If herbicide is not used hand weeding twice on 15 DAT and 30 - 35 DAT.

Direct Sown crop

i. Apply the PE Atrazine 0.25 kg/ha on 3 DAS as spray on the soil surface using Back-
pack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat type nozzle using 500 litres of
water/ha.
ii. Apply herbicide when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.
iii. Hand weeding 30 - 35 DAT if pre-emergence herbicide is applied.
iv. If pre-emergence herbicide is not applied hand weeding twice on 15 and 30 DAT.

3. THINNING AND GAP FILLING

In 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 to 10 cm between plants.

4. TOP DRESSING OF FERTILIZERS

i. Top dress the nitrogen at 15 and 30 days after transplanting or direct sowing.
ii. In transplanted crop, open a furrow 5 cm deep with a stick or hoe at the bottom of
the furrow, place the fertilizer and cover.
iii. In the case of direct sown crop apply the fertilizer in band. If intercropped with pulses
apply the fertilizer to cumbu crop only.
iv. After the application of fertilizer, irrigate the crop.

86
 III. WATER MANAGEMENT

Days after transplantation/sowing

STAGES Transplanted Crop Direct Sown Crop
Light Soils
i. Germination 1st day after transplanting 1st day after sowing
4th day 4th day
ii. Vegetative phase 15th Day 17th day
28th day 30th day
th
iii.Flowering phase 40 day 42nd day
52nd day 55th day
65th day 68th day
th
iv.Maturity phase 77 day 79th day
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 8 irrigations 8 irrigations
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Heavy Soils
i. Germination 1st day after planting 1st day after sowing
th
4 day 5th day
ii. Vegetative phase 15th day 15th day
28th day 30th day
nd
iii.Flowering phase 42 day 45th day
54th day 57th day
iv.Maturity Phase 66th day 70th day
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Total 7 irrigations 7 irrigations
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
NOTE: This is only a guideline and the irrigation schedule is to be adjusted depending
upon the prevailing weather conditions.

IV. HARVESTING THE CROP

1. SYMPTOMS OF MATURITY
i. Leaves will turn yellow and present a dried appearance.
ii. Grains will be hardened.

2. HARVESTING
i. 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

87
 iv. Cattle thresh.
v. Dry the seeds below 10 per cent and mix 100 kg of grains with 1kg of activated
kaolin to reduce the rice weevil and rice moth incidence.
2
vi. Spray Malathion 50EC 10 ml/ lit @ 3 lit of spray fluid/100 m over the bags
during storage godowns,
vii. For grain purpose the grain should be dried well below 10% moisture and stored
in gunny bags.

CROP PROTECTION

Protection of seedlings in the nursery from pest attack

If 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;
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. Otherwise
the establishment and yield will be affected adversely.
2. Ensure that cracks should not develop in the nursery. This can be avoided by
properly adjusting the quantity of irrigation water.

A. PEST MANAGEMENT
Pest management strategies

Pest Management strategies

Shoot fly ƒ Use seeds pelleted with insecticides (see sorghum)
Atherigona approximata ƒ Seed treatment with imidacloprid 70 WS 10 g/kg of seeds
ƒ Plough soon after harvest, remove and destroy the
stubbles.
ƒ Set up the TNAU low cost fish meal trap 12/ha till the
crop is 30 days old.
ƒ Spray any one of the following : Methyl demeton 25 EC
500 ml/ha Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ha Neem seed
kernel extract 5%
Ear midge ƒ Apply any one of the following at 50 % flowering :
Geromyia pennisetti Carbaryl 10 D 25 kg/ha
Malathion 5 D 25 kg/ha
Carbaryl 50 WP 750 g/ha or dimethoate 30 EC 600 ml/ha
(500 l of spray fluid/ ha).

88
B. Disease Management
Seed treatment:
• For removal of ergot / sclerotia to prevent primary infection:
Dissolve 1 kg of common salt in 10 litres of water and add the seeds into the salt
solution. Remove the floating ergot and sclerotia affected seeds. Wash the seeds
in fresh water for 2 to 3 times to remove the salt, shade dry the seeds and treat
the seeds with thiram @ 2 g /kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with metalaxyl @ 6 g/kg for the management of downy mildew in
endemic areas
Name of the Disease Recommendations
Sugary or Ergot disease: • Spray carbendazim @ 500 g or mancozeb @1000 g /ha
Claviceps during 5 - 10% flowering and repeat at 50% flowering
fusiformis stage
Rust: Puccinia substriata • Sow during December – May to reduce the level of
incidence
• Spray wettable sulphur@ 2500 g / ha or mancozeb @
1000 g/ha during initiation of disease symptom and
repeat after 10 days, if necessary
Downy Mildew: • Grow downy mildew resistant varieties CO (Cu) 9 and
Sclerospora graminicola TNAU-Cumbu Hybrid-CO 9 and CO 10
• Transplant the seedlings to reduce the disease incidence
• Remove the infected seedlings in both transplanted and
direct sown crop up to 45days
• Spray metalaxyl + mancozeb @ 500 g or mancozeb @
1000 g/ha

Integrated management strategies for major pest and diseases of pearl millet

Treat the seeds with metalaxyl @ 6 g/kg of seed + imidacloprid @ 5 g/kg of seeds + remove
the downy mildew infected plants up to 45 days of sowing + spray mancozeb @ 1000 g/ha +
spray NSKE 5% at 50% flowering to manage downy mildew, rust and shoot fly.

CUMBU (PEARL MILLET) - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety, if it is
certified as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 200 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of pearl millet.

89
Season
• October - December and June - September.

Pre-sowing seed treatment

• Soak the seeds in 2 % KCl for 16 h at 1:1 ratio and dry back the seeds to original
seed moisture content (8 - 9 %) under shade. This can be adapted both for the
garden and dry land ecosystem.

Fertilizer requirement
• Apply NPK @ 100 : 50 : 50 kg / ha.
• Apply NPK @ 50 :50:50 kg / ha as basal and 50 kg N on 30 days after sowing as top
dressing.

Spacing
• 45 x 20 cm.
Foliar spray
• Spray 1 % DAP at peak tillering stage to increase seed filling.

Harvesting
• Seeds attain physiological maturity at 27 - 30 days after 50 % flowering.
• Harvest the earheads when the seed attained the characteristic pale green colour,
as once over harvest at 20 - 25 % moisture content.
• Harvest the crop two times when the tillers number is more.
• Earheads from late-formed tillers (after 7 earheads from first formed tillers) should
not be selected for seed purpose.

Threshing
• Thresh the earheads either manually or mechanically at moisture content of
15 - 20%.

Drying
• Dry the seeds either under sun or using mechanical hot air driers to reduce the
moisture content to 10%.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds with 4 / 64” (or) 5 / 64” round perforated metal sieve for grading.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed (or)
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture @ 3 g / kg (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia
amara) leaf powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1) as eco-friendly treatment.

90
Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 10 - 12 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

CUMBU (PEARL MILLET) - HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Select fertile land with good drainage and irrigation facilities.
• Field should not have volunteer plants. Hence, the previous crop should not be the
same or different variety / hybrid of pearl millet.

Isolation
• All around the field, leave 200 m distance from same and other varieties / hybrids of
pearl millet.

Season
• October - November and June - July.

Spacing
• 45 x 20 cm.

Planting ratio
• Sow the female and male lines in the ratio of 8 : 2 to 12 : 2 depending upon the
hybrids.

Fertilizer requirement
• Apply NPK @ 120:60:60 kg / ha as basal application.

Foliar spray
• Spray 2 % DAP at peak tillering stage for enhanced seed set.

Synchronization techniques
• Stagger the sowing of male and female parents depending upon the hybrid and
location.

Harvesting
• Harvest the male parent (R line) first and remove from the field.
• Harvest the hybrid crop when 90 % seeds on the ear head have attained the
characteristic pale green colour.

91
 (ii) RAGI (Eleusinecoracana)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

Altitude m
T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm
MSL
40 8 - 10 25 - 35 500 - 1000 up to 2100

Tropical and sub tropical. It is a heat loving plant and requires minimum of 8 - 10°C for
germination, 26 - 29°C for the growth. Does not tolerate heavy rainfall and requires a
dry spell during grain ripening. Short day plant.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
SEASONS AND VARIETIES
Sl. Agro ecological Districts Season Varieties
No. zones
1 North Eastern Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Dec-Jan (Marghazipattam)
Zone Cuddalore, Villupuram, April-May (Chithiraipattam) CO (Ra) 14
Thiruvallur and June-July (Adipattam) CO 15
Kancheepuram
2 North Salem, Namakkal, Dec-Jan (Marghazipattam) CO (Ra) 14
Western Zone Dharmapuri and Krishnagiri April-May (Chithiraipattam) CO 15
June-July (Adipattam) Paiyur 2
3 Western Zone Coimbatore, Erode, Karur, Dec-Jan (Marghazipattam)
Tiruppur and Dindigul April-May (Chithiraipattam)
June-July (Adipattam)
CO (Ra) 14
4 Cauvery Delta Trichy, Thanjavur, Dec-Jan (Marghazipattam)
CO 15
Zone Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, April-May (Chithiraipattam)
Pudukkottai, Perambalur June-July (Adipattam)
and Ariyalur
5 Southern Madurai and Theni Dec-Jan (Marghazipattam)
Zone April-May (Chithiraipattam)
Sep-Oct (Puratassipattam)
Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Sep-Oct
CO (Ra) 14
Ramanathapuram, (Puratassipattam)
CO 15
Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi
6 Hilly and High Ooty Dec-Jan (Marghazipattam)
Altitude Zone June-July (Adipattam)
Sep-Oct (Puratassipattam)

I. PARTICULARS OF RAGI VARIETIES

PARTICULARS Paiyur 2 CO (Ra) 14 CO 15
Year of Release 2008 2013 2015
Year of Notification SO.2187(E)/27.08.2009 SO.1177(E)/25.08.2005 SO.2805(E)/25.08.2017
Parentage VL 145 x Selection 10 Malawi 1305 x CO 13 CO 11 x PR 202
Duration (days) 115 105-110 120 – 125

92
 Rainfed/ Irrigated Rainfed Both Both
Grain yield (kg/ha)

Irrigated -- 2892 3461

Rainfed 2527 2794 2950

Straw yield (kg/ha)
Irrigated -- 8113 6698
Rainfed 4200 8503 5030
Stem Erect Erect Erect
Height (cm) 90 115-120 95-100
Tillers 3-4 8-9 5-7
Days to 50% 81 72 84-88
flowering
Ear size and shape Incurved Top curved Large, Compact
fingers top curved
Fingers 7-8 9-12 8-11
Ear length (cm) 7.0 10-12 9-12
Grain colour Brown Brown Copper brown
1000 grain wt (g) 2.9 3.1 3.2

CROP MANAGEMENT
I. PREPARATION OF NURSERY (IRRIGATED TRANSPLANTED CROP)
1. PREPARATION OF LAND
2
i.For raising seedlings to plant one ha of main field, select 12.5 cents (500 m ) 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 mixture evenly 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 BED

i. 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
channels and spread the soil removed from the channels on the bed and level.

3. PRE-TREATMENT OF THE SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDES

i. Seed treatment with Azospirillum may be done @ 3 packets/ha (600 g/ha) and
3 packets (600 g/ha) of Phosphobacteria or 6 packets of Azophos (1200 g/ha).
ii. 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.

4. SOWING AND COVERING THE SEEDS

i. Make shallow rills not deeper than one cm on the beds by passing the fingers
vertically over them.

93
 ii. Broadcast 5 kg of treated hand seeds evenly on the beds.
iii. Cover the seeds by the hand lightly over the soil.
iv. Sprinkle 500 kg of powdered FYM over the beds evenly to cover the seeds which
are exposed and compact the surface lightly.
NOTE: Do not sow the seeds deep as germination will be adversely affected.

5. WATER MANAGEMENT
i. Provide one inlet to each nursery unit.
ii. Allow water to enter so as to cover all the channels around the bed. Allow the
water in the channel to raise till the raised beds are fully 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 sowing
2nd 3rd day after sowing 4th day after sowing
3rd 7th day after sowing 9th day after sowing
4th 12th day after sowing 16th day after sowing
5th 17th day after sowing

NOTE:
1. One irrigation is given on the 3rd day in the case of red soil to soften the hard crust
formed 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
of
irrigation water.

6. PULLING OUT THE SEEDLINGS FOR PLANTING

Pull out seedlings on the 17th to 20th day of sowing for planting.

II. PREPARATION OF MAIN FIELD

1. PLOUGHING THE FIELD

Plough twice with mould board plough or thrice with wooden plough till a good
tilth is obtained.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOST

Spread 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.

94
3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
In soils having high intensive cropping system viz., Ragi-Maize-Cowpea, having high soil
available K (310 kg/ha) potassium need not be applied.
• If soil test recommendation is not available, adopt a blanket recommendation of 60
kg N, 30 kg P2 O5 and 30 kg K2O per ha.
• Apply half the dose of N and full dose of P2O5 basally before sowing and the
remaining 50% in two equal splits at 25-30 and 40-45 days after sowing is
recommended.
• Broadcast the fertilizer mixture over the field before the last ploughing and
incorporate into the soil by working a country plough.
Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield targets.
(ready reckoners are furnished )
Ragi (1)
Mixed black calcareous FN = 4.35T-0.37 SN-0.98 ON
Soil :
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FP2O5 = 1.18T-1.03 SP-0.80 OP
Target : 3.5 - 4.0 t ha-1 FK2O = 2.68T-0.14SK-0.40 OK
Yield target – 3.5 t ha-1 Yield target – 4.0t ha-1
Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
ha-1) ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha- ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1
1
+ PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 12 300 34 15* 15* 55 15* 25
200 14 340 30* 15* 15* 48 15* 20
220 16 380 30* 15* 15* 41 15* 15*
240 18 420 30* 15* 15* 33 15* 15*
260 20 460 30* 15* 15* 30* 15* 15*
* Maintenance dose
Ragi (2)
Soil : Red sandy loam (Somayanur series) FN =4.94T-0.55 SN
Target : 3.5 – 4.0t ha-1 FP2O5=1.36T-0.96 SP
FK2O=4.20T-0.46 SK
Yield target – 3.5 t ha-1 Yield target – 4.0 t ha-1
Initial soil test value (kg ha- NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
1
) ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha- ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
1
+ PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 160 33 15* 33 58 15* 54
180 14 180 30* 15* 24 47 15* 45
200 16 200 30* 15* 15* 36 15* 36
220 18 220 30* 15* 15* 30* 15* 27
240 20 240 30* 15* 15* 30* 15* 18
* Maintenance dose
95
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.

Apply 10 packets/ha (2000 g) of Azospirillum and 10 packets (2000 g/ha) of Phosphorous

solubilizing bacteria or 20 packets of Azophos (4000 g/ha) after mixing with 25 kg of soil
and 25 kg FYM before transplanting. Apply TNAU MN mixture @12.5 kg/ha for irrigated and
7.5 kg/ha for rainfed crops as enriched FYM (prepare enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN
mixture and FYM at friable moisture and incubate for one month in shade.

4. FORMING BEDS AND CHANNELS

2 2
i. Form beds of size 10 m to 20 m according to topography of the field.
ii. Provide suitable irrigation channels.

5. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS
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/ha (or) Apply the mixture evenly
on the beds. (or) For alleviating Zn deficiency in plants, spray 0.5% ZnSO4 on 30, 40 and 50
days after sowing. For specific micronutrient deficiencies, apply 25 kg ZnSO4, 10 kg CuSO4
and 50 kg FeSO4 + 12.5 t FYM /ha can be followed.

III. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD

1. TRANSPLANTING THE SEEDLINGS
i. 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 30x10 cm for planting.
vi. Adopt 22.5 x 10 cm spacing for direct sowing.
vii. Root dipping with Azospirillum: Prepare slurry with 5 packets (1000 g/ha) of
Azospirillum and 5 packets (1000g/ha) of Phosphobacteria or 10 packets of
Azophos (2000 g/ha) in 40 litres of water and dip the root portion of the
seedlings in the solution for 15-30 minutes and transplant.

2. WEED MANAGEMENT
i. Apply PE Oxyfluorfen @ 0.05 kg /ha on 3 DAS using Backpack Knapsack/Rocker
sprayer fitted with flat fan type of nozzle with 500 litre of water/ha followed by
one hand weeding on 20 DAS.
ii. Apply the herbicides when there is sufficient moisture in the soil or irrigate
immediately after application of herbicide.
th th
iii. If pre-emergence herbicide is not applied, hand weed twice on 10 and 20
DAT.
iv. For rainfed direct seeded crop, apply post emergence herbicide; 2,4-DEE or 2,4-D
Na salt at
0.5 kg/ha on 10 DAS depending on the moisture availability.
3. HOEING AND HAND WEEDING
96
 i. 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.

IV. WATER MANAGEMENT

Regulate irrigation according to the following growth phases of the crop

No. of Crop duration days

Stages/ Phase irrigation
80 100 120
s
Vegetative phase (Nursery) 1 to 16 1 to 18 1 to 20
As
Vegetative phase (main field) 1 to18 1 to 20 1 to 22
per
Flowering phase 19 to 40 21 to 55 23 to 69
soil
Maturity phase type Beyond 40 Beyond 55 Beyond 69
days days days
Heavy soils
Establishment 1 1st day 1st day 1st day
(1-7 days) 2 5th day 5th day 5th day
Vegetative phase 1 18th day 20th day 20th day
(8-20 days) 2 31st day 33rd day 30th day
Flowering phase 1 41st day 42nd day 37th day
(21-55 days) 2 51st day 52nd day 44th day
3 -- -- 63rd day
Maturity phase 1 61st day 62nd day 78th day
(56-120 days) 2 -- -- 93rd day
Stop irrigation thereafter
Light soils
Establishment 1 1st day 1st day 1st day
(1 – 7 days) 2 5th day 5th day 5th day
Vegetative phase 1 15th day 16th day 16th day
(8 - 20 days) 2 26th day 28th day 28th day
Flowering phase 1 36th day 36th day 36th day
(21 - 55 days) 2 45th day 45th day 45th day
3 -- 54th day 54th day
th
Maturity phase 1 58 day 69th day 78th day
(56 - 120 days) 2 70th day 85th day 93rd day

NOTE: The irrigation schedule is given only as a general guideline. Regulate irrigation
depending upon the prevailing weather conditions and receipt of rain.

V. HARVESTING
1. DECIDE WHEN TO HARVEST
i. Ragi crop does not mature uniformly and hence the harvest is to be taken up in
97
 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 CROP First harvest

i. Cut all earheads which have turned brown.
ii. Dry, thresh and clean the grains by winnowing.

Second Harvest
i. 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 get cured.
iii. Dry, thresh and clean the grains by winnowing and store the grains in gunnies.
Threshing
Green earheads if harvested will contaminate the seeds with immature seeds and
interfere cleaning, drying and grading. Dry earheads until seed moisture content
reaches 15% and separate manually by threshing with bamboo stick or machine
thresher.

Precleaning and drying

Threshed seeds should be precleaned before sundrying, seeds must be dried to
12% moisture content before grading.

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 problems
i. 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 N level by 25% to minimise yield loss.
2
iv. Apply VAM culture (Glomus fasciculatum) at 100 g/m in the nursery and also
treat with Azospirillum and Phosphobacterium as seed treatment, seedling dip
and field application to reduce the reniform nematode population in ragi.

RAGI : RAINFED
Rainfall
Average and well distributed rainfall of 450-500 mm is optimum for rainfed ragi

98
Season
Finger millet is grown in different seasons in different parts of the country. As a rainfed
crop, it
is normally sown in June- July in Tamil Nadu. It also grown in winter season (rabi) by
planting in September – October in Tamil Nadu and as a summer irrigated crop by planting
January – February.

Tillage
Fall ploughing is advantageous for moisture conservation. In the month of April or May, one
deep ploughing with mould board plough followed by ploughing with wooden plough twice
is necessary. Before sowing secondary tillage with cultivator and multiple tooth hoe to
prepare smooth seed bed is necessary.

Seed rate and planting

A plant population of 4 – 5 lakhs per ha is optimum for getting higher yields and higher or
lower population than the optimum will reduce the yield. Line sowing is ideal and seed drills
giving spacing of 22.5 – 30 cm between rows should be used. Finger millet seeds are very
small (400 seeds/g) and the recommended seed rate is 10 kg/ha. Therefore, even when
seed drill is used thinning within the row leaving a spacing of 7.5 – 10 cm between plants,
must be followed.

Sowing by seed-cum-fertilizer drill is advantageous for line sowing besides efficient

utilization of applied nutrients.

Maintenance of optimum plant population is an important prerequisite for getting higher

yield under rainfed conditions. Poor germination, often, is the result of inadequate moisture
after sowing in low rainfall areas. Under these conditions, the adoption of a simple
technique like seed hardening will not only improve germination and subsequent plant
stand but also impart early seedling vigour and tolerance to drought.

The procedure of seed hardening technique is as follows.

1. Sole seeds in water for 6 hours. Use one litre water for every kg seed for
soaking.
2. Drain the water and keep the seeds in wet cloth bag tightly tied for two days.
3. At this stage, the seeds will show initial signs of germination.
4. Remove seeds from the wet cloth bag and dry them in shade on a dry cloth for
2 days.
5. Use the above hardened seeds for sowing.

99
Manuring and fertilization
Finger millet responds well to fertilizer application especially to N and P. The recommended
doses of fertilizers vary from state to state for rainfed crop. Recommended dose of
40:20:20 kg/ha N:P:K was applied. With judicious application of farmyard manure inorganic
fertilizer efficiency is enhanced. Entire P2O5 and K2O are to be applied at sowing, whereas
nitrogen is to be applied in two or three split doses depending upon moisture availability.
In areas of good rainfall and moisture availability, 50% of recommended nitrogen is to be
applied at sowing and the remaining 50% in two equal splits at 25-30 and 40-45 days after
sowing. In areas of uncertain rainfall, 50% at sowing and the remaining 50% around 35
days after sowing is recommended.
Bio-fertilizers
Treating seeds with Azospirillum brasilense (N fixing bacterium) and Aspergillus awamori (P
solubilizing fungs) @ 25 g/kg seed is beneficial. In case seeds are to be treated with seed
dressing chemicals, treat the seeds first with seed dressing chemicals and then with bio-
fertilizers at the time of sowing.

Procedures for inoculating seeds with biofertilizers

1. Bio-fertilizer culture specific to the crop is to be used @ 25 g per kg of seed.
2. Sticker solution is necessary for effective seed inoculation. This can be
prepared by dissolving 25 g jaggery or sugar in 250 ml water and boiling for 5
minutes. The solution thus prepared is cooled.
3. Smear the seeds well using the required quantity of sticker solution. Then add
culture to the seeds and mix thoroughly so as to get a fine coating of culture on
the seed.
4. The culture-coated seeds is to be dried well in shade to avoid clumping of seeds.
5. Use the inoculated seeds for sowing.

Weed control
i. In line sown crop 2-3 inter-cultivations are necessary. In assured rainfall and
irrigated areas spraying 2,4-D sodium salt @ 0.75 kg.a.i./ha as post-emergent
spray on 20-25 days after sowing effectively controls weeds.
ii. Apply, Isoproturon @ 0.5 a.i/ha as pre-emergence on 3 DAS is also effective in
control of weeds. In broadcast crop two effective hand weedings will minimize
weeds as inter cultivations is not possible.
iii. For direct sown rainfed ragi post-emergence application of 2, 4 D Na salt (or)
EE formulation at 0.5 kg ha-1 applied on 10 days after sowing and at 0.75 kg ha-1
applied on 15 days after sowing will give effective weed control as well as higher
grain yield.
Cropping systems Crop rotation
Rotation with legumes like greengram / blackgram / field bean / soybean / horse gram or
ground nut in southern state will minimize inorganic fertilizer application and also sustain
higher yields.
Intercropping
Finger millet based inter cropping system with pigeon pea at 4:1 ratio is recommended for
rainfed situation to obtain high grain yield

100
CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest Management

Aphids Spray dimethoate 30EC 20 ml per 5 cent nursery

Schizaphis graminum,
Rhopalosiphum maidis
Stem borer Apply carbofuran 3CG 50 kg/ha in leaf whorls
Sesamia inferens
Root aphid Drench dimethoate 30EC 1:1 (with water) in the rhizosphere
Tetraneura of infested and surrounding plants
nigriabdominalis
Ear head bug Calocoris Apply any one of the following/ha on 3rd and 18th day after
angustatus panicle emergence
• Malathion 5D 25 kg
• Neem seed kernel extract 5%
• Malathion 50EC 500 ml/ha (twice at 10% heading
and 9 days after)
B. DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Nursery:
Treat the seeds with thiram or captan @ 4 g or carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or Pseudomonas
fluorescens @ 10 g/kg of seed.
Main field:
Name of the Disease Recommendations
Blast: Pyricularia grisea • Spray carbendazim @ 500 g or iprobenphos(IBP) @ 500 ml/ha
immediately after symptom development and repeat at flowering
stage and 15 days later to manage neck and finger blast
• Spray aureofungin sol 100 ppm (100 mg/l) at 50% ear head
emergence followed by spray with mancozeb 1000 g/ha or
Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 0.2% ten days later
• Two sprays of tricyclazole 75% WP @ 500 g/ha at maximum tillering
and heading stages
Virus diseases • Rogue out the virus infected plants
Mosaic and Mottle streak • Spray methyl demeton 25EC @ 500 ml/ha on noticing symptoms and
repeat twice at 20 days interval, if necessary

RAGI (FINGER MILLET) - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land Requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 3 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the finger millet.

101
Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Soak the seeds in 0.5 % CaCl2 for 6 h at 1:1 ratio and dry back the seeds to original
seed moisture content (8 - 9 %) under shade. This can be adapted both for the garden
and dry land ecosystem.
• Treat the graded seed with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.

Nursery sowing
• In raised bed, sow the seeds not deeper than 1 cm and sprinkle with 200 kg of
powdered FYM. Lightly level and compact the surface of nursery.

Harvesting
• Harvest the crop in 2 harvests.
• First harvest should be taken up when 50 % of seeds in the ear-heads have attained
the characteristic brown colour.
• Second harvest should be taken up a week to ten days after first havest, when all
the remaining earheads turned brown (spikelets are non-shattering).

Threshing
• Dry the earheads until the seed moisture content is reduced to 15 % and seeds are
separated manually by threshing with pliable bamboo stick or machine thresher.
• Pre-clean the threshed seeds before sun drying.
• Dry the seeds to 12 % moisture content before grading.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds either with BSS 10 x 10 or BSS 12 x 12 depending upon the
variety.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 10 to 12 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 to 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

102
 (i) MAIZE (Zea mays L.)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT
T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
40 - 44 6-7 21 - 32 500 - 750 up to 3000
Tropical and sub tropical. Minimum temperature for germination is 6 - 7°C, suitable
temperature for germination and growth is 21 - 23 and 30 - 32°C, respectively. Day
neutral plant.
CROP IMPROVEMENT
SEASON AND VARIETIES

Sl. Agro ecological

Districts Season Hybrids
No. zones
1 North Eastern Vellore, Thiruvannamalai,
Zone Cuddalore, Villupuram,
Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram Jan-Feb (Thaipattam)
April - May Chithiraipattam)
2 North Western Salem, Namakkal,
June-July (Adipattam)
Zone Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri
Sep-Oct (Puratassipattam)
3 Western Zone Coimbatore, Erode, Karur,
Tiruppur, Theni and Dindigul
4 Cauvery Delta Trichy, Thanjavur, Jan-Feb (Thaipattam)
Zone Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam, April - May Chithiraipattam)
Pudukkottai June-July (Adipattam) Hybrid
Perambalur and Ariyalur CO 6
5 Southern Zone Madurai and Virudhunagar Jan-Feb (Thaipattam) and
June-July (Adipattam) COH(M)
Sep-Oct(Puratassipattam) 8
Sivagangai, Sep-Oct(Puratassipattam)
Ramanathapuram,
Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi
6 High rainfall Kanyakumari Jan-Feb (Thaipattam)
zone June-July (Adipattam)
Sep-Oct(Puratassipattam)
7 Hilly and High Ooty Jan-Feb (Thaipattam)
Altitude Zone June-July (Adipattam)
Sep-Oct(Puratassipattam)

103
II. PARTICULARS OF MAIZE HYBRIDS
PARTICULARS CO 6 COH(M) 8
Year of Release 2012 2014

Year of Notification SO.1708(E)/26.07.2012 SO.1919(E)/30.07.2014

Parentage UMI 1200 x UMI 1230 UMI 1201 x UMI1230

Duration (days) 110 85 – 95

Area of adaption All maize growing areas All maize growing areas
Rainfed/Irrigated Both Both
Grain yield (kg/ha)
Irrigated 7600
Rainfed 5500 5500
High shelling (81%) with high test Medium maturity hybrid, grains are
weight (40 g /100 seeds). Multiple bold, orange yellow in colour and
disease resistance to sorghum downy semi dent type. Single cross normal
mildew, Maydis leaf blight, Turcicum corn. Multiple disease resistance viz.
leaf blight, Post flowering stock rot MLB, TLB, RDM, DM and moderately
and Banded leaf and sheath blight. resistant to PFSR and polysora rust
Moderately resistant to stem borer. under artificial Conditions.
Moderately resistant to stem borer
Special features (chilo partellus) and resistant to cyst
nematode (Heterodera zeae).
Stem Colour Green Green
Leaf: Anthocyanin Present Present
Colouration of sheath
Ear: Anthocyanin Present Present
Colouration of silk
Cob size Big Big
Ear: Husk Coverage Fully covered Fully covered
Colour of top of Grains Orange Yellow Orange yellow

Type of kernels Semi dent Semi dent

CROP MANAGEMENT
i. IRRIGATED MAIZE

1. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOST

Spread 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.

2. FIELD PREPARATION
Plough the field with disc plough once followed by cultivator ploughing twice,
after spreading FYM or compost till a fine tilth is obtained.
3. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWS OR BEDS
Form ridges and furrows providing sufficient irrigation channels. The ridges should
104
 be 6 m long and 60 cm apart.
If ridges and furrows are not made, form beds of size 10 m2 or 20 m2 depending on
the availability of water.
Use a bund former or ridge plough to economise cost of production.

4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS

i. Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS) I If
soil test recommendation is not available adopt a blanket recommendation of
135:62.5:50 Kg/NPK ha-1 for varieties and 250:75:75 kg NPK ha-1 for hybrid maize
ii. Apply quarter of the dose of N; full dose of P2O5 and K2O basally before sowing.
iii. In the case of ridge planted crop, open a furrow 6 cm deep on the side of the
ridge, at two thirds 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 cm apart.
vi. Place the fertilizer mixture along the furrows evenly and cover to a depth of 4
cm with soil.
Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield targets.
(ready reckoners are furnished )

Maize - Hybrid (1)

Soil : Red sandy loam (Palaviduthi series) F N = 3.96 T – 0.62 SN – 0.69 ON
Target : 9 – 10 t ha-1 FP2O5= 1.56 T – 1.93 SP – 0.60 OP
FK2O = 1.66 T – 0.27 SK – 0.49 OK
Yield target – 9 t ha-1 Yield target – 10 t ha-1
Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha ) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
-1

(kg ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg

ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 14 200 177 83 65 217 99 82
220 16 220 165 80 60 205 95 77
240 18 240 153 76 55 192 91 71
260 20 260 140 72 49 180 87 66
280 22 280 128 68 44 167 84 60

105
Maize - Hybrid (2)
Mixed black calcareous F N = 4.01 T – 0.76 SN – 0.83 ON
Soil :
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FP2O5= 1.57 T – 2.71 SP – 0.61 OP
Target : 9 – 10 t ha-1 FK2O = 2.09 T – 0.26 SK – 0.65 OK
-1
Yield target – 9 t ha Yield target – 10 t ha-1
Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
-1
(kg ha ) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 14 300 154 73 80 194 89 101
220 16 350 139 68 67 179 84 88
240 18 400 125* 63 54 164 78 75
260 20 450 125* 57 41 148 73 62
280 22 500 125* 52 38* 133 67 49
* Maintenance dose

Maize- Hybrid (3)

Soil : Black calcareous (Pilamedu series) F N = 3.78 T – 0.78 SN – 0.89 ON
Target : 10 – 11t ha-1 FP2O5= 1.47 T – 2.02 SP – 0.91 OP
FK2O = 1.79 T – 0.14 SK – 0.62 OK

Yield target – 10 t ha-1 Yield target – 11 t ha-1

Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 12 400 178 91 91 215 105 109
200 14 450 162 87 84 200 101 102
220 16 500 146 83 77 184 97 95
240 18 550 131 79 70 169 93 88
260 20 600 125* 75 63 153 89 81
*maintenance dose

Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.

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).

106
 Defieciency symptoms

Nitrogen deficiency : Leaves become yellow, older leaves show drying at the tips which
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. Plants become weak and may
fall down.
Magnesium deficiency : Older leaves are the first to become chlorotic at margins and
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. In several cases, unfolding of young leaves, which may be
white or yellow.
Iron deficiency : Interveinal chlorosis. The entire crop may exhibit bleached
appearance.

5. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT
i. 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. (or)
ii. Apply TNAU MN mixture @ 30 kg/ha as enriched FYM (Prepare enriched FYM at
1:10 ratio MN mixture and FYM; mix at friable moisture and incubate for one
month in shade.
-1 -1
iii. Apply zinc sulphate @ 37.5 kg ha for hybrid maize and 25 kg ha for varieties
can be followed in Zn deficient soils.
-1
iv. Apply 50 kg FeSO4 + 12.5 t FYM ha along with 40 kg S as elemental sulphur for
calcareous soils. Apply the mixture over the furrows and two thirds in the top of
ridges, if ridge planting is followed. If bed system of sowing is followed, apply
the micronutrient mixture over the beds.
v. Apply 40 kg S, 10 kg borax and 50 kg FeSO4 + 12.5 t FYM for specific respective
nutrient deficiency in soils.
vi. For zinc and iron deficiencies in plants foliar spraying 0.5% ZnSO4, 1% FeSO4 +
0.1% citric acid thrice on 30, 40 and 50 days after sowing can be followed.

6. SEED RATE
Select good quality seeds and adopt the seed rate of 20 kg/ha for CO 1 and
TNAU Maize Hybrid CO 6 and 25 kg /ha for COBC 1.

7. SPACING
Adopt a spacing of 25 cm between plants in the rows which are 60 cm apart.
Population : For varieties and hybrids 6 – 7 plants / sq. m. and
For baby corn, 8 – 9 plants / sq. m.

107
8. SEED TREATMENT
Step 1: Use pelleted seeds with insecticides (treat one kg of seeds with Chlorpyriphos
20EC or Monocrotophos 36 WSC or Phosalone 35 EC @ 4 ml + 0.5 gram gum in 20 ml of
water) for the control of stem borer or seed treatment with imidacloprid 70 WS 10
g/kg of seeds.
Step 2: Seed treatment with Metalaxyl or Thiram @ 2 g/kg of seed for the control of
downy mildew and crazy top
Step 3: Seeds treated with fungicides may be treated with three packets (600 g/ha) of
Azospirillum before sowing.

9. SOWING
i. Dibble the seeds at a depth of 4 cm along the furrow in which fertilizers are
placed and cover with soil.
ii. Put one seed per hole if the germination is assured otherwise put two seeds per
hole

10. WEED MANAGEMENT

i. Apply Atrazine @ 0.50 – 0.75 kg/ha as pre-emergence on 3-5 DAS using
Backpack/ Knapsack/ Rocker sprayer fitted with a flat fan nozzle using 500 litres
of water/ha followed by one hand weeding on 30-35 DAS. (or)
ii. Apply Atrazine @ 0.50 kg/ha as pre-emergence on 3-5 DAS followed by 2,4-D @
1 kg/ha on 20-25 DAS, using Backpack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with a flat
fan nozzle using 500 litres of water/ha.
iii. In line sown crop, apply PE Atrazine @ 0.50 kg/ha on 3-5 DAS followed by Twin
Wheel hoe weeder weeding on 30-35 DAS.
iv. Apply herbicide when there is sufficient moisture in the soil.
v. Do not disturb the soil after herbicide application.
vi. If pulse crop is to be raised as intercrop, do not use Atrazine. Spray
Pendimethalin @0.75 kg/ha as pre emergence on 3-5 DAS.
11. THINNING AND GAP FILLING
i. If two seeds were sown, leave only one healthy and vigorous seedling per hole
and remove the other on the 12-15 days after sowing.
ii. Where seedlings have not germinated, dibble presoaked seeds at the rate of 2
seeds per hole and immediately irrigate.

12. HOEING, HAND-WEEDING AND EARTHING UP

i. Hoe and hand-weed on the 30th day of sowing.
ii. 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.

13. TOP DRESSING WITH NITROGEN

th
i. Place half of the dose of N on the 25 day of sowing along the furrows evenly
and cover it with soil.
th
ii. Place the remaining quarter of N on the 45 day of sowing

108
14. WATER MANAGEMENT
Maize crop is sensitive to both moisture stress and excessive moisture, hence
regulate irrigation according to the requirement. Ensure optimum moisture
availability during the most critical phase (45 to 65 days after sowing); otherwise
yield will be reduced by a considerable extent.

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

Germination & establishment phase 1 to 14 days
Vegetative phase 15 to 39 days
Flowering phase 40 to 65 days
Maturity phase 66 to 95 days

Heavy soils
Stage No. of Days after sowing
irrigation
Germination & establishment 3 After sowing, Life irrigation -4th,12th day
Vegetative 2 25th, 36th day
Flowering(Irrigate copiously) 2 48th, 60th day
Maturity phase (Control irrigation) 2 72nd, 85th day
Light soils
Germination & establishment 3 After sowing, Life irrigation -4th ,12thday
Vegetative Phase 3 22nd ,32nd & 40th day
Flowering phase (Irrigate copiously) 3 50th ,60th & 72nd day
Maturity phase (Controlled 2 85th , 95th day
irrigation)

DRIP IRRIGATION TO MAIZE

Irrigation once in 2 days
Irrigation based on climatological approach Irrigation volume:
= (Pe x Kp x Kc x A x Wp) – Re

Pe – Pan evaporation rate (mm/day) Kp – Pan co-efficient (0.75 to 0.80)

Kc – Crop co-efficient (0.4 – Vegetative stage; 0.75 – Flowering stage; 1.05 – Grain
formation stage) A – Area (75 x 30 cm)
Wp – Wetted percentage (80% for maize) Re – Effective rainfall (mm)

Irrigation duration Water requirement per plant once in 2 days

= --------------------------------------------------------------
No. of dripper / plant x Discharge rate (lph)

109
DRIP FERTIGATION TECHNOLOGY
Method of planting : paired row planting
(60/90 × 30 cm)
Fertilizer dose = 150:75:75 kg NPK per ha
Drip fertigation with Water soluble fertilizer (WSF)
N Polyfeed 19-19-19
P MAP 12-61-00
K KNO3 13-00-45

Fertigation Device : Ventury assembly (3/4”) with injector pump (0.5 HP)

Fertigation schedule for Hybrid maize with Water Soluble Fertilizers at (75 % RDF)
Fertilizer grade Dose Total Nutrients kg/ha
Duratio
Stage Fertilizer / Qty
n
(days) form N P K ha/ (Kg/ha N P K
(days)
day )
6 to 20 MAP 12 61 0 2.813 56.25 6.75 34.31 0.00
25
20 Urea 46 0 0 0.938 18.75 8.63 0.00 0.00
26-60 35 PolyFee 19 19 19 2.143 75.00 14.25 14.25 14.25
d
35 Multi-K 13 0 45 1.500 52.50 6.83 0.00 23.63
35 Urea 46 0 0 2.143 75.00 34.50 0.00 0.00
61-75 15 PolyFee 19 19 19 2.750 41.25 7.84 7.84 7.84
d
15 Multi-K 13 0 45 1.600 24.00 3.12 0.00 10.80
15 Urea 46 0 0 4.500 67.50 31.05 0.00 0.00
112.96 56.40 56.51

Fertigation schedule for Hybrid maize with Normal Fertilizers (100% RDF)
Stage Duratio Fertilizer Fertilizer grade Dose Total Nutrients kg/ha
(days) n form N P K / Qty N P K
(days) ha/ (Kg/ha
day )
6 to 20 DAP 18 46 0 5.00 100 18.0 46.0 0.0
25
20 Urea 46 0 0 2.50 50 23.0 0.0 0.0
26-60 35 DAP 18 46 0 1.86 65 11.7 29.9 0.0
35 Urea 46 0 0 4.29 150 69.0 0.0 0.0
35 MOP 0 0 60 2.14 75 0.0 0.0 45.0
61-75 15 Urea 46 0 0 4.13 62 28.5 0.0 0.0
15 MOP 0 0 60 3.33 50 0.0 0.0 30.0
150.2 75.9 75.0

110
HARVESTING STAGE OF HARVEST
Observe the following symptoms, taking into consideration the average duration of
the crop.
i. 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.

HARVESTING THE CROP

i. Tear off the cob sheath by using the gunny needle and remove the cobs from
the plant.
ii. Carry out harvest operations at a single stage for easy transportation.

THRESHING THE COBS

i. Dry the cobs under the sun till the grains are dry.
ii. Use mechanical threshers or by running the tractor over dried cobs to separate
the grains from the shank.
iii. Clean the seeds by winnowing
iv. Collect and store the dry grains in gunnies.
STACKING THE STRAW FOR FEEDING CATTLE
i. Maize straw can also be used as a good cattle feed when it is green.
ii. Harvest the crop and cut the green straw into bits with a chaff cutter or chopping
knife and feed the cattle.

I. RAINFED MAIZE
1. FIELD PREPARATION
Chisel the soil having hard pan formation at shallow depths with chisel plough at
0.5 m interval first in one direction and then in the direction perpendicular to the
previous one once in three years. Apply 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost or
composted coir pith besides chiselling, 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
unploughed field 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
recommendation is not available, adopt a blanket recommendation of 60 : 30 :
30 NPK kg/ha for Alfisols and 40 : 20 : 0 NPK kg/ha for Vertisols.
ii. Apply half of N and full dose of P2 O5 and K2 O with enriched FYM as basal
along with Azospirillum (10 packets/ha).
iii. Top dress remaining half of N at tasseling.
Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified
yieldtargets. (ready reckoners are furnished )

111
Rainfed Maize
Soil : Red sandy loam (Irugur series) FN = 3.23 T - 0.42 SN - 0.52 ON
Target : 4 - 5 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 1.51T - 1.98 SP - 0.94 OP
FK2O = 1.73T - 0.21 SK - 0.48 OK

Yield target – 4 t ha-1 Yield target – 5 t ha-1

Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 10 200 30* 16 15* 62 31 20
180 12 220 30* 15* 15* 54 27 15*
200 14 240 30* 15* 15* 46 23 15*
220 16 260 30* 15* 15* 37 19 15*
240 18 280 30* 15* 15* 30* 15* 15*
* Maintenance dose ** Maximum dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the
yield target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and
ON, OP and OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure inkg
ha-1.

Apply TNAU MN mixture @ 7.5 kg /ha as Enriched FYM (Prepare enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio
of MN mixture & FYM ; mix at friable moisture &incubate for one month in shade).

4. SEED RATE
Select good quality seeds. Adopt the seed rate @ 20 kg/ha for hybrids and 25
kg/ha for varieties

5. SPACING
Adopt a spacing of 45 cm between rows and 20 cm between plants in the row.
Population : 10 - 11plants/m2

6. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDS WITH BIOFERTILIZER

Seeds treated with fungicides may be treated with three packets (600 g/ha) of
Azospirillum

7. SOWING
Dibble or drill the seeds at a depth of 4 cm.

8. CROPPING SYSTEMS
i. 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.

112
CROP PHYSIOLOGY
Foliar spray of TNAU Maize Maxim @ 3 kg/acre in 200 litres of water at tassel
initiation and at grain filling stages improves grain filling, grain yield and drought
tolerance.
CROP PROTECTION
A. PEST MANAGEMENT

Shoot fly, • Set up TNAU low cost fish meal trap 12 nos./ha till the crop is
Atherigona orientalis 30 days old
• Apply any one of the following insecticides/ ha
Carbofuran 3CG 33.3 kg
Dimethoate 30EC 1.2 lit
Methyl demeton 25EC 1.0 lit
Monocrotophos 36SL 625 ml
Stem borer, Chilo • Release egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis @ 12 cc/ha
partellus coinciding with egg laying period thrice at weekly interval.
• Conserve larval parasitoid, Cotesia flavipes
• Apply carbofuran 3CG 33.3 kg/ha
• If granular insecticides are not used, spray dimethoate 30EC
660 ml/ha
Aphids • Spray dimethoate 30EC 1.2 lit/ha
Rhopalosiphum maidis
Cob borer Spray azadirachtin 1% (10000 ppm) 1500 ml/ha
Helicoverpa armigera
Thrips Apply carbofuran 3CG 33.3 kg/ha

Fall armyworm (FAW), • Apply neem cake @ 250 kg/ha during last ploughing and
Spodoptera frugiperda treat seeds with thiamethoxam 30 FS or Beauveria bassiana
(invasive pest) @ 10 g/ kg
• Adopt spacing of 60 x 25 cm for irrigated and 45 x 20 cm for
rainfed maize and rogue spacing of 75 cm for every 10 rows
• Raise border crop of cowpea, sunflower or gingelly, and
intercrop with black gram or green gram to attract and
conserve natural enemies
• Raise border crop of Bajra Napier for irrigated maize or grain
sorghum variety for rainfed maize to attract FAW adults on
border crops
• Use solar light trap @ one /ha and sex pheromone traps @
50/ha for mass trapping of adults from 10-15 DAS
Apply any one of the following/ ha
• Early whorl stage (15 – 20 DAS)
• Azadirachtin 1% EC 20 ml/10 l
• Thiodicarb 75 WP 20 g/10 l
• Emamectin benzoate 5 SG 4g/10 l
• Late whorl stages (40-45 DAS)
• Metarhizium anisopliae 80 g/10 l with 1 x 108 cfu/g
• Spinetoram 12 SC 5 ml/10 l
• Novaluron 10 EC 15 ml/10 l
• Tasseling and cob formation stage (60 – 65 DAS)
113
 • Flubendiamide 480 SC 4 ml/10 l
• Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC 4 ml/10 l

B. Disease Management

Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or thiram @ 4 g/kg or
metalaxyl @ 3 g/kg of seed

Name of the Disease Recommendations

Rust: Puccinia sorghi CIB recommendation
• Spray kresoxim-methyl 44.3% SC @ 1 ml/l of water

Downy mildew or Crazy • Sow resistant hybrid TNAU maize hybrid CO-6 and COH (M) 8
top: Peronosclerospora • Rogue out downy mildew infected plants
sorghi • Spray metalaxyl + mancozeb @ 1000 g or mancozeb 1000 g/ha at 20
days after sowing
CIB recommendation
• Treat the seeds with metalaxyl-M 31.8% ES @ 2.4 ml/kg seed or with
metalaxyl 35% WS @ 700gms with a dilution of 0.75 to 1ltr / 100 kg
seeds.
Turcicum leaf blight: • Spray mancozeb or zineb @ 2-4 g/l on appearance of the disease and
Exserohilum turcicum repeat at 10 days interval, if necessary
and Maydis leaf blight: • Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10g/ kg and spray
Helminthosporium maydis propiconazole 25% EC @ 0.1% on 35 and 50 DAS
CIB recommendation
• Spray kresoxim-methyl 44.3% SC @ 1 ml/ l of water
Post Flowering Stalk rot: • Follow crop rotation
Macrophomina phaseolina • Avoid water stress at flowering time to reduce the disease incidence
• Avoid nutrient stress and apply potash @ 80 kg/ha in endemic areas
• Apply P. Fluorescens or T. asperellum @ 2.5 kg / ha with 50 kg of well
decomposed FYM / sand in soil at 30 days after sowing
CIB recommendation for combined infections
• Spray azoxystrobin 18.2% w/w + cyproconazole 7.3% w/w SC @ 1l/ha
to control downy mildew, leaf blights and rust diseases
• Spray azoxystrobin 18.2% w/w + difenoconazole 11.4% w/w SC @ 0.1%
to control leaf blights and downy mildew diseases

114
 MAIZE - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free from volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the
same variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is
certified as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified seed production, leave a distance of 200 m all around the field from
the same and other varieties of maize.

Pre-sowing seed management

• Soak the seed in 4 % Pseudomonas fluorescens for 8 h at 1 : 1 ratio and dry back the
seeds to original seed moisture content under shade.

Season
• June - September and November - February.

Spacing
• 45 x 10 cm.
Fertilizer requirement
• The crop requires NPK @ 150:75:75 kg / ha. Apply NPK @ 40:75:40 kg / ha as
basal, 50 kg N at 20 days after sowing and 60:0:35 kg NPK at 40 days after sowing.

Harvest
• Harvest the cobs as once over harvest.
• Verify true to type cobs based on kernel and shank colour (cob sorting) variations.
• Remove the diseased cobs.

Shelling
• Shell the cobs either by beating with pliable bamboo stick or using maize sheller
with required rpm at a seed moisture content of 15 - 18 %.
• Improper shelling leads to pericarp injury up to 48 % and will promote saprophytic
fungal growth.
• Estimate mechanical / pericarp injury through 20 % FeCl3 test or using 0.25 %
Tetrazolium chloride solution.

Size grading
• Grade the seeds using 18 / 64” round perforated sieves.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed using 5 ml of water / kg of
seed.
• Dry dress the seeds with halogen mixture @ 3 g / kg of seed (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 +
arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 for grain cum seed

115
 storage.
Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 10 to 12 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

MAIZE - HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Select fertile land with good drainage and irrigation.
• Field should not have volunteer plants. Hence, the previous crop should not be the
same or different variety / hybrid of maize.

Isolation
• All around the field leave 200 m distance from same and other varieties / hybrids
of maize.

Pre-sowing seed treatment

• Coat the seed with polymer @ 6 g / kg + carbendazim @ 2 g / kg + imidachloprid @
1 ml / kg + micronutrient mixture @ 3 ml / kg of seed.

Spacing
• 60 x 25 cm.

Planting ratio
• Sow the female and male parents in the ratio of 6 : 2.

Border rows
• Sow four rows of male parent all around the field for effective pollination.

Fertilizer requirement
• Apply NPK @ 150: 75: 75 kg / ha in split applications. Three split application 25 kg
of N at vegetative,at 5% flowering and 10 days after second application. Apply
18.75 kg of K in two split application at 5% flowering and maturity stages.

Foliar spray
• Spray ZnSO4 0.5 % + boric acid 0.2 % at 50 % flowering stage to enhance the seed set.

116
 (V) SMALL MILLETS

CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES
Sl. Agro
No ecological Districts Season Crops Varieties
. zones
Vellore, Feb-March Tenai CO (Te) 7
North Thiruvannamalai, (Masipattam) ATL 1, CO (Samai) 4,
Samai
Eastern Cuddalore, June-July Paiyur 2
1
Zone Villupuram, (Adipattam) Varagu CO 3, TNAU 86
Thiruvallur and Sep-Oct Panivaragu CO (Pv) 5,TNAU 202
Kancheepuram (Puratassipattam) Kudiraivali CO (Kv) 2,MDU 1
Feb-March Tenai CO (Te) 7
Salem, (Masipattam) ATL 1, CO (Samai) 4,
North Samai
Namakkal, June-July Paiyur 2
2 Western Varagu CO 3,TNAU 86
Dharmapuri and (Adipattam)
Zone Panivaragu CO (Pv) 5,TNAU 202
Krishnagiri Sep-Oct
(Puratassipattam) Kudiraivali CO (Kv) 2,MDU 1
Feb-March Tenai CO (Te) 7
Coimbatore, (Masipattam) ATL 1, CO (Samai) 4,
Western Samai
Erode, Karur, June-July Paiyur 2
3 Zone
Tiruppur and (Adipattam) Varagu CO 3,TNAU 86
Dindigul Sep-Oct Kudiraivali CO (Kv) 2,MDU 1
(Puratassipattam) Panivaragu CO (Pv) 5,TNAU 202
Tiruchy,
Feb-March Tenai CO (Te) 7
Thanjavur,
(Masipattam)
Cauvery Thiruvarur,
June-July ATL 1, CO (Samai) 4,
4 Delta Zone Nagapattinam, Samai
(Adipattam) Paiyur 2
Pudukkottai,
Sep-Oct
Perambalur and Varagu CO 3,TNAU 86
(Puratassipattam)
Ariyalur
Madurai,Theni, Tenai CO (Te) 7
Feb-March
Pudukottai, ATL 1, CO (Samai) 4,
Southern (Masipattam) Samai
Sivagangai, Paiyur 2
Zone June-July
5 Virudhunagar, Varagu CO 3,TNAU 86
(Adipattam)
Ramanathapuram, Panivaragu CO (Pv) 5,TNAU 202
Sep-Oct
Tirunelveli and Kudiraivali
(Puratassipattam) CO (Kv) 2,MDU 1
Thoothukudi

Feb-March Tenai CO (Te) 7

Hilly and (Masipattam)
High June-July ATL 1, CO (Samai) 4,
6 Ooty Samai
Altitude (Adipattam) Paiyur 2
Zone Sep-Oct
(Puratassipattam) Panivaragu CO (Pv) 5,TNAU 202

117
II. PARTICULARS OF SMALL MILLET VARIETIES

TENAI
PARTICULARS CO (Te) 7
Year of Release 2005
Year of Notification SO.599(E)/25.04.2006
Parentage CO 5 x ISE 248
Duration (days) 80-85
Pigmentation Greenish purple
Tillering ability High
Panicles Long, Compact
Grain Character Yellow
Grain Yield (kg/ha) 1855
Straw Yield (t/ha) 5.10
Special features Non lodging and high yielding

SAMAI
PARTICULARS Paiyur 2 CO(Samai) 4 ATL 1
Year of Release 2000 2006 2019
Year of SO.821(E)/ SO.1178(E)/ SO.3220(E)/
Notification 13.09.2000 20.07.2007 05.09.2019
Parentage Pure line selection CO 2 x MS 1684 Pedigree selection from the
from PM 295 cross
CO (Samai) 4 X TNAU 141
Duration (days) 85 75-80 85 – 90
Pigmentation Green Green Dark Green
Tillering ability Moderate High Moderate
Panicles long, loose Open and Loose semi-compact panicles
panicle
Grain Character Brown Grayish yellow Golden Yellow
Grain Yield (kg/ha) 850 1567
1587
Rainfed
Special features Short duration, Short duration, suitable Drought tolerant, Non lodging and
suitable for little for the existing double uniform maturity, Sturdy culm,
millet – horse gram cropped rainfed Suitable for mechanical harvesting,
cropping sequence situation of North, Highly suitable for the districts in the
North Western and Eastern Ghats such as Dharmapuri,
Western zones of Tamil Tiruvannamalai, Vellore, Salem and
Nadu Krishnagiri. It is very much adaptive
in the plains also under rainfed
system.

118
VARAGU
PARTICULARS CO 3 TNAU 86
Year of Release 1980 2012
Year of Notification SO.19(E)/14.01.1982 SO. 2805(E) dt:25.08.2017
Parentage Selection from Georgia variety Pure line selection from IPs 85
Duration (days) 120 105 - 110
Pigmentation Purple stem Light purple at nodes
Tillering ability High Profuse tillering (8-12)
Panicles Well exposed clusters and Long panicles (7 - 10 cm) and grains
spikelets are arranged in regular rows
Grain Character Brown & Bold with hard seed Brown & Bold with oval shape
Coat
Grain Yield (kg/ha) 1500 - 1800 2700 - 3200
Rainfed
Special features Tolerant to smut, short Tolerant to head smut, sheath blight
duration and brown spot
PANIVARAGU
PARTICULARS CO(PV) 5 TNAU 202
Year of Release 2007 2011
Year of Notification SO. 449(E) / 11.02.2009 SO. 2805(E) dt: 25.08.2017
Parentage PV 1403 x GPUP 21 PV 1453 x GPUP 16
Duration (days) 70 70 - 75
Pigmentation Green Green
Tillering ability High High
Panicles Compact, dense with bold Semi-Compact with bold grains
grains
Grain character Golden yellow Yellow
Grain yield (kg/ha) 2400 2000
Rainfed
Special features High tillering, short duration Short duration, no incidence of pest
,fits well in the double cropped and diseases and nutritive grains
rainfed situation suitable for value addition

KUDIRAIVALI
PARTICULARS CO(KV) 2 MDU 1
Year of Release 2009 2017
Year of Notification SO.2137(E)/31.08.2010 SO.1379(E)/ 27.03.2018
Parentage Pure line selection from Pure line selection from
EF 79 Arupukkottailocal
Duration (days) 95 95-100
Pigmentation Green Green
Tillering ability High High (4-9)
Panicles Compact, Pyramidal Compact, Pyramidal Shape
Grain Character Brownish grey Yellowish grey
Grain Yield (kg/ha)
Irrigated - 2200 – 2500
119
Rainfed 2650 1500 – 1700
Special features Good grain quality High milling per cent (70%) and iron
content (16 mg/ 100g of grain). Good
quality and taste.

CROP MANAGEMENT

Package of practices for Tenai Seeds and sowing

For line planting : 10kg/ha
For sowing : 12.5 kg/ha for 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. Apply basally
Fertilizer application : FYM/Compost 12.5 t/ha
Nitrogen 44 kg/ha
Phosphorus 22 kg/ha
Spacing : For line planting 22.5 cm x 10 cm (10 cm in between
plants)
Weeding : First weeding on 15th DAS and the second on 40th DAS
Thinning : Before 20 DAS
Plant protection : Generally no major problem of pests and diseases

Package of practices for Samai

Seeds and sowing : For line planting 10 kg/ha
For broad casting 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 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, Phosphours : 22 kg/ha

Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yieldtargets.
(ready reckoners are furnished )

120
Samai
Soil : Red sandy loam (Irugur series) FN = 8.83 T - 0.41 SN - 0.55 ON
Target : 1.5 – 2.0 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 3.75 T - 1.10 SP - 0.62 OP
FK2O = 4.57 T - 0.15SK - 0.48 OK
Yield target – 1.5 t ha-1 Yield target – 2.0 t ha-1
Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 160 22* 14 20 64 33 42
180 14 180 22* 12 17 56 31 39
200 16 200 22* 11* 14 48 28 36
220 18 220 22* 11* 11 39 26 33
240 20 240 22* 11* 8 31 24 30
* Maintenance dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.

Spacing : For line planting 25 x 10 cm (10 cm in between plants)

Weeding : First weeding is done on the 15th DAS and the second weeding
on 40th DAS
Thinning : Thinning is done soon after weeding or before 20 DAS Plant
Protection : Usually no major problem of pests and diseases

Package of practices for Varagu

Seeds 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, Phosphours : 22 kg/ha
Spacing : For line planting 45 x 10 cm (10 cm in between plants)
Weeding : First weeding is done on the 15th DAS and the second weeding
on 40th DAS
Thinning : Thinning is done soon after weeding or before 20 DAS Plant
protection : Generally no major problem of pests and diseases

121
 3. WHEAT (Triticum aestivum.)

CROP IMPROVEMENT
CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

31 - 34 3-4 20 - 25 600 - 900 up to 3300
Tropical and Sub tropical cool and dry climate. Grown during rabi season and has wide
adaptability. Wheat can tolerate severe cold and snow and resume growth with the
setting in warm weather in spring. Wheat needs cold and dry climate. Long day plant.

I. SEASON AND VARIETY

Suitable Districts
Plains & adjoining areas near to hills and hills in Theni, Dindigul, Karur, Coimbatore,
Erode, Salem, Dharmapuri, Vellore, Thiruvannamalai and Kancheepuram Districts

Season
Ideal sowing time is 15th October to 1st week of November. Sowing must be completed
within the first fortnight of November.
Variety : COW(W)1, TNAU Samba Wheat COW 2

2. Morphological Description of COW(W) 1

Particulars COW (W) 1 COW (W) 2

Parentage HD2646/HW2002A/CPAN3057 Mutant of NP 200
Duration (days) 85-90 110
Grain yield (Kg /ha) 2364 4040
Stem Erect Erect to semi erect
Height (cm) 73 – 78 75-80 cm
Tillers 5-6 10-12
Days to 50% flowering 50 days 73 days
Ear size and shape Fusiform ears Long & slightly tappering
Grain colour Amber Raddish
1000 grains weight (g) 37 41
Special features Non lodging, non shattering; Resistant to rust, heat tolerant
tolerance to stem and leaf rust
suitable for chappathi and
bread making.
3. SEED RATE: 100 kg/ha

122
CROP MANAGEMENT

1. FIELD PREPARATION
Plough twice with an iron plough and two to three times with cultivator and
prepare the land to a fine tilth.

2. APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOST

Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost on the unploughed field and incorporate in the
soil.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDES

Treat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram at 2 g/kg of seeds 24 hours before
sowing

4. FORMING BEDS AND CHANNEL

Form beds size on 10 m2 or 20 m2. The irrigation channels are to be provided
sufficiently.

5. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
(i) If soil test recommendation is not available, adopt a blanket recommendation
of 80:40:40 NPK kg/ha. Apply 37.5 kg ZnSO4, 40 kg S basally for soils having Zn
and S deficiencies.
(ii) Apply half of N and full dose of P2 O5 and
5
K2 O basally before sowing and
incorporate in the sowing line.

Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield
targets. (ready reckoners are furnished )

Wheat - Hills(1)
Soil Laterite (Ooty Series) FN = 7.60 T- 0.55 SN - 0.92 ON
Target 3.5 – 4.0 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 3.59T - 0.26 SP - 0.54 OP
FK2O = 3.88T - 0.45SK - 0.51 OK
Yield target – 3.5 t ha-1 Yield target – 4.0 t ha-1
Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
-1
(kg ha ) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SPa SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 200 175 96 49 27 134 67 45**
225 250 200 82 36 16 120 54 35
250 300 225 69 30* 15* 107 41 24
275 350 250 55 30* 15* 93 30* 15*
300 400 275 50* 30* 15* 79 30* 15*
a
* Maintenance dose ;** Maximum dose;SP - Bray P

123
Wheat - Plains (2)
Mixed black calcareous FN = 8.83 T- 0.71 SN- 0.88 ON
Soil :
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FP2O5 = 4.52T- 1.75 SP- 0.95 OP
-1
Target : 3.5 – 4.0 t ha FK2O = 6.05T - 0.20SK - 0.83 OK
Yield target – 3.5 t ha-1 Yield target – 4.0 t ha-1
Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
ha-1) ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
-1 -1
ha + PSB @ 2 kg ha ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 14 300 112 90** 60** 150** 90** 60**
220 16 350 98 90** 60** 142 90** 60**
240 18 400 84 90** 60** 128 90** 60**
260 20 450 69 90** 60** 114 90** 60**
280 22 500 55 90** 60** 99 90** 60**
** Maximum dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield target in
q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and OK are the
quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.
6. SOWING
Draw the lines 20 cm apart and sow the seeds continuously after application of
fertilizers to a depth of 5 cm. Avoid deep sowing.

7. WEED MANAGEMENT
i. Spray PE Isoproturon 500 g/ha as pre-emergence spray on 3 DAS followed by
one hand weeding on 35th DAS.
th th
ii. If herbicide is not applied, give two hand weedings on 20 and 35 DAS.

8. WATER MANAGEMENT
The crop requires 4 - 6 irrigations depending on the soil type and rainfall. Wheat
crop requires minimum of 5 irrigations at the following critical stages.
I = Immediately after sowing
II = Crown root intiation : 15-20 DAS III =Active tillering stage : 35-40 DAS
IV= Flowering stage : 50-55 DAS
V= Grain filling stage : 70-75 DAS
Crown root initiation and flowering are the most critical stages. Water
stagnation should be avoided at the time of germination.
9. TOP DRESSING
Apply remaining half of N at crown root initiation stage (15-20 DAS).
10. HARVESTING
Harvest the crop when the grains become hard and straw becomes dry and brittle.
Thresh and winnow the grains. Use mechanical threshers to reduce the cost of
threshing and winnowing.

CROP PROTECTION
Seed treatment: Treat the seed with any one of the following fungicides Carbendazim
@ 2 g/kg of seed, Thiram @ 2 g/kg of seed or Carboxin @ 2 g/kg of seed.
124
 4. PULSES
(i) REDGRAM (Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp. )

Climate Requirement

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

30 17 26 - 30 600 - 1400
Tropical and subtropical legumes, suitable for rainfed in semiarid areas due to its deep
taproot, heat tolerance and fast growing habit. During vegetative growth, prefers a fairly
moist and warm climate. During flowering and ripening stage, requires bright sunny
weather for proper fruit setting. Highly susceptible to frost at the time of flowering, hardy,
widely adaptable, and drought resistant. It has low tolerance of soil salinity and
waterlogging.
CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

District/season Varieties
Vaigasi Pattam (May-June) CO(Rg) 7, CO 8, CO 9
Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Salem, Erode, Coimbatore
Dindigul, Theni and Madurai
Adi/Avanipattam (June - August) CO 8, CO 9
Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Salem, Namakal, Perumbalur,
Ariyalur, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Pudukkottai and
Sivaganga
June 15th to July 15th sowing
Purattasipattam (September – October) Co (Rg) 7 and VBN(Rg) 3
Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal,
Erode, Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni
Pudukkottai, Sivagangai, Perumbalur, Ariyalur
Markazhipattam (Winter Irrigated) Co (Rg) 7 and VBN(Rg) 3
All districts except The Nilgiris and Kanyakumari
Chithiraipattam (Summer Irrigated) Co (Rg) 7 and VBN(Rg) 3
All districts except The Nilgiris and Kanyakumari BSR 1
Wetland bunds
II.DESCRIPTION OF REDGRAM VARIETIES
PARTICULARS CO 8 CO 9
Year of Release 2017 2018
Year of Notification SO.1379(E)/ 27.03.2018 SO.3220(E)/05.09.2019
Parentage APK 1 x LRG 41 CO6 x IC 525427
50% flowering(days) 120-130 120-130
Maturity(days) 170-180 170-180
Season Adi pattam Adi pattam
Grain yield(kg/ha)
Rainfed 1600 kg/ha 1700 kg/ha
Irrigated 1800 cm -
Plant height(cm) 165-180 210-240 cm
Plant spread Erect Erect
125
 Colour of standard Yellow base with Yellow base with
petal medium pattern of medium pattern of
streaks streaks
Colour of pod Brown streaks Green with Brown
streaks
Colour of grain Cremish brown Brown
100 seed weight(g) 10.22 to 11.44g) 9.9
Pattern of growth Indeterminate Indeterminate

Particulars Co (Rg) 7 VBN(Rg)3 BSR 1

Year of Release 2004 2005 1986
Year of Notification SO.1177(E)/ SO.1572(E)/ Not notified
25.08.2005 20.09.2006
Parentage Selection from PB Vamban 1 x Pureline selection
9825 Gulbarga from
Mayiladumparai
50% 70-90 65-70 100-110
flowering(days)
Duration (days) 120-130 100-105 Perennial
Grain yield(kg/ha)
Rainfed (kg/ha) 950 880 0.75 to 1.0 kg of
green pods/plant
Irrigated (kg/ha) 1168 1530 -
Plant height (cm) 120-130 100-120 150-200
Branches 7-9 3-10 7-10
Plant spread Semi spreading Erect, Semi- Semi spreading
determinate and
open type
Colour of standard Yellow with light red Yellow with light red Red at dorsal side
petal vein at the base vein at the base
Colour of pods Green with purple Green with purple Red with diagonal
streaks streaks constriction
Colour of grain Reddish brown Reddish brown Reddish brown
100 grain wt (g) 8.5-11.0 7.0-8.0 12.0
Pattern of growth Indeterminate Semi determinate Indeterminate
CROP MANAGEMENT
SEED RATE
Long duration Short duration
System Low
High Fertility Low Fertility High Fertility
Fertility
Sole Crop 8 5 13 10
Mixed Crop 3 3 5 5
Bund Crop 50 g / 100 meter

Long duration varieties: CO 6, CO 8, Vamban 2, LRG 41

Short duration varieties : CO (Rg) 7, VBN (Rg) 3
Bund Crop : BSR 1
126
 III. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATION

1. PREPARATION OF THE LAND

Prepare the land to fine tilth and apply 12.5 t FYM/ha or composted coir pith at
the time of last ploughing and form ridges and furrows

2. SEED TREATMENT
Treat 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/kg seed. Bio control agents are compatible with
biofertilizers. First treat the seeds with biocontrol agents and then with rhizobium.
Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.

3. TREATMENT OF THE SEEDS WITH BIOFERTILIZER

a) Fungicide (or) bio control agents treated seeds should be again treated with
bacterial culture after 24 hours. Treat the seeds required for sowing 1 ha with
200g each of Rhizobial culture CPR6 / CPR 9, phosphobacteria and PGPR
(Pseudomonas sp.) using rice gruel, shade dry it before sowing. (or) Treat one
hectare of seeds with 25 g each of powder formulation of Rhizobium and AM
fungi using binder (polymer), shade dry before sowing.
b) If seed treatment is not carried out, apply 2 kg each Rhizobial culture,
Phosphobacteria and PGPR (Pseudomonas sp.) with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of
sand, mix uniformly before sowing.
4. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
If soil test is not done, apply fertilizers basally before sowing
a) Apply fertilizers basally before sowing.
Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 12.5 kg K2O +10 kg S*/ha Irrigated : 25 kg N
+ 50 kg P2O5 + 25 kg K2O + 20 kg S*/ha
*Note : Applied in the form of gypsum if Single Super Phospate is not applied
as a source of phosphorus
b) Soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha under irrigated condition
c) Soil application of TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 5 kg/ha as Enriched FYM
(Prepare enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN mixture & FYM ; mix at friable moisture
&incubate for one month in shade).

d) Foliar spraying to mitigate moisture stress

Foliar spraying of 2% KCl + 100 ppm Boric acid during dry spell as mid season
management practice in black gram during Rabi season is recommended to increase
the yield over KCl spray alone .

Nitrogen substitution by organic sources for pulses

50 per cent nitrogen can be substituted through organic source (850 kg of
vermicompost per hectare). Lime application is recommended for pulses with soil pH
less than 6.0.

127
 SOWING THE SEEDS
Dibble the seeds adopting the following spacing.
Variety Pure crop Mixed crop
Low fertility High fertility
CO(Rg) 7 45 cm x 30 cm 60 cm x 30 cm 120 cm x 30 cm
Vamban (Rg) 3, APK 1 45 cm x 20 cm 60 cm x 20 cm 120 cm x 30 cm
CO 6, CO 8, 90 cm x 30 cm 120 - 150 x 30 cm 240 cm x 30 cm
Vamban 2, LRG 41
Bund Crop 60 cm for BSR 1 and 30 cm for others.

5. Season
• Long duration varieties (CO 6, CO 8, Vamban 2, LRG 41) : Second fortnight of
July and First fortnight of August months.
• Short duration varieties : January - May and September first fort night.
• Note: Sowing season should be planned in such a way that flowering and pod
maturity stage does not coincide with rain.
6. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin 0.75 kg/ha (2.5 litres/ha) on 3 DAS
mixed with 500 litres of water using Backpack/Knapsack/Rocker sprayer using
flat fan deflector type of nozzle. Then irrigate the field. Following this, one hand
weeding may be given on 30-35 DAS
ii) If herbicide is not given, give two hand weedings on 20 and 35 DAS.
iii) In case of labour problem, apply Pendimethalin 0.75 kg (2.5 lit/ha) on 3 DAS
followed by early post emergence application of Imazethapyr @ 60 g ai/ha on
15 DAE of weeds (2 - 3 leaves stage of weeds) and quizalofop ethyl @ 50 g ai/ha
on 20 DAE of weeds (2 - 3 leaves of weeds) are recommended for controlling
broad leaved and grassy weeds, respectively. If both the weeds are present, tank
mix application of Imazethapyr @ 60 g ai/ha and quizalofop ethyl @ 50 g ai/ha
at 15 - 20 days after emergence of weeds (2 - 3 leaves stage of weeds) is
recommended. Apply PE Pendimethalin 30% EC + Imazethapyr 2% EC (Valor 32%
EC; Readymix herbicide) @ 1,.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 3 DAS.
-1
iv) Apply PE metalachlor 1.0 kg ha on 3 DAS followed by one hand weeding on 40
DAS. Note: At the time of herbicide application, there should be sufficient soil
moisture

7. WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigate immediately after sowing, 3rd day after sowing, bud initiation, 50 %
flowering and pod development stages. Water stagnation should be avoided.

8. FOLIAR APPLICATION
a) Foliar spray of NAA 40 mg/l once at pre-flowering and another at 15 days
thereafter
b) Foliar spray of DAP 20 g/l or urea 20 g/l once at flowering and another at 15 days
there after
c) Foliar spray of salicylic and 100 mg/litre once at preflowering and another at 15
days there after
128
9. HARVESTING THE CROP
1) Harvest the whole plants when 80% of the pods mature.
2) Heap for 2 – 3 days
3) Dry and process.

10. INTER-CROPPING
a) Raise one row of long duration redgram varieties as inter crop for every six
rows of groundnut (6:1) under rainfed situation.
b) Raise one row of short or medium duration redgram as inter crop for every
four rows of groundnut (4:1) under rainfed as well as irrigated condition.
c) Multistoreyed cropping: For rainfed Vertisols of Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli,
Thoothukudi districts recording more than 300 mm of rainfall during the crop
growth period, multistoreyed cropping system Agathi + Redgram (Co 5) +
Cotton (MCU 10) + Blackgram (Co 5) is highly profitable. (Agathi in I tier with 1 x
1 m spacing - Redgram in II tier with a spacing of 45 x 20 cm - Cotton in the III
tier with a spacing of 45 x 15 cm - Blackgram in the IV tier with the 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. (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 IV tier with
30 x 10 cm). For both systems, apply 40 kg N and 20
kg P O /ha.2 5
11. REDGRAM TRANSPLANTING
• Select only long duration redgram varieties
• Transplant within the month of August either under rainfed condition or under
irrigated condition
• Select poly bag with a size of 6x4 inches and 200 micron thickness
• Fill the poly bag with native soil: Sand: FYM @1:1:1 and put 3-4 holes in the
bottom to avoid water stagnation
• Soak the seeds in 0.2% Calcium chloride for one hour and dry it under shade for
7 hours to harden the seeds
• Treat the hardened seeds with T. viride @ 4g/kg and 100 g Rhizobium and 100 g
phosphobacterium. Sow the seeds @2/poly bag at 1 cm depth
• Sow the seeds in polybags 30-45 days prior to transplanting
• Plough the field deeply to get fine tilth followed by 2-3 harrowings at 3 weeks
prior to transplanting
• In medium to deep soils for raising long duration varieties, dig 15 sqcm pits at 5’
X 3’ for pure crops and 6’ x 3’ for intercropping under irrigated condition. In
rainfed condition dig the pits at a spacing of 5’x3’. For short duration varieties
dig 15 sq cm pits at 3’ x 2’ spacing.
• Under water logging condition, form furrows before digging pits
• Apply inorganic fertilizers @ 25:50:25 kg NPK /ha at 20-30 days after planting as
urea, DAP and potash around the seedlings
• Apply ZnSO4 @ 25 kg/ ha as basal along with FYM or sand

129
 • Nip (removal of top 5 cm) the plants at 20 – 30 days after planting to arrest the
terminal growth
• Foliar Spray of Napthalene aceptic acid (NAA) @ 0.5 ml/litre to control flower
dropping in red gram.
12. NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS
Redgram / Greengram/Blackgram/Cowpea
Zinc: Symptom appears within a month of sowing. The plants are stripped with
yellow or pale green foliage. Veins and mid ribs of the leaves are green
although tissue around them becomes yellow and bronzed.
Iron: Reduced concentration of Chlorophyll in leaves - pale leaf colour may be
indistinguishable from deficiency of nitrogen or other elements.
CROP PHYSIOLOGY
Foliar spray of TNAU Pulse Wonder @ 2 kg/acre in 200 litres of water at flower
initiation stage decreases flower shedding, increases yield and offers moisture stress
tolerance
CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest management
Pest ETL
Aphids 20 nos. /2.5 cm shoot length
Pod borers 10% of affected pods
Plume moth 5 larvae /plant
Spotted pod borer 3 larvae /plant
Pest Management strategies
Aphids Spray any one of the following :
Aphis craccivora Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml/ha
Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ha
Pod borers • For pod borers, raise one row of sunflower as intercrop for
Spotted pod borer every 9 rows of pigeon pea and plant maize as border crop.
Maruca vitrata • Pheromone traps for Helicoverpa armigera 12/ha
Gram pod borer • Bird perches 50/ha
Helicoverpa armigera • Mechanical collection of grown up larva and blister beetle
Plume moth • Ha NPV 3 x1012 POB/ha in 0.1% teepol
Exelastis atomosa • Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki 5%WP 1000-1250 g/ha
Pod fly (Note : Insecticide / Ha NPV spray should be made when the
Melanagromyza obtusa larvae are upto third instar)
Apply any one of the following insecticides:
Azadirachtin 0.03 % WSP 2.5kg/ha
Benfuracarb 40% EC 2.5l/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 150ml/ha
Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1250 ml / ha
Emamectin benzoate 5% SG 220 g/ha
Ethion 50% EC 1.0 l/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC 100ml / ha
Indoxacarb 14.5% SC 350 ml/ha
Indoxacarb 15.8% SC 333 ml/ha
Lufenuron 5.4% EC 600ml/ha
Methomyl 40%SP 750g/ha
Monocrotophos 36%SL 625-1250ml/ha
Neem oil 2%

130
 Quinalphos 1.5%DP 23kg/ha
Quinalphos 25 %EC 1400ml/ha
Spinosad 45%SC 125 ml/ha
Thiodicarb 75 WP 625g / ha
Pod bugs Dimethoate 30% EC 500ml/ha
Methyl demeton 25% EC 500ml/ha
B. Disease management

Seed treatment : Treat the seeds with Trichoderma asperellum @ 4 g or P. fluorescens @ 10

g or carbendazim 2 g or thiram @ 4 g/kg of seed
Disease Recommendations
Wilt: • Apply P. fluorescens or T. asperellum @ 2.5 kg / ha with 50 kg of
Fusarium udum well decomposed FYM or sand to soil at 30 days after sowing
Root rot: • Spot drench with carbendazim @ 1 g/ lit
Rhizoctonia bataticola
(Macrophomina phaseolina)
Sterility Mosaic: • Rogue out the virus infected plants in the early stages of growth
Pigeonpea sterility mosaic virus • Spray fenazaquin @ 1ml/ l soon after appearance of the disease
(Vector : Aceria cajani) and if necessary repeat after 15 days
C. Nematode management
Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens and Trichoderma viride @ 5+5 g/kg seed
manages population of cyst nematode, Heterodera cajani.

SEED PRODUCTION
RED GRAM - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be of the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified seed production leave a distance of 100 m all around the field from the
same and other varieties of red gram.
Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Soak the seeds for 3 h in 100 ppm ZnSO4 (10 g / 100 lit of water) in 1/3 volume before
sowing and quickly air dry in shade to their original moisture content.
• Treat the seeds with carbendazim 75 % WP 2 g dissolved in 5 ml of water per kg of
seeds and air-dried.
• Pellet the seeds with Rhizobium culture (50 g / kg of seed) before sowing.
Foliar application
• Spray 2 % DAP at the time of flowering and a second spray at 15 days after the first
spray.
• Spray NAA 40 ppm at the time of flowering and a second spray at 15 days after the
first spray.
Pre-harvest sanitation spray
• Spray (0.05 %) malathion 50 EC 3 - 5 days before harvest to minimize the carryover of
bruchid infestation from field to storage.
131
Harvest
• Harvest the pods at physiological maturity stage (approximately 40 days after 50 %
flowering).
• Collect the seeds from first and second pickings for quality seeds.
Drying
• Dry the pods to about 15 % moisture content.
• Dry the seeds to 10 % moisture content.
Seed grading
• Size grade the large seeded varieties using BSS 5 x 5 or BSS 6 x 6 wire mesh sieve.
• Discard the discoloured and broken seeds for seed purpose.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim 2 g using 5 ml of water / kg of seed (or) dry dress
the seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder at 5:4:1 ratio @ 3 g / kg of seed.
Storage
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 10 - 12 % in gunny or cloth bags for
short term storage (8 - 9 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 % in polylined gunny bag for
medium term storage (12 - 15 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content less than 8% in 700 gauge polythene
bag for long term storage (more than 15 months)

RED GRAM HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Select fertile land with good drainage and irrigation facilities.
• Field should be free from volunteer plants. Hence, the previous crop should not be
the same or different variety / hybrid of redgram.
Isolation
• For foundation seed production (parental lines seed production), leave a distance of
200 m all around the field from the same and other varieties / hybrids of redgram.
• For hybrid seed production from the same and other varieties / hybrids of redgram,
leave a distance of 100 m all around the field.

Planting ratio
• Sow the female and male lines at a ratio of 4:2.
Border rows
• Sow 2 rows of the male parent all around the field for effective pollination.
Spacing
• 45 x 15 cm.
Fertilizer
• Apply NPK @ 25:50:25 kg / ha-1 as basal application.
Roguing
• Pull out all male fertile plants in female rows for genetic purity maintenance.

132
Pre-storage seed treatment
• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g using 5 ml of water / kg of seed.
• Dry dress the seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizia amara)
leaf powder mixed in 5:4:1 ratio @ 3 g / kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with turmeric rhizome powder (or) neem leaf powder at 1:50 ratio
against bruchid infestation as an eco-friendly seed treatment.

PERENNIAL REDGRAM

Variety : BSR 1

Economic uses : Tender beans 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 Dhal.
Recommended for growing in kitchen gardens,
backyards, farm road sides, as border crop in
sugarcane, banana and betelvine and as a shade crop
in turmeric and as a bund crop in paddy double
cropped wetlands.

Season : June – July Height of the plant: 150 - 200 cm

Number of branches 7 - 10

Flowering : Five months from date of sowing

Pit Size : Small pits are dug 90 cm apart and the pits are filled
with a mixture of well decomposed manure or
compost and soil.

Fertilizer application : Urea 15 g and superphosphate 30 g / pit.

Planting methods : Two to three seeds are dibbled per pit and watered.
When they grow six inches height one plant may be
retained in each pit.

Irrigation : Need based

Harvesting : If harvested when the pods are tender the beans will
be fit for making curry. Each plant will yield two to
three kg of green pods at an average seed yield of 750
g to one kg per plant. After the first harvest the
branches are pruned and allowed to grow further. In
another 45 - 60 days the plants produce the second
flush. For pure crop, about 3 kg of seeds may be
required.

133
 (i) BLACKGRAM ( Vigna mungo L.)

Climate Requirement
T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
40 20 27 - 30 400 – 600 1800

Tropical and subtropicalhot and humid growing season. It is generally grown in

kharif/rainy and summer season. Heavy rains during flowering stage are harmful to
yield of pea crop.

CROP IMROVEMENT
1. SEASON AND VARIETIES

District/Season Varieties
Adipattam (June-August) VBN 6, VBN 8
All districts except Kanyakumari and Nilgiris
Puratasipattam (September-November) VBN 6, MDU 1, CO 6, VBN 8, VBN 10
Vellore, Tiruvannamalai Dharmapuri, Salem,
Namakkal, Perambalur, Erode, Coimbatore,
Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Pudukottai,,
Sivagangai, Ramanathapuram,
Virudhunagar, Thoothukudi and Tirunelveli
Markazhi – Thaipattam(Winter Irrigated) VBN 6, CO 6, VBN 8, VBN 10
All districts except Kanyakumari and Nilgiris
Rice fallows (January) Thanjavur,Tiruvarur, ADT 3, ADT 6, KKM 1, VBN 6, VBN 9
Nagapattinam, Cuddalore, Villupuram
and Kanchipuram
Chithiraipattam (Summer Irrigated) ADT 5, VBN 8
Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam,
Cuddalore, Villupuram, Tiruchirappalli,
Perambalur, Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram,

134
 II. DESCRIPTION OF BLACKGRAM VARIETIES

Particulars VBN 6 VBN 8 VBN 9 VBN 10

Year of 2011 2018 2019 2019
Release
Year of SO.1708(E)/ SO.1379(E)/ 27.03.2018 SO.3220(E)/ SO.3220(E)/
Notificatio 26.07.2012 05.09.2019 05.09.2019
n
Parentage Vamban 1 x Vamban 3 x VBG 04-008 Mash 114 x Vamban 1 x UH 04-
Vigna mungo Vamban 3 04
silvestris
Maturity 65-70 65-70 70-75 70-75
duration
(days)
Grain yield - -
(kg/ha)
Rainfed 850 988 1230 -
Irrigated 890 871 - 1130
Height 18.6 35-40 35-40 35-40
(cm)
Hairiness Hairy Hairy Hairy Hairy
of pods
100 grain 3.8-4.0 4.5 – 5.0 4.0-5.0 4.0-5.0
wt (g)
Special Resistant to Resistant to Mungbean Moderately Resistant to
features Yellow Yellow Mosaic Virus resistant to Mungbean Yellow
Mosaic, (MYMV), leaf crinkle and Mungbean Mosaic Virus, Urdbean
synchronized moderately resistant to Yellow Mosaic Leaf Crinkle Virus, Leaf
pod maturity powdery mildew diseases Virus, Urdben Curl Virus diseases
Leaf Crinkle
Virus, Leaf Curl
Virus and
Powdery mildew
diseases

136
Particulars CO 6 ADT 3 ADT 5 ADT 6 MDU 1 KKM 1
Year of 2010 1982 1988 2017 2014 2017
Release
Year of SO.632(E)/25. SO.596(E)/1 SO.793(E)/22. SO.1379(E)/ SO.1556(E)/11.0 SO.1379(E)
Notification 03.11 3.08.1984 11.1991 27.03.2018 6.2015 /
27.03.2018
Parentage DU 2 x VB 6 Pure line Pure line Vamban 1 x ADB 2003 x VBG COBG 643
selection selection VBN 04-006 66 X VBN3
from from Kanpur
Thirunelveli
local
Maturity 60-65 70-75 65-70 65-70 70-75 65-70
duration
(days)
Grain yield - - - - -
(kg/ha)
Rainfed 880 720 (Rice - 740 (Rice - 610 (Rice
fallow) fallow) fallow)
Irrigated - - 1545 - 790 -
Height (cm) 30 -35 50 20-25 35-40 30-35 50
Hairiness of Non Hairy Hairy Hairy Hairy Hairy
pods
100 grain 5.0 - 6.2 3.5- 4.0 3.5-4.5 4.0-5.0 4.5-5.0
wt (g)
Special Moderately Yellow After 65 Moderately Moderately
features resistant to mosaic days resistant to resistant to
YMV disease. incidence second sett MYMV, LCV MYMV,
Field will of flowering and PMD Non shattering
tolerance be less starts and Non
to aphids, pod during Lodging.
borer and Markazhi Suitable for Rabi
synchronized and season. Good
maturity Thai pattam battering
quality.

III. SEED RATE

Quantity of seed required kg/ha

VARIETIES Pure crop Mixed crop

VBN 6, VBN 8, ADT 5, CO 6, MDU 1 20 10

ADT 3, ADT 6, KKM 1 (Rice fallows) 25 ..

Optimum plant population 3,25,000/ha

CROP MANAGEMENT

137
 IV. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. FIELD PREPARATION
i. 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
lime at the rate of 2t /ha along with FYM at 12.5 t/ha or composted coirpith at 12.5
t/ha to get an additional yield of about 15 - 20%.

2. SEED TREATMENT
Treat 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/kg seed. Bio control agents are compatible with biofertilizers. First
treat the seeds with Biocontrol agents and then with Rhizobium. Fungicides and
biocontrol agents are incompatible.
Note: Seed treatment will protect the seedlings from seed borne pathogens, root-rot
and seedlings diseases.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BIOFERTILIZER

a) Treat the seeds required for sowing 1 ha with 200g each of Rhizobial culture COG 15,
Phosphobacteria and PGPR (Pseudomonas sp.) using rice gruel, shade dry it before
sowing. (or) Treat one hectare of seeds with 25 g each of each of powder
formulation of Rhizobium and AM fungi using binder (polymer), shade dry before
sowing.
b) If seed treatment is not carried out, apply 2 kg each Rhizobial culture,
Phosphobacteria and PGPR (Pseudomonas sp.) with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand,
mix uniformly before sowing.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
If soil test is not done, apply fertilizers basally before sowing
a) Apply fertilizers basally before sowing.
Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 12.5 kg K2O +20 kg S*/ha Irrigated : 25 kg N + 50
kg P2O5 + 25 kg K2O + 40 kg S*/ha
*Note : Applied in the form of gypsum if Single Super Phospate is not applied as a
source of phosphorus

Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield targets
(ready reckoners are furnished )

138
 Mixed black calcareous FN = 10.84T-0.39 SN
Soil :
(Perianackenpalayam series) FP2O5=7.23T-1.00 SP
Target : 0.9 – 1.0 t ha-1 FK2O=5.20T-0.04 SK

Yield target – 0.9 t ha-1 Yield target – 1.0 t ha-1

Initial soil test values (kg
NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1)
t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 300 13* 25* 13* 13* 28 13*
180 14 325 13* 25* 13* 13* 26 13*
200 16 350 13* 25* 13* 13* 25* 13*
220 18 375 13* 25* 13* 13* 25* 13*
240 20 400 13* 25* 13* 13* 25* 13*

*maintenance dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
targe in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and OK
are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.

b) Soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha under irrigated condition (or) 12.5 kg ZnSO4 on

EFYM.
c) Soil application of TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 5 kg/ha as Enriched FYM. (Prepare
enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN mixture & FYM ; mix at friable moisture incubate
for one month in shade).
50 kg FeSO4 as EFYM or 10 kg Fe EDTA per ha.
d) Foliar spray of 1% urea for yield improvement in black gram.
For yield improvement through increasing the physiological, biochemical
attributes, foliar spray of urea 1% on 30 and 45 dayas after sowing is
recommended. For rice fallow pulses in Delta area, the present recommendation
of foliar spray of 2% DAP may be continued.

Foliar spraying of 0.5% ZnSO4, 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid at 30, 45 DAS if the
plants shown deficiency symptoms. For yield improvement through increasing the
physiological, biochemical attributes, foliar spray of urea 1% on 30, 45 days after
sowing is recommended. For rice fallow pulses in Delta area, the present
recommendation of foliar spray of 2% DAP may be continued.

e) Foliar spraying to mitigate moisture stress

Foliar spraying of 2% KCl + 100 ppm Boric acid during dry spell as mid season
management practice in black gram during Rabi season is recommended to increase the
yield over KCl spray alone .

Economizing the use of micronutrients through seed treatment for blackgram

Seed coating with biofertilizers and micronutrients viz., Zn, Mo & Co @ 4, 1, 0.5 g/kg
of seed is recommended.
139
Nitrogen substitution by organic sources for pulses
50 per cent nitrogen can be substituted through organic source (850 kg of
vermicompost pe hectare). Lime application is recommended for pulses with soil pH less
than 6.0.

5. SOWING OF SEEDS
a) For irrigated crop dibble the seeds adopting 30 x 10 cm spacing
b) For rainfed crop dibble the seeds adopting 25 cm x 10 cm spacing

6. WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigate immediately after sowing, followed by life irrigation on third day. Irrigate at
intervals of 7 to 10 days depending upon soil and climatic conditions. Flowering and pod
formation stages are critical periods when irrigation is a must. Avoid water stagnation
at all stages. Apply KCl at 0.5 per cent as foliar spray during vegetative stage if there is
moisture stress.

7. FOLIAR APPLICATION
a. Foliar spray of NAA 40 mg/litre once at pre-flowering and another at 15 days
thereafterto reduce flower shedding.
b. i) For rice fallow crops foliar spray of TNAU Pulse wonder @ 5 kg/ha once at
flowering to decreases flower shedding.
ii) For irrigated and rainfed crops, foliar spray of TNAU Pulse wonder @ 5 kg/ha once
at flowering
c. Foliar spray of salicylic acid 100 mg/litre once at preflowering and another at 15 days
there after to improve translocation efficiency and seed yield.

8. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin 1.0 litres/ha under irrigated
condition, PE application of Pendimethalin 0.75 litres/ha under rainfed condition on
3 days after sowing using Backpack/ Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan
nozzle using 500 litres of water for spraying one ha followed by one hand weeding at
20 DAS (or) EPOE application of quizalofop ethyl @ 50 g ai/ha-1 and imazethapyr @
50 g ai ha-1 on 15 – 20 DAS. If herbicides are not applied give two hand weedings on
15 and 30 days after sowing.
ii) Apply PE Pendimethalin 30% EC + Imazethapyr 2% EC (Valor 32% EC; Readymix
herbicide) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 3 DAS.

9. Multi bloom technology

A special technology being practiced in Pattukottai block of Tanjore district for
blackgram and greengram. The soil is alluvial and rich in organic matter and nutrients.
The crop is sown during early summer (Jan.-Feb.) as normal crop and fertilizer is applied
as per the recommendation for irrigated crop. In addition to that, top dressing of
Nitrogen is done with an extra dose of 25 to 30 kg through urea. Since pulses are

140
 indeterminate growth habit and continue to produce new flashes, the top dressing will
be done on 40-45 days after sowing. The crops complete its first flesh of matured pods
during 60-65th day, further their second new flesh within 20-25 days. Therefore two
fleshes of pods can be harvested at a time within the duration of 100 days.

CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest management

Economic threshold level for important pests

Pest ETL
Aphids 20nos./2.5 cm shoot length
Pod borers 10% of affected pods
Spotted pod borer 3 larvae/plant
Stem fly 10% of affected plants
Tobacco caterpillar 8 egg masses/100 m

Pest Management strategies

Stem fly Treat seeds with Dimethoate 30% EC 5 ml/kg
Ophiomyia phaseoli
Aphids Spray any one of the following
Aphis craccivora Methyl demeton 25% EC 500 ml/ha
Dimethoate 30% EC 500 ml/ha
Whitefly Spray any one of the following
Bemisia tabaci Methyl demeton 25% EC 500 ml/ha
Dimethoate 30% EC 500 ml/ha
Tobacco caterpillar ¾ Use of light trap to monitor and kill the attracted adult
Spodoptera litura moths.
¾ Set up the sex pheromone trap at 12/ha to monitor the
activity of the pest and to synchronize the pesticide
application, if need be, at the maximum activity stage.
¾ Growing castor along border and irrigation bunds.
¾ Removal and destruction of egg masses in castor and
cotton crops.
¾ Removal and destruction of early stage larvae found in
clusters which can be located easily even from a
distance.
¾ Collection and destruction of shed materials.
¾ Hand picking and destruction of grownup caterpillars.
Spray any one of the following insecticides
Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 3750 ml/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @150 ml/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 100ml/ha
Blue butterflies Spray any one of the following insecticides
Lampides boeticus Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 100ml/ha
Euchrysops cnejus Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 100ml/ha
Lufenuron 5.4% EC 600ml/ha
Monocrotophos 36% SL 625 ml/ha

141
Spotted pod borer Thiodicarb 75% WP 625g/ha
Maruca vitrata

Pod bugs Dimethoate 30% EC 500ml/ha

Methyl demeton 25% EC 500ml/ha
Storage pests Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10 %.
Bruchid- Use two-in-one or pitfall traps for monitoring the emergence
Callosobruchus chinensis of field carried over pulse beetle in storage and
C. maculatus accordingly sun-dry the produce.
Mix Malathion 5% D 1 kg with 100kgs of seed
Pack in polythene lined gunny bags for storage

B. Disease management
Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with T. asperellum @ 4 g or P. fluorescens @ 10 g or
carbendazim @ 2 g or thiram @ 4 g/kg of seed
Disease Recommendations
Powdery mildew: • Spray NSKE 5% or neem oil 3% twice at 10 days interval from
Erysiphe polygoni initial disease symptom appearance
• Spray 10% Eucalyptus leaf extract at initiation of the disease and
10 days later
• Spray carbendazim @ 500 g or wettable sulphur 1500 g/ha or
propiconazole 500 ml/ha at initiation of the disease and 10 days
later
Rust: Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g or wettable sulphur 1500 g /ha at
Uromyces appendiculatus initiation of the disease and 10 days later
Leaf spot: Spray carbendazim @ 500 g/ha or mancozeb @ 1000g /ha at
Cercospora canescens initiation of the disease and 10 days later
Yellow mosaic (Geminivirus) Integrated disease management
and • Growing resistant varieties such as VBN 4, VBN 6, VBN 7 and VBN8
Leaf crinkle • Seed treatment with imidacloprid 600FS @ 5 ml/kg of seeds
(Vector: • Installation of yellow sticky traps @ 12 numbers / ha
Bemisia tabaci) • Rogue out the virus infected plants up to 45 days
• Foliar spray of 10% notchi leaf extract at 30 DAS or neem
Leaf curl (Tospovirus) formulation @ 3 ml/l
(Vector: • Spray methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml/ha or dimethoate 30 EC 500
Frankliniella schultzii, ml/ha or thiamethoxam 75WG @ 100 g/ha or imidacloprid 17.8 SL
Thrips tabaci, @ 250 ml/ha or thiamethoxam 75 WS 1 g /3 lit and repeat after 15
Scirtothrips dorsalis) days, if necessary
Root rot: • Seed treatment with Trichoderma asperellum @ 4 g/kg or
Rhizoctonia bataticola Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg
(Macrophomina phaseolina) • Basal soil application of zinc sulphate 25 kg/ha
• Basal soil application of neem cake @ 150 kg/ha
• Soil application P. fluorescens or T. asperellum @ 2.5 kg / ha with
50 kg of well decomposed FYM or sand at 30 days after sowing
• Spot drench with carbendazim @ 1 g/ l

142
Root rot - stem fly complex Seed treatment with Beauveria bassiana + Pseudomonas
fluorescens @ 5g each/kg of seed
RICE-FALLOWS
VARIETIES AND SEED RATE
Quantity of seed required
kg/ha
VARIETIES Sole crop Mixed
crop
ADT 3, ADT 6, KKM 1, VBN 6
(Rice fallows) 25 ..

1. TIME OF SOWING
Third week of January –Second week of February

2. SOWING OF SEEDS
a) For relay cropping broadcast the seeds in the standing crop 5 to 10 days before
the harvest of the paddy crop uniformly under optimum soil moisture
conditions so that the seeds should get embedded in the waxy mire.
b) For combined harvesting areas, broadcast the seeds before harvesting the paddy
crop with machinerie

3. FOLIAR APPLICATION
a. Foliar Spray of NAA 40 mg/litre once at pre-flowering and another at 15 days
thereafter
b. Foliar spray of pulse wonder @ 5 kg/ha once at flowering to decreases flower
shedding and improve yield.
c. Foliar spary of salicylic acid 100 mg/litre once at prefloweing in another and 15
days there after to improve translocation efficiency and seed yield.

4. HARVESTING
i) Picking the matured pods, drying and processing
ii) Uprooting or cutting the whole plants, heaping, drying and processing

BLACKGRAM - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be of the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.
Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production, leave a distance of 5 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.
Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Remove all discoloured seeds and use only normal coloured seeds for seed purpose.
• If the presence of hard seed percentage exceeds more than 10 %, scarify the seeds

143
 with commercial H2SO4 for 2 min.
• Harden blackgram seeds for garden and dry land ecosystem with 100 ppm ZnSO4 for 3
h in 1/3 volume of solution and dry seeds under shade to the original seed moisture
content (8 - 9 %)
Fertilizer
• NPK @ 25 : 50 : 25 kg + 5 kg of TNAU micro nutrient mixture / ha.

Foliar application
• Spray 2 % DAP at the time of first appearance of flowers and second spray 15 days
after first spray for enhanced seed set.
• Spray NAA 40 ppm at first flowering and at fortnight interval to reduce the flower
drop.
• Spray 0.1 % brassinoloid on 35th and 45th day after sowing.

Pre-harvest sanitation spray

• Spray Malathion 50 EC at 0.05 % three to five days before harvest to minimize the
bruchid infestation in storage.
Harvest
• Harvest the pods 30 days after 50 per cent flowering. At this stage, the colour of
majority of the pods (80 %) will be black. The pod moisture content will be around
17 - 18 %.
• Harvest the pods as pickings, if the flowering period is longer.
• Dry the pods to 13 to 15 per cent moisture content.
Threshing
• Thresh the pods either with pliable bamboo stick or pulse thresher.
Drying
• Dry the seeds to 8 - 9 per cent moisture content.
Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using BSS 7 x 7 wire mesh sieve
• Discard the discoloured and broken seeds for seed purpose.
• Avoid bruchid infected seeds for sowing.
Pre-storage seed treatment
• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 3 g / kg of seed as eco-friendly treatment.
Storage
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 10 - 12 % in gunny or cloth bags for
short term storage (8 - 9 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 % in polylined gunny bag for
medium term storage (12 - 15 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content less than 8 % in 700 gauge polythene
bag for long term storage (more than15 months).

144
 (ii) GREENGRAM ( Vigna radiata L. )

Climate requirement

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

40 20 25 - 32 600 - 800 2000
Tropical and subtropical hot climate. The crop needs a well - distributed rainfall.
Heavy rains at flowering are harmful, even moist winds at this stage interfere with
fertilization. It can tolerate drought to a great extent. It is considered to be the
hardiest pulse among all pulse crops. Day neutral plant.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
i. SEASON AND VARIETIES

District/season Varieties
Adipattam (June - July) CO(Gg) 7, VBN(Gg) 2, VBN(Gg) 3, CO
All districts except Kanyakumari and Nilgiris 8, VBN 4
Puratasipattam (September - October) Co(Gg) 7, VBN(Gg) 2, VBN(Gg) 3, CO 8,
Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur, Dharmapuri, Vellore, VBN 4
Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Namakkal, Cuddalore,
Villupuram, Thiruchirapalli, Perumbalur, Erode,
Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Pudukottai,
Pudukkottai, Sivagangi, Ramanthapuram, Virudhunagar,
Thothukudi and Thirunelveli,
Margazhi-Thai Pattam (December – January) VBN(Gg)3, CO(Gg) 7, CO 8
All districts except Kanyakumari and Nilgiris
Rice fallows (January - February) ADT 3
Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore,
Summer (February - March) VBN(Gg) 3, CO(Gg) 7, CO 8, VBN 4
Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Cuddalore,
Villupuram, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Thiruvallur,
Kanchipuram

II. DESCRIPTION OF GREENGRAM VARIETIES

Particulars Co (Gg) 7 CO 8 VBN(Gg) 2 VBN (Gg) 3 ADT 3 VBN 4
Year of 2005 2013 2001 2009 1988 2019
Release
Year of SO.1177(E SO.268(E)/28. SO.1197(E)/1 SO.2137(E)/ SO.793(E)/2 SO.3220(E)/
Notification )/25.08.05 01.2015 4.11.2002 31.08.2010 2.11.1991 05.09.2019
Parentage MGG336 COGG 923 x VGG 4 x MH CO 1 x H7016 x PDM 139 x
x CoGG VC 8040A 309 Vellore local Rajendran BB 2664
902 G65
Maturity 60-65 55- 60 65-70 65-75 70-75 65-70
duration
(days)

145
Grain yield
(kg/ha)
Rainfed 980 - 750 775 500 (rice 936
(kg/ha) fallow)
Irrigated - 845 900 880 - 1251
(kg/ha)
Height (cm) 30 - 45 55-65 50-60 35-55 40-60 45-55
Pod Colour Brown Brown Black Brown Black
at
maturity
100 grain 3.5 – 4.0 3.5-4 3.6-3.9 2.8-3.5 2.5-3.5 35-40
wt (g)
Special High Suitable for Moderately Moderately Suitable only Resident to
features protein single/mechani resistant to resistant to for Rice urbean leaf
content cal harvest. Yellow powdery fallow and crinkle virus,
(25.2%), Moderately Mosaic, mildew and Margazhi moderately
High seed resistant to Synchronize Yellow pattam resistant to
weight and MYMV and pod maturity mosaic yellow
synchroniz stem necrosis Indeterminat mosaic virus
ed diseases. e and powdery
maturity Moderately flowering mildew
resistant to diseases
sucking pests
like aphids and
stem fly

I. SEED RATE

Particulars Quantity of seed required kg/ha

Pure crop Mixed crop

All varieties 20 10
Rice fallows - ADT 3 30 --

II. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. FIELD PREPARATION
i. 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 at the rate of 2 t/ha along with FYM at 12.5 t/ha or composted coir pith at 12.5
t/ha to get an additional yield of about 15 - 20%.

2. SEED TREATMENT
Treat 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/kg seed. Bio control agents are compatible with biofertilizers. First
treat the seeds with Biocontrol agents and then with Rhizobium. Fungicides and biocontrol
agents are incompatible.

146
 3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BIOFERTILIZER
a) Treat the seeds required for sowing 1 ha with 200g each of Rhizobial culture COG 15,
Phosphobacteria and PGPR (Pseudomonas sp.) using rice gruel, shade dry it before
sowing. (or) Treat one hectare of seeds with 25 g each of each of powder formulation
of Rhizobium and AM fungi using binder (polymer), shade dry before sowing.
b) If seed treatment is not carried out, apply 2 kg each Rhizobial culture,
Phosphobacteria and PGPR (Pseudomonas sp.) with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand,
mix uniformly before sowing.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
If soil test is not done ,
Apply fertilizers basally before sowing.
Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 12.5 kg K2O +20 kg S*/ha Irrigated : 25 kg N + 50 kg
P2O5 + 25 kg K2O + 40 kg S*/ha
*Note : Applied in the form of gypsum if Single Super Phospate is not applied as a source of
phosphorus

Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield
targets. (ready reckoners are furnished )

Red sandy loam (Irugur

Soil : FN = 25.07 T - 0.71 SN
series)
Target 0.8– 0.9 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 15.44 T - 5.48 SP
FK2O = 11.00 T - 0.19 SK

Yield target –0. 8 t ha-1 Yield target – 0.9 t ha-1

Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @
(kg ha-1) 12.5 t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg 12.5 t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg
ha-1 ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 160 38** 26 18 38** 41 29
180 14 180 33 25* 14 38** 30 25
200 16 200 19 25* 13* 38** 25* 21
220 18 220 13* 25* 13* 29 25* 17
240 20 240 13* 25* 13* 15 25* 13
* Maintenance dose;** Maximum dose

Note: FN, FP2O5 and FK2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the
yield target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON,
OP and OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha1.
c) Soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha or 12.5 kg ZnSO4 as EFYM under irrigated
147
 condition
d) Soil application of TNAU micronutrient mixture @ 5 kg/ha as Enriched FYM (Prepare
enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN mixture & FYM ; mix at friable moisture &incubate
for one month in shade).
50 kg FeSO4 as EFYM or 10 by Fe EDTA ha-1 for the deficient soils.
Multi-blooming technology for irrigated green gram in new delta region of Thanjavur
For higher yield and income, apply 25:50:25:20 kg NPKS/ha.+25 kg N/ha. in 3 equal
splits on 30, 45 and 60 days after sowing + 2% DAP spray on 45 and 60 days after sowing.

Foliar spraying of 0.5% ZnSO4 thrice, 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid thrice can be
followed when plants shows deficiency symptoms at 7-10 days intervals.

e) Foliar spray of 1% urea for yield improvement in green gram

For yield improvement through increasing the physiological, biochemical attributes,
foliar spray of urea 1% on 30 and 45 days after sowing is recommended. For rice fallow
pulses in Delta area, the present recommendation of foliar spray of 2% DAP may be
continued.

Economizing the use of micronutrients through seed treatment for greengram

Seed coating with biofertilizers and micronutrients viz., Zn, Mo & Co @ 4,1,0.5 g/kg of
seed is recommended.

5. SOWING
Dibble the seeds adopting a spacing of 30 x 10 cm. For bund crop dibble the seeds at 30
cm spacing.

6. WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigate immediately after sowing, followed by life irrigation on third day. Irrigate
at interval of 7 to 10 days depending upon soil and climatic conditions. Flowering and
pod formation stages are critical periods when irrigation is a must. Avoid water
stagnation at all stages. Apply KCl at 2.0 per cent as foliar spray during vegetative
stage if there is moisture stress.

7. FOLIAR APPLICATION
a. Foliar spray of NAA 40 mg/litre and Salicylic acid 100 mg/litre once at pre-
flowering and another at 15 days thereafter to reduce flower shedding.
b. i) For rice fallow crops, foliar spray of TNAU Pulse wonder @ 5 kg/ha once at
flowering or DAP 20 g/litre once at flowering and another at 15 days
thereafter
ii) For irrigated and rainfed crops foliar spray of TNAU Pulse wonder @ 5 kg/ha
once at flowering or DAP 20 g/litre or urea 20 g/litre once at flowering and
another at 15 days thereafter.
c. Foliar spray of salicylic acid 100 mg/litre at preflowering and another at 15 days
therafter to improve translocation efficiency and seed yield.

148
8. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 1.0 litres / ha under irrigated
condition or PE application of Pendimethalin 0.75 litres per hectare under
rainfed condition on 3 days after sowing using Backpack/ Knapsack/Rocker
sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle using 500 litres of water for spraying one ha.
After this, one hand weeding on 30th days after sowing gives weed free
environment throughout the crop period (or) EPOE application of quizalofop
ethyl @ 50 g ai/ha-1 and imazethapyr @ 50 g ai ha-1 on 15 – 20 DAS.
ii) If herbicide is not applied give two hand weedings on 15 and 30 days after
sowing.
iii) Apply PE Pendimethalin 30% EC + Imazethapyr 2% EC (Valor 32% EC; Readymix
herbicide) @ 1.0 kg a.i. ha-1 at 3 DAS.
-1
iv) For the irrigated blackgram PE isoproturon @ 0.5 kg ha followed by one hand
weeding on 30 DAS.

9. MULTI BLOOM TECHNOLOGY

A special technology being practiced in Pattukottai block of Tanjore district for
blackgram and greengram. The soil is alluvial and rich in organic matter and nutrients.
The crop is sown during early summer (Jan.-Feb.) as normal crop and fertilizer is applied
as per the recommendation for irrigated crop. In addition to that, top dressing of
Nitrogen is done with an extra dose of 25 to 30 kg through urea. Since pulses are
indeterminate in growth habit and continue to produced new flushes, the top dressing
will be done on 40-45 days after sowing. The crop complete its first flushes of matured
pods during 60-65th day and put further second new flush within 20-25 days. Therefore
two flushes of pods can be harvested at a time within the duration of 100 days.

CROP PROTECTION
A.Pest management

Economic threshold level for important pests

Pest ETL
Aphids 20/2.5 cm shoot length
Pod borers 10% of affected pods
Spotted pod borer 3/plant
Stem fly 10%of affected plants
Tobacco cut worm 8 egg masses/100 m

Pests Management strategies

Stem fly Treat seeds with dimethoate 30% EC 5 ml/kg of seed
Ophiomyia phaseoli
Aphids Spray any one of the following
Aphis craccivora Methyl demeton 25% EC 500 ml/ha
Dimethoate 30% EC 500 ml/ha
Whitefly Spray any one of the following
Bemisia tabaci Methyl demeton 25% EC 500 ml/ha
149
 Dimethoate 30% EC 500 ml/ha
Tobacco cut worm ¾ Use of light trap to monitor and kill the attracted adult moths.
Spodoptera litura ¾ Set up the sex pheromone trap at 12/ha to monitor the activity
of the pest and to synchronize the pesticide application, if need
be, at the maximum activity stage.
¾ Growing castor along border and irrigation bunds.
¾ Removal and destruction of egg masses in castor and cotton
crops.
¾ Removal and destruction of early stage larvae found in clusters
which can be located easily even from a distance.
¾ Collection and destruction of shed materials.
¾ Hand picking and destruction of grownup caterpillars.
Spray any one of the following insecticides
Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 3750 ml/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @150 ml/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 100ml/ha
Blue butterflies Spray any one of the following insecticides
Lampides boeticus Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 100ml/ha
Euchrysops cnejus Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 100ml/ha
Lufenuron 5.4% EC 600ml/ha
Monocrotophos 36% SL 625 ml/ha
Thiodicarb 75% WP 625g/ha
Spotted pod borer Monocrotophos 36% SL 437 ml/ha
Maruca vitrata Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 100ml/ha
Pod bugs Dimethoate 30% EC 500ml/ha
Methyl demeton 25% EC 500ml/ha
Storage pests Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10 %.
Bruchid- Use pitfall traps or two in one model trap to monitor the time of
Callosobruchus chinensis emergence of field carried over pulse beetle in storage and
C. maculatus accordingly sun-dry the produce.
Mix Malathion 5 D 1 kg for every 100 kg seed
Pack in polythene lined gunny bags for storage

Disease Management

Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with T. asperellum @ 4 g or P. fluorescens @ 10 g or

carbendazim @ 2 g or thiram @ 4 g/kg of seed

Disease Recommendations
Powdery mildew: • Spray NSKE 5% or neem oil 3% twice at 10 days interval from
Erysiphe polygoni initial disease symptom appearance
• Spray 10% Eucalyptus leaf extract at initiation of the disease and
10 days later
• Spray carbendazim @ 500 g or wettable sulphur 1500 g/ha or
propiconazole 500 ml/ha at initiation of the disease and 10 days
later
Rust: Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g or wettable sulphur 1500 g /ha at
Uromyces appendiculatus initiation of the disease and 10 days later

150
Leaf spot: Spray carbendazim @ 500 g/ha or mancozeb @ 1000g /ha at
Cercospora canescens initiation of the disease and 10 days later
Yellow mosaic Integrated disease management
(Geminivirus) • Seed treatment with imidacloprid 600FS @ 5 ml/kg of seeds
and • Installation of yellow sticky traps @ 12 numbers / ha
Leaf crinkle • Rogue out the virus infected plants up to 45 days
(Vector: • Foliar spray of 10% notchi leaf extract at 30 DAS or neem
Bemisia tabaci) formulation @ 3 ml/l
• Spray methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml/ha or dimethoate 30 EC 500
Leaf curl (Tospovirus) ml/ha or thiamethoxam 75WG @ 100 g/ha or imidacloprid 17.8 SL
(Vector: @ 250 ml/ha or thiamethoxam 75 WS 1 g /3 lit and repeat after 15
Frankliniella schultzii, days, if necessary
Thrips tabaci,
Scirtothrips dorsalis)
Root rot: • Seed treatment with Trichoderma asperellum @ 4 g/kg or
Rhizoctonia bataticola Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg
(Macrophomina • Basal soil application of zinc sulphate 25 kg/ha
phaseolina) • Basal soil application of neem cake @ 150 kg/ha
• Soil application P. fluorescens or T. asperellum @ 2.5 kg / ha with
50 kg of well decomposed FYM or sand at 30 days after sowing
• Spot drench with carbendazim @ 1 g/ l
Root rot - stem fly complex Seed treatment with Beauveria bassiana + Pseudomonas
fluorescens @ 5g each/kg of seed

RICE-FALLOWS

VARIETIES AND SEED RATE

Quantity of seed required kg/ha
Varieties Sole crop Mixed crop
ADT 3 30 -

1. TIME OF SOWING
Third week of January –Second week of February
2. SOWING OF SEEDS
a) For relay cropping broadcast the seeds in the standing crop 5 to 10 days before
the harvest of the paddy crop uniformly under optimum soil moisture
conditions so that the seeds should get embedded in the waxy mire.
b) For combined harvesting areas, broadcast the seeds before harvesting the paddy
crop with machineries

3. FOLIAR APPLICATION
a. Foliar spray of NAA 40 mg/litre once at pre-flowering and another at 15 days
thereafter
b. Foliar spray of TNAU pulse wonder @ 5 kg/ha once at flowering or DAP 20 g/lt
once at flowering and another at 15 days thereafter
c. Foliar spray of salicylic acid100 mg/litre once at preflowering and anothere at 15
days there after.
151
4. HARVESTING
i) Picking the matured pods, drying and processing
ii) Uprooting or cutting the whole plants, heaping ,drying and processing

SEED PRODUCTION
GREEN GRAM - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free from volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be of the
same variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be of the same variety if it is
certified as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 5 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Pre-sowing seed treatment

• Remove all discoloured seeds and use only normal coloured seeds (olive green) for
seed purpose.
• Avoid bruchid infested seeds for sowing.
• If the presence of hard seed percentage exceeds more than 10 %, scarify the seeds
with commercial H2SO4 for 2 min.
• Harden the greengram seeds for garden and dry land ecosystem with 100 ppm
MnSO4 for 3 h at the ratio of 1:0.3 ratio and dry back to original seed moisture
content (8 - 9 %) under shade.

Fertilizer
• NPK @ 25 : 50 : 25 kg + 5 kg TNAU micro nutrient mixture / ha.

Foliar application
• Spray 2 % DAP at the time of first appearance of flowers and second spray 15 days
after first spray for enhanced seed set.
• Spray NAA 40 ppm at first flowering and at fortnight interval to reduce the flower
drop.
• Spray 0.1 % brassinoloid on 35th and 45th day after sowing.

Pre-harvest sanitation spray

• Spray (0.05 %) Malathion 50 EC three to five days before harvest to minimize the
bruchid infestation in storage.

Harvest
• Harvest the pods at 30 days after 50 % flowering when majority of the pods (80 %)
are brown in colour.
• Harvest the pods as pickings, if the flowering period is longer.
152
 • Dry the pods to 13 to 15 % moisture content.

Threshing
• Thresh the pods either with pliable bamboo stick or pulse thresher.
ying
• Dry the seeds to 8 - 9 % moisture content.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using BSS 7 x 7 wire mesh sieve.
• Discard the discoloured and broken seeds for sowing or storage.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim 2 g / kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara)
leaf powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg of seed as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 10 - 12 % in gunny or cloth bags for
short term storage (8 - 9 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 % in polylined gunny bag for
medium term storage (12 - 15 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content less than 8 % in 700 gauge polythene
bag for long term storage (more than15 months).

153
 (iii) COWPEA ( Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.aggreg.)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

35 15 20 - 30 400 - 600 32
Cowpea is called the "hungry - season crop" because it is the first crop to be harvested
before the cereal crops. Cowpea is tolerant of shading and can be combined with tall cereal
plants such as sorghum and maize. It is sensitive to waterlogging, though less than other
legumes. High moisture may hinder cowpea crops in the sub - humid tropics due to the
many diseases. Frost can damage the plant during flowering period.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES
DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIES
Adipattam (June-August) Co(CP) 7
For all districts except Kanyakumari and Nilgiris
Purattasipattam (September - November) Co(CP) 7, VBN 3
Vellore, Thiruvannamalai, Dharmapuri, Salem,
Namakkal, Perembalur, Erode, Coimbatore, Madurai,
Dindigul, Theni and Virudhunagar
Margazhi - Thaipattam (December – February) Co(CP) 7, VBN 3
Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur,Vellore, Thiruvannamalai,
Dharmapui,Salem,Namakkal, Coimbatore, Erode,
Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Tiruchirappalli, Perambalur,
Ariyalur, Karur, Pudukkottai, Tirunelveli and
Thoothukudi

I. Description of Cowpea varieties

Particulars Co (CP) 7 VBN 3
Year of Release 2002 2017
Year of Notification SO.1177(E)/25.08.2005 S.O. 6318(E) / 26.12.2018
Parentage Gamma mutant of Co 4 TLS 38 x VCP 16-1
(20 Kr)
50%flowering(days) 40 – 45 50-55
Duration (days) 70 – 75 75-80
Grain yield(kg/ha)
Rainfed 1000 1010
Irrigated 1600 -
Plant height (cm) 40 – 55 65 - 70
Stem, branches Green with purple ring at Determinate plant type,
fruiting nodes, 5 – 8 synchronized maturity
branches
Leaves The terminal leaflet has sub The terminal leaflet has sub
hastate shape globose shape
154
 Colour of pods Green Creamy white colour and
glabrous pods
Dry Light brown Light brown
Colour of grain Brownish white and square Light brown and kidney shape
shape.
100 grain wt (g) 12 – 14 12.5 – 13.5

III. SEED RATE

Seed rate (pure crop) : 25 kg/ha

CROP MANAGEMENT
IV. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. FIELD PREPARATION
Prepare the land to fine tilth and form beds and channels.

2. SEED TREATMENT
Treat 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/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.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BIOFERTILIZER

a) Fungicide-treated seeds, should be again treated with a bacterial culture. There
should be an interval of atleast 24 hours between fungicidal and biofertilizer
treatments.
b) The improved rhizobial strain COC 10 is more effective in increasing the yield.
Treat the seeds with one packet (200 g/ha) of Rhizobial culture (COC 10) and one
packet (200 g/ha) of Phosphobacteria developed at TNAU using rice kanji as binder.
If the seed treatment is not carried out apply 10 packets (2 kg/ha) of
Phosphobacteria with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of soil before sowing. Dry the
biofertilizer treated seeds in shade for 15 minutes before sowing.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
a) Apply fertilizers basally before sowing.
Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 12.5 kg K2O +10 kg S*/ha Irrigated : 25 kg N + 50 kg
P2O5 + 25 kg K2O + 20 kg S*/ha
*Note : Applied in the form of gypsum if Single Super Phosphate is not applied as a
source of phosphorus
b) Soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha along with 50 kg FYM or sand under irrigated
condition
c) Soil application of 10 kg borax, 0.25 kg Ammonium molybdate can be followed if the
soil is deficient.

155
5. SOWING
Dibble the seeds adopting the following spacing.
Varieties Spacing

VBN 3 30 cm X 15 cm
CO(CP) 7 45 cm x 15 cm

6. WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigate immediately after sowing followed by life irrigation on third day. Irrigate
at interval of 7 to 10 days depending upon soil and climatic conditions. Flowering and
pod formation stages are critical periods when irrigation is a must. Avoid water
stagnation at all stages. Apply KCl at 2.0 per cent as foliar spray during vegetative
stage if there is moisture stress.

7. FOLIAR APPLICATION
a. Foliar spray of DAP 20 g/litre or urea 20 g/litre once at flowering and another at
15 days thereafter to enhance flower number and pod setting
b. Foliar spray of NAA 40 mg/litre once at flowering and another at 15 days
thereafter to reduce flower drop
c. Foliar spray of salicylic acid 100 mg/litre once at flowering and another at 15
days ther after to improve seed yield.
8. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 litre / ha on 3 days after
sowing using Backpack/ Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle
using 500 lit of water for spraying one hectare followed by one hand weeding
on 30 days after sowing gives weed free environment throughout the crop
period.
ii) If herbicide is not applied, give two hand weeding on 15 and 30 days after
sowing.
CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest management

Pests ETL
Aphids 20nos. /2.5 cm shoot length
Spotted pod borer 3larvae /plant
Stem fly 10% of affected plants

Pests Management strategies

Stem fly Seed treatment with dimethoate 30 EC 5

Ophiomyia phaseoli ml/kg of seed
Aphids Spray any one of the following
Aphis craccivora Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml/ha
156
Whitefly Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ha
Bemisia tabaci
Blue butterflies Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 100ml/ha
Lampides boeticus
Euchrysops cnejus
Spotted pod borer • Thiodicarb 75% WP 750g/ha
Maruca vitrata
Storage pests • Dry the seeds adequately to reduce
Bruchid- moisture level to 10 %.
Callosobruchus chinensis • Use pitfall traps or two in one model
C. maculatus trap to assess the time of emergence of
field carried over pulse beetle in storage
and accordingly sun-dry the produce.
• Mix Malathion 5 D 1 kg for every 100 kg
seed
• Pack in polythene lined gunny bags for
storage
Pod bug • Dimethoate 30% EC 500ml/ha
• Methyl demeton 25% EC 500ml/ha

B. Disease Management

Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with T. asperellum @ 4 g or P. fluorescens @ 10 g/kg or

carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or thiram @ 4 g/kg of seeds

Disease Recommendations
Rust: Two sprays of chlorothalonil 0.1% or one
Uromyces appendiculatus spray with 0.1% chlorothalonil followed by 3%
neem oil after the appearance of disease
Root rot: • Soil application of P. fluorescens or T. asperellum @ 2.5 kg/ ha
Macrophomina phaseolina with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM or sand
(Rhizoctonia bataticola) • Spot drenchwith carbendazim @ 1 g /l

Aphid borne mosaic: Roguing out the virus infected plants in the early stage of growth
(Potyvirus) up to 30 days and spraying twice at fortnightly intervals with
(Vector: Aphis craccivora, A. methyl demeton 25 EC @ 500 ml/ha or dimethoate 30 EC 500 @
fabae, A. gossypii ml/ha or imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 250ml/ha
and Myzus persicae)

SEED PRODUCTION
COWPEA - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be of the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

157
Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 5 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of cowpea.

Season
• September - October and June - July.

Intercultural operation
• Clip the tendrils for promotion of flower production.
• Up root and destroy the plants exhibiting severe symptoms of mosaic in the early
stages of growth.
• Spray NAA 40 ppm (40 mg in 1 litre) at first flowering to reduce flower drop.
• Spray 2 % DAP at flower initiation and at peak flowering to promote pod setting.

Harvesting
• Seeds attain physiological maturity 27 - 30 days after anthesis. At this stage the seed
moisture content will be around 18 per cent.
• Harvest the pods as they turn light straw in colour and the seeds turn brown or
mottled.
• Harvest the pods as picking (4 - 5 nos.) at 10 days interval.
• Shade dry the pods for 1 - 2 days and then sundry until they become brittle.
• Beat the pods with pliable bamboo stick or pulse thresher by adjusting the cylinder
speed to avoid splitting and cracking of seeds.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds with 10 / 64" or 12 / 64” round perforated sieves.

Drying
• Remove the broken and immature seeds.
• Dry the seeds to 8 - 10 % moisture content
Pre- storage seed treatment
• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed along with carbaryl 200 mg / kg
of seed.
• Treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 10 - 12 % in gunny or cloth bags for
short term storage (8 - 9 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 % in polylined gunny bag for
medium term storage (12- 15 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content less than 8 % in 700 gauge polythene
bag for long term storage (more than15 months).

158
 (iv) HORSEGRAM (Macrotyloma uniflorum )

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

42 20 25 - 32 200 - 700 800

Tropical crops. Extremely drought - resistant crop. Moderately warm, dry climatic
conditions are suitable for its optimum growth. It does not grow well on higher
altitudes because of cool and wet climate.

I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIES
November (Winter season) (Rainfed) Paiyur 2
All districts except
The Nilgiris and Kanyakumari

II. Description of Horsegram varieties

Particulars Paiyur 2
Year of Release 1998

Year of Notification SO.425(E)/08.06.1999

Parentage Gamma irradiation of

Co 1

50% 45-50
flowering(days)
Maturity Duration (days) 100-105

Grain yield(kg/ha)
Rainfed 870
Plant height (cm) 40-45
Branches 2 -3 branches
Colour of grain Pale brown
100 grain wt (g) 3.5

III. SEED RATE

For a pure crop 20 kg/ha is needed.

159
 MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. FIELD PREPARATION
Prepare the land to fine tilth.

2. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDES

Treat the seeds with any one of the following fungicides. Carbendazim or Thiram at 2
g/kg seed.

3. FERTILIZER RECOMMENDATION
Apply basally 12.5 t/ha FYM/Compost, 12.5 kg/ha nitrogen, 25 kg/ha phosphorus , 12.5
kg/ha potassium if soil is deficient in NPK status. Application of 25 kg ZnSO4, 25 kg
FeSO4 + FYM can be followed if the soil is deficient in Zn and Fe. `

4. SEED TREATMENT WITH BIOFERTILIZER

Treat the seeds with one packet (200 g/ha) of Rhizobial culture and one packet
(200 g/ha) of Phosphobacteria developed at TNAU using rice kanji as binder. If the
seed treatment is not carried out apply 10 packets of Phosphobacteria with 25 kg of
FYM and 25 kg of soil before sowing. Dry the biofertilizer treated seeds in shade for 15
minutes before sowing.

4. SOWING
Dibble the seeds with a spacing of 30 x 10 cm.

5. WEED MANAGEMENT
Give one weeding and hoeing on 25-30 days after sowing

6. HARVESTING
Harvest the matured whole plant, thresh and extract seeds

CROP PROTECTION

Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or thiram @ 4 g/kg

HORSE GRAM - SEED PRODUCTION

VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be of the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 10 m all around the field
160
 from the same and other varieties of horsegram.

Season
• October - November.

Pre-sowing seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.
• Priming the seeds with 100 ppm ZnSO4 @ 1:1 seed to solution ratio for 3 hours and
drying back to original moisture content.

Crop management

• Foliar spray of 0.5 % ZnSO4 at 50 % flowering for enhancing the productivity

• Spray magnesium chloride against any chlorotic symptom @ 6 g / litre with a power
sprayer for 2 - 3 times at 5 days interval.

Intercultural operation
• Clip the tendrils to promote flower production.
Harvesting
• Harvest the pods at once when 75 - 80 % of the pods turned into yellowish brown in
colour.
• Timely harvest is essential; care to be taken not to expose the pods to rain or very
moist weather which may change the seed coat colour from light brown to dark
brown or light black.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds with round perforated metal sieves having 8 / 64" diameter.
• Remove the discoloured seeds.

Storage
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 % in gunny or cloth bags for
short term storage (8 - 9 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 7 - 8 % in poly lined gunny bag for
medium term storage (12 - 15 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content less than 7 % in 700 gauge polythene
bag for long term storage (more than15 months).

161
 (v) BENGALGRAM (Cicer arietinum L.)

CLIMATE REQUIRMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

35 - 45 6-8 20 - 25 500 - 800 2500
Tropical and subtropical winter season crop. The field should have loose tilth and good
drainage. Long day plant. Severe cold and frost at the time of flowering causes detrimental
effect to gram seed development.
CROP IMPROVEMENT
i. SEASON AND VARIETIES
District /Season Varieties
November (Winter season) Rainfed CO 4
Vellore, Tiruvannamalai, Salem, Namakkal,
Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur, Dharmapuri,
Pudukottai, Erode, Coimbatore, Madurai,
Dindigul, Theni, Virudhunagar,
Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Tirunelveli,
Thoothukudi

II. Description of chickpea variety

Particulars CO 4
Year of Release 1998
Year of Notification SO. 425 (E) / 08.06.1999
Parentage Cross derivative of ICC 42 x ICC 12237
50% flowering 40
Duration (days) 85
Grain yield
(kg/ha)
Rainfed 1150
Height (cm) 35-40
Branches 3-5
Flower colour Light pink & veined
Colour of grain brown
100 grain wt (g) 30-32

(iii) SEED RATE

• CO 3 - 90 kg/ha.
• CO 4 - 75 kg/ha.
CROP MANAGEMENT
ii. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS
1. FIELD PREPARATION
Prepare the land to fine tilth and apply 12.5 t FYM/ha

162
2. SEED TREATMENT
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. Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers. First treat the
seeds with biocontrol agents and then with Rhizobium. Fungicides and biocontrol
agents are incompatible. The above seed treatment will protect the seedlings from
seed borne pathogens in the early stages.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BIOFERTILIZER

Treat the seeds with one packet (200 g/ha) of Rhizobial culture and one
packet (200 g/ha) of Phosphobacteria developed at TNAU using rice kanji as binder. If
the seed treatment is not carried out apply 10packets of Rhizobium (2 kg/ha) and 10
packets(2 kg) of Phosphobacteria with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of soil before sowing.
Dry the biofertilizer treated seeds in shade for 15 minutes before sowing.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
a) Apply fertilizers basally before sowing.
Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 12.5 kg K2O +10 kg S*/ha Irrigated : 25 kg N + 5 kg
P2O5 + 25 kg K2O + 20 kg S*/ha
*Note : Applied in the form of gypsum, if Single Super Phospate is not applied as a
source of phosphorus

5. SOWING
Dibble the seeds by adopting a spacing of 30 cm x 10 cm.

6. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 litres / ha on 3rd day after
sowing using Backpack/ Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle using
500 litres of water for spraying one ha followed by one hand weeding on 25 - 30
days after sowing.
th th
ii) If herbicide is not applied give two hand weedings on 15 and 30 day after
sowing.

7. INTERCROPPING IN BENGALGRAM
Bengalgram 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.

163
 CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest management
Economic threshold level for important pests
Pest ETL
Gram caterpillar 2 early instar larvae/plant
5-8 eggs/plant
Aphids 20/2.5 cm shoot length

Pest Management strategies

Aphid Spray any one of the following :
Aphis craccivora Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml/ha
Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ha
Gram caterpillar • Pheromone traps for Helicoverpa armigera 12/ha
Helicoverpa • Bird perches 50/ha
armigera • Mechanical collection of grown up larva and blister beetle
• Ha NPV 3 x1012 POB/ha in 0.1% teepol
• Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki 5%WP 1000-1250 g/ha
(Note : Insecticide / Ha NPV spray should be made when the larvae are upto
third instar)
Apply any one of the following insecticides:
Azadirachtin 0.03 % WSP 2.5kg/ha
Benfuracarb 40% EC 2.5l/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 150ml/ha
Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1250 ml / ha
Emamectin benzoate 5% SG 220 g/ha
Ethion 50% EC 1.0 l/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC 100ml / ha
Indoxacarb 14.5% SC 350 ml/ha
Indoxacarb 15.8% SC 333 ml/ha
Lufenuron 5.4% EC 600ml/ha
Methomyl 40%SP 750g/ha
Monocrotophos 36%SL 625-1250ml/ha
Neem oil 2%
Quinalphos 1.5%DP 23kg/ha
Quinalphos 25 %EC 1400ml/ha
Spinosad 45%SC 125 ml/ha
• Thiodicarb 75 WP 625g / ha
Storage pests • Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10 %.
• Use pitfall traps or two in one model trap to assess the time of emergence of
field carried over pulse beetle in storage and accordingly sun-dry the
produce.
• Mix Malathion 5 D 1 kg for every 100 kg of seed
• Pack in polythene lined gunny bags for storage

164
 Disease Management

Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with T. asperellum @ 4 g or P. fluorescens @ 10 g/kg or

carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or thiram @ 4 g/kg of seeds

Disease Recommendations
Wilt: Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. Soil application with P. fluorescens @ 2.5 kg/ha with 50
ciceri kg of well decomposed FYM or sand
Root rot: • Soil application of P. fluorescens or T. asperellum @ 2.5
Macrophomina phaseolina kg / ha with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM or sand
(Rhizoctonia bataticola) • Spot drench with carbendazim @ 1 g/l

BENGAL GRAM - SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirements
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be of the
same variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is
certified as per the procedures of certification agency.
Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 5 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of bengal gram.

Pre-sowing treatment
• Soak the seeds in 1 % KH2PO4 for 3 h in 1/3rd volume of solution and shade dry the
seeds to bring back to original seed moisture content.
• Avoid bruchid infested seed for seed purpose.

Harvesting
• Harvest the crop at once when 70 - 80 % of pods are creamy yellow in colour.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using 13 / 64” or 18 / 64" sieves depending on the variety.
• Dry the seeds to 8 - 10 % moisture content
Pre-storage seed treatment
• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.
• Treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in a ratio of 5:4:1@ 3 g / kg of seed as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 9 - 10 % in gunny or cloth bags for
short term storage (8 - 9 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 % in polylined gunny bag for
medium term storage (12 - 15 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content less than 8 % in 700 gauge polythene
bag for long term storage (more than 15 months).
165
 (VII) GARDEN LAB LAB (AVARAI)
(Lab lab purpureus (L.) var. typicus. )

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

42 14 22–28 650 - 3000 2000 - 2400
Tropical and sub tropical crop. Lablab is a summer - growing annual or occasionally short -
lived perennial forage legume. Lablab tolerates some flooding but does not withstand poor
drainage or prolonged waterlogging. Lablab does better in full sunlight.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
i. SEASON AND VARIETIES

District/season Varieties
Adipattam (July - Aug) CO (Gb) 14
Kanjipuram,Tiruvallur,Dharmapuri,Coimbatore,Madurai,Di
ndigul,Theni,Vellore,Tiruvannamali,Ramanathapuram,Viru
dhunagar,Sivagangai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Salem,
Namakkal, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam,
Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur,Karur,Pudukkottai,Kanyakumari
Erode
Puratasipattam (September - November) CO (Gb) 14
Kanchipuram, Tiruvallur,Tiruchirapalli,Perambalur,
Karur,Vellore,Tiruvannamalai, Cuddalore,Villupuram,
Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Pudukkottai, CO (Gb) 14
Erode,Coimbatore, Madurai,Dindigul, Theni,
Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli,
Thoothukudi, Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, CO (Gb) 14
Summer (April) CO (Gb) 14
Kanjipuram,Tiruvallur,Vellore,Tiruvannamali,Cuddalore,Vil
luppuram Dharmapuri, Salem, Namakkal, Thanjavur,
Tiruvarur, CO (Gb) 14
Nagapattinam, Kanyakumari,Pudukkottai,
Erode,Coimbatore,Madurai,Dindigul,Theni,Ramanathapur CO (Gb) 14
am, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi, Sivagangai,

II.DESCRIPTION OF AVARAI VARIETY

PARTICULARS CO (Gb)14
Parentage Cross derivative of CO 9 X CO 4
Year of release 2007
1 st flowering(days) 35-40
Duration (days) 80-85 days(seed to seed)
70-75 days(vegetable type)
Grain yield(kg/ha)
166
 Irrigated (kg/ha) 7584 Green pod
Habit Dwarf ,bushy without tendrils
Height (cm) 56-62
Colour of Flowers white
Colour of pod Green
Shape of pod flat
Colour of grain Reddish brown
100 seed weight (g) 34-36

I. SEED RATE

Particulars Quantity of seed required kg/ha Sole crop Mixed Crop

CO (Gb) 14 25 -

CROP MANAGEMENT
II. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. FIELD PREPARATION
Prepare the land to fine tilth. Form beds and channels for bushy types.

2. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDES

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. Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers. First
treat the seeds with biocontrol agents and then with Rhizobium. Fungicides and
biocontrol agents are incompatible.

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTURE

Fungicide 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 of bacterial culture are sufficient for treating seeds
required for one ha. The bacterial culture slurry may be prepared with rice kanji.
Dry the inoculated seeds in shade for 15 minutes before sowing.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
(a) Apply fertilizers basally before sowing.
Rainfed : 12.5 kg N + 25 kg P2O5 + 12.5 kg K2O +10 kg S*/ha Irrigated : 25 kg N + 50 kg
P2O5 + 25 kg K2O + 20 kg S*/ha
*Note : Applied in the form of gypsum if Single Super Phospate is not applied as a
sourceof phosphorus
(b) Soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha 10 kg borax, 5 kg CuSO4 under irrigated
condition if the soil is deficient in respective nutrients.

5. SOWING
Dibble the seeds adopting the following spacing. Varieties
CO (Gb) 1 : 45 cm X 30 cm
167
6. WEED MANAGEMENT
Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 0.75 litres/ha on 3 days after sowing
using Backpack/ Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle using 500 litres of
water for spraying one ha. After this, one hand weeding on 40-45 days after sowing
gives weed free environment throughout the crop period.
If herbicide is applied give two hand weedings on 25 and 45days after sowing.

7. WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigate immediately after sowing, followed by life irrigation on third day. Irrigate
atinterval of 7 to 10 days depending upon soil and climatic conditions. Flowering and
pod formation stages are critical periods when irrigation is a must. Avoid water
stagnation at all stages. Apply KCl at the rate of 0.5 per cent as foliar spray during
vegetative stage if there is moisture stress.

8. PRUNING TECHNIQUE
A spacing of about 10 feet between lines and four feet between plants are adopted.
Pits are dug and two to three seeds are sown in the middle of the pit. One healthy
seedling is allowed to grow and the rest removed. The vine is propped with a stick.
When the vine reaches the pandal, the terminal bud is nipped. Allow the branches
to trail over the pandal. Each branch may be pruned at three feet length so that
the pandal is covered with vines. Branches arising on the main vine below the
pandal are removed. When flowering starts, prune the tip of the branches bearing
inflorescence having three nodes from the productive axil. Continue this procedure
throughout the reproductive phase.

9. HARVESTING
Pick the pods when they are completely dry. Thresh the pods and clean the beans.
Pick the tender pods once in a week for vegetable purpose.

CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest management

Economic threshold level for important pests

Pest ETL
Aphids 20 numbers per 2.5 cm shoot length
Spotted pod borer 3 larvae per plant
Gram caterpillar 10% of affected pods

Pest management strategies

Pests Management strategies
Aphid Aphis craccivora Spray any one of the following :
Methyl demeton 25 EC 500 ml/ha
Dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ha
Spotted pod borer Maruca vitrata Thiodicarb 75% WP 750g/ha
168
Gram caterpillar • Pheromone traps for Helicoverpa armigera
Helicoverpa armigera 12/ha
• Bird perches 50/ha
• Mechanical collection of grown up larva and
blister beetle
• Ha NPV 3 x1012 POB/ha in 0.1% teepol
• Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki 5%WP 1000-
1250 g/ha
(Note : Insecticide / Ha NPV spray should be
made when the larvae are upto third instar)
Apply any one of the following insecticides:
Azadirachtin 0.03 % WSP 2.5kg/ha
Benfuracarb 40% EC 2.5l/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 150ml/ha
Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 1250 ml / ha
Emamectin benzoate 5% SG 220 g/ha
Ethion 50% EC 1.0 l/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35 % SC 100ml / ha
Indoxacarb 14.5% SC 350 ml/ha
Indoxacarb 15.8% SC 333 ml/ha
Lufenuron 5.4% EC 600ml/ha
Methomyl 40%SP 750g/ha
Monocrotophos 36%SL 625-1250ml/ha
Neem oil 2%
Quinalphos 1.5%DP 23kg/ha
Quinalphos 25 %EC 1400ml/ha
Spinosad 45%SC 125 ml/ha
Thiodicarb 75 WP 625g / ha
Pod bug • Dimethoate 30% EC 500ml/ha
Riptortus pedestris • Methyl demeton 25% EC 500ml/ha
Clavigralla gibbosa
Storage pests Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture
Bruchid - Callosobruchus chinensis level to 10%.
Use pitfall traps or two in one model trap to
assess the time of emergence of field carried
over pulse beetle in storage and accordingly sun-
dry the produce.
Mix Malathion 5 D 1 kg for every 100 kg seed
Pack in polythene lined gunny bags for storage

DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with T. asperellum @ 4 g or P. fluorescens @ 10 g/kg or
carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or thiram @ 4 g/kg of seeds
Disease Recommendations
Anthracnose and die-back: Spray mancozeb @ 1000g or carbendazim @ 250 g/ha soon after
Colletotrichum lindemuthianum the appearance of the disease and if necessary, spray once again
a fortnight later
169
 GARDEN LAB LAB (AVARAI) - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be of the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be of the same variety if it is
certified as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified seed production leave a distance of 5 m all around the field from the
same and other varieties of the crop.

Pre-harvest sanitation spray

• Spray 0.07 % malathion before harvesting the pods to avoid bruchid infestation.

Harvest
• Harvest the pods when they turn straw yellow in colour.
• Discard the terminal pods for seed purpose as they contain immature seeds.
• Dry the pods to 15 - 18 % moisture content.

Drying
• Dry the seeds to 8 - 10 % moisture content.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using 18 / 64” round perforated sieves.
• Remove the broken and immature seeds.
• Dry the seeds to 7 to 8 per cent moisture content.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim at 2 g / kg of seed along with carbaryl at 200
mg / kg of seed.
• Treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 9 - 10% in gunny or cloth bags for
short term storage (8-9 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 % in polylined gunny bag for
medium term storage (12 - 15 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content less than 8 % in 700 gauge polythene
bag for long term storage (more than15 months).

170
 (vi) FIELD LAB-LAB (MOCHAI)
( Lab lab purpureus (L.) var. ignosus )

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT
T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
35 4-6 18 - 30 800 - 1000 1800 - 3000
Tropical and sub tropical crop. Hot weather and drought stress are damaging to peas during
the flowering period. Field peas can be grown as a winter crop in warm and temperate
areas because pea seedlings have considerable frost resistance. High humidity is harmful to
pea crop due to incidence of disease. Short day plant.

CROP IMPROVEMENT

District /Season Varieties

All districts except Nilgiris CO 2
All throughout the year

II. Description of mochai variety

PARTICULARS Co 2
Year of Release 1984
Year of Notification SO.596(E)/13.08.1984
Parentage Derivative of Co 8 X Co 1
50% flowering(days) 35-45
Duration (days) 105
Grain yield(kg/ha)
Rainfed 900
Irrigated 1400
Habit Erect and bushy determinate photo insensitive
Hight (cms) 60
Colour of Flowers Purple
Colour of pod Green
Shape of pod flat
Colour of grain Black
100 seed weight (g) 20.0

I. SEED RATE
Particulars Quantity of seed required kg/ha
Sole crop Mixed crop
CO 1 20 10.0
CO 2 25 12.5

171
 CROP MANAGEMENT
II. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

1. FIELD PREPARATION
Prepare the land to fine tilth.

2. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDES

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.
• Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers.
• First treat the seeds with biocontrol agents and then with Rhizobium.
• Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible

3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BACTERIAL CULTURE

Fungicide 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 of bacterial culture are sufficient for treating seeds required for one
hectare. The bacterial culture may be prepared with rice kanji. Dry the inoculated
seeds in shade for 15 minutes, before sowing.

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
Apply 20 kg N and 80 kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O per ha 40 kg of S as gypsum (220 kg/ha)/ ha
as basal dressing. Soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4/ha,10 kg borax, 25 kg FeSO4 + FYM
under irrigated condition if the soil is deficient in respective nutrients.

5. FOLIAR APPLICATION
i. Foliar spray of NAA 40 mg/litre and Salicylic acid 100 mg/litre once at pre-flowering
and another at 15 days thereafter to reduce flower drop and enhance seed set.
ii. Foliar spray of DAP 20 g/litre or urea 20 g/litre once at flowering and another at 15
days thereafter to enhance flower number and pod set

6. SOWING
Dibble the seeds, adopting the following spacing. Strain Sole crop Mixed crop
CO 1 90 cm x 30 cm 200 cm x 30 cm
CO 2 45 cm x 15 cm 200 cm x 15 cm

7. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) Pre emergence application of Pendimethalin @ 2 litres/ha on 3 days after sowing
using Backpack/ Knapsack/Rocker sprayer fitted with flat fan nozzle using 500 l of
water for spraying one ha. After this, one hand weeding on 40-45 days after
sowing gives weed free environment throughout the crop period.
ii) If herbicides are not applied, give two hand weedings on 25th and 45th days
after sowing.
172
8. WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigate immediately after sowing, followed by life irrigation on third day. Irrigate
at interval of 7 to 10 days depending upon soil and climatic conditions. Flowering and
pod formation stages are critical periods when irrigation is a must. Avoid water
stagnation at all stages. Apply KCl at 0.5 per cent as foliar spray during vegetative
stage if there is moisture stress.

9. HARVESTING
Dry pods may be collected for grain purposes. Green mature pods may be collected
for vegetable purpose.

CROP PROTECTION

Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with T. asperellum @ 4 g or P. fluorescens @ 10 g/kg or

carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or thiram @ 4 g/kg seeds

Disease Recommendations
Anthracnose and die-back: Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g or carbendazim @ 250 g/ha
Colletotrichum lindemuthianum soon after the appearance of the disease and
if necessary, spray once again a fortnight later

173
 (ix) SOYABEAN (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

40 10 25 - 32 600 - 750 2000
Tropical and subtropical warm and moist climate. Short day plant. It can withstand
short periods of waterlogging and short drought.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
1. SEASON AND VARIETIES

DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIES
Adipattam (June - July) Co(Soy)3
Purattasipattam (Sep. - Oct.)
Masipattam (February - March)
Rice fallows

II. Description of soybean varieties

Particulars Co (Soy) 3
Year of Release 2005
Year of Notification SO.599(E)/25.04.2006
Parentage Cross derivative of UGM 69 x JS 335
50% flowering 39 – 41 days
Duration (days) 90-100
Grain yield (Kg/ha)
Rainfed -
Irrigated 1700
Height (cm) 53.5
Branches 5-6
Flower colour Pink
Colour of grain Creamy yellow with brown hilum
100 seed weight (g) 10.95 – 11.75

2. SEED TREATMENT WITH FUNGICIDES

a) 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.
• Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers.
• First treat the seeds with biocontrol agents and then with Rhizobium.
• Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.
b) 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
174
 the field stand.
3. SEED TREATMENT WITH BIOFERTILIZER
a) Treat the seeds atleast 24 hours before sowing.
Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g/ha) of Rhizobial culture (COS-1) and 3
packets (600 g/ha) of Phosphobacteria developed at TNAU using rice kanji as
binder. If the seed treatment is not carried out apply 10 packets of Rhizobium
(2000 g/ha) and 10 packets (2000 g) of Phosphobacteria with 25 kg of FYM
and 25 kg of soil before sowing. Dry the bacterial culture treated seeds in shade
for 15 minutes before sowing.
4. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
i) Apply 20 kg N and 80 kg P2 O5 and 40 kg K2 O per ha 40 kg of S as gypsum (220
kg/ha) as basal dressing. Soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4, 25 kg MnSO4/ha under
irrigated condition if the soil is deficient.
ii) Foliar spray of NAA 40 mg/litre and Salicylic acid 100 mg/litre once at pre-
flowering and another at 15 days thereafter
iii). Foliar spray of DAP 20 g/litre or urea 20 g/litre once at flowering and another at
15 days thereafter
iv). Foliar spraying of 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid thrice at 7-10 days interval.

5. SOWING
Dibble 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.

6. WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigate immediately after sowing. Give life irrigation on 3rd day. Further irrigation
at intervals of 7 - 10 and 10 - 15 days during summer and winter season respectively
to be given depending on soil and weather conditions. Soyabean is very sensitive to
excess moisture and the crop is affected, if water stagnates in the fields. The crop
should not suffer due to water stress from flowering to maturity. To alleviate moisture
stress spray of either Kaolin 3% or liquid paraffin at 1% on the foliage. In Erode district
cultivate Soybean + Castor with irrigation at 0.60 IW/CPE ratio (once in 10 to 12 days)
is recommended.

7. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) Pendimethalin 1.0 litre /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 be given.
iii) Early Post emergence application of Imazythypur @ 50 g / ha may be applied as
post emergence on 20 DAS with one hand weeding on 30 days after sowing.

8 HARVESTING
Yellowing of leaves and shedding, indicate the maturity of the crop. Cut the entire
plant when most of the pods have turned yellow, drying and processing.

175
 SOYABEAN IN RICE FALLOWS
Soyabean can be sown in rice fallows from middle of January to middle of March. Seeds
can be dibbled at 75 kg/ha.

SPECIAL SITUATIONS
1. Optimum time of sowing Soyabean CO 1 - 2nd fortnight of June in Kharif
2. Intercropping of Soyabean CO 2 in Sugarcane is recommended for North
Western Zone.
3. Intercropping of Soyabean in coconut gardens of more than 10 years is
recommended.
4. 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
i. VARIETIES
CO 1

SEASON
ii.
The 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. SEED TREATMENT WITH THE FUNGICIDES AND BIOFERTILIZERS
a) 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.
• 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 required for ha. with three pockets of Rhizobium and 3
packets of Phosphobacteria

4. FERTILIZER APPLICATION
i) Apply NPK as per soil test recommendation as far as possible. If soil test
recommendation is not available adopt blanket recommendation of
20:40:20:20 NPKS kg/ha, if adequate moisture is available.
ii) Apply entire dose of N, P, K and S as basal.

5. SPACING
Adopt a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 5 cm between plants in the row.
6. SOWING
Dibble or drill the seeds.

7. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) If sufficient moisture is available, Pendimethalin 1.0 litre/ha after sowing
followed by one hand weeding on 30 days after sowing.
ii) If herbicide spray is not given, two hand weeding on 20 and 35th day after

176
 sowing.
iii) Early Post emergence application of Imazythypur @ 40 g ai/ha applied as per
amergence on 20 days after sowing with one hand weeding on 30 DAS.

CROP PROTECTION

Spodoptera, Helicoverpa, Spilosoma, Bacillus thuringiensis var. Kurstaki,

Semilooper, Leaf miner, Stem fly Bio-tech. International @ 500-750 g/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @150 ml/ha
Ethion 50% EC @1500ml/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 150ml/ha
Indoxacarb 15.8%EC 330ml/ha
Profenophos 50%EC 1.0 l/ha
Spinetorum 11.7% SC 450ml/ha
Girdle beetle Profenophos 50%EC 1.0 l/ha
Thiacloprid 21.7% SC750ml/ha
Leaf weevil Malathion 50% EC @1500ml/ha
Quinalphos 1.5DP 16kg/ha
Quinalphos 25%EC 1.0 l/ha

Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with T. asperellum @ 4 g or P. fluorescen s@ 10 g/kg or

carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or thiram @ 4 g/kg of seeds

Disease Recommendations
Rust: Phakopspora pachyrhizi Spray triadimefon @ 0.1 % or propiconazole @ 0.1% or
hexaconazole @ 0.1% at flowering
stage or at the onset of disease
Virus diseases • Rogue out the virus infected plants up to 30 days
Yellow mosaic (Gemini virus) • Two sprays with thiamethoxam 25 WG @ 100 g/ha or
(Vector –Bemisia tabaci) methyl demeton @ 800 ml/ha or imidacloprid 17.8 SL
Bud blight (Ilarvirus) @ 250 ml/ha at 30 and 45 days after sowing to control
(Vector- Thrips palmi) the vector

SOYABEAN - SEED PRODUCTION

VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be of the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be of the same variety if it is
certified as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 3 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Harvest
• Harvest the pods as they turn yellow in colour.
177
Threshing
• Thresh the pods either manually or mechanically using pliable bamboo sticks.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using 14 / 64” or 12 / 64” sieves based on the varieties.

Drying
• Dry the seeds to 7- 8 % moisture content.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed along with carbaryl @ 200 mg / kg of seed.
• Treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 10 - 12 % in gunny or cloth bags for
short term storage (8 - 9 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content of 8 - 10 % in polylined gunny bag for
medium term storage (12 - 15 months).
• Store the seeds with a seed moisture content less than 7 % in 700 gauge polythene
bag for long term storage (more than15 months).

178
 (x) SWORD BEAN ( Canavalia gladiata L.)

CLIMATE RQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

38 10 15 - 30 700 - 4200 1500
Tropical and subtropical warm and moist climate. It is widely cultivated in the humid
tropics.tolerates salinity and waterlogging. This crop can grow in light shade under trees to
serve as a nitrogen - fixing cover crop.

CROP IMPROVEMENT

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 average grain 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

Year of release 1990
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 crop
Free from beany odour
Highly nutritious and delicious (25.9% protein) No major
pests and diseases

III. MANAGEMENT OF FIELD OPERATIONS

• Seed rate (kg/ha) : 110-120 (Pure crop)
• Fertilizers (kg/ha) : 25 N 50 P2O5
• Spacing : 45 x 30 cm (irrigated), 30x20 cm rainfed

179
 INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT FOR PULSE PESTS
1. Stem fly
• It attacks blackgram, greengram and cowpea.
• Adult fly is blackish and lay eggs on the young leaves
• Affected plants get dried
• Immature stage will be inside the stem
• Economic threshold level is 10% damage
2. Aphids
• Attacks blackgram, greengram, lab lab, cowpea and redgram.
• Congregated on the growing shoots, leaves, flowers and pods.
• Affected plants will be weak and stunted
• Because of honeydew ant movements will be there
3. Whiteflies
• Attacks blackgram, greengram, cowpea and soyabean
• Act as vector for yellow mosaic virus disease
4. Bugs
• Desap the flowers and pods
• Affected pods show shriveled grains
5. Pod borers
• Gram pod borer, spotted pod borer, blue butterflies, pod fly and blister
beetles are the major borers
• Blister beetles feed on flower buds, flowers and young pods
• Spotted pod borers web the flowers and young pods
• Gram pod borer, plume moth and blue butterflies bore into the pods
• Pod fly feed on the seeds of redgram.
IPM
ƒ Take up the sowing of blackgram from September to November with
increased seed rate (25 kg/ha) in stem fly endemic areas.
ƒ Remove alternate hosts
ƒ Use of pheromone traps @ 12/ha for Gram pod borer
ƒ Spray insecticides like methyl demeton or dimethoate or monocrotophos @
500ml/ha to reduce the sucking insects
ƒ Spray Neem seed kernel extract (25 kg/ha) against pod borers
ƒ Avoid insecticidal spray when parasitoids and predators activity is high.

6. Storage pests
ƒ Dry the seeds adequately to reduce moisture level to 10 %.
ƒ Use pitfall traps or two in one model trap to assess the time of emergence of
field carried over pulse beetle in storage and accordingly sun-dry the
produce.
ƒ Seed: Mix any one of the following for every 100 kg : Activated kaolin 1
kg Malathion 5 D 1 kg TNAU Neem oil 60 EC (C) 1lit. Pungam oil
1lit.
Monocrotophos 36 SL 400 ml
ƒ Pack in polythene lined gunny bags for storage

180
 5. OILSEEDS
(i) GROUNDNUT (Arachis hypogaea )

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

40 15 25 - 35 500 - 700 1160
Tropical crop, wide spectrum adoptable crop which grown in all 3 seasons. Flowering
and seed setting affected by cloudy weather. Day neutral plant. Resists drought and
tolerate flooding for one week once it establish.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone/ District/Season Sowing Varieties

Month
I. Western Zone (Irrigated)
Coimbatore, Tiruppur
Chithiraipattam April-May TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2

Erode,Theni,Dindigul
Margazhipattam Dec- Jan TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Western Zone (Rainfed)
Coimbatore,Tiruppur, Erode, Theni, Dindigul
Anippattam June- July TMVGn 13, VRIGn 7, CO 6, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14,
BSR 2
II. Southern Zone (Irrigated)
Ramanathapuram, Thirunelveli
Thaippattam Jan- Feb TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Karur, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Virudhunagar
Margazhipattam Dec- Jan TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Sivagangai
Ayppasipattam Oct- Nov TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Southern Zone (Rainfed)
Karur, Pudukkottai, Madurai, Sivagangai
Anippattam June-July TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI Gn 7, VRI 8, CO 6, CO 7, TMV 14,
BSR 2
Virudhunagar
Adippattam July-Aug TMVGn 13, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Ramanathapuram, Thirunelveli
Purattasipattam Sep- Oct TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 7, VRI 8, CO 6, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Thoothukudi
Karthigaipattam Nov- Dec TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
III. North Eastern Zone (Irrigated)
181
 Villupuram
Chithiraipattam April-May TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Thiruvallur, Kancheepuram
Margazhipattam Dec- Jan TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Cuddalore
Ayppasipattam Oct- Nov TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Vellore,
Thiruvannamalai
Karthigaipattam Nov- Dec TMVGn 13, VRIGn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Thiruvallur, Cuddalore, Vellore
Anippattam June-July TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Kancheepuram
Adippattam July-Aug TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Thiruvannamalai
Purattasipattam Sep- Oct TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Villupuram
Karthigaipattam Nov- Dec TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
IV. North Western Zone (Irrigated)
Perambalur, Ariyalur
Margazhipattam Dec- Jan TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Namakkal, Dharmapuri
Vaigasipattam May- June CO 6, VRI GN 7
Salem, Krishnagiri
Karthigaipattam Nov- Dec TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
North Western Zone (Rainfed)
Namakkal
Vaigasipattam May- June CO 6, VRI Gn 7, BSR 2
Salem, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri
Anippattam May- June TMVGn 13, CO 6, VRI Gn 7, BSR 2
Perambalur, Ariyalur
Adippattam July-Aug TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
V. Delta Zone (Irrigated)
Thiruchirapalli, Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam
Margazhipattam Dec- Jan TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Delta Zone (Rainfed)
Thiruchirapalli
Anippattam June-July TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2
Thanjavur,
Nagapattinam
Margazhipattam Dec- Jan TMVGn 13, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO 7, TMV 14, BSR 2

Bunch varieties: :TMV Gn13, TMV 14, VRI Gn 6, VRI 8, CO7, BSR Semi spreding
varieties: :VRI Gn 7, CO6
Suitable varieties for irrigated: VRI 8, BSR 2, CO 7
Suitable varieties for rainfed : TMV Gn13, TMV 14, BSR 2, CO 6, CO7 and VRI 7
Bold variety (Gujarat) : GG 7
TMV 14 and BSR 2 are alternate varieties for TMV 7

182
 II. DESCRIPTION OF GROUNDNUT VARIETIES

Particulars TMVGn 13 VRIGn 6

Year of Release 2006 2007
Year of Notification SO.1178(E)/20.07.2007 SO.449(E)/11.02.2009
Parentage Selection from Pollachi red Derivative of ALR 2 X VG 9513
Duration (days) 100-105 120-125
Average Yield of Pods kg/ha
Rainfed 1613 1916
Irrigated 2580 2403
Shelling % 71.4 75
100-seed weight (g) 44 36
Oil content % 50 50
Special features Red kernel, high yield and Small pods, moderately
tolerant to terminal drought resistant to late leaf spot, rust
and PBND diseases. Resistant to
early season drought, high
harvest index (34.6%)
Growth habit Bunch Bunch
Leaf colour Green Light green
Seed colour Red Light Rose

Particulars VRIGn 7 BSR 2

Year of Release 2008 2019
Year of Notification SO.2187(E)/27.08.2009 SO.3220(E)/05.09.2019
Parentage Derivative of TMV 1 X JL 24 VR12 x TVG 0004
Duration (days) 120-125 105-110
Average Yield of Pods kg/ha -
Rainfed 1865 2222
Irrigated - 2360
Shelling % 72 70.2
100-seed weight (g) 46 40-43
Oil content % 48 45.01
Special features Moderately resistant to late One or two seeded, usually two
leaf spot and rust diseases. seeded, medium sized pods,
Moderately resistant to leaf Moderately resistant to late
miner leaf spot and rust diseases
Growth habit Semi-spreading Bunch
Leaf colour Dark green Green
Seed colour Rose Tan

Particulars VRI 8 TMV 14

Year of Release 2016 2018
Year of Notification SO.2805(E)/25.08.2017 SO.1498(E)/01.04.2019
Parentage ALR 3 x AK 303 VRI Gn 6 x R 20012
Duration (days) 105-110 days 95-100 days
183
 Average Yield of Pods kg/ha
Rainfed 2130 2124
Irrigated 2700 2286
Shelling % 70 70.6
100-seed weight (g) 45-50 38.0
Oil content % 49 48.0
Special features Moderately resistant to Higher dry pod yield than VRI (
sucking pest and defoliators. Gn) 6 & TMV (Gn) 13; Higher
Moderately resistant to foliar shelling percentage than VRI Gn 6
fungal disease. Medium bold Less incidence of Spodoptera,
kernel suitable for thrips and leaf miner compared to
confectionary/table purpose VRI (Gn) 6 and TMV (Gn) 13 under
field conditions; Moderately
resistant to late leaf spot and rust
disease under field conditions
Growth habit Bunch Bunch
Leaf colour Light green Green
Seed colour Rose Rose

Particulars TNAU CO 6 CO 7
Year of Release 2010 2013
Year of Notification SO.1708(E)/26.07.2012 SO.2680(E)/01.10.2015
Derivative of ICGV 87290 X
Parentage Derivative of CS 9 X ICGS 5 ICGV 87846
Duration (days) 125-130 100 -105
Average Yield of Pods kg/ha
Rainfed 1914 2300
Irrigated - 2806
Shelling % 73.5 71
100-seed weight (g) 48.5 35 - 44
Oil content % 49.5 51
Special features High oil, moderately tolerant
Dark green foliage, tolerant to to Rust and Late leaf spot ,
foliar diseases tolerant to Drought
Growth habit Semi- spreading Spanish Bunch
Leaf colour Dark green Green
Seed colour Tan testa Tan testa
CROP MANAGEMENT
I. Rainfed
1. FIELD PREPARATION
i) 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 shallow depth with chisel plough first at 0.5 m interval in one direction and
then in the direction perpendicular to the previous one, once in three years.
Apply 12.5 t/ha of FYM or composted coir pith besides chiselling.
iii) Amendments for soil surface crusting: a) To tide over the surface crusting,

184
 apply lime @ 2 t/ha along with FYM or composted coir pith @ 12.5 t/ha. b)
Coir pith at 12.5 t/ha converted to compost by inoculating with Pleurotus and
applied serves as a good source of nutrients.
2. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation. If soil test is not done, follow
the blanket recommendation.
N P K
Kg/ha
10 10 45
For rainfed groundnut –castor intercropping system, apply the recommended dose of
10:10: 45 kg NPK ha-1 to the main crop of groundnut and for castor apply the recommended
dose of 40 kg N

Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield targets.
(ready reckoners are furnished )

Rainfed Groundnut
Soil : Red sandy clay loam (Somayanur series) FN = 7.50 T - 0.33 SN - 0.45 ON
Target : 1.0-1.2 t ha-1 FP2O5 =3.50 T - 1.67 SP - 0.55 OP
FK2O = 6.78 T - 0.31 SK - 0.43OK

Yield target – 1.0 t ha-1 Yield target – 1.2 t ha-1

Initial soil test values (kg
NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1)
t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 160 5* 5* 23* 15** 8 23*
180 14 180 5* 5* 23* 11 5* 23*
200 16 200 5* 5* 23* 5* 5* 23*
220 18 220 5* 5* 23* 5* 5* 23*
240 20 240 5* 5* 23* 5* 5* 23*
* Maintenance dose;** Maximum dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure inkg ha-1.

3. FORMING BEDS
2 2

i) Form beds of size 10 m to 20 m depending upon the slope of the land and type
of soil.
ii) Wherever tractor is engaged, bed former may be used.
Or Ridges and furrows may be laid at 60cm spacing between ridges and sowing
taken on both sides of the ridge
Or Raised bed with a width of 60cm and with a furrow of 15cm on either side may be
formed and sowing taken on the raised bed

4. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS
Apply TNAU MN mixture @ 7.5 kg /ha as Enriched FYM (Prepare enriched FYM at
1:10 ratio of MN mixture & FYM ; mix at friable moisture &incubate for one month in
185
 shade). Broadcast evenly on the soil surface immediately after sowing. Do not
incorporate micronutrient mixture in to the soil.
5. NUTRITIONAL DISORDER
Zinc deficiency: Apply 25 kg ZnSO4/ha as basal.
If soil analysis shows less than 1.2 ppm of zinc, soil application of 25 kg ZnSO4 is
recommended. Reduce ZnSO4 application from 25.0 kg ha-1 to 12.5 kg ha-1 if FYM is
applied @ 12.5 t ha-1. For the standing crop, less than 39.4 ppm of zinc in leaves,
foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSo4 is recommended.
Iron deficiency: Foliar of spray 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid thrice on 30, 40 and 50
days after sowing.
Boron deficiency: Application of Borax 10 kg
Sulphur deficiency: Gypsum 400 kg/ha as soil application at 45th day after sowing.
6. SEED RATE
Use 120 kg/ha of kernels, 175 kg/ha of kernels for bold seeded varieties.

7. SPACING
Adopt a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. Wherever
groundnut ring mosaic (bud necrosis) is prevalent, adopt a spacing of 15cm x 15 cm.

8. SEED TREATMENT
i) 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.
Treat the seeds with biocontrol agents first and then with Rhizobium.
Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.
ii) Treat the seeds 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)
iii) Treat the seeds with Thiram or Mancozeb @ 4 g/kg of seed or Carboxin or
Carbendazim at 2 g/kg of seed.
iv) Treat one hectare of seeds with 125 ml of Rhizobium (TNAU 14) and 125 ml of
Phosphobacteria, shade dry it for 30 minutes before sowing
9. SOWING
• Use Kovai seed drill/gorru to sow the seeds in lines.
• Put one seed in each hole. Protect the seeds from crows and squirrels.
10. INTERCROPPING
i) Raise one row of cowpea for every five rows of groundnut wherever red
hairy caterpillar is endemic.
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 + Cowpea at 6:1 ratio and Groundnut + Sunflower at 6:2 ratio
may be raised.

186
 11. WEED MANAGEMENT
i) Pre-emergence: Pendimethalin @ 1.0 litre/ha applied through flat fan nozzle
with 500 l of water/ha. After 35 - 40 days one hand weeding may be given.
th th
ii) If no herbicide is applied two hand weeding may be given on 20 and 40
day after sowing.
12. EARTHING UP
Accomplish earthing up during second hand weeding/late hand weeding (in
herbicide application).
NOTE: i) Earthing up provides medium for the peg development ii) Use the improved
hoe with long handle which can be worked more efficiently in a standing
position. iii) Do not disturb the soil after 45th day of sowing as it will affect pod
formation adversely.

13. APPLICATION OF CALCIUM SULPHATE (GYPSUM)

i) Apply gypsum @ 400 kg/ha by the side of the plants on 40th to 70th day
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.

Application of gypsum at the rate of 50 % basal both in rainfed and irrigated

condition reduces Khadhasty malady and pod scab nematode
Combined nutrient spray
Pod filling is a major problem especially in the bold seed varieties. To improve
pod filling spraying of nutrient solution is to be given. This can be prepared by soaking
DAP 2.5 kg, Ammonium sulphate 1 kg and borax 0.5 kg in 37 lit of water overnight. The
next day morning it can be filtered and about 32 litre of mixture can be obtained and it
may be diluted with 468 lit of water so as to made up to 500 litre to spray for one ha.
Planofix at the rate of 350 ml. can also be mixed while spraying. This can be sprayed on
25th and 35th day after sowing.

14. HARVESTING
i) 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 inner shell is brownish
black and not white, then the crop has matured.
iii) Irrigate prior to harvest, if the soil is dry, as this will facilitate easy harvesting. If
there is enough 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 or work a country plough, so that the plants are uprooted. Engage
labour to search pods left out in the soil, if necessary.

187
 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 can
be used.
vi) Dry the pods in the sun for 4 or 5 days. Repeat drying for 2 or 3 more days after
an interval of 2 or 3 days to ensure complete drying. When temperature is very
high, avoid direct sun drying. Collect the pods in gunnies and store on the
ground over a layer of sand to avoid any moisture coming in contact with dry
pods.
I. Irrigated
1. FIELD PREPARATION
i) 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 shallow depth with chisel plough first at 0.5 m interval in one direction and
then in the direction perpendicular to the previous one, once in three years.
Apply 12.5 t/ha FYM or composted coir pith besides chiselling.
iii) Amendments for soil surface crusting: a) To tide over the surface crusting,
apply lime @ 2 t/ha along with FYM or composted coir pith @ 12.5 t/ha. b)
When coir pith at 12.5 t/ha is converted into compost by inoculating with
Pleurotus and applied, it serves as a good source of nutrien

2. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
If soil test is not done, follow the blanket recommendation.
N P K
25 50 75 kg/ha
80 kg S as gypsum on 45 DAS
For calcareous soil, application of 40 kg S elemental sulphur along with either 50 kg FeSO4 +
12.5 t FYM or 5 kg Fe EDTA can be used. For sulphur deficient calcareous soil, application of
60 kg S/ha elemental sulphur as basal application is recommended. Growing CO7, ALR3 and
CO2 can be recommended in calcareous soils tolerate lime induced iron chlorosis while
CO4, TMV2 and ALG320 were highly sensitive to iron deficiency.
N and K in three splits viz., 50 % N & K as basal + 25 % N and K at 20 DAS + 25 % N and K at
45 DAS is recommended.
Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield targets.
(ready reckoners are furnished )

188
Groundnut (1)
Soil : Red sandy loam (Irugur series) FN =6.54T-0.56 SN-0.69 ON
Target : 2.0 - 2.5 t ha-1 FP2O5=3.80T-3.32 SP-0.77 OP
FK2O=8.35T-0.65SK-0.87 OK
Yield target – 2.0 t ha-1 Yield target – 2.5 t ha-1
Initial soil test values (kg
NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1)
t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 160 13* 25* 38* 34 35 65
180 14 180 13* 25* 38* 23 29 52
200 16 200 13* 25* 38* 13* 25* 39
220 18 220 13* 25* 38* 13* 25* 38*
240 20 240 13* 25* 38* 13* 25* 38*
* Maintenance dose

Groundnut (2)
Red sandy clay loam FN = 6.54T - 0.51SN - 1.10 ON
Soil :
(Somayanur series) FP2O5 = 4.19 T - 2.95SP - 0.77 OP
Target : 2.0- 2.5 t ha-1 FK2O = 5.47 T - 0.33SK - 0.87 OK

Yield target – 2.0 t ha-1 Yield target – 2.5 t ha-1

Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha ) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
-1

ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg

ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 160 13* 28 38* 38** 49 44
180 14 180 13* 25* 38* 32 43 38*
200 16 200 13* 25* 38* 22 38 38*
220 18 220 13* 25* 38* 13* 32 38*
240 20 240 13* 25* 38* 13* 26 38*
* Maintenance dose;** Maximum dose
Groundnut (3)
Soil : Low level Laterite FN = 5.97 T - 0.45 SN
Target : 2.0- 2.5 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 3.80 T – 3.32 SP
FK2O = 7.08 T - 0.58 SK
-1
Yield target – 2.0 t ha Yield target – 2.5 t ha-1
Initial soil test values (kg
NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1)
t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 t ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 120 13* 25* 38* 37 35 67
180 14 140 13* 25* 38* 28 29 56
200 16 160 13* 25* 38* 19 25* 44
220 18 180 13* 25* 38* 13* 25* 38*
240 20 200 13* 25* 38* 13* 25* 38*
* Maintenance dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
189
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure inkg ha-1.

3. Forming Beds
Form beds of size 10 m land and type of soil to 20 m depending upon the availability
of water, slope of the
♦ Wherever tractor is engaged, bed former may be used. or
♦ Ridges and furrows may be laid at 60cm spacing between ridges and sowing
taken on both sides of the ridge
♦ Raised bed with a width of 60cm and with a furrow of 15cm on either side
may be formed and sowing taken on the raised bed

4. POLYTHENE FILM MULCHING

Broad beds and furrows method of groundnut cultivation is a proven
technology from ICRISAT. Considering the favourable environment in the Broad beds
and furrows system for the development of groundnut pods, with a little modification in
the size, beds are to be formed for the polyethylene film mulched groundnut. Make the
beds at a width of 60 cm, leaving 15 cm on the either side for the furrows. In a plot size
of 4.5 m x 6.0 m, five beds can be made. After the formation of the bed and fertilizer
application, spread black polythene sheet (90 cm width) over the soil surface. The edges
of the polyethylene can be sheet Seven micron polythene film sheet @50 kg/ha is
required. Holes can be made at required spacing of 30 x10 cm before spreading of the
sheets. The seed requirement is similar to normal groundnut cultivation

5. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS
• Apply TNAU MN mixture @ 12.5 kg /ha as Enriched FYM . (Prepare enriched
FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN mixture & FYM ; mix at friable moisture &incubate for
one month in shade).
• Broadcast evenly on the soil surface immediately after sowing. Do not
incorporate the micronutrient mixture to the soil.
• To increase flower retention, pod filling and to induce drought tolerance apart
from yield improvement, 2 sprays of TNAU groundnut rich @ 5.0 kg/ha (for each
spray) at 35 DAS ( 50 per cent flowering) and 45 DAS (Pod developing stage) in
500 litres of water is recommended

6. NUTRITIONAL DISORDER
Zinc deficiency: Apply 25 kg ZnSO4/ha as basal.
If soil analysis shows less than 1.2 ppm of zinc, soil application of 25 kg ZnSo4 is
recommended. Reduce ZnSO4 application from 25.0 kg ha-1 to 12.5 kg ha-1 if FYM is
applied @ 12.5 t ha-1. For the standing crop, less than 39.4 ppm of zinc in leaves,
foliar spray of 0.5% ZnSo4 is 4 recommended.
Iron deficiency : Foliar spray of 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid on 30, 40 and 50 days
after sowing. Apply 50 kg FeSO4 + 12.5 t FYM basally.
Boron deficiency: Application of Borax 10 kg basally (or) 0.2% boric acid twice on
40, 50 DAS.
For multinutrient deficiency: Apply 25 kg ZnSO4 + 10 kg borax + 20kg S as Gypsum.

190
 Copper deficiency: Basal application of 10 kg CuSO4 or 0.2% CuSO4. Spray twice
after observing plant nutrient deficiencies.

7. SEED RATE
Use 125 kg/ha of kernels. Increase the seed rate by 15% in the case of bold seeded
varieties.

8. SPACING
Adopt a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants. Wherever
groundnut ring mosaic (bud necrosis) is prevalent, adopt a spacing of 15cm x 15 cm.

9. SEED TREATMENT
i) Treat the seeds with 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.
ii) Treatment with Trichoderma can be done just before sowing. SUCH SEEDS
SHOULD
NOT BE TREATED WITH FUNGICIDES. (or)
iii) Treat the seeds with Thiram or Mancozeb @ 4 g/kg of seed or Carboxin or
Carbendazim at 2 g/kg of seed.
iv) Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g)/ha of Rhizobial culture TNAU14
developed at TNAU using 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. SOWING
a) Dibble the seeds at 4 cm depth along with fertilizer.

11. WEED MANAGEMENT

i. Pre-emergence: Pendimethalin @ 1.0 litre/ha applied on third day after sowing
through flat fan nozzle with 500 litres of water/ha followed by irrigation. After
35 - 40 days one hand weeding may be given.
ii. Spray Early post emergence application of Imazethapyr @ 50 ml/ha at
20-30 days after sowing based on weed density as post emergence spray
iii. If no herbicide is applied two hand hoeing may be given on 20th and 40th day
after sowing.
iv. Apply, PE Oxyfluorfen @ 200 g/ha on 3rd DAS and followed by one hand weeding
on 40-45 DAS
v. Apply, PE Oxadiazon @ 0.8 kg ha-1 followed by one earthing up using hoes (or)
working star type weeder

191
12. EARTHING UP:
Accomplish earthing up during second hand weeding/late hand weeding (in
herbicide application).
NOTE: i) Earthing up provides medium for the peg development. ii) Use the improved
hoe with long handle which can be worked more efficiently in a standing
position. iii) Do not disturb the soil after the 45th day of sowing as it will affect
pod formation adversely.

13. APPLICATION OF CALCIUM SULPHATE (GYPSUM)

ƒ Apply gypsum @ 400 kg/ha by the side of the plants on the 40th to 45th day of
sowing. Apply gypsum, hoe and incorporate in the soil and then earth up.
ƒ Avoid gypsum in calciferous soils.
ƒ Gypsum is effective in soils deficient in calcium and sulphur.
NOTE: Application of gypsum encourages pod formation and better filling up of the
pods.
Application of gypsum at the rate of 50 % basal both in rainfed and irrigated
condition reduces Khadhasty malady and pod scab nematode

Combined nutrient spray

Pod filling is a major problem especially in the bold seed varieties. To improve
pod filling spraying of nutrient solution is to be given. This can be prepared by soaking
DAP 2.5 kg, Ammonium sulphate 1 kg and borax 0.5 kg in 37 lit of water overnight. The
next day morning it can be filtered and about 32 litre of mixture can be obtained and it
may be diluted with 468 lit of water so as to made up to 500 litre to spray for one ha.
Planofix at the rate of 350 ml. can also be mixed while spraying. This can be sprayed on
25th and 35th day after sowing. or Spray TNAU Groundnut Rich @ 5.5 kg/ha for 2 sprays
(50 per cent flowering and pod developing stage) to increase flower retention and pod
filling.

14. WATER MANAGEMENT

Schedule the irrigation at 0.40 and 0.60 IW/CPE ratio during vegetative and
reproductive phase respectively. Regulate irrigation as per the growth phase of the
crop. Pre-flowering phase : 1 to 25 days Flowering phase : 26 to 60 days Maturity
phase: 61 to 105 days Regulate irrigation based on physiological growth phases.
Pegging, flowering and pod development phases are critical for irrigation during which
period adequate soil moisture is essential. Irrigate as follows:
i) Sowing or pre-sowing
ii) Life irrigation, 4 - 5 days after sowing.
iii) 20 days after sowing
iv) At flowering give two irrigations
v) At pegging stage give one or two irrigations
vi) In pod development stage, 2 - 3 irrigations depending on the soil type

Note: Spraying 0.5% Potassium chloride during flowering and pod development stages

192
 will aid to mitigate the ill effects of water stress. Sprinkler irrigation will save
water to the tune of about 30%. Borderstrip irrigation is recommended in
command areas in light textured soils. Composted coir pith increases moisture
availability and better drainage in heavy textured soil.
15. HARVESTING
i) 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 inner shell is brownish
black and not white, then the crop has matured.
iii) Irrigate prior to harvest, if the soil is dry, as this will facilitate easy harvesting. If
there is enough 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 or work a country plough, so that the plants are uprooted. Engage
labour to search pods left out 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 can
be used.
vi) Dry the pods in the sun for 4 or 5 days. Repeat drying for 2 or 3 more days after
an interval of
2 or 3 days to ensure complete drying. When temperature is very high, avoid
direct sun drying. Collect the pods in gunnies and store on the ground over a
layer of sand to avoid any moisture coming in contact with dry pods.

CROP PHYSIOLOGY
Foliar spray of TNAU Groundnut Rich @ 2 kg/acre in 200 litres of water at peak
flowering and at pod development stages increases flower retention, pod filling and
improves moisture stress tolerance and pod yield.

CROP PROTECTION
Economic threshold level for important pests

Pest ETL

Leaf miner Leaf miner 1 larva / m row

Tobacco caterpillar 8 egg masses/100 m row
Pests Management strategies
Red hairy caterpillar, • Dig out and destroy the pupae from field bunds
Amsacta albistriga and shady spots prior to summer rains.
• In rain fed crop set up 3 to 4 light traps and
bonfires immediately after rains to attract and kill
the moths.
• Collect and destroy gregarious, early instar larvae
on lace-like leaves of intercrops such as redgram
193
 and cowpea.
• Collect and destroy egg masses in the cropped
area.
• Dig a trench 30 cm deep and 25 cm wide with
perpendicular sides around the infested fields to
avoid larval migration.
• Spray Aa NPV
• Apply quinalphos 1.5 DP 25 kg/ha
Virus multiplication
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 virus suspension,
shade dry and feed them to starved larvae for 1 or 2 days. From third day, normal, untreated leaves
can be fed to these larvae. From 5th day, the treated larvae will start dying. Virus infected larvae can
be diagnosed by their pinkish ventral surface, their head hanging downwards with white body
contents oozing out through ruptured body wall in the late stage. Collect the dying larvae, keep in
fresh potable water for a few days, grind the larvae and filter through several layers of fine cloth and
collect filtrate (Crude virus suspension). Use virus suspension obtained from 750 medium sized
larvae for spraying one hectare along with a sticker 250 ml or Triton in 350 l of water. Use potable
water for mixing and spray in the evening hours.
Tobacco caterpillar, Spodoptera litura • Grow castor as border or intercrop in groundnut fields
to serve as indicator or trap crop.
• Monitor the emergence of adult moths by setting up
light trap and pheromone traps.
• Collect egg masses and destroy.
• Collect the gregarious larvae and destroy them as soon
as the early symptoms of lace-like leaves appear
on castor, cowpea and groundnut.
• Spray Methomyl 40 SP 750ml / ha to control the early
instar (1st to 3rd instar) larvae.
• Spray NSKE 5%
• Apply Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus 1.5 x 1012 POBs/ha
with crude sugar 2.5 kg/ha and Teepol 250 ml/
ha.
Leafhopper, Empoasca kerri Intercrop lab lab with groundnut 1:4 ratio
Spray any one of the following insecticides / ha
Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 100 ml
Quinalphos 25 EC 1400 ml
Leafminer / Leaf webber, Aproaerema Set up light trap between 8 and 11 pm at ground level
modicella Spray any one of the following insecticides / ha
Methyl demeton 25 EC 1000 ml
Quinalphos 25 EC 1400 ml
Podborer (Earwig) Anisolabis stali Apply Carbofuran 3 CG 50 kg/ha
to the soil prior to sowing in endemic areas.
Repeat soil application of any formulations on the
40th day of sowing and incorporate in the soil during
the earthing up.
Whitegrubs Apply Carbofuran 3 CG 33.3 kg/ha
Holotrichia consanguinea, H. serrata

194
Aphid Apply anyone of the following insecticides/ha
Aphis craccivora Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 100 ml
Methyl demeton 25 EC 1000 ml
Thrips Apply Quinalphos 1.5 DP 23.3kg/ha
Scirtothrips dorsalis Spray Quinalphos 25 EC 1400 ml/ha
Termites Apply Thiamethoxam 75 SG@125 g/ha

DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Seed treatment : Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g/kg or Trichoderma asperellum @
4 g /kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg of seeds

Disease Recommendations
Rust: Puccinia arachidis Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g /ha or chlorothalonil @ 1000 g /ha
or wettable sulphur @ 2500 g /ha. If necessary, repeat the
spray 15 days later.
Early leaf spot: Cercopora
arachidicola Spray carbendazim @ 500 g/ha or mancozeb @ 1000 g/ha or
(Mycosphaerella arachidis) chlorothalonil @ 1000 g/ha. If necessary, repeat the spray 15
days later.
Late leaf spot:
Phaeoisariopsis personata CIB Recommendation
(Mycosphaerella • Spray hexaconazole 5% EC @ 1500ml/ha or metiram 70%
berkeleyii) WG 2 kg/ha or propiconazole 25% EC @ 500 ml/ha or
pyraclostrobin 20% WG @ 500g/ha or sulphur 40% WP @
5.65-7.50 kg/ha or sulphur 80% WP @ 2.5-5.0 kg/ha or
sulphur 85% DP @ 15-20 kg/ha or carbendazim 12% +
mancozeb 63% WP @ 500 g/ha or fluxapyroxad 167 g/l +
pyraclostrobin 333 g/l SC @ 300 ml/ha or pyraclostrobin
133g/l + epoxiconaxole 50g/l SE @ 500/ha

For combined infection of leaf spot and rust

• Spray bitertanol 25% WP @ 1 kg/ha or chlorothalonil 75%
WP @ 1.5 g/l or mancozeb75% WP @ 1.5 to 2 kg/ha or
tebuconazole 25.9% m/m EC @0.50-0.75 l/ha

For combined infection of leaf spot and stem rot

• Spray carbendazim 25% + flusilazole 12.5% SE @ 640-800
g/ha
For collar rot, seed rot, root rot and stem rot
• Treat the seeds with carboxin37.5% + thiram 37.5% DS @
3g/kg of seeds
For the management of termites, thrips, jassids, root grubs,
collar rot and stem rot
• Spray imidacloprid 18.5% + hexaconazole 1.5 % FS @ 200
ml/ha

195
Combined infection of rust and Spray 10% Calotropis leaf extract or spray carbendazim @ 250
leaf spot g + mancozeb 1000 g/ha or chlorothalonil @ 1000g/ha. If
necessary, give the second spray 15 days later.

Root rot: Macrophomina • Soil application of P. fluorescens @ 2.5 kg /ha with 50 kg

phaseolina of well decomposed FYM / sand at 30 DAS.
(Rhizoctonia bataticola) • Spot drench with carbendazim @ 1 g / l

Groundnut bud necrosis: • Antiviral principles (AVP) from sorghum or coconut leaves.
(Groundnut bud AVPs are extracted as follows:
nercrosis virus) Sorghum or coconut leaves are collected, dried, cut into
(Vector: Thrips tabaci, small bits and powdered. To one kg of leaf powder two
Frankliniella schultzeii) litres of water is added and heated to 60°C for one hour. It
is then filtered through muslin cloth and diluted to 10
litres and sprayed. To cover one hectare area 500 l of fluid
will be required. Two sprays at 10 and 20 days after
sowing will be needed.
• For vector management, apply quinalphos 1.5 DP
23.3kg/ha or spray quinalphos 25 EC @ 1400 ml/ha

GROUNDNUT – VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production, leave a distance of 3 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Season
• June - July and December - January.

Spacing
• 25 x 15 cm.

Pre-sowing seed hardening

• Harden the graded seeds by soaking in 0.5 % CaCl2 (50 % seed volume) for 6 h. After 6
h soaking, incubate the seeds in between moist gunny bags for 12 -18 h. Observe the
sprouting of radicle periodically at 2 h interval after 12 h of incubation.
• Separate the seeds with sprouted radicle (just visible expression of radicle) and dry
under shade.

Fertilizer requirement
• Apply NPK @ 25:50:75 kg / ha as blanket.

196
 • Apply borax as basal application @ 10 kg / ha in boron deficient soils.
• Apply gypsum @ 400 kg / ha at peg formation stage and at earthing.

Foliar application
• NAA@ 200 ppm at 60 days after sowing to arrest late formed flowers and
increase the seed yield in groundnut.

Pre-harvest spray to arrest in situ germination

• Spray 1250 ppm MH (Maleic Hydrazide) at 60 days after sowing.

Harvest
• Harvest the pods as and when the colour of the inner side of the shell turns black and
dry to 10 - 12 per cent moisture.

Drying
• Stake the plants as the pods are exposed outside for easy drying of pods.
• Dry the pods to 15 - 20 % moisture content under sun.

Decortication
• Dry the pods to 16 per cent moisture content and decorticate either manually or
using hand operated decorticator with proper adjustment.
• Dry the kernels to 7 to 8 per cent moisture.
• Practice pod verification based on varietal characteristic before grading to remove
genetically impure seeds.
• Remove all discoloured pods.
• Reject mechanically injured pods for seed purpose.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the pods with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg at 6 - 7 % moisture content.

Seed storage
• Store the pods in gunny bags with calcium chloride @ 250 g / 30 kg of pods.
• Store the seeds in gunny for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a seed moisture
content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 6 - 8 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than 15
months) with a seed moisture content less than 5 %.

197
 (ii) SESAME (Sesamum indicum)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT
o o
T_Max C T_Min C Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
40 20 25 - 35 450 - 500 up to 1600
Tropical crop. It needs fairly high temperature for good growth. Can with stand
drought, survive well with winter dew. Short day plant.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone/ District/Season Sowing Varieties

Month
I. Western Zone (Irrigated)
Coimbatore, Thiruppur, Erode
Masipattam Feb- March VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7, VRI 3
Western Zone (Rainfed)
Coimbatore,Thiruppur, Erode, Dindigul
Anippattam June- July TMV 7
Theni
Karthigai Nov- Dec VRI(Sv) 2, TMV 7
II. Southern Zone (Irrigated)
Thirunelveli, Karur
Chithiraipattam Apr- May VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7
Pudukkottai
Margazhi Dec- Jan VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7, VRI 3
Southern Zone (Rainfed)
Madurai
Anipattam June-July TMV 7
Virudhunagar, Pudukkottai,
Adippattam July-Aug TMV 7
Karur
Purattasipattam Sep- Oct VRI(Sv) 2, TMV 7
Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, Thirunelveli, Thoothukudi
Karthigaipattam Nov- Dec VRI(Sv) 2, TMV 7
III. North Eastern Zone (Irrigated)
Kancheepuram, Cuddalore, Vellore
Margazhipattam Dec- Jan VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7, VRI 3
Thiruvannamalai
Masipattam Feb- March VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7, VRI 3
Villupuram
Chithiraipattam Apr- May VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7
Thiruvallur
Anipattam June-July TMV 7
North Eastern Zone (Rainfed)
198
 Vellore,
Thiruvannamalai
Anippattam June-July TMV 7
Kancheepuram, Cuddalore
Adippattam July-Aug TMV 7
Thiruvallur
Purattasipattam Sep- Oct VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7
Villupuram
Karthigaipattam Nov- Dec VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7
IV. North Western Zone (Irrigated)
Namakkal
Margazhipattam Dec- Jan VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7, VRI 3
Salem, Perambalur, Ariyalur
Masipattam Feb- March VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7, VRI 3
North Western Zone (Rainfed)
Salem,Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri
Anippattam June-July TMV 7
Perambalur,
Ariyalur
Adippattam July-Aug TMV 7
V. Delta Zone (Irrigated)
Thanjavur, Thiruchirapalli
Masipattam Feb- March VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7, VRI 3
Thiruvarur
Chithiraipattam Apr- May VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7
Delta Zone (Rainfed)
Thanjavur, Thiruvarur, Nagapattinam
Thaippattam Jan- Feb TMV 7
Thiruchirapalli
Purattasipattam Sep- Oct VRI (Sv) 2, TMV 7

Suitable Varieties for Irrigated : VRI 2, VRI 3, TMV 4, TMV 6, TMV 7

Suitable Varieties for Rainfed :TMV 6, TMV 7
Suitable Varieties for Rice fallow :VRI 1

II Description of sesame varieties

Particulars VRI(Sv) 2 TMV 7 VRI 3

Year of Release 2005 2009 2017
Year of Notification SO.599(E)/ SO.2137(E)/ SO.1379(E)/
25.04.2006 31.08.2010 27.03.2018
Parentage Derivative of VS 9003 Derivative of SI 250 X Derivative of SVPR
X TMV 6 ES 22 1 x TKG 87
Duration (days) 80-85 80-85 75-80
Average Yield
(kg/ha)
Rainfed 650-700 850 -
199
 995
(Margazhipattam)
1055 (Masi
Irrigated 700-750 920 pattam)
Oil content % 51.9 50 50
Erect,
Erect,
indeterminate
Habit Profuse branching indeterminate, with
with Profuse
Profuse
branching
Capsules 4 loculed 4 loculed 4 loculed
Seeds Reddish brown Brown white

CROP MANAGEMENT
1. FIELD PREPARATION

a) Plough the field with tractor twice or with mould board plough thrice or five
times with a country plough.
b) Break the clods in between ploughings and bring the soil to a fine tilth to
facilitate quick germination as the seeds are small.
c) Chiselling for soils with hard pan: Chisel the soils having hard pan formation at
shallow depth with chisel plough first at 0.5 m interval in one direction and then
in the direction perpendicular to the previous one once in three years. Apply
12.5t FYM/composted coir pith besides chiselling.
d) For irrigated gingelly, form beds of size 10 m2 or 20 m2 depending upon the
availability, inflow of water and slope of the land. Level the beds perfectly
without any depressions to prevent water stagnation, which will affect the
germination adversely.
e) In rice fallows, field is ploughed once with optimum moisture, seeds are sown
immediately and covered with one more ploughing.

2. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
i) Spread FYM or composted coir pith or compost @ 12.5 t/ha evenly on the
unploughed field and plough it in.
ii) If the manure is not applied before commencement of ploughing, spread 12.5
t/ha of FYM or compost evenly on the field before the last ploughing and
incorporate in the soil.
iii) If soil tests are not available, follow the blanket recommendations. Rainfed:
Apply 23:13:13 kg NPK/ha or 17:13:13 kg NPK/ ha + 3 packets of Azospirillum
(600 g/ha) and 3 packets (600 g/ha) of Phosphobacteria or 6 packets of Azophos
(1200 g/ha). Irrigated: Apply 35:23:23 kg NPK/ha or 21:23:23 kg NPK/ha + 3
packets of Azospirillum (600 g/ha) and 3 packets (600 g/ha) of Phosphobacteria
or 6 packets of Azophos (1200 g/ha)

200
 Soil : Black alluvium (Adanur series) FN =13.7 T-0.46 SN
Target : 1.00 - 1.25t ha-1 FP2O5=6.3T-1.79 SP
FK2O=12.8T-0.47 SK

Yield target – 1.00t ha-1 Yield target – 1.25 t ha-1

Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 12 180 23 22 13 53** 35** 35**
200 14 200 18* 12* 12* 24 22 26
220 16 220 18* 12* 12* 18* 18 17
240 18 240 18* 12* 12* 18* 15 12*
260 20 260 18* 12* 12* 18* 12* 12*
* Maintenance dose **Maximum dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON,
OP and OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure inkg ha-
1
. Open furrows to a depth of 5 cm and 30 cm apart and place the fertilizer mixture
along the furrows and cover to a depth of 3 cm with soil before sowing.

iv) If furrow application is not done, broadcast the fertilizer mixture evenly on the
beds before sowing.
v) Apply TNAU MN mixture @ 7.5 kg/ha as enriched FYM for rainfed sesame and
TNAU MN mixture @ 12.5 kg/ha as enriched FYM for irrigated sesame. (Prepare
enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN mixture and FYM; mix at friable moisture and
incubate for one month in shade)

3. APPLICATION OF AZOSPIRILLUM
a) Treat one hectare of seeds with 600 g of Azospirillum and 600g of
phosphobacteria (or) 600g of Azophos. Apply 2 kg of Azospirillum and 2 kg of
phosphobacteria (or) 2 kg of Azophos with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand, mix
uniformly before sowing as soil application.
b) Liquid formulation Treat one hectare of seeds with 125 ml of Azospirillum and
125 ml of Phosphobacteria, shade dry it for 30 minutes before sowing.

4. NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS
a) Manganese deficiency : Leaves develop interveinal chlorosis, chlorotic tissue,
later develop light brown or husk coloured necrotic lesions. Mix 10 kg MnSO4
/ha with 45 kg of soil and broadcost evely in the beds after sowing.
b) Zinc deficiency: Middle leaves develop chlorosis in the interveinal areas and
necrosis along the apical leaf margins. Apply 25 kg Zinc sulphate with 45 kg of
soil and broadcast evenly in the beds after sowing.
Note: Do not incorporate the micronutrient in the soil.

201
5. SEED RATE
Adopt a seed rate of 5 kg/ha.

6. SPACING
a) 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 SEEDS
Select mature, good quality seeds free from pest and fungal damage.

8. SEED TREATMENT
Treat the seed with Trichoderma@ 4g/kg. This can be done just before sowing.
SUCH SEEDS SHOULD NOT BE TREATED WITH FUNGICIDES or treat the seed with
Thiram 4 g or Carbendazim at 2 g/kg of seeds before sowing.

9. SOWING
a) Sow the seeds preferably in lines.
b) Mix the seeds with four times its volume of dry sand and drop the mixture
evenly along the furrows 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 (SV) 1 sesame is second fortnight of
February to first fortnight of March under summer irrigated conditions.

10. WATER MANAGEMENT

i) 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 45th days of sowing. During the maturity phase, moisture
status should be low. If more water is given during this phase, maturity of seeds
is affected and filling up of the capsules will be poor. Therefore, stop irrigation
after 65 days of sowing.
11. THINNING
Thin 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. This operation is very important for
the crop in order to induce basal branches.

12. WEED MANAGEMENT

i. Apply, PE application of Pendimethalin 1.0 litre /ha followed by one hand
weeding on 25th DAS

13. HARVESTING
a) 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

202
 loose their colour and turn yellow at maturity.
iii. The colour of the stem turns yellow.
iv. The colour of the capsules turn 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 attained
the full color of the variety harvest may be taken up.
vii. If harvest is delayed/ the capsules will dehisce resulting in yield reduction.

b) Harvest
i. 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 top portion pointing inside.
iii. Cover the top with straw, so that humidity and temperature increases.
iv. Cure like this for 3 days, shake the plants. About 75 per cent of the seeds will
fall off.
v. Dry the plants for one more day and again shake the plants. All the mature
seeds will fall off.
vi. Winnow the seeds and dry in the sun for 3 days. Stir once in 3 hours to give
uniform drying.
vii. Collect the seeds and store in gunnies.

CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest management
Economic threshold level for important pests
Pest ETL
Shoot & capsule borer 10 larvae/ m2 in the vegetative stage and 2
larvae / m2 in the reproductive stage

Pest Management strategies

Shoot & capsule borer, Antigastra Spray any one of the following
catalaunalis Neem seed kernels extract 5%
Neem oil 2%
Spray Quinalphos 25 EC 2000 ml/ha
Pod borer, Elasmolomus (= Aphanus) Spray any one of the following neem based
sordidus insecticide
Gall fly, Asphondylia ricini NSKE 5%
Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci, A. dispersus Neem oil 2%
Leafhopper, Emposca devastans Spray any one of the following
NSKE 5%
Neem oil 2%
Methyl demeton 25 EC 1200 ml/ha
Quinalphos 25 EC 2000 ml/ha
Storage pests Mix one kg of activated clay with 100 kg of seeds
Tribolium castaneum after adequate drying of seeds
Corcyra cephalonica

203
DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Disease Recommendations
Powdery mildew: Erysiphe Apply sulphur dust @ 25 kg/ha or spray 0.2% wettable sulphur
cichoracearum
Alternaria blight: Alternaria sesami Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g/ha

Cercospora leaf spot: Cercospora Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g/ha

sesami
Root rot: Macrophomina • Soil application of P. fluorescens or T. asperellum @ 2.5 kg /
phaseolina ha with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM or sand at 30 days
(Rhizoctonia bataticola) after sowing.
• Spot drench with carbendazim @ 1 g/ l
Phyllody: Phytoplasma • Remove and destroy infected plants.
(Vector: Orosius albicinctus) • To control vector, spray NSKE @ 5% or neem oil @ 2% or
methyl demeton 25 EC @ 1200 ml/ha or quinalphos 25 EC @
2000 ml/ha or dimethoate 30 EC 500 ml/ha combined with
intercropping of sesamum + redgram (6 : 1)

SESAME - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified quality seed production, leave a distance of 200 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Pre- sowing seed treatment

Pellet the seeds with neem leaf powder @ 760 g + 120 g Azotobacter + 120 g
phosphobacteria for 1 kg seed to enhance the productivity.

Fertilizer
• Apply NPK @ 50:25:25 kg / ha and Manganese sulphate @ 5 kg / ha as basal
application.

Foliar application
• Spray 1 % DAP at the time of first flowering and 10 days after the first spray.

Harvest
• Harvest the crop when 75 - 80 % of the pods started 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 % and the seeds will be chocolate brown colour.
• Stake the plants in inverted position and cure them for 3 - 4 days.
204
Threshing
• Beat the staked plants with pliable bamboo stick for removal of seeds.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds with 4 / 64” round perforated sieve.

Drying
• Dry the seeds to 7- 8 % moisture content.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg along with carbaryl 200 mg / kg of seed.
• Treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 6 - 7 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than 15
months) with seed moisture content less than 5 %.

205
 (iii) CASTOR (Ricinus communis)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

38 – 40 10 - 15 20 - 25 350 - 600 up to 2500
Tropical and requires moderately high temperature 20 to 27 ̊C with low humidity throughout
the growing season. It grows best in areas where there are clear warm sunny days.
Prolonged cloudy weather with high temperature at the time of flowering resulted in poor
seed setting, which is known as sex reversion. High temperature above 41oC at flowering
time even for as short period results in blasting of flowers. Very resistant to drought but
evenly distributed rainfall is required. Heavy rainfall at flowering reduces the yield. Very
susceptible to frost but grow even an altitudes of 1200 to 2100 m, if sown in March- April,
perennial varieties are grown at still higher altitude for shade in coffee estates.

CROP IMPROVEMENT

I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIES
A. Rainfed
1. Adipattam (Jun-July)
All districts Variety : TMV 5, TMV 6
Hybrid : YRCH 1, YRCH 2
B. Irrigated
1. Vaigasi pattam (May - June)
All districts Hybrid : YRCH 1, YRCH 2
2. Karthigaipattam (Nov - Dec)
All districts Hybrid : YRCH 1, YRCH 2
3. Panguni pattam (March- Apr)
All districts Hybrid : YRCH 1, YRCH 2
C. Gardenland (border)
1. Perennial
All districts Variety : YTP 1

206
 DESCRIPTION OF CASTOR VARIETIES
Particulars CO 1 TMV 5 TMV 6 Hybrid Hybrid Variety
YRCH 1 YRCH 2 YTP 1
Year of
1984 1997 2009 2017 2019
Release
Year of SO.832(E)/ SO.647(E)/ SO.2137(E)/ SO.399(E)/
Notification 18.11.1985 09.09.1997 31.08.2010 24.01.2018
Pureline Cross
Derivative Derivative
selection DPC 9 X M 619-1 X SKI 215 Derivative of
Parentage of SA 2 X of VP 1 X
from TMV5 TMV 6 x
S248/2 RC 962
Anamalai Salem Local
Duration
perennial 120 160 150-160 170-180 115-120
(days)
Yield (kg/ha)
Rainfed
(mixed - 500
crop)
Rainfed 2.5 850 950 2000 2300 1456 kg/ha
kg/tree/y
(pure crop)
ear
Irrigated 3kg/plant/
- - - 3000 3500
(pure crop) year
Oil content
57 50 51.9 49 49 49
(%)
Suitable for
Special
perennial
features
system.
Pinkish
Stem colour Rose Red Light red Red Red
green
Bloom No bloom Triple Double Triple Triple Triple
(waxy coat)
Long,
Bold,
Receme/ Spiny, non Medium, Spiny, non Semi spiny, non Conical, Semi
sparse compact
setting, Bold,
capsule dehiscent, lengthy , dehiscent, dehiscent,
non dehiscent,
resistant to
resistant to resistant to capsule capsule
dehiscent resistant to spiny
leaf borer, leaf hopper, borer, leaf
hopper,
Semilooper,
leaf hopper capsule hopper
spodoptera
Pernennial
Pure and
Pure and Pure and Pure and Pure and mixed Pure Border
Suitability mixed
mixed crop mixed crop mixed crop crop crop &
crop
mixed crop

207
 Resistant to wilt, high
basal branching and
proportion of female Resistant to
flowers more than 95 Semilooper ,
Other percent. Resistant to Spodoptera,
- - - -
features lodging, fertilizer Thrips and
responsive and suitable Capsule borer
for rainfed situation and
areas of limited
irrigation.

CROP MANAGEMENT
1. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

Plough two-three times with country or mould board plough.

2. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS

Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost evenly on the main field before last ploughing and
incorporate in to soil by working a country plough. Apply 30 kg sulphur/ ha through
gypsum at the time of last ploughing for higher castor yield.

NOTE: Do not leave FYM or compost exposed to sunlight as nutrients will be lost.

3. SEED RATE

Adopt a seed rate of 10 kg/ha for varieties and 5 kg/ha for hybrids.

4. SPACING
Adopt the following spacing.

Rainfed situation Irrgiation situation

Varieties 90 cm x 60 cm 90 cm x 90 cm
YTP 1 3mx3m 3mx3m
Hybrids
YRCH 1 120 cm x 90 cm 150 cm x 120 cm
YRCH2 180 cm x 150 cm 180 cm x 150 cm

Under, irrigated conditions, for clay soils wider spacing of 150 cm x 150 cm for YRCH
1 can also be adopted.
For TMV 5 short duration variety 60 x 30 cm may be adopted.

5. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS

Apply NPK fertilizers basally as per soil test recommendations as far as possible.
If soil test recommendations are not available, follow the blanket
recommendation as follows
208
 Rainfed Recommended NPK kg/
conditions ha
Varieties 45 : 15 : 15 NPK kg / ha
Hybrids – YRCH
1 60 : 30 : 30 NPK kg / ha
YRCH 2 70 : 35 : 35 NPK kg / ha
Irrigated
condition
Varieties 60 : 30 : 30 NPK kg / ha
Hybrids - YRCH1 90 : 45 : 45 NPK kg / ha
135 : 65 : 65 NPK kg /
YRCH 2 ha

YRCH 1: In rainfed situations apply 100% P & 50% N&K basally & remaining
quantity may be applied in one or two top dressings based on the soil moisture
availability.
YRCH 2: In rainfed situations, apply 35 kg P & 37.5 kg N & 17.5 kg K basally and
remaining quantity of 37.5 kg N & 17.5 kg K may be applied in one or two top
dressings based on the soil moisture availability.

YRCH 1: In irrigated situations, apply 100% P & 50% N&K as basal & remaining
quantity N&K may be applied in two equal splits at 30th & 60th DAS.
YRCH 2: under irrigated condition, apply 65 kg P & 67.5 kg N & 32.5 kg K as basal
and remaining quantity of 67.5 kg N & 32.5 kg K may be applied in two equal splits
at 30 th & 60 th day after sowing (DAS).

Apply 12.5 kg ZnSO4 ha-1 (If the soil available Zn is < 1.2 ppm) and 25 kg FeSO4 ha-1 (if the soil
available Fe is < 3.7 ppm for non calcareous soil and < 6.3 ppm for calcareous soil). If soil test
values are not available.

Rainfed conditions Recommended TNAU MN mixture

kg/ha
Varieties 7.5
Hybrids 10.0
Irrigated conditions
Varieties 12.5
Hybrids 15.0
(Prepare enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN mixture & FYM ; mix at friable moisture
&incubate for one month in shade).

6. PRE TREATMENT OF SEEDS

a) Treat the seeds with Thiram or carbendazim @ 2g / kg of seeds or with Trichoderma

viride @ 4g/kg of seeds. Treat the seed 24 hours prior to sowing. Soaking the seeds with
water for 10 hours enhances the germination.

209
 b) In rainfed situations, seed priming with 1% KCl for 3 hours and sowing a week
before onset of monsoon is recommended.
7. SOWING
a) Sow the seeds adopting the recommended spacing. b) Place the seeds at depth 4 - 6
cm. c) Put two seeds in each hole and retain only one healthy seedling by thinning out
of weaker seedling/pistillate plant at 20 DAS.
Selective mechanization
Selective mechanization in castor viz., sowing with tractor drawn seed drill with a
spacing of 120 cm x 90 cm, inter cultivation with power weeder on 20 and 40 DAS, need
based plant protection with boom sprayer, harvesting by secateurs and threshing and
shelling by castor thresher increased the kernel yield and net return & benefit cost ratio

8. GAP FILLING
Gap fill on the 15th day of sowing and simultaneously thinning may be done leaving one
healthy plant.

9. WEED MANAGEMENT
Apply pre emergence herbicide Pendimethalin @ 1 litre/ha or Fluchloralin @ 1
litre/ha on 3 DAS followed by hand weeding twice on 20th & 40th DAS.

10. CASTOR PGR CONSORTIA (CASTOR GOLD)

Foliar application of plant growth regulator consortia @ 0.05 % (0.5 ml/litre of
water) on 25 and 60 days after sowing for increasing pistillate flower production, seed
setting per cent and seed yield.

11. NIPPING
For perennial castor variety YTP 1, nipping of primary shoot at 10th internode using
secateurs is recommended for tripling the productive branches.

12. INTERCROPPING
Raise 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. Or Intercropping of castor
with Blackgram or Greengram in 1:2 ratio is recommended for rainfed situation.
Intercropping of castor with small onion in 1:2 ratio by adopting 1.5 m x 1.0 m spacing is
recommended for irrigated situation.
For hilly areas of Tamil Nadu viz., Kalrayan hills, Javadhu hills and Yelagiri hills, Samai
(10kg/ha) + Castor 1.0 kg/ha) @ 10:1 ratio-line sowing (25cm x10 cm) with 50 % organic
(FYM @ 8.0t/ha) and 50 % inorganic nutrient (22:11 kg N & P/ha) is recommended for
realizing maximum profit.
13. HARVESTING THE CROP
Observe the crop considering the average duration of the variety. i) One or more
capsules show sign of drying. ii) Cut the matured racemes without damaging the
secondaries. iii) Dry the capsule in the sun without heaping it in the shade. iv) Use castor
sheller to separate the seeds or beat the dried capsule with wooden planks, winnow and
collect the seeds.

210
 For YRCH 1, first harvest has to be done on 90 DAS, subsequently second and third
harvest is to be carried out on 120 and 150 DAS, respectively.
For YRCH 2, first harvest has to be done on 110 DAS followed by second and third
harvest is to be taken on 140 and 170 DAS, respectively.
The harvested spike should be sun dried and dried capsules can be shelled in the sheller.

CROP PROTECTION
CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest Management

Pests Management strategies

Defoliators:
Semiloopers • Encourage the activity of the larval parasitoid,
Microplitis maculipennis
Achaea janata • Spray Azadirachtin 0.03% 1000 ml
Paralellia algira • Spray any one of the following insecticides at
fifteen days interval
Chlorpyrifos 20EC @ 1250 ml/ha
Profenophos 50 EC @ 500ml/ha
Thiodicarb 75 WP @ 500g/ha
Acephate 75SP @ 780 g/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 100ml/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 150ml/ha

Tobacco caterpillar • Use of light trap to monitor and kill the attracted
Spodoptera litura adult moths
• Set up the sex pheromone trap @ 12/ha to
monitor the activity of the adults and to
synchronize the pesticide application
• Mechanical collection and destruction of egg
masses and early stage larvae found in clusters
which can be located easily even from a distance.
• Hand picking and destruction of grownup of
grown up caterpillars.
• Spray NSKE 5 % or Azadirachtin 1 % EC (10000
ppm) 2 ml/ lit. or apply Bacillus thuringiensis
2g/lit. during evening hours.
• Spraying nuclear polyhedrosis virus at 1.5 x 1012
POB per ha and virus in the evening
• Apply Poison bait in the soil helps in killing the
grown up larvae hide in soil during day time.
Poison bait ( 1 kg carbaryl+10 kg rice bran+ 1 kg
jiggery+ 1 litre of water to make the bait in to
pellets for one hectare)
• Spray any one of the following insecticides at
fifteen days interval. Spraying of insecticides
should be done either in the early morning or in the
evening
Chlorpyrifos 20EC @ 1250 ml/ha
211
 Profenophos 50 EC @ 1000 ml/ha
Thiodicarb 75 WP @ 500g /ha
Acephate 75SP @ 780 g/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 100ml/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 150ml/ha

Other defoliators • Spray Azadirachtin 0.03% 1000 ml

Hairy caterpillars • Spray Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki 5%WP
Euproctis fraternal 1000-1250 g/ha
Porthesia scintillans
• Spray any one of the following insecticides
Slug caterpillar
Profenofos 50EC@ 500ml/ha
Parasa lepida
Chlorpyrifos 20EC @ 1250 ml/ha
Woolly bear
Pericallia ricini Flubendiamide 39.35 SC @ 100ml/ha
Spiny caterpillar Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 SC @ 150ml/ha
Ergolis merione
Tussock caterpillar
Orgyia postica
Serpentine leaf miner • Spray any one of the following plant products
Liriomyza trifolii Neem seed kernel extract 5%
Neem oil 3 %
• Spray any one of the following insecticides at
fifteen days interval
Chlorpyrifos 20EC @ 1250 ml/ha
Malathion 50 EC @ 1000 ml/ha

Sucking pests • Spray any one of the following insecticides at

Green leaf hopper fifteen days interval
Empoasca flavescens Dimethoate 30EC @ 825 ml/ha
Acetamiprid 20SP @ 100 g/ha
Thiamethoxam 25WG @ 200 g/ha
Clothianidin 50WDG @ 50 g/ha

White fly • Monitor the activities of the adult white flies by

Trialeurodes ricini setting up yellow pan traps and sticky traps
smeared with grease or sticky oil @ 25 / acre at
1 foot height above the plant canopy
• Collection and removal of white fly infested
leaves those which were shed due to severe
attack
• Spray any one of the following plant products
Neem seed kernel extract 5%
Neem oil 3 %
• Spray Fish oil rosin soap 25g / lit of water
• Spray any one of the following insecticides at
fifteen days interval
Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 125 ml/ha
Dimethoate 30 EC @ 825 ml/ha
Acetamiprid 20%SP 100g /ha
212
 Thiamethoxam 25WG @ 200 g/ha
Profenophos 50%EC 1000 ml/ha
Thiacloprid 21.7%SC 600ml/ha

Flower thrips • Spray any one of the following insecticides at

Retithrips siriacus fifteen days interval
Scirtothrips dorsalis Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 125 ml/ha
Dimethoate 30 EC @ 825 ml/ha

Shoot and Capsule borer • Spray Neem oil 3% twice at 15 days interval
Conogethus punctiferalis during flowering stage to prevent the adults to
lay eggs
• Spray any one of the following insecticides from
flowering at fifteen days interval
Profenofos 50EC@500ml/ha
Malathion 50 EC @ 1000ml/ha
Indoxacarb 15.8EC @ 500ml/ha
Spinosad 45SC@75 ml/ha
Thiodicarb 75WP@ 500g/ha

B.Disease Management

Disease Recommendations
Grey mold: Botrytis ricini • Remove and destroy the infected spikes
• During cloudy weather and rainy season, give
prophylactic spray with carbendazim @ 2 g/l twice at
15 days interval or prophylactic spray of
P. fluorescens @ 2g/l and second spray after a
fortnight.
Fusarium Wilt • Seed treatment with carbendazim @ 2gram/ kg of seed
• Soil drenching with carbendazim @ 2gram / litre of
water.

CASTOR – VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified quality seed production, leave a distance of 300 m all around the field
from the other varieties / hybrids of the crop.

Season
• June - July and September - October.
213
Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Seed hardening with 2 % KH2PO4 for 16 h (seed to solution ratio 1:1) and dry back to
original moisture content.

Fertilizer requirement
• Apply NPK @ 90:70:70 kg / ha as basal.

Spacing
• 90 x 30 cm.

Harvesting
• Harvest the crop as once over harvest when 80 % of the capsules turn into brown
colour.
Threshing
• Thresh the capsules either using power operated thresher or manually by trampling
or beating with pliable bamboo stick.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds at 10 % moisture content using 18 / 64" round perforated sieve.
• Discard the broken and immature seeds for seed purpose.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.
• Treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg as eco-friendly treatment.
Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 7 - 8 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than 15
months) with a seed moisture content less than 5 %.

CASTOR - HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified quality seed production, leave a distance of 300 m all around the field
from the other varieties / hybrids of the crop.

214
Planting ratio
• Sow the female and male parents in the ratio of 3:1 or 4:1 for certified seed
production.

Border rows
• Sow four rows of male parents in around the field for the availability of adequate
pollen.

Season
• Sow the female line during first fortnight of September for production of more
pistillate inflorescence and male line one week later.

Fertilizer requirement
• Apply NPK @ 90:70:70 kg / ha as basal application.

Spacing
• 90 X 30 cm.

Harvesting
• Harvest the racemes as once over harvest when 80 % of the capsules turn to brown
colour.
• The seeds from secondary raceme are better than primary and others.

Threshing
• Shell the seeds either using power operated thresher or manually by beating with
pliable bamboo stick.
• Avoid hand operated thresher to reduce the mechanical damage.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using 18 / 64” round perforated sieve.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.
• Treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1@ 3 g / kg of seed as eco-friendly treatment.
• Mix the seeds with dry sweet flag (or) vasambu (Achorus calamus) rhizome powder at
the ratio of 1:100 for grain cum seed storage.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 7 - 8 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than15
months) with a seed moisture content less than 5 %.
• The seeds of female parent are poor storer than male and hybrid.
215
 (iv) SUNFLOWER ( Helianthus annuus )

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT
T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
38 - 40 10 - 15 20 - 30 350 - 600 up to2500
Tropical and subtropical climate. During vegetative phase, crop requires cold
temperature. Higher temperature (> 38°C) during reproductive stage reduces the oil
content. Day neutral plant. Crop gives highest yield of oil per hectare when grown
below 1,500m MSL.Cannot tolerate drought and water logging.
CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES
DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIES
A. Rainfed
1. Adipattam (Jun-July)
Coimbatore, Erode, Salem, Namakkal, Variety : COSFV 5

Tirunelveli, Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Hybrid : COH 3.

Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur
2. Karthigaipattam(Oct- Nov) Cuddalore,
Villupuram, Virudhunagar, Sivagangai , Variety : COSFV 5
Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Dindigul, Hybrid : COH 3
Theni, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur, Karur,
Tirunelveli

B. Irrigated
1. Adipattam (July-August) Coimbatore,
Erode, Salem, Namakkal,Tirunelveli, Variety : COSFV 5
Dindigul, Dharmapuri, Tiruchirapalli, Hybrid : COH 3
Perambalur, Karur
2. Karthigaipattam (Nov-Dec)
Cuddalore, Villupuram, Virudhunagar, Variety : COSFV 5
Sivagangai , Ramanathapuram, Madurai, Hybrid : COH 3
Dindigul,Theni, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur,
Karur, Tirunelveli
3. Margazhipattam (Dec-Jan)
Salem, Namakkal, Dharmapuri, Erode, Variety : COSFV 5
Coimbatore, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Hybrid : COH 3
Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi
4. Chithiraipattam (April - May)
Coimbatore, Erode, Dharmapuri, Salem, Variety : COSFV 5
Namakkal, Tiruchirapalli, Perambalur,
Karur Hybrid : COH 3

216
 I. DESCRIPTION OF SUNFLOWER VARIETIES

Particulars COSFV 5 COH 3

Year of Release 2006 2017
Year of Notification SO.1178(E)/20.07.2007 S.O. 6318(E) / 26.12.2018

Parentage Cross derivative of COSF 6A X IR 6

Helianthus annus X H.
preacox
Duration (days) 85-90 90-95
Yield (kg/ha)
Rainfed 1500 2150
Irrigated 1700 2410
Oil content (%) 40-42 40- 42
Ray floret Yellow Yellow
Plant height (cm) 145-165 160-170
Seed size & colour Dark brown Black
1000 seed weight (g) 48-50 52
Volume weight 45-48 47
(g/100ml)

CROP MANAGEMENT

1. FIELD PREPARATION
Plough 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 FERTILIZERS
i) 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.
If soil test recommendations are not available, follow the blanket NPK/ha for
both irrigated and rainfed crops.

Season Blanket recommendation of

Nutrients (kg/ha)
N P2O5 K2O
Hybrids IRRI 60 90 60
RF 40 50 40
Varieties IRRI 60 30 30
RF 40 50 40

Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield targets.
(read reckoners are furnished for irrigated sunflower)

217
Sunflower - Hybrid
Soil : Mixed black calcareous FN =9.60T- 0.49SN-0.68 ON
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FP2O5=4.20T -1.87SP-0.80 OP
Target : 2.0- 2.5 t ha-1 FK2O=9.24T-0.45SK-0.64 OK

Yield target – 2.0 t ha-1 Yield target – 2.5 t ha-1

Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
160 12 300 59 45* 30* 90** 53 56
180 14 325 49 45* 30* 90** 49 45
200 16 350 39 45* 30* 87 45* 34
220 18 375 30* 45* 30* 77 45* 30*
240 20 400 30* 45* 30* 67 45* 30*
* Maintenance dose;** Maximum dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON,
OP and OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.
iii) Biofertilizer : Soil application - Mix 10 packets (2000 g/ha) of
Azospirillum and 10 packets(2000 g/ha) of Phosphobacteria or 20 packets of
Azophos(4000 g/ha) with 25 kg FYM and 25 kg soil and apply before sowing.

3. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS
a) 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.
For rainfed sunflower apply TNAU MN mixture @ 7.5 kg ha -1 as enriched
FYM
-1
b) variety and 10 kg ha as enriched FYM for hybrid and for Irrigated sunflower
apply TNAU MN mixture @ 12.5 kg ha-1 as enriched FYM for variety and 15 kg
ha-1 as enriched FYM for hybrid (Prepare enriched FYM at 1:10 ratio of MN
mixture & FYM ; mixat friable moisture &incubate for one month in shade).
c) Apply the mixture over the furrows and top two thirds of the ridges before
sowing.
d) Do not incorporate the mixture in the soil.
(i) To overcome manganese deficiency foliar spray of 0.5% MnSO4 on 30,40 &
50th day after sowing and
(ii) For zinc deficiency apply 25 kg ZnSO4/ha as basal or 0.5% ZnSO4. Spray on
30,40 & 50th day after sowing.
(iii) For B and S deficient soils, apply 10 kg Borax or 0.2% boric acid twic and 40
kg S as Gypsum/ha.

4. FORMING RIDGES AND FURROWS

i. Form ridges and furrows with 60 cm spacing.
ii. Use bund-former or ridge plough to economise and
iii. Form irrigation channels across and ridges according to the topography of the
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 field.
5. SEED RATE
Rainfed Irrigated
Varieties 7 kg/ha 6 kg/ha
Hybrids 5 kg/ha 5 kg/ha
6. SEED TREATMENT
Soaking seeds in 2% for 12 hrs and shade drying is recommended for rainfed ZnSO4
sowing.

7. SEED TREATMENT
i) Treat 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.
ii) Treat the seeds with Carbendazim or Thiram at 2 g/kg of seed.
iii) Treat the seeds 24 hours prior to sowing.
iv) Treat the seeds required for sowing 1 ha with 600 g of Azospirillum and 600g of
phosphobacteria (or) 600g of Azophos using rice gruel as binder, shade dry the
treated seeds for 30 min and sow immediately.
Liquid formulation Treat one hectare of seeds with 125 ml of Azospirillum and
125 ml of Phosphobacteria, shade dry it for 30 minutes before sowing
v) Moist hydration for 24 hours in moist gunny bags followed by drying and seed
dressing with 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.
8. SOWING
Spacing : Hybrids : 60 cm x 30cm
Varieties : 45 cm x 30cm
i) Place the seeds at a depth of 3 cm along the furrows in which the fertilizer
mixture is placed. Put two seeds per hole

9. THINNING
Thin out seedlings leaving only one healthy and vigorous seedling in each hole
on the 10th day of sowing.

10. WEED MANAGEMENT

i) Apply Fluchloralin @ 1.0 lit/ha before sowing and incorporate or apply as
pre-emergence spray on 3rd day after sowing followed by irrigation or apply
Pendimethalin @ 1.0 litre/ha as pre- emergence spray 3 days after sowing. The
spray of these herbicides has to be accomplished with Knapsack sprayer fitted
with flat fan nozzle using 500 lit water/ha as spray fluid.
All the herbicide application is to be followed by one late hand weeding 30 - 35
days after sowing.
After application of pre emergence herbicide, instead of hand weeding, power
weeder can be used if sowing was done with the spacing of 75 x 25 cm.
th
ii) If pre emergence herbicide was not applied, hand weeding to be done on on 15
and 30th day after sowing and remove the weeds.
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11. WATER MANAGEMENT
Irrigate immediately after sowing followed by an irrigation on 4 – 5th day and
later at interval of 7 to 8 days according to soil and climatic conditions at seeding,
flowering and seed development stage.

12. FOLIAR SPRAY OF NAPHTHALENE ACETIC ACID (NAA)

i) Foliar spray of 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.

13. SULPHUR FERTILIZATION

Apply sulphur @ 20 kg/ha through ammonium sulphate or single super
phosphate. Or apply gypsum@ 200kg/ha as basal

14. BORIC ACID

Foliar spray of boric acid @ 0.2 % (2g/l of water) to capitulum at ray floret
opening stage to improve seed set and seed filling.

15. IMPROVING SEED SET BY MECHANICAL MEANS

a. 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.
iii. The mid-flowering phase are: 58 to 60 days of planting for long duration
varieties, 45 to 48 days of planting for short duration varieties
iv. .Do this operation in the morning hours between 9.0 and 11.00 am when
pollen shedding is high.
b. Keeping bee hives at the rate of 5/ha improves seed setting.
16. JUDGE WHEN TO HARVEST
Observe the bracts on the backside of the capitula. When they turn lemon 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 of grain.
17. HARVESTING
i. 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 spoil the 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

220
 CROP PROTECTION

A. Pest management

Weevil
Myllocerus spp.
Tobacco cutworm
Spodoptera litura ƒ Hand pick the Helicoverpa larvae and destroy.
Gram podborer ƒ Spray Azadirachtin 5% W/W 0.5 ml/lit
Helicoverpa armigera
ƒ Treat seed with imidacloprid 70 WS at 7 g/kg
Leafhopper protection upto 7 weeks.
Amrasca devastans ƒ Spray Imidacloprid 70 WS 490 ml/ha (or)
Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 100 ml/ha
Whitefly, B.tabaci, A.dispersus ƒ Spray Imidacloprid 70 WS 490 ml/ha (or)
Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 100 ml/ha
Thrips ƒ Spray Imidacloprid 17.8 SL 100 ml/ha

B. Disease management
Alternaria leaf spot: Alternaria • Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g/ha or
helianthi • Treat the seeds with carbendazim + mancozeb @ 3g/kg +
propiconazole 0.1 % sprays at 30 and 45 days after sowing
or
• Treat the seeds with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg
seeds along with foliar spray of hexaconazole or
propiconazole @ 0.1% at 45 days after sowing and foliar
spray of P. fluorescens at 60 days after sowing
Rust: Puccinia helianthi Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g/ha
Charcoal rot: Macrophomina • Soil application of P. fluorescens or T. asperellum @ 2.5 kg /
phaseolina ha with 50 kg of well decomposed FYM or sand at 30 days
(Rhizoctonia bataticola) after sowing.
• Spot drenching with carbendazim @ 1 g/ l
Powdery mildew: Two sprays of difenoconazole @ 0.05% at 40 and 60 DAS
Golovinomyces cichoracearum
Head rot: Rhizopus sp Spray mancozeb @ 1000 g/ha in case of intermittent rainfall at
the head stage, directing the spray to cover the capitulum.
Repeat fungicidal application after 10 days, if humid weather
continues
Necrosis virus disease: Tobacco • Raise sorghum as border crop (one month prior to
streak virus (Ilarvirus) sunflower sowing).
(Vector: Thrips) • Seed treatment with imidacloprid @ 2 g/kg of seeds
• Spray imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 100 ml/ha

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 SUNFLOWER - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production, leave a distance of 200 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties / hybrids of sunflower.

Spacing
• 45 x 30 cm.

Pre-sowing seed treatment

• Seed soaking in 2 % KNO3 for 6 hrs to release dormancy.
• Seed hardening with 2 % KH2PO4 for 16 h and dry back to original moisture content.
• Seed coating with polymer @ 3 g / kg + imidachloprid @ 2 ml / kg + carbendazim @
2 g / kg + Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g / kg.

Fertilizer
• Apply NPK @ 60:45:45 kg / ha as basal application.

Foliar application
• At the stage of capitulum opening, spray 0.2 % boric acid for increased seed set.

Supplementary pollination
• During flowering, rub the heads with muslin cloth or palm during 8 - 11 am on
alternate days till the completion of flowering (7 - 10 days).
• Keep bee hives @ 5 nos. / ha to increase insect activity.

Harvesting
• Harvest the heads when the thalamus drooped and turned to lemon yellow in colour
with black coloured seeds.
• Harvest the heads and dry immediately until the seed moisture content reduced to
15 - 16 %.
• Separate the seeds either with mechanical thresher or manually.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using 9 / 64” round perforated sieve.
• Upgrade the size graded seed using specific gravity separator.
• Remove the broken and dehulled seeds from the lot.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed along with carbaryl @
222
 200 mg / kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu leaf powder mixed in
the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 7 - 8 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than 15
months) with a seed moisture content less than 7 %.

SUNFLOWER - HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified quality seed production, leave a distance of 400 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties / hybrids of sunflower.

Border rows
• Sow four rows of male parent around the field for the availability of adequate pollen.

Planting Ratio
• Sow female and male plants in a ratio of 4:1 or 6:1

Foliar spray
• Spray 0.2 % boric acid at button opening stage to increase seed set.

Supplementary pollination
• During flowering, collect pollens from male flowers and smear the pollen over the
female heads with muslin cloth or palm at the time between 8 - 11 am on alternate
days till the completion of flowering.
• Keep bee hives @ 5 nos. / hectare.

Harvesting
• Harvest 'R' lines first and remove from the field before harvesting the hybrid.
• Harvest the earheads of female plants as once over harvest.

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 (v) SAFFLOWER (Carthamus tinctorius)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

38 - 40 5 22 - 30 350 - 450 up to 1000
Tropical and subtropical semi arid climate. Grown during rabi, primarily as a rainfed
crop. Yields are lower under humid or rainy conditions due to reduced seed set and
increased disease incidence. Not recommended for areas with >450 mm of annual
precipitation. Tolerated very low temperature during the rosette stage, but very
sensitive to frost injury after stem elongation until crop maturity. This crop does
best in areas with warm temperatures and sunny, dry conditions during the
flowering and seed-filling periods. Temperature for seed germination is 15oC.

CROP IMPROVEMENT

DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIES

A. Rainfed
1. Karthigaipattam (Nov-Dec)
All districts K 1, CO 1

I. DESCRIPTION OF SAFFLOWER VARIETIES

Particulars K1 CO 1
Parentage Pureline selection from Pureline selection from CTS
American spiny variety 7403 (Non spiny)
Duration (days) 120 125
Yield (kg/ha)
Rainfed 700 800
Oil content (%) 32 33
Special features spiny florets, suitable for Non-spiny, tolerant Alternaria,
Southern districts moderately Resistant to wilt
CROP MANAGEMENT
III. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD
1. FIELD PREPARATION
a) 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 FYM
a) 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 evenly before the last ploughing and incorporate in the
224
 soil.
NOTE: Do not leave the organic manure exposed to sunlight as nutrients will be lost.

3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
Apply N at 20 kg/ha basally.

4. SEED RATE
Adopt a seed rate of 10 kg/ha.

5. SPACING
Adopt a spacing of 45 cm between rows and 15 cm between plants.

6. SELECTION OF GOOD QUALITY SEEDS

Select mature good quality seeds, free from pest damage and fungal attack.

7. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDES

a) 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.

8. SOWING
a. Sow the seeds in line at a depth of 2 to 3 cm and cover with soil. b.
Sow using gorru or country plough.
NOTE: First week of November is the best sowing time.

9. THINNING OUT SEEDLINGS

Thin out the seedlings to a spacing of 15 cm between plants on the 15th day of sowing.

10. WEED MANAGEMENT

Weeding with have hoe on 25 and 40 days after of sowing (DAS)

11. HARVESTING
i. 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 in the 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 and store the seeds in gunnies.

CROP PROTECTION
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. Treat the seeds 24 hours prior to
sowing.

225
 NOTE: Seed treatment will protect the young seedlings from root rot disease in the early
stage.
SAFFLOWER - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production, leave a distance of 200 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Spacing
• 60 x 20 m.

Fertilizer
• Apply NPK @ 60:60:20 kg / ha as basal application.

Harvest
• Harvest the pods as once over harvest.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using BSS 6 x 6 wire mesh sieve.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2g / kgof seed.
• Treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1@ 3 g / kg of seed as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 7 - 8 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than 15
months) with a seed moisture content less than 7 %.

226
 (vi) Coconut (Cocos nucifera); Palmae

Climate
T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
38 - 40 10 - 15 25 - 30 800 - 2500 up to 600
Tropical and subtropical climate. Withstand water logging. Minimum sunshine shou
hours per year.

VARIETIES AND HYBRIDS

Varieties
i. East Coast Tall
ii. West Coast Tall
iii. VPM-3 (Selection from Andaman Ordinary Tall)
iv. ALR (CN -1) (Selection from Arasampatty Tall)
v. ALR (CN-2) (Selection from Tiptur Tall)
vi. COD (Dwarf for tender coconut purpose only)
vii. VPM 4 (Selection from WCT)
viii. ALR 3 (Dwarf for tender nut purpose only and Selection from Kenthali Dwarf)
Hybrids
Tall x Dwarf
(To be grown under well managed conditions)
ix. VHC 2 - ECT X MYD
x. VHC 3 - ECT X MOD
xi. VPM 5 – LCT x CCNT

(Besides, the hybrids of ECT x COD, WCT x COD and WCT x MYD are also produced
by the State Department of Agriculture. The dwarf x tall type (COD x WCT) which has to be
grown under well-managed conditions with assured irrigation is also produced by State
Department of Agriculture).

CROP MANAGEMENT
Soil
Red sandy loam, laterite and alluvial soils are suitable. Heavy, imperfectly drained
soil is unsuitable.
Seasons
June-July, December - January. The planting can also be taken up in other seasons
wherever irrigation and drainage facilities are available.
Spacing
Adopt a spacing of 25' x 25' (7.5 x 7.5 m) with 175 plants/ha. For planting in field
border as a single row, adopt 20' spacing between plants.
Planting
Dig pit size of 3’ x 3' x 3'. In the pits, sprinkle Lindane 1.3 % D to prevent white ant
damage. Fill the pit to a height of two feet (60 cm) with FYM, red earth and sand mixed in
equal proportions. At the center of the pit, remove the soil mixture and plant the seedling
after removing all the roots. Press the soil well around the seedling and provide the seedling
227
with shade by using plaited coconut leaves or palmyrah leaves. Keep the pits free from
weeds. Remove soil covering the collar region. As the seedlings grow and form stem, fill up
the pits gradually by cutting the sides.
Water management
From 5th year onwards, adopt the following irrigation schedule based on pan
evaporation for drip irrigation and basin irrigation.

Western region
Months Normal condition Moderate water Severe water
(for best yield) scarcity condition scarcity condition
A. Drip irrigation
February to May 65 lit / day 45 lit/ day 22 lit / day
January, August and 55 lit / day 35 lit / day 18 lit/day
September
June and July, October to 45 lit / day 30 lit/ day 15 lit / day
December
B. Basin irrigation
February to May 410 lit / 6 days*
January, August and
410 lit /7 days*
September
June and July, October to
410 lit /9 days*
December

Eastern region
Months Normal condition (for Moderate Severe water scarcity
best yield) water scarcity condition
condition
A. Drip irrigation
March - September 80 lit / day 55 lit / day 27 lit/day
October – February 50 lit / day 35 lit/ day 18 lit /day
B. Basin irrigation
March – September 410 lit / 5 days*
October – February 410 lit /8 days*
* Quantity of water to be applied in the basin. Add 30-40 % of the above quantity of water
(135 -165 litres/palm) to meet the conveyance loss.

For drip irrigation, open four pits size of 30 x 30 x 30 cm opposite to each other at one meter
distance from the trunk. Place 40 cm long PVC conduit pipe (16 mm) in a slanting position in
each pit and place the drippers inside the conduit tube and allow the water to drip 30 cm
below the soil surface. Fill the pits with coir pith to prevent evaporation.In the first year,
irrigate on alternate days and from the second year to the time of maturity irrigate twice in
a week based on the water requirement.

Drought management and soil moisture conservation

Mulching with coconut husks/leaves/coir pith
Apply coconut husks with convex surface facing upwards (100 Nos.) or dried coconut

228
leaves (15 Nos) or coir pith up to a height of 10 cm in the basin of 1.8 m radius around the
palms as mulch for soil moisture conservation particularly during summer season.
Burial of coconut husk or coir pith
Husk burial can be done in coconut basins or in the interspaces to overcome drought and
button shedding. Bury husks @ 100 Nos. with concave surface facing upwards or 25 kg of
coir pith/palm in circular trenches, dug 30 cm width and 60 cm depth at 1.5 metres radius.
The husk can be also buried in the trenches at a distance of 3 m from the palm with a size of
45 cm deep and 150 cm width in between two rows of coconut. The soaking of the coconut
husk or coir pith as the case may be preserves the monsoon rains.

Manuring
From 5th year onwards, apply 50 kg of FYM or compost or green manure.1.3 kg Urea (560 g
N), 2.0 kg Superphosphate (320 g P2O5) and 2.0 kg Muriate of potash (1200 g K2O) in two
equal splits during June – July and December – January. Apply manures and fertilizers in
circular basins of 1.8 m from the base of the palm, incorporate and irrigate. During 2nd, 3rd
and 4th year ¼, ½ and ¾ doses of the above fertilizer schedule should be adopted
respectively. Sufficient moisture should be present at the time of manuring. Fertigation may
be done at monthly intervals with 75% of the recommended dose of the above fertilizers.
Phosphorous may be applied as super phosphate in the basins and incorporated or as DAP
through drip when good quality of water is available. TNAU micronutrient mixture is
recommended @ 1.0kg/tree/year.

TNAU coconut tonic nutrition

For nut bearing coconut Palm, root feed TNAU coconut tonic @200ml/palm once in six
months.

Bio-fertilizer recommendation

At the time of planting, apply 50g of Azospirillum, 50 g of Phosphobacteria (or) 50 g of

Azophos and 50 g of AM fungi. Mix all the contents with sufficient quantity of FYM or any
compost. After planting apply the above biofertilizers once in 6 months/palm near to the
feeding roots as that of fertilizer application

Organic recycling
Any one of the green manure crops like sunnhemp, wild indigo, calapagonium or daincha
may be sown and ploughed in situ at the time of flowering as a substitute of compost to be
applied. Sow sunnhemp @ 50 g/palm in the basin and incorporate before flowering. Coir
pith compost/vermicompost made from coir pith/ coconut leaves/ other wastes from
coconut grove can be applied.

Intercultural operation weed management

The interspace in the coconut garden has to be ploughed twice in a year in June-July and
December - January. Intercultural operation is essential to keep weed population under
check, to enhance the utilisation of the applied plant nutrients by the coconut trees, to
facilitate proper aeration to the roots of coconut, to induce fresh root growth.

229
Weed management
For the broad-leaved weeds, pre-emergence spraying of atrazine @1.0 kg / ha for the
control of grasses and sedges, post emergence spraying of glyphosate @ 10 -15 ml and 20 g
Ammonium sulphate + 2 ml soap solution /litre of water.

Inter cropping
Inter/mixed crops may be selected based on the climatic requirement of the
inter/mixed crop, irrigation facilities and soil type. The canopy size, age and spacing of the
coconut are also to be considered. Market suitability should be taken into consideration
before selecting an intercrop.

Below 7 years of age: Any suitable annual crop for particular soil type and climatic condition
may be raised as intercrops upto 5 years after planting depending upon the canopy
coverage. Groundnut, sesamum, sunflower, tapioca, turmeric and banana can be grown.
Avoid crops like paddy and sugarcane etc.

7 – 20 years of age: Green manure crops and fodder crops (Napier grass and guinea grass)
alone can be grown.

Above 20 years of age (20 years of age has to be adjusted based on the sunlight
transmission of above 50% inside the canopy).

The following crops can be grown depending on the soil and climatic suitability.
(i) Annuals : Groundnut, bhendi, turmeric, tapioca, sweetpotato,
sirukizhangu, elephant foot yam, ginger, pineapple
(ii) Biennials : Banana varieties, poovan and monthan are suitable.
(iii)Perennials : Cocoa*, pepper* (Panniyur 1 or Panniyur 2 or Panniyur 5 or
Karimunda), nutmeg* and vanilla*

*Suitable areas are Pollachi tract of western region and Kanyakumari district. For
vanilla,
use disease free planting material and maintain high vigilance to maintain a disease free
crop.

Multiple cropping system

Coconut + banana + sirukizhangu + bhendi is suitable system for the eastern region.
Crops like banana, pepper, cocoa, nutmeg, vanilla can be tried under multiple cropping
system in suitable areas in the western region. In all the systems, apply recommended
quantity of water and manures and fertilizers to the intercrops separately.

Crop physiology

Root feeding of TNAU coconut tonic @ 200 ml / palm twice a year at six months
interval decreases button shedding and increases the number and size of nuts.

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Crop protection
Pest management
Pests Management strategies
Rhinoceros beetle ƒ Remove and burn all dead coconut trees in the garden (which are
Oryctes rhinoceros likely to serve as breeding ground) to maintain good sanitation.
ƒ Collect and destroy the various bio-stages of the beetle from the
manure pits (breeding ground of the pest) whenever manure is lifted
from the pits.
ƒ Incorporate the entomopathogen i.e, fungus (Metarrhizium
anisopliae) in manure pits to check the perpetuation of the pest.
ƒ Soak castor cake at 1 kg in 5 l of water in small mud pots and keep
them in the coconut gardens to attract and kill the adults.
ƒ Treat the longitudinally split tender coconut stem and green petiole
of fronds with fresh toddy and keep them in the garden to attract and
trap the beetles.
ƒ Examine the crowns of tree at every harvest and hook out and kill the
adults.
ƒ For seedlings, apply 3 naphthalene balls/palm weighing 3.5 g each at
the base of inter space in leaf sheath in the 3 inner most leaves of the
crown once in 45 days.
Set up light traps following the first rains in summer and monsoon
period to attract and kill the adult beetles.
ƒ Field release of Baculovirus inoculated adult rhinoceros beetle @
15/ha reduces the leaf and crown damage caused by this beetle.
ƒ Apply mixture of either neem seed powder + sand (1:2) @150 g per
palm or neem seed kernel powder + sand (1:2) @150 g per palm in
the base of the 3 inner most leaves in the crown
ƒ Place phorate 10 G 5 g in perforated sachets in two inner most leaf
axils for 2 times at 6 months intervals.
ƒ Set up rhinolure pheromone trap @ 1/ 2 ha to trap and kill the
beetles.
Black headed caterpillar ƒ The incidence of the pest is noticed from the month of November to
Opisina arenosella May and from August to November after rainfall. The coconut trees
of all ages are attacked.
• Release the larval (Bethylid, Braconid and Ichneumonid) and pupal
(Eulophid) on (chalcid) parasitoids and predators periodically from
January, to check the build up of the pest during summer.
ƒ Among the larval parasitoids, the bethylid Goniozus nephantidis is the
most effective in controlling the pest. The optimum level of release is
1:8 of host-parasitoid ratio. The parasitoi should be released
@3000/ha under the coconut trees when the pest is in the 2nd or 3rd
instar larval stage. Parasitoid release trap may be used to release the
parasitoid at the site of feeding. Parasitoids should not be released in
the crown region since they will be killed by predators like spiders and
reduviid bugs.
ƒ Remove and burn all affected leaves/leaflets.
ƒ Spray Malathion 50 EC 0.05% (1mi/lit) to cover the undersurface of
the leaves thoroughly in case of severe epidemic outbreak of the pest

231
 in young palms.
ƒ Root feeding for the control of coconut Black headed caterpillar:
Select a fresh and live root, cut sharply at an angle and insert the
root in the insecticidal solution containing monocrotophos 36 WSC
10 ml + water 10 ml in a 7 x 10 cm polythene bag. Secure the bag
tightly to the root with a cotton thread. Twenty four hours later,
check whether there is absorption. If there is no absorption select
another root. These methods should not be resorted to as a routine
practice and it is suggested only for cases of severe epidemic
outbreak of the pest and when the survival of the tree is threatened.
Red palm weevil ƒ Remove and burn all wilting or damaged palms in coconut gardens to
Rhynchophorus prevent further perpetuation of the pest.
ferrugineus ƒ Avoid injuries on stems of palms as the wounds may serve as
oviposition sites for the weevil. Fill all holes in the stem with cement.
ƒ Avoid the cutting of green leaves. If needed, they should be cut
about 120 cm away from the stem.
ƒ Fill the crown and the axils of top most three leaves with a mixture
of fine sand and neem seed powder or neem seed kernel powder
(2:1) once in three months to prevent the attack of rhinoceros beetle
damage in which the red palm weevil lays eggs.
ƒ Setting up of attractant traps (mud pots) containing sugarcane
molasses 2½ kg or toddy 2½ litres + acetic acid 5 ml + yeast 5 g +
longitudinally split tender coconut stem/logs of green petiole of
leaves of 30 numbers in one acre to trap adult red palm weevils in
large numbers.
ƒ Install pheromone trap @1/2 ha
Root feeding: As under black headed caterpillar
Termites ƒ Locate termite mounds in or near the coconut nursery or garden and
Odontotermes obesus destroy.
ƒ Swabbing with neem oil 5% once on the base and upto 2 m height
of the trunk for effective control.
ƒ Spray copper sulphate 1% or cashew nut shell oil 80% or spray
chlorphyriphos @ 3ml/lit of water, neem oil 5% or NSKE 20% to
preserve plaited coconut leaves from the termite attack.

Scale insect ƒ Pluck mature nuts and spray monocrotophos 36 WSC 1 ml/ha.
Aspidiotus destructor ƒ Do not harvest nuts for 45 days after spraying.
Mealy bugs ƒ Remove leaflets harbouring these insects and destroy them
Pseudococcus longispinus ƒ Spray any one of the following :
Malathion 50 EC 2 ml/lit
Dimethoate 30 EC 1 ml/lit
Methyl demeton 25 EC 1 ml/lit
Phosphamidon 40 SL 1.25
ml/lit
ƒ Monocrotophos 36 WSC 1 ml/lit Neem oil 30ml/lit.

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Leaf caterpillars ƒ Collect and destroy the immature stages of the insects by
Turnaca acuta conducting study (or neem compaign) wherever possible and spray
Nut caterpillar carbary 50 WP 2 gm/lit .
Nut coreid bug ƒ Root feeding with monocrotophos 36 WSC @ 10 ml + 10 ml
water at 45 days interval for 3 times for control of leaf
caterpillar.
ƒ Set up light trape to trap and collect adult moths
ƒ Spray Dichlorvas 76 WSC 2 ml / lit.
Slug caterpillar Spray any one of the following:
Contheyla rotunda ƒ Dichorvos 76 WSC 2 ml/lit
ƒ Bacillus thuringiensis 2 g/lit,
ƒ Triazophos 40 EC 5 ml
ƒ Methyl demeton 25 EC 4 ml/lit
ƒ Root feeding with monocrotophos 15 ml + 15 ml of water
Scolytid bark borer ƒ Stem injection through a stove wick soaked in 0.2% dichlorvos and
beetles plugging the hole and repeating the treatment using the same wick
Xyleborus parvulus and
hole a month after.
Eriophyid mite Manurial and fertilizer recommendation (Soil application/tree/year)
Aceria guerreronis Urea 1.3 kg
Superphosphate 2.0 kg
Muriate of potash* 3.5kg
* Increased quantity is recommended to increase the plant
resistance to the mite. Neem cake application @ 5 kg Organic
manure (well rotten FYM) @ 50 kg
1. Micronutrients (Soil application / tree / year)
Borax 50 g
Gypsum 1.0 kg Magnesim sulphate 500g
Grow sunnhemp as intercrop twice a year (Seed rate 30 kg/ha)

Spot application of ecofriendly botanicals

Eco-friendly Quantity /
Round
Botanical tree
1 Azadirachtin 1% 5 ml in one lit. of water
2 Neem oil + Teepol 30 ml in one lit. of water
3 Azadirachtin 1% 5 ml in one lit. of water
Method of application
9 The botanicals should be applied in the sequence indicated above at
45 days interval using a one litre hand sprayer. Rocker or Pedal
sprayer can be used for spraying small trees.
9 The spray should be applied at the crown region by a climber
covering only the top six bunches during non rainy season
9 The bunches must be covered well by the spray fluid and
approximately one litre of spray fluid may be required per tree
Precautions and safety measures
™ Spraying should be avoided during windy season to prevent
contamination
™ At the time of spraying, protective mask and clothing should be
used
™ Wash face and hands cleanly with soap after spraying.
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 Coconut Rugose The coconut rugose spiraling whitefly was noticed in serious
spiraling whitefly proportion in various district coconut gardens of Tamil Nadu. The insects
suck the sap and cause damage in the leaf fronts with copious honey dew
secretions on the leaves. It induce development of sooty mould fungus
there by leaves become completely black and reduces the photosynthesis
rate.
The following TNAU technologies can be adopted to manage the
spiraling whitefly,
¾ Release of Encarsia guadeloupae @ 100 parasitoids /ac (10
leafbits/ac)
¾ Installation of yellow sticky traps (5 ft. x 1.5 ft.) smeared with castor
oil @ 5/ ac
¾ Release of Chrysoperla zastrowi sillemi eggs @ 500/ac in young
palms
¾ Pesticide holiday’ must be declared to conserve the natural enemies
fauna

New invasive pest

Palm civet ƒ Poison baiting with ripe banana fruit sandwiched with 0.5 g
Vivera zibatha carbofuran 3 G granules.
Rat ƒ Tree banding with inverted iron cones or Prosophis thorns. Baiting
Rattus rattus wroughtoni with bromodialone 0.005% at 10 g/tree at crown region twice at an
interval
of 12 days.

Diseases management
Basal stem rot (Ganoderma lucidum)
• Aureofungin-sol @ 2g + copper sulphate @ 1g dissolved in 100 ml water or hexaconazole
@ 2 ml with 100 ml of water, applied as root feeding for 3 times at 3 months interval.
(The active absorbing root of pencil thickness be selected and a slanting cut is made.
The solution is taken in a polythene bag or bottle and the cut end of the root is dipped
in the solution)
• Forty liters of 1% Bordeaux mixture should be applied as soil drench around the trunks in
a radius of 1.5 meter
• Neem cake @ 5 kg/tree can be applied along with fertilizers and azotobactor @ 200
g/tree

Bud rot (Phytophthora palmivora)

• The infected tissues from the crown region should be removed and protected with
Bordeaux paste
• Spray 1% bordeaux mixture or copper oxychloride @ 0.25 % on crown region as pre-
monsoon spray
• Spray copper oxychloride @ 0.25 % after the onset of monsoon

Stem bleeding (Ceratocystis paradoxa)

The bark of the trunk should be removed in the bleeding area and Bordeaux paste
should be applied in this area
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Preparation of 1% bordeaux mixture
Copper sulphate @ 400g should be dissolved in 20 litres of water and 400 g of lime in
another 20 litres of water separately. The copper 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 be used. To find out whether the mixture is in
correct proportion, a polished knife should be dipped in the mixture for one minute and
taken out. If there is reddish brown deposit of copper, additional quantity of lime should be
added till there is no deposit in the knife.

Preparation of bordeaux paste:

Take 200 g of copper sulphate and dissolve it in one litre of water and 200 g of lime
in one litre of water separately, both are mixed simultaneously in a third vessel and the
resultant mixture can be used as a paste.

SPECIAL PROBLEMS IN COCONUT

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 where thick planting is adopted, many trees give an yield
of less than 20 nuts/palm/year. By cutting and removal of these trees, the yield could
be increased. Besides, there is saving in the cost of cultivation and increase in net profit.
After removal of low yielding trees, the populations should be maintained at 175
palms/ha.
ii. Ensuring adequate manuring and irrigation:
The yield can be increased in the existing gardens when manuring + irrigation +
cultural practice is adopted as per recommendation.

Pencil point disorder (Micronutrient deficiency)

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. Along with 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 litres of water and poured in the basin of 1.8 m radius.
This disorder can be corrected if noticed early. Severely affected palms may be removed
and replanted with new seedlings.
Button shedding
Shedding of buttons and premature nuts may be due to any one of the following reasons:
i) Excess acidity or alkalinity
ii) Lack of drainage
iii) Severe drought
iv) Genetic causes
v) Lack of nutrients
vi) Lack of pollination

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 vii) Hormone deficiency
viii) Pests
ix) Diseases
The following remedial measures are suggested.

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 is indicated by soil pH higher than 8.0. This situation could be rectified by
adding gypsum.

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 the contours to drain the excess water during rainy season.

Management of young coconut gardens under waterlogged conditions

(i) A trench between two rows of young coconut palms should be dug during onset of the
monsoon rains. The size of the trench is 3 m width, 30 – 45 cm depth to entire length of
field. The soil excavated from the trench should be placed along the rows of palms to
make a raised bed.
(ii) Form mound around the young palms to a radius of 1.2 m width with height of 30 –45
cm.

Genetic causes
In some trees button shedding may persist even after ensuring adequate manuring,
irrigation and crop pest and disease management. This is an indication of inherent defect of
the mother palm from which the seed material was obtained. This underlines the need for
proper choice of superior mother palm for harvesting seed coconut to ensure uniformly
good yielding trees.

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 muriate of potash with 200 g of Borax/palm over and
above the usual dosage of fertilizer to correct the barren nuts in coconut for period of 3
years.

Boron deficiency or crown choke disorder

Apply 200 g of borax/palm/year in two splits.

Lack of pollination
Button shedding also occurs due to lack of pollination. Setting up of beehives @ 15
units/ha may increase the cross pollination in the garden. Further the additional income
obtained through honey, increases the net profit per unit area.

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Hormone deficiency
The fertilised female flowers i.e., buttons shed in some cases. By spraying 2, 4- D at
30 ppm or NAA 20 ppm (30 mg per litre of water) on the inflorescence one month after
opening of the spathe, the setting percentage could be increased.

Pests
Button shedding may happen due to the attack of bug. Spraying of systemic
insecticides like Methyldematon 0.025% (1ml/lit) or Dimethoate 0.03% (1ml/lit) may reduce
the occurrence.

Diseases
Button shedding also occurs due to disease incidence such as basal stem rot.
Adoption of control measures suggested for the disease reduces not only spread of the
disease but also prevents shedding of buttons.

Coconut mother palm selection and nursery management

The need for collecting seed materials from high yielding coconut palms is highly
essential in a perennial crop like coconut.
The following points may be remembered.

Mother palm selection

1. Select seed gardens, which contain large proportion of high yielding trees with
uniformity in yielding ability. Trees growing closer to households, cattle shed, compost
pits and other favorable conditions should be avoided.
2. High yielding mother palms giving not less than 100nuts/palm/annum should be chosen
for collecting seednuts. Alternate bearers should be avoided. The age of the palm
chosen be middle age i.e., from 25 to 40 years. Even trees with 15 years age can be
selected, if it is high yielding and has stabilized yield.
3. The mother palm should have straight trunk, spherical or semi spherical crown, high
rate of leaf and spathe production, short and stout petiole, more number of female
flowers regular bearing habit, non – buckling bunches, high setting parentage, medium
in nut size, high copra outturn and free from pest and diseases. A good regular bearing
mother palm produces on an average one leaf and an inflorescence in its axil every
month. So, there will be twelve bunches of varying stages of maturity at any one time.
Avoid trees producing habitually barren nuts.
4. Harvest seednuts during the months of February - August to get maximum germination
and good quality seedlings. Harvest the bunches intended for seednut by lowering them
to the ground using a rope to avoid injury to seednuts
5. The seednuts should be round in shape and when tapped by finger should produce
metallic sound. Fully ripe nuts develop twelve months after fertilisation.
6. To get more quality seedlings, the seednuts of tall and hybrid are to be air cured for
one month followed by sand curing for two months. For dwarf varieties, the air curing
should be lesser than one month followed by sand curing for two months.

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Nursery management

1. Select nursery area in a well drained plot with coarse texture soil near water source for
irrigation. Nursery can be raised in the open space with artificial shade or in the adult
coconut garden.
2. Plant seednuts in long and narrow beds at a spacing of 30 x 30 cm either horizontally or
vertically in deep trenches with 20-25 cm depth. Five rows of nuts may be planted in
each bed accommodating 50 nuts per row.
3. Irrigate the nursery beds once in three days.
4. Keep the nursery free of weeds. To manage the weed problem in coconut nursery,
growing sunnhemp 2 times (each harvested at flowering stage) followed by one hand
weeding at 6th month was found to be very effective besides yielding green manure for
manuring the adult coconut palms.
5. Provide shade to the nursery by raising Sesbania or Leucaena on the sides of beds.
6. The seednuts start germination 6 – 8 weeks after planting and germination continues
upto six months. Select seedlings that germinate before 5 months after planting.
Remove those nuts which do not germinate 5 months after sowing.
7. Regularly survey for pest and diseases
8. 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.
Do not select the so called Kakkamukku Pillai i.e., seednuts which have just germinated.
Eliminate the seedlings which are deformed or having stunted growth.
9. Remove the seedlings from the nursery by lifting with spade. Do not pull out the
seedlings by pulling leaves or stem.
10. Select quality seedlings with a minimum of 6 leaves and girth of 10 cm at collar.

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 (vii) OILPALM

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

Optimum
T_MaxoC T_MinoC o Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
C
33 - 38 10 - 15 24 - 29 2000 – 4000 up to 900

Tropical and subtropical climate. Cannot tolerate drought and need 80% RH.

INTRODUCTION
Oil palm requires evenly distributed annual rainfall of 2000 mm without a
defined dry season. In areas with dry spell, a deep soil with high water holding capacity
and a shallow water table augmented with copious irrigation will satisfy the water
requirement of the palm. Temperature can be a limiting factor for oil palm production
Best oil palm yields are obtained in places where a maximum average temperature of
29-33 C and minimum average temperature of 2-24 C are available. Higher diurnal
temperature variation causes floral abortion in regions with a dry season.
The crop requires 1800-2000 sunlight hours annually, more than 300 cal/cm2 /
per day, constant sunlight of atleast 5 hours per day for better oil palm yield.
Moist, deep and well drained 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 drainage properties may pose
problems of aeration during rainy seasons.

NURSERY AND ITS MANAGEMENT

Nursery is raised by planting germinated sprouts initially in a pre-nursery bed
or in polybags in a primary nursery and transplanting them at five leaf stage to a
secondary nursery of large sized polybags. Raising seedlings in large polybags without a
pre-nursery stage is also being practiced.

The potting mixture is made by mixing top soil, sand and well decomposed cattle
manure in equal proportions. Smaller polybags of 250 guage and 23 x 13 cm size,
preferably black are used for raising primary nurseries. These bags are filled with the
potting mixture leaving one cm at the top of the bag. A healthy germinated sprout is
placed at the centre at 2.5 cm depth. While placing the sprout, care must be taken to
keep the plumule of the sprout facing upwards and the radicle downwards in the soil.
It is better to plant sprouts soon after the differentiation of radicle and plumule. The
seedlings are to be watered daily. Application of a fertilizer mixture containing one part
of ammonium sulphate, one part of super phosphate, one part of muriate of potash
and two parts of magnesium sulphate is recommended at 15 g at one month stage, 45
g at three months stage and 60 g at six months stage per seedling. This has to be
applied 6 - 8 cm away from seedlings during the first application, 10-12 cm away
during second and 15-20 cm away during the third application in primary nursery.
Surface soil is slightly scratched at the time of fertilizer application.
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SINGLE STAGE POLY BAG NURSERY AND SECONDARY NURSERY
The germinated seeds can be directly planted into large black polybags with the
advantage of avoiding the pre-nursery stage. At present the single stage polybag
nursery is recommended in India. Since the plants are to remain in these polybags for
more than one year, good quality polybags of 500 gauge and 40 x 45 cm size are to
be used. On the lower half of the bag, perforations are made at an interval of 7.5 cm
for drainage. A bag can carry 15 - 18 kg of nursery soil depending on the type of soil
mixture used.

The water requirement for different stages of growth of seedlings are as

follows: 0 - 2 months at 4 mm/day, 2 - 4 months at 5 mm/day, 4 - 6 months at 7
mm/day and 6 - 8 months at 10 mm/day. It is better to supply if feasible the daily
requirement in two halves to prevent overflow and wastage caused by one time
application. Application of 9 - 18 lit. of water per seedling per week according to the
stage of growth and soil type.

FIELD PLANTING
Prepare the land for oil palm plantings at least 3 months before transplanting the
seedlings to the main field. In soils with low permeability, drainage channels are to be
constructed to prevent water stagnation in upper layer of soil

AGE OF SEEDLINGS AT TRANSPLANTING

It is advisable to plant well grown seedlings of 12 - 14 months old. 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 to maintain higher leaf
production, bear earlier, produce heavy bunches, give higher fruit/bunch ratio and a
higher oil to mesocarp in the first year of harvest.

SELECTION OF SEEDLINGS
All 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 to maintain.

TIME OF TRANSPLANTING
Transplanting to the main field has to be done during the onset of rainy season.
In very impermeable soils and where there is chance for the seedlings to suffer severely
during rainy season, proper drainage has to be ensured.

SPACING AND METHOD OF PLANTING

The optimum planting density for oil palm is the density of population that gives
maximum production from unit area. Triangular system of planting with 9 x 9 x 9 m
spacing accommodates 143 palms/ha. is being recommended. 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 to
occupy the centre of a hexagon thus allowing better use of the area.

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TRANSPORTING SEEDLINGS AND PREPARING PITS
While 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 with spines of the leaves.

Pits of 60 cm3 are taken prior to planting and filled with surrounding top soil and
allowed to settle. Rock phosphate is applied at 200 g per planting pit. Nitrogen is not
usually applied in the planting pits as the application of fertilizers may damage 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, magnesium is applied at 100 g as anhydrous MgSO4 or 200 g epsum salt per
seedling.

REPLACEMENT AND GAP FILLING

Field 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 that they can catch up with the rest of the plantations. Early
production of more female inflorescences in the initial 30 months, is an indication of
high yielders and all those that fail to produce female bunches will remain as poor
yielders. However, replacements are found to be affected to some extent by the
vigorous growth of the neighbouring palms which will shade the replanted palms.

FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT
Based 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 multilocational fertilizer trials.

Fertilizer recommendation for oilpalm

Age Nutrients (gram/palm/year)
N P K
First year 400 200 400
Second year 800 400 800
Third year 1200 600 270
onwards 0

METHOD OF FERTILIZER APPLICATION

The 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 and forking to incorporate them into the soil. Supply of sufficient
quantity of green leaves or compost is advantageous especially where the soil is
poor in organic matter content. Mg deficiency can be corrected through the
application of 500 g of MgSO4 palm/year. Borax @ 100 g per palm also recommended.

Urea is found to be the most economic nitrogen source if losses by volatilization

and leaching are minimised. Rock phosphate and muriate of potash are the best source

241
 for phosphorus and potassium respectively. During the initial years fertilizers may be
applied within the area covered by the crown canopy. In the case of older palms,
fertilizers are applied depending on the concentration of roots and are usually applied
in the weeded circle. Appropriate soil conservation methods such as growing cover
crops and platform cutting (on sloppy lands) enhance the efficiency of fertilizers by
preventing losses through run off.

NUTRIENTS - FUNCTIONS AND DEFICIENCY SYMPTOMS

The 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 deficiency conditions. Nitrogen is found to be essential for rapid growth and fruiting
of the palm. It increases the leaf production rate, leaf area, net assimilation rate,
number of bunches and bunch weight. Excessive application of nitrogen increases the
production of male inflorescence and decreases female inflorescence thereby reducing
the sex ratio.

b) Phosphorus: In oil palm seedlings, P deficiency causes the older leaves to

become dull and assume a pale olive green colour while in adult palms high incidence
of premature desiccation of older 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 P fixation in soils is very common in
the tropics. Eventhough the main effect of phosphorus on the productivity of the palm
has not been significant in most studies, it gives a positive interaction with nitrogen and
potassium.

c) Potassium: When potassium is deficient, growth as well as yield is retarded

and it is translocated from mature leaves to growing points. Under severe deficiency,
the mature leaves become chlorotic and necrotic. Confluent orange spotting is the
main K deficiency condition in oil palm in which chlorotic spots, changing from pale
green through yellow to orange, develop and enlarge both between and across the
leaflet, veins and fuse to form compound lesions of a bright orange colour. Necrosis
within spots is common, but irregular. Mid crown yellowing is another prominent K
deficiency condition of the palm in which leaves around the 10th position on the
phyllotaxy become pale in colour followed by terminal and marginal necrosis. A
narrow band along the midrib usually remains green. There is a tendency for later
formed leaves to become short and the palm has 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 female inflorescences, increased bunch weight and also for
increasing the total dry matter production and yield.
d) Magnesium: In adult oil palm and in seedlings in the field, severe Mg
deficiency symptoms are most striking and have been named as ‘orange frond’. While
the lower most leaves are dead, those above them show a gradation of colouring

242
 from bright orange on the lower leaves to faint yellow 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 the
leaflet will be dark green while the exposed portion of the same leaflet is chlorotic.
Heavy rates of K applications induce Mg-deficiency, particularly on poor acid soils.
Among the secondary nutrients, calcium and sulphur, and probably chlorine,
may not pose much problems to oilpalm cultivation in the country.
e) Micronutrients: Micronutrient elements, iron, manganese, copper and zinc
are not generally found limiting in the nutrition of oil palm on acid soil conditions.
Boron deficiency is occasionally found 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 the number of leaflets
and ‘fish-bone’ leaf. The ‘fish-bone’ leaves are abnormally stiff with leaflets reduced to
projections. Leaf malformations including ‘hook leaf’ and corrugated leaflets are
some other associated symptoms. Soil application of 50 - 200 g borax, per palm,
depending on age, and severity of symptoms is practiced for correcting the malady.
WATER REQUIREMENT
Continuous 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 water availability. In oil palm as water deficiency increases, stomata will
remain closed and the development and opening of spear will be inhibited. Water
deficiency adversely affects flower initiation, sex differentiation 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-transpiration needs. In
areas where perennial water source is available, basin irrigation is possible. But where
the terrain is undulating and water is scarce during summer months, drip irrigation is
recommended to keep four drippers per palm in the weeded palm circle to supply
atleast 90 litres of water per palm per day during summer months which will vary
according to the ETP values in a locality.

FERTIGATION
Drip fertigation with the recommended dose of fertilsers at bimonthly interval
was found to increase the yield.

WEED CONTROL
The 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 the extent of weed growth and rainfall, hand weeding is
carried out even upto four times in a year during early 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 of herbicide and its application to prevent the damage of young palms. It
is recommended to preferably apply contact herbicides rather than translocated
herbicides. Translocated herbicides like Paraquat which 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 seedlings and are to be

243
 avoided. Pre-emrergence Atrazine @ 1.0 kg/ha for the control of grasses and sedges
and POE Paraquat 10 ml / litre of water.

MAINTENANCE OF PATHS
In 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.

ABLATION
The 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 three years is found to improve vegetative growth of
young palms so that regular harvesting can commence after three and half years of
planting. Ablation is done at monthly interval by pulling out the young inflorescence
using gloves or with the help of devices such as narrow bladed chisels. Ablation
improves drought resistance capacity of young palms by improving shoot and root
growth especially in low production areas where dry condition exists.

PRUNING OF LEAVES
In 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 both growth and yield of palm, cause abortion of female flowers and
also reduce the size of the leaves. It was suggested that palms aged 4 - 7 years should
retain 6 - 7 leaves per spiral (48 - 56), those aged 8 - 14 years 5 - 6 leaves per spiral
(40 - 49) and those above 15 years should have 4 - 5 leaves per spiral (32 - 40). Leaf
pruning is carried out in India using chisels so that leaf base that is retained on the
palm is as short as possible or otherwise it may catch loose fruits, allow growth of
epiphytes and the leaf axils form a potential site for pathogens. The leaf petioles are
removed by giving a clear cut at a sufficient distance from the base of the petiole using
a sharp chisel for young palms and with the long sickle in taller palms.

Pruning is preferably carried out at the end of the rainy season. It is also better to
carry it out during the low crop season when labourers are also available. Pruning is
confined to only lower senile leaves during initial harvests but when canopy closes in
later years, leaves are cut so as to retain two whorls of fronds below the ripe bunch.

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 pollinating weevils were reported. Occurence of Eldeidobius kamerunicus in
the oil palm plantations of Kerala was introduced during 1985 from where it was
introduced and got established in little Andamans during 1986.
The weevils are dark brown in colour. Adult weevils feed on the anther filament.
Eggs are deposited inside the male flowers and larva feeds on the spent flowers. Life-
cycle is completed within 11 to 13 days. Males live longer than females. The activity of
the insects is in accordance with the receptivity of the male and female inflorescences.

244
 It was roughly estimated that 40 palms in a grove might be the minimum to sustain a
sufficiently high continuous population of pollinators to pollinate. All are receptive
female inflorescences. The weevils carry maximum pollen during the third day of
antheses. Antennae, rostrum, thorax, legs etc. are the main sites of pollen land.
E.kamerunicushas 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 resulting in 40 per cent increase in F/B ratio. The maximum attainable
pollination potential was as much as to cent percent with 57 percent increase in FFB
weight.

For introduction, male flowers cut from palms which have the weevils are
transferred to a plantation where one wishes to introduce. In order to make sure that
they are not carrying any plant pathogens to other area/countries, we have to breed
them under laboratory conditions for seven or eight generations before introduction.

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 species such as coconut and areca palm, have
got adapted to oil palm. Among the 49 species of insects infesting adult oilpalms, 14
species are known pests of coconut and 19 species are known pests of areca palms.
Insect pests of oilpalm in India are more or less same as those reported from Malaysia
and other South-East Asian countries.

PEST OF ADULT PALMS

The rhinoceros beetle
The rhinoceros beetle is primarily a serious pest of coconut palm, and in recent
years has attained 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 female inflorescences, dead palm trunks, persistent leaf axils and
empty bunch heaps, act as breeding sites for 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 the grubs, 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 some cases roofing of spear was
also noticed.

Biological control
In nature, the rhinoceros beetle is suppressed by entomophogens like
Baculovirus oryctusvirus and Metarhizium anisopliae. Release of Baculovirusoryctes
minimise the pest incidence.

245
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 and rhinoceros 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,
acetic acid, 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 of monocrotophos is advised.
Fruit bunch covering against avian pests
Covering 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 palm leaf covering is more practical and economical as the
material is readily available and involves only the 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, boro trap etc. may be used as an integrated
approach to minimise the rodent damage to the crop.

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 off.
• Cleaning the affected tissues and drenching the crown with carbendazim 0.1
percent cures the disease.
• The leaves emerging immediately after the application of fungicides are shorter
and successively 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.
• Pestalotiopsis fungal spots are irregular with grey to brown centre. Numerous
black dots, the acervuli of the fungus, are seen on the lesions.

246
Management
Affected leaves must be cut and burnt Spray Mancozeb @ 0.2%.

HARVESTING
Proper 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 hectare per 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 content increase to 80 - 85% in
mesocarp. Over ripe fruit contains more free fatty acids (FFA) due to decomposition
and thus increases the acidity. Usually the ripe fruits, attached to the bunches contain
0.2 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 get detached from tip downward in 11 - 20 days
time. Ripeness is faster in young palms than in older palms for the bunches of equal
weight. The criteria used in determining the degree of ripeness based on the fruit
detachment are as follows:

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.

FREQUENCY OF HARVESTING
Harvesting 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 be over-ripe by next round. In lean period of
production, harvesting can be made less frequent and it should 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,
labour availability and skill of the workers. In India, harvesting is usually carried out with
a chisel of 6 - 9 cm wide attached to a wooden pole or light hollow aluminium pipe,
Bunches are cut without damaging the petiole the leaf that supports it. Use of
narrow chisel is usually carried out till the palm reaches two meters above the
ground. For taller palms upto 4 meters, a wider chisel of 14 cm is used. The curved
knife is attached to a long bamboo or aluminium pole with screws or steel wires to
harvest from taller palms. In uneven stands, an adjustable, telescopic type of pole is in
use.

247
Yield of Oilpalm
In well maintained garden the yield of oilpalm will be as furnished below :

Age of oilpalm Yield Ton/ha/year

3-4 years 5
4-5 years 12
5-6 years 25
6-25 years 30

ECONOMICS
A 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 various investments and returns from one hectare adult
plantation. This excludes the cost of land as we expect government owned land,
leased land, or already owned property will be used 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 be almost
three times of that under rainfed conditions mainly on account of the initial
expenditure required to install the drip irrigation system. With irrigation the annual
returns will exceed the annual expenses from the first harvest itself, i.e, during the
fourth year after planting. By the end of sixth year the total returns will be more than
total investments including all the expenditure for installing pumpset and the drip
irrigation system. A minimum of 22 FFB per hectare can be expected from the tenth
year onwards.

TABLE 1 - COST OF PRODUCTION AND (Rs.) PER HECTARE

S. No. Particulars Cost of production

1 Labour cost for 200 Nos. @ Rs.120/- per day as 24,000
casual labour
2 Fertilizer cost 5000
3 Plant Protection cost 500
Total cost of production 29,500

TABILE 2 : INCOME FROM OILPALM GARDEN DEPENDING UPON THE BUNCH

PRODUCTION
Net income
No. of Bunches/ FFB yield Gross Income
S.No. (Gross income
tree/year t/ha/year Rs./ha/year
cost) Rs./ha/year
1 10 bunches @ 14.3 1,02,960 73,460
10kg/tree/year
2 12 bunches @ 25.7 1,85,040 1,55,540
15kg/tree/year
3 12 bunches @ 34.3 2,46,960 2,17,460
20kg/tree/year

248
 (viii) NIGER (Guizotia abyssinica)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

35 10 - 15 15 - 28 650 - 1000 1000 - 1250
Tropical and subtropical dry climate. It can grow in semi-shade or full sun.
Flowering was very delayed at day lengths of more than 12 hours.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

DISTRICT/SEASON VARIETIES

A. Rainfed
1. Adippattam (June- July)
Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Hilly regions of Shevroy, Kolli hills, Jawad hills and Thalavadi hills
2. Purattasipattam (Sep-Oct) Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Hilly regions of Shevroy, Kolli hills,
Jawad hills and Thalavadi hills, Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Hilly regions of Shevroy, Kolli hills,
Jawad hills and Thalavadi hills
3. Purattasipattam (Sep-Oct) Dharmapuri, Krishnagiri, Hilly regions of Shevroy, Kolli hills,
Jawad hills and Thalavadi hills

I. DESCRIPTION OF NIGER VARIETIES

Particulars Paiyur 1

Parentage Mass selection from Composite II

Duration (days) 80
Yield (kg/ha)
Rainfed 260
Oil content (%) 44.6
Plant height (cm) 80-85
Branches Profuse
Days to 50 % flowering 50
Seed size Bold
Seed colour Brown

249
 CROP MANAGEMENT
I. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

1. FIELD PREPARATION
a) 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 FYM
a) 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 evenly before the last ploughing and incorporate in the
soil.
NOTE: Do not leave the organic manure exposed to sunlight as nutrients will be lost.

3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
Apply N at 20 kg/ha basally.

4. SEED RATE
Adopt a seed rate of 5 kg/ha.

5. SPACING
Adopt a spacing of 30 cm between rows and 10 cm between plants.

6. SELECTION OF GOOD QUALITY SEEDS

Select mature good quality seeds, free from pest damage and fungal attack.

7. PRE-TREATMENT OF SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDES

a) 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.

8. SOWING
a. Sow the seeds in line at a depth of 2 to 3 cm and cover with soil. b. Sow using
gorru or country plough.
9. THINNING OUT SEEDLINGS
Thin out the seedlings to a spacing of 10 cm between plants on the 15th day of
sowing.

10. WEED MANAGEMENT

Hoe and weed on 20th and 35th day of sowing.

250
11. HARVESTING
i) 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 in the 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 and store the seeds in gunnies.

CROP PROTECTION

Pre-Treatment of Seeds with fungicides

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. Treat the seeds 24 hours prior
to sowing.
NOTE: Seed treatment will protect the young seedlings from root rot disease in the early
stage. Varietal production seed

VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
¾ Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the
same variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it
is certified as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
¾ For certified / quality seed production leave a distance of 200 m all around the
field from the same and other varieties of niger.

Spacing
¾ 30 x 30 cm

Fertilizer
-1
¾ Apply NPK @ 40 : 40 : 20 kg ha as basal application.

Harvesting
¾ Harvest the crop as whole plants at 85 days after sowing, when the seeds
attained physiological maturation.

Seed grading
¾ Grade the seeds using BSS 16 x 16 wire mesh sieve.

251
Seed treatment
-1
¾ Slurry treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2g kg of seed (or)
¾ Slurry treat seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia
amara) leaf powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1) @ 3g kg-1 of seed as eco –
friendly treatment.

Storage
¾ Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8-9 months) with
seed moisture content of 8 - 9%.
¾ Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12- 15
months) with seed moisture content of 7 – 8 %.
¾ Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than15
months) with seed moisture content of less than 5%.

Other management practices

¾ As in crop management techniques.

252
 6. FIBRE CROPS

(i) CLIMATE REQUIREMENT OF COTTON

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

40 12 27 - 32 500 - 700 Up to 1500
Tropical warm season crop. A daily mean temperature of 16°C for seed germination,
21 - 27°C for proper vegetative growth and 27 - 32°C for fruiting phase. Abundant
sunshine during boll maturation and harvesting is essential to obtain a good quality
crop produce. Heavy showers of rain or heavy irrigation during fruiting period cause
shedding of flowers and young bolls.

I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

District/Season Varieties/Hybrids
Irrigated (Main)
Winter Irrigated (Aug – Sep)
Coimbatore, Erode, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Salem, MCU 5, MCU 5VT, Suraj, MCU 13,
Namakkal Surabhi, Suvin, CO 14

MCU 5, MCU 5VT, Suraj, MCU 13,

Dharmapuri
Surabhi, CO 14
LRA 5166, SVPR 2, SVPR 4, Surabhi, CO
Cuddalore, Villupuram
14
Madurai, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli, Trichy, Salem, Erode,
SVPR 5
Dindigul
Summer – Irrigated (Feb – Mar)
Erode MCU 5, MCU 12, MCU 13, Surabhi
Madurai, Virudhunagar, Dindigul, Tirunelveli, MCU 5, SVPR 2, SVPR 4, Surabhi, SVPR
Thoothukudi, Theni, Ramanathapuram, Sivagangai, 5, SVPR 6
Rainfed (Sep – Oct)
Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Ramanathapuram,
LRA 5166, K11, KC 2, SVPR 2,KC 3,
Virudhunagar, Sivagangai, Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi,
SVPR4, K12
Dharmapuri, Perambalur, Trichy
Rice Fallow
Thanjavur, Tiruvarur, Nagapattinam, Karur, Cuddalore and
MCU 7, SVPR 3
Villupuram

253
II. PARTICULARS OF COTTON VARIETIES/HYBRIDS
Mean
Varieties/ Year of Year of Irrigated/ yield of
Parentage Season Special features
Hybrids Release Notification Rainfed seed
(kg/ha)
Extra long staple
Aug-Oct
(29 mm MHL),
MCU 5 1968 Multiple cross Feb- Irrigated 1850
Can spun upto 70s,
Mar
ginning 34%
Medium staple
(23.7 mm MHL),
Can spun upto 30s,
SO.596(E)/ X ray irradiation Rice early maturing
MCU 7 1972 Jan-Feb 1330
13.08.1984 of X L 1143 EE fallows with 33.2% ginning
outturn. Tolerant
to Black arm

Shorter in duration
Derivative from
SO.821(E)/ than MCU 5, GOT
MCU 12 1999 the cross LRA Aug-Oct Irrigated 2000
13.09.2000 34.8%
5166 x MCU 11
Can spun upto 50s
It is a multiple
cross derivative
involving the
parents of [(TCH Aug-
SO.1177(E)/ Early duration
MCU 13 2004 665 x LS 149) x Oct Irrigated 2200
25.08.2005 Can spun upto 50s
(TCH 665 x TCH Jan-Feb
21)] x (TCH 21 x
EECH) x (TCH
92-7 x EECH)
Extra long stable
cotton (2.5% span
length - >35.0mm),
SO.2238(E)/ (MCU5/TCH92-
2016 Aug-Oct Irrigated 1768 Ginning outturn:
CO 14 29.06.2016 7) x MCU 5-1
34.8%, capable for
spinning upto 70s
count.
High ginning out
turn of 36.4%,
medium staple
(24.3 mm), can
Feb -
SO.360(E)/ Irrigated spin 30's, suited to
SVPR 2 1996 TSDT 22 x JR 36 Mar 2000
01.05.1997 Rainfed summer irrigated,
Sep-Oct
winter rainfed and
tankfed rice fallow
tracts of Tamil
Nadu.
Selection from Suitable for rice
SO.821(E)/ Rice
SVPR 3 2000 L.H 900 x 1301 Jan-Feb 1800 fallow tract, early
13.09.2000 fallows
D.D duration (135-140
254
 days), Tolerant to
drought,
leafhopper,
alternaria spot,
black arm disease.
Superior medium
staple
Hybrid Feb- cotton with good
SO.2137(E)/ Irrigated
SVPR 4 2009 derivative of Mar 1800 fibre
31.08.2010 Rainfed
MCU 5x S4727 Sep- Oct strength. suitable
for spinning 40’s
yarn.
Long staple -
29.0mm (UHML),
Aug - Bundle strength
Cross derivative
SO.3540(E)/ Sep 27.8g/tex(HVI
2014 of NDLH 1658 x Irrigated 1845
SVPR 5 22.11.2016 Feb- mode), can spin 40
Surabhi
March - 50’s counts,
moderately
resistant to Jassid.
Long staple
29.1mm (UHML),
Bundle strength
Cross derivative
SO.1379(E)/ Feb- 27.3 g/tex(HVI
2017 of SVPR 2 x BJA Irrigated 2312
SVPR6 27.03.2018 March mode), Can spin
592
40’s count,
Moderately
resistant to Jassid.
High ginning out
turn of 37.5%,
medium staple
cotton - 24.4 mm,
SO.647(E)/ Sep - Suited for rainfed
KC 2 1997 MCU 10 x KC 1 Rainfed 1000
09.09.1997 Oct black cotton soil of
Tirunelveli,
Thoothukudi and
Virudhunagar
Districts.
Resistant to leaf
hopper, medium
staple cotton –
26.4 mim,
Hybrid
SO.1178(E)/ suited to southern
KC 3 2006 derivative Sep- Oct Rainfed 1080
20.07.2007 districts of
of TKH 97x KC1
Tuticorin,
Tirunelveli
and Virudhunagar
District.
Selection from 2500 Long staple variety
MCU 5 VT Aug-Oct Irrigated
MCU 5 kg/ha capable of spinning
255
 upto 60 ‘s count
yarn
Long staple and
LRA 5166 (CCH
2500 suitable for high
Suraj 326612 x HLS Aug-Oct Irrigated
kg/ha density planting
329)
system
Mean
Varieties/ Year of Year of Irrigated/ yield
Parentage Season Special features
Hybrids Release Notification Rainfed of seed
(kg/ha)
(0794-1-DX H
876) x (0794-1- Better fibre properties
SO.360(E)/ Sept –
K 11 1993 DX H 450) Rainfed 1100 with lesser pest
01.05.1997 Oct
Multiple Hybrid incidence than K10
derivative
Early duration: 135-140
days,
2.5% span length
SO.399(E)/ Oct- Winter
2017 K11 x K9 1193 27.7mm, can spun
K12 24.01.2018 Nov rainfed
upto 30’s counts.
Resistance to drought,
leaf hopper
Aug-
Medium staple (29
Laxmi x Reba Oct Irrigated 1800
LRA 5166 mm), can spun upto
B.50 x AC 122 Jan – Rainfed 725
40s, ginning 36.2%
Feb
MCU 5 VT Extra long
Aug-
Surabhi (MCU 5 Irrigated 2200 staple, Verticillium wilt
Oct
x G.mexicanum) resistant
Hybrid derivative Extra long staple
from the cross Aug- cotton with 28%
Suvin Irrigated 1020
Sujatha x St. Oct ginning outturn and 32
Vincent mm MHL, spins 100s
Extra long staple : CO 14 and Suvin
Long staple : SPVR 5, SVPR 6, MCU 5, MCU 5 VT, MCU 12 , MCU 13,Surabhi and Suraj
Superior medium staple : LRA 5166, SVPR4, KC 3 and K 12
Medium staple: SVPR 2, SVPR 3, MCU 7 and KC 2
Short staple: K 11
Gossypium hirsutum :CO 14, Surabhi, SPVR 5, SPVR 6, MCU 5, MCU 5 VT, MCU 12 , MCU 13,
LRA 5166, SVPR 2, SVPR 3, SVPR 4 , MCU 7, KC 3, KC 2, Suraj
Gossypium barbadense: Suvin
Gossypium arboreum : K 11 and K12
Variety suitable for high density planting : Suraj , CO 15,KC 3, Karunganni Cotton K 12

Definition/terminologies
Staple length
Graders estimate the fibre length by hand stapling and is called staple length and
expressed in millimeter.
256
Microniare
It is the measure of the index of the fibre diameter and is assessed by determining
weight per unit length of the fibre. It is expressed in micronaire value (µg/inch).

Fibre strength
Fibre strength is generally considered to be next to fibre length and fineness. It is
referred as bundle or tensile strength, essential for high speed spinning. It determines yarn
strength. Unit of this parameter was expressed in gms/tex.

Uniformity ratio
It is the ratio of 50% span length to 2.5% span length expressed as percentage.
50% span length x 100
Uniformity ratio =
2.5% span length
Maturity - Coefficient:
The maturity of cotton fibres is expressed by the maturity ratio parameter, which is
calculated on the basis of the fibre circularity coefficient , defined as the ratio of the cell wall
area and that of a circle of the same perimeter as the fibre cross-section.

CROP MANAGEMENT
I. PREPARATION OF FIELD FOR IRRIGATED COTTON
CROP FIELD PREPARATION
1.1.1 PREPARATION OF THE FIELD
i) Prepare the field to get a fine tilth.
ii) Chiselling for soils with hard pan: Chisel the soils having hard pan formation at
shallow depths with chisel plough at 0.5 M interval, first in one direction and
then in the direction perpendicular to the previous one, once in three years.
Apply 12.5 t farm yard manure or composted coir pith/ha besides chiselling to
get increased yield
iii) If intercropping of Greengram/Soyabean is proposed, prepare the main field, so
as to provide ridges and furrows to take up sowing 20 days prior to cotton
sowing.

1.1.2. APPLICATION OF FYM/COMPOST AND BIOFERTILIZERS

Spread 12.5 t of FYM or compost or 2.5 t of vermicompost per ha if available,
uniformly on the unploughed soil.
Apply 2 kg of Azospirillum + 2 kg Phosphobacteria (or) 2 kg of Azophos + 2 kg
Pink Pigmented Facultative Methylotroph (PPFM) with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of
sand, mix uniformly before sowing as soil application.

1.1.3. PRE-TREATMENT OF ACID DELINTED SEEDS WITH BIOFERTILIZER

Treat one hectare of seeds with 600g of Azospirillum, 600g of Phosphobacteria
(or) 600 g of Azophos + 600 g of Silicate Solubilizing Bacteria.
Liquid formulation Treat one hectare of seeds with 125 ml of Azospirillum, 125
ml of Phosphobacteria and Silicate solubilizing bacteria (SSB) shade dry for 30
minutes before sowing.
257
1.1.4. FORMATION OF RIDGES AND FURROWS
i) Form ridges and furrows 10 m long with 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.
iv) Adopt the following spacing between ridges for different varieties/hybrids.

Varieties/Hybrids Spacing between ridges

(cm)
MCU 5, SVPR 2, LRA 5166, MCU 12, MCU 75
13
Suvin 90
MCU 7 60
NOTE: Adopt higher spacing rows in fertile soils by 15 to 30 cm.

1.1.5. APPLICATION OF INORGANIC FERTILIZERS

v) If soil test recommendations are not available, follow the blanket
recommendation for the different varieties.
Quantity of fertilizers
Varieties / Hybrids
(Kg/ha)
N P 2O 5 K 20
MCU 7, SVPR 3 60 30 30
MCU 5, MCU 12, MCU 13,Suvin, SVPR 2 80 40 40
th
ii) If basal application could not be done, apply on the 25 day after sowing.
iii) Apply 50 per cent of N and K full dose of P2 O5 as basal and remaining ½ N and K
at 40 – 45 DAS for varieties. For hybrids apply N in three splits viz., basal, 45 and
65 DAS.
Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield targets
(ready reckoners are furnished )
Cotton -Variety (1)
Soil : Mixed blackcalcareous FN = 8.81 T-0.62 SN
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FP2O= 2.53T-1.36SP
-1
Target : 2.5 - 3.0 t ha FK2O=4.92T-0.25SK
-1
Yield target – 2.5 t ha Yield target – 3.0 t ha-1
Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 10 300 54 20* 20* 98 30 33
200 12 340 41 20* 20* 85 28 23
220 14 380 40* 20* 20* 73 25 20*
240 16 420 40* 20* 20* 61 22 20*
260 18 460 40* 20* 20* 48 20* 20*
* Maintenance dose
258
 Cotton - Variety (2)
Soil : Red sandy loam (Irugur series) FN = 7.66T-0.43 SN-0.71 ON
Target : 2.5 and 3.0 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 3.22T-3.27 SP-0.87 OP
FK2O = 5.97T-0.50SK-0.66 OK

Yield target – 2.5 t ha-1 Yield target – 3.0 t ha-1

Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
(kg ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
180 10 200 59 20* 20* 97 32 39
200 12 220 51 20* 20* 89 25 29
220 14 240 42 20* 20* 80 20* 20*
240 16 260 40* 20* 20* 72 20* 20*
260 18 280 40* 20* 20* 63 20* 20*
*Maintenance dose

Cotton under Drip fertigation –Bt Hybrid (3)

Mixed black calcareous FN = 8.51 T-0.40 SN-0.73 ON
Soil :
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FP2O5 = 4.41T-2.25 SP - 0.75 OP
Target : 3.5 - 4.0 t ha-1 FK2O = 6.59T-0.18SK-0.66 OK
-1
Yield target – 3.5 t ha Yield target – 4.0 t ha-1
Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
(kg ha-1) ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 14 400 163 91 124 205 113 157
220 16 450 155 86 115 197 108 148
240 18 500 147 82 106 189 104 139
260 20 550 139 77 97 181 99 130
280 22 600 131 73 88 173 95 121
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.
Apply 55 kg S as Gysum basally for a sulphur deficient soil.

iv) Foliar application of 2% DAP + 1% KCl or polyfeed and Multi k may be sprayed to
improve kapas yield
v) Apply the fertilizers in a band, two-thirds of the distance from the top of the
ridge, and incorporate.

1.1.6.APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT MIXTURE

TNAU MN mixture 12.5 kg/ha for variety and 15 kg/ha for hybrid apply as
enriched FYM. Enriched FYM is prepared at 1.10 ratio of MN mixture and FYM, mixed at
friable moisture and for one month in shade. Need based foliar spray of 2% Mgso4 + 1%
urea during boll formation stage.
259
 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 for one ha.

Yield Maximization and reducing reddening in Bt cotton

Irrigated

Application of TNAU MN mixture (12.5 kg ha-1 as EFYM for variety and 15 kg ha-1 as
EFYM for Bt cotton) along with the recommended NPK to obtain the maximum seed
cotton yield with reduced extent of leaf reddening..

1.1.7. NUTRITIONAL DISORDERS

a. In the case of Zinc deficient soils ZnSO4 @ 50 kg/ha as basal or 0.5% ZnSO4 spray
thrice at 45, 60 and 75 DAS.
b. When reddening occurs in leaves apply 0.5% MgSO4 + 1.0% urea + 0.1% ZnSO4
foliar spray on 50th and 80th day to correct this malady.
c. Need based foliar spray of 2% MgSO4 + 1.0% urea during boll formation stage to
reduce magnesium deficiency.
I. Main Field Operations
Seed Rate
Adopt the following seed rates for different varieties/hybrids
Quantity of seed (Kg/ha)
Varieties / Hybrids
With fuzz Delinted Naked
MCU 5, MCU 7, MCU 12, MCU 13 15.00 7.50 ..
SVPR 2 15.00 .. ..
KC 2 20.00 15.00 ..
SUVIN .. .. 6.00

1.2.2. SPACING
In a pure crop of cotton, adopt the spacing as below for the different varieties.

Spacing ( cm)
Varieties / hybrids Between
Between rows
plants
MCU 5, MCU 12, MCU 13 75 30
LRA 5166, SVPR 2
KC 2 45 15
SUVIN 90 45
MCU 7, SVPR 3 60 or 75 * 30
* Fertile soils
a. If cotton intercropped with other crops, one paired row of cotton is alternated
with three rows of intercrop and the total population of cotton crop is
maintained at the same level as in the case of pure crop.
b. For intercropping with Greengram / Soyabean, complete the sowing and
irrigation 20 days prior to cotton sowing on one side of the ridge.

260
 Spacing for cotton crop ( cm)
Varieties/hybrid Within Between Paired Between
Paired row rows plants
MCU 5, MCU 12,MCU13 60 90 30
SUVIN 80 100 45
Plant two rows of intercrop between each paired row of cotton
Intercrop Seed rate(kg/ha) Spacing (cm)
Rows Plants
Blackgram 12.5 30 10
Greengram 12.5 30 10
Cowpea 7.5 30 20
Soyabean 20.0 30 10
For higher returns, advance sowing of either greengram or soyabean 20 days before
sowing of cotton in winter season.

1.2.3.ACID-DELINTING OF COTTON SEEDS

i) Choose plastic bucket 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 coffee powder.
v) Add water to fill the container. Drain the acid water and repeat the washing 4 or
5 times to remove any trace of acid.
vi) Remove the floating, ill-filled and damaged seeds while retaining the healthy
and good seeds which remain at the bottom.
vii) Drain the water completely and dry the delinted seeds in shade.
Advantages of Acid delinting
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 easy
v) Facilitates easy sowing and good germination.

1.2.4.1.PRE-TREATMENT OF ACID DELINTED SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDES

i) Treat the delinted seeds with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride @ 4g/kg of
seed or with Carbendazim (or) Thiram @ 2g/kg of seed.
Biocontrol agents are compatible with biofertilizers.
First treat the seeds with biocontrol agents and then with biofertilizers.
Fungicides and biocontrol agents are incompatible.
ii) Treat the delinted fungicide treated seeds with 3 packets (600 g) of Azospirillum
and 3 packets of phosphobacteria 600g (or) 6 packets of Azophos (1200 g) and
sow immediately.
261
1.2.4.2.SEED HARDENING
Soak the seeds in equal volume of Pungam leaf extract (1%) for 8 hours and dry
back to original moisture to increase germination and vigour. Dry the seeds in shade.
Seed 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) phosphobacteria
(200 g/ha) or Azophos (400 g/ha) using 5% maida solution or gruel as adhesive (300
ml/kg) to increase the germination and vigour.

1.2.5.SOWING
i) Dibble the seeds at a depth of 3-5 cm on the side of the ridge 2/3 height from
the top and above the band 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 of cotton in a row of 5 cm apart and cover the seeds.
iii) Sow the required number of seeds in each hole.

No. of seeds / hole

Varieties / hybrids
Fuzzy seeds Delinted seeds
Hybrids 2 1
Varieties 3 2

1.2.6. WEED MANAGEMENT

i) Apply Pendimethalin @ 1.0 litre/ha three days after sowing or Fluchloralin 1.0
kg a.i /ha on 3DAS + power weeding on 45 DAS followed by earthing up or
Trifloxy salfuron @ 10 g/ha on 15 DAS for broad leave weeds and sedges. Or Pre
emergence application of Pendimathalin (38.7% CS) 650 ml/ha. Sufficient
moisture should be present in the soil at the time of herbicide application. This
will ensure weed free condition upto 40 days.
ii) One hand weeding on 45 DAS will keep weed free environment upto 60 DAS.
iii) Hoe and hand weed between 18th to 20th day of sowing, if herbicide is not
applied at the time of sowing.

1.2.7.GAP FILLING
a. Take up gap filling on the 10th day of sowing.
i) In the case of TCHB 213, raise seedlings in polythene bags of size 15 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 each of the gaps in the field by cutting open the polythene bag and
planting the seedling along with 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.

1.2.8.THINNING
Thin out the seedlings on the 15th day of sowing. In the case of fertile soils,
262
allow only one seedling per hole, whereas in poor soil allow two seedlings per hole.

1.2.9.TOP DRESSING
iv) Top dress 50% of the recommended dose of N and K on 40 – 45 DAS for
varieties.
v) Top dress 1/3rd of recommended dose of N on 40-45 DAS and the remaining
1/3rd on 60- 65th DAS for hybrids.

1.2.10.RECTIFICATION OF RIDGES AND FURROWS

Reform the ridges and furrows after first top dressing in such a way that the
plants are on the top of the ridges and well supported by soil.

1.2.11.SPRAYING OF NAPTHALENE ACETIC ACID (NAA)

Spray 40 ppm NAA at 60 and 90 days after sowing 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.

1.2.12.MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES FOR DELAYED SUMMER IRRIGATED COTTON

SOWING
KCI 1% spray, twice on 50 and 70 DAS for delayed sowing (first fortnight of
March) of summer irrigated cotton in rice-cotton cropping system for Srivilliputhur
region.

1.2.13.ARRESTING TERMINAL GROWTH

Nip the terminal portion of the main stem as indicated below:
For varieties having less than 160 days duration nip the terminal portion of the
main stem beyond the 15th node (75 to 80 DAS) and for varieties and hybrids having
more than 160 days duration beyond the 20th node (85 - 90 DAS).

II. WATER MANAGEMENT

Regulate irrigation according to the following growth phases of the crop.
No. of Days after dibbling seeds
Stages
Irrigations Light soil Heavy soil
Germination Phase(1-15 days)
Irrigate for 1 Immediately after Immediately after sowing
germination sowing
and establishment 2 Give a life irrigation on Give a life irrigation on
5th day of sowing to 5th day of sowing to
facilitate the seedlings facilitate the seedlings
to emerge out to emerge out
Vegetative phase (16-44 days)
Regulate 1 Irrigate on the 20th or Irrigate on the 20th or 21st day
21st day of sowing, of sowing, three days after
three
days after hoeing and hoeing and weeding
Weeding
2 Irrigate again on Irrigate again on

263
 the 35th or 36th the 40th day of
day of sowing Sowing
Flowering phase (45-100daysfor hybrids and 87 days for varieties)
Irrigate copiously 1 48th day 55th day
2 60th day 70th day
3 72nd day 85th day
4 84th day 100th day
5 96th day **
Maturity phase For all varieties other than Suvin
(beyond 100 days for
hybrids and 88 days
for varieties)
Control irriga 1 108th day 115th day
tion during 2 120th day 130th day
maturity phase 3 130th day
4 144th day
Stop Irrigation after 150th day
For Suvin
1 108th day 115th day
2 120th day 130th day
3 132nd day 145th day
4 144th day 160th day
5 158th day ...
Stop irrigation after 160th day
NOTE: i. If irrigation is given on climatological approach, Schedule the irrigation at 0.40 and
0.60 IW/CPE ratio during vegetative and reproductive phases respectively.
ii) The irrigation schedule given above is only a guideline and regulate the irrigation
depending upon the prevailing weather condition and receipt of rains.
iii) Adopt alternate furrow or skip furrow irrigation to save irrigation water.
The features of the methods are furnished below:

Skip furrow irrigation

a) Suited to heavy soils like clay and loam
b) Alternate furrows should be skipped and may be converted to ridges having a
wide bed formation.
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 irrigation

a) 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.

264
 III. HARVESTING
a) Harvest at frequent intervals, at less than 7 days interval.
b) Harvest in the morning hours upto 10 to 11 a.m only when there is moisture so
that dry leaves 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) After 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 will spoil the good kapas also and lower the market value of the produce.
IV.POST HARVEST OPERATIONS
1) Immediately after picking, dry the kapas in shade. If it is not dried immediately
the colour will 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 not sorted out at the
time of picking.
4) Spread a thin layer of dry sand on the ground and keep the kapas over it.
RICE FALLOW COTTON
2.1.PREPARATION OF THE FIELD
i) 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 to dry 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 outside channel to drain off the excess water.

2.2.PRE-TREATMENT OF ACID DELINTED SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDES

iv) Same as for the irrigated crop.
v) Treat the acid delinted and fungicide treated seeds with 3 packets (600g) of
Azospirillum and sow immediately.
2.3.SOWING THE SEEDS
Particulars
MCU 7 SVPR 3
a) Seed rate (kg/ha)
i) Fuzzy seed 15.0 15
ii) Acid delinted 7.5 7.5
b) Spacing (cm)
i) Between rows 60 60 or
75*
ii) Between plants 30 30
c) Number of seeds / hole
i) Fuzzy seeds 4 4
ii) Acid delinted 2 2
d) Depth of sowing (cm) 3 3
* In fertile soils
265
2.4.FILLING UP GAPS
vi) Fill up gaps on the 10th day of sowing.
vii) Dibble 2 to 3 acid delinted seeds or 4 to 5 fuzzy seeds in the gaps in the case of
MCU 7 and SVPR 3

2.5.THINNING SEEDLINGS
viii) Thin out seedlings on the 20th day of sowing
ix) Leave only one healthy and vigorous seedling per hill.

2.6. WEED MANAGEMENT

i) Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin 1.0 litre/ha ensures weed free
condition for 40 - 45 days. This should be followed by one hand weeding and
earthing up during 40 - 45 days.
ii) 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.

2.7.APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS
a) Apply NPK fertilisers as per soil test recommendations. If soil test is not done
follow the blanket recommendation of 60:30:30 kg NPK/ha.
b) Apply half the dose of N and K full dose of P5O5 at 35th day in old delta and
balance in 55 days the rows of cotton plants. In the case New delta apply full P
and 1/3 of N and K at 20 DAS and 2/3 N and K at 40 DAS.
2.8.APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENTS
Apply basally12.5 kg/ha micronutrient mixture prepared by Department of
Agriculture. Apply MgSo4 basally @ 30 kg/ha to prevent reddening.

2.9.FORMATION OF RIDGES Old delta

a) If soil is in condition, give a hoeing with mammutti and form ridges and
incorporate the fertilizer in the soil around the plants between 30th to 35th
day of sowing.
b) If soil is not in condition, give one hoeing and weeding and cover the fertilizers.
c) 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.
d) Form ridges and furrows on alternate rows of plants. Skip furrow method of
irrigation to prevent excessive irrigation
New delta
a) 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, apply 50 kg ZnSo4 /ha

266
 2.10. APPLYING OF NAA
Spray 40 ppm of NAA (40 mg of NAA dissolved in one litre of water) at 40/45th
day using high volume spray. Repeat the same dose after 15 days of first spraying.
2.11. TOPPING
Arrest terminal growth by nipping the terminal 15th node for controlling
excessive vegetative growth. (70-75 DAS

2.12.WATER MANAGEMENT
Regulate irrigation according to the growth phases of the crops.
Stages No. of Days after dibbling seeds
Irriga
tions Old delta New delta
1. Vegetative Phase
Regulate irrigation 1 One wetting on the 30th One irrigation on the 20th day
during the germination to 35th day of sowing after after the application of
fertilisers
phase the application of fertilisers
2 ... One irrigation on the 40th day
after the application of N
2. Flowering Phase
Irrigate more frequently 1 45th day of sowing after the 45th day
application of 2nd dose of N
2 55th day 51st day
3 65th day 56th day
4 75th day 61st day
5 85th day 66th day
6 ... 71st day
7 ... 76th day
8 ... 81st day
9 ... 86th day
10 ... 91st day
3. Control 1 99th day 98th day
Irrigation during 2 113th day 105th day
maturity 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
depending upon the prevailing weather conditions and receipt of rains.
2) Observe the crop and if the plants show wilting symptoms in the afternoon and
in the evening hours, give an additional irrigation.
Harvesting
Post harvest operation
As that of the irrigated cotton.
Pest and disease management

267
 RAINFED COTTON

Follow water harvesting techniques and raise a successful crop of cotton.

3.1. SEASON AND VARIETIES
For Thirumangalam in Madurai district, Sattur in Virudhunagar district and parts of
Kovilpatti in Thoothukudi district, where the seasonal rainfall is 375 mm and most of it
is received during September or first week of October. Select LRA 5166 (or) SVPR 2
(or) KC 2, KC 3.
In places, where rains are received during October or November, Select K 11 for
Ramanathapuram, Virudhunagar, Tirunelveli and Thoothukudi districts.

3.2.PREPARATION OF LAND

3.2.1.PREPARATION OF THE FIELD

i) Start preparation of the land immediately after harvest of the previous crop.
ii) Adopt permanent broad ridges system.

3.2.2.APPLICATION OF FYM OR COMPOST

iii) Spread 12.5 t of FYM or compost or composted coir pith or 2.5 t of vermicompost
per ha uniformly on the unploughed soil.
iv) Incorporate the manure in the soil by working the multipurpose implement or
country plough.
v) Apply TNAU MN mixture @ 7.5 by as enriched FYM.

1.2.3. APPLICATION OF INORGANIC FERTILIZERS

i) 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 Quantity of fertilizers (Kg/ha)
N P2O5 K 20
K 11 20 0 0
SVPR 2 40 20 40
KC 2 40 20 40

Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield targets.
(ready reckoners are furnished )

268
Rainfed Cotton -Bt Hybrid
Soil : Black (Pilamedu series) FN = 5.35T-0.24 SN-0.53 ON
Target : 2.8 - 3.2 t ha-1 FP2O5 = 3.67T-1.99 SP-0.84 OP
FK2O = 3.83T-0.13SK-0.55 OK

Yield target – 2.8 t ha-1 Yield target – 3.2 t ha-1

NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @
Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
12.5 t ha-1 + Azospirillum
(kg ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
@ 2 kg ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
175 14 200 83 45** 45** 90** 45** 45**
200 16 250 77 45** 45** 90** 45** 45**
225 18 300 71 45** 42 90** 45** 45**
250 20 350 65 43 36 86 45** 45**
275 22 400 59 39 29 80 45** 45**
** Maximum dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in q ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON, OP and
OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure in kg ha-1.

3.2.4. APPLICATION OF MICRONUTRIENT MIXTURE

vi) 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.
(or)
Apply TNAU MN mixture @ 7.5 kg /ha as Enriched FYM (Prepare enriched FYM
at 1:10 ratio of MN mixture & FYM ; mix at friable moisture &incubate for one
month in shade).
vii) Apply uniformly over the furrows after sowing and cover the seeds. Do not
incorporate in the soil.

Yield Maximization and reducing reddening in Bt cotton Rainfed

Application of TNAU MN mixture (7.5 kg ha-1 as EFYM for variety and 10 kg ha-1 as EFYM for
Bt cotton) along with the recommended NPK to obtain maximum seed cotton yield with
reduced extent of leaf reddening

SEEDS AND SOWING

viii) Adopt the following seed rates for different varieties/hybrids.

Varieties Quantity of seeds (kg/ha)

Fuzzy seeds Delinted seeds

K 11 20 ..
LRA 5166, SVPR 2 20 15
Note: Delint only LRA 5166 and SVPR 2 seeds. Do not delint seeds of K 11

269
 ix) 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/greengram10
kg/ha
Cowpea 7.5 kg/ha

3.2.6.SPACING
x) In the case of pure crop of varieties/hybrids, a spacing of 45 cm between rows
and 15 cm between plants may be adopted.
xi) In the case of cotton, intercropped with pulses, one paired row of cotton is
alternated with two rows of pulses and the total population of cotton crop is
maintained at the same line as that for a pure crop of cotton.
xii) 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.
3.2.7.ACID DELINTING
Adopt procedure for acid delinting as for an irrigated crop.

3.2.8.PRETREATMENT OF ACID DELINTED SEEDS WITH FUNGICIDES

Same as for the irrigated crop.
3.2.9.SOWING
xiii) Use the multipurpose farming implement to sow the seeds and to apply basal
fertilizers simultaneously.
xiv) Fill the hopper in the implement with the fertilizer mixtures and work the
implement.
xv) 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.
NOTE: Cotton and pulses can be sown at a depth of 5 cm in black cotton soil even
before the onset of monsoon rains in dry bed sowing. When light rains are
received, the moisture will not penetrate deeper and the seeds will not germinate
and die away. Only when good rains are received, the moisture level will be
sufficient to penetrate to the level of the seed and facilitate germination and
proper establishment.

3.2.10. WEED MANAGEMENT

xvi) Pre-emergence application of Pendimethalin (38.7% CS) 650 ml/ha followed by
one hand weeding on 40 days after crop emergence. At the time of herbicide
application sufficient soil moisture must be there.
xvii) If sufficient soil moisture is not available for applying herbicides hand weeding
may be given at 10 - 20 days after crop emergence.
xviii) Integrated weed management in cotton: Post emergence application of
pyrithiobac sodium @ 62.5g a.i./ha + quizalofop ethyl @ 50 g a.i./ha at 2 to 4
leaf stage or 45 DAS.

270
3.2.11. GAP FILLING
Dibble 3 to 4 seeds in each gap if sufficient moisture is available.

3.2.12. THINNING SEEDLINGS

xix) Allow two seedlings per hole and thin out on 15th day of sowing, adopting
proper spacing between plants.
xx) Thin the pulse crop on the 20th day of sowing, adopting a spacing of 15 cm
between plants for cowpea and 10 cm for other pulse crop.

3.2.13. FOLIAR FERTILIZATION

Spray 0.5% urea and 1% KCl on the 45th and 65th day of sowing if sufficient moisture is
available.

In site water harvesting and crop resident addition for rainfed cotton in black soil.
Brand Bed Furrow (BBF) system wth coirpith application @ 5 t/ha for higher soil
moisture retension, seed cotton yield and enhanced the carbon storage under vermisols.

3.2.14. INTERCULTIVATION WITH DHANTHULU/BLADE HARROW

Work 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 the irrigated crop.

CROP PHYSIOLOGY
Foliar spray of TNAU Cotton Plus @ 2.5 kg/acre in 200 litres of water at flowering
and at boll formation stages reduces flower and square shedding, improves boll
bursting, increases seed cotton yield and imparts drought tolerance.

CROP PROTECTION
B. PEST MANAGEMENT
• Remove the cotton crop and dispose off the crop residues as soon as harvest is over.
• Avoid stacking of stalks in the field.
• Avoid ratoon and double cotton crop.
• Adopt proper crop rotation.
• Use optimum irrigation and fertilizers.
• Grow one variety throughout the village as far as possible.
• Treat the seeds with imidacloprid or use designer seed (Delinted seed + polykote @
3g / kg + carbendazim @ 2 g / kg + imidacloprid @ 7 g / kg + Pseudomonas
fluorescens 10 g / kg + Azophos 40 g / kg). When the treated seeds are used, it
protects against sucking pests upto 45 days after sowing and promotes early vigour
of the crop.
• Synchronize the sowing time in the villages and complete the sowing within 10 to 15
days.
• Avoid other malvaceous crops in the vicinity of cotton crop.
• Timely earthing up and other agronomic practices should be done.
• Hand pick and burn periodically egg masses, visible larvae, affected and dropped
squares, flowers and fruits and squash pink bollworm in the rosettes.
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 • Use locally fabricated light traps (modified Robinson type) with 125W mercury lamps
to determine the prevalence and insect population fluctuations.
• The magnitude of the activity of the moths of the cotton pink bollworm, the cut
worm (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.
• Apply insecticides only where it is absolutely necessary when pest population or
damage reaches ET level.
• Intercropping with pulses viz., cowpea, greengram, blackgram, soybean and maize
reduces the bollworm incidence and population of sucking pests of cotton, viz.,
aphid and leafhopper with the highest activity of natural enemies viz., spiders and
predatory lady bird beetles.
Economic threshold level for important pests
Pest ETL
Thrips 50 nymphs or adults / 50 leaves
Aphids 15% of infested plant
Leafhopper 50 nymphs or adults / 50 leaves
Mite 10 mites / cm2 leaf area
Boll-worms
Spotted 10% infested shoots / squares / bolls
Spiny 10% infested shoots / squares / bolls
Pink 10% infested fruiting parts
Helicoverpa One egg or one larva / plant
Whiteflies 5-10 / leaf
Stem weevil 10% infestation
Tobacco cutworm 8 egg masses / 100 m row

American bollworm Monitoring:

Helicoverpa armigera Pest monitoring through light traps, pheromone traps and in
situ assessments by roving and fixed plot surveys has to be
intensified at farm, village, block, regional and State levels. For
management, an action threshold of one egg per plant or 1
larva per plant may be adopted.
Cultural practices:
• Synchronized sowing of cotton preferably with short
duration varieties in each cotton ecosystem.
• Avoid continuous cropping of cotton both during winter and
summer seasons in the same area as well as rationing.
• Avoid monocropping. Growing of less preferred crops like
greengram, blackgram, soyabean, castor, sorghum etc.,
along with the cotton as intercrop or border crop or
alternate crop to reduce the pest infestation.
• 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.
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• Optimizing the use of nitrogenous fertilizers which will not
favour the multiplication of the pest.
• Judicious water management for the crop to prevent
excessive vegetative growth and larval harbourage.
Biological control:
• Application of Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) at 3x
1012 POB / ha in evening hours at 7th and 12th week after
sowing.
• Conservation and augmentation of natural predators and
parasitoids for effective control of the pest.
• Inundative release of egg parasitoid, Trichogramma spp., at
6.25 cc / ha at 15 days interval 3 times from 45 days after
sowing
• Egg- larval parasitoid, Chelonus blackburnii and
predator, Chrysoperla carnea at 1,00,000 / ha at 6th, 13th and
th
14 week after sowing.
• ULV spray of NPV at 3 x 1012 POB / ha with 10% cotton seed
kernel extract, 10% crude sugar, 0.1% each of Tinopal and
Teepol for effective control of Helicoverpa.
Note: Dicofol, methyl demeton and monocrotophos are
comparatively safer to Chrysoperla larva recording low egg
mortality.
Chemical control :
• Discourage the indiscriminate use of insecticides, particularly
synthetic pyrethroids.
• Use of proper insecticides which are comparatively safer to
natural enemies at the correct dosage and alternating
different groups of insecticides for each round of spray.
• Avoid combination of insecticides as tank mix.
• Adopt proper delivery system using spraying equipments like
hand compression sprayer, knapsack sprayer and mist
blower to ensure proper coverage with required quantity of
spray fluid and avoid ULV applications or Akela spray
applications.
• Proper mixing and preparation of spray fluid for each filling
of spray fluid tank.
At early stages of square formation apply one of the following
insecticides
Acephate 75% SP 780g/ha
Azadirachtin 0.03% EC 2500ml/ha
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 1250ml/ha
Diflubenzuron 25% WP 300 - 350g/ha
Emamectin benzoate 5% SG 190-220g/ha
Fipronil 5% SC 2000ml/ha
Flubendiamide 20% WG 250g/ha
Flubendiamide 39.35% SC 100-125ml/ha
Indoxacarb 14.5% SC 500ml/ha
Novaluron 10%EC 1000ml/ha
NPV of H. armigera 0.43%AS 400-600ml/ha
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 Profenofos 50% EC 1500-2000ml/ha
Pyridalyl 10% EC 750-1000ml/ha
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @150 ml/ha
Lufenuron 5.4% EC @600 ml/ha
Spinosad 45.0% SC 165-220ml/ha
Thiodicarb 75%WP 1000g/ha
Monocrotophos 36% SL @1125-2250 ml/ha

Biological control:
Bacillus thuringiensis-k750-1000g/ha
Bacillus thuringiensis var. kurstaki (3a,3b,3c) 5%WP 750-
1000g/ha
Beauveria bassiana 1.15%WP 400g/ha
Spotted bollworm Spraying any one of the following insecticides
Erias vitella; Flubendiamide 39.35%SC100-125ml/ha
E. insulana Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @150 ml/ha
Indoxacarb 14.5%SC 500ml/ha
Diflubenzuron 25%WP 300-350g/ha
Profenophos 50%EC 1500-2000ml/ha
Fipronil 5% SC 2000ml/ha
Spinetoram 11.7 % SC @420-470 ml/ha
Biological control:
Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki (3a,3b,3c) 5%WP 750-1000g /
ha
Pink boll worm • Use pheromone traps to monitor the adult moth activity @
Pectinophora gossypiella 12 / ha
• Inundative release of egg parasitoid Trichogrammatoidea
bactrae @ 40,000 / ha at 15 days interval 3 times from 45
days after sowing with coinciding the incidence of the pest.
Spraying any one of the following insecticides:
Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG 190 – 220 g/ha
Chlorpyriphos 50% EC 1000 – 1200 ml / ha
Profenofos 50%EC 1500 – 2000ml/ha
Diflubenzuron 25%WP 300-350g/ha
Thiodicarb 75% WP 1000 g /ha
Tobacco cutworm ¾ Use of light trap to monitor and kill the attracted adult
Spodoptera litura moths.
¾ Set up the sex pheromone trap at 12/ha to monitor the
activity of the pest and to synchronize the pesticide
application, if need be, at the maximum activity stage.
¾ Growing castor along border and irrigation bunds.
¾ Removal and destruction of egg masses in castor and cotton
crops.
¾ Removal and destruction of early stage larvae found in
clusters which can be located easily even from a distance.
¾ Collection and destruction of shed materials.
¾ Hand picking and destruction of grownup caterpillars.
Spray any one of the following insecticides
Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 3750 ml/ha
Diflubenzuron 25%WP 300-350g/ha

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 Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @150 ml/ha
Spinetoram 11.7 % SC @420-470 ml/ha
¾ Spraying of insecticides should be done either in the early
morning or in the evening and virus in the evening.
¾ Spraying nuclear polyhedrosis virus at 1.5 x 1012 POB per
ha.
Stem weevil • Basal application of FYM 25 t/ha and 250 kg/ha of neem cake.
Pempherulus affinis • Seed treatment with chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 10ml/kg of seed
+ drenching collar region with chlorpyriphos 50 EC @ 1200
ml/ha on 15 and 30 days after sowing + Earthing up.
Whitefly • Avoid alternate, cultivated host crops of the whitefly in the
Bemisia tabaci vicinity of cotton crop.
• Growing cotton only once a year either in winter or summer
season in any cotton tract.
• Adopting crop rotation with non-preferred hosts such as
sorghum, ragi, maize, etc., for the whitefly to check the
buildup of the pest.
• Removal and destruction of alternate weed hosts like
Abutilon indicum, Chrozophore rottlari, Solanum nigrum and
Hibiscus ficulensus from the fields and neighbouring areas
and maintaining field sanitation.
• Timely sowing with recommended spacing, preferably wider
spacing and judicious application of recommended dose of
fertilizers, particularly nitrogenous and irrigation
management is essential to arrest the excessive vegetative
growth and pest build up. Late sowing may be avoided and
the crop growth should not be extended beyond its normal
duration.
• Field sanitation may be given proper attention.
• 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 measures should be extended to these crops also.
• Monitoring the activities of the adult white flies by setting up
yellow pan traps and sticky traps at 1 foot height above the
plant canopy and also in situ counts.
• Collection and removal of white fly infested leaves from the
plants and those which were shed due to the attack of the
pest and destroying them.
Chemical control:
Acetamiprid 20%SP 100g/ha
Azadirachtin 0.15% 2500-5000ml/ha
Buprofezin 25% SC 1000ml/ha
Chlorpyriphos 20%EC 1250ml/ha
Clothianidin 50%WDG 200-250 g/ha(Soil drenching)
Clothianidin 50%WDG 40-50 g/ha (Foliar spray)
Diafenthiuron 50%WP 600g/ha
Dinotefuran 20% SG 150 g/ha
Fipronil 5%SC 1500-2000 ml/ha
Flonicamid 50% WG @ 150 g/ha
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 Imidacloprid 17.8% SL 100-125 ml/ha
Profenophos 50%EC 1000 ml/ha
Thiacloprid 21.7%SC 500- 600ml/ha
Thiamethoxam 30% FS @10 g/Kg seed (Seed dresser)
Thiamethoxam 70% WS @430 gm/ha
Thiamethoxam 25%WG 200 g/ha
Pyriproxyfen 10% EC @ 500- 700 ml/ha
Spiromesifen 22.9% SC @600 ml/ha
Spray any one of the following plant products alone or in
combination with the recommended dose of insecticide
Neem seed kernel extract 5% or Neem oil at 5 ml/l of water
Fish oil rosin soap 25g / lit of water
Notchi leaves 5% extract
Catharanthus rosea extract 5%
Spray any one of the following in early stage (500l) mid and late
stages (1000l spray liquid/ha)
In the early stages with high volume sprayer, use a goose neck
nozzle to cover the under surface of the foliage to get good
control of the pest. If high volume sprayers are not available,
375 litres of spray fluid may be used per hectare for application
in the low volume motorized knapsack mist blower.
• The use of synthetic pyrethroids should be discouraged in
cotton to avoid the problem of white fly. Cypermethrin,
fenvalerte and deltamethrin cause resurgence of whiteflies.
So avoid repeated spraying of pyrethroids.
• The plant protection measures should be adopted on a
community basis in specified cotton areas.

Biological control:
• Verticillium lecanii 1.15%WP 2500g/ha
Thrips • Seed treatment with imidacloprid 70WS at 7g / kg protect
Thrips tabaci the crop from aphids, leafhoppers and thrips upto 8 weeks.
Spray any one of the following insecticides (500l spray
fluid/ha)
Methyl demeton 25EC 500ml/ha
Dimethoate 30EC 500ml/ha
Buprofezin 25%SC 1000ml/ha
Diafenthiuron 50%WP 600g/ha
Clothianidin 50%WDG 200-250 g/ha (Soil drenching)
Dinotefuran 20% SG 150 g/ha
Fipronil5% SC 1500-2000ml/ha
Flonicamid 50% WG @ 150 g/ha
Imidacloprid 70%WG 30-35g/ha
Imidacloprid 48%FS/100 kg seed 500-900g/ha
Imidacloprid 17.8%SL 100-125ml/ha
Profenophos 50% EC 1000ml/ha
Thiacloprid 21.7% SC 100-125ml/ha
Thiamethoxam 70% FS 430 g/ha
Thiamethoxam 25%WG 100 g/ha
Spinetoram 11.7 % SC @420-470 ml/ha

276
Aphids Seed treatment with imidacloprid 70WS at 7g / kg protect the
Aphis gossypii crop from aphids, leafhoppers and thrips upto 8 weeks.
Spray any one of the following insecticides
Acetamiprid 20%SP 50g/ha
Azadirachtin 0.03%EC 2500ml/ha
Buprofezin 25%SC 1000ml/ha
Clothianidin 50%WDG 200-250 g/ha(Soil drenching)
Carbosulfan 25% DS 60g/kg seed
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 1250ml/ha
Diafenthiuron 50%WP 600ml/ha
Dinotefuran 20% SG 150 g/ha
Fipronil 5% SC 1500-2000 ml/ha
Flonicamid 50% WG @ 150 g/ha
Imidacloprid 70% WG 30-35kg/ha
Imidacloprid 17.8% SL 100-125ml/ha
Malathion 50% EC 1000ml/ha
Profenophos 50% EC 1000ml/ha
Thiacloprid 21.7%SC 100-125ml/ha
Thiamethoxam 25%WG100 g/ha
Thiamethoxam 70% WS @430 gm/ha
Thiamethoxam 30% FS @10 g/Kg seed (Seed dresser)
Leaf hopper Spray any one of the following insecticides
Amrasca devastans Imidacloprid 200SL at 100ml/ha
Imidacloprid 70% WG @30-35 g/ha
Imidacloprid 17.8% SL @ 100 – 125 ml/ha
Acetamiprid 20%SP 50g/ha
Azadirachtin 0.03%WSP 2500- 5000g/ha
Buprofezin 25%SC 1000ml/ha
Clothianidin 50%WDG 30- 40 kg/ha (Foliar spray)
Clothianidin 50%WDG 200-250 g/ha(Soil drenching)
Diafenthiuron 50%WP 600g/ha
Dinotefuran 20% SG 150 g/ha
Fipronil 5%SC 1500-2000ml/ha
Profenophos 50%EC 1000ml/ha
Thiacloprid 21.7%SC 100-125ml/ha
Flonicamid 50% WG @ 150 g/ha
Thiamethoxam 25%WG 100g/ha
Thiamethoxam 30% FS @10 g/Kg seed (Seed dresser)
Thiamethoxam 70% WS @430 gm/ha
NSKE 5% 25kg/ha
• Where the leaf hopper is a big menace apply Neem oil
formulation 0.5% or neem oil 3% thrice at fortnightly
intervals.
Cotton mealy bug • Remove the alternate weeds hosts.
Phenococcus solenopsis • Monitor the incidence regularly and look for crawler
emergence.
• Take up the management at initial stage to get maximum
control.
• Use of encyrtid parasitoids, Acerophagus papayae @ 100
per village against Paracoccus marginatus and Aenasius

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 bambawaeli against Phenococcus solenopsis are
recommended. (Consult the specialists for effective
chemicals for individual species).
• Wherever necessary use botanical insecticides like neem
derivatives such as neem oil 2%, NSKE 5% and Fish oil rosin
soap 25 g/lit. of water.
• Use of profenophos @ 2000 ml / ha may be adopted as an
alternative
Yellow mite Spiromesifen 22.9% SC 600 ml/ha
Polyphagotarsonemus
latus
Red spider mite Spray Spiromesifen 22.9% SC 600 ml/ha or
Tetranychus Dicofol 18.5% EC @ 2700ml/500 lit. of water
cinnabarinus
Pest management strategies

Resurgence
Repeated application of the following insecticides can cause resurgence of the insect pest
of cotton
• Amrasca devastans : Deltamethrin
• Aphis gossypii : Cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenvaerate, monocrotophos
• Bemisia tabaci : Cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenvalerate, monocrotophos
• Ferrisia virgata : Cypermethrin, deltamethrin, fenvalerate, permethrin
• Tetranychus urticae : Acephate, fenvalerate

Disease Management
Name of the disease Recommendations
Bacterial leaf blight: • Avoid stacking of infected plants
Xanthomonas axonopodis • Spray streptomycin sulphate @ 300 ppm + copper oxychloride @ 2.0
pv. malvacearum kg/ha immediately after the symptom appearance and repeat
at 10 days later.
Alternaria leaf spot: Spray any one of the following fungicides / biocontrol agent
Alternaria macrospora • Copper oxychloride @ 2 kg or mancozeb @ 1 kg or chlorothalonil @
500 g/ha or difenaconazole @ 0.05% or krexoxym methyl @
0.1% or tebuconazole @ 1 ml/l or trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole
@ 0.6 g/l or propiconazole @ 1 ml/l or metiram 55% +
pyraclostrobin 5% WG @ 0.1% at 60, 90 and 120 days after
sowing.
• Bacillus subtilis (BSC5) @ 0.04% on 60, 90 and 120 days after
sowing can also be applied.
Grey mildew: Ramularia Spray any one of the following fungicides
areola • Carbendazim @ 250 g/ha or mancozeb @ 1000g or chlorothalonil @
500 g/ha or difenaconazole @ 0.05% or krexoxym methyl @
0.1% or tebuconazole @ 1ml/l or propiconazole @ 1ml/l or
metiram 55% + pyraclostrobin 5% WG @ 0.1% at 60, 90 and
120 days after sowing.
Boll rot: Spray any one of the following fungicides
Fusarium moniliforme, • Carbendazim @ 500 g or mancozeb @ 2000 g or copper oxychloride
Colletotrichum capsici,
278
Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, @ 2500 g/ha along with an insecticide recommended for
th
Rhizopus nigricans, bollworm from 45 day at fortnightly interval.
Nematospora,
Botryodiplodia
Cercospora leaf spot: • Spray propiconazole @ 1 ml/l or metiram 55% + pyraclostrobin 5%
Cercospora gossypii WG @ 0.1% at 60, 90 and 120 days after sowing.
Damping off and Fusarium • Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens + Bacillus
wilt: s u b t i l i s + Trichoderma asperellum mixture @
Rhizoctonia solani and 10 g/kg and soil application of P.
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fluorescens + B. s u b t i l i s + T. asperellum
vasinfectum mixture @ 2.5 kg/ha during sowing and at 90 days after
sowing.
Root rot: Cultural method
Macrophomina phaseolina • Soil application of neem cake @ 150 kg/ha
(Rhizoctonia bataticola) Biological control
• Seed treatment with T. asperellum @ 10 g/kg followed by
basal application of zinc sulphate @ 50 kg/ha.
• Seed treatment with Bacillus (BSC5) @ 10g/kg followed by soil
application @ 2.5 kg/ha with 250 kg of compost at the time of
sowing.
• Seed treatment with P. fluorescens @ 10 g/kg and soil application
@ 2.5 kg/ha with 250 kg of compost at the time of sowing.
• Seed treatment with P. fluorescens + B. s u b t i l i s +
T.asperellum mixture @ 10g/kg and soil
application of P. fluorescens + B.
s u b t i l i s + T. asperellum mixture @ 2.5 kg/ha during
sowing and at 90 days after sowing.
Chemical control
• Spot drench with carbendazim @ 1 g/l at the base of
affected plants as well as surrounding healthy plants
• Soil drenching with trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole @
0.75g/l

Integrated pest and disease management (IPDM) technology for cotton

• Seed treatment with imidacloprid 70 WS @ 10 g/kg seed
• Soil drenching with chlorpyriphos 20 EC @ 1.25 l/ha on 25 days after sowing
• Soil application with Bacillus subtilis (BSC5) on 30 days after sowing
• Foliar application of B. subtilis (BSC5) @ 10g/l on 60 days after sowing
• Monitoring with yellow sticky traps for whitefly @ 12 numbers / ha
• Monitoring with pheromone trap for Spodoptera @ 12 numbers / ha
• Need based application of imidacloprid 17.8SL @ 25 g.a.i./ha
• Need based application of 0.1 per cent trifloxystrobin (25%) +
tebuconazole (50%) WG or mancozeb 75 WP @ 0.25 per cent
• Raising of trap crop (castor and maize) along the bunds
Nematode Management
™ Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 20 g/kg followed by soil
application @ 2.5kg/ha reduces reniform nematode, Rotylenchulus reniformis in
cotton.
279
 RAINFED COTTON

CROP PROTECTION
A. PEST MANAGEMENT
< The control measures recommended for irrigated cotton will hold good.
< When water is not available, use any one of the following insecticides for the control
of bollworms at 25 kg/ha :
Carbaryl 5 D
Phosalone 4 D
B. DISEASE MANAGEMENT
Name of the disease Recommendations
Bacterial leaf blight: • Avoid stacking of infected plants
Xanthomonas axonopodis • Spray streptomycin sulphate @ 300 ppm + copper oxychloride @ 2.0
pv. malvacearum kg/ha immediately after the symptom appearance and repeat
at 10 days later.
Alternaria leaf spot: Spray any one of the following fungicides / biocontrol agent
Alternaria macrospora • Copper oxychloride @ 2 kg or mancozeb @ 1 kg or chlorothalonil @
500 g/ha or difenaconazole @ 0.05% or krexoxym methyl @
0.1% or tebuconazole @ 1 ml/l or trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole
@ 0.6 g/l or propiconazole @ 1 ml/l or metiram 55% +
pyraclostrobin 5% WG @ 0.1% at 60, 90 and 120 days after
sowing.
• Bacillus subtilis (BSC5) @ 0.04% on 60, 90 and 120 days after
sowing can also be applied.
Grey mildew: Ramularia Spray any one of the following fungicides
areola • Carbendazim @ 250 g/ha or mancozeb @ 1000g or chlorothalonil @
500 g/ha or difenaconazole @ 0.05% or krexoxym methyl @
0.1% or tebuconazole @ 1ml/l or propiconazole @ 1ml/l or
metiram 55% + pyraclostrobin 5% WG @ 0.1% at 60, 90 and
120 days after sowing.
Boll rot: Spray any one of the following fungicides
Fusarium moniliforme, • Carbendazim @ 500 g or mancozeb @ 2000 g or copper oxychloride
Colletotrichum capsici, @ 2500 g/ha along with an insecticide recommended for
th
Aspergillus flavus, A. niger, bollworm from 45 day at fortnightly interval.
Rhizopus nigricans,
Nematospora,
Botryodiplodia
Cercospora leaf spot: • Spray propiconazole @ 1 ml/l or metiram 55% + pyraclostrobin 5%
Cercospora gossypii WG @ 0.1% at 60, 90 and 120 days after sowing.
Damping off and Fusarium • Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens + Bacillus
wilt: s u b t i l i s + Trichoderma asperellum mixture @ 10
Rhizoctonia solani and g/kg and soil application of P. fluorescens
Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. + B. s u b t i l i s + T. asperellum mixture @ 2.5
vasinfectum kg/ha during sowing and at 90 days after sowing.

Root rot: Cultural method

Macrophomina phaseolina • Soil application of neem cake @ 150 kg/ha
(Rhizoctonia bataticola) Biological control
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 • Seed treatment with T. asperellum @ 10 g/kg followed by
basal application of zinc sulphate @ 50 kg/ha.
• Seed treatment with Bacillus (BSC5) @ 10g/kg followed by soil
application @ 2.5 kg/ha with 250 kg of compost at the time of
sowing.
• Seed treatment with P. fluorescens @ 10 g/kg and soil application
@ 2.5 kg/ha with 250 kg of compost at the time of sowing.
• Seed treatment with P. fluorescens + B. s u b t i l i s +
T.asperellum mixture @ 10g/kg and soil
application of P. fluorescens + B.
s u b t i l i s + T. asperellum mixture @ 2.5 kg/ha during
sowing and at 90 days after sowing.
Chemical control
• Spot drench with carbendazim @ 1 g/l at the base of
affected plants as well as surrounding healthy plants
• Soil drenching with trifloxystrobin + tebuconazole @
0.75g/l .

C.Nematode management

Seed treatment with P.flouresecens @20g/Kg and soil application @ 2.5 kg/ha
Application of consortia formulation of Pfbv 22 + Bbv 57@ 2.5 Kg/h

COTTON – VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants and designated diseases especially the wilt
disease. The previous crop should not be of the same variety or other varieties of the
same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified as per the procedures of
certification agency.
Isolation
• Leave a distance of 50 m for foundation seeds and 30 m for certified seeds all around
the field from the same and other varieties / hybrids of the crop.

Season
• Summer crop : February - March
• Winter crop : August - September

Acid delinting of fuzzy seeds

• Delint the fuzzy seeds with commercial sulphuric acid @ 100 ml / kg of seed for
2 - 5 minutes depending upon the variety (2 minutes for MCU 5 and 5 minutes for
MCU 12).
• After acid delinting remove the floaters and insect damaged seeds and separate the
brown colour and well filled sinkers.
• Wash the collected seeds thoroughly for 3 to 4 times with fresh water and neutralize
with 0.5 % lime solution for removal of traces of acid.

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Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Seed hardening with 2 % KCl for 10 hrs in the seed to solution ratio 1:1 and dry back
to original moisture content.
• Seed coating with polymer @ 3 g / kg + imidachloprid @ 2 ml / kg + Pseudomonas
fluorescens @ 10 g / kg + Azophos @ 120 g / kg of seed.
• The above two treatments can be integrated as designer seed treatment.

Foliar application
• Spray 1 % Diammonium phosphate on 70th, 80th and 90th days after sowing.

Roguing
• The crop should be rogued for off-types from vegetative stage to harvesting stage
based on plant stature, leaf size, leaf colour, stem colour, flower colour, petal spot,
pollen colour, number of sympodia, boll size and shape to maintain genetic purity.

Harvesting
• Pick the fully bursted kapas periodically in six pickings at weekly intervals.
• Consider first five pickings in winter crop and first four pickings in the summer crop
for seed purpose, the seed from the subsequent pickings are inferior in quality.
• Do not retain the kapas unpicked in the field for more than a week as it reduces seed
quality.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg of seed as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 8 - 10 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 7 - 8 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 6 %.

COTTON - HYBRID SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free from volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production, leave a distance of 30 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties / hybrids of cotton.
• Between the parental lines leave an isolation distance of 5 m.
282
Seeds and sowing
• Male : 2 kg / ha
• Female : 4 kg / ha

Fertilizer requirement
• Compost : 12.5 t / ha, NPK : 20:60:50 kg / ha as basal application

Top dressing
• Top dress @ 12.5 kg N / ha at 60 and 90 days after sowing.
• Earthing up the crop adequately after first top dressing.
• Irrigate the crop immediately after every top dressing.

Foliar application
• Foliar spray of 100 ppm boric acid or 0.5 % zinc sulphate to the male parent at
initiation flowering to improve the pollen viability and pollen production.
• Foliar spray of salicylic acid @ 250 ppm at 90 days after sowing for increased seed
set.
• Foliar spray of 2 % DAP 4 times at 10 days interval during boll development period
(60, 70, 80 and 90 days after sowing) for better development of crossed bolls.

Emasculation and dusting for cross pollination

• Emasculate and dust as far as possible all buds appearing during the first six weeks of
reproductive phase to ensure good seed setting and development of bolls.
• Emasculate the female buds on the previous day evening.
• Smear pollen dust to the stigma of all the emasculated flowers for good number of
boll formation.
• Restrict emasculation to each day evening to 3 pm to 6 pm and pollination to
morning between 10 am to 1 pm to ensure highest purity of hybrid seeds.
• Choose optimum size of bud and avoid too young or too old buds for emasculation.
• Cover the male buds with paper cover during previous day evening for their use on
next day.
• Cover emasculated buds with butter paper cover to avoid out crossing.
• Close the crossing programme after 9th week (from commencement of crossing) and
remove all buds and flowers appearing subsequently to facilitate the development of
crossed bolls.

Topping
• Top the plants either manually or spray Maleic Hydrazide @ 100 ppm at 90th and
105th days after sowing to enhance the sympodial branches formation.

Harvesting
• Harvest only fully bursted bolls.
• Harvest the crop as 4 - 6 pickings depending on the cultivar.
• Avoid later pickings (after 4 - 5 pickings) for seed purpose.

283
Ginning
• 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
damage.
• Remove hard locks and stained kapas.
• After ginning, clean the seeds by hand picking to remove small, shrivelled and broken
seeds.

Pre-storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu (Albizzia amara) leaf
powder mixed in the ratio of 5:4:1@ 3 g / kg of seed as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 9 - 10 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 7 - 8 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than 15
months) with a seed moisture content less than 6 %.

284
 (ii) JUTE (Corchorus olitorius & Corchorus capsularis)

CROP MANAGEMENT
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 available for its cultivation and retting for fibre extraction.

Soil type: Alluvial sandy loam, clay loamy soils are best suited for jute production.
Capsularis jute can grow even in standing water especially towards the latter part of its
growth, but Olitorius jute will not thrive in standing water. The latter is more drought
resistant and is therefore grown on lighter soils.

Season: February
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 to
be applied during last ploughing. Besides 20 kg per ha each of N, P2O5 and K O are to be
applied. basally. Beds and channels are formed depending on water resources.
Varieties: Capsularis JRC 212, JRC 321, JRC 7447
Olitorius j 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 (cm) No. of
Line Sowing Broad Casting Plants/ Sq.
Mtr.
Olitorius 5 7 25 x 5 80
Capsularis 7 10 30 x 5 67
Weed management: Hand weeding twice on 20 - 25 DAS and 35 - 40 DAS. Fluchloralin can
be sprayed at 3 days after sowing at the rate of 1.5 kg per hectare and is followed by
irrigation. Further one hand weeding can be taken up at 30 - 35 DAS.

Top dressing of fertiliser: Apply 10 kg of N at 20 - 25 days after first weeding and then
again on 35 - 40 days after second weeding as top dressing. During periods of drought and
fertilizer shortage, spray 8 kg of urea as 2 per cent urea solution (20 g urea in one litre of
water) on jute foliage on 40 - 45 as well as 70 - 75 DAS.

Water Management: Jute crop requires 500 mm of water. First irrigation is to be given after
sowing and life irrigation on fourth day after sowing. Afterwards irrigation can be given
once in 15 days.

Harvest: Jute crop can be harvested from 100 to 110 DAS but can be extended from 120 -
135 DAS depending on local cropping systems. Jute plants are left in the field for 3 - 4 days
for leaf shedding. Then thick and thin plants are sorted out and bundled in convenient size.
Yield: The green plant weight yield is 45 to 50 tonnes per hectare whereas the fibre yield is
to 2.5 tonnes per hectare.

285
 7. SUGARCANE (Saccharum officinarum)

CLIMATE REQUIREMENT

Optimum
T_MaxoC T_MinoC o Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL
C
42 15 32 - 35 2500 - 3000 1000
Tropical crop. Besides temperature and rainfall, light (day length) plays a very
important role in proper growth and development i.e. tillering of cane. A long,
warm growing season with a high incidence of solar radiation and adequate
moisture is required.Short day length decreases number of tillers. Under long day
length conditions, plant produces more dry matter.

CROP IMPROVEMENT
A. PLANTED (MAIN) CROP

I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Sugarcane 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
raised during the special season (June - September). The particulars in respect of each
season are given below:

SEASON, PERIOD OF PLANTING

1. Main season
i) Early : Dec - Jan ii) Mid : Feb - March iii) Late: April – May

2. Special season : June - July

All early season varieties are suitable for special season.

II. PARTICULARS OF VARIETIES

Duration
Variety Cane Yield (t/ha) CCS % CCS (t/ha)
(Month)
CoG 94077 11 133.2 13.50 17.60
Co 86032 10-12 110.0 13.00 14.30
CoSi (SC) 6 10-11 142.0 13.10 18.60
TNAU SC Si 7 10-11 156.0 13.40 20.90
TNAU SC Si 8 11-12 146.0 12.90 18.00
CoC 25 10-12 145.7 12.77 18.62
CoG 6 10-12 140.6 13.34 18.39

286
III. Morphological characters

Characters CoG 94077 Co 86032

Parentage Co 740 x Co 775 Co 62198 X CoC 671
Leaf size Medium Medium
Leaf colour Dark green Dark green
Sheath colour Greenish with Purple tinge Green with purple
Sheath Loose Loose
clasping
Spines Absent Few, hard, deciduous
Ligular process Present on one side Absent
Stem colour Greenish yellow Reddish pink (exposed) Greenish yellow
(unexposed)
Girth Medium Medium
Joint Slightly staggered Cylindrical
Bud Groove Short, shallow Absent
Size Medium Medium

Character TNAU SC Si 7 TNAU SC Si 8

Parentage Co 99034 x CoG 93076 CoC 90063 x Co 8213
Leaf Size Medium Medium
Leaf colour Dark green Green
Sheath colour Yellowish Green with purple tinge Green with purple stripes
Sheath clasping Slightly tight Loose
Spines Present (deciduous) Very few, soft and deciduous
Splits Absent Absent
Ligular process Present Present (asymmetrical)
Stem colour Yellowish green (exposed) pinkish Greenish yellow (exposed) Greenish Yellow
yellow (unexposed) (enexposed)
Girth Medium Medium
Joint Straight Straight
Bud groove Absent Present, Shallow
Size Medium Big

Characters CoC 25 CoG 6

Parentage Co 85002 x HR 83-144 HR 83-144 x CoH 119
Leaf size Medium Medium
Leaf colour Green Light Green
Sheath colour Green with pinkish tinge with scarious Greenish purle
border
Sheath Loose Loose
clasping
Spines Absent Decidous spines
Splits Absent Absent
Ligular Slightly indicated asymmetrical Present (crescent shaped)
process
287
Stem colour Greenish yellow green (unexposed) yellow green (unexposed)
Pinkish (exposed) Green yellow (exposed)
Girth Medium Medium
Joint Zig zag Straight
Bud Groove Deep and extent all over the length of Present
the internode
Size Medium Medium

Parameters Co 0212 Co 06022

Parentage Co 7201 X ISH 106 GU 92-275 X Co 86249
Maturity group Mid-late Early
Year of release 2016 2018
Institute name ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding Institute,
Institute, Coimbatore Coimbatore
Cane yield (t/ha) 150.56 135.8
CCS % 12.80 13.10
Sugar yield (t/ha) 19.27 17.68
Reaction to red rot Moderately resistant Moderately resistance
Special features Tolerant to drought and salinity A1 quality jaggery of golden yellow
A1 quality jaggery colour
Good ratooner Non lodging, erect, thick cane
Erect and medium thick cane Tolerant to water deficit stress

Parameters Co 09004 (Amritha) Co 11015 (Atulya)

Parentage CoC 671 X CoT 8201 CoC 671 X Co 86011
Maturity group Early Early
Year of release - 2019
Institute name ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding ICAR-Sugarcane Breeding
Institute, Coimbatore Institute, Coimbatore
Cane yield (t/ha) 109.85 142.72
CCS % 18.94 (Sucrose %) 20.22 (Sucrose %)
Sugar yield (t/ha) 14.56 20.16
Reaction to red rot Moderately resistance Moderately susceptible
Special features Resistant to smut Short duration (8 month)
Less susceptible to borer High sugar content
Tall cane, early fast growth, Tall (>250 cm) and erect plant
high tillering, medium thick Medium thick cane
cane, non-flowering, non A1 quality jaggery of golden
lodging, good ratooner yellow colour

Varieties suitable for Jaggery: CoG 6, Co 0212, Co 06022 and Co 11015

Varieties suitable for different seasons
Early (Dec-Jan) :
CoC 25, CoG 6, TNAU Sugarcane Si 7, Co 09004, Co 06022, CO 91015(Atulya)

Mid-late (Feb-Mar) :
Co 86032, Co 06030, TNAU Sugarcane Si 8, Co 0212
Special season (June-sept)
CoC 25, CoG 6, TNAU Sugarcane Si 7, Co 09004, Co 06022, CO 91015(Atulya)
288
Source of Seed
For the varieties released from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University for supply of
primary seed materials, the Sugarcane Research Stations at Cuddalore, Sirugamani
and Melalathur may be contacted. For other varieties promoted by the factories, for
seed materials the concerned factories may be contacted.

CROP MANAGEMENT
IV. MAIN FIELD PREPARATION FOR PLANTING SUGARCANE
1. PREPARATION OF THE FIELD
a) Wetland (Heavy soils): In wetlands, preparatory cultivation by ploughing the
land and bringing the soil to fine tilth could not be 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 across the field and along
the field borders.
ii. Form ridges and furrows with a spacing of 80 cm between rows with
spade.
iii. 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, with excessive moisture where it is difficult to drain water, form
raised beds at 30 cm intervals with Length - 5 m, Width - 80 cm, and Height -15 cm.
c. Garden lands with medium and light soils:
In medium and light soil irrigated by flow or lift irrigation adopt the following:
i. The initial ploughing with two disc plough followed by eight disc plough and using
cultivator for deep ploughing followed by one time operation of rotovator to
pulverize the soil to get a fine tilth, free of weeds and stubbles.
ii. Level the field with laser leveler for effective and proper irrigation management.
iii. Open ridges and furrows with tractor operated victory plough with a depth of
30cm and spacing of 80 cm between the rows for normal planting with furrow
irrigation.
iv. Open irrigation channels at 10 m intervals.

2. BASAL APPLICATION OF ORGANIC MANURES:

Apply FYM at 12.5 t/ha or compost 25 t/ha or filter press mud at 37.5 t/ha
before the last ploughing under gardenland conditions. In wetlands this may be applied
along the furrows 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 7 m x 3 m.
Then apply pressmud over this trash to a thickness of 5 cm. Sprinkle the fertilizer
mixture containing mussoorie rock phosphate, gypsum and urea in the ratio of 2:2:1
over these layers at the rate of 5 kg/100 kg of trash. Moist the trash and pressmud
layers adequately with water. Repeat this process till the entire heap rises to a height
of 1.5 m. Use cowdung slurry instead of water to moist the layer wherever it is
available. Cover the heap with a layer of soil and pressmud at 1:1 ratio to a thickness

289
 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 thoroughly and form a heap and leave it for one more month.
Then turn and mix the heap thoroughly at the end of the fourth month. Moist the heap
once in 15 days during 4th and 5th month also. This method increases the manurial
value of trash compost by increasing, N, P and Ca content. It also brings down the C:N
ratio by 10 times as compared to raw cane trash.

Composition of cane trash, pressmud and cane trash compost

Major nutrients Cane trash Pressmud Cane trash compost
Nitrogen (N) 0.40 Percent 1.90 1.60
Phosphorus (P) 0.13 1.50 1.10
Potassium(K) 0.40 0.50 0.40
Calcium (Ca) 0.56 3.00 1.00
Magnesium (Mg) 0.30 2.00 0.60
Sulphur (S) 0.12 0.50 0.48

Micronutrients Cane trash Pressmud Cane trash compost

PPM
Iron (Fe) 360 2240 2710
Manganese (Mn) 110 400 450
Zinc (Zn) 90 360 370
Copper (Cu) 30 130 80
C:N ratio 113:1 16:1 22:1

2. BASAL APPLICATION OF PERTILIZER

(i) If soil test is not done, follow blanket recommendation of NPK @ 300:100:200 kg/ha
Apply super phosphate (625 kg/ha) along the furrows and incorporate with hand hoe.
(ii) Soil test crop response based integrated plant nutrition system (STCR- IPNS)
recommendation may be adopted for prescribing fertilizer doses for specified yield
targets. (ready reckoners are furnished)

Sugarcane (1)
Mixed black calcareous FN = 4.17 T - 1.09 SN - 1.11 ON
Soil :
(Perianaickenpalayam series) FP2O5= 1.01 T - 2.56 SP - 1.01 OP
Target : 125-150 t ha-1 FK2O = 3.44 T - 0.84 SK - 1.03 OK
-1
Yield target – 125t ha Yield target – 150 t ha-1
Initial soil test values NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 t
-1
(kg ha ) ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 15 300 223 50* 113 328 68 199
220 17 350 201 50* 100* 306 63 157
240 19 400 180 50* 100* 284 58 115
260 21 450 158 50* 100* 262 53 100*
280 23 500 150* 50* 100* 240 50* 100*
* Maintenance dose

290
Sugarcane (2)
Soil : Red coastal alluvium (Gadillum series) FN =4.06 T-0.74SN-0.87 ON
FP2O5=0.71T-1.09 SP-0.72 OP
Target : 125 t ha-1 and 150 t ha-1
FK2O=2.67T-0.57SK-1.33 OK
-1
Yield target – 125 t ha Yield target – 150 t ha-1
Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 15 200 280 50* 155 381 50* 222
220 17 220 265 50* 143 366 50* 210
240 19 240 250 50* 132 351 50* 199
260 21 260 235 50* 121 337 50* 187
280 23 280 220 50* 109 322 50* 176
*Maintenance dose

Sugarcane (3)
Soil : Red sandy loam (Irugur series) FN =3.42 T-0.56 SN-0.93 ON
FP2O5=1.15T-1.94 SP-0.98 OP
Target : 100 t ha-1 -125 t ha-1
FK2O=3.16T-0.73SK-0.99 OK
-1
Yield target – 100 t ha Yield target – 125 t ha-1
Initial soil test values (kg NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5 NPK (kg ha-1) + FYM @ 12.5
ha-1) t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg t ha-1 + Azospirillum @ 2 kg
ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1 ha-1 + PSB @ 2 kg ha-1
SN SP SK FN FP2O5 FK2O FN FP2O5 FK2O
200 14 200 150 50* 105 236 72 184
220 16 220 139 50* 100* 224 68 169
240 18 240 128 50* 100* 213 64 155
260 20 260 116 50* 100* 202 60 140
280 22 280 105 50* 100* 191 56 126
*Maintenance dose
Note: FN, FP2O5 and K2O are fertilizer N, P2O5 and K2O in kg ha-1, respectively; T is the yield
target in t ha-1; SN, SP and SK respectively are available N,P and K in kg ha-1 and ON,
OP and OK are the quantities of N, P and K supplied through organic manure inkg ha-1.

(i) Apply 37.5 kg Zinc sulphate/ha and 100 kg Ferrous sulphate + 12.5 t FYM/ha to
zinc and iron deficient soils.
(ii) Application of sulphur in the form of Gypsum @ 500 kg /ha to sulphur deficient
soils to increase the cane yield and juice quality.
(iii) Basal application of 5 kg CuSO4 for copper deficient soil.

291
 V. MANAGEMENT OF MAIN FIELD OPERATIONS
1. PREPARATION OF SETTS FOR PLANTING
a. Take seed material from short crop (6 to 7 months age) free from pests and
diseases incidence.
i) Detrash the cane with hand before setts preparation.
ii. Use sharp knife or sett cutting machine developed by TNAU to prepare
setts without splits.
iii. Discard setts with damaged buds, sprouted buds, splits etc.
iv. Sett treatment with biofertilizers: Prepare slurry with 2 kg of Azospirillum/
Gluconacetobacter, 2kg of phosphobacteria , 2 kg of SSB and dip the setts
required for one ha for 30 minutes and plant. (or) sett treatment with
powder formulation of Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus and AM fungi
each @ 67.5 g/ha along with 75% of recommended dose of N & P.

2. SETT TREATMENT
ƒ Select healthy setts for planting.
ƒ The setts should be soaked in 100 litres of water dissolved with 50g
Carbendazim, 200ml malathion and 1 kg urea for 15 minutes.
ƒ Treat setts with Aerated steam at 50°C for one hour to control primary infection
of grassy shoot disease.

3. SEED RATE
75000 two-budded setts/ha.

4. PLANTING
Different systems of planting is not found to influence the millable cane
population, commercial cane sugar per cent, cane and sugar yield.
a) Irrigate the furrows to form a slurry in wet land condition (Heavy soil)
b) Place the setts along the centre of the furrows, accommodating 12 buds/metre
length. Keep the buds in the lateral position and press gently beneath the soil in
the furrow.
c) Next day cover the exposed setts with soil to avoid exposure of setts to sunlight.
th
d) Plant more setts near the channel or double row planting at every 10 row for
gap filling, at later stage.
e) In dry/ garden land dry method of planting may be followed. First arrange the
setts along the furrows, cover the setts with soil and then irrigate.

Improved technologies on cane planting systems

Mechanisation of planting
• TNAU mechanical planter is useful for cost effective planting with saving of
Rs.3750 / ha and it can cover an area of 1.5ha/day
• Reduces the human labour drudgery and seed rate up to 5 tones/ha.
• Paired row system of planting double side planting of sugarcane setts with 150 +
30 cm spacing for Astraf 8000 series (Mechanical harvester) operated areas and
150 + 30 cm spacing for New Holland 4000 series operated areas may be
292
 adopted with single row of cane planting.
• Sugarcane cultivates under subsurface drip system the laterals may be placed
20cm depth in the furrows and setts are placed 5cm above the laterals.
• For sustainable sugarcane initiative system (SSI) transplanting young chip bud
seedling raised in portray (25-35 days old) in wide spacing (5x2 feet) in the main
field with drip fertigation system.
• Daincha / Sunhemp intercropping in the wider spaced cane cultivated area for
improving soil health and reduce the weed infestation. It also reduces early
shoot borer incidences and increases cane yield.
• Plant the setts on one side of the ridge for 80 cm spacing in heavy soil to avoid
sett rot resulted better germination
• Sow rhizobium treated green manure seeds @ 10kg/ha on the opposite side of
ridge with 10cm. Spacing on or before 3 days after planting.
• Incorporate the green manure crop 50-60 days after planting in between interow
of wider spaced crop and give partial earthing up with recommended dose of N
fertilizer on 90 – 100 day after planting.
• Introduction of power weeder with rotovator for weeding and earthing up with
ridger to save the cost on labour and also to reduce human drudgery.
5. FILLING UP GAPS
ii. Fill the gaps, if any, within 30 days after planting with sprouted setts.
iii. Gap filling with two budded setts/ poly bag seedlings within 15 to 20 days after
planting to maintain optimum plant stand.
iv. Maintain adequate moisture for 3 weeks for proper establishment of the
sprouted setts.
6. TRASH MULCHING
Mulch the ridges uniformly with cane trash to a thickness of 10 cm within a week
after planting. It helps to tide over drought, conserves moisture, reduce weed
population and minimise shoot borer incidence. Mulch the field with trash after 21 days
of planting in heavy soil and wetland conditions. Avoid trash mulching in areas where
incidence of termites is noticed.
7. RAISING INTER CROPS
In areas of adequate irrigation, sow one row of soybean or blackgram or greengram
along the centre of the ridge on the 3rd day of planting. Intercropping of daincha or
sunhemp along ridges and incorporation of the same on the 45th day during partial
earthing up helps to increase the soil fertility, and also the cane yield.
8. WEED MANAGEMENT
WEED MANAGEMENT IN PURE CROP OF SUGARCANE
i. Wherever weed menace is higher, one line weeding along the crop row and
spade digging of ridges have to be done on 30, 60 and 90 DAP
ii. Spray Atrazine 1 kg or Oxyflurofen 750 ml/ha mixed in 500 liters of water as
pre emergence herbicide on the 3rd day of planting, using deflector or fan type
nozzle fitted with knapsack sprayer.
-1
iii. Pre emergence application of atrazine @ 1.0 kg ha on 3 DAP followed by post
emergence directed application of glyphosate @ 10 ml / litre of water on 45
DAP with hood+ one hand weeding on 90 DAP registered the maximum cane
yield.

293
 iv. If the parasitic weed striga is a problem, Pre-emergence application of Atrazine
1.0 kg/ha on 3 DAP + hand weeding on 45 DAP with an earthing up on 60 DAP
combined with post-emergence sparaying of 2,4-D @ 6 g (0.6%) + Urea @
20 g (2%) / litre of water on 90 DAP + Trash mulching 5 t/ha on 120 DAP.
a-1
v. Pre- plant application of glyphosate at 2.0 kg h along with 2% ammonium
sulphate at 21 days before planting of sugarcane followed by post emergence
direct spraying of glyphosate at 2.0 kg ha-1 along with 2% ammonium sulphate
with a special hood on 30 DAP suppressed the nut sedges (Cyperus rotandus)
and provided weed free environment.
vi. If herbicide is not applied work the junior-hoe along the ridges on 25, 55 and
85 days after planting for removal of weeds and proper stirring. Remove the
weeds along the furrows with hand hoe. Otherwise operate power tiller fitted
with tynes for intercultivation.
vii. Control of creeper weeds post emergence directed application of fernoxone
(2, 4 –D sodium salt) @ 2 gm + 10 gm of urea per liter of water may be sprayed
over the creeper weeds.

Weed management in Sugarcane intercropping system

Premergence application of Thiobencarb @ 1.25 kg ai/ha under intercropping system in
Sugarcane with Soybean, blackgram or groundnut gives effective weed control. Raising
intercrops is not found to affect the cane yield and quality.
9. EARTHING UP
After application of 3rd dose fertilizer (90 days), work victory plough along the
ridges for efficient and economical earthing up. At 150 days after planting, earthing up
may be done with spade.

10. DETRASHING
Remove the dry cane leaves on 150th and 210th day to avoid borer infestation.

11. PROPPING
Do double line propping with trash twist at the age of 210 days of the crop.

12. TOP DRESSING WITH FERTILIZERS

Apply 275 kg of nitrogen and 112.5 kg of K O/ha in three equal splits at 30, 60 and 90
days
a. Soil application
Coastal and flow irrigated belts (assured water supply areas). In the case of lift irrigation
belt, apply 225 kg of nitrogen and 112.5 kg of K O/ha in three equal splits at 30, 60 and 90
days (water scarcity areas). For jaggery areas, apply 175 kg of nitrogen and 112.5 kg of
K2O/ha in three equal splits on 30, 60 and 90 days.
NITROGEN SAVING
a. Neem Cake Blended Urea: Apply 67.5 kg of N/ha + 27.5 kg of Neem Cake at
30 days and repeat on 60th and 90th days.
Note: Neem cake blending: Powder the required quantity of neem cake and mix it with
urea thoroughly and keep it for 24 hours. Thus, 75 kg of nitrogen/ha can be saved
by this method.

294
 b. Azospirillum: Mix 12 packets (2400 g)/ha of Azospirillum inoculant or TNAU
Biofert –1 with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg soil and apply near the clumps on
30th day of planting. Repeat the same on 60th day with another 12 packets
(2400 gm). Repeat the above on the other side 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
the fertilisers in the form of band and cover it properly.
d. Subsurface application: Application of 255 kg of Nitrogen in the form of urea
along with potash at 10cm depth with 15cm intervals by the side of the cane
clump will result in the saving of 20 kg N/ha without any yield reduction.
Nutritional Disorders :
Nitrogen deficiency : All leaves of sugarcane exhibit a yellow – green colour and
retardation of growth. Cane stalks are smaller in diameter and premature drying of older
leaves. Roots attain a greater length but are smaller in diameter.

Phosphorus deficiency : Reduction in length of sugarcane stalks, diameters of which

taper rapidly at growing points. The colour of the leaves is greenish blue, narrow and some
what reduce length. Reduced tillering, decreased shoot / root ratio with restricted root
development.

Potassium deficiency: Depressed growth, yellowing and marginal drying of older leaves and
development of slender stalks. An orange, yellow colour appears in the older lower leaves
which develop numerous chlorotic spots that later become brown with dead centre. A
reddish discoloration which is confined to the epidermal cells of the upper surfaces and
midribs of the leaves. The young leaves appear to have developed from a common point
giving a “Bunched top” appearance. Poor root growth with less member of root hairs.

Zinc deficiency: Mild zinc deficiency exhibit a tendency to develop anthrocyanin pigments
in the leaves. Pronounced bleaching of the green colour along the major veins and also
striped effect due to a loss of chlorophyll along the veins. In acute cases of zinc deficiency
there is evidences of necrosis and growth ceases at the growing point (meristem).

Iron deficiency: Symptoms of Iron deficiency are generally seen in young leaves where pale
stripes with scanty chlorophyll content occur between parallel lines. In advanced stages of
deficiency the young leaves turn completely white, even in the veins. Root growth also
becomes restricted.
Boron deficiency : Boron deficiency could be seen in the cane by depressed growth,
development of distorted and chlorotic leaves and the presence of definite leaf and stalks
lesions. In extreme cases of boron deficiency the plant will die.

Importance of Balanced Nutrition

The soil fertility has declined in many sugarcane growing areas of the state due to
improper and some times, distorted fertilizer schedules adopted over the years under
intensive cultivation of the crop. Hence balanced application of fertilizer based on soil test
values and crop requirement is essential.

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How to Evaluate fertilizer requirement
Through STCR fertilizer prescription equations
a. Perianaickenpalayam series (Inceptisols) of Coimbatore and Erode STL Jurisdiction
FN = 4.17 T – 1.09 SN – 1.11 ON FP2O5 = 1.01 T – 2.56 SP – 1.01 OP FK2O = 3.44 T – 0.84 SK
– 1.03 OK
b. Gadillum series (Red laterite) of Cuddalore STL Jurisdiction
FN = 4.06 T – 0.74 SN – 0.87 ON FP2O5 = 0.71 T – 1.09 SP – 0.72 OP FK2O = 2.67 T – 0.57 SK
– 1.30 OK
c. Irugur series (Inceptisols) of Coimbatore, Erode, Trichy and Salem STL Jurisdiction
FN = 3.42 T – 0.56 SN – 0.93 ON FP2O5 = 1.15 T – 1.94 SP – 0.98 OP FK2O = 3.16 T –
0.73 SK – 0.99 OK
Micro nutrient fertilizers
1. (a) Zinc deficient soils : Basal application of 37.5 kg/ha of zinc sulphate.
(b) For zinc deficiency symptoms: foliar spray of 0.5% zinc sulphate with 1% urea at
15 days internal till deficiency symptoms disappear.
2. (a) Iron deficient soils: Basal application of 100 kg/ha of ferrous sulphate + 12.5t
FYM.
(b) For Iron deficiency symptoms: Foliar spray of 1% ferrous sulphate + 0.1% citric
acid with 1% urea at 15 days interval till deficiency symptoms disappear.
3. Soil application of CuSO4@ 5 kg/ha in copper deficient soils. Alternatively foliar
spray of 0.2% CuSO4 twice during early stage of crop growth.

Common Micronutrient mixture : To provide all micronutrients to sugarcane, 50 kg /ha of

micronutrient mixture containing 20 kg Ferrous sulphate,10 kg Manganese sulphate, 10 kg
Zinc sulphate, 5 kg of Copper sulphate, 5 kg of Borax mixed with 100 kg of well
decomposed FYM, can be recommended as soil application prior to planting. (Or)
Application of TNAU MN mixture @ 50 kg/ha as EFYM for higher cane yield.
Recommended dosage of macro and micronutrients Macronutrients
a. Sugarcane – plant crop (meant for sugar mills) 300:100:200 kg N, P2O5 and K2O
per ha
b. Sugarcane – Ratoon crop (meant for sugar mills)
300 + 25% extra N : 100 : 200 kg N, P2O5 and K2O per ha
c. Sugarcane for jaggery manufacture (plant as well as ratoon crop)
225 : 62.5 : 112.5 kg N, P2O5 and K2O per ha
13. BIOFERTILIZER FOR SUGARCANE
Azospirillum is the common biofertilizer recommended for N nutrition which could
colonize the roots of sugarcane and fix atmospheric nitrogen to the tune of about 50 to 75
kg nitrogen per ha per year. Recently, another endophytic nitrogen fixing bacterium,
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus isolated from sugarcane can able to fix more nitrogen
than Azospirillum. It colonizes throughout the sugarcane and increases the total N content.
In soil, it can also colonize the roots and able to solubilize the phosphate, iron and Zn. It can
also enhance the crop growth, yield of sugarcane and sugar content of the juice. Since it is
more efficient than Azospirillum, this new organism was test-verified in various centres and
released as new biofertilizer Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus TNAU Biofert-I.
Phosphobacteria as P solubiliser are recommended for sugarcane crop.

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Sett treatment with Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus
Before planting the sugarcane setts can be treated with ten packets (2 kg) per ha of
Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus prepared as slurry with 250 L of water.

Soil application Gluconacetobacter diazotrophicus

Twelve packets (2.4 kg) per ha is recommended for soil application each at 30th, 60th and
90th day after planting under irrigated condition.

Same method of application can be followed for Phosphobacteria.

• If basal application is not followed apply the same with 30th day, 60th day and
90th day after planting and copiously irrigate the field.
• Biofertilizer treatment should be done just before planting.
• Immediately plant/ Irrigate after biofertilizer application
• Do not mix biofertilizer along with chemical fertilizer.
• Reduces 25% of the recommended N to reap the benefits of biofertilizer
application

14. WATER MANAGEMENT

Irrigate 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 depth of water at shorter intervals especially for
sandy soil for enhancing the germination. Sprinkler irrigation is the suitable method to
satisfy the requirement, during initial stages.
Later, irrigation can be provided at 0.75, 0.75 and 0.50 IW/CPE ratio during tillering,
grandgrowth and maturity phases respectively. The irrigation intervals in each phase are
given below:
Days of irrigation interval
Stages
Tillering phase (36 to 100 days) 8 10
Grand growth phase (101 - 270 8 10
days)
Maturity phase (271 - harvest) 10 14

Drip Irrigation:
o Planting setts obtained from 6-7 months old healthy nursery and planted in
paired row planting system with the spacing of 30x30x30 / 150 cm. for
manual harvest and 30/150 cm for machine harvest
o Eight setts per metre per row have to be planted on either sides of the ridge
thus making it as four row planting system.
o 12 mm drip laterals have to be placed in the middle ridge of each furrow
with the lateral spacing of 240 cm & 8 ‘Lph’ clog free drippers should be
placed with a spacing of 75 cm on the lateral lines. The lateral length
should not exceed more than 30-40 m.
o Phosphorus @ 62.5 kg ha-1 has to be applied as basal at the time of planting.
o Nitrogen and Potassium @ 275:112.5 kg ha-1 have to be injected into the
system as urea and muriate of potash by using “Ventury” assembly in 10-12

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 equal splits starting from 15 to 150- 180 days after planting.
o Low or medium in nutrient status soil to be given with 50 per cent additional
dose of Nitrogen and Potassium.
o Irrigation is given once in three days based on the evapo-transpiration
demand of the crop.
o The double side planting of sugarcane with lateral spacing of 120+40 cm
under subsurface drip fertigation system improves the yield.
o Application of 125 % recommended NPK (Rec NPK-275 :63:112.5 kg /ha )
through fertigation under pit system of planting inprove the yield and yield
attributes.
Concept of fertigation
- Fertigation is the judicious application of fertilizers by combining with irrigation
water.
- Fertigation can be achieved through fertilizer tank, venturi System, Injector
Pump, Non- Electric Proportional Liquid Dispenser (NEPLD) and Automated
system.
-1
- Recommended N & K @ of 275 and 112.5 kg. ha may be applied in 14 equal
splits with 15 days interval from 15 DAP.
- 25 kg N and 8 kg K2O per ha per split.
- Urea and MOP (white potash) fertilisers can be used as N and K sources
respectively
- Fertigation up to 210 DAP can also be recommended.

Advantages of Fertigation
- Ensures a regular flow of water as well as nutrients resulting in increased growth
rates for higher yields
- Offers greater versatility in the timing of the nutrient application to meet specific
crop demands
- Improves availability of nutrients and their uptake by the roots
- Safer application method which eliminates the danger of burning the plant root
system
- Offers simpler and more convenient application than soil application of fertilizer
thus saving time, labour, equipment and energy
- Improves fertilizer use efficiency
- Reduction of soil compaction and mechanical damage to the crops
- Potential reduction of environmental contamination
- Convenient use of compound and ready-mix nutrient solutions containing also
small concentration of micronutrients.

15. Contingent plan

Gradual 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 subsequently deepen
the furrow on 90th day to save 35% of water.

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Drought Management:
i. Soak the setts in lime solution (80 kg Kiln lime in 400 lit) for one hour.
ii. Plant in deep furrows of 30 cm depth.
iii. Foliar spray of kel and urea each at 2.5 per cent during moisture stress period
at 15 days interval.
iv. Foliar spray of Kaolin (60 g in 1 ltr. of water) to alleviate the water stress.
v. Under water scarcity condition, alternate furrow and skip furrow method is
beneficial.
vi. Apply 125 kg of MOP additionally at 120 day of planting.
vii. Basal incorporation of coir waste @ 25 tonnes/ha at the time of last ploughing.
th
viii. Removal of dry trash at 5 month and leave it as mulch, in the field.
16. CROP PROTECTION

A. Pest Management:

SUGARCANE
• Deep plough during summer
• Select scale insect free setts
• Treat the setts with imidacloprid 70% WS @ 100 ml/ 100 kg to avoid termite
• Adopt early planting (Dec-Jan)
• Plant sugarcane in paired or wider rows for taking effective control measures
• Trash mulch on ridges at 3 DAP
• Intercrop with green gram, black gram and daincha
• Keep bunds free from weeds
• Avoid ratoons in infested fields
• Provide adequate rrigation & avoid excessive use of nitrogenous fertilizers
• Detrash on 150 and 210th DAP
• Drain excess water
• Avoid use of insecticide treated leaves as cattle feed.

Early Shoot borer, • Release Sturmiopsis inferens gravid females @ 125/ha on 30

Chilo infuscatellus and 45 DAP
Apply any one of the following insecticides/ha
• Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G @ 18.75 g
• Chlorantraniliprole 18.5 % SC @ 375 ml
• Chlorpyriphos 20%EC 1.0 lit
• Fipronil 0.3% GR @ 25 kg
• Fipronil 5% SC @1.5 lit
• Monocrotophos 36 %SL 1.5 lit
• NSKE 5 %
• Thiamethoxam 75% w/w SG @ 160 g
Internode borer, • Release egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis at the rate of
Chilo sacchariphagus indicus 2.5 cc / release/ha (Six releases at 15 days interval starting
from fourth month).
Top shoot borer, • Collect and destroy egg masses
Scirpophaga excerptalis • Release prepupal parasitoid, Isotima javensis @ 125 females
/ha
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 Apply any one of the following insecticides/ha
• Carbofuran 3% CG @ 66 kg
• Chlorantraniliprole 0.4% G @ 18.75 kg
• Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 375 ml
Pyrilla, Pyrilla perpusilla • Release lepidopteran parasitoid, Epiricrania melanoleuca @
8000 -10,000 cocoon /ha (or) 8 - 10 lakh eggs/ha
Spray any one of the following on 150 and 210 DAP /ha after
detrashing
• Chlorpyriphos 20 % EC @ 1.50 lit
• Monocrotophos 36%SL @ 1.50 lit
Aleurodids, • Spray monocrotophos 36%SL @ 1.50 lit/ha
Aleurolobus barodensis
Aphid,
Melanaphis sacchari,
M. indosacchari
Scale insect,
Melanaspis glomerata
Mealybug, Saccharicoccus
sacchari
Termite, • Flood irrigate the furrows at the time of planting
Odontotermes obesus • Drench soil with chlorpyriphos 20% EC @ 6.25 lit/ha
Apply any one of the following insecticides/ha
• Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC @ 500 ml
• Clothianidin 50% WDG @ 250 g
• Imidacloprid 17.8% SL@ 350 ml
• Thiamethoxam 75% w/w SG @160 g

Root grub • Set up light trap to collect and destroy adults

Holotrichia consanguinea H. • Collect and destroy adult beetles present on neem, Ailanthus
serrata and Acacia trees
Leucopholis lepidophora • Imidacloprid 17.8% SL@ 350 ml / ha
Woolly aphid, • Avoid transportation of aphid infested leaves from one
Ceratovacuna lanigera location to another
• Conserve and augment biocontrol agents like Dipha
aphidivora, Micromus and coccinellids
Spray any one of the following insecticides /ha
• Chlorpyriphos 25%EC 1.0 lit
• Monocrotophos 36%SL 625 ml
Root borer Spray any one of the following insecticides /ha
• Fipronil 5% SC @1.5 lit
• Fipronil 0.3% GR @ 25 kg

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 B) Disease management
Disease Recommendations
Red rot: Colletotrichum fal • Selection of setts from healthy nursery
catum programme.
• Growing of recommended resistant and
moderately resistant varieties viz., Co
86249, CoC 22, CoC 25, CoG 6 and Co 0212
• Sett treatment with carbendazim before
planting (carbendazim 50 WP @ 0.05%
along with 1.0% urea for 15 minutes)
• The irrigation interval in red rot affected
field must be lengthened. Once in 15 days
during tillering, growth phases and once in
25 days during maturity phase which
restricts the spread
• Removal of the affected clumps at an early
stage and soil drenching with 0.1 %
carbandazim 50 WP
• The trash of red rot affected field after
harvest may be uniformly spread and burnt
• In the red rot affected field crop rotation
with rice for one season and other crops for
two seasons could be adopted
Sett rot: Ceratocytis paradoxa • Sett treatment with carbendazim before
planting (carbendazim 50 WP @ 0.05%
along with 1.0% urea for 15 minutes)
• Proper drainage and planting of setts in 1-2
cm depth
Smut: Sporisorium scitamineum (Ustilago • Sett treatment with carbendazim before
scitaminea) planting (carbendazim 50 WP @ 0.05%
along with 1.0% urea for 15 minutes)
• Treating the setts with Aerated Steam
Therapy (AST) at 50 ºC for 1 hour or in hot
water at 50 ºC for 30 minutes or at 52 ºC
for 18 minutes
• Roguing of smut whips with gunny
bags/polythene bag and burnt
• Discourage ratooning of the diseased crops
having more than 10 per cent infection
Grassy shoot disease (GSD): Candidatus • Rogue out infected plants in the seed
Phytoplasma nursery
• Treat setts with aerated steam at 50°C for 1
hour to control primary infection
• Spray dimethoate @ 0.1 % to control insect
vector
• Avoid ratooning if GSD incidence is more
than 15 % in the plant crop

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Leaf spot: Cercospora longipes •
pray mancozeb @ 2 kg or carbendazim @
500 g/ha
Rust: Puccinia melanocephala •
pray mancozeb @ 2 kg/ha
Yellow leaf disease: Sugarcane yellow leaf virus •
(Vector: Melanopsis sacchari) se of disease free setts for planting
•
election of tissue culture seedling from
meristem tip culture
•
roper nutritional management

General Recommendations
• 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 end and hollows should be rejected.
• In fields which had shown high level of red rot disease, follow crop rotation with rice.
• Sett treatment with carbendazim before planting (carbendazim 50 WP @ 0.05%
along with 1.0% urea for 15 minutes.
• Treat setts with aerated steam at 50°C for one hour to control primary infection of
smut and grassy shoot disease.
Clumps infected by grassy shoot, smut and ratoon stunting diseases should be
uprooted and destroyed.

17. PRE-HARVEST PRACTICES

a. Apply cane ripeners
i. Spray Sodium metasilicate 4 kg/ha in 750 litres of water on the foliage of crop at 6
months after planting.
ii. Repeat the same twice at 8th and 10th months to obtain higher cane yield and sugar
percentage.
b. Assessing maturity of crops
i. Assess the maturity by hand refractometer brix survey and 18 to 20 per cent brix
indicates optimum maturity for harvest.
ii. Top-bottom ratio of H.R.Brix reading should be 1:1.
18. HARVESTING
i. Early varieties have to be harvested at 10 to 11 months age and mid-season varieties
at 11 to 12 months age.
ii. Harvest the cane at peak maturity. Cut the cane to the ground level for both plant
and ratoon crops.
B. RATOON CROP
I. MANAGEMENT OF THE FIELD AFTER HARVEST OF THE PLANT CROP
Complete the following operations within 10 days of harvest of plant crop to obtain
better establishment and uniform sprouting of shoots.
1. Remove the trash from the field. Do not burn it. Irrigate the field copiously.
2. Follow stubble shaving with sharp spades to a depth of 4 - 6 cm along the ridges
at proper moisture.
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 3. Work with cooper plough along with sides of the ridges to break the
compaction.
4. The gappy areas in the ratoon sugarcane crop should be filled within 30 days of
stubble shaving. The sprouted cane stubbles taken from the same field is the
best material for full establishment. The next best method is gap filling with
seedlings raised in polybags.
5. Apply basal dose of organic manure and super phosphate as recommended for
plant crop.
II. MANAGEMENT OF THE CROP
1. 25% additional N application on 5-7 days after ratooning.
2. Foliar spray of Ferrous sulphate at 2.5 kg/ha on the 15th day. If chlorotic
condition persists, repeat the spray twice further at 15 days interval. Add urea
2.5 kg/ha in the last spray.
3. Hoeing and weeding on 20th day and 40th to 50th day.
4. First top dressing on 25th day, 2nd on 45th to 50th day.
5. Final manuring on 70th to 75th day.
6. Partial earthing up on 50th day. If junior-hoe is worked two or three times upto
90th day, partial earthing up is not necessary.
7. Final earthing up on 90th day.
8. Detrashing on 120th and 180th day.
9. Trash twist propping on 180th day.
10. Harvest after 11 months.

SHORT CROP (NURSERY CROP)

C.
SELECTION OF PROPER PLANTING MONTHS FOR RAISING NURSERY CROP IN
RELATION TO MAIN FIELD PLANTING
Raise six to seven months old nursery crop prior to main field planting as follows:
Raise nursery crop during Main field planting
June 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 CROP

Adopt similar production techniques for raising short crop with the following
modifications.
1. Do not detrash
2. Do not prop
3. Harvest at 6 to 7 months age
4. Remove trash by hand while preparing setts
5. Avoid bud damage
6. Transport the seed material to other places in the forms of full canes with
trash intact.
7. Apply 50 kg of urea as top dressing additionally before one month of cutting the
seed cane.

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CROP PHYSIOLOGY
Foliar spray of TNAU Sugarcane Booster @ 1.0, 1.5 and 2 kg/acre in 200 litres of water
at 45,60 and 75 days after planting enhances cane growth and weight, internodal length,
cane yield, sugar content and offers drought tolerance.

CROP PROTECTION
A. Pest Management: Economic threshold level for important pests Economic threshold
level for important pests

Pests Management strategies

Shoot borer < Cultural: Early season planting (Dec-Jan) ;
Chilo infuscatellus < Trash mulching on ridges on 3DAP
< Intercropping with green gram, black gram, daincha effectively
checks shoot borer.
< Spray Granulosis virus at 1.5 x 1012 PIB/ha twice on 35 and 50
days after planting (DAP) or release 125 gravid females of
Sturmiopsis inferens /ha on 30 and 45 DAP
Apply any one of the following insecticides: Soil application
Lindane 10 G 12.5 kg Carbofuran 3CG 33 kg Spraying
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC 375 ml/ha Fipronil 5%SC 1500-2000
ml/ha Fipronil 0.3%GR 25-33.3 Kg/ha Quinalphos 25%EC 2000
ml/ha Phosalone 35 EC 1000 ml
NSKE 5 % 25 Kg/ha
< Daincha intercropped sugarcane recorded the lowest early
shoot borer incidence.
Note: The virus should be applied with teepol (0.05%) during
evening hours. The granular application should be immediately
followed by irrigation. ‘Granulosis’ virus spraying on sugarcane at
750 Nos. of diseased larvae, crushed and filtered mixed in 500 l of
water has been found harmless to parasitoids and predators. A
sticker like ‘teepol’ (250 ml for 500 l) can also be added to make
the solution stick on to the surface of the crop and it is preferable
to use high volume
sprayer to be more effective. On cost benefit ratio basis NSKE 5%
is recommended.
Internode borer < Release egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis at the rate of
Chilo sacchariphagus 2.5 cc/release/ha. Six releases fifteen days interval starting
indicus from fourth month onwards will be necessary.
< During rainy weather and when ants are present, release the
parasite through musquito net covered plastic disposable
cups.
< Detrash the crop on the 150th and 210th day after planting.
Top shoot borer Spraying any one of the following insecticides:
Scirpophaga excerptalis Carbofuran 3%G 33.3 kg/ha Chlorantraniprole 18.5%SC 375 ml/ha
Phorate 10%G 30 kg/ha
Biocontrol:
Release Isotima javensis at 100 pairs/ha
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Pyrilla Spray any one of the following on the 150th and 210th day
Pyrilla perpusilla (1000 l spray fluid):
Chlorpyrifos 20% EC 1500 ml/ha
Dichlorvos 76% EC 376 ml/ha
< Detrash on the above days
< Avoid excess use of nitrogen.
Aleurodids < Spray any one of the following when the incidence is noticed
Aleurolobus barodensis (1000 l spray fluid): Fenitrothion 50 EC 2000 ml
Monocrotophos 36 WSC 2000 ml
< The pest generally occurs in ill drained soil.
White grub < Crop rotation,
Holotrichia consanguinea < Deep ploughing during summer,
< Avoid ratoons in infested fields,
< Provide adequate irrigation, since under inadequate soil
moisture conditions, the pest appears in the root zone.
Termite Flood irrigate the furrows to avoid termite attack in the furrows
Odontotermes obesus at the time of planting
< Sett treatment:
Dip the setts in imidacloprid 70 WS 0.1% or Chlorpyriphos 20
EC 0.04 % for 5 min.
< Soil application:
Apply lindane 1.3 D 125 kg/ha
< Spray:
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5%SC 500-625 ml/ha Imidacloprid 17.8% SL
350 ml/ha Chlorpyriphos 20%EC 750 ml/ha
Root borer Spraying any one the following insecticides:
Fipronil 5% SC 1500-2000 ml/ha
Fipronil 0.3% GR 25-33.3 kg/ha
Phorate 10% CG 25 kg/ha
Black bug Apply any one of the following insecticides
Chlorpyriphos 20% EC 750 ml/ha
Quinalphos 25% EC 2000 ml/ha
Mealy bug < Detrash as per schedule
Saccharicoccus sacchari < Drain excess water
Apply any one of the following insecticides when the incidence
is noticed spray on the stem only: Methyl parathion 50 EC 1000
ml/ha
Malathion 50 EC 1000 ml/ha
Leaf hopper Spraying any one the following insecticides:
Quinalphos 25% EC 1200 ml/ha Carbofuran 3% CG 33.3kg/ha

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IMPROVED TECHNIQUES IN BIOLOGICAL CONTROL
Improved adult feeding techniques for Trichogramma
• Trichogramma adult feeding through cotton swabs will trap the adults which get
entangled in the sticky 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
sewing machine, leaving a gap of 1 cm between the dotted holes horizontally. One
side of the sheet (7 x 6 cm) will be smooth and the other will be eruptive. Streak
50% honey solution on the smooth side by using a camel hair brush. Then fold the
sheet in such a way that the honey-smeared surface is on the inside and the
eruptive surface outside and staple it. The gap between the dotted holes will
provide free movement for the adults, which imbibe the honey through eruptive
surface. In this method, the adults do not get trapped in the honey solution.

Special problem: Woolly aphid (Ceratovacuna lanigera)

Attacked plants could be recognized from a distance by the following symptoms:
• White appearance of the lower surface of colonized top leaves; sooty mould growth
and the honeydew exudations deposited on the upper surface of lower or adjacent
leaves; occasional white woolly deposition on the ground under severe
colonization.
• Established colonies, characterized by the presence of members most of which
showed white woolly filaments, can be generally observed from the second leaf
downward in the grown-up crop. At low numbers, colonization on leaves is
restricted to a short perpendicular distance on either side of the midrib for a
considerable length of the leaf.
• Among the plants the attack is seen only in patches.
• Since the infestation has become a major cause for concern, major initiatives have
been started by the Department of Agriculture and ICAR.
Management strategies:
• Enforcement of compulsory IPM measures against woolly aphid infestation in newly
planted and ratoon sugarcane fields by invoking suitable provisions of the State Pest
Act of the State.
• Harvesting of the entire matured sugarcane crop on priority for crushing as well
burning of the trash.
• Application of granular systemic insecticides after two days of irrigation may
reduce the infestation of aphids even up to 30 days.
• Promotion of paired or wider row cultivation of sugarcane for taking effective
control measures.
• Conservation and augmentation of identified potential biocontrol agents like Dipha
aphidivora, Micromus and coccinellids in woolly aphid infested fields.
• Release of Dipha aphidivora @ 1000/ha or Micromus igorotus @ 2500/ha wherever
possible.
• Conservation of lepidopteran predator, Dipha aphidivora predator population in
limited areas of sugarcane crop for further distribution and use thereof.
• Regular surveillance and monitoring of sugarcane woolly aphid for timely
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 forewarning and adoption of IPM measures including judicious use of
recommended pesticides and bio-pesticides (Metarhizium anisopliae, Beauveria
bassiana, Verticillium lecanii).
• Avoiding transportation of aphid infested leaves from one location to another.
• Avoiding use of infested cane for seed purpose.
• Ensuring that the insecticides treated leaves are not used as fodder.
• Insecticide application at low levels or at initial stages of infestation may be
restricted to only attackednplants since the attack is seen only in patches
During acute incidence, spray any one of the following insecticides once or twice in
affected patches: Acephate 75SP 2gm/lit Chlorpyrifos 25EC 2ml/lit Monocrotophos 36WSC
2ml/lit.
Disease Recommendations
Red rot: Colletotrichum falcatum •Removal of the affected clumps at an early
stage and soil drenching with 0.1 %
carbandazim 50 WP
•The irrigation interval in red rot affected field
must be lengthened. Once in 15 days during
tillering, growth phases and once in 25 days
during maturity phase which restricts the
spread
•The trash of red rot affected field after harvest
may be uniformly spread and burnt
•In the red rot affected field crop rotation with
rice for one season and other crops for two
seasons could be adopted

Smut: Sporisorium scitamineum (Ustilago •Roguing of smut whips with gunny

scitaminea) bags/polythene bag and burnt
•Discourage ratooning of the diseased crops
having more than 10 per cent infection
Grassy shoot disease (GSD): Candidatus •Spray dimethoate @ 0.1 % to control insect
Phytoplasma vector
•Avoid ratooning if GSD incidence is more than
15 % in the plant crop
Leaf spot: Cercospora longipes •Spray mancozeb @ 2 kg or carbendazim @ 500
g/ha
Rust: Puccinia melanocephala •Spray mancozeb @ 2 kg/ha
Yellow leaf disease: Sugarcane yellow leaf virus •Proper nutritional management
(Vector: Melanopsis sacchari) •Selection of tissue culture seedling from
meristem tip culture

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General Recommendations
• 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 end and hollows should be rejected.
• In fields which had shown high level of red rot disease, follow crop rotation with rice.
• Sett treatment with carbendazim before planting (carbendazim 50 WP @ 0.05%
along with 1.0% urea for 15 minutes.
• Treat setts with aerated steam at 50°C for one hour to control primary infection of
smut and grassy shoot disease.

Clumps infected by grassy shoot, smut and ratoon stunting diseases should be
uprooted and destroyed.

NEMATODE MANAGEMENT

Nematode pest Control measures

Lesion nematode, *Apply carbofuran 3 CG at 33 kg/ha at the time of
Pratylenchus coffeae planting or 2 months after or Cartop 1.5 kg ai/ha
or apply pressmud at 15 t/ha or poultry manure at
2 t/ha or neem cake 2 t/ha or apply pressmud at
15 t/ha or poultry manure at 1 t/ha before last
ploughing in garden lands.
* Under wetland conditions, intercropping
sunnhemp or marigold or daincha coupled with
application of pressmud 25 t/ha or neem cake 2
t/ha.

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 8. SWEET SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolor)
Climate Requirement

T_MaxoC T_MinoC Optimum oC Rainfall mm Altitude m MSL

40 7-8 27 - 35 300 - 600 up to 2300

Tropical and sub tropical crop. It can tolerate drought conditions as well as water
logging condition. Short day plant. Soil temperature should be above 18oC.

CROP MANAGEMENT
1. TREATMENT OF SEED
Step 1: Treat the seeds 24 hours prior to sowing with Captan or Thiram 2 gm/kg of seed
or Metalaxyl 4 gm / kg of seed to control downy mildew.
Step 2: Treat the seeds required for one hectare with 3 packets (600gm) of
Azospirillum using rice gruel as binder.
Note: Dissolve 0.5 gm of gum in 20 ml of water. Add 4 ml of Chlorpyriphos 20 EC or
Monocrotophos 35 WSC or Phosalone 35 EC. To this add 1.0 kg of seed, pellet and
shade dry to control shootfly and stemborer.

2. FARM LAND PREPARATION

Form ridges and furrows at a spacing of 45 cm apart

3. SOWING
Seed rate of 10 kg/ha
Adopt a spacing of 45 x 15 cm (population 1,48,000/ha)
Sow the seeds at a depth of 2 cm and cover with soil
Note: Use increased seed rate upto 12.5 kg per hectare and remove the shoot fly
damaged seedlings at the time of thinning or raise nursery and transplant only healthy
seedlings.

4. IMPORTANCE OF INM
Application of inorganic nutrients alone in the long run will lead to soil and
environmental pollution. Hence integration organic and inorganic fertilizer will sustain
the soil heath and improve the cane yield of the sweet sorghum crop.

5. IMPORTANCE OF BALANCED NUTRITION

Application of balanced fertilizer at recommended dose in the right stage of the
crop will not only improve the productivity but also improve the soil fertility and reduce
the environmental pollution.

6. EVALUATION OF FERTILIZER REQUIREMENT

Soil testing is suggested tool for evaluating the fertilizer requirement. It has to be
done before the cropping season well in advance so as to ascertain the native fertility of
the soil and to recommend the correct dose of fertilizer which will reduce the
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fertilizer cost.
7. RECOMMENDED INM
Apply 12.5 tons of FYM/ha at last ploughing.
Soil application of Azospirillum @ 10 packets (2.0 kg/ha) after mixing with 25 kg
of FYM + 25 kg of soil may be carried out before sowing/planting.
12.5 kg /ha of MN mixture mixed with enough sand to make a total quantity of
50 kg and applied over the furrows and on top 1/3 of the ridges.
Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations. If soil test
recommendation is not available adopt a blanket recommendation of 120 : 40:
40 kg of NPK/ha

8. STAGES OF APPLICATION OF FERTILIZERS

Apply azospirillum and MN mixtures as basal
Apply half dose of N and full dose of P 2O 5 and K 2O basally before sowing.
Apply the balance N in two splits of 25% each on 15th and 30th day of sowing.

CROP PROTECTION
Downy mildew
Rogue downy mildew infected plants up to 45 days after sowing
Spray any one of the fungicides like Metalaxyl 500 g or Mancozeb 1000g/ha after
noticing the symptoms of foliar diseases, for both transplanted and direct sown
crops.

Leaf diseases: Cercospora leafspot, Rust, Colletotrichum leaf spot

Spray Mancozeb @ 1kg/ha. Repeat fungicidal application after 10 days if
necessary

Grain mould
Spray any one of the fungicides like Mancozeb @ 1000g/ha in case of
intermittent rainfall during earhead emergence and repeat if necessary another
spray 10 days later

Ergot
Spray any one of the following fungicide at emergence of earhead (5 - 10%
flowering stage) followed by a spray at 50% flowering and repeat the spray after
a week if necessary

310
 9. TROPICAL SUGARBEET

PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY

Introduction
Tropical sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris spp. Vulgaris var altissima Doll) is a biennial sugar
producing tuber crop, grown in temperate countries. This crop constitutes 30% of total
world production and distributed in 45 countries. Now tropical sugarbeet hybrids are
gaining momentum in tropical and sub tropical countries including Tamil Nadu as a
promising energy crop and alternative raw materials for the production of ethanol. Apart
from sugar production, the value added products like ethanol can also be extracted
from sugarbeet. The ethanol can be blended with petrol or diesel to the extent of 10%
and used as bio-fuel. The sugarbeet waste material viz., beet top used as green fodder, beet
pulp used as cattle feed and filter cake from industry used as organic manure.

Tropical sugarbeet now emerged as commercial field crop because of the favourable
characters like (i) tropical sugarbeet hybrids suitable for Tamil Nadu (ii) Shorter duration of
5 to 6 months (iii) needs moderate water requirement of 60-80 cm. (iv) higher sugar
content of 12 – 15% (v) improve soil conditions because of tuber crop and (vi) grow well in
saline and alkali soil. The harvesting period of sugarbeet coincides with March – June, the
human resource of sugar factory in the off season may efficiently utilized for processing of
sugarbeet in the sugar mills, which helps in continuous functioning of sugar mills.

Hybrids and duration

The tropical sugarbeet hybrids suitable for cultivation in Tamil Nadu are Cauvery,
Indus and Shubhra. The duration of these tropical hybrids will be 5 to 6 months depending
on climatic conditions prevailing during crop growth period.

Climate and season

Tropical sugarbeet require good sunshine during its growth period. The crop does
not prefer high rainfall as high soil moisture or continuous heavy rain may affect
development of tuber and sugar synthesis. Tropical sugarbeet can be sown in September–
November coincide with North East monsoon with a rainfall of 300 – 350 mm well
distributed across the growing period which favours vegetative growth and base for root
enlargement. The optimum temperature for germination is 20 – 250C, for growth and
development 30 - 350C and for sugar accumulation in 25– 350C.

Season
Tropical sugarbeet is sown in September to November and harvested during March
and May.

Field preparation
Well drained sandy loam and clayey loam soils having medium depth (45” cm) with
fairly good organic status are suitable. Tropical sugarbeet require deep ploughing (45 cm)
and followed by 2 – 3 ploughing to obtain a good soil tilth condition for favorable seed
germination. Ridges and furrows are formed at 50 cm apart.

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Manures and Fertilizers

S.No Manures and Fertilizers Basal Application Top dressing

1 Manures 12.5 tonnes /ha -
2 Biofertilizers 2 kg /acre (10 pockets)
Azospirillum Phosphobacteria 2 kg /acre (10 pockets) -
3. Fertilizers Nitrogen 75kg /ha 75kg /ha 75kg 37.5 kg / ha each at 25 & 50
Phosphorus Potassium /ha DAS

Seeds and sowing

Optimum population is 1,00,000 - 1,20,000 /ha. Hence use only pellated
seeds 1,20,000 Nos /ha which require 6 pockets (3.6kg / ha.-One pocket contains
20000 seeds (600 g)]. The recommended spacing is 50 x 20 cm. The pellated seed is
dippled at 2 cm depth in the sides of ridges at 20 cm apart. 45 x 15 cm spacing
found to be optimum for higher root yield.

Weeding and Earthing up

The crops should be maintained weed free situation upto 75 days. Pretilachlor
50 EC @ 0.5 Kg ai/ha or Pendimethalin @ 1.0 lit /ha can be dissolved in 300 litres of
water and sprayed with hand operated sprayer on 0- 2rd day after sowing, followed by
hand weeding on 25th day and 50th day after sowing. The earthing up operations
coincides with top dressing of N fertilizer.

Irrigation
Tropical sugarbeet is very sensitive to water stagnation in soil at all stages of
crop growth. Irrigation should be based on soil type and climatic condition. Pre-sowing
irrigation is essential since at the time of sowing, sufficient soil moisture is must for
proper irrigation. First irrigation is crucial for the early establishment of the crop. For
loose textured sandy loam soil irrigation once in 5 to 7 days and for heavy textured
clay loam soil once in 8 – 10 days is recommended. The irrigation has to be stopped at
least 2 to 3 weeks before harvest. At the time of harvest, if the soil is too dry and hard
it is necessary to give pre harvest irrigation for easy harvest. Light and frequent
irrigation is recommended for maintaining optimum soil moisture. Water requirement
is 800 - 850 mm.

Pest and diseases

Pests - Aphids, Tobacco caterpillar and Flea beetles
Diseases- Root and crown rot, Cercospora leaf spot and Root knot nematode

Integrated pest and disease management

Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg of seed
Summer ploughing and exposing the field to sunlight
Crop rotation for 3 years with Marigold or gingelly or sunnhemp for root rot and
nematode
Soil application of Trichoderma viride or Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2.5 kg/ha
mixed with 50 kg of FYM before planting
Sow castor as trap crop around and within fields to attract adult Spodoptera

312
 moth for egg laying
Set up light traps (1 mercury / 5 ha) for monitoring Spodoptera litura
Setting up pheromone -Pherodin SL @ 12/ha for Spodoptera litura
Removal and destruction of Spodoptera egg masses, early stage larvae formed
in clusters
Hand picking and destruction of grown up Spodoptera caterpillar

Need based
Spraying Spodoptera nuclear polyhedrosis virus at 1.5 x 1012 POB/ha
Spray NSKE 5% for aphids flea beetles and for early instar caterpillars
- Use of poison bait pellets prepared with rice bran 12.5 kg, jaggery 1.25 kg,
carbaryl 50% WP 1.25 kg in 7.5 lit water for Spodoptera litura
Spray any one of the following insecticides using a high volume sprayer covering
the foliage and soil surface
Chlorpyriphos 20 EC - 2 ml / lit,Dichlorvos 76 WSC - 1 ml/lit, Fenitrothion 50 EC -
1 ml/lit Spray malathion 50 EC (2 ml/lit) for flea beetle and leaf webber Spray
Imidacloprid 200 SL (0.2 ml/lit) or methyl demeton 25 EC (2 ml/lit) or
dimethoate 30 EC (2 ml/lit) for aphids
Applying neem cake @ 150 kg/ha for root rot
Foliar spray of Mancozeb 2.5 g / lit or Chlorothalonil 2 g / litre of water for
Cercospora leaf spot
Neem cake @ 1 t/ha or carbofuran @ 33 kg/ha as spot application on 30 days
after sowing for nematode management

Harvest and yield

The tropical sugarbeet crop matured in about 5 to 6 months. The yellowing of
lower leaf whirls of matured plant, Nitrogen deficiency and root brix reading of 15 to 18%
indicate the maturity of beet root for harvest. The average root yield of tropical sugarbeet
is 80 – 100 tonnes / ha.

CROP PROTECTION
Integrated disease management
Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg of seed
Summer ploughing and exposing the field to sunlight
Crop rotation for 3 years with Marigold or gingelly or sunnhemp for root rot and
nematode
Soil application of Trichoderma viride or Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2.5 kg/ha
mixed with 50 kg of FYM before planting

TEMPLATE FOR TECHNOLOGY

Introduction
Tropical sugarbeet (Beta vulgaris spp. Vulgaris var altissima Doll) is a biennial sugar
producing tuber crop, grown in temperate countries. Now tropical sugarbeet hybrids are
gaining momentum in tropical and sub tropical belts including Tamil Nadu as a promising
alternative energy crop for the production of ethanol and alternate sugar producing crop.
The ethanol can be blended with petrol or diesel to the extent of 10% and used as bio-fuel.

313
The bi-products of sugarbeet viz., beet top can be used as green fodder, green leaf manure
and raw material for vermi compost while beet pulp is used as cattle feed and filter cake
used as manure.

Right seed
Use pelleted seed
Variety -Nil
Hybrids - Cauvery, Indus and Shubhra
At present no seed production in India, seeds source-
Syngenta India Ltd., (Seeds division,) 1170 / 27, Revenue colony Shivaji
nagar, Pune-411005 Phone: 020-2553 5996 Fax:020 -2553 7571

Right technology
Seed Treatment : Already it is treated and marketed as pelleted seed.
Seeds Rate / ha: One 1.2 lakh pelleted seeds(3.6Kg)
Land Preparation:
ƒ Thorough land preparation of 45 cm deep ploughing,
ƒ Formation of ridges and furrows with a spacing of 50X20 cm and height of the
ridges @15 - 20 cm.
Sowing: Dibble the seed at 2 cm depth on the top of the ridge with a spacing of
20 cm between plants.
Weed free environment up to 60th day
Pre-emergence application of Pretilachlor 50EC 0.5 Kg ai / ha in 500 litre of water
or Pendimethalin 30 EC 1.0 Kg ai/ha dissolved in 500 litre of water
Hand weeding on 25th and 50 th days after sowing

Right nutrition
Balanced application of organic and inorganic fertilizers
FYM 12.5 t/ha and basal application of 2 kg of Azospirillum and 2 kg of
phosphobacteria
Based on the soil test value, inorganic fertilizer has to be applied. In the absence
of soil test value, blanket recommendation of 150:75:75 NPK kg/ha
Stages of application of fertilizer: Basal 50% N, full P and full K. Remaining 25%
N on 20 to 25 days after sowing and 25% N on 40 to 45 days after sowing.
Timely and need based, placement of fertilizer and earthing up
Excess N should be avoided

Right pest and diseases management

Pests - Aphid, Tobacco caterpillar and Flea beetles
Diseases- Root and crown rot, Cercospora leaf spot and Root knot nematode

Integrated pest and disease management

Seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 10 g/kg of seed
Summer ploughing and exposing the field to sunlight
Crop rotation for 3 years with Marigold or gingelly or sunnhemp for root rot and
nematode
Soil application of Trichoderma viride or Pseudomonas fluorescens @ 2.5 kg/ha

314
 mixed with 50 kg of FYM before planting
Sow castor as trap crop around and within fields to attract adult Spodoptera
moth for egg laying
Set up light traps (1 mercury / 5 ha) for monitoring Spodoptera litura
Setting up pheromone -Pherodin SL @ 12/ha for Spodoptera litura
Removal and destruction of Spodoptera egg masses, early stage larvae formed in
clusters
Hand picking and destruction of grown up Spodoptera caterpillar

Need based
Spraying Spodoptera nuclear polyhedrosis virus at 1.5 x 1012 POB/ha
Spray NSKE 5% for aphids flea beetles and for early instar caterpillars
Use of poison bait pellets prepared with rice bran 12.5 kg, jaggery 1.25 kg,
carbaryl 50% WP
- 1.25 kg in 7.5 lit water for Spodoptera litura
Spray any one of the following insecticides using a high volume sprayer covering
the foliage and soil surface
Chlorpyriphos 20 EC - 2 ml / lit
Dichlorvos 76 WSC - 1 ml/lit
Fenitrothion 50 EC - 1 ml/lit
Spray malathion 50 EC (2 ml/lit) for flea beetle and leaf webber
Spray Imidacloprid 200 SL (0.2 ml/lit) or methyl demeton 25 EC (2 ml/lit) or
dimethoate 30 EC (2 ml/lit) for aphids
Applying neem cake @ 150 kg/ha for root rot
Foliar spray of Mancozeb 2.5 g / lit for Cercospora leaf spot
Neem cake @ 1 t/ha or carbofuran @ 33 kg/ha as spot application on 30 days
after sowing for nematode management

Water management
Optimum EC of irrigation water upto 1 ds/m
It can be grown in water containing EC: 1 to 2 ds/m
Irrigation schedule: Life irrigation on 3rd day
For vegetative stage(upto 45 DAS) - 4 irrigation, vegetative to tuber initiation (75
DAS) - 4 irrigation, tuber maturation(upto 125 DAS) - 4 irrigation and Maturity - 2
irrigation – upto 15- 20 DAS maintain optimum soil moisture for good
germination and population
Drip fertigation with 100 % recommended dose of Fertilizer 150:75:75 Kg NPK
ha-1 found to be better for tropical sugarbeet

Post harvest management

Stop irrigation 15-20 days prior to harvest. This allows sugar accumulation
Just hand pulling and keeping the tops, store in a shaded conditions
Roots of sugarbeet reach the factory within 48 hours for processing
Yield 80 to 100 t/ha, Sugar recovery- 15 -16%

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 10. FORAGE CROPS

(i) FODDER CHOLAM

MULTICUT FODDER SORGHUM (Sorghum bicolour)

A. CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone District/Season Month Varieties

Irrigated
All Irrigated districts Jan - Feb and Apr – May CO (FS) 29 and CO31

II. PARTICULARS OF MULTICUT FODDER SORGHUM VARIETIES

PARTICULARS CO (FS) 29 CO 31
Derivative of the cross Gamma ray induced
Parentage TNS 30 x Sorghum mutant of CO (FS) 29
sudanense
Duration (Days) Multicut (3 years) Multicut (3 years)
Average green fodder yield (t/ha) 160-170 (6-7 cuts) 190 (6-7 cuts)
Morphological characters
Plant height (cm) 260-280 270 -290
Number of tillers 10-15 12-17
Number of leaves/stem 8-10 9-11
Leaf length (cm) 80-90 85-95
Leaf breadth (cm) 3.5-4.6 4.5 - 5.0
Leaf stem ratio 0.2-0.25 0.26
Quality characters
Protein content (%) 8.64 9.86
Dry matter (%) 23.60 25.90
Crude fibre (%) 21.00 19.80
IVDMD (%) 50.30 52

B. CROP MANAGEMENT
I. GREEN FODDER PRODUCTION
IRRIGATED FODDER CHOLAM
1. Soil
All types of soil with good drainage. Does not come up well in flooded or
waterlogged conditions.

2. Preparatory cultivation
Plough with an iron plough once and with a country plough twice. Form ridges and
furrows of 6 m long and 60 cm apart and plant on either side of the ridge

316
3 . Sowing
• Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g)/ha of Azospirillum and 3
packets (600g) of Phosphobacteria or Azophos 6 packets (1200g)
• Seed rate: 5 kg/ha
• Spacing: 30 x 10 -15 cm

4. Nutrient management
• Spread 25 tonnes/ha of FYM or compost on the unploughed field, along with 10
packets of Azospirillum inoculants (2000 g) and 10 packets of Phosphobacteria
(2000g) or 20 packets of Azophos (4000g)
• Apply 45 : 40 : 40 kg N,P, K/ha as basal and 45 kg N as top dressing on 30 DAS
followed by the application of 45 kg N/ha after every cut. After 4th cut, apply 40 kg P
and 40 kg K along with 45 kg N to sustain the fodder yield and quality.
• Application of Azospirillum (2000g/ha) and Phosphobacterium (2000g/ha) together
as a mixture or Azophos (4000g/ha) along with 75% required dose of N and P
fertilizer will enhance the yield besides saving of 25% of fertilizer dose.

5. Irrigation management
Irrigate immediately after sowing. Life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once
in 10 days,

6. Weed management
First hand weeding on the 20th day of sowing and if necessary 2nd hand weeding
between 35 - 40 days after sowing. After each harvest a weeding may be given before
fertilization.
7. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in
fodder crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.

8. Harvesting
Green fodder should be harvested at 50% flowering stage. First harvest at 65-70 days
after sowing and there after the ratoon crop may be harvested once in 50 days depending
on flowering.

9. Green fodder yield

As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 170 to 190 t/ha
(6-7 cuts) of green fodder

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 (ii) FODDER MAIZE

CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone District/Season Month Varieties

Irrigated
All Districts Throughout the African tall
year

II. PARTICULARS OF FODDER MAIZE VARIETIES

PARTICULARS African Tall

Parentage Composite
Duration (Days) 60-70
Green fodder yield (t/ha) 35-40
Morphological characters
Plant height (cm) 302.00
Number of leaves 13.30
Leaf length (cm) 81.30
Leaf breadth (cm) 8.15
Stem thickness (cm) 1.77
Leaf-stem ratio 0.21
Quality characters
Crude protein (%) 9.80
Dry matter (%) 17.65

B. CROP MANAGEMENT
1. GREEN FODDER PRODUCTION
1. Soil
All types of soil with good drainage. Does not come up well in flooded or waterlogged
conditions.

2. Preparatory cultivation
Plough the field twice with an iron plough and three or four times with country
2
plough. Form ridges and furrows using a ridger, 30 cm apart and form beds of size 10 m or
2
20 m depending on the availability of water and slope of the land.

3. Nutrient management
• Spread FYM or compost at 12.5 t/ha along with 10 packets of Azospirillum (2000 g)
and 10 packets of Phosphobacteria (2000g) inoculum or 20 packets of Azophos
(4000g) and incorporate the manure into the soil during ploughing.
• Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation as for as possible. If soil testing
is not done, follow blanket recommendation of 30: 40: 20 kg N, P2O5 and K2 O / ha.

318
 Apply 30 kg N/ha at 30 days after sowing as top dressing.

4. Sowing
• Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with Captan @ 2g/kg + Carbaryl @ 200mg/kg-1 of
seeds 24 hours before sowing.Then,Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g)
Azospirillum inoculant and 3 packets (600 g) of Phosphobacteria or 6 packets of
Azophos (1200 g) before sowing.
• Spacing : 30 x 15 cm,
• Seed rate : 40 kg/ha

5. Water management
Irrigate immediately after sowing and give life irrigation on the third day and thereafter
once in 10 days.

6. Weed management
First weeding at 25th DAS. Next hand weeding may be given as and when necessary.

7. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in fodder
crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.

8. Harvest
At 50% flowering (65-70 days after sowing)

9. Green fodder yield

As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 35 to 40 t/ha of
green fodder.

Note:
*Fodder maize can be intercropped with fodder cowpea varieties CO 5 or CO (FC) 8 at
3:1 ratio and harvested together to provide balanced nutritious fodder.
TNAU vermicompost at 5 t/ha + 75% recommended dose of fertilizer for intercropping
of maize and cowpea produces green fodder yield of 105 t/ha/yr ( 3 crops/year) which
is sufficient to maintain 7 adults and 3 calf.

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 2. SEED PRODUCTION

VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified quality seed production leave a distance of 200 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Seed rate
• 20 kg/ha.

Spacing
• 60 x 20 cm (65 x 15 cm)

Fertilizer requirement
• Apply NPK @ 175 : 90 : 90 kg / ha + 25 kg ZnSO4 / ha as basal application.

Harvest
• Seeds attained physiological maturity on 40th day after anthesis.

Seed treatment
• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seed along with carbaryl @ 200 mg /
kg of seed.
• Treat the seeds with halogen mixture (CaOCl2 + CaCO3 + arappu leaf powder mixed in
the ratio of 5:4:1 @ 3 g / kg as eco-friendly treatment.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with
seed moisture content of 10 - 12 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with seed moisture content of 8 - 10 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with seed moisture content of less than 8 %.

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 (iii) NEELAKOLUKATTAI (BLUE BUFFEL GRASS) - (Cenchrus glaucus)

CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone District/Season Month Variety

Rain fed (Pasture grass)
All Districts
Oct - Dec CO 1
North-East Monsoon

II. PARTICULARS OF NEELAKOLUKATTAI VARIETY

PARTICULARS CO 1
Parentage Clonal selection from Vellakoil local (FS 391)
Duration (Days) Perennial
Green fodder yield (t/ha/year) 40 (4 cuts)
Seed yield (kg/ha/year) 55 - 60
Morphological characters
Plant height (cm) 120-130
Number of tillers 60-65
Number of leaves 550--600
Leaf length (cm) 25-30
Leaf width (cm) 0.8-1.0
Leaf stem ratio 0.93
Quality characters
Dry matter (%) 28.00
Crude protein (%) 9.06
Crude fibre (%) 34.6
Phosphorus (%) 0.26
Calcium (%) 0.58
Manganese (ppm) 56
IVDMD (%) 49.4
B. CROP MANAGEMENT
1. Soil
Well drained soil with high calcium content is suitable. It can also be grown in
saline/alkaline soils.

2. Preparatory cultivation
Plough the field twice or thrice with an iron plough to ensure good tilth and form ridges
and furrows at 50 cm spacing.

3. Nutrient management
• Spread FYM or compost at 5 t/ha and incorporate the manure into the soil during
ploughing.
• Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendations. If the soil test is not done,
follow the blanket recommendation of 25: 40: 20 kg N, P and K per hectare.

321
 • Basal dressing: Apply full dose of NPK before sowing.
• Top dressing: After every harvest apply 25 kg N/ha during the rainy season.

4. Sowing/planting
• Seed treatment: Fresh seeds have dormancy for 6 - 8 months. To break dormancy,
soak the seeds in 1 % potassium nitrate solution for 48 hours prior to sowing.
• Seed rate: 6 - 8 kg/ha or 40,000 rooted slips/ha.
• Spacing: 50 x 30 cm.

5. Weed management
Hand weeding can be done as and when necessary.

6. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in fodder
crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.

7. Harvest
First cut on 70th or 75th day after sowing and subsequent 4 - 6 cuts depending on growth.
8. Green fodder yield
As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 40 t/ha/year (4 – 6
harvests) of green fodder.
Note:
• Tolerant to drought conditions.
• Kolukattai grass can be intercropped with Stylosanthes scabra in the ratio of 3:1.

VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.
Isolation
• For certified quality seed production, leave a distance of 10 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.
Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Scarify the seeds with sand at 2:1 ratio for 2 min. for improved seed germination.
Harvest
• Harvest the crop when the panicle dried completely.
Seed grading
• Grade the seeds with BSS 14 x 14 wire mesh sieve.
Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 10 - 12 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 10 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

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 (iv) GUINEA GRASS (Panicum maximum)

A. CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES
Zone District/
Month Varieties
Season
Irrigated
All Districts Throughout the year CO 2 and CO (GG) 3
Rain fed
All Districts Jun – Sep / Oct - Nov CO 2 and CO (GG) 3

II. PARTICULARS OF GUINEA GRASS VARIETIES

PARTICULARS CO 2 CO (GG) 3
Year of Release 2000 2009
Year of Notification SO.821(E)/13.09.2000 SO.1919(E)/30.07.2014
CO 1 x Centenario Clonal selection from
Parentage
Mumbasa
Duration (Days) Perennial Perennial
Green fodder yield (t/ha/year) 270 (7harvests) 340-360 (7harvests)
Morphological characters
Plant height (cm) 150-200 210-240
Number of tillers/clump 80-100 40-50
Leaf length (cm) 65-75 97-110
Leaf width (cm) 2.5-2.9 3.2 - 4.5
Leaf-stem ratio - 0.73
Quality characters
Dry matter (%) 25.94 20.2
Crude protein (%) 8.92 6.35
Crude fibre (%) 34.6 30.3
Phosphorus (%) 0.29 0.19
Calcium (%) 0.59 -
Magnesium (ppm) 0.38 -
IVDMD (%) 49.5 -

B. CROP MANAGEMENT
1. Soil
All types of soil with good drainage.

2. Preparatory cultivation
Plough 2 to 3 times to obtain a good tilth and form ridges and furrows at 50 cm spacing.

323
3. Nutrient management
• Spread FYM or compost at 25 t/ha and incorporate the manure into the soil during
ploughing.
• Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation as for as possible. If soil testing
is not done, follow the blanket recommendations of 100:50:40 of NPK in kg/ha.
Apply full dose of P, K and 50% N basally before planting.
• Top dressing of 50% N on 30 DAP.
• Repeat the application of 75 kg N/ha after each cut for sustaining higher yield.

4. Planting
i. Irrigate through the furrows and plant one rooted slip per hill.
ii. Spacing 50 x 50 cm and 40,000 rooted slips are required to plant one hectare.

5. Irrigation management
Immediately after planting, give life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in 10
days.

6. Weed Management
Hoeing and weeding on 30th day after planting. Earthing up should be practiced once
after every three harvests.

7. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in fodder
crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.

8. Harvest
First harvest on 75 - 80 days after planting. Subsequent cuts at the interval of 45 days.

9. Green fodder yield

As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 270 to 360 t/ha of
green fodder.

Note:
• Guinea grass can be intercropped with Desmanthus (Velimasal) at 3:1 ratio and can
be harvested together and fed to the animals.
• Rooted slips uprooted from 90 days old crop can be used for further propagation

324
 (v) DEENANATH GRASS (Pennisetum pedicellatum)

CROP MANAGEMENT

1. SOIL
All types of soil with good drainage. Does not come up well on heavy clay soil or
flooded or waterlogged conditions.

2. PREPARATORY CULTIVATION
Plough 2-3 times to obtain good tilth and form beds and channels.

3. MANURING
Basal: FYM 25 t/ha NPK 20 : 25 : 20 kg/ha
Top dressing: 20 Kg N on 30th day after sowing 50% of this has to be applied for rainfed
crop

4. SEED RATE
2.5 kg/ha

5. SPACING
35 x 10 cm or solid sowing in lines 30 cm apart.

6. AFTER CULTIVATION
Hoeing and weeding on 30th day after sowing

7. IRRIGATION
Once in ten days or depending on soil condition

8. PLANT PROTECTION
Generally not recommended

9. HARVEST
55-60th day after sowing.

10. GREEN FODDER YIELD

Irrigated crop : 25-30 t/ha first crop. Ratoon crop : 15-20 t/ha
Rainfed crop : 15-20 t/ha

SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.
Isolation
• For certified quality seed production, leave a distance of 10 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

325
Pre-sowing seed management
• Scarify the seeds in a defluffer followed by soaking in GA3 (200 ppm) + KNO3 (0.25 %)
solution for 16 hours.
• Pellet the seed with DAP @ 60 g / kg and arappu leaf (Albizzia amara) powder
@ 500 g / kg of seed to enable easy handling of seed during sowing and also for
better establishment.

Harvest
• Harvest the crop when the panicle dried completely.
• Delayed harvesting resulted in shattering loss.

Pre- storage seed treatment

• Treat the seeds with carbendazim @ 4 g / kg of seed.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 9 - 10 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

326
 (vi) CUMBU NAPIER HYBRIDS

A. CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone District/Season Month Varieties

Irrigated
All Districts Throughout the year
KKM 1, CO 3, CO (CN) 4,
CO (CN)5
II. PARTICULARS OF CUMBU NAPIER GRASS VARIETIES
PARTICULARS KKM 1 CO 3 CO (CN)4 CO (BN) 5
Year of Release 2000 2008 2012
So.161(E)/04. SO.1146(E)/24.04.201
Year of Notification
02.2004 4
IP 15507 x FD PT 1697 x CO 8 x FD 461 IP 20594 x Napier
Parentage 429 Penneisetum grass
purpureum FD 437
Duration (Days) Perennial Perennial Perennial Perennial
Green fodder yield 288 375-400 (7 360 (7 harvests)
350 (7 harvests)
(t/ha/yr) harvests)
Morphological characters
Plant height (cm) 155-160 300 – 360 400-500 400-500 cm
No. of leaves per 165-170 400-450 400-450 400-430
clump
No. of tillers per 10-15 30 – 40 30 – 40 30-40
clump
Leaf stem ratio - 0.70 0.71 1.19
Leaf length (cm) 110-115 80 – 95 110-115 100-110 cm
Leaf width (cm) 4.5-5.0 3.0 – 4.2 4.0-5.0 4.0-5.0 cm
Quality characters
Dry matter yield 47.23 65.12 79.87 79.20
(t/ha/yr)
Crude protein yield 4.65 5.40 8.71 11.08
(t/ha)
Dry matter (%) 16.4 17.0 21.3 22.0
Crude protein (%) 9.85 10.5 10.71 14.0
B. CROP MANAGEMENT
1. Soil
All types of soil with good drainage.
2. Preparatory cultivation
Plough with an iron plough two to three times to obtain good tilth. Form ridges and
furrows of 6 m long and 60 cm apart.
3. Nutrient Management
• Spread FYM or compost at 25 t/ha along with 10 packets of Azospirillum (2000 g)
and 10 packets of Phosphobacteria (2000g) inoculum or 20packets of Azophos
(4000g) and incorporate the manure into the soil during ploughing.
• Apply NPK fertilizers as per soil test recommendation as for as possible. If soil testing

327
 is not done, follow the blanket recommendations of 150:50:40 of NPK in kg/ha.
Apply full dose of P, K and 50% N basally before planting.
• Top dressing of 50% N on 30 DAS.
• Repeat the application of 75 kg N after each cut for sustaining higher yield.
• Application of Azospirillum (2000g) and Phosphobacterium (2000g) or Azophos
(4000g) along with 75% of recommended dose of N and P fertilizers enhanced the
yield besides saving of 25% of fertilizer dose.
4. Planting
i. Irrigate through the furrows and plant one rooted slip/two budded stem cutting per
hill.
ii. Spacing 60 x 50 cm and 33,333 planting material are required to plant one hectare.

5. Irrigation management
Immediately 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.
Paried row drip system (60/90 cm x 50 cm) + drip irrigation at 125% PE + nitrogen
fertigiation at 100% RDN was found to be suitable for obtaining similar green fodder yield
as that of surface irrigation with 12.6% water saving in Bajra Naiper hybrid grass,
6. Weed management
Hand weeding can be done whenever necessary.

7. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in fodder
crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.

8. Harvesting
First harvest is to be done on 75 to 80 days after planting and subsequent harvests can
be done at intervals of 45 days.

9. Green fodder yield

As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 360 to 400 t/ha of
green fodder.
Note
• Quartering has to be done every year or whenever the clumps become unwidely and
large.
• Wherever necessary to alleviate the ill effects of oxalates in this grass, the following
steps 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 or sprinkling this water on the fodder
iv. Cultivation o 14 cents of green fodder (Cumbu Napier hybrid grass: 9 cents and
Desmanthus: 5 cents) are needed for a milch animal with a milk yield of 10
lit/day/animal.
v. Cultivation of 2.5 cents of green fodder (Cumbu Napier hybrid grass: 1.5 cents
and Desmanthus: 1.0 cent) are needed for a goat with average body weight of
body weight of 40 kg.

328
 (vii)LUCERNE - KUDIRAI MASAL (Medicago sativa)

A. CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES
Zone District/Season Month Variety
Irrigated
Coimbatore, Thiruppur, Erode, Krishnagiri Throughout the CO 2 and CO3
and Dharmapuri year
II. PARTICULARS OF LUCERNE VARIETY
PARTICULARS CO 2 CO 3
Year of Release 2013 2017
Year of Notification SO.268(E)/28.01.2015 SO. 1498 (E) / 0104.2019
Polycross derivative involving Polycross derivative involving
Parentage
CO 1 CO 1
Duration (Days) Perennial Perennial
Green fodder yield 120.6 (14 harvests) 115 days (12-14 harvests)
(t/ha/year)
Seed yield (kg/ha) 240-250 200-230
Morphological characters
Plant height (cm) 70-80 75-80
No. of branches per plant 15-20 15-20
No. of pods per plant 18-20 20-22
No. of seeds per pod 4-6 4-6
Quality characters
Protein content (%) 23.5 22.4
Dry matter (%) 16.8 17.0
Dry matter yield 20.16 21.94
(t/ha/year)
Crude fibre (%) 19.0 19.0
Phosphorous 0.45 0.43
Potassium 3.83 3.75
Calcium 1.89 1.90
Magnesium 0.37 0.32
Iron 420 410
Zinc 288 220
B. CROP MANAGEMENT
I. GREEN FODDER PRODUCTION
1. Soil
Well drained black cotton soils are well suited. It can be raised in alkaline soils also.

2. Preparatory cultivation
2
Plough three or four times with iron plough to obtain good tilth. Form beds of size 10 m
2
or 20 m depending on the availability of water and slope of land.

3. Nutrient management
• Spread FYM or compost at 25 t/ha and incorporate the manure into the soil during

329
 ploughing.
• 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.
• Apply the full dose NPK of 25:120:40 basally before sowing.

4. Sowing
• Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g) of Rhizobium and 3 packets
(600 g) Phosphobacteria before sowing.
• Seed rate: 20 kg/ha. Good quality seeds free from Cuscuta seeds should be used.
• Spacing: 25 cm x 10 cm

5. Irrigation management
Irrigate immediately after sowing, life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in a
week.

6. Weed management
Hand weeding is given as and when necessary.
7. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in fodder
crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.

8. Harvesting
First harvest at 65 – 70 days after sowing. Subsequent harvests are made at intervals of
20 – 25 days.

9. Green fodder yield

As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 80-130 t/ha/year (14
harvests) of green fodder.
II.SEED PRODUCTION
1. Season
Seed production is practiced once in a year during summer months. The crop should
be harvested during first week of March and allowed for seed production in such a way that
the peak period of flowering should coincide with summer days.
2. Isolation
Adopt 100 m for certified seed production and 400 m for foundation seed production

3. Foliar spray
• Boron application in the form of Borax (150 ppm) increases the seed quality.
• Foliar spraying of ZnSO4 + Borax at 0.3% improves pod and seed weight and also
increases the germination potential and vigour of seeds.
4. Harvesting
Hand picking of pods would be done at physiological maturity stage.
5. Other management practices
As given in crop management techniques for green fodder production.

6. Seed Yield
240 kg/ha

330
 (viii) HEDGE LUCERNE - VELIMASAL (Desmanthus virgatus)

A. CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone District/ Season Month Varieties

Irrigated
All Districts Throughout the year CO 1
Rain fed
All Districts June - October CO 1

II. PARTICULARS OF VELIMASAL VARIETY

PARTICULARS CO 1
Parentage Introduction
Duration (Days) Perennial
Green fodder yield (t/ha/year) 90-100 (7 harvests)
Seed yield (kg/ha) 200 - 250
Morphological characters
Plant height (cm) 110-120
No. of branches per plant 15-20
No. of pods per plant 75-100
No. of seeds per pod 6-10
Quality characters
Protein content (%) 20 - 22
Dry matter (%) 18 - 20
Dry matter yield (t/ha/year) 16.2-20.0
B. CROP MANAGEMENT
I. GREEN FODDER PRODUCTION
1. Soil
All types of soils with good drainage.
2. Preparatory cultivation
Plough with an iron plough once and three or four times with country plough to obtain
2 2
good tilth. Form beds of size 10 m or 20 m depending on the availability of water and
slope of land.
3. Nutrient management
• Spread FYM or compost at 25 t/ha and incorporate the manure into the soil during
ploughing
• Apply NPK fertilizer as per soil test recommendations as far as possible. If the soil
testing is not done, follow the blanket recommendations of 25: 40:20 kg NPK/ha.
• Apply full dose of NPK basally before sowing.
4. Sowing
• Seed treatment: To get better germination seeds must be treated in hot water at
80oC for 5 minutes (boiling water removed from the flame and kept for 4 minutes to
attain 80oC). After hot water treatment, seeds should be washed with cold water
and soaked in cold water over a night. Seeds should be shade dried before
sowing.Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g) of Rhizobium and 3 packets (600 g)

331
 Phosphobacteria before sowing.
• Seed rate: 20 kg/ha
• Spacing; 50 cm x solid row

5. Irrigation management
Irrigate immediately after sowing, life irrigation on the third day and thereafter once in a
week.
6. Weed management
Hoeing and weeding are given as and when necessary.
7. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in fodder
crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.

8. Harvesting
First cut on 90th day after sowing at 50 cm height and subsequent cuts at intervals of 40
days at the same height.

9. Green fodder yield

As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 120 t/ha of green
fodder.
II.SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.
Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Scarify the seeds with commercial sulphuric acid @ 200 ml / kg of seed for 15 min. to
break the seed coat dormancy.
Spacing
• 60 x 20 cm
Fertilizer
• Apply NPK @ 25:40:20 kg / ha as basal for the first crop.
Foliar application
• Foliar spray of 200 ppm salicylic acid thrice at 10 days interval after 50 per cent
flowering to improve seed set.
Harvest
• Harvest the pods in pickings.
• Delayed harvest leads to 100 % shattering loss.
Seed size
• Grade the seed using BSS 14 x 14 sieve.
Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 9 - 10 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

332
 (ix) FODDER COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata)

A. CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES

Zone District/ Season Month Varieties

Irrigated
Erode, Madurai, Dindigul, Theni, Cuddalore, June-July CO 9
Villupuram and Tiruvannamalai
II. PARTICULARS OF FODDER COWPEA VARIETIES
PARTICULARS CO 9
Year of Release 2016
Year of Notification SO.1379(E)/ 27.03.2018
Parentage Cross derivative from
CO 5 x Bundel Lobia 2
Duration (Days) 50-55
Green fodder yield (t/ha) 23
Seed yield (kg/ha) 745
Morphological characters
Plant height (cm) 130-140
No. of branches 4-5
Leaf length (cm) 12.0
Leaf width (cm) 10.0
Leaf stem ratio
Quality characters
Dry matter content (%) 16.86
Crude protein content (%) 21.56
B. CROP MANAGEMENT
I. GREEN FODDER PRODUCTION
1. Soil
All types of soils with good drainage.

2. Preparatory cultivation
Plough twice with an iron plough and three or four times with country plough to obtain
good tilth.
Form ridges and furrows of 6 m length and 30 cm apart. If ridges and furrows are not
made, form beds of size 20 m2 depending on the availability of water.
3.. Sowing
• Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g) of Rhizobium and 3 packets
(600 g) Phosphobacteria before sowing.
• Seed rate: 25 kg/ha.
• Spacing: 30 x 15 cm
4. Nutrient management
• Spread FYM or compost at 12.5 t/ha and incorporate the manure into the soil during
ploughing
• Apply NPK fertilizer as per soil test recommendations as far as possible. If the soil

333
 testing is not done, follow the blanket recommendations of 25:40:20 kg NPK/ha.
• Apply full dose of NPK basally before sowing.
5. Irrigation management
Irrigate immediately after sowing, life irrigation on third day and thereafter once in ten
days.

6. Weed management
Hoeing and weeding are given as and when necessary.

7. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in fodder
crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.

8. Harvesting
Harvest 50 - 55 days after sowing (50% flowering stage).

9. Green fodder yield

As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 18-25 t/ha of green
fodder.
II.SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.
Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production, leave a distance of 25 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Sowing Season
• October to January.
Pre-sowing seed treatment
• Scarify the seeds with conc. H2SO4 acid @ 200 ml / kg for 4 min.
• After scarification, soak the seeds in KNO3 @ 0.25 % for 3 h to improve germination.
Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using BSS 16 x 16 wire mesh sieve.
Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 9 - 10 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

334
 (x) MUYAL MASAL (STYLO) - ( Stylosanthes scabra )

CROP IMPROVEMENT

1. SEASON
June - July to September - October.

2. VARIETIES
a. S.hamata (Annual)
b. S.scabra (Perennial)

CROP MANAGEMENT
1. APPLICATION OF FYM
Apply and spread 10 t/ha of FYM or compost

2. FORMING BEDS
Form beds of size 102 m or 202 m

3. APPLICATION OF FERTILIZER
a. 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.

4. SOWING
a. Seed are to be treated with 3 pockets rhizobium culture (600 g/ha).
b. For line sowing (30 x 15 cm) the seed rate is 6 kg/ha and for broadcasting 10
kg/ha.
c. Stylo seeds possess hard seed coat. So acid scarification is to be done by dipping
the
seeds in concentrated sulphuric acid for three minutes and washing thoroughly
with tap water and scarified seeds are again to be presoaked in cold water
overnight. (or) Seeds can also be scarified in hot water by immersing the seeds
for 4 minutes in hot water of 80º C and the seeds are again to be presoaked in
cold water overnight.

5.WATER MANAGEMENT
It is a rainfed crop. But during the period of establishment, care should be taken to
provide sufficient moisture.

6. WEED MANAGEMENT
Hand weeding may be given as and when necessary.

7. Plant Protection:
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in
fodder crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder
crops.

335
 8.HARVESTING
First harvest can be taken 75 days after sowing at flowering stage and subsequent
harvests depending upon the growth.

9. GREEN FODDER YIELD

It 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 about 30 to 35 t/ha/year from the third year onwards.

VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For certified / quality seed production, leave a distance of 25 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Sowing Season
• October to January.

Pre-sowing seed treatment

• Scarify the seeds with conc. H2SO4 acid @ 200 ml / kg for 4 min.
• After scarification, soak the seeds in KNO3 @ 0.25 % for 3 h to improve germination.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds using BSS 16 x 16 wire mesh sieve.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 9 - 10 %.
• Store the seeds in polylined gunny bag for medium term storage (12 - 15 months)
with a seed moisture content of 8 - 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content less than 8 %.

336
 (xi) LEUCAENA - SOUNDAL
A. CROP IMPROVEMENT
I. SEASON AND VARIETIES
Zone District/Season Month Varieties
Rain fed
All Districts June - October CO 1 (Leucaena leucocephala) and
Pudia Soundal (Leucaena diversifolia)

II. PARTICULARS OF SOUNDAL VARIETIES

Pudia Soundal (Leucaena
PARTICULARS CO 1
diversifolia)
Parentage Leucaena Leucaena diversifolia K – 186
leucocephala Introduced from Australia
Duration Perennial tree Perennial tree
Green fodder yield (t/ha/yr) 35 40
Morphological characters
Tree height (cm) 35’ 30’ in about six years
Leaf stem ratio - 1.8
Quality characters
Dry matter content (%) 24.94 25.02
Crude protein content (%) 26.12 26.00
Crude fat (%) 9.51 9.85
Phosphorous (%) 0.09 0.37
Potassium (%) 6.4 3.2
Calcium (%) 0.9 2.4
Magnesium (%) 0.88 1.32
IVDMD (%) 46.01 46.25
Mimosine content (%) 3.07 3.00
Tannin content (%) 3.04 1.95
Carotene content (mg/100g) 11.39 11.54
Resistance to pests - Resistant to Psyllids
B. CROP MANAGEMENT
1. Soil
All types of soils with good drainage.
2. Preparatory cultivation
Plough with an iron plough twice and three or four times with country plough to obtain
good tilth. Form ridges and furrows at 6 m x 1 m.
3. Nutrient management
• Spread FYM or compost at 25 t/ha and incorporate the manure into the soil during
ploughing
• 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.
• Apply full dose of NPK basally before sowing.
4. Sowing
• Seed treatment: Seeds are hard and require scarification to obtain high and uniform
germination. Scarification of seeds can be done by pounding the seeds with sand in

337
 mortar. Acid scarification can also be done by dipping the seeds in concentrated
sulphuric acid for three minutes and washing thoroughly with tap water. Another
o
easiest method is hot water treatment by soaking the seeds in hot water (80 C) for
4 minutes (boiling water removed from the flame and kept for 4 minutes comes
o o
down to 80 C). A still simpler method would be to bring water to boil (100 C) in a
vessel, take it out of the flame and immediately pour it over the seeds and keep
them for 3 to 4 minutes. Then, the hot water may be poured out and cold water
added to steep the seeds over night. Seeds can also be simply soaked in plain water
for 72 hrs before sowing. Treat the seeds with 3 packets (600 g) of Rhizobium and 3
packets (600 g) Phosphobacteria before sowing.
• Seed rate: 10 kg/ha.
• Spacing: 2 m x 1 m
5. Irrigation management
This may be done when the crop is raised under irrigated condition. Once established,
this plant can withstand several months of dry weather. However, to ensure rapid seedling
growth, the land should be adequately moist up to 5 - 6 months. In summer, irrigation once
in 6 weeks is adequate.

6. Weed management : Hoeing and weeding are given as and when necessary.

7. Plant protection
As per CIB&RC, insecticide is not recommended for the management of pests in
fodder crops. No insecticide is registered/label claimed against the pests of fodder crops.
8. Harvesting
Plant can be harvested as short as 6 months after planting. However, the initial
cutting should not be done until the trunk has attained at least 3 cm diameter or the plant
has completed one seed production cycle. Harvests can be repeated once in 40 - 80 days
depending upon growth and season. In drought prone areas, allow the trees to grow for
two years to ensure deep root penetration before commencing harvest. The trees can be
cut at 90 to 100 cm height from ground level. For poles and fuel, allow the tree to grow
straight without cutting for 2.5 or 5 years as the case may be.
9. Green fodder yield
As green fodder under irrigated conditions, a pure crop yields about 80 to 110 t/ha
of green fodder. Under rainfed conditions 40 t/ha of green fodder is obtained after 2 years
of initial growth and pruning to a height of 100 cm.

II.SEED PRODUCTION
1.Sowing
• Spacing: 2 m x 1.5 m
• Seed rate: 10 kg
2. Harvest
Seed attains physiological maturity at 35 days after anthesis, when the pods turn brown
and seeds become shiny brown.
3. Other management practices
As in crop management technique for green fodder production.
4. Seed Yield : 500 kg/ha

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 11. GREEN MANURE CROPS
(i) DAINCHA - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION
Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For foundation / quality seed production leave a distance of 10 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.
• For certified quality seed production leave a distance of 5 m all around the field from
the same and other varieties of the crop.

Season
• Rabi and summer are best seasons.
• October-November sowing will give better seed yield.

Seed rate
• 20 - 30 kg / ha.

Seed treatment
• Seed pelleting with Rhizobium @ 5 packets / ha.
• Treat the seed with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seeds.
• For hard seeds treat with sulphuric acid @ 100 ml / kg of seed for 10 - 20 minutes.
Spacing
• 60 x 20 cm (vary based on soil fertility and type of soil as 45 x 20 cm, 75 x 45 cm).

Fertilizer
• 20:40:20 kg / ha (vary based on soil fertility and type of soil as 10:40:30, 10:30:30 and
20:50:70 kg of NPK / ha).
Foliar application
• Spray 2 % DAP at 35 and 45 days after sowing.
Harvest
• Picking as once over harvest.

Seed grading
• Grade the seeds with BSS 7 x 7 wire mesh sieve.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content of 8 %.

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 (i) SUNNHEMP - VARIETAL SEED PRODUCTION

Land requirement
• Land should be free of volunteer plants. The previous crop should not be the same
variety or other varieties of the same crop. It can be the same variety if it is certified
as per the procedures of certification agency.

Isolation
• For foundation quality seed production leave a distance of 250 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.
• For certified quality seed production leave a distance of 100 m all around the field
from the same and other varieties of the crop.

Season
• Rabi and summer are best seasons.
• October-November sowing will give better seed yield.

Seed rate
• 20 - 30 kg / ha.
Seed treatment
• Seed pelleting with Rhizobium @ 5 packets / ha.
• Treat the seed with carbendazim @ 2 g / kg of seeds.
• For hard seeds treat with sulphuric acid @ 100 ml / kg of seed for 10 - 20 minutes.

Spacing
• 30 x 30 cm (vary based on soil fertility and type of soil as 45 x 20 cm, 75 x 45 cm)
Fertilizer
• 20:40:20 kg / ha (vary based on soil fertility and type of soil as 10:40:30,10:30:30 and
20:50:70 kg of NPK / ha).

Foliar application
• Spray 1% sulphate of potash at 40 and 60 days after sowing.

Harvest
• Picking as once over harvest.
Seed grading
• Grade the seeds with 10 / 64" round perforated sieve.

Storage
• Store the seeds in gunny or cloth bags for short term storage (8 - 9 months) with a
seed moisture content of 9 %.
• Store the seeds in 700 gauge polythene bag for long term storage (more than
15 months) with a seed moisture content of 8 %.

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 12. MUSHROOM CULTIVATION

Agriculture will continue to be the main strength of Indian economy. With the
variety of agricultural crops grown today, we have achieved food security by prodding about
240 million tonnes of food grains. However, our struggle to achieve nutritional security is
still on. In future, the ever increasing population, depleting agricultural land, changes in
environment, water shortage and need for quality food products at competitive rates are
going to be the vital issues and secondary agricultural vocations are going to occupy a
prominent place to fill the void quality food requirements. The demand for quality food and
novel products is increasing with the changes in life style and income. To meet these
challenges and to provide food and nutritional security to our people, it is important to
diversify the agricultural activities in areas like horticulture. Diversification in any farming
systems imparts sustainability. Mushrooms are one such component that not only impart
diversification but also help in addressing the problems of quality food, health and
environmental sustainability. The present century is going to be a century of functional
foods from synthetic chemicals and mushroom cultivation fits very well into this category
and is going to be an important vocation.

Mushrooms represent microbial technology that recycles agricultural residues into

food and manure. It is solid state fermentation system in which crop residues are converted
into valuable food rich in microbial protein. These are important source of quality protein,
minerals and various novel compounds of medicinal value, do not compare for land and
have very high productivity per unit area and time. These are considered to be the highest
protein per unit area and time due to utilization of vertical space and short crop cycle. Due
to their cultivation under controlled conditions the water requirements is less than any
other crop grown in the field and has all the potentials of being a major crop in coming
years.

Mushroom farming today is being practiced in more than 100 countries and its
production is increasing at an annual rate of 6-7%. In some developed countries of Europe
and America, mushroom farming has attained the status of a high-tech industry with very
high levels of mechanization and automation. China leads in mushroom production and
China alone is reported to grow more than 20 different types of mushroom at commercial
scale and mushroom cultivation has become China’s sixth largest industry. The USA is the
second largest producer of mushroom sharing 16% of the world output. Presently, three
geographical regions- Europe, America and East Asia contribute to about 96% of world
mushroom production. With the rise in the income level, the demand for mushrooms at
very low costs with the help of seasonal growing, state subsidies and capturing the potential
markets in the world with processed mushrooms at costs not remunerative to the growers
in other mushroom producing countries.

Commercial production of edible mushrooms represents unique exploitation of the

microbial technology for the bio conversion of the agricultural, industrial, forestry and
household waste into nutritious and proteinaceous food. Our country can emerge as a
major player in mushroom production in wake of availability of plenty of agricultural
residues and labour.Integrating mushroom cultivation in wake of availability of plenty of

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agricultural residues and labour. Integrating mushroom cultivation in the existing farming
systems will not only supplement the income of the farmers but also will promote proper
recycling of agro-residues thereby improving soil health and promoting organic agriculture.
In India, mushroom research started in1960s and the cultivation picked up in 1970s and new
varieties were evolved in button and oyster mushroom during 1980s and 1990s. Since the
year 2000, our country is progressing keeping in pace with global growth by developing
technologies for cultivation of medicinal mushrooms.

India has varied agro-climate, abundance of agricultural residues and plenty of

manpower making it suitable for cultivating different mushrooms. Our country produces
about 600 million tonnes of agricultural waste per annum and a major part of it is let out to
decompose naturally or burnt in situ. This can effectively be utilized to produce highly
nutritive food such as mushrooms and spent mushroom substrate can be converted into
organic manure and vermi-compost. Mushrooms are grown seasonally as well as in state-of-
art environment controlled cropping rooms all the year round in the commercial units.
Mushroom growing is a highly labour oriented venture and labour availability is no
constraint in the country and two factors, that is, availabilities of raw materials and labour
make mushroom growing economically profitable in India. Moreover, scope for intense
diversification by cultivation of other edible mushrooms like oyster, shiitake, milky and
other medicinal mushrooms are additional opportunities for Indian growers.

At present, four mushrooms viz., Button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), Oyster

Mushroom (Pleurotus spp), Paddy straw mushroom (Volvariella spp.) and Milky mushroom
(Calocybe indica) have been recommended for round the year cultivation in India.

India produces about 600 million tonnes of agricultural by products, which can
profitably be utilized for the cultivation of mushrooms. Currently, we are using 0.04% of
these residues for producing around 1.29 lakh tons of mushrooms of which 85% is button
mushroom. India contributes about 3% of the total world button mushroom production.
Even if we use 1% of the residues for mushroom production, we can produce 3.0 million
tons of mushrooms, which will be almost equal to current global button mushroom
production (current world production 3.4 million tons). To remain competitive it will be
important to harness science and modern technologies for solving the problems of
production and bio–risk management. Mushroom being an indoor crop, utilizing vertical
space offers a solution to shrinking land and better water utility.

Mushrooms have been reported to be capable of transforming agro wastes like

paddy straw into protein rich food and have been confirmed to be sources of single cell
protein. Mushrooms contain rich source of carbohydrates, proteins, amino acids and dietary
fibre. Vitamins such as riboflavin, niacin and pantothenic acid, and the essential minerals
selenium, copper and potassium are abundant in mushrooms. The foremost importance is
that mushrooms do not have cholesterol, instead contain ergosterol that act as a precursor
for vitamin D synthesis in human body. Mushrooms are believed to help fight against
cancer, relieves hypertension, imparts protection from heart diseases. Mushroom crop is in
fact a boon that can solve several problems like the protein malnutrition, unemployment
issues and environmental pollution.

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 Mushrooms are cultivated indoors and do not require arable land and mushroom is a
short duration crop with high yield per unit time. For small farmers and landless workers
mushroom cultivation is highly suitable for the economic and social security of this group.
This hi-tech horticulture venture relieves the pressure on arable land, because it cultivation
is indoors, and is also more suited to the women folk. Mushrooms supplement and
complement the nutritional deficiencies and are regarded as the highest producers of
protein per unit area and almost 100 times more than the conventional agriculture and
animal husbandry.
At present, in Tamil Nadu the annual production of mushroom is around 11,000
tonnes, button mushroom accounts for 7,500 tonnes, Oyster mushroom accounts for 2700
tonnes and milky mushroom contributes for 800 tonnes. During the past two decades, the
Mushroom Research and Training Centre of the Department of Plant Pathology, Tamil Nadu
Agricultural University, Coimbatore has made tremendous efforts on transfer of mushroom
cultivation technology by imparting trainings. By this way it has contributed for the
establishment of about 50 spawn producers and 600 oyster mushroom growers accounting
for 7- 8 tonnes / day, 50 button mushroom growers producing 18-20 tonnes / day and 35
milky mushroom growers contributing 1-2 tonnes / day in Tamil Nadu. This account for
around 8 per cent of total mushroom production of the country.

Mushroom varieties/strains released from TNAU for commercial cultivation

Scientific Name Variety/strain name Place of release
Oyster mushroom
Pleurotus sajorcaju M2 Dept. of Plant Pathology, TNAU, Coimbatore

P. citrinopileatus CO1 Dept. of Plant Pathology, TNAU, Coimbatore

P. djamor MDU 1 Dept. of Plant Pathology,AC&RI, Madurai
P. eous APK 1 Regional Research Station, Aruppukottai
P. ostreatus Ooty 1 Horticultural Research Station,Uthagamandalam
P. florida Pf Dept. of Plant Pathology,TNAU, Coimbatore
P.platypus Pp Dept. of Plant Pathology, TNAU,Coimbatore
P. flabellatus MDU 2 Dept. of Plant Pathology, AC&RI Madurai
Hypsizygus ulmarius CO2 Dept. of Plant Pathology,TNAU, Coimbatore
Milky mushroom
Calocybe indica APK 2 Regional Research Station, Aruppukottai
Tricholoma giganteum CO 3 Dept. of Plant Pathology, TANU, Coimbatore
Button mushroom
Ooty 1 Horticultural Research Station, Vijayanagaram
Agaricus bisporus Ooty 2 Horticultura Research Station, Vijayanangaram

Mushroom Cultivation techniques for Oyster and Milk mushroom

Base culture/ Nucleus culture
Tissue culture technique is used to bring the edible mushroom to pure culture so
that the mushroom fungus can further be used to prepare spawn. Which is an essential
material for mushroom cultivation.
• This nucleus culture is grown on Potato Dextrose Agar medium in test tubes.

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 • A small tissue from a well-grown mushroom is aseptically transferred to agar
medium in a test tube in a culture room.
• The test tubes are incubated under room temperature for 10 days for full white
growth of fungal cultue. This is called base culture/nucleus culture and further used
for preparation of Mother Spawn.

Mother spawn
Mother spawn is nothing but the mushroom fungus grown on a grain based medium.
Among the several substrate materials tested by TNAU, Coimbatore, sorghum grains are the
best substrate for excellent growth of the fungus. Well-filled, disease-free sorghum grains
are used as substrate for growing the spawn materials. The various steps involving in
preparation of mother spawn are listed below here under.
• The sorghum grains are washed in water thoroughly to remove chaffy and damaged
grains.
• The grains are half cooked in an autoclave / vessel for 30 minutes to soften them.
• The half cooked grains are spread evenly over hessian cloth on a platform to remove
the excess water.
• Calcium carbonate is mixed thoroughly with the cooked, dried grains@ 20g/Kg.
• The grains are filled inn polypropylene bags up to 3/4th height (approximately 300-
330 g/bag).
• A one inch diameter PVP ring is inserted on open end of the bag and plugged with
non-absorbent cotton wood.
• The bags are arranged inside an autoclave and sterilized under 20-lbs,pressure for 2
hours.
• The bags after cooling are kept inside the culture room under the UV light for 20
min.
• After 20 minutes the UV light is put off and the fungal culture is transferred in to the
sterilized cholam bags.
• The inoculated bags are kept in a clean room under temperature for 10 days for
further preparation of bed spawn.

Bed Spawn
The method of preparation of bed spawn was same as that of mother spawn. The
cooking, filling and sterilization were similar to that of mother spawn. After sterilization,
the bags are taken and the fully grown mother spawn is used for inoculation to prepare
bed spawn. Thirty bed spawn can be prepared from a single mother spawn. The bags are
incubated at room temperature (27±2˚C) for 10 days and used as bed spawn.

Cultivation of Oyster mushroom

The oyster mushrooms can be grown indoors in cropping house where a
temperature of 25-30o C and relative humidity of 80-85 per cent can be maintained.
• Paddy straw is used as the raw substrate which has to be soaked in water for 4
hours and boiled or steamed in autoclave for 45 minutes and shade dried until
65-70% moisture.
• Cylindrical beds are prepared using 60x30 cm polythene bags with a thickness of
80 gauge.

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 • Paddy straw and spawn are filled as alternate layers in polythene bags and 10-12
holes are made in the beds.
• The bags are placed in the cropping house/shed in racks or in hanging rope
system. After 15-16 days when the paddy straws in the bags are covered with
white mycelia growth, pinheads start emerging where water spray is essential to
prevent drying of buds.
• First harvest begins from 3-4 days after in head emergence and likewise at 5-7
days internal three harvests can be done.
• Total cropping cycle is around 40-45 days.
• The average bio efficiency ranges (100-150 per cent) depending on the variety.

Cultivation of Milky mushroom

The milky mushroom requires a temperature of 30-35˚C and relative humidity of 85-
90 per cent. For cultivation of this mushroom two shed are needed.
• Thatched shed / cropping house (28±2˚C).for Spawn running
• A sunken blue poly house (For Cropping)
• Three feet deep pit is dug out and sides are lined with hollow blocks and
semicircular structure is built with GI pipe of Langley and covered with Blue
silpaulin sheet.
• Paddy straw is processed as in oyster mushroom cultivation and cylindrical beds
are prepared with 90x30 cm polythene bags and stored at 30o C in thatched
sheds (spawn running room).
• After 18-20 days when the paddy straws in the bags are covered with white
mycelial growth, the beds are cut in to two halves and casing soil (autoclaved
garden soil) is layered on to the cut halves for 2 cm height and sprayed with
water.
• The cased beds are placed in poly houses and the required tem premature is
maintained.
• The pinheads emerge from the cut halves over the casing soil on 25-26th day.
• First harvest begins on 28th day and likewise three- five harvests can be done.
The total cropping cycle is around 45-50 days. The average bio efficiency ranges
from 150-160 per cent.

Economics of Spawn Production (100 spawn bags per day)

Sl. No. Item Quantity Rate (Rs.) Total (Rs.)
A. Capital investment
1. Autoclave 1 70,000 70,000
2. Boiler (GL drum 100 lit. Capacity) 2 2,500 5,000
3. Culture room with work table (low cost) 1 20,000 20,000
4. UV lamp with fittings 1 2,500 2,500
5. Tube light fittings 1 1000 1000
6. Advance for LPG gas 2 3,000 6,000
7. Spawn storage room 1 30,000 30,000
8. Bunsen burner 1 300 300
9. Hear efficient chulah 1 1000 1000
10. Glass wares & chemicals 5000
Total 1,40,800

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 B. Fixed cost
1. Interest on capital investment @ 15% 21,120
2. Depreciation (Item 3&7 @ 5%) 2,500
3. Depreciation (Item 1 2,4,5,8 & 9, 10-10%) 9,080
Total 32,700
C. Recurring cost (100 spawn x300 days)
1. Polypropylene bags 150Kg 140 21,000
2. Cholam grains 8000Kg 26 2,08,000
3. Calcium carbonate (commercial grade) 160Kg 25 4000
4. Non-absorbent cotton (400 g rolls) 600 110/roll 66,000
5. Electricity & Fuel -- -- 60,000
6. Labor @ 2 men per day for 300 days 300 360/day 2,16,000
7. Miscellaneous -- -- 10,000
Total 5,85,000

Total cost of Spawn production / Year (Rs)—

Working expenditure : 5,85,000
Total fixed cost : 32,700
Total Cost : 6,17,700
Income (Rs.)
By sale of 30,000 spawn bags @ Rs. 40 per bag : 12,00,000
Total cost : 6,17,700
Net income per year : 5,82,300

Economics of Oyster mushroom production (10 Kg/day/300 days)

Low cost Investment
Sl. no. Item Quantity Rate (Rs.) Total (Rs.)
A. Capital Investment
1. Thatched House (15’ x 25’ 1 30,000 30,000
2. Chaff cutter (Lever type) 1 2000 2,000
3. Boiler 1 2,000 2,000
4. Drum 1 1,000 1,000
5. Spraying systems 1 1,000 1,000
6. Biomass stove 1,000 1,000
Total 37,000
B. Fixed cost
1. Interest on A @ 15% 5,550
2. Depreciation (Item 1 @ 30%) 9,000
3. Depreciation (Item 2,3,4,5,& 6 @ 10%) 700
Total 15,250
C. Recurring Cost
1. Paddy straw cost + transport 3.5t 7000 24,500
2. Spawn @ Rs. 40 / No 2000 40 80,000
3. Polythene bags for bed & packing 25Kg 135 3,375
5. Labour @ 1 Per day 300 360/day 1,08,000
6. Others -- 5,000
Total 2,20,875
Total cost of mushroom production / Year (Rs.)

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 Working expenditure : 2.20.875
Total fixed cost : 15,250
Total Cost : 2,36,125

Income (Rs.)
By sale of 10Kg/day @ Rs. 135 for300 days : 4,05,000
Total cost : 2,36,125
Net Income per year : 1,68,875

Economics of Milky mushroom production (10 Kg/day/300 days)

Low cost Investment

Sl. No. Item Quantity Rate (Rs.) Total (Rs.)

A. Capital Investment
1. Thatched House (15’x 20’) 1 20,000 80,000
Blue Poly house- 20’x50’ area (1000 sq.ft) 1 60,000
2. Chasff cutter (Lever typw) 1 2000 2,000
3. Boiler 1 2,000 2,000
4. Drum 1 1,000 1,000
5. Spraying systems 1 1,000 1,000
6. Biomass stoce 1,000 1,000
Total 87,000
B. Fixed cost
1. Interest on A @ 15 % 13,050
2. Depreciation Item 1 @ 10 %) 8,000
3. Depreciation (Item 2,3,4,5, & 6 @ 10%) 700
Total 21,750
C. Recurring Cost
1. Paddy straw cost + transport 3.5 t 7000 24,500
2. Spawn @ 40 / day 1600 40 64,000
3. Polythene bags for bed & packing 25Kg 135 3,375
4. Labour @ 1 per day 300 360/day 1,08,000
5. Others -- 5,000
Total 2,04,875

Total cost of mushroom production / Year (Rs.)

Working expenditure : 2,04,875
Total fixed cost : 21,750
Total Cost : 2,26,625

Income (Rs.)
By sale of 10Kg/day @ Rs. 145 for 300 days : 4,35,000
Total cost : 2,26,625
Net Income per year : 2,08,375

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 13. COMPOSTING AND INDUSTRIAL WASTE WATER UTILIZATION

I. CROP RESIDUE COMPOSTING

Crop residues are the plant parts that are left in the field after harvest. The harvest
refuses include straws, stubble, stover and haulms of different crops. Crop remains are also
from thrashing sheds or that are discarded during crop processing. This includes process
wastes like groundnut shell, oil cakes, rice husks and cobs of maize, sorghum and cumbu.
The greatest potential as a biomass resource appears to be from the field residues of
sorghum, maize, soybean, cotton, sugarcane etc. In Tamil Nadu 190 lakh tonnes of crop
residues are available for use. These residues will contribute 1.0 lakh ton of nitrogen, 0.5
lakh ton of phosphorus and 2.0 lakh tons of potassium. However crop residues need
composting before being used as manure.

Waste collection
Crop residues accumulated in different locations are to be brought to compost yard.
The compost yard should be located in anyone corner of the farm with accessibility via good
road. Water resource should also be available in sufficient quantity. The crop residues that
are brought to compost yard should be heaped in one corner for further processing.

Shredding of waste materials

Particle size is one of the factor that influence the composting. It is advisable to
shred all the crop residues that are used for composting. Shredding the waste manually is
labour intensive. Shredder machine can be employed to shred all the crop residue biomass.
Particle size of 5 cm is recommended for quick composting.

Mixing of green waste and brown waste

Carbon and nitrogen ratio decides the initiation of composting process. If C:N ratio is
wide (100:1) composting will not take place. Narrow C:N ratio of 30:1 is ideal for
composting. To get a narrow C:N ratio, carbon and nitrogen rich material should be mixed
together. Green coloured waste materials like glyricidia leaves, parthenium, freshly
harvested weeds, sesbania leaves are rich in nitrogen, whereas brown coloured waste
material like straw, coir dust, dried leaves and dried grasses are rich in carbon. In any
composting process these carbon and nitrogen rich material is to be mixed together to
make the composting quicker rather than putting green waste alone or brown color waste
alone for composting. Animal dung is also a good source of nitrogen. While making heap
formation, alternative layers of carbon rich material, animal dung and nitrogen rich material
are to be heaped to get a quicker result in composting.

Compost heap formation

Minimum 4 feet height should be maintained for composting. The composting area
should be elevated one and have sufficient shade. While heap formation, all the crop
residues should be mixed together to form a heterogeneous material rather than a single
homogenous material. Alternate layers of carbon and nitrogen rich material with
intermittent layers of animal dung are essential. After heap formation the material should
be thoroughly moistened.

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Bioinputs for composting
TNAU Biomineralizer consortium contains groups of microorganisms, which
accelerate the composting process. If this inoculum is not added to the composting
material, natural microorganisms establish on the waste material on its own and do the
composting work. This process takes longtime. But if external source of inoculum is added,
the microbial activity starts earlier and composting period will be reduced.
For one tonne of crop wastes 2 kg of TNAU Biomineralizer is recommended. This two
kg Biomineralizer should be mixed with 20 liters of water and made slurry. When the
compost heap is formed in between layers the slurry should be inoculated, so that it mixes
with the waste material thoroughly for uniform coating of microorganism on the waste
material. Cow dung slurry is also a good source for microbial inoculum. But it carries
unwanted microorganisms also which may compete with composting organism. But when
TNAU Biomineralizer is not available, cow dung slurry is a good source material. For one
tonne of crop residues 40 kg fresh cow dung is required. This 40 kg fresh cow dung is mixed
with 100 litres of water and it should be thoroughly poured over the waste material. Cow
dung slurry acts as nitrogen source as well as source of microbial inoculum.

Aerating the compost material

Sufficient quantity of oxygen should be available inside the compost heap. For this
external air should be freely get in and comes out of the material. Normally to allow the
fresh air to get inside, the compost heap should be turned upside down, once in fifteen
days. In this process top layer comes to bottom and bottom layer goes to top. This process
also activates the microbial process and compost process is hastened. In some cases air
ventilating pipe maybe inserted vertically and horizontally, to allow the air to pass through.
The wood chip that is available as waste in wood processing industry may also be used as
bulking agent in the composting process. This bulking agent gives more air space to the
compost material.

Moisture maintenance
Throughout the composting period 60% moisture should be maintained. On any
situation, compost material should not be allowed to dry. If the material becomes dry, all
the microorganisms present in the crop residues will die and the compost process gets
affected.

Compost maturity
Volume reduction, black colour, earthy odor, reduction in particle size are all the
physical factors to be observed for compost maturity. After satisfying with the compost
maturity index, the compost heap can be disturbed and spread on the floor for curing. After
curing for one day, the composted material is sieved through 4 mm sieve to get uniform
composted material. The residues collected after composting has to be again composted to
finish the composting process.

Compost enrichment
The harvested compost should be heaped in a shade, preferably on a hard floor. The
beneficial microorganisms like Azotobacteror, Azospirillum, Pseudomonas, Phosphobacteria
(0.2%) and rock phosphate (2%) have to be inoculated for one ton of compost. Forty per
cent moisture should be maintained for the maximum growth of inoculated microorganism.

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This incubation should be allowed for 20 days for the organism to reach the maximum
population. Now the compost is called as enriched compost. The advantage of enriched
compost overnormal compost is the quality manure with higher nutrient status with high
number of beneficial microorganisms and plant growth promoting substances.

Nutritive value of Biocompost

The nutritive value of biocompost varies from lot to lot because of varying input
materials. But in general biocompost contains all the macro and micro nutrients required
for crops, which is given in the following table. Even though the quantity available is low it
covers all the requirements of the crop.
Nutrient content of biocompost prepared from different wastes
Nutrient content (%)
Biocompost
Nitrogen Phosphorous Potash
Animal refuse
Cattle dung 0.3 - 0.4 0.1 – 0.2 0.1 – 0.3
Horse dung 0.4 – 0.5 0.3 – 0.4 0.3 – 0.4
Sheep dung 0.5 – 0.7 0.4 – 0.6 0.3 - 0.1
Night soil 1.0 – 1.6 0.8 – 1.2 0.2 – 0.6
Poultry manure 1.8 – 2.2 1.4 – 1.8 0.8 – 0.9
Sewage sludge 2.0 – 3.5 --- ---
Cattle urine 0.9 – 1.2 Trace 0.5 – 1.0
Horse urine 1.2 – 1.5 Trace 1.3 – 1.5
Sheep urine 1.5 – 1.7 0.1 – 0.2 0.1 – 0.3
Wood Ash
Ash coal 0.73 0.45 0.53
Ash wood 0.1 – 0.2 0.8 – 5.9 1.5 – 36.00
Habitation waste & factory waste
Rural compost 0.5 – 1.0 0.4 – 0.8 0.8 – 1.2
Urban compost 0.7 – 2.0 0.9 – 3.0 0.3 – 1.9
Farmyard manure 0.4 – 1.5 0.3 – 0.9 2.0 – 7.0
Straw and stalk
Pearl millet 0.65 0.75 2.50
Cotton 0.44 0.10 0.66
Banana pseudo stem 0.61 0.12 1.00
Sorghum 0.40 0.23 2.17
Maize 0.42 1.57 1.65
Paddy straw 0.36 0.08 0.71
Tobacco 1.12 0.84 0.80
Pigeon pea 1.10 0.58 1.28
Sugarcane trash 0.53 0.10 1.10
Wheat 0.53 0.10 1.10
Tobacco dust 1.10 0.31 0.93

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Benefits of biocompost
• Quality and enriched manure from the crop and animal residues available in the
farm. The manure contains both nutrients and beneficial microorganisms.
• There is improvement in the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil
due to regular addition of biocompost.
• Quality products will be obtained from the crop due to improvement in the soil
fertility status.
• Soil organic matter content increased and soil biodiversity also improved due to
enhanced soil organic matter content.

Compost application
Organic manures are highly regarded as good source of material to maintain soil
health and increasing soil organic carbon content. Organic manures cannot be equated with
inorganic fertilizers. But organic manures deliver all the nutrients to the soil but with little
quantity. For one hectare of land 5 tons of enriched biocompost is recommended. It can be
used as basal application in the field before taking up planting work.

Limitation in biocompost application

• While preparing the biocompost, it should be ensured that the material is
composted thoroughly.
• If the materials are not fully composted, the material should be sieved through 4
mm sieve and sieved material will be taken as well as composted one. The residues
will be put back for another round of composting.
• It is better avoid woody material like heavy branches from pruned trees and other
wooden materials. It will take long time and it interferes with other material for
composting.

II. ENRICHED ORGANIC MANURE FROM COIR DUST

Enriched organic manure from coir dust is nutrient rich organic manure obtained by
composting coir dust along with poultry manure, rock phosphate and microbial inoculants
Pleurotus sajor-caju, Bacillus sp,Trichoderma sp and Pseudomonas sp. This is a simple and
rapid technique to compost coir dust within 60 days.

Inputs
Coir dust : 1tonne
Poultry manure : 200 kg
Rock phosphate : 10 kg
Pleurotussajor-caju : 2kg
Microbial inoculants : 2kg
(Bacillus sp + Trichoderma sp + Pseudomonas sp)

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Methodology

A partially shaded area should be selected for composting of coir dust. The floor of
the selected area must be hard to prevent leaching of water or nutrients from the compost.
Spread one tonne of coir dust over the floor selected for composting. A hard-cemented
surface is ideal for composting. Otherwise the floor should be hardened by putting stones
and other hardy materials. Poultry manure (200 kg) and rock phosphate (10 kg), Pleurotus
sajor caju (2 kg), microbial inoculums (2 kg) consists of Bacillus, Trichoderma, and
Pseudomonas are added to the coir dust. All the above materials are mixed together
thoroughly with one tonne of coir dust. After thorough mixing it should be sprinkled with
water and formed in to a heap. The moisture level should be maintained at 60% level
through out the composting period. However water should not be dripped out of the
composting material. For uniform composting of coir dust, the compost should be turned
once in every 10 days. There will be reduction in volume of coir dust and all the material will
be changed to black in color after 60th day with an earthy odor from the composted
material. It will have high water holding capacity. The enriched coir dust compost contains
the following nutrients.

Nutritive value of Enriched Organic Manure from Coir Dust

S. No. Parameters Composition

1. Carbon 28 %
2. Nitrogen 1.82 %
3. Phosphorus 2.34 %
4. Potassium 0.91 %
5. Cellulose 4.20 %
6. Lignin 15.39 %
7. C/N ratio 15.94 1
8. Iron 1419 mg kg-1
9. Manganese 116 mg kg-1
10. Zinc 169 mg kg-1
11. Copper 115 mg kg-1

Advantages of Enriched Organic Manure from Coir Dust

1. The enriched organic manure from coir dust is produced with in a period of 60 days,
whereas in other methods the compost is produced 90 to 120 days.
2. The enriched organic manure from coir dust is environment friendly organic manure,
suitable for all soils and crops. It is processed from natural biomass adopting organic
method and utilizing bio-agents for decomposition of coir dust.
3. Application of the enriched organic manure from coir dust improves the physico-
chemical properties of the soil by increasing the nutrient availability in the soil and
improving the soil structure, aggregation, porosity and water holding capacity. The
soil fertility is enhanced.
4. The enriched organic manure from coir dust supplies macronutrients (Nitrogen,
Phosphorus and Potassium) as well as micronutrients (Iron, Manganese, Copper and
Zinc) to the corps.

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5. It is an excellent organic medium and basal manure for application in planting pits
for crops and forest trees especially in areas of water scarcity and drought.
6. The enriched organic manure from coir dust is an excellent soil ameliorant and soil
conditioner for correcting soil problems.Hence it can be used as a component of
biological reclamation system for bringing alkaline, saline and also ill drained soils
back to remunerative farming.

III. COMPOSTING OF POULTRY WASTES

Value addition of Poultry Waste through Composting technology
Poultry industry is one of the largest and fastest growing livestock production
systems in the world. In India, there are about 3430 million populations of poultry with a
waste generation of 3.30 million tonnes per year. The localized nature of poultry production
also means that it can represent a large percentage of the agricultural economy in many
states or regions. Although economical and successful, the poultry industry is currently
facing with a number of highly complex and challenging environmental problems, many of
which are related to its size and geographically concentrated nature. From an agricultural
perspective, poultry wastes play a major role in the contamination of ground water through
nitrate nitrogen. Also, the eutrophication of surface water due to phosphorus, pesticides,
heavy metals and pathogens present in the poultry wastes applied to soils are the central
environmental issues at the present time.
Among the animal manures, poultry droppings have higher nutrient contents. It has
nitrogen (4.55 to 5.46 %), phosphorus (2.46 to 2.82 %), potassium (2.02 to 2.32 %), calcium
(4.52 to 8.15 %), magnesium (0.52 to 0.73 %) and appreciable quantities of micronutrients
like Cu, Zn, Fe, Mn etc. In addition to this cellulose (2.26 to 3.62%), hermicellulose (1.89 to
2.77 %) and lignin (1.07 to 2.16 %) are also present in poultry waste. These components
upon microbial action can be converted to value added compost with high nutrient status.
In poultry droppings, nearly 60% of nitrogen which is present as uric acid and urea is lost
through ammonia volatilization by hydrolysis. This loss of nitrogen reduces the agronomic
value of the product, besides causing atmospheric pollution. Composting with amendment
seems promising in conservation of nitrogen in poultry droppings. Nitrogen in poultry waste
can be effectively conserved by composting with suitable organic amendment. The
technologies developed will be highly useful to the poultry farmers.
Method of preparation of poultry waste compost using coir pith
Inputs required
• Poultry droppings
• Coirpith
• Pleurotus sajor-caju
Method
A known quantity of the poultry waste as collected above along with coir pith is
inoculated with Pleurotus sajor-caju@ 2 packets per tonne to speed up the composting
process. This mixer should be placed under shade as heap. The moisture content of the
heap should be maintained at 50 to 60%. Periodical turning must be given on 21st, 28th and
35th days of composting. Another two packets of Pleurotus sajor-caju is to be added during
turning given on the 28th day of composting. Good quality compost will be attained after
45th day of composting. The nutrient contents of the composts of poultry litter collected
from caged system and deep litter systems are as below;

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 Nutrient content
Nitrogen (%) 2.08 – 2.13
Phosphorous (%) 2.40 -2.61
Potassium (%) 2.03-2.94
C:N ratio 13:1-14:1
Points to be remembered
• Elevated shady place is highly suitable.
• Within a period of 10 to 15 days, the temperature of the heap will raise to
maximum. If the temperature drops below 50º C, the heaps should be spread and
moistened with water to bring the moisture content to 60%.
• Colour of the compost will turn from brown to black.
• The matured compost will be odourless.
• The volume of the compost heap will be reduced to 1/3.
• Temperature of the heap will be same as the ambient air temperature and stable.
• Matured compost will be light and fine textured.
• Moisture content of the heap can be measured using moisture meter or by taking
handful of compost from the heap and squeezing it with the fingers. If excess water
drips out from the compost, then it is considered to have >60 % moisture. If small
quantity of water oozes out as drops, then moisture content is considered to be
optimum i.e., 60%.
• Each compost heap should have a minimum of one tonne to retain the heat for post
decomposition.
Value
Animal manures especially poultry manure are rich in N and the nutrient value of the
manure is reduced by loss of N through ammonia volatilization and denitrification. Good
quality poultry manure can be obtained by mixing the poultry waste with selective
carbonaceous material such as coirpith and inoculation with suitable microorganism. It can
be used as an eco-friendly technique for the conversion of poultry waste into valuable
compost.
Benefits
Poultry wastes contain higher concentrations of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus
than wastes of other animal species and the presence of nutrients provides more incentive
for the utilization of this resource. The loss of nitrogen from poultry droppings can be
effectively conserved by composting with coir pith and serves as a good source of organic
nutrients to agricultural fields. To make the organic nutrients present in poultry waste
available to plants, the waste has to be composted suitably to minimize the volatilization of
ammonia.

Applications
The poultry waste compost will be a very good organic manure@6 ton / ha for all
the crops.
Limitations
The uninterrupted availability of the raw materials has to be ensured for continuous
production on a commercial scale.

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 IV. VERMICOMPOST
Earthworms live in the soil and feed on decaying organic material. After digestion,
the undigested material moves through the alimentary canal of the earthworm, a thin layer
of oil is deposited on the castings. This layer erodes over a period of 2 months. So although
the plant nutrients are immediately available, they are slowly released to last longer. The
process in the alimentary canal of the earthworm transforms organic waste to natural
fertilizer. The chemical changes that organic wastes undergo include deodorizing and
neutralizing. This means that the pH of the castings is 7 (neutral) and the castings are
odorless. The worm castings also contain bacteria, so the process is continued in the soil,
and microbiological activity is promoted.

Vermicomposting is the process of turning organic debris into worm castings. The
worm castings are very important to the fertility of the soil. The castings contain high
amounts of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and magnesium. Castings contain: 5
times the available nitrogen, 7 times the available potash, and 1 ½ times more calcium than
found in good top soil. Several researchers have demonstrated that earthworm castings
have excellent aeration, porosity, structure, drainage, and moisture-holding capacity. The
content of the earthworm castings, along with the natural tillage by the worms burrowing
action, enhances the permeability of water in the soil. Worm castings can hold close to nine
times their weight in water. “Vermiconversion,” or using earthworms to convert waste into
soil additives, has been done on a relatively small scale for some time. A recommended rate
of vermicompost application is 15-20 per cent. Vermicomposting is done on small and large
scales.

Materials for preparation of Vermicompost

Any types of biodegradable wastes can be used for vermicomposting
1. Crop residues
2. Weed biomass
3. Vegetable waste
4. Leaf litter
5. Hotel refuse
6. Waste from agro-industries
7. Biodegradable portion of urban and rural wastes

PHASE OF VERMICOMPOSTING
Phase 1 : Processing involving collection of wastes, shredding, mechanical
separation of the metal, glass and ceramics and storage of
organic wastes.
Phase 2 : Pre digestion of organic waste for twenty days by heaping the
material along with cattle dung slurry. This process partially
digests the material and fit for earthworm consumption. Cattle
dung and biogas slurry may be used after drying. Wet dung
should not be used for vermicompost production.
Phase 3 : Preparation of earthworm bed. A concrete base is required to
put the waste for vermicompost preparation. Loose soil will
allow the worms to go into soil and also while watering, all the
dissolvable nutrients go into the soil along with water.

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 Phase 4 : Collection of earthworm after vermicompost collection. Sieving
the composted material to separate fully composted material.
The partially composted material will be again put into
vermicompost bed.
Phase 5 : Storing the vermicompost in proper place to maintain moisture
and allow the beneficial microorganisms to grow.
Bedding
Bedding is any material that provides the worms with a relatively stable habitat. This
habitat must have the following characteristics:

High absorbency
Worms breathe through their skins and therefore must have a moist environment in
which to live. If a worm’s skin dries out, it dies. The bedding must be able to absorb and
retain water fairly well if the worms are to thrive.

Good bulking potential

If the material is too dense to begin with, or packs too tightly, then the flow of air is
reduced or eliminated. Worms require oxygen to live, just as we do. Different materials
affect the overall porosity of the bedding through a variety of factors, including the range of
particle size and shape, the texture, and the strength and rigidity of its structure. The overall
effect is referred to in this document as the material’s bulking potential.

Low protein and/or nitrogen content (high Carbon: Nitrogen ratio)

Although the worms do consume their bedding as it breaks down, it is very
important that this be a slow process. High protein/nitrogen levels can result in rapid
degradation and its associated heating, creating inhospitable, often fatal, conditions.
Heating can occur safely in the food layers of the vermiculture or vermicomposting system,
but not in the bedding.

VERMICOMPOST PRODUCTION METHODOLOGY

i) Selection of suitable earthworm
For vermicompost production, the surface dwelling earthworm alone should be used. The
earthworm, which lives below the soil, is not suitable for vermicompost production. The
African earthworm (Eudrillus engeniae), Red worms (Eisenia foetida) and composting worm
(Peronyx excavatus) are promising worms used for vermicompost production. All the three
worms can be mixed together for vermicompost production. The African worm (Eudrillus
eugeniae) is preferred over other two types, because it produces higher production of
vermicompost in short period of time and more young ones in the composting period.

ii) Selection of site for vermicompost production

Vermicompost can be produced in any place with shade, high humidity and cool.
Abandoned cattle shed or poultry shed or unused buildings can be used. If it is to be
produced in open area, shady place is selected. A thatched roof may be provided to protect
the process from direct sunlight and rain. The waste heaped for vermicompost production
should be covered with moist gunny bags.

iii) Containers for vermicompost production

A cement tub may be constructed to a height of 2½ feet and a breadth of 3 feet. The

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length may be fixed to any level depending upon the size of the room. The bottom of the
tub is made to slope like structure to drain the excess water from vermicompost unit. A
small sump is necessary to collect the drain water.In another option over the hand floor,
hollow blocks / bricks may be arranged in compartment to a height of one feet, breadth of 3
feet and length to a desired level to have quick harvest. In this method, moisture
assessment will be very easy. No excess water will be drained. Vermicompost can also be
prepared in wooden boxes, plastic buckets or in any containers with a drain hole at the
bottom.

iv) Vermiculture bed

Vermiculture bed or worm bed (3 cm) can be prepared by placing after saw dust or
husk or coir waste or sugarcane trash in the bottom of tub / container. A layer of fine sand
(3 cm) should be spread over the culture bed followed by a layer of garden soil (3 cm). All
layers must be moistened with water.

v) Worm Food
Compost worms are big eaters. Under ideal conditions, they are able to consume in
excess of their body weight each day, although the general rule-of-thumb is ½ of their body
weight per day. They will eat almost anything organic (that is, of plant or animal origin), but
they definitely prefer some foods to others. Manures are the most commonly used worm
feedstock, with dairy and beef manures generally considered the best natural food for
Eisenia, with the possible exception of rabbit manure. The former, being more often
available in large quantities, is the feed most often used.
Common Worm Feed Stocks
Food Advantages Disadvantages
Good nutrition; natural food, Weed seeds make pre-
Cattle manure
therefore little adaptation required composting necessary
High protein levels can be
dangerous to worms, so must be
used in small quantities; major
High N content results in good
Poultry manure adaptation required for worms
nutrition and a high-value product
not used to this feedstock. May
be pre-composted but not
necessary if used cautiously
Require pre-composting (weed
seeds); small particle size can
Sheep/Goat manure Good nutrition
lead to packing, necessitating
extra bulking material
Usually in liquid form, therefore
Good nutrition; produces excellent must be dewatered or used with
Hog manure
vermicompost large quantities of highly
absorbent bedding
Must be leached prior to use
N content second only to poultry
because of high urine content;
manure, there-fore good nutrition;
Rabbit manure can overheat if quantities too
contains very good mix of vitamins
large; availability usually not
& minerals; ideal earth-worm feed
good

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 Extremely variable (depending on
Fresh food scraps (e.g., source); high N can result in
peels, other food prep Excellent nutrition, good moisture overheating; meat & high-fat
waste, leftovers, content, possibility of revenues wastes can create anaerobic
commercial food from waste tipping fees conditions and odours, attract
processing wastes) pests, so should NOT be included
without pre-composting
Good nutrition; partial
decomposition makes digestion by
Pre-composted food Nutrition less than with fresh
worms easier and faster; can
wastes food wastes.
include meat and other greasy
wastes; less tendency to overheat.
Heavy metal and/or chemical
Excellent nutrition and excellent contamination (if from municipal
product; can be activated or non- sources); odour during
Biosolids (human
activated sludge, septic sludge; application to beds (worms
waste)
possibility of waste management control fairly quickly); possibility
revenues of pathogen survival if process
not complete
Good nutrition; results in excellent Salt must be rinsed off, as it is
Seaweed product, high in micronutrients and detrimental to worms;
beneficial microbes availability varies by region
Higher N content makes these Moisture levels not as high as
Legume hays good feed as well as reasonable other feeds, requires more input
bedding. and monitoring
Excellent nutrition (due to high-
protein glue used to hold layers Must be shredded (waxed
Corrugated cardboard
together); worms like this material; variety) and/or soaked (non-
(including waxed)
possible revenue source from WM waxed) prior to feeding
fees
High N content provides good
Fish, poultry offal;
nutrition; opportunity to turn Must be pre-composted until
blood wastes; animal
problematic wastes into high- past thermophillic stage
mortalities
quality product

vi) Selection for vermicompost production

Cattle dung (except pig, poultry and goat), farm wastes, crop residues, vegetable
market waste, flower market waste, agro industrial waste, fruit market waste and all other
bio degradable waste are suitable for vermicompost production. The cattle dung should be
dried in open sunlight before used for vermicompost production. All other waste should be
predigested with cow dung for twenty days before put into vermibed for composting.

vii) Putting the waste in the container

The predigested waste material should be mud with 30% cattle dung either by
weight or volume. The mixed waste is placed into the tub / container upto brim. The
moisture level should be maintained at 60%. Over this material, the selected earthworm is
placed uniformly. For one-meter length, one-meter breadth and 0.5-meter height, 1 kg of
worm (1000 Nos.) is required. There is no necessity that earthworm should be put inside
the waste. Earthworm will move inside on its own.

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viii) Watering the vermibed
Daily watering is not required for vermibed. But 60% moisture should be maintained
throughout the period. If necessity arises, water should be sprinkled over the bed rather
than pouring the water. Watering should be stopped before the harvest of vermicompost.

ix) Harvesting vermicompost

In the tub method of composting, the castings formed on the top layer are collected
periodically. The collection may be carried out once in a week. With hand the casting will
be scooped out and put in a shady place as heap like structure. The harvesting of casting
should be limited up to earthworm presence on top layer. This periodical harvesting is
necessary for free flow and retain the compost quality. Otherwise the finished compost get
compacted when watering is done. In small bed type of vermicomposting method,
periodical harvesting is not required. Since the height of the waste material heaped is
around 1 foot, the produced vermicompost will be harvested after the process is over.

x) Harvesting earthworm
After the vermicompost production, the earthworm present in the tub / small bed
may be harvested by trapping method. In the vermibed, before harvesting the compost,
small, fresh cow dung ball is made and inserted inside the bed in five or six places. After 24
hours, the cow dung ball is removed. All the worms will be adhered into the ball. Putting
the cow dung ball in a bucket of water will separate this adhered worm. The collected
worms will be used for next batch of composting.

xi) Nutritive value of vermicompost

The nutrients content in vermicompost vary depending on the waste materials that
is being used for compost preparation. If the waste materials are heterogeneous one, there
will be wide range of nutrients available in the compost. If the waste materials are
homogenous one, there will be only certain nutrients are available. The common available
nutrients in vermicompost is as follows
Organic carbon : 9.5 – 17.98%
Nitrogen : 0.5 – 1.50%
Phosphorous : 0.1 – 0.30%
Potassium : 0.15 – 0.56%
Sodium : 0.06 – 0.30%
Calcium and Magnesium : 22.67 to 47.60 meq/100g
Copper : 2 – 9.50 mg kg-1
Iron : 2 – 9.30 mg kg-1
Zinc : 5.70 – 11.50 mg kg-1
Sulphur : 128 – 548 mg kg-1

xii) Storing and packing of vermicompost

The harvested vermicompost should be stored in dark, cool place. It should have
minimum 40% moisture. Sunlight should not fall over the composted material. It will lead
to loss of moisture and nutrient content. It is advocated that the harvested composted
material is openly stored rather than packed in over sac. Packing can be done at the time of
selling. If it is stored in open place, periodical sprinkling of water may be done to maintain

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moisture level and also to maintain beneficial microbial population. If the necessity comes
to store the material, laminated over sac is used for packing. This will minimize the moisture
evaporation loss. Vermicompost can be stored for one year without loss of its quality, if the
moisture is maintained at 40% level.

4. Advantages of vermicompost
• Vermicompost is rich in all essential plant nutrients.
• Provides excellent effect on overall plant growth, encourages the growth of new
shoots / leaves and improves the quality and shelf life of the produce.
• Vermicompost is free flowing, easy to apply, handle and store and does not have
bad odour.
• It improves soil structure, texture, aeration, and waterholding capacity and prevents
soil erosion.
• Vermicompost is rich in beneficial micro flora such as a fixers, P- solubilizers,
cellulose decomposing micro-flora etc in addition to improve soil environment.
• Vermicompost contains earthworm cocoons and increases the population and
activity of earthworm in the soil.
• It neutralizes the soil protection.
• It prevents nutrient losses and increases the use efficiency of chemical fertilizers.
• Vermicompost is free from pathogens, toxic elements, weed seeds etc.
• Vermicompost minimizes the incidence of pest and diseases.
• It enhances the decomposition of organic matter in soil.
• It contains valuable vitamins, enzymes and hormones like auxins, gibberellins etc.

5. Pests and diseases of vermicompost

Compost worms are not subject to diseases caused by micro-organisms, but they are
subject to predation by certain animals and insects (red mites are the worst) and to a
disease known as “sour crop” caused by environmental conditions.

INDUSTRIAL WASTE UTILIZATION FOR LAND

RECLAMATION AND CROP PRODUCTION

Application of Untreated Distillery Effluent (Spentwash) for the Reclamation of Sodic Soils
Amendments generally used to reclaim sodic soils are gypsum, phosphogypsum, iron
pyrites and elemental sulphur. All these are inorganic in nature. Some of the organic
amendments to reclaim the sodic soils are press-mud, farmyard manure (FYM), coir dust
and green manures. The direct discharge of untreated distillery effluent (spentwash) to
reclaim and improve the productivity of the sodic soils is now advocated. Untreated
distillery effluent (spentwash) is acidic (pH: 3.8 – 4.2) with considerable quantity of
potassium, calcium and magnesium and traces of micronutrients. Organic compounds,
mainly the humic related melanoidins improve the bio-catalytic potential of the treated
soil.

Hence, only one time application of 3.75 to 5.00 lakhs litres of untreated distillery
effluent (spentwash) per hectare of sodic soils in summer months is recommended. Natural
oxidation can be induced for a period of six weeks with two intermittent dry ploughing at
a particular interval. Then, after 45 – 60th day of application, soil is to be irrigated with

360
fresh water and drained. This treatment reduces the pH and exchangeable sodium
percentage to normal level and increases the productivity of the sodic soils. After this
reclamation practice, rice crop can be raised in the effluent applied field adopting the
conventional cultivation technique. Application of this effluent again to the next
crop/season or year after year and also to the land nearby drinking water sources is not
advocated.

Application of Treated Distillery Effluent to Crops

-1
• Treated distillery effluent contains nitrogen 1200 mg L , phosphate 500 mg L-1, potash
12000 mg L-1, calcium 1800 mg L-1 and iron 300 mg L-1. Since the effluent has higher
dissolved salts, 50 times diluted effluent can be irrigated to sugarcane, banana,
ragi, sunflower, grasses, cotton and soybean.

• It can also be used as one time application to fallow land at the rate 20,000 to 40,
000 litres per hectare. It should be allowed for complete drying over a period of 20
to 30 days. The effluent applied field is to be thoroughly ploughed two times for the
natural oxidation and mineralization of organic matter. After that, crops can be
raised in the effluent applied field adopting the conventional methods. Application
of this effluent again to the next crop/season or year after year and also to the land
nearby drinking water sources is not advocated.

Irrigation of Pulp and Paper Mill Effluents

Pulp and paper effluents contain lot of dissolved solids and stabilized organic
matter. The properly treated effluent with EC less than 1.2 dSm-1 as such can safely be used
for irrigation with appropriate amendments viz., pressmud @ 5 tonnes ha-1 (or) fortified
pressmud @ 2.5 tonnes ha-1 or daincha as in -situ green manure (6.25 tonnes ha-1).
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 to sodium either on soil or plants grown in sandy loam soils with good drainage
facilities. This treated effluent can be used for irrigation in these soils for the following crops
and varieties along with recommended doses of amendments viz., pressmud @ 5 tonnes ha-
1
, or fortified pressmud @ 2.5 tonnes ha-1 or daincha as in situ green manure (6.25 tonnes
ha-1).
Crops Varieties

Rice : IR 20, TRY 1, CO 43.

Maize : CO 1
Sunflower : CO 2
Groundnut : TMV 7
Soybean : CO 1
Sugarcane : CO 6304, COSi 86071, COC 95071,
CO 86032
Tapioca : CO (TP) 4, CO 2, CO 3, MVD 1
However, irrigating this treated effluent to oil seed crops like gingelly and castor,
pulses like greengram and blackgram is not advocated as they were found to be sensitive
for this type of effluent irrigation.

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Reclamation of papermill effluent irrigated soil
Application of 7.25 t ha-1 of gypsum is recommended to reclaim the TEWLIS area
soils of Karur district (Moolimangalam, Pandipalayam, Pazhamapuram, Thadampalayam
and Ponniagoundanpudur) where the treated paper mill effluent is being continuously used
for irrigation since 1995. Application of pressmud @ 6 t ha-1 along with Blue Green Algae
(15 kg ha-1) and Gypsum (50% Gypsum requirement) is also effective in reclaiming the saline
sodic soil with continuous papermill effluent irrigation and to increase the green fodder
yield of Lucerne.

Crops and Varieties Suitable for Tannery Waste Affected Soils

Based on the results of field trials conducted at Vellore district, the following crops,
trees and their varieties are recommended for the tannery waste affected soils
Crops Varieties

Cereals : Rice (TRY 1, CO 43, Paiyur 1, ASD 16)

Millets : Ragi (CO 12, CO 13)
Oilseeds : Sunflower (CO 4, Morden) and Mustard
Cash crops : Sugarcane (COG 94076, COG 88123, COC 771)
Vegetables : Brinjal, Bhendi, Chillies, Tomato (PKM 1)
Flowering crops : Jasmine, Neerium, Tuberose
Trees : Eucalyptus, Casuarinas and Acacia

TNAU constructed wetland technology

TNAU constructed wetland technology is recommended for treating the papermill
effluent using species viz., Typha latifolia, Pharagmitis australis and Cyperus pangorei with
plant density of lakhs shoots ha-1 (25 shoots m-2). Around 1 ha of wetland area is required
to treat 1000 m3 of wastewater per day with a retention time of 2 – 3 days.
The wetland beds should be lined with an impermeable liner made of PVC or high-
density poly ethylene (HDPE). The bottom most layer of wetland should be filled with ½ to
1” pebbles to a depth of 6 cm followed by Pea gravel of 6 cm, coarse sand and fine sand
each of 7 cm and the top layer with soil to a depth of 9 cm.

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 14. SERICULTURE
A. MULBERRY (Morus spp. ) CULTIVATION
1. IRRIGATED

MULBERRY VARIETIES
Kanva 2 (M 5), MR 2, S 36, S 1635,DD, V1.

SOIL TYPE
Deep red soil or red loamy soil. Avoid saline, alkaline or highly acidic soils.

NURSERY
• Select 800 m2 area near water source for raising saplings required for planting one
hectare of main field.
• Apply 1600 kg of FYM.
• Raise nursery beds of 4 m x 1.5m size. The length can be of convenient size
depending upon the slop and irrigation source.
• Semi-hardwood cuttings of 10 to 12 mm diameter, free from pests and diseases are
selected from 6 to 8 months old well established garden.
• The cutting should be of 15 to 20 cm length with 3 to 4 active buds and should have
45° slanting sharp clean cut (without splitting the bark) at the bottom end.
• Use power operated mulberry cutter (TNAU stem cutting machine) for quick cutting
of propagation material with an output of 1000 cuttings per hour.
• Mix one kg of Azospirillum (AZP2 culture) in 40 l of water and keep the bottom ends
for 30 minutes in it.
• Apply VAM @ 100 g/m2 of nursery area and irrigated.
• Plant the cuttings in the nursery at 15 cm x 7 cm spacing at an angle of 45° Ensure
exposure of atleast one active bud in each cutting.
• Dust one kg endosulfan 4D or malathion 5D or quinalphos 1.5D to prevent termite
attack. Drench the soil with carbendazim 50 WP (2 g/l) or apply Trichoderma viride
0.5 g/m2 to prevent root rot and collar rot.
• After weeding, apply 100 g of urea/m2 of nursery between 45 and 50 days after
planting. Transplant 90 to 120 days old saplings.

MAIN FIELD
¾ Plough the land with disc plough or mould board plough followed by cultivator and
otavator.
¾ Use chisel plough to break open hard pan by operating the plough in criss-cross
direction at 50 cm distance.
¾ During the last plough, apply 20 tonnes of FYM /ha or 5.63 tonnes of vermicompost / ha.

Planting
¾ Plant the saplings in ridges and furrows at 90 cm x 90 cm spacing (normal row) or at
75/105 cm x 90 cm spacing under paired row system.
¾ Planting should coincide with onset of monsoon. Gaps should be filled up to
maintain a population of 12,345 plants/ha.

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Nutrient management
Manures and Fertilizers FYM : 20 t/ha/yr
Fertilizers : 300 : 120 : 120 kg NPK/ha/yr Apply in split doses after every pruning

Application after pruning Nitrogen (kg) Phosphorus (kg) Potassium (kg)

1st 60 60 60

2nd 60 -- --

3rd 60 60 60

4th 60 -- --

5th 60 -- --
Total 300 120 120
For the variety V1, apply 375 : 140 : 140 kg NPK / ha / yr (in equal splits as above)
Note: Apply the fertilizers based on the Soil Test recommendations to optimize the NPK
requirement.

Nitrogen
¾ Apply Azospirillum in five split doses at 4 kg/ha, each time, after every pruning to
compensate 25% of inorganic N fertilizer.
¾ In situ growing and incorporation of sunnhemp, combined with bio-fertilizer can
save 50% of N.

Phosphorus
¾ Apply phosphorus solubilizing bacteria at 10 kg/ha/yr in two equal splits.
¾ Apply phosphorus as Enriched FYM (EFYM) in two equal splits along with first
and third application of nitrogen.

Preparation of Enriched Farmyard Manure (EFYM)

Mix 375 kg Single Super Phosphate with 750 kg FYM, moisten and keep it in an
anaerobic condition for 45 days.

Micronutrients
Foliar spray of 1% FeSO4 or 0.5% ZnSO4 or both whenever the deficiency symptoms
of zinc of iron are noticed.

Inter Crop
After every pruning, grow short duration crops like greens, greengram, blackgram,
coriander, cowpea, horsegram and sunnhemp.

Weed Management
Weeding should be done manually or chemically after pruning, based on need.
Apply glyphosate at 7.5 ml with 10 g of ammonium sulphate / litre of water.

Water Management
Irrigate the field once in seven to eight days based on the need. Drip irrigation, if
followed, can save 40% of water requirement.

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Pruning
Once in a year, bottom pruning is done leaving a stem of 10 cm height. Other
prunings are done at a height of 30-35 cm from ground level. Totally, five prunings are
practiced every year.

Harvesting
First leaf harvest can be made six months after planting. Subsequent leaf harvests
can be taken 45 days after pruning. Five harvests can be had in an year.

Leaf yield
Varieties
(t/ha/yr)
Kanva 2, MR 2, S 36, S 1635 35 - 40
DD 40 – 45
V1 55 - 60

2. Chawki garden
Maintain a separate Chawki garden for rearing young age worms. Otherwise, a part
of the main field ( 5% area) can be allotted for this purpose.
Varieties : S 36 (More suitable because of high carbohydrate and protein
content) FYM : 40 t/ha/yr
Fertilizers : 225:150:150 Kg NPK /ha/yr in eight splits
Irrigation : Once in five days
Yield : 25 t/ha/yr in 12 harvests.
Note: V 1 is also suitable for chawki rearing with high nutrient input.

3. RAINFED
Varieties : S 13, S 34, S 1635, RFS 135, RFS 175,MR2
Spacing : 90 cm x 90 cm in pit system of planting
Manures and Fertilizers :
FYM : 20 t/ha/yr
Fertilizer : 100:50:50 kg NPK/ha/yr Apply in split doses after
pruninLeaf yield : 12 -15 t/ha/yr
4. Pest and Disease management

Tukra,Pink mealy bug (Maconellicoccus hirsutus)

¾ Cut and burn the affected shoots
¾ Spot application of endosulfan 4D or malathion 5D around the bushes to kill the
phoretic ants.
¾ Spray dichlorvos 76 WSC @ 1 ml/litre (safe waiting period – 10 days)
¾ Release predatory coccinellids, Cryptolaemus montrouzieri @ 750 beetles / ha or
¾ Scymnus coccivora @ 1000 beetles / ha, Chrysoperla carnea @ 2500 eggs/ha. Spray
3 % neem oil with 0.5 % wetting agent.

Thrips (Pseudodendrothrips mori)

Spray dichlorvos 76 WSC @ 2 ml/litre or malathion 50 EC @ 2 ml/litre. Spray 3 %
neem oil with 0.5 % wetting agent

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Leaf webber (Diaphania pulverulentalis)
Irrigate the mulberry field immediately after pruning to expose the leaf webber
pupae. Release pupal parasitoid, Tetrastichus howardi @ 50,000/ha next day after pruning
Egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis @ 5cc/ha at 10 days after pruning.

Spray dichlorvos 76 WSC @ 1 ml/litre (500 ml/ha) on 30 days after pruning. Clip and
burn the affected shoots.

Black Scale (Saissetia nigra)

Scrap with a plate to dislodge the insects. Spray malathion 50 EC @ 2ml/litre.
Diseases

Root rot (Macrophomina phaseolina, Fusarium spp.)

¾ Apply neem cake @ 1 t/ha in five split doses Uproot and burn the diseased plants
¾ Apply copper oxychloride @ 2 g/ litre in the affected areas
¾ Application of Pseudomonas fluorescens + Trichoderma viride + Trichoderma
harzianum + FYM (1:1:1:20) @100 g/ plant.

Powdery mildew (Phyllactinea corylea)

Spray wettable sulphur or carbendazim @ 2g/litre.

B. SILKWORM (Bombyx mori) REARING

1. Silkworm races
Multi X Bivoltine (cross breeds):
Irrigated areas : BL24 x NB4D2, PM x CSR2, PM x NB4D2, APM1 x APS8
(Swarnaandhra), BL43 x NB4D2
Rainfed areas : PM x C.Nichi, BL23 x NB4D2
Bivoltine hybrids : CSR2 x CSR 4, CSR 18 x CSR 19, KSO1 x NP 2 Double
hybrids : DH1- [(CSR 6 X CSR 26) (CSR 2 X CSR 27)],
DH2- [(CSR 2 X CSR 27) (CSR 6 X CSR 26)].

2. Rearing house
A well ventilated CSB model rearing house with separate ante room, Chawki
room, late age worm rearing room and spinning hall should be used for silkworm
rearing.

Avoid rearing in dwelling house and in thatched sheds.

3. General disinfection
¾ Spray 2% formalin with 0.3% slaked lime or 2.5% chlorine dioxide with 0.5%
slaked lime @ 2 litres/m2 area for disinfecting the rearing house.
¾ Dip the rearing equipments in 2% bleaching powder solution and sundry before
use.
¾ Dust 5% bleaching powder with slaked lime powder @ 200 g/m2 around the
rearing house and the passages, and sprinkle water @ 1 litre/m2 floor area.

4. Incubation of eggs
Incubate the eggs at 25°C temperature and 80% humidity. At head pigmentation

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stage (about 48 hours before hatching), keep in dark condition by wrapping in black
paper or by keeping them in a box (black boxing)

5. Optimum rearing conditions

Period Temp Humidity Leaf size Size of the Quantity of leaves (kg)
Instar (days) (°C) (%) (cm2) cleaning required for 100 DFLs
net (mm) Cross breeds Bivoltines
Early
I 3-4 27-28 85-90 0.5-2.0 2 4-5 6-7
II 2-3 26-27 80-85 2.0-4.0 2 6-8 9-10
Late
III 4-5 25-26 75-80 4.0-6.0 10 30-35** 35-40**
IV 4-5 24-25 70-75 Entire 20 80-90** 120-150**
V 7-9 22-24 70-75 Entire 20 700-800** 800-950**
1070-
Total 820-938
1157*
New CSR breeds / hybrids require 15 to 20% higher quantity of leaves.

** Note: The ratio between stem and leaves in the shoot ranges from 3:2 to 1:1. The
shoots can be harvested and used accordingly for shoot rearing.
6. Chawki rearing and cleaning:
In a tray of 120 cm x 90 cm x 10 cm size, 20 DFLs are brushed and reared till the end
of second age.
From brushing to the end of second age, the larvae are fed with tender leaves.
The leaves are selected from the largest glossy leaf, 3rd and 4th from the top for I
instar larvae. The 5th to 8th leaves are used to rear the second instar larvae.
In 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 second moult.

7. Shoot rearing for late age worms

Provide separate rearing house for shoot rearing in shady areas.
Fabricate the rack stand with wood or steel and the rearing seat with wire
mesh/bamboo mat. Shoot rearing rack of 1.2m x 11m size is sufficient to rear 50
DFLs.
Provide 15cm border on all sides of the shelf to prevent the dispersal of the larvae.
Arrange the shelves in three tier system with 50 cm space between the tiers. Clean
the bed once in each instar.
For cleaning, place two ropes parallelly on the bed and place the new shoots over
the ropes. After all the worms have moved on to the new shoots, take the rope
from the bed and remove the remains and refuses.

8. Shoot harvesting and feeding

Harvest the shoots at 1 m height from ground level at 60 to 70 days after pruning.
Store the shoots vertically upwards in dark cooler room.
Provide thin layer of water (3cm) in one corner of storage room and place the cut
ends of shoots in the water for moisture retention.
Provide a layer of newspaper in rearing shelf. Spread the shoot in perpendicular to

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 width of the bed.
Place top and bottom ends of the shoots alternatively to ensure equal mixing of
different qualities of leaves.
Transfer the third instar larvae to shoots immediately after moulting.
Apply soya flour twice @ 5g / kg of shoots on first day of first feeding during fourth
and fifth instars during first feeding.
9. Pest and diseases management
Pest
Uzi fly (Exorista bombycis)
Provide physical barriers like wire mesh or nylon net in the doors and windows of
the rearing rooms.
Spray uzicide (1 % benzoic acid) over the larvae to dislodge the eggs.
Dissolve “uzi tables” in water ( 2 tablets /l) or Asiphor 15 ml/I of water in white
bowls to attract the adults (uzitrap). Keep them near windows or at the entrance of
rearing room.
Release hyperparasitiod, Nesolynx thymus @ 20,000 adults / 100 dfls.
Spray uzifly ovo repellant @ 5 ml/ 5 litres on 3rd, 4th and 5th instar larvae to ward off
uzifly from laying eggs on silkworm larvae.

SILKWORM DISEASES
General precautionary measures to be taken Proper disinfection of rearing room and
appliances. Providing good ventillation
Maintenance of proper temperature and humidity in the rearing room or avoiding
fluctuation in temperature and humidity conditions.
Feeding worms with good quality leaves.
Avoiding starvation.
Avoiding over crowding
Avoiding any damage to the skin of worms.
Proper disposal of the dead worms in 2 % bleaching powder + 0.3 % slaked lime solution.
Avoiding borrowing of mountages.

9.2.2. General bed disinfection

Keep the rearing bed thin and dry by applying slacked lime at 30 to 50 g/ m2.
Apply bed disinfections such as Sakthi or Vijetha or Resham Jyothi or Sanjeevini @ 4 kg/100
DFLs to prevent the secondary transmission of diseases.
Disinfection of rearing bed with bed disinfectants at dose of 4 kgs/100 dfls and are to be
applied at 3g/sq. feet for chawki worms and 5g/sqfeet for late age worms.

9.2.2. Viral/ Grasserie disease

Treat the mulberry leaves with aqueous leaf extract of Psoralea corylifolia or Plectranthus
amboinicus at 0.1 % or 1000 ppm and feed to the worms immediately after second and
third moult. Gentamycin 100 ppm is to be administered after fourth moult.

Bacterial/Flacherie disease (Streptococcus,Staphylococcus Bacillus, Serratia)

Treat the mulberry leaves with aqueous leaf extract of Aegle marmelos or Thuja
orientalis at 0.1% or 1000 ppm after second and third moult and 500 ppm Streptomycin
sulphate after fourth moult.

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Fungal/Muscadine disease(Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Aspergillus
flavus)
10 g of dithane M 45 mixed with 1 kg of slaked lime is dusted over chawki worms at
3 g/sq feet. In case of late age worms, 20 g of dithane M 45 is applied at 5 g/ sq.feet.
Disinfect rearing rooms and trays with 4% pentachlorophenol to control Aspergillosis.

Pebrine (Nosema bombycis)

This disease is taken care off in the grainages and only disease free eggs are supplied
to farmers. If the disease is chance encountered in the rearing, the diseased eggs, larvae,
pupae, moths, bed refuses and faecal pellets should be disposed after thorough
disinfection. Storage of leaves in a separate room.

10. Moulting care

Apply slaked lime @ 30 to 50 g/m2 when all the worms settle for moult for uniform
moulting. Dust 10 g dithane M 45 mixed with 1 Kg of slaked lime over chawki worms at 3 g/
sq. feet. In case of late age worms, 20 g of dithane M 45 is applied at 5 g/ sq. feet.
11. Mounting
¾ For early and uniform spinning of cocoons, apply Sampoorna @ 20 ml (dissolved in 4
litres of water) / 100 DFLs over the leaves and feed to silkworms.
¾ Spray the mulberry leaves with phytojuvenoid, Illamathi and feed to second day old
fifth instar. Avoid hiring of mountages.
¾ Arrange 800 to 900 worms per m2 on a mountage.
¾ Mountages should be kept in shade in a well ventilated place in slanting position
during spinning. Rotary mountages can also be used (one set of rotary mountage
can accommodate 1560 worms).

12. Harvesting
Harvest the cocoons of crossbreeds and bivoltines on 5th and 7th day after
spinning respectively.

Cross breeds : Rainfed 20-25 kg/100 DFLs

Irrigated 50-60 kg/100 DFLs Bivoltines : 60-70 kg/100 DFLs

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 15. AGROFORESTRY

The 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 agroforestry implies sustained, combined management of the same piece of
land for silvicultural, agricultural and pastural 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 of increasing wood and food
production to meet the needs of burgeoning population and conservation of 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 in dry inhospitable climatic
conditions. Tree growth in such cases conserves soil moisture, increasing atmospheric
humidity, improves soil fertility, protects field crops against the scorching and desiccating
effects of winds and generally makes the climate more equable and pleasant, thereby
stepping up agricultural production.

The silviculture of important agroforestry tree species viz., Eucalyptus sp.,

Casuarina spp, Ailanthus excelsa, Melia dubia, Tectona grandis, Santalum album ,
Pterocarpus santalinus, Neolamarckia cadamba and Leucaena leucocephala are given
hereunder .

1. SILVICULTURE OF EUCALYPTUS

Species : Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Eucalyptus tereticornis

Family : Myrtaceae
Common Name : Red gum, Mysore gum
Altitude : 0 - 1000 m
Mean Annual
: 600 – 1500 mm
Rainfall
Locality
Mean Annual
Factors : 2°C to 32°C
Temperature
Sandy loams
Soil type :
Gravels and Alluvial Soil
Flowering occurs twice a year
Flowering : May to June
Phenology October to November
July
Fruit ripening :
December
Strong light demander
Silvicultural Characters :
Coppice - coppices freely and vigorously
Seed Seeds are raised in the mother bed
Propagation : Germinated seedlings are transplanted
Nursery
Six month old seedlings are ready for planting
Techniques
Vegetative Clonal technology – mini clonal
:
Propagation Establishment of clonal mother garden
385
 management of mother garden with irrigation and
fertilizer
Induction of micro suits
Cutting of 5 to 10 cm
Planting in root trainer filled with coir compost
Root initiation within 21 days
Hardening 45 to 60 days
90 days old plants are ready for planting
Spacing : 3m x 1.35 m
Pit Size : 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm
Basal 250g of Vermi-compost or 2kg of Farmyard manure
:
Application per pit with 50-100 g DAP
Planting Time : June to October
Silvicultural
Irrigation : 3 to 6 litres per day
Treatment
Fertilizer 2kg of FYM and 100g – 500g all 19 every six month
:
Application once
Weeding : Two weedings per annum for 2 years
Pruning : Self Pruning
Thinning : Only dead and diseased
Fast growing short rotation trees.
Rate of growth :
It yield an average of 125 - 150 tonnes / ha in 3 years.
3 Years for Biomass,
Rotation : 5-6 Years for Pulpwood
6-8 Years for Ply wood
Eucalyptus is an excellent raw material for pulp and
paper production due to higher pulp yield ranged
between 44 and 48 percent.
Fuel wood and charcoal due to high calorific value of
Utilization : over 4500 kcal / kg.
Wood is strong and used in particleboard and
hardboard industries.
The leaves of the Eucalyptus species are rich in
essential oils

2. SILVICULTURE OF CASUARINA
Species : Casuarina equisetifolia, Casuarina junghuhniana
Family : Casuarinaceae
Common Name : Beefwood, She-oak
Altitude : 0 - 1000 m
Mean Annual
Locality : 900 – 3800 mm
Rainfall
Factors
Mean Annual : 10 - 47° C
Temperature
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 Best in loose, fine coastal sands.
For inland conditions - Well drained sandy soils.
Soil type :
It tolerates Lateritic and red soils and also saline,
alkaline and acidic conditions.
Flowering occurs twice a year
Flowering : February to April
Phenology September to October
June
Fruit ripening :
December
Strong light demander and drought resistant.
Susceptible to fire.
Silvicultural Characters :
Coppices badly.
Tolerate waterlogged conditions
Seed treatment – Nil
Seed Seeds are raised in the mother bed
:
Propagation Germinated seedlings are transplanted
Six month old seedlings are ready for planting
Clonal technology – mini clonal
Establishment of clonal mother garden
Nursery management of mother garden with irrigation and
Techniques fertilizer
Vegetative Induction of micro suits
:
Propagation Cutting of 5 to 10 cm
Planting in root trainer filled with coir compost
Root initiation within 21 days
Hardening 45 to 60 days
90 days old plants are ready for planting
Spacing : 1.5 x 1.5 m to 2 x 2 m
Pit Size : 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm
Basal 250g of Vermi-compost or 2kg of Farmyard manure
:
Application per pit with 50-100 g DAP
Planting Time : South West and North East monsoon
Silvicultural Irrigation : 6 to 8 litters per day
Treatment 100 kg urea first year in three dozes
Fertilizer
: 150 kg DAP at four dozes in second year
Application
150 complex in three dozes in third year
Weeding : Two weedings per annum
Pruning : Once in every six months
Thinning : Dead and diseases
High Yielding short rotation trees.
Rate of growth :
It yield an average of 100 to 150 tonnes / ha in 3 years.
Rotation : Rotation age of Casuarina is 36 months
Pulp wood: Pulp yield is more than 47 %.
Utilization : Fuel Wood: Calorific value is 4950 Cal/Kg.
Timber: Density is 850 Kg/m3.
387
 Wind breaks
Poles
3. SILVICULTURE OF MELIA
Species : Melia dubia
Family : Meliaceae
Common Name : Malabar Neem, Melia
Altitude : 1500 to 1800 m
Mean Annual
: 800 – 1000 mm
Locality Rainfall
Factors Mean Annual
: 32 - 40° C
Temperature
Soil type : Deep, well drained sandy loam soils
Flowering : November – January
Phenology
Fruit ripening : January – February
Light demander
Silvicultural Characters : Susceptible to damage by fires
Saplings suffer from browsing
Seed has extracted from this stony endocarp and
treated with GA at 100 ppm for overnight.
Seed are sown sand bed and germination starts in 30
Seed
: days
Propagation
Germination is only 40%
Germinated seedlings are transplanted in poly bags
six month old seedlings area ready for planting
Clonal technology – mini clonal
Nursery
Establishment of clonal mother garden
Techniques
management of mother garden with irrigation and
fertilizer
Vegetative Induction of micro suits
:
Propagation Cutting of 5 to 10 cm
Planting in root trainer filled with coir compost
Root initiation within 21 days
Hardening 45 to 60 days
90 days old plants are ready for planting
Plywood : 4m x 4m (or) 5m x 5m (or) 6 m x6m
Silvicultural Spacing :
Pulp & Plywood : a) 6’x 6’ (First two years)
Treatment
Pit Size : 30cm x 30cm x 30cm
Planting Time : June to October
Apply light irrigation once in 7 to 10 days. This could
Irrigation :
be done through drip irrigation
Mixture of compost and organic fertilizers, bio-
Fertilizer
: fertilizer and planting (25-50 g), respectively, to be
Application
applied to the pits
Weeding : Annual
Pruning : Annual
388
 Thinning of alternate rows at the beginning of 3rd year
Thinning alternate diagonals at the beginning of 5th
Thinning : year
Final harvest at the beginning of 7th year
For pulpwood: 100-150 tonnes / ha in three years.
Rate of growth :
For Plywood: 200 tonnes / ha in six years
For Plywood: 5-7 Years
Rotation :
For Pulp and Paper: 24-36 months
The wood is used for packing cases, cigar boxes, ceiling
planks, building purposes, agricultural implements,
pencils, match boxes, splints and Catamarans.
It is employed for outriggers of boats.
It is suitable for musical instruments, tea boxes and ply
Utilization :
board.
It is a good fuel wood (Calorific value: 3,400 - 4,100
cal.)
The fruit of the plant is bitter. It is considered
anthelmintic.

4. SILVICULTURE OF TEAK
Species : Tectona grandis
Family : Verbenaceae
Common Name : Teak
Altitude : 0 to 1200 m
Mean Annual
: 1000 - 5000 mm
Rainfall
Locality
Mean Annual
Factors : 2°C to 48°C
Temperature
Deep and well-drained soil
Soil type :
Fertile Alluvial-colluvial soil
Flowering : January to April
Phenology
Fruit ripening : May to July
Strong light demander
Silvicultural Characters : Sensitive to frost and drought
Good coppicer and pollards vigorously
Seeds are treated with alternate wetting and drying
for 14 days
Seeds sown in mother bed
Nursery Seed Germinations stars after 3rd week
:
Techniques Propagation 9 – 12 months old seedlings are lifted for stump
preparation
Stump size 2.5 cm shoot portion 22.5 root portion
Stump are used directly for planting
389
 Vegetative
: ™ Nil
Propagation
Spacing : 2m x 2m
Pit Size : 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm
Basal
: 2 kg of farmyard manure, 100 g DAP
Application
Planting Time : June – July or September - October
Irrigation :
Fertilizer 2kg of FYM, 100g of complex fertilizer and 100g – 300g
Silvicultural :
Application all 19 every six month once
Treatment Weeding : Every 3 month once
Pruning : Necessary, Every 6 month once
Thinning cycle of 4, 8, 12, 18, 26 and 36 years have
been followed for 50 years rotation.
In Tamil Nadu the thinning cycle of 5, 10, 18, 25 and 36
Thinning :
years are followed for 50 years rotation.
In both the cases, the first two thinning are mechanical
and the rest are Silvicultural at C grade thinning.
Teak is a fast grower and attains a height of 15feet to
Rate of growth :
20 feet in one year under well managed condition.
20 years under well irrigated and managed condition
Rotation : 40-60 years under forest site condition
15 years under bund plantations.
Teak is a moderately strong timber with a density of
660 kg/m3 and is preferred as a most suitable timber
both for domestic and industrial utility.
Teak is known as a renowned timber due to durability,
dimensional stability, working quality and resistant to
termites.
Utilization : Teak wood is used in all construction purpose such as
beams, columns, doors, windows, flooring, panelling
etc.
It is one of the best timbers for furniture and cabinet
making wagon and railway cadges.
For marine construction and ship building teak is
preferred due to dimensional stability.

5. SILVICULTURE OF AILANTHUS
Species : Ailanthus excelsa
Family : Simaroubaceae
Common Name : Tree of heaven

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 Altitude : 0 to 900 m
Mean Annual
: 500 - 1900 mm
Locality Rainfall
Factors Mean Annual
: 12.5°C to 47.5°C
Temperature
Soil type : Porous sandy loams
Flowering : February to March
Phenology
Fruit ripening : April to may
Strong light demander
Sensitive to drought
Silvicultural Characters : Moderately frost tender
Coppices well and produces root suckers freely.
Susceptible to water logging areas
De winged Seeds soaked in cold water for 5- 7 days by
Nursery Seed replacing fresh water daily
:
Techniques Propagation The seeds are dibbled in poly bag and water daily
Six month old seedlings are ready for planting.
Spacing : 6m x 6m
Pit Size : 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm or 45 cm x 45 cm x 45 cm
Basal
: 2 kg of farmyard manure, 100 g DAP
Application
The area is cleared and pits are dug out in the month
Planting Time : of February - March and the soil is allowed to weather.
The planting in pits is carried out in the month of July.
Silvicultural
Irrigation : 5 – 8 litters per day
Treatment
Fertilizer 5kg of FYM and 100g – 200g complex fertilizer yearly
:
Application once
Timely and regular weeding for the first two years are
Weeding :
very essential
The first silvicultural thinning may be carried out in the
Thinning : seventh or eighth year when the tree attains a height of
10-12 m.
Ailanthus is a slow growing tree and attains a height of
Rate of growth : 10 feet to 15 feet in six year under well managed
condition.
Rotation : 6 – 8 Years
This species is extensively used for making matchwood
boxes and match splints.
The wood is extensively used in cottage industries for
making wooden toys and cheap quality cricket bats.
Utilization : The tree is used for making packing cases and wooden
boxes.
The wood is used for packing cases, fishing floats and
sword sheaths.
The leaves are rated as highly palatable and protein
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 rich nutritious fodder for sheep and goats and are said
to augment milk production.
The stem and branches are used for fuel wood but it
gives poor quality fuel as it burns quickly and does not
sustain heat for long.
The tree is the most adaptable and pollution tolerant.
It is suitable for sloppy, degraded and denuded areas
and wasteland.
It is also yields gum of inferior quality.
The bitter and aromatic leaves of the plant show
medicinal properties.
The leaves are used for the preparation of lotions for
scabies.
Quassinoids and ailantic acid are isolated from bark.
The dried bark is aromatic and burnt as incense.

6. SILVICULTURE OF SUBABUL
Species : Leucaena leucocephala
Family : Fabaceae
Common Name : Subabul
Altitude : 0 to 1500 m
Mean Annual
: 650 - 3000 mm
Rainfall
Locality
Mean Annual
Factors : 15°C to 36°C
Temperature
Calcareous soils
Soil type :
Saline soils and on alkaline soils up to pH 8
Two flowering season
Flowering : July – November
Phenology February – May
December
Fruit ripening :
June
Strong light demander
Vigorous coppicer
Silvicultural Characters :
Moderate frost tender
Drought resistance
Seeds are treated with concentrated sulphuric acid
Seed and sown directly in the poly bag
:
Propagation 3 – 4 months old seedlings are ready for planting
Nursery
Techniques Seeds sown in mother bed
Vegetative Germinations starts after 3rd week
:
Propagation 9 – 12 months old seedlings are lifted for stump
preparation
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 Stump size 2.5 cm shoot portion 22.5 root portion
Stump are used directly for planting
Spacing : 1.5m x 1.5m; 2m x 2m; 3m x 3m
Pit Size : 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm
Basal 2 kg of farmyard manure, 50 g of super phosphate, 50
:
Application g DAP
2-4 month old seedlings can be used to planting out in
Silvicultural Planting Time :
the month of July.
Treatment
Irrigation : -
Fertilizer 2kg of FYM and 100g – 500g all 19 every six month
:
Application once
Weeding : 3 month once for first two years
Pruning : Regular during first one year
High yielding short rotation tree
Rate of growth :
It yield an average of 100 tonnes/ha in 3 to 4 years
Rotation : 4-6 Years depends on location
Subabul is a hard heavy wood (about 800 kg/m) and
medium density wood.
Subabul is one of the highest quality and most
Utilization : palatable fodder trees.
Subabul is an excellent firewood species with a specific
gravity of 0.45-0.55 and a high calorific value of 4600
cal/kg.

7. SILVICULTURAL OF SANDALWOOD
Species : Santalum album
Family : Santalaceae
Common Name : East Indian Sandalwood
Altitude : 90 – 1500 m
Mean Annual
: 500-2000 mm
Rainfall
Mean Annual
: 15-35°C
Locality Temperature
Factors Sandy clayey red lateritic loamy even in black cotton
soil
Soil type : Red ferruginous (iron) loam over lying on metamorphic
rocks
Rocky ground and stony or gravelly soils
Two Flowering Season
Flowering : February – April
Phenology October - November
May
Fruit ripening :
December
Silvicultural Characters : Shade bearer
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 Root suckers freely
Coppices fairly well
The seeds exhibits initial dormancy for 3-4 weeks and
after 4 weeks it starts germination which is about 60%
The uniform and very good germination can be
Seed obtained soaking seeds with 0.05% gibberlic acid over
:
Nursery Propagation night.
Techniques The sandal seedlings are transplanted along with host
plants viz., Casuarina, Cajanus cajan, Albizia,
Alternenthra, Amaranthus etc.
Vegetative
: Root cuttings of sandalwood gives only 20 % success.
Propagation
Spacing : 3 X 3 m to 5 X 5 m
30 x 30 x 30 cm (or) 40 x 40 x 40 cm (or)
Pit Size :
60 x 60 x 60 cm
Basal Soil mixture with neem cake 25-50 g / pits,
:
Application Chlorpyrifos 2 g powder / pit
Planting Time : Monsoon Season
Sandal has association with over 150 species of host.
Silvicultural
Albizia, Terminalia, Lagerstroemia, Dalbergia,
Treatment Host :
Casuarina, Acacia nilotica, Pongamia pinnata, Wrightia
tinctoria and Cassia siamea are the major host plants.
Irrigation : 4-5 litres / Day based on the growth
Fertilizer During soil working periods application of farmyard
:
Application manure @ 5 kg / plant
Weeding : Yearly once
Pruning : Pruning is essential to get good heartwood formation
Slow growing species
The heartwood formation in sandal starts after 10
Rate of growth : years.
The heartwood forms at the rate of 1 kg/annum after
20 years.
Physical rotation. The dead and naturally fallen trees
Rotation :
are harvested
Sapwood: Sapwood is white and scentless used for
manufacture of agarbattis.
Heartwood: Heartwood of sandal is moderately hard,
heavy and strongly scented, wood and oil are used in
incense, perfumes, soap making and medicines.
Utilization : Religious: Sandal is considered sacred by Hindus.
Essential oil: Valuable oil, ‘the sandal oil’, is distilled
from the heartwood (4-13%) and is used in perfumery,
soap making and medicines. Seed oil: Seeds yield oil
that can be used in the manufacture of paint.
Medicinal uses: The wood is bitter, dry, antipyretic,
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 aphrodisiac useful in diseases of the heart, burning
sensation, cold, bronchitis, vaginal discharges and
small pox.

8. SILVICULTURAL OF REDSANDER
Species : Pterocarpus santalinus
Family : Leguminosaceae
Common Name : Red sander, Red sandalwood
Altitude : 150 – 900 m
Mean Annual
: 350 -1350 mm
Rainfall
Locality Mean Annual
: 12 – 47°C
Factors Temperature
Properly drained red soil
Soil type : Dry rocky soil
Quartzite, shale, limestone and lateritic soil
Flowering : April to June
Phenology
Fruit ripening : February to March
Strong light demander
Resistance to fire
Silvicultural Characters : Excellent coppice
Drought resistance even at juvenile stage
Produce root suckers freely
The seeds are soaked with cow dung slurry for 72
hours or seeds are soaked with water for 72 hours
Seed
: with frequent change of water for every 12 hours.
Propagation
Seed rate per bed: 1 kg
Germination Percent: 60-70%
Nursery
Stump Planting
Techniques
One year old seedlings are preferred for making
Vegetative stumps.
:
Propagation The stumps should contain 25-30 cm of roots and 10 –
15 cm of shoot.
Survival percentage is 87 %
Spacing : 3 m X 3 m to 6 m X 6 m
Pit Size : 30cm x 30cm x 30cm
Basal 250g of Vermi-compost or 2kg of Farmyard manure
:
Application per pit with 50-100 g DAP
September to December
Silvicultural Planting Time :
Rainy season
Treatment
Frequent irrigation is essential for initial three years of
Irrigation :
planting
Fertilizer Farmyard manure @ 4 kg / plant/ year
:
Application DAP @ 100 g / Plant
Weeding : 3-4 weeding per year based on weed pressure.
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 Pruning : Pruning is essential to obtain straight pole.
Thinning : Thinning is practiced in every 5 year cycle
Slow growing tree
The maximum height and girth were 12 m and 66 cm
Rate of growth :
respectively
Wavy grained tree is preferable.
Rotation : 25 years and above
Wood is fine red colour and beautifully streaked.
Wood weight is 900 – 1265 kg / cum with very strong
and extremely hard.
Timber: Excellent timber with little shrinkage.
Utilization :
Musical instruments: wood is used as manufacturing
of special musical instrument “Shamisen”
The dye santalin extracted from wood is used as
medicinal values.

9. SILVICULTURE OF KADAM
Species : Neolamarckia cadamba
Family : Rubiaceae
Common Name : Kadamba, Japon, Kalempayam, Vellaikkatambu
Altitude : 300-800 m
Mean Annual
: 300 - 1600 m
Locality Rainfall
Factors Mean Annual
: 5 - 32 oC
Temperature
Soil type : Prefers well drained entisols
Flowering : May to June
Phenology
Fruit ripening : September to February
light demander
Silvicultural Characters :
Tree coppices well
The young seedlings are highly susceptible to weeds
and should be weeded regularly. 2-month seedlings
Seed
: can be transplanted in nursery beds or into polythene
Propagation
bags, where they can be retained before planting at
the start of the monsoon rains
Clonal technology – mini clonal
Nursery Establishment of clonal mother garden
Techniques management of mother garden with irrigation and
fertilizer
Vegetative
: Induction of micro suits
Propagation
Cutting of 5 to 10 cm
Planting in root trainer filled with coir compost with
the treatment of IBA 1000 ppm
Root initiation within 21 days
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 Hardening 45 to 60 days
90 days old plants are ready for planting
Spacing : 3mx3m
Pit Size : 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm
Basal 250g of Vermi-compost or 2kg of Farmyard manure
:
Silvicultural Application per pit with 50-100 g DAP
Treatment Planting Time : June to October
Irrigation : 4 to 8 litters per day
Fertilizer 2kg of FYM and 100g – 500g all 19 every six month
:
Application once
Weeding : Two weedings per annum
Pruning : Once in two months
Thinning : Only dead and diseased
Fast growing short rotation trees.
Rate of growth :
It yield an average of 125 - 150 tonnes / ha in 3 years.
3-4 Years for Pulpwood
Rotation :
6-8 Years for Ply wood
The wood has a density of 290-560 kg/cu m at 15%
moisture content, a fine to medium texture; straight
grain; low luster and has no characteristic odour or
taste. It is easy to work with hand and machine tools,
cuts cleanly, gives a very good surface and is easy to
nail
The timber is used for plywood, light construction,
pulp and paper, boxes and crates, dug-out canoes, and
furniture components. Kadam yields a pulp of
Utilization :
satisfactory brightness and performance as a hand
sheet.
A yellow dye can be obtained from the root bark
Kadam flowers are an important raw material in the
production of ‘attar’, which are Indian perfumes with
sandalwood (Santalum spp.) base in which one of the
essences is absorbed through hydro-distillation
The dried bark is used to relieve fever and as a tonic.
An extract of the leaves serves as a mouth gargle

MASS MULTIPLICATION OF BAMBOOS USING ENTIRE CULM

Bamboos are the versatile trees, which flowers only once in its life cycle (40-60
years) and dies what is popularly known as parthenogenesis. Hence, seed availability is very
less at the same time the seeds are less viable. This difficulty promoted bamboo
propagation through two nodal culm cutting with rooting hormone treatment. This
conventional technique accounts only less than 25 percent success rate. The present
technology is developed using entire culm without rooting hormone treatment and
achieved 90 percent rooting.

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 Remove one year old culm from the matured mother clump at 5-10 years growth
stage. Care should be taken to remove the culm without damaging the culm as well as
mother clump. The removed culm should be delimbed carefully by leaving growing buds in
the nodes. Then, the culm should be placed it in the raised nursery bed and covered with
loose soil and sand mixture for half inch thickness. After providing adequate shade to the
culms in the nursery bed with coconut sheaths or rice straw, watering should be done to
field capacity. Watering twice a day should be continued and shoot emergence will be
observed after one month from all buds present in all nodes of the entire culm. Continue
watering up to three months. The root emergence could be observed in 2-3 months. After
rooting, the rooted culm should be removed entirely from the soil without any damage. To
facilitate uprooting the rooted culms without damage, watering should be done. Each
rooted node with shoots should be separated with small hand saw. The separated cutting
can be transferred to poly bag.

MINI CLONAL PROPAGATION FOR TREE CROPS

A mini clonal technology has been developed for casuarinas and Melia which is one of
the pioneering attempts in the country for these industrial wood species. Under this technology,
the superior clonal plants were planted in a mini clonal garden and are provided with regular
irrigation and fertilization in order to enhance shoot multiplication. In this method, the mother
plants are planted at 10 cm x 10 cm spacing and 60 days old plants are ready for collection of
cuttings.
Clonal Garden establishment
The clonal garden can be established at a size of 10 x 1 x 0.6 m or 5 x 1 x 0.6 m or 3 x 1x
0.6m using cement trough or GI trough. The bed should be filled with 20 mm stones upto 25 cm
and over which finely sewed river sand can be filled. The trough should have facility for
drainage. The raised beds can be covered with 100 micron UV stabilized polyethylene film on
the top and covered with insect proof mesh to protect the plants and to ensure its freeness
from pest and diseases.
Fertigation
The clonal garden should be maintained with irrigation at an interval of every one hour
and supplemented with the following nutrients.
™ Urea – 300-400 g/m2
™ SSP – 150-175 g/m2
™ KCL – 175-250 g/m2
™ Micro nutrient mixture – 100 g/m2
The nutrients can be applied twice or thrice depending on the rate of growth of plants.

Clonal Management
The plants are allowed to grow upto 60 days by applying the required nutrient
composition. After 60 days the plants are pruned at required size preferably at half of the plant
to induce new shoots. With continuous irrigation and nutrient management the cuttings will
start producing shoots from 8-10 days onwards and after 15-20 days the cuttings can be
collected and treated with 2% carbendazim solution.

Clonal Treatment

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 The newly induced shoots were separated from the plants and are treated with or
without 1500 ppm IBA (liquid formulation) and planted in 90 cc root trainers filled with
decomposed coir pith. The rooting started in 15 days and 25 days old rooted plants are ready for
hardening.

Green House Conditions

The root trainers are kept under green house conditions with a temperature regime of
32 – 35°C and a relative humidity of 85-95%. Periodical watering once in every 30 minutes is
preferred.

Acclimatization and Hardening

The rooted plants are hardened in a shade house condition with 50% shading for 7-15
days and maintained with adequate irrigations. After hardening chamber, the plants are lifted to
open nursery for 30 days. Watering is done 2 times a day and the fertilizer of all 19 (N:P:K) can
be applied at the rate of 5g/plant. During this hardening, application of carbendazim (2g/l) or
triazophos (2ml/lr) is recommended based on the incidence of diseases and pests.

VALUE ADDITION OF PLANTATION RESIDUES THROUGH BRIQUETTING TECHNLOGY

Briquetting is the process of converting low bulk density biomass into high density
and energy concentrated fuel briquettes besides compacting the loose biomass into dense
block.
Raw materials for Briquetting
Almost all agro and forest residues can be briquetted. Agro and forest residues
include saw dust, rice husk, groundnut shell, cotton stalks, wood chips etc. Forest residues
such as plantation residues, mill residues (ply wood and match wood residues) can be used
for making briquettes. All these residues can be briquetted individually and in combination
with or without using binders. The factors that mainly influence the selection of raw
materials are moisture content, ash content, flow characteristics, particle size and
availability of raw materials. Moisture content in the range of 10-15% is preferred because
high moisture content will pose problems in binding and more energy for drying. The ash
content of biomass affects its slagging behaviour, operating conditions and mineral
composition of ash. Biomass feedstock having upto 4% of ash content is preferred for
briquetting. Granular homogeneous materials which can flow easily in conveyers are
suitable for briquetting.
Briquetting Process
The series of steps involved in the briquetting process are as follows:
i. Collection of raw material
In general, any material that will burn but is not in a convenient shape, size or form
to be readily usable as fuel is a good candidate for briquetting.
ii. Preparation of raw materials
Preparation of raw materials includes size reduction, drying, mixing of raw materials
in correct proportion, mixing of raw materials with binders etc.
iii. Size reduction
Raw material is first reduced in size by chopping, crushing, breaking, rolling,

399
hammering, milling, grinding, cutting etc. until it reaches a suitably small and uniform sized
material (1 to 10). For some material which are available in the size range of 1 to 10 mm
need not be sized reduced. Since the size reduction process consumes a good deal of
energy, this should be as short as possible. Biomass with irregular size which was difficult to
handle. This size of biomass reduced with the help of Shredder machine. Biomass passed
through the shredding machine for size reduction and powder of uniform size is made.
Shredder size 22” and sharp rotating blades rotated at a speed of 3300 RPM is used.
Generally sieve size is 1/16 inch.

Drying
Raw materials are available with high moisture content than what is required for
briquetting. Drying can be dome in open air (sun), with a heater or with hot air. At the time
of harvesting, the biomass contains more than 40 percentage of moisture content. For
briquetting we need the moisture content of biomass to be in the range of 10-12 percent.
Moisture reduction is done using a solar dryer.

Raw material mixing

It is done to make briquettes from more than one raw material. Mixing has to be
done in proper way so that the product should have good compaction and high calorific
value.

Mixing of raw material with binders

Mixing of raw materials with binders in correct proportion is important for the
production of briquettes with good compaction. This is best accomplished by a trial and
error method of making several briquettes with different mixtures of binding material and
testing each for its mechanical strength and burning characteristics. The cost of binding
material can be a critical factor for economic success of the project. Natural or synthetic
resins, tar, animal manure , molasses, lingo-sulphates, sewage mud, fish water, algae,
starch, slime, clay, mud, and cement are some of the binders used in briquetting process.
Compaction
Compaction process takes place inside the briquetting machine and the process
depends on the briquetting technology adopted.

Cooling and storage of briquettes

Briquettes extruding out of the machine are hot with temperatures exceeding 200°c
and hence they have to be cooled and stored.
Parameters considered for design of the briquette machine:
Bio waste used: saw dust / ground nut / coffee husk / agricultural / forest waste
Max Moisture Level in Bio waste: 8 - 10 %
Output Size 40 mm 50 mm 60 mm 70 mm 90 mm
Capacity kg/hr 200/250 250/350 650/750 900/1100 1500/1750
Length 50 - 300 50 - 300 50 - 300 50 - 300 50 - 300
Power Required 25 HP 30 HP 50 HP 70 HP 90 HP

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MULTIFUNCTIONAL AGROFORESTRY
Agroforestry is one of the oldest land use practices which combines the components
of agriculture and forestry production within the same unit area of the land. This
agroforestry combines the production of diverse but essential resources for local
subsistence. The traditional agroforestry has not seen as an intensive or highly optimised
production concept. However, its importance and strength is located within its diverse
usability in long term production system and comparatively sustainable impacts in
environment and ecosystem functions. The traditional agroforestry system has been utilized
as a land use system to increase the livelihood security and reduce the vulnerability to
climate and environmental change. The agroforestry systems have provided food, fuel, and
fodder besides protecting the natural resources. But today, the rapid phases of population
growth coupled with developmental projects have necessitated large volume of wood and
wood products from tree outside forests particularly from agroforestry plantations. The
industrialization and globalization has made production process more intensified and highly
specialized. However, the agroforestry practices are unable to keep up with the higher
economic and mono-culture oriented production.

In India, the agroforestry supports nearly 72% of fuel wood demand, over 70% of
plywood, 60-80% of pulpwood and around 11% of fodder needs besides satisfying the
domestic needs of the society. In case of timber demand the agroforestry is able to meet
2/3rd of the requirement. The role of agroforestry in soil water conservation, Biodiversity
conservation and mitigation and adaptation to climate change are very well established.
Hence, agroforestry has played a significant role in extending the multifunctional benefits to
the society and to the environment. Against this back drop Forest College and Research
Institute has conceived and developed a Multifunctional agroforestry model for adoption to
double the farmer’s income through enhancing productivity per unit area.

MULTIFUNCTIONAL AGROFORESRY SYSTEM – A PILOT MODEL

The Forest College and Research Institute of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University has
designed and established a multifunctional agroforestry model on a pilot basis in 0.75 acre
of land. This multifunctional model has been conceptualized with an idea of ensuring
monthly income to the farmers practicing the model. This model is conceived based on the
fact that the government officials are getting salary on 30th of every month and it is based
on this idea the model is conceived and implemented that every month the farmer may also
get income from one or other components of multifunctional agroforestry systems.
Accordingly the model has been established and it consists of the following components.

Table 1. Components of Multi-functional Agroforestry Model

Tree Components
High value trees Santalum album, Pterocarpus santalinus, Aquilaria agallocha and
Dalbergia latifolia
Timber species Tectona grandis, Terminalia tomentosa, Pterocarpus marsupium
Plywood trees Melia dubia, Neolamarkia cadamba, Swietenia macrophylla, Melia
volkensii

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TBO’s Jatropha curcus, Pongamia pinnata, Madhuca longifolia, Callophyllum
inophyllum.
Medicinal Trees Terminalia arjuna, Annona reticulata, Strychnos nuxvomica, Aegle
marmelos

Horticultural components
Fruit crops Guava, Custard apple, Amla, Jamun, lemon
Leaf crops Moringa, Curry leaf
Flower crops Jasmine, Marie gold
Medicinal plants Senna auriculata, Hemidesmus indicus
Agricultural components
Agricultural Crops Greens, Pulses, Vegetable, Oilseeds
Pastoral components
Grasses CO-3 and CO-4

No of per plant total yield Cost

Intercrops total cost Rs.
plants yield (kg) (kg/ year Rs./kg

Jasminum grandiflorum 100 2 200 200 40000

Curry leaf 350 80 20 1600
Jasminum officinale 72 0.8 57.6 200 11520
Nerium oleander 28 0.35 9.8 50 490
Fodder 300 8 2800 2 5600
Moringa oleifera 16 8 128 50 6400
Total Income 65610

Beneficiary : Family Farming (4 Member Family)

Cost of establishment : 1 lakh / acre including micro irrigation facility
Revenue : Atleast Rs. 550 – 1000 / day

All these components have been incorporated in a circular model and the same
.After three to six months of development, the annual crop components start generating
income and after one year, the entire model has become functionally active to generate
income on monthly basis to the growers. The functionality and its economic impact are
monitored from the inception of the model and will bring good database for promoting
multifunctional agroforestry system in a long term approach.

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 16.INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEMS RESEARCH IN TAMIL NADU

The marginal and small farmers constitute 78.2 per cent of the farming community in
India. The unique Indian situation of small fragmented holdings and lack of capital investments
is not suitable for single commodity farming being practiced in developed countries. So, the
integrated farming system appears to be a viable solution to the Indian agriculture for
increasing productivity and income of the small and marginal farmers with constrained
resources. Efforts for a holistic integration of different farming enterprises with cropping were
carried out for Western, Cauvery delta, Southern and North western zones out of seven agro
climatic zones of Tamil Nadu with the objectives of increasing income and recycling of farm
wastes and by-products to sustain the soil productivity since 1985. The approaches were to find
out viable components for wetland, irrigated upland and rainfed situations existing in
different ecological zones.

INTEGRATED FARMING SYSTEMS

1. WESTERN ZONE
WETLAND
Integrated farming systems experiments were conducted at wetlands from 1987-
onwards at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore involving different components
viz., poultry, pigeon, goat, fishery and mushroom.

Crop + poultry/ pigeon + fish + mushroom

In this system, the component of integrated farming system involved were crop + fish +
mushroom, crop + poultry + fish + mushroom and crop + pigeon + fish + mushroom and was
taken from 1993–1995. The efficiency of the component linkages was evaluated predominantly
on the basis of productivity, its income and employment generation with the possibility of
utilizing recycled organic wastes as nutrient to enrich the soil fertility.
To enhance and sustain the productivity, economic returns, employment generation
for the family labour round the year and soil fertility with environmental protection,
integration of rice-gingelly- maize and rice- soybean -sunflower cropping each in 0.45 ha
with recycled poultry manure as fish pond silt to rice and 75 per cent of the recommended
NPK to each crop in the system + poultry (50 layers) + fish (1000 polyculture fingerlings in
0.10 ha of ponded water) comprising catla (20 per cent), silver carp (20 per cent), rohu (20
per cent), mrigal (15 per cent), common carp (15 per cent) and grass carp (10 per cent)
fed with poultry dropping + oyster mushroom (5kg/day) for the lowland farmers having
one hectare farm.

Cropping + poultry / pigeon / goat + fishery

During 1998-2001, the study involved cropping, poultry, pigeon, goat and fishery
enterprises in all possible combinations, with a view to recycle the residue and by-
products of one component over the other. In one hectare farm, an area of 0.75 ha was
assigned for crop activity, 0.10 ha for growing fodder grass to feed the goat unit (20+1),
0.03 ha allotted to goat shed and the remaining 0.12 ha allotted to 3 fish ponds. Three
integrated farming systems viz., crop + fish + poultry (20 Bapkok layer birds), crop + fish +
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pigeon (40 pairs) and crop + fish + goat (Tellicherry breed of 20 female and 1 male
maintained in 0.03 ha deep litter system) were tried for three years. Polyculture fingerlings
of 400 numbers (catla, rohu, mirgal/ common carp and grass carp) in the ratio of
40:20:30:10, respectively, reared in 3 ponds of size 0.04 ha (depth of 1.5 m) each.

Integration of crop with fish, poultry, pigeon and goat resulted in higher productivity
than cropping alone under lowland. Crop + fish + goat integration recorded higher rice
grain equivalent yield of 39610 kg/ha. The highest net return of Rs.131118 and per day
return of Rs.511 ha-1 were obtained by integrating goat + fish + cropping applied with
recycled fishpond silt enriched with goat droppings. Higher net return of Rs.3.36 for
every rupee invested was obtained by integration of pigeon + fish + cropping applied with
recycled fishpond silt enriched with pigeon droppings. The poultry, pigeon and goat
droppings were utilized as feed initially and at the end of a year after the fish harvest, about
4500 kg of settled silt from each pond were collected. The pond silt was utilized as organic
sources to supply sufficient quantity of nutrients to the crops.

IRRIGATED UPLAND
Crop + Dairy + Biogas + Mushroom + Fish
Integration of 0.32 ha each of sorghum + red gram - sunflower + coriander, maize +
fodder cowpea - cotton + coriander and perennial fodder CO3 grass + legume fodder
(Lucerne) with dairy (6 cows + 4 calves), biogas (2 m3 capacity) and mushroom (2 kg day-1) +
spawn production (10 bottles day-1) recorded higher productivity than the cropping alone
with sorghum - cotton (0.50 ha) and maize - cotton (0.50 ha) cropping systems. Cropping +
dairy + biogas + fish + mushroom integration recorded the highest gross, net and per day
returns. It also registered the highest benefit cost ratio of 2.41 during 2000-2001.

On farm study was conducted during 2004-2007. The crop activity in integrated
farming system consisted of field crop, vegetable crop and fodder crops. The livestock kept
were two cross bred milch cows + one calf, ten female tellicherry does + one buck and
twenty guinea fowls. Improved farming system gave the maximum maize grain equivalent
yield of 22,754 kg/ac/year which was 47.9 % higher than the traditional farming system. The
improved system was able to generate employment of 235 man day’s acre-1 which was
higher than traditional farming system (105 man day’s acre-1). Through recycling of crop
residues and livestock manure about 3.72 tonnes of bio-compost and 1.59 tonnes of
vermicompost were obtained. This could able to supply 26.0, 22.3, and 26.0 kg N P K to
field and fodder crops through biocompost application and 39.4,10.5 and 18.0 kg NPK to
vegetable crops as vermicompost application in an acre land area. The returns per rupee of
investment from the ratio of gross value of output to total cost (GVCR) was 3.62 and ratio
of net value of the products to total cost (NVCR) was 2.80.

RAINFED LAND
Crop + Tree + Goat
Integrated farming system model involving crop + tree + goat was taken from 1999-
2001. Experimental results on integrated farming system revealed that (i) integration of
sorghum + cowpea (grain), sorghum + cowpea (fodder) and C. glaucus each in 0.33 ha

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intercropped in E. officinalis with Tellichery goat component (5+1) in 0.01 ha resulted in
higher productivity, economic returns and provided better employment opportunity and
improved soil fertility than raising sole sorghum alone (ii) coir pith mulching and pitcher
irrigation increased the tree seedling growth than the control, (iii) tied ridges conserved
more moisture and improved the productivity of the crops, (iv) application of 50 per cent N
through fertilizer and 50 per cent N through goat manure increased the productivity,
enhanced the soil fertility and provided better opportunity for recycling of manure to the
crops. Results of on-farm field experiments conducted during 2009 - 2011, revealed that,
integration of Cenchrus setigerus + Stylosanthes hamata and fodder sorghum + Pillipesara
with sheep (5+1) and buffalo (2 No.’s) could be the best silvipastoral farming system with
the application of recommended dose of 25: 45: 19 kg ha-1 NPK for Cenchrus based system
and 30: 20: 10 kg ha-1 NPK for fodder sorghum based system along with FYM (10 t ha-1) for
dry land of Western Zone of Tamil Nadu.

2. CAUVERY DELTA ZONE

Cropping + fish + poultry/duck/goat/dairy
An experiment was conducted during 1992-1994 in rice based farming system as a
demonstration trial at Aduthurai. The components were cropping, fish culture and poultry.
An area of 0.40 ha was selected for the farming system study, considering the small and
marginal farmers of the state. Conventional cropping as practised by farmers was taken up
in an area of 0.96 hectare. In the fish pond with 400 m2, fingerlings belonging to the
species viz., Catla (Catla catla) (200) Rohu (Labeo rohita) (100), Mirgal (Cirrbinus mrigala)
(100) were stocked.
The economics worked out for the system as a whole was Rs.28.983, in which
cropping system contributed Rs.23,709, Poultry and Fisheries contributed additional income
of Rs.5,274. Poultry droppings added to the fish pond as feed was 3 tonnes year-1
(100g/birds). Mean number of egg production was 262 year-1 bird-1. In the case of fish
pond (0.04) yield recorded was 234 kg. Of the income obtained from the integrated
farming system, 78% was from cropping system and poultry cum fisheries generated
additional income and employment.

Cropping + duck + fish culture

Integrated farming system with duck-cum-fish culture as a component was tried
during the year 1989. Two farm holdings each with the size of one ha were selected for
conducting the study. In one holding, conventional cropping as practiced by farmers was
followed. In another one hectare, cropping was practiced in an area of 0.973 ha and an area
of 0.027 ha was allotted for duck-cum-fish culture. Economics of IFS was compared with
existing cropping systems. Net income of Rs.13790/- was obtained from existing cropping
system (Kuruvai-thaladi rice - pulse) and a net income of Rs.22676/- was obtained from the
modified cropping system (Kuruvai - thaladi rice - cotton and maize) with an area of
0.973 ha allotted for cropping.
The additional profit from modified cropping alone was Rs.8886/-. From duck-
cum-fish culture as a component in mixed farming system, a net profit of Rs.1441/- was
obtained from an area of 0.027 ha. Totally an additional income of Rs.10327/- was
obtained from the mixed farming system over existing cropping system.

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3. SOUTHERN ZONE
WETLANDS OF TAMBIRAPARANI COMMAND AREA
Evaluation of integrated farming system for wetland farms was conducted during 1990-92.
The components of the traditional and integrated farming systems are as follows:
Traditional system (1 ha) : Rice – Rice – Fallow Integrated farming system (1
ha) : Crop + dairy + fishery
0.4 ha : Rice-rice + soybean (bund) – blackgram
0.2 ha : Ragi + sunflower (border) – fodder maize +
cowpea – cotton + Greengram
0.2 ha : Bajra napier hybrid fodder grass
0.1 ha : Desmanthus
0.04 ha : Fish pond
0.06 ha : Cattle shed for 3 jersey cows and 2 work bullocks
The integrated farming system provided a net income of Rs.25,215/- which was
100.7 per cent more than the income from the traditional rice farming (Rs.12,662/-
On-farm studies were also undertaken to assess the economic benefits of integrated
farming systems actually practised by wetland farmers of Tirunelveli-Kattabomman district
during 1990. The study covered four farms in four villages with a farm size of 1-2 ha, raising
rice, banana and pulses. The allied activities includes dairy, goat rearing, poultry and
fishery. The average monthly income of the farm family practicing the integrated farming
system varied from Rs.1,850 to 2,560.

WETLANDS OF PERIYAR VAIGAI COMMAND AREA

In the Periyar – Vaigai command area, nearly one lakh hectares are raised with a
single crop of rice during August – January. The lands are usually left fallow after rice
harvest in January. To assess the potential of IFS in such single crop wetlands, experiments
were conducted at Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai during 1989-91. The
results revealed that by crop intensification, diversified cropping and by inclusion of fishery
and poultry, the farm income per acre could be increased by Rs.5435 to Rs.6235 per year.

DRY LANDS OF SOUTHERN ZONE

To identify suitable integrated farming for the dry lands, experiments were
conducted at Regional Research Station, Aruppukottai and Agricultural Research Station,
Kovilpatti. In the rainfed black soils, the common crops are sorghum, pulses, cotton and
sunflower. Introduction of tree legumes like subabul, Acacia senegal and Prosopis cineraria
and perennial fodder grass Cenchrus ciliaris and inclusion of goat rearing were evaluated at
Regional Research Station, Aruppukottai. Five female and one male goat of Tellicherry
breed were raised in deep litter system. The results revealed that the IFS yielded an
additional income of Rs.2163 to Rs.2556 per year from a farm area of 1.6 ha. In another
study at Aruppukottai proved the IFS system of crop + horticulture + goat proven to be
successful in the black soils and increased the profit by Rs.2363 to Rs.4706 per ha over
cropping alone.
At Agricultural Research Station, Kovilpatti, studies were taken in farmers’ holdings
in the dryland red soils. IFS with crop+goat yielded an annual income of Rs.8410 per ha
compared to Rs.4654 per ha under traditional cropping alone.

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4. NORTH WESTERN ZONE
The studies were made under garden land condition. The results revealed that in
both Paiyur and Yercaud Centres dairy linked farming system was more remunerative, with
more employment generation. The next successful farming system under rainfed condition
at Paiyur was sericulture.
POTENTIAL ALTERNATIVES
Western zone
Wetlands Crop + poultry/ pigeon + fish + mushroom Crop + poultry/ pigeon + goat + fishery
Upland with supplemental irrigation
Crop + dairy + biogas + silviculture
Crop + dairy + biogas + mushroom + fish
Rainfed lands Crop + goat, Crop + goat + tree
Cauvery Delta zone
Crop + poultry + fish Crop + duck + fish Crop + milch animals Crop + goat + dairy
Southern zone
Wetlands of Tambirabarani Command: Crop + dairy + fishery Wetlands of Periyar Vaigai
Command: Crop + fish + poultry Dry lands: Crop + orchard + goat
North Western zone
™ Crop + dairy + poultry
™ Crop + dairy + poultry + sericulture
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 linked activities in integrated farming
• Inclusion of biogas & agro forestry in integrated farming system will solve the
prognosticated energy crisis
• Cultivation of fodder crops as intercropping and as border cropping will result in
the availability of adequate nutritious fodder for animal components like milch cow,
goat / sheep, pig and rabbit
• Firewood and construction wood requirements could be met from the agroforestry
system without affecting the natural forest
• Avoidance of soil loss through erosion by agro-forestry and proper cultivation of
each part of land by integrated farming
• Generation of regular employment for the farm family members of small and
marginal farmers

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 17. WEEDS
MANAGEMENT OF PROBLEM, PERENNIAL AND PARASITIC WEEDS

I. Cynodon dactylon (Arugu) and Cyperus rotundus (Koarai)

Management of perennial weeds like Cynodon dactylon and Cyperus rotundus by the
application of Glyphosate 15 ml + Ammonium sulphate 20g + activator 1 ml / lit of water

Approach : Post emergence, total, translocative herbicide

Stage of weed : Active growing, pre flowering stage
Sprayer : Hand operated Knapsack / Backpack
Nozzle : WFN 24 & ULV 50 with 30 Psi
Spray volume : 200-250 litre / ha

Application technology
Non-Crop Situation/Crop Fallow Situation - Blanket application
Cropped Situation - Pre-sowing / planting- Stale seed bed (Blanket
application). Established Crops - Directed application using hoods.
Note: Rain free period / waiting period: 48 hours

II. Solanum elaegnifolium (Kattu kandan kathiri)

Post-emergence application of Glyphosate 20 ml + Ammonium sulphate 20g/ha+
activator 1ml/litre of water or Glyphosate 10 ml in combination with 2,4-D sodium salt 6 g +
activator 1ml / litre
Note: The application should be during the active growth / vegetative phase of weed

III. Parthenium hysterophorus (Parthenium natchu chedi)

• Manual removal and destruction of Parthenium plants before flowering using hand
glouse / machineries (or)
• Pre-emergence application of atrazine 4 g / litre in 500 litres of water / hectare (or)
• Uniform spraying of sodium chloride 200g + 2 ml soap oil / litre of water (or)
• Spraying of 2,4-D sodium salt 8 g or glyphosate 10 ml + 20g ammonium sulphate + 2
ml soap solution / litre of water before flowering (or)
• Post-emergence application of metribuzin 3 g / litre of water under non crop
situation.
• Raising competitive plants like Cassia serecea and Abutilon indicum on fallow lands
to replace Parthenium (or)
•
Biological control by Mexican beetle which is very active during only in monsoon
seasons.
Note: Parthenium can be decomposed well before flowering and used as organic manure.

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IV. Ipomoea carnea (Neyveli kattamanakku)
• Foliar application of 2,4-D sodium salt 8 g + urea 20g + soap oil 2 ml / litre of water
and then removal and burning of dried weeds (or)
•
Manual / mechanical removal of grownup plants in channels during summer.
Note: Composted Ipomoea carnea can be used as organic manure preferably in rice fields.

V. Eichhornia crassipes (Agaya thamarai)

• Manual / Mechanical removal and drying
• Application of 2,4-D sodium salt 8g + urea 20g or Paraquat 6 ml / litre of water
• Application of Glyphosate 15ml+Ammonium sulphate 20g/ litre of water
Note: Vermi-composting and composting of dried water hyacinth and can be used as
organic manure in irrigated upland ecosystems.

VI. Portulaca quadrifida (Shiru pasari)

• Post-emergence tank mix directed application of Glyphosate 10 ml / ha + 2, 4-D
sodium salt 5g / lit to control Portulaca quadrifida in cropped fields.
Note: Not to use above herbicides in broadleaved crops particularly cotton and bhendi or
other vegetables and pulses as well as oilseed crops.

VII. Striga asiatica (Sudu malli)

• Pre-emergence application of atrazine 1.0 kg/ha on 3rd DAP + hand weeding on 45
DAP with an earthing up on 60 DAP combined with post-emergence spraying of 2,4-
D 6 g (0.6%) + urea 20 g (2%) / litre of water on 90 DAP + trash mulching 5 t/ha on
120 DAP

VIII. Orabanche (Pukaielai kalan)

• Pre-emergence application of pendimethalin 1.0 kg/ha or oxyfluorfen 0.30 kg/ha on
3 DATP in tobacco, tomato and brinjal and 3 DAP in potato.
• Plant hole application of neem cake 25 g / plant or drenching of copper sulphate 5%
provides partial control of Orabanche in tobacco.
• Directed application of paraquat 6 ml/litre of water or glyphosate 8 ml/ litre of
water or imazethapyr 3 ml/ litre of water on the Orbanche shoots

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 18. SOIL RELATED CONSTRAINTS AND THEIR MANAGEMENT

A constraint free soil environment is very important for achieving higher food production.
The major soil constraints affecting the crop production in Tamil Nadu are
a) Chemical constraints : salinity, sodicity, acidity and nutrient toxicities
b) Physical constraints : high or low permeability, sub soil hard pan,
surface crusting, fluffy paddy soils, sandy soils etc.

1. Saline soils
Saline soils are characterised by higher amount of water soluble salt, due to which the
crop growth is affected. For these soils with electrical conductivity of more than 4 dS m -1,
provision of lateral and main drainage channels of 60 cm deep and 45 cm wide and
leaching of salts could reclaim the soils. Application of farm yard manure at 5 t ha -1 at 10
- 15 days before transplanting in the case of paddy crop and before sowing in the case of
garden land crops can alleviate the problems of salinity.

2. Sodic soils
Sodic soils are characterised by the predominance of sodium in the complex with the
exchangeable sodium percentage exceeding 15 and the pH more than 8.5 .To reclaim the
sodic soils, plough the soil at optimum soil moisture regime, apply gypsum at 50%
gypsum requirement uniformly, impound water, provide drainage for leaching out the
soluble salts and apply green manure at 5 t ha-1 10 to 15 days before transplanting in the
case of paddy crop.

3. Acid soils
Acid soils are characteristically low in pH (< 6.0). Predominance of H+ and Al 3+ cause
acidity resulting in deficiency of P, K, Ca, Mg , Mo and B. This soils are prevalent in a) hilly
tracts of Ooty, Kodaikkanal and Yercaud b) Laterite soils of Pudukkottai,
Kanyakumari etc Application of lime (as per the lime requirement test) uniformly by
broadcast and incorporation is recommended. The alternate amendments like dolomite,
basic slag, flue dust, wood ash, pulp mill lime may also be used on lime equivalent basis.

4. Iron and Aluminum toxicity

These are characterized by the presence of higher concentration of Fe 2+ and Al 3+ more
specifically in flooded soils. Prevalent in Kanyakumari and Pudukkottai Districts.
Application of lime as per the lime requirement along with the recommended dose of
NPK and organic manure will suppress the toxicity.
For ` Ela ` soils of Kanyakumari district (Alfisols, pH : 4-5 ) ,. application of lime as per
lime requirement with recommended NPK + foliar spray of 0.5 % ZnSO4 + 0.2% CuSO4 +1%
DAP + 1% MOP thrice during AT to PI will help to overcome the problem in rice. Based on
the screening tests, the rice cultivars of the region have been rated for their tolerance to Fe
toxicity
Highly susceptible : ADT 36
Mod. susceptible : ADT 42, IR 50, CORH 1
Less susceptible : TPS 1, ASD 16 & 18, IR 64, JJ 92, TKM 9, CO 37 & CO 41
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5. Fluffy paddy soils
The traditional method of preparing the soil for transplanting rice consists of
puddling which results in substantial break down of aggregates with uniform structures less
mass. Under continuous flooding and submergence of soil in a rice-rice-rice cropping
system, the soil particles are always in a state of flux and the mechanical strength is lost
leading to the fluffy ness. This is further aggrevated by insitu application of rice stubbles
and weeds during puddling. They are characterized 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 stone roller or oil drum with sand inside
eight times at proper moisture level (moisture level at friable condition of soil which is
approximately 13 per cent) once in two to three years.

6. Sandy soils
Sandy 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 sand / stones inside eight times at proper moisture level ( moisture level at
friable condition of soil which is approximately 13 per cent ) once in two to three years
could reduce the percolation losses. Addition of tank silt for coastal sandy soils is
recommended for enhancing their productivity.

7. Sub Soil hard pan

Hard pan occurs in red soil areas due to the movement of clay and iron hydroxides
and calcium carbonate and settling at shallow depth, which increases the soil bulk density
to more than 1.8 g/cc, their by preventing the root proliferation. These soils can be
reclaimed by chiselling the soils with chisel plough at 0.5 m interval first in one direction and
then in the direction perpendicular to the previous one, once in two to three years.
Applications of FYM or composted coir pith at 12.5 t ha-1could bring additional yields of
about 30 per cent over control. Deep ploughing of the field during summer season can be
followed to open up the sub soil. Cultivation of deep rooted crops like tapioca, cotton and
semipereneal crop like mulberry encourage natural breaking of the hardpan.

8. Surface crusted soils

Surface crusting occurs due to the presence of colloidal oxides of iron and
aluminium in Alfisols which binds the soil particles under wet regimes. On drying it forms a
hard mass on the surface and prevents the emerging seedlings and arrest the free
exchange of gases between the soil and atmosphere. The surface crust can be easily broken
by harrowing or cultivator ploughing and its formation can be prevented by improving the
aggregate stability by the application of lime or gypsum at 2 t ha-1 and FYM at 12.5 t ha-1.
Sprinkle water at periodic intervals. Bold grain crops like cowpea may be grown

9. Heavy textured clay soils

The 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 deep ploughing the field with mould board plough or

411
disc plough during summer or forming contour and compartmental bunds and also
adoption of ridges and furrows to enhance the infiltration and percolation.
10. Low permeable black soils
These soils are having infiltration rate less than 6 cm per day due to high clay
content. The amount of water entering in to the soil is reduced, resulting in high run off
encouraging the erosion of surface soil with nutrients. Heavy clay and high capillary porosity
results in impeded drainage and reduced soil conditions. Application of 100 cart loads of
red loam soil or river sand and deep ploughing the field with mould board plough or disc
plough during summer to enhance the infiltration and percolation. Application of FYM ,
composted coir pith or pressmud at 25 t ha-1 per year will improve the physical properties
and internal drainage of the soil.

11. High permeable red soils

These soils are having sand exceeding 70 per cent and are not able to retain water
and nutrients. These soils are devoid of finer particles and organic matter, thus aggregates
are weekly formed; presence of high non capillary pores results in poor soil structure.
Compacting the soil with 15 passes after 24 hours of irrigation, application of tank silt or
black soil @ 25 t ha-1 per year along with FYM, composted coir pith to improve the water
holding capacity of the soil. Providing asphalt, polythene sheet etc below the soil surface
will reduce infiltration

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 19. CHISEL TECHNOLOGY

The occurrence of hard pans at shallow depth is the most prevalent soil physical
constraint in soils. The agricultural crops are denied of the full benefits of the soil fertility
and nutrient use due to this constraint. The sub-soil hard pans are characterized by high
bulk density (1.8 g cc.') which in turn 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 six districts of Tamil Nadu viz.,
Coimbatore, Erode, Dharmapuri, Tiruchirappalli, Madurai and Salem particularly under
rainfed farming affecting a total of 3.8 lakh hectares of land.

TECHNOLOGY
Plough 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 45cm depth. Chisel plough is a heavy iron plough which goes up to 45 cm
depth, thereby shattering the hard pans. It is usually drawn by the tractor. Fabrication of
chisel plough has been done by the Department of Farm Machinery, Tamil Nadu Agricultural
University, Coimbatore.

ƒ Spread 12.5 t of FYM / pressmud / composted coir pith per hectare evenly on the
surface.
ƒ Give two ploughings using a country plough for incorporating the added manures.
The broken hard pan and incorporation of manures make the soil to conserve more
moisture.

Vegetative barriers for soil moisture conservation

For 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.

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 20. SURGE IRRIGATION

Even as advanced pressure irrigation method, such as drip and sprinkler systems are in
vogue the traditional gravity surface irrigation methods still remain inevitable due to their
simplicity in layouts and low installation and operational expenses. However the short strip
furrow and check basin layouts (the primary surface irrigation methods in Tamilnadu)
warrant division of the irrigated fields into a number of square or rectangular (2 m x 2 m to
6 m x 6 m ) plots encompassed by criss- cross ridges and feeder channels for facilitating
irrigation flow from head to tail end of the field. This eventually results in prolonged
irrigation application time and reduced irrigation efficiencies of 55 - 65% only due to
excessive seepage, deep percolation and runoff losses (35-45%). Besides, the criss- cross
layout with cross ridges and feeder channels leads to land loss of 15 -25%. In view of
minimizing the land and water loss and to accomplish high level of irrigation and water
use efficiencies a relatively new surface irrigation method called “surge irrigation” was
introduced in TNAU with extensive experimental trials on it’s hydraulic performance
evaluation and crop compatibility during 1992-95.

Features of Surge irrigation

The term “ Surge irrigation” refers to the delivering irrigation flows into individual long
furrows (more than 25 m upto 200 m) in an intermittent fashion of predetermined ON-OFF
time cycles (5 minute to 10 minutes) with the design duration of irrigation. During the ON
time water front advances into the furrow over a certain length and during the subsequent
OFF time the water applied partially saturates the soil and infiltration rate gets reduced on
the advanced length. When water is delivered in the succeeding ON time, the water front
advance gets accelerated due to the reduced intake rate and eventually it reaches the tail
end of long furrow with in 30 - 50% of the design duration of irrigation. This process of
ON-OFF water supply and cutoff results in highly minimized deep percolation and runoff
losses (hardly exceeding 20%). Hence, high uniformity of soil moisture distribution with in
the effective root zone is achieved over the entire furrow length resulting in enhanced
irrigation efficiencies of more than 85% to 95%. In addition due to the series of long
furrows emanating from a single head channel, the criss - cross ridges and feeder channel
of division are eliminated thereby limiting the land loss within 5% only.

Contributions of TNAU in surge irrigation research

• Manual semi automated and automated surge irrigation layouts were designed and
the irrigation parameters such as the individual furrow discharges (30 lit/min to 120
lit/min), surge cycle ON-OFF times (5 min to 30 min), surge cycle ratio (0.25 to
0.66), furrow gradients (0.1% to 0.6%), furrow size (30-120cm) and furrow length
(50-200m) could be optimized through mathematical models.
• A significant contribution from TNAU is the development of an original emprical
model for the prediction of waterfront advance times and resulting in irrigation
water distribution efficiencies.

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 Soil suitability : Sandy clay loam and loamy soils only
Crops tested maize sunflower and sorghum
Water saving : 25-40%
Land saving : 15-25%
Labour saving : 40%

Limitations
Surge irrigation systems do not show marked differences in land and water saving in
extremely clay or sandy soils. Besides, surge irrigation technology is still in the infant stage
in India and requires popularization through extension methods.

21. MICRO IRRIGATION

Micro irrigation is a modern method of irrigation; by this method water is irrigated

through drippers, sprinklers, foggers and by other emitters on surface or subsurface of the
land. Major components of a micro irrigation system is as follows.
Water source, pumping devices (motor and pump), ball valves, fertigation
equipments, filters, control valves, PVC joining accessories (Main and sub main) and
emitters. In this system water is applied drop by drop nearer the root zone area of
the crop. The drippers are fixed based on the spacing of crop. Many different types of
emitters are available in the market. They are classified as Inline drippers, on line
drippers, Micro tubes, Pressure compensated drippers.
Drip irrigation is most suitable for wider spacing crops. Micro sprinkler irrigation
system is mostly followed in sandy or loamy soils. This system is most suitable to
horticultural crops and small grasses. In this method water is sprinkled in a lower height at
various directions.
Portable micro sprinklers are also available. They distribute slightly more water than
drippers and micro sprinklers. They spray water in not more than one meter. It is used for
preparing nursery and lawns in soils with low water holding capacity.
Advantages of drip irrigation system
• Water saving and higher yield
• High quality and increased fruit size
• Suitable for all types of soil
• Easy method of fertigation and chemigation
• Saving in labour and field preparation cost
Disadvantage of drip irrigation system
• High initial investment
• Clogging of emitters
• Possible damage of system components due to animals, etc.,
Investment cost mostly differs based on spacing of the crops
• Generally, the reasons for clogging are solid particles (sand, rust), soft dirt (organic
matter, algae, micro organism, salt), sediments (salt in the fertilizers).
• Filtration is the main key factor to the success or failure of the system. The aim of
filtration is to stop dirt particles which damage any components of the system.
415
 • To remove salt encrustation, 30 per cent commercial hydrochloric acid can been
used at the rate of one liter per one m3 of system discharge.
• To remove algae and fungal clogging 5 to 500 ppm sodium hydrochloride (10 per
cent chlorine) can be used.
Maintenance of drip system
• Back washing and sand filters has to be cleaned
• Frequent cleaning of emitters and drippers
• Flushing at every irrigation
• Cleaning of sub main and main pipes
• Cleaning of PVC pipes and laterals and acid or chlorine may be used to remove
clogging.

Water used and yield of crops in micro and conventional irrigation methods

Water
Water use
Methods of require- % water -1 % increase
Crop Yield kg ha efficiency (kg ha
irrigation ment saving in yield
mm-1)
(cm)
Banana Drip 97.00 45.00 87500 52.00 90.20
Surface 176.00 - 57500 - 32.67
Sugarcane Drip 94.00 56.00 170000 33.00 180.85
Furrow 215.00 - 128000 - 59.53
Grapes Drip 27.80 48.00 32500 23.00 116.90
Surface 53.20 - 26400 - 49.62
Conventional 74.30 38.10 4747 - 6.39
aerobic rice
Aerobic rice Surface drip 61.90 48.40 5940 14.20 9.60
Sub-surface 61.90 48.40 6227 19.80 9.74
drip
Conventional 120.00 - 5200 - 4.33
transplanted
Cotton Drip 28.00 66.27 3250 25.00 116.10
Furrow 83.00 - 2600 - 31.33
Beetroot Drip 17.70 79.34 887 55.34 50.11
Surface 85.70 - 571 - 6.66
Radish Drip 10.80 75.72 1186 13.49 109.80
Surface 46.40 - 1045 - 22.52
Papaya Drip 73.88 67.89 23490 69.47 0.32
Surface 225.80 - 13860 - 0.06
Mulberry Drip 20.00 60.00 71400 3.03 3570
Surface 50.00 - 69300 - 1386
Tomato Drip 18.40 39.00 48000 50.00 260.86
Surface 30.00 - 32000 - 106.66
(WTC Annual Reports 1985-2003)
Affordable micro irrigation systems
Affordable micro irrigation system is mostly suitable to kitchen garden, nursery
and ornamental crops.
416
1. Bucket kit system
Bucket kit system is designed for kitchen garden suitable for women, marginal and
small farmers. It consists of a bucket (15 lit.) 10 metre long lateral (12mm) fitted with
drippers (4 LPH), which can irrigate about 100 plants in approximately 15 m2 area. The
bucket is placed at a height of 1m (3 feet) and water is filled for 4 to 5 times daily.

2. Drum kit system

This system is ideally suitable to kitchen garden and small commercial vegetable
growers. The drum is having 200 liter capacity which would supply water approximately 500
plants by filling the drum twice daily. It consists of lateral (16mm and 12mm). One number
of 16mm lateral and five 12mm laterals are used. This system could cover an area of 120
m2 (3 cents).

3. Micro sprinkler system

Micro sprinkler kit is suitable for farmers with access to pressurised water. It is very
useful for groundnut, vegetables, nurseries home gardens, and lawns etc. It can be
connected with a tap from an overhead tank or a domestic water pump. It consists of 15
micro sprinklers with pipes irrigating an area of 250 m2 (6 cents). Fertigation can also be
done through this method.
Sl. Area covered
Item Selling Cost/Unit
No. by the kits
2
1. Bucket Kit (Drip system) Rs.225 20 m (0.5 cent)
2. Drum Kit (Drip system) Rs.600 120 m2 (3.0 cents)
(Excluding Drum Cost)
3. Micro sprinkler kit Rs.900 240 m2 (6.0 cents)

Fertigation
Fertigation is a method of fertilizer application in which fertilizer is incorporated
within the irrigation water by the drip system. In this system fertilizer solution is distributed
evenly in irrigation. The availability of nutrients is very high therefore the efficiency is
more. In this method liquid fertilizer as well as water soluble fertilizers are used. By this
method, fertilizer use efficiency is increased from 80 to 90 per cent.
Fertilizer efficiencies of various application methods
Fertilizer use efficiency (%)
Nutrient
Soil application Fertigation
Nitrogen 30-50 95
Phosphorous 20 45
Potassium 50 80
Advantages of fertigation
• Nutrients and water are supplied near the active root zone through fertigation which
results in greater absorption by the crops.
• As water and fertilizer are supplied evenly to all the crops through fertigation there
is possibility for getting 25-50 per cent higher yield.
• Fertilizer use efficiency through fertigation ranges between 80-90 per cent, which
helps to save a minimum of 25 per cent of nutrients.
• By this way, along with less amount of water and saving of fertilizer, time, labour

417
 and energy use is also reduced substantially.

Water saving, yield and profit under drip and drip fertigation systems

Water Yield (t/ha) Profit (Rs/ha)

Saving Drip+ Drip +
Crops Conventional Drip Conventional Drip
(%) Fertgn Fertgn
Banana 35 26 30 37 81000 98000 120000
Sugarcane 29 120 160 207 30000 47000 68000
Tomato 32 45 56 65 56000 77000 95000
Aerobic
48 4.75 5.58 6.23 47470 55760 62270
rice
Fertilizer used in fertigation
• Urea, potash and highly water soluble fertilizers are available for applying through
fertigation.
• Application of super phosphorus through fertigation must be avoided as it makes
precipitation of phosphate salts. Thus phosphoric acid is more suitable for
fertigation as it is available in liquid form.
• Special fertilisers like mono ammonium phosphate (Nitrogen and Phosphorus), poly
feed (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium), Multi K (Nitrogen and Potassium),
Potassium sulphate (Potassium and Sulphur) are highly suitable for fertigation as
they are highly soluble in water. Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo are also supplied along
with special fertilisers.

Fertilizers commonly used in fertigation

N – P2O5 – K2O
Name Solubility (g/l) at 200 C
content
Ammonium nitrate 34-0-0 1830
Ammonium sulphate 21-0-0 760
Urea 46-0-0 1100
Monoammonium phosphate 12-61-0 282
Diammonium phosphate 18-46-0 575
Potassium chloride 0-0-60 347
Potassium nitrate 13-0-44 316
Potassium sulphate 0-0-50 110
Monopotassium phosphate 0-52-34 230
Phosphoric acid 0-52-0 457

Special water soluble fertilizers

Name N% P2O5 % K2O %
Polyfeed 19 19 19
Polyfeed 20 20 20
Polyfeed 11 42 11
Polyfeed 16 8 24
Polyfeed 19 19 19
Polyfeed 15 15 30
MAP 12 61 0
418
 Multi-K 13 0 46
MKP 0 52 34
SOP 0 0 50

N fertigation
Urea is well suited for injection in micro irrigation system. It is highly soluble and
dissolves in non-ionic form, so that it does not react with other substances in the water.
Also urea does not cause precipitation problems. Urea, ammonium nitrate, ammonium
sulphate, calcium ammonium sulphate, calcium ammonium nitrate are used as nitrogenous
fertilizers in drip fertigation.

P fertigation
Application of phosphorus to irrigation water may cause precipitation of phosphate
salts. Phosphoric acid and mono ammonium phosphate appears to be more suitable for
fertigation.

K fertigation
Application of K fertilizer does not cause any precipitation of salts. Potassium
nitrate, Potassium chloride, Potassium sulphate and mono potassium phosphate are used in
drip fertigation.

Micro nutrients
Fe, Mn, Zn, Cu, B, Mo could be used as micro nutrients in drip fertigation.

Fertigation equipments
Three main groups of equipments used in drip system are :
• Ventury
• Fertilizer tank
• Fertilizer pump
Ventury
Constriction in the main water flow pipe causes a pressure difference (Vaccum)
which is sufficient to suck fertilizer solution from an open container into the water flow. It is
very easy to handle and it is affordable even by small farmers. This equipment is most
suitable for smaller area.

Fertilizer tank
A tank containing fertilizer solution is connected to the irrigation pipe at the supply
point. Part of the irrigation water is diverted through the tank diluting the nutrient
solution and returning to the main supply pipe. The concentration of fertilizer in the tank
thus becomes gradually reduced.

Fertilizer pump
The fertilizer pump is a standard component of the control head. The fertilizer
solution is held in non-pressurised tank and it can be injected into the irrigation water at
any desired ratio. Therefore the fertilizer availability to each plants is maintained properly.
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Cost of fertigation equipments

Sl.No. Fertigation devices Cost (Rs.)

1. Ventury type 1200
2. Fertilizer Tank 3000
3. Injectors 12000

Economics of drip irrigation system

The initial investment in drip irrigation system is mainly depends upon the spacing
of crops. The initial cost will be almost 75 - 85 thousand rupees per hectare for wider
spacing crops such as coconut, mango, grapes and for orchard crops. The initial cost is
approximately 1 - 1.25 lakh rupees per hectare for close spacing crops such as sugarcane,
banana, papaya, mulberry, turmeric, tapioca, vegetables and flower crops.

Drip fertigation technology for aerobic rice Surface drip fertigation

Under aerobic rice conditions, provision of surface drip fertigation (with 0.8 m lateral
spacing provided with drippers at 0.3 m distance) scheduled at 125 % Pan Evaporation
value for clay soil / 150 % open Pan Evaporation value for sandy soil + STCR based NPK
fertigation + biofertigation of Azophosmet @ 500 mL ha-1 during panicle initiation and flag
leaf stages is recommended.

Sub Surface drip biogation

Under aerobic rice conditions, provision of sub-surface drip fertigation (10 cm
depth with 0.8 m lateral spacing provided with drippers at 0.3 m distance) scheduled at
125 % Pan Evaporation value for clay soil / 150 % open Pan Evaporation value for sandy
soil + STCR based NPK fertigation + biofertigation of Azophosmet and seaweed extract each
@ 500 mL ha-1 during panicle initiation and flag leaf stages is recommended.

420
 22. AGROMETEOROLOGY

CROP PLANNING AND MANAGEMENT

DRYLAND
1. Length of Growing Period
Length of growing period is defined as a period in which the available soil moisture
is enough to meet the evapotranspiration requirement of dry land crops and hence the dry
land productivity is assured. Based on scientific study (Jeevananda Reddy, 1983), length of
growing period for different rain gauge stations of each district of different agroclimatic
zones of Tamil Nadu have been computed. The length of growing period is given as ‘G’
with starting and ending of length of growing period in terms of Meteorological standard
weeks. If the G is less than 5 weeks period it means that always crop failures will occur. The
G period must be a minimum of 14 weeks (98 days) which permit the dry land crop to
attain its potential productivity. If the growing period is 14 weeks, a single dry land crop can
be cultivated. If G period is between 14 to 20 weeks, suitable inter cropping system can be
recommended. If the G period is more than 20 weeks long duration crop / double crop can
be organized.

The following information indicates length of growing period for different district of Tamil
Nadu. Based on the G period, suitable dry land crop may be selected.

1. North Eastern Zone

G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Thiruvaalur Athipettu 34-52 19
Ponneri 33-52 20
Poonamallee 32-52 21
Saidapet 32-52 21
Tirutani 31-50 20
Tiruvallur 31-51 21
Kanchipuram Chengalpattu 30-52 23
Cheyur 33-52,1 21
Covelong 31-52 22
Kanchipuram 29-51 23
Madurantakam 30-52 23
Sriperumudur 31-51 21
Uttiramerur 30-51 22
Vayalur 34-52 19
Vellore Ambur 33-46 14
Arakkonam 29-51 13
Gudiyattam 33-47 15
Sholingnur 31-49 19
Tiruppattur 31-45 15
Vaniyambadi 32-45 14
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 G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Vellore 30-50 21
Walajapet 30-50 21
Tiruvannamalai Arani 30-50 21
Chengam 31-49 19
Cheyyar 30-50 21
Polur 30-50 21
Tiruvannamalai 31-50 20
Vandavasi 29-51 23
Viluppuram Gingee 30-51 22
Tindivanam 31-52 22
Tirukkovilur 30-50 21
Ulundurpettai 32-51 20
Vanur 32-52,1 22
Viluppuram 31-51 21
Cuddalore Cuddalore 32-52,1,2 23
Kurinjippadi 32-52,1 22
Marakkanam 32-52 21
Panruti 31-52 22
Porto Novo 33-52, 1,2 22
Srimushnam 33-52 20
Tittagudi 31-51 21
Vriddhachalam 31-51 21
Perambalur Chettikulam 35-48 14
Jayamkonda 35-52 18
cholapuram
Uppiliyapuram 38-48 11
Chennai Nungambakkam 32-52 21

2. North Western Zone

G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Dharmapuri Denkanikota 32-46 15
Dharmapuri 32-46 15
Harur 33-47 15
Hosur 33-45 13
Krishnagiri 33-45 13
Palacode 32-46 15
Pennagaram 33-45 13
Rayakottai 33-46 14
Thalli 31-44 14
Uttangarai 31-46 16
Salem Attur 33-48 16
Omalur 29-45 17
422
 G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Salem 27-45 19
Sankari Durg 33-45 13
Tammampatti 34-49 16
Valapadi 33-46 14
Namakkal Namakkal 33-46 14
Paramathi 35-45 11
Rasipuram 30-45 16
Sendamangalam 32-45 14
Perambalur Ariyalur 35-50 16
Perambalur 35-50 16
3. Western Zone
G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Coimbatore Annur 38-47 10
Avanashi 38-47 10
Coimbatore 41-47 7
Mettupalayam 39-50 12
Palladam 41-47 7
Periyanaiakampalaya 38-49 12
m
Pollachi 24-31, 41-47 8, 7
Sulur 41-46 6
Tiruppur 38-47 10
Udumalaipettai 41-48 8
Erode Bhavani 34-47 14
Dharapuram 40-47 8
Erode 34-47 14
Gopichettipalayam 35-47 13
Kangayam 38-47 10
Kodumudi 38-44 7
Perundurai 35-47 13
Sathyamangalam 35-47 13
G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Karur Aravakkurichi 39-46 8
Karur 39-45 7
Dindigul Nilakottai 36-47 12
Palani 40-49 10
Theni Periakulam 38-49 12
Uttamapalayam 40-48 9
Madurai Usilampatti 36-49 14

423
 G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Tiruchchirapalli Manaparai 36-48 13

4. Cauvery Delta Zone

G period No. of G period
District Station
Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Thanjavur Atirampattinam 34-52 19
Kattuumvadi 39-51 13
Kumbakonam 34-52 19
Papanasam 35-52 18
Pattukottai 35-52 18
Thanjavur 35-51 17
Tirukkatupalli 35-49 15
Vallam 33-50 18
Thiruvarur Kudavasal 35-52,1 19
Mannargudi 34-52,1 20
Muttupet 35-52,1,2 20
Nannilam 35-52,1 19
Neidavasal 35-52,1,2 20
Nidamangalam 35-52,1 19
Thiruvaiyaru 35-50 16
Thiruvarur 35-52,1,2 20
Tirutturaippundi 35-52,1,2 20
Valangiman 35-52 18
Nagapattinam Mayuram 35-52,1 19
Nagapattinam 37-52,1,2 18
Sirkazhi 34-52,1,2 21
Tarangambadi 35-52,1,2 20
Tiruppundi 36-52,1,2,3 20
Vedaranniyam 35-52,1,2,3 21
Tiruchchirapalli Kulattur 36-48 13
Kulittalai 38-47 10
Lalgudi 38-49 12
Manapparai 36-48 13
Musiri 38-47 10
Tattayyangarpettai 36-47 12
Tiruchchirapalli 36-48 13
Perambalur Turaiyur 36-47 12
Cuddalore Chidambaram 33-52,1,2 22
Kattumannarkovil 33-52,1 21
Pudukkottai Arantangi 34-50 17

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5. Southern Zone
G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Ramanathapuram Kamudi 41-47 7
Mudukulattur 41-49 9
Pamban 42-52,1 12
Paramakudi 40-48 9
Ramanathapuram 41-52 12
Theethanathanam 41-51 11
Tiruvadanai 41-50 10
Vattaram 41-51 11
Virudunagar Arupukottai 39-48 10
Sattur 41-48 8
Sivakasi 41-48 8
Srivilliputtur 41-49 9
Virudunagar 38-48 11
Watrap 39-50 12
Tuticorin Arasadi 43-49 7
Kayattur 41-49 9
Kovilpatti 41-49 9
Kulasekarapatnam 42-52 11
Morekulam 42-51 10
Ottappidaram 41-48 8
Sattankulam 42-50 9
Srivaikuntam 42-50 9
Tiruchchendur 42-52 11
Tuticorin 43-50 8
Tirunelveli Ambasamudram 42-52,1 12
Ayikudi 42-51 10
Kadaiyam 42-52,1 12
Kadaiyanallur 42-51 10
Kirnurnam 43-51 9
Nanguneri 42-51 10
Palayamkottai 42-50 9
Radhapuram 42-49 8
Sankarankovil 41-49 9
Shencottah 41-51 11
Sivagiri 41-52 12
Tenkasi 41-52 12
Tirunelveli 42-51 10
Sivaganga Manamadurai 39-48 10
Sivaganga 35-48 14
Tirupattur 33-48 16
Madurai Cholavandan 36-48 13
425
 Madurai 34-48 15
Melur 33-49 17
Nattam 33-49 17
Peraiyur 36-49 14
Tirumangalam 34-49 16
Pudukkottai Adanakottai 37-49 13
Alangudi 36-50 15
Annavasal 36-47 12
Ilupur 36-48 13
Karambakkudi 38-50 13
Kilanilai 38-49 12
Marungapuri 35-49 15
Ponnamaravati 34-48 15
Pudukkottai 35-49 15
Tirumayam 36-48 13
Udyalipatti 37-47 11
Viralimalai 38-48 11
Dindigul Chattrapatti 38-50 13
Dindigul 36-49 14
Vedasunthur 38-48 11
Theni Bodinayakanur 39-48 10

6. High Rainfall Zone

G period No. of G period
District Station
(Met. Standard week) (No. of weeks)
Kanyakumari Aramboli 41-49 9
Eranial 19-29, 39-48 11, 10
Kalial 14-50 37
Kolachel 21-30, 40-48 10, 9
Kottaram 42-48 7
Kulasegraram 12-50 39
Kuzhitturai 15-48 34
Meycode adanadi 15-49 35
Mulakumood 15-31, 40-49 17, 10
Nagerkoil 20-26, 40-48 7, 9
P.P. Channel 16-29, 40-50 14, 11
Pechiaprai 13-50 38
Puthendam 13-50 38
Rajakkammangalam 19-27, 40-48 9, 9
Seetapal 19-26, 40-48 8, 9
Shorlakode 18-25, 36-47 8, 12
Thadikarekonam 14-49 36
Thamaraikulam 42-47 6
The Nilgiris Devala 17-50 34
Glen Morgan 16-50 35
426
 Gudalur 17-49 33
Kallatty 17-51 35
Ketty 18-52,1 36
Kodanadu 18-52,1,2 37
Kotagiri 14-52,1-3 40
Kundha (Kailkund) 21-52,1 33
Naduvattam 16-49 34
Ootacamund 16-51 36
Coimbatore Anaimalai 32-52,1 22
Dindigul Kodaikanal 32-52,1 22
Salem Yercaud 34-50 17

2. Climate of Tamil Nadu

South West Monsoon
Arid Semi arid Humid
(MI = (-) 66.7 to (-) 100) (MI = (-) 66.7 to (-) 33.3) (MI = 20 to 80)
Coimbatore, Erode, Kanchipuram, Thrivallur The Nilgiris
Tiruchirapalli, Karur, Cuddalore, Villupuram
Perambalur, Madurai, Theni, Dharmapuri , Krishnagiri
Dindugal, Ramanathapuram, Salem ,Namakal
Sivagangai,Viruudunagar, Pudukottai
Tirunelveli, Tuticorin Thanjavur ,Nagai &
Thiruvarur Kanyakumari
Velore, Thiruvannamalai

North East
Monsoon Moist sub humid MI= 0 to 20 Per humid MI=100
Dry sub humid MI= Triuchirapalli, Karur, Perambalur, and
(-) 33 to 0 Pudukottai, Madurai, Theni, above.
Coimbatore, Erode, Dindugal, Sivagangai, The Nilgiris
Dharmapuri, Vridunagar, Ramanathapuram,
Krishnagiri. Salem, Kanchipuram, Thiruvallur,
Namakal Vellore, Tiruvannamalai,
Cuddalore,Villupuram,
Thanjavur, Nagai, Thiruvarur,
Kanyakumari, Thirunelveli,
Tuticorin

427
3. Rain fall pattern in Tamil Nadu
The rainfall pattern of Tamil Nadu based on the criteria of rainfall quantity and
Seasons of precipitation is given below: (NCA, 1976)
A = > 30 cm rainfall per month
B = 30-20 cm rainfall per month
C = 20-10 cm rainfall per month
D = 10-5 cm rainfall per month
E = < 5 cm rainfall per month
Three distinct seasons have been considered
Pre monsoon season :
February to May Monsoon season :
June to September Post monsoon season :
October to January
Considering the distribution of rainfall within a season, a standard pattern is developed.

This is explained through the following example

A2 B2 (C1 B1 A1 E1) C2 D1 E1

Where in,
i) Alphabets in bracket denote rainfall in monsoon season months.
ii) Left to bracket denotes rainfall in pre-monsoon months.
iii) Right to bracket denotes rainfall in post monsoon months.
iv) Numerical suffix gives the number of months.

Rainfall pattern in Tamil Nadu

Rainfall Taluks in which the pattern is seen

E4 (E4) C2 E 2 Aruppukottai, Paramakudi, Muthukulathur, Thiruvadanai,

Sathur, Srivilliputhur, Kovilpatti, Vilathikulam, Sankarankovil,
Thoothukudi, Srivaikuntam, Udumalpet, Coimbatore,
Dharapuram, Palladam, Gobichettipalayam, Bhavani, Erode,
Avinashi, Uthamapalayam, Palani, Kodaikanal, Vedasandur,
Dindugul, Nilakottai, Usilampatti, Thirumangalam, Periakulam,
Karur
E4 (E4) B1 C2 E1 Tiruchendur, Nanguneri, Tirunelveli, Ambasamudram,
Ramanathapuram E4 (E4) A1 B2 E1 Nagapattinam,
Thiruthuraipoondi, Lalgudi, Musiri

428
E4 (C1 E3) C2 E2 Thuraiyur, Kulithalai, Tiruchirappalli, Manapparai, Pollachi,
Agastheswaram
E4 (C1 E3) A1B1 C1 E1 Mayavaram, Nannilam
E4 (C2 E2) C1 E3 Vaniyambadi, Thirupathur, Uthankarai, Thirukoilur, Kallakurichi,
Perambalur, Kulathur, Alangudi, Thirumayam, Harur, Athur,
Thanjavur, Aranthangi, Arakkonam, Walajapet, Cheyyar, Arani,
Polur, Chengam, Thiruvannamalai,,Gudiyatham, Vellore,
Thiruthani, Madurai North, Madurai South, Melur, Thirupathur,
Sivaganga, Chengam, Wandavasi.
E4 (C2 E2) B1C2 E1 Virudhachalam, Ariyalur, Udayarpalayam, Kumbakonam,
Papanasam, Mannargudi, Pattukottai, Orathanadu, Tenkasi,
Shencottai, Thiruvallur, Sriperumpudur, Kanchipuram,
Chengalpattu, Maduranthagam, Tindivanam, Villupuram.
E4 (C2 E 2) A1 B1 C1 E1 Ponneri, Saidapet, Chidambaram, Sirkazhi. C1 E 3(C1 E 3) C1 E3
Hosur, Denkanikottai,
C1 E 3(C2 E2) C1 E 3 Omalur, Krishnagiri, Dharmapuri, Mettur, Salem, Rasipuram,
Sangagiri, Thiruchengodu, Namakkal

4. Pre monsoon sowing

Based on the probability of receiving sowing rains, pre monsoon dry seeding
weeks have been identified for the different districts of Tamil Nadu, which is feasible
in Vertisols.

Name of the Districts Sowing STD week Dates

1. Coimbatore & Erode 37 to 38 Sep 10 to 23
2. Dharmapuri 38 to 39 Sep 17 to 30
3. Vellore 36 to 37 Sep 3 to 16
4. Ramanathapuram 40 to 41 Oct 1 to 14
5. Thoothukudi 39 to 40 Sep 24 to Oct 7
6. Thrinelveli 39 to 40 Sep 24 to Oct 7
7. Virudhunagar 38 to 39 Sep 17 to 30

5.Water balance study

Water balance study was conducted for Tamil Nadu based on the Water
Requirement Satisfaction Index (WRSI). It is suggested that sorghum can be sown during
36th Std week against 16th Std week. The data from the Table indicate that if it is sown
during 16th Std week, the crop may suffer with soil moisture stress. This result is valid
for sorghum crop for Manapparai Taluk sowing by 36th standard week is recommended.

429
 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

Simila study was undertaken for Namakkal Taluk for Groundnut sowing:

The result indicates that, rainfed groundnut sowing can be taken in the order of
28th Std week, 26th Std week, 23rd Std week.

Further studies were made from water balance for rainfed crops of
Virudhunagar district and the information are presented in the Table *

Sowing Final
Moisture stress
District Location Crop Soil week harvest
(MSW) (MSW) period(MSW)
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Cotton Black 36 4 1 to 4
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Cotton Black 36 4 3 to 4
Virudhunagar Sattur Cotton Black 36 4 1 to 4
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Cotton Black 36 4 2 to 4
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Cotton Black 36 4 1 to 4
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Cotton Black 36 4 1 to 4
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Cotton Black 37 5 1 to 5
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Cotton Black 37 5 2 to 5
Virudhunagar Sattur Cotton Black 37 5 1 to 5
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Cotton Black 37 5 2 to 5
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Cotton Black 37 5 51to 5
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Cotton Black 37 5 2 to 5
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Cotton Black 38 6 1 to6
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Cotton Black 38 6 2 to 6
Virudhunagar Sattur Cotton Black 38 6 1 to 6
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Cotton Black 38 6 2 to 6
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Cotton Black 38 6 51to 6
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Cotton Black 38 6 1 to 6
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Cotton Black 39 7 1 to 7
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Cotton Black 39 7 2 to 7
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Virudhunagar Sattur Cotton Black 39 7 1 to 7
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Cotton Black 39 7 2 to 7
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Cotton Black 39 7 1 to 7
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Cotton Black 39 7 1 to 7
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Cotton Red 36 4 49 to 4
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Cotton Red 36 4 51 to 4
Virudhunagar Sattur Cotton Red 36 4 52 to 4
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Cotton Red 36 4 50 to 4
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Cotton Red 36 4 49 to 4
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Cotton Red 36 4 51 to 4
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Cotton Red 37 5 50 to 5
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Cotton Red 37 5 51 to 5
Virudhunagar Sattur Cotton Red 37 5 50 to 5
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Cotton Red 37 5 50 to 5
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Cotton Red 37 5 49 to 5
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Cotton Red 37 5 51 to 5
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Cotton Red 38 6 50 to 6
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Cotton Red 38 6 51 to 6
Virudhunagar Sattur Cotton Red 38 6 50 to 6
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Cotton Red 38 6 51 to 6
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Cotton Red 38 6 49 to 6
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Cotton Red 38 6 50 to 6
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Cotton Red 39 7 51 to 7
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Cotton Red 39 7 51 to 7
Virudhunagar Sattur Cotton Red 39 7 51 to 7
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Cotton Red 39 7 51 to 7
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Cotton Red 39 7 50 to 7
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Cotton Red 39 7 50 to 7
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Pulses Black 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Pulses Black 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Pulses Black 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Pulses Black 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Pulses Black 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Pulses Black 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Pulses Black 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Pulses Black 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Pulses Black 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Pulses Black 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Pulses Black 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Pulses Black 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Pulses Black 38 50 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Pulses Black 38 50 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Pulses Black 38 50 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Pulses Black 38 50 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Pulses Black 38 50 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Pulses Black 38 50 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Pulses Black 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Pulses Black 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Pulses Black 39 51 -

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Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Pulses Black 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Pulses Black 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Pulses Black 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Pulses Red 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Pulses Red 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Pulses Red 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Pulses Red 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Pulses Red 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Pulses Red 36 48 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Pulses Red 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Pulses Red 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Pulses Red 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Pulses Red 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Pulses Red 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Pulses Red 37 49 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Pulses Red 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Pulses Red 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Pulses Red 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Pulses Red 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Pulses Red 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Pulses Red 39 51 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Redgram Black 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Redgram Black 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Redgram Black 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Redgram Black 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Redgram Black 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Redgram Black 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Redgram Black 37 02 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Redgram Black 37 02 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Redgram Black 37 02 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Redgram Black 37 02 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Redgram Black 37 02 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Redgram Black 37 02 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Redgram Black 38 03 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Redgram Black 38 03 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Redgram Black 38 03 03
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Redgram Black 38 03 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Redgram Black 38 03 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Redgram Black 38 03 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Redgram Red 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Redgram Red 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Redgram Red 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Redgram Red 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Redgram Red 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Redgram Red 36 01 -
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Redgram Red 37 02 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Redgram Red 37 02 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Redgram Red 37 02 02
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Redgram Red 37 02 -

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 Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Redgram Red 37 02 02
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Redgram Red 37 02 01 to 02
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Redgram Red 38 03 02 to 03
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Redgram Red 38 03 03
Virudhunagar Sattur Redgram Red 38 03 01 to 03
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Redgram Red 38 03 03
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Redgram Red 38 03 01 to 03
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Redgram Red 38 03 01 to 03
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sorghum Black 36 52 48 to 52
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sorghum Black 36 52 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Sorghum Black 36 52 49 to 52
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sorghum Black 36 52 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sorghum Black 36 52 48 to 52
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sorghum Black 36 52 49 to 52
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sorghum Black 37 01 49 to 01
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sorghum Black 37 01 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Sorghum Black 37 01 50 to 01
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sorghum Black 37 01 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sorghum Black 37 01 49 to 01
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sorghum Black 37 01 50 to 01
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sorghum Black 38 02 50 to 02
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sorghum Black 38 02 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Sorghum Black 38 02 51 to 02
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sorghum Black 38 02 02
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sorghum Black 38 02 49 to 02
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sorghum Black 38 02 51 to 02
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sorghum Black 39 03 52 to 03
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sorghum Black 39 03 01 to 03
Virudhunagar Sattur Sorghum Black 39 03 51 to 03
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sorghum Black 39 03 02 to 03
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sorghum Black 39 03 50 to 03
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sorghum Black 39 03 51 to 03
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sorghum Red 36 52 48 to 52
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sorghum Red 36 52 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Sorghum Red 36 52 49 to 52
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sorghum Red 36 52 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sorghum Red 36 52 48 to 52
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sorghum Red 36 52 49 to 52
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sorghum Red 37 01 49 to 01
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sorghum Red 37 01 51 to 01
Virudhunagar Sattur Sorghum Red 37 01 50 to 01
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sorghum Red 37 01 52 to 01
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sorghum Red 37 01 49 to 01
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sorghum Red 37 01 49 to 01
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sorghum Red 38 02 49 to 02
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sorghum Red 38 02 51 to 02
Virudhunagar Sattur Sorghum Red 38 02 50 to 02
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sorghum Red 38 02 51 to 02
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sorghum Red 38 02 49 to 02
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 Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sorghum Red 38 02 49 to02
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sorghum Red 39 03 50 to 03
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sorghum Red 39 03 51 to 03
Virudhunagar Sattur Sorghum Red 39 03 50 to 03
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sorghum Red 39 03 51 to 03
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sorghum Red 39 03 49 to 03
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sorghum Red 39 03 49 to 03
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sunflower Black 43 03 -
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sunflower Black 43 03 -
Virudhunagar Sattur Sunflower Black 43 03 02 to 03
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sunflower Black 43 03 -
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sunflower Black 43 03 02 to 03
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sunflower Black 43 03 02 to 03
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sunflower Black 44 04 02 to 04
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sunflower Black 44 04 04
Virudhunagar Sattur Sunflower Black 44 04 02 to 04
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sunflower Black 44 04 04
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sunflower Black 44 04 01 to 04
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sunflower Black 44 04 02 to 04
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sunflower Red 43 03 52 to 03
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sunflower Red 43 03 01 to 03
Virudhunagar Sattur Sunflower Red 43 03 52 to 03
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sunflower Red 43 03 01 to 03
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sunflower Red 43 03 51 to 03
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sunflower Red 43 03 52 to 03
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Sunflower Red 44 04 01 to 04
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Sunflower Red 44 04 01 to 04
Virudhunagar Sattur Sunflower Red 44 04 52 to 04
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Sunflower Red 44 04 01 to 04
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Sunflower Red 44 04 51 to 04
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Sunflower Red 44 04 52 to 04
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Groundnut Red 26 41 33 to 41
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Groundnut Red 26 41 31 to 41
Virudhunagar Sattur Groundnut Red 26 41 30 to 41
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Groundnut Red 26 41 29 to 41
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Groundnut Red 26 41 32 to 41
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Groundnut Red 26 41 30 to 41
Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Groundnut Red 27 42 33 to 42
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Groundnut Red 27 42 31 to 42
Virudhunagar Sattur Groundnut Red 27 42 31 to 42
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Groundnut Red 27 42 31 to 42
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Groundnut Red 27 42 32 to 42
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Groundnut Red 27 42 32 to 42
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Virudhunagar Aruppukottai Groundnut Red 28 43 33 to 43
Virudhunagar Rajapalayam Groundnut Red 28 43 31 to 43
Virudhunagar Sattur Groundnut Red 28 43 32 to 43
Virudhunagar Srivilliputtur Groundnut Red 28 43 32 to 43
Virudhunagar Tiruchuli Groundnut Red 28 43 33 to 43
Virudhunagar Virudhunagar Groundnut Red 28 43 33 to 43
* Note: During moisture stress period suitable agro- techniques may be adopted. If
moisture stress period is long concerned sowing week may not be viable.

6.Weather Based Management Technologies

i)Nutrient management for thaladi season rice
Application of 200:75:75kg NPK/ha for November 15th transplanted crop (Co45
or Co43) under split application of N at 40, 20, 20 and 20% respectively during basal,
active tillering, panicle initiation and flowering while 75 percent P and K as basal and
12.5 percent P and K as foliar spray twice at panicle initiation and flowering stages.

ii)Acceptable insitu moisture conservation practice for rainfed groundnut –

sunflower and maize

During South West monsoon season groundnut sowing along the contour and
ridging to be done three weeks after sowing. During NEM, especially for sunflower,
the same technology of contour sowing followed by ridging three weeks latter can be
adopted. In respect of maize, sowing and tieing alternate furrows with mulching of
locally available material can be practiced.

Sustainable dryland management for hybrid maize (UMH 28)

iii)
Sowing of dry land hybrid maize at 38th meteorological standard week (17th – 23
Sept.) with modified crop production recommendation based on medium range
weather forecast is suggested.

iv)Time of sowing and nutrient level for sorghum under different rainfall situations in
dryland (black soil) of western agro climate zone of Tamil Nadu

Sowing of sorghum variety CSV15 before the receipt of monsoon rainfall

(Premonsoon sowing) is recommended with 60:30:0 kg NPK / ha during above
average rainfall year and 40:20:0 Kg NPK / ha during below average rainfall year. The
result is applicable when seasonal climate forecast information is available in advance.

v) Technical feasibility of introducing new irrigated cropping system of Greengram –

Maize – Sunflower against the outdated cropping system of Cotton – Sorghum –
Finger millet of western agro climatic zone of Tamil Nadu

Sowing of crops at normal sowing of concerned crops viz.; 33 Meteorological

Standard Week (MSW) for (Aug 13-19) greengram, 48th MSW (Nov 26-Dec2) for maize
and 15th MSW (April 9-15) for sunflower with 100 percent inorganic source of
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recommended nutrients for green gram (12.5:50:0 kg NPK / ha) and sunflower
(40:20:20 kg NPK/ ha) and 25% organic N alone and 75 percent inorganic source of
nutrient recommended to maize (135:62.5: 50 kg NPK/ ha) for the new tailored
cropping system of Greengram –Maize – Sunflower.

vi) Potential season and sowing window for CoH3 Hybrid Maize under irrigated
condition

Sowing of irrigated Maize hybrid CoH3 in the second fortnight of August during
Kharif season with integrated application of both organics and inorganic at 50:50 either
as blanket (135:625:50 kg NPK/ha) or as soil test based recommendation.

Potential transplanting window for hybrid rice

vii)
Planting hybrid rice CORH2 either on 26th September or at 3rd October as
compared to planting in normal date of planting of 19th September which is
recommended for planting rice variety especially for the variety ADT39.

viii)Polyethylene film mulch for irrigated groundnut

Spreading of seven micron thickness black polyethylene film as mulch to
irrigated groundnut along with pre-plant incorporation of fluchloralin @ 1.0 kg ai/ha
under flat bed system.

ix) Forewarning disease incidence in groundnut

Forewarning model was developed against late leaf spot and rust diseases in
groundnut. The model was validated and the deviation is around 10 percent. The model
was developed for both for Aliyarnagar (mountain climate) and Vridhachalam (Marine
climate) domain.
7. Basic information
i. Crop – weather studies
Rice grain yield of Kuruvai and Thaladi seasons over 30 years (1961 – 1990) were
correlated with concerned weather data. Reproductive stage was very critical to
prevalence weather parameters both for Kuruvai and Thaladi seasons. In addition
maturity stage of Kuruvai and Vegetative stage of thaladi season were also critical to
weather.

During Thaladi season, correlation study indicated the positive relationship for
maximum temperature at vegetative and reproductive stages.

Management response to seasonal climate forecast in cropping system

ii.
Two locations viz. Avinashi and Thiruchengodu were considered for the study.
Model to simulate the yield of crops (Groundnut, Cotton) was done.

The chance of achieving (65%) at least 1000 kg/ha of peanut occur, when the
Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) phase is positive for April / May. Conversely there is

436
only 32% chance of achieving such a yield in years when the SOI is falling. Similar
analysis was conducted for cotton and economic performance of both systems was
compared on gross margin basis. Results indicate that in positive SOI years, peanuts out
performed in cotton in 70 percent of years, but income difference can still range from
Rs.(-)15,000 to (+) 15,000 / ha. However under falling SOI conditions peanut only had
minor advantage in 40% of years (up to Rs.3,800/ ha).

Seasonal rainfall Vs El-Nino

iii.
Analyses of long term average of Southwest monsoon rainfall during El-Nino
years revealed that during El-Nino years, the amount of rainfall found decreased in all
the locations of Tamil Nadu as compared to normal rainfall of this season, except
Northeastern parts of Tamil Nadu. Analyses of long term Northeast monsoon rainfall
indicate that during El-Nino years there was increase in amount of rainfall than normal
in all the locations of Tamil Nadu.

Tamil years Vs annual rainfall forecast

iv.
The annual rainfall of a particular Tamil year in a cycle of 60 years was not the
same for the corresponding Tamil years on the forth coming cycle and one can expect
an opposite event.

v.Stars Vs Seasonal rainfall forecast

The star Revathi had greater influence on rainfall during hot weather period
(March- May) while during Southwest monsoon (June – Sept) and Northeast monsoon
seasons (Oct – Dec), stars Maham and Uthiram respectively did influence seasonal
rainfall.
In the monthly analysis at 30% probability, the star Uthiram had influenced in
getting rainfall of > 20mm during July and November months. While during other
months the stars viz. Maham, Pooradam, Kettai, Swathi and Moolam showed their
influence to get < 20mm of rainfall.

vi.Pest and weather relationship study in cotton

When maximum and minimum temperature got increased, the infestation from
American bollworm also got decreased. In contrast, positive relationship existed for
pink bollworm for the above weather parameters. In the case of aphid, maximum
temperature, diurnal variation, Relative Temperature Disparity, bright sunshine hours,
and wind speed, had negative relationship, while positive correlation was observed
for minimum temperature.

vii.Study on the weather relationship of eriophyid mite in coconut

The maximum temperature had negative correlation with nuts affected in all the
varieties (Tall (east coast), Dwarf (yellow), Tall X Dwarf, Orange, and Dwarf X Tall) at
three months after spathe emergence; where as positive correlation was obtained for
maximum temperature one to two months before spathe emergence in respect of Tall
(east coast) and Dwarf x Tall varieties. In general eriophyid mite affected nuts were
either positively and negatively influenced by minimum temperature and relative

437
humidity respectively (0722 IST and 1422 IST). From the stepwise regression analysis
made, one to two months earlier or one to two months after spathe emergence, wind
speed had higher influence on the nuts affected with mite irrespective of varieties
except Tall x Dwarf .

Probing the association of lunar phases “Thithies” with rainfall at Coimbatore

viii.
Based on the interaction between earth and moon in relation to sun, each
month is governed by both new moon and full moon. In between these two, there are
fourteen thithies covering the 14 days interval. A study was undertaken to find out the
association between rainfall and the different thithies. Results revealed that the first
eight thithies succeeding new moon, and eight thithies preceding the new moon did
relate to annual rainfall events. Higher rainfall occurred normally during the eight
thithies preceding the new moon as compared to thithies succeeding the new moon.
Almost similar results could be noticed for both Southwest and Northeast monsoon
seasons. Analysis also indicated that towards full moon phase, the thithi Shasthi (sixth
phase) is associated with high rainfall while such effect was noticed at Ekadasi (eleventh
phase) thithi towards new moon. High intensity events occurred frequently during new
moon phase as compared to full moon phase.

8. Medium range weather forecast

In 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 dry land crop production. Proper understanding of the climate and issuing
weather forecast based on the dynamic nature of atmosphere would help in multiple
ways. Four different weather forecasts are presently made. They are now casting,
short range, medium range and long range.

Among the forecasts, the weather forecast given under medium range seems to
serve the purpose of the farmers, since it provides enough time to the farmers to
change the agricultural operations based on anticipated weather change under dry
land environment.

In this context, a project on the establishment of National Centre for Medium

Range Weather Forecast (NCMRWF) and Development of Agro-meteorological service
was approved by the Government of India and implemented by the Department of
Science and Technology (DST) in mission mode. Currently local weather forecast
based on Direct Model output of General Circulation Model (GCM) is prepared by
NCMRWF and given to Agromet Advisory Service units located at different State
Agricultural Universities (SAU) including seven in Tamil Nadu, four under TNAU
(Coimbatore, Pechiparai, Kovilpatti and Aduthurai) and two under Tamil Nadu
Veterinary and Animal Sciences University (Chennai and Namakkal) and one at
Kannivadi (MSSRF). In turn the SAU prepares weather based agro advisory bulletin and
communicate to the farmers for making decisions on agricultural activities based on
anticipated weather change. The forecast covers, cloud cover, rainfall, wind speed,
wind direction, maximum temperature, and minimum temperature. This forecast is

438
given for four days from Tuesday to Friday and again from Friday to Monday and thus it
covers a whole week.

Presently TNAU installs Automatic Weather Station at block level and once
completed, block level weather forecast with agro advisories will be given.

9.Seasonal climate forecast

Seasonal climate forecast is being given to all districts of Tamil Nadu through
TNAU Research Stations both for South-west and North-east monsoon seasons with a
lead time of 15 days. This forecast contains the seasonal rainfall both in temporal and
spatial dimensions. This forecast is based on probability analysis made through
Australian Rainman Software. The inputs are location specific past rainfall data more
than twenty one years and real time southern oscillation index and sea surface
temperature. This type of forecast is being given from 1999 onwards and presently
institutionalized by the TNAU. Based on the verification of the forecast, the accuracy
goes up to 70 per cent. Since the forecast is given with a lead time the information is
highly useful for farm planning and hence it becomes response farming in nature.

10. Climate change and crop production

Model result on Temperature and Rainfall

a)
The results of the projected climate change over Cauvery basin of Tamil Nadu
for A1B scenario using PRECIS and RegCM3 regional climate models showed an
increasing trend for maximum temperature, minimum temperature and rainfall.
Decadal means of maximum and minimum temperatures were generated to
understand the variation more clearly and the results revealed that the increase in
maximum temperature in PRECIS was 3.7oC and in RegCM3, it was 3.1oC. The increase
in minimum temperature in PRECIS model was 4.2oC and in RegCM3, it was 3.7oC
during the same period. The increase in minimum temperatures is higher than
maximum temperatures in both models.

b) Model result on rice productivity

The study on the yield of ADT 43 rice over Cauvery Delta Zone as simulated by
Decision support System for Agricultural technology Transfer (DSSAT) under CO2
fertilization, the result had shown that a reduction of 135 Kg ha-1 decade-1 for PRECIS
(Providing Regional Climates for Impact
Studies) model, while there was an increase in yield of24 Kg ha-1 decade-1 for RegCM3
(Regional Climate Model System 3) model, thus indicating the possibility of change in
rice yield under climate change scenario.

Impact of Climate change on crops

c)
Analysis on the maize crop yield indicated reduction in yield by 3.0, 9.3 and 18.3
per cent respectively during 2020, 2050 and 2080 from the current yield levels in the
major maize growing districts of Tamil Nadu with increase in minimum temperature.
Sorghum crop yield is expected to decline by 4.5, 11.2 and 18.7 per cent during 2020,

439
2050 and 2080 from the current yield levels if no management intervention is made in
the major sorghum growing districts of Tamil Nadu. This is due to nighttime
temperature increase.

d) Adaptation strategies developed under ClimaRice project for sustaining

rice productivity in Cauvery Delta Zone (CDZ) against climate change
Introduction of System of Rice Intensification (SRI) under non-rainy season
Introduction of temperature tolerant rice varieties
Seed treatment with bio-fertilizer (Azospirillum), application of blue green alage
(BGA) and growing azolla as dual crop in rice. This reduces methane emission
from the rice field

Table of Meteorological Standard Week

Std. Week. Std. Week.
Month Dates Month Dates
No. No.
1 January 1-7 27 July 2-8
2 8-14 28 9-15
3 15-21 29 16-22
4 22-28 30 23-29
5 29-4 31 30-5
6 February 5-11 32 August 6-12
7 12-18 33 13-19
8 19-25 34 20-26
9 26-4* 35 27-2
10 March 5-11 36 September 3-9
11 12-18 37 10-16
12 19-25 38 17-23
13 26-1 39 24-30
14 April 2-8 40 October 1-7
15 9-15 41 8-14
16 16-22 42 15-21
17 23-29 43 22-28
18 30-6 44 29-4
19 May 7-13 45 November 5-11
20 14-20 46 12-18
21 21-27 47 19-25
22 28-3 48 26-2
23 June 4-10 49 December 3-9
24 11-17 50 10-16
25 18-24 51 17-23
26 25-1 52 24-31**

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 23. FARM IMPLEMENTS AND MACHINERY
i. LAND PREPARATION IMPLEMENTS

TRACTOR OPERATED CHISEL PLOUGH

Purpose Suitable for deep tillage upto a depth of 40 cm
for breaking hard soil pan.
Type of the Tractor operated
implement
Field capacity 1.4 ha / day at a spacing of 1.5m between
rows
Cost of the Rs.12000/- (Approximately)
implement
Salient Operated by any 35-45 hptractor. The
Features implement is simple in construction and has
only three components namely frame,
standard and share. The share has a lift angle
of 20 degree, width of 25mm and length of
150mm. The implement is protected by shear
pin which prevents damage from overloading.

TRACTOR OPERATED SUBSOIL COIRPITH APPLICATOR

Purpose The sub soil coir pith mulch is applied at
15-30 cm deep
Type of the Tractor operated
implement
Field capacity 0.60 ha/day
Cost of the Rs.40,000/- (Approximately)
implement
Salient Features Ensures higher moisture retention, crop
growth and yield

TRACTOR OPERATED ROTARY SPADING MACHINE

Purpose Primary tillage tools suitable for all soil
conditions including wet clay soil and
recommended for intercultural operation in
coconut orchards
Type of the Tractor operated
implement
Field capacity 1.5 ha per day
Cost of the Rs. 1,20,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient High energy utilization efficiency
Features

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 TWIN ROW PRECISION ORGANIC MANURE CUM FERTILIZER APPLICATOR
Purpose Suitable for accurate and controlled
application of organic manure/mulch directly
below the root zone.
Type of the Tractor operated
implement
Field capacity 1.0 ha per day
Cost of the Rs. 1,25,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Helps in improving the soil nutrient use
Features efficiency, crop yield and soil quality. Adjustable
spacing between furrows enables the use at
different row spacing
• Simultaneous precise placements of organic
manure and inorganic fertilizer.

MANUALLY OPERATED MARKER

Purpose Marker for line sowing
Type of the Manually operated
implement
Cost of the Rs. 1800 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Easy to operate
Features • Reduced seed rate
• Suitable for small and marginal farmers
• Reduction in cost of cultivation
• Maintenance of optimum plant population
• Easy for inter cultural operation (Weeding,
Spraying)

TRACTOR OPERATED PIT DIGGER FOR SUGAR CANE PLANTING

Purpose Pit Digger for Sugarcane Planting
Type of the Tractor operated
implement
Field capacity 250 to 300 holes per hour
Cost of the Rs. 1,20,00 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • At a time two pits of dia 90 cmcan be made
Features • Spacing between the auger is adjustable

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 SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLED LEVEL OF PUDDLING
Purpose To control the level of puddling in wetland
Type of the Tractor mounted
implement
Field capacity 1.5 ha / day
Cost of the Rs.50,000/-(Additional Hydraulic cylinder to
implement the existing laser leveller)
Salient • Constant depth of puddle can be maintained
Features accurately, reducing the tillage energy
expended by deep puddling.
• Reduce water requirement for puddling.
• Establishment of a strong sub soil layer that
will reduce deep percolation.
• Ensures good level surface layer and subsurface
layer enabling easy transplanting

ii. SOWING IMPLEMENTS

SEED CUM FERTILIZER DRILL FOR PADDY
Purpose For direct sowing of paddy and simultaneous
application of fertilizer
Type of the Tractor mounted
implement
Field capacity 3 ha/day
Cost of the Rs. 75,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • For dry sowing of paddy seeds in 9 rows at
Features uniform depth and spacing

NEEDLE TYPE TRAY SEEDER FOR VEGETABLE NURSERY

Purpose To sow in pro tray cavities
Field capacity Can sow seeds in 60 trays/ hour
Cost of the Rs. 35,000 /- (Approximately)
unit
Salient • To mechanize placement of seeds in the pro-tray
Features cells
• Singulated raw/ pelleted seeds placed in all the
cells in a single stroke
• Cost of operation is Rs. 280 for sowing 750 trays
/day
• Saving in time is 300% and saving in labour is 60

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 AUTOMATIC PROTRAY SOWING MACHINE FORVEGETABLE NURSERY
PRODUCTION
Purpose Filling medium and sowing seeds in protray
Field capacity Can sow seeds in 200 trays/ hour
Cost of the Rs. 1,00,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • The automated protray sowing machine provides
Features for automating all the steps involved in the
sowing of vegetable seeds in protrays.
• The machine is able to provide above 100 per
cent saving in cost.

TRACTOR DRAWN TURMERIC RHIZOME PLANTER

Purpose To plant turmeric rhizomes on ridges
Type of the Tractor mounted
implement
Field capacity 1.2 ha/day
Cost of the Rs. 60,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Three rows can be planted at a time in the
Features
required spacing.
• Row spacing is adjustable
• Saving in quantity of 500 kg/ ha seed
rhizomes

SUGARANE SETT CUTTER

Purpose Cutting sugarcane sett with single bud
Field capacity 1500 setts/hour
Cost of the Rs. 5,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Damage is less when compared to manual
Features
cutting
•

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 MANUALLY OPERATED CARROT SEEDER
Purpose Suitable for sowing pelletized carrot seeds
Type of the Manually operated
implement
Field capacity 0.064 ha/day
Cost of the Rs. 30,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Pelletized carrot seeds can be sown in six
Features rows.
• Specially designed conical foam pad metering
mechanism to avoid seed damage.
• A single person can easy push the seeder
easily on the seed beds.

iii. INTERCULTURAL EQUIPMENTS

TWO ROW FINGER TYPE PADDY ROTARY WEEDER
Purpose For weeding in rice crops
Type of the Manually operated
implement
Field capacity 0.35 ha/day.
Cost of the Rs. 1400 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Two row paddy weeder
Features
• Row to row spacing is adjustable

BATTERY OPERATED PORTABLE WETLAND WEEDER

Purpose For weeding in rice crop
Type of the Manually operated
implement
Field capacity 0.3 ha/day
Cost of the Rs. 12,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Single row paddy weeder
Features
• No drudgery involved for the operator

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 MULTI ROW POWER WEEDER FOR SRI
Purpose For weeding in rice crop
Type of the Self-propelled
implement
Field capacity Can weed 0.75 to 1.0 ha per day
Cost of the Rs. 40,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Weeding done by two rotary weeding units
Features powered by 1.7 HP engine
• Can be operated and lifted by one person easily to
change rows.
• Complete cutting of weeds at a depth of 3 to 4 cm
with less than 1% plant damage.

SUGARCANE DETRASHER
Purpose For detrashing sugarcane
Type of the Manually operated
implement
Cost of the Rs. 1200 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Labour requirement is less
Features • Easy for handling
• Reduced cost of de-trashing
• Used for all varieties of cane
• Also removes the sprouted buds

iv. HARVESTING AND THRASHING MACHINES

MINI COMBINE HARVESTER FOR PADDY

Purpose For harvesting paddy

Type of the Self-propelled
implement
Field capacity 1 ha/day
Cost of the Rs. 3,00,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • It performs different operations like paddy
Features Harvesting, threshing, winnowing simultaneously
• Suitable for small and medium farms

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 v. HORTICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS
TRACTOR OPERATED FRUIT-SHAKE HARVESTER
Purpose For harvesting tamarind, and citrus fruits
Type of the Tractor operated
implement
Cost of the Rs. 6000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Harvesting efficiency is 85 per cent
Features • Savings in time is 95 per cent

TRACTOR OPERATED SINGLE / TWO ROW CASSAVA HARVESTER

Purpose To dig cassava tubers in single / two rows
Type of the Tractor operated
implement
Field capacity 0.65 ha/day for single row and 0.96 ha/day for
double row
Cost of the Rs. 45,000/- for single row and Rs. 55,000/- for
implement double row (Approximately)
Salient • It is suitable for both single row and two rows
Features operations.
• The blade angle of 20 deg is provided for easy
penetration in to the soil.
• The row spacing can be altered by moving the
shanks in the main frame.
• The depth wheels are provided to the depth of
operation.

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 COCONUTTREE CLIMBER
Purpose To climb coconut trees for harvesting cleaning
and other operations
Type of the Manual operation
implement
Field capacity 5-6 trees /hour
Cost of the Rs. 5000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Even unskilled workers can use it to climb the
Features tree with more stability and comfort.
• Seating arrangement provides added comfort and
safety.
• It eliminates the severe bruises caused in
traditional method of climbing due to use of
climbing ropes.

IMPROVED COCONUT TREE CLIMBER

Purpose To climb coconut trees for harvesting cleaning
and other operations
Type of the Manual operation
implement
Field capacity 6 trees /hour
Cost of the Rs. 5500 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Lesser weight of the lower unit (3.0 kg) then
Features existing model (6.0 kg) Lower unit is lifted
simultaneously by leg and hand force for
continuous operation
• Comfortably designed upper frame

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 PALMYRAH TREE CLIMBING DEVICE
Purpose To climb palmyrah trees for harvesting
cleaning and other operations
Type of the Manual climbing
implement
Cost of the Rs. 9000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Even unskilled workers can use it to climb the
Features tree with increased stability and comfort.
• The grippers are so positioned that while
ascending/descending up/down, the upper frame
accommodating the operator is always horizontal
to the ground, irrespective of the girth variations
in the tree.
• Eliminates the high work stress, severe neck and
back pain disorders caused in traditional method
of climbing.

ARECANUT HARVETSER
Purpose To climb arecanut trees for harvesting nuts
Type of the Manual climbing
implement
Cost of the Rs. 9000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Even unskilled workers can use it to climb the
Features tree with increased stability and comfort.
• Lightweight aluminium pole with improved
configuration of cutting edge of the knife for easy
harvesting
• Seating arrangement (adjustable and pivotable)
with back rest for safe and secure operations
Rotatable unit to facilitate harvesting of bunches
form surrounding trees.

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 AERIAL ACCESS HOIST FOR COCONUT HARVESTING
Purpose For harvesting coconut
Type of the Tractor mounted
implement
Cost of the Rs. 8.50 lakh /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • First machine of its kind in tractor mounted form
Features • A full length chassis from front to rear of the
tractor provides support
• The entire weight of the hoist and moments
transmitted through the chassis to the stabilizers
without transferring to the tractor chassis.
• Four trees can be accessed from a single position.
• The time required for locating unit and operating
stabilizers - 1 min.
• The time required for positioning against a tree of
10 m height is 2 min.
• The positioning of the operator platform can be
done by the operator himself

TRACTOR OPERATED MULTI-PURPOSE HOIST

Purpose Amenable for fruit plucking, coconut
harvesting, training, pruning, lopping and
spraying tree crops.
Type of the Tractor mounted
implement
Cost of the Rs. 55,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • The equipment is attached to the back of a
Features 45 hp agricultural tractor.
• Two labourers can stand on the platform and do
operations
• Platform can reach a maximum height of
8.1 m

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 WORKER FRIENDLY ARECANUT STRIPPER
Purpose Suitable for stripping both green and ripened
arecanut.
Type of the Electric motor/engine operated
implement
Field capacity Can strip 650-950 Kg of arecanut per hour
Cost of the Rs. 25,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Damage caused to the stripped arecanut is
Features eliminated.
• Results in 66 and 77 per cent saving in cost and
time when compared to conventional arecanut
stripping
• Stripping efficiency of 99.5 per cent is achieved

TRACTOR OPERATED CLUSTER ONION HARVESTER CUM COLLECTOR

Purpose To dig and collect cluster onion
Type of the Tractor mounted
implement
Field capacity 1.2 ha/day
Cost of the Rs. 75,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • The cluster onion harvester has a special
Features profile of blade to ensure shallow cut of soil
and riddle conveyer for separating the soil
from the onion bulbs.
• Cross conveyer and also elevating conveyer
are provided for easy and continuous
movement of onion.
• A bag is provided for collection of onion.

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 vi. MISCELLANEOUS MACHINERY
POWER TILLER OPERATED SLASHER CUM INSITU SHREDDER
Purpose Suitable for shredding vegetable residues of
brinjal, chillies, bhendi, etc. left after harvest
and parthenium, etc.
Type of the Power tiller operated
implement
Field capacity 0.8 hectare can be shredded per day
Cost of the Rs. 25,000 /- (Approximately)
implement
Salient • Suitable for any make of power tiller of
Features 10-15 HP
• Saving in time - 73 %
• Saving in cost - 75%

SUBSOILER ATTACHMENT FOR STUMP REMOVAL

Purpose Removes stumps in dryland
Type of the Tractor operated
implement
Cost of the Rs. 14,000 (including subsoiler)
implement
Salient • Savings in cost by Rs. 1.50 per stump
Features • Savings in time is 10-12 minutes per stump

TRAILER MOUNTED STEERING FOR POWER TILLER – TRAILER SYSTEM

Purpose Steering of power tiller
Type of the Power tiller operated
implement
Cost of the Rs. 2,000 Approximately
steering system
Salient • Avoids the operator getting down and turn the power
Features tiller trailer system.
• All the controls are well within the reach of the
operator.
• Shorter turning radius, enabling the operator to take
turns even in very narrow space
• Operator feels comfortable while taking a turn.
• Reduced discomfort to the operator through
elimination of lateral and vertical swing of the handle.

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 24. AGRICULTURAL PROCESSING EQUIPMENTS

TAMARIND DESEEDER

Salient Features:

¾ Suitable for deseeding dried dehulled tamarind fruits

¾ Various sizes of the dehulled tamarind fruits can be used for deseeding
¾ The roller gap can be adjusted as per the size of the tamarind fruits
¾ The deseeded fruits are separated into pulp strip, seeds and broken pieces
¾ The cost of the unit: Rs.1,00,000/-
¾ Capacity of the machine : 30-40 kg/h
¾ Cost of operation: Rs. 2.5/kg

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 Improved TNAU Dhal Mill

The salient features of the improved TNAU dhal mill:

™ Suitable for splitting, cleaning and grading of pulses into dhal at the rate of 25-30
kg / hour
™ Capable of dry milling of cereals into powder by changing into cast iron rolls
™ Easy to operate and run by one H.P. single phase motor
™ The unit has pitting unit for enhancing the preconditioning process
™ Reduced conditioning time of 4-6 hours compared to 12 hours in conventional
method
™ Milling and grading efficiencies are more than 80%
™ The cost of the unit is Rs.50000/-
™ The cost of operation is Rs.2 per kg

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 25. RENEWABLE ENERGY ENGINEERING
(i) SINGLE POT CHULHA

The single pot chulha has a double wall with a gap of 2.5 cm. It has a grate at the bottom of
the combustion chamber. Legs have been provided in the four corners of the chulha (5 cm
height) as the ash can be collected below the grate. The outer wall has two rectangular
secondary air openings at the lower portion on both sides for air entry. The inner wall has 1
cm diameter holes which maintain a triangular pitch of approximately 3 cm. The secondary
air enters through the rectangular opening in the outer wall gets heated in the annular
chamber and while moving up it passes through the holes in the combustion chamber. The
preheated air helps in proper burning of the fuel. The efficiency of single pot improved
chulha is 24%. The cost of the unit is Rs.350/-.

(ii) DOUBLE POT CHULHA

The TNAU double pot portable chulha (chimneyless) is made with two walls Around the first
pot, an annular chamber having a width of 2.5 cm is left and the outer wall is constructed.
The outer wall is also extended to cover the second pot in which case the annular chamber
width is 3.5 cm, because of the smaller diameter of the second pot hole. Two secondary air
inlets are made, one on the outer wall with rectangular shape (17 cm x 1 cm) near the
combustion chamber and the other at the bottom of the second pot hole with round shape
having a diameter of 5 cm. At the bottom of the first pot hole in the base, a hole of diameter
14 cm is made and a grate (C.I.) is placed over it. For the entry of secondary air to the first
pot hole, 1 cm dia holes are made with a triangular pitch of 3 cm on the inner side of first
pot hole and also on the tunnel projecting into the second pot hole. The efficiency of double
pot improved chulha is 26%. The cost of the unit is Rs.600/-.
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 (iii)BIOMASS GAS STOVE

The biomass gas stove has been developed for small scale thermal application in
agriculture and allied industries. This stove widens the market for agro wastes, makes
possible a higher efficiency and in some cases reduces the time and investment, all by
comparison with combustion. The biomass gas stove is a natural convection type updraft
gasifier consisting of a cylindrical body made of clay, sand and paddy husk with its top open
and bottom closed. The diameters and height of the stove are 290 mm and 630 mm
respectively. This can be reduced depending on the applications. An iron grate to hold the
biomass is fixed at 50 mm from the base of the reactor. The bottom is provided with an air
opening cum ash removal door. At the top, provision is made to place vessel for cooking,
boiling etc. The biomass viz., wood chips, agricultural residues like coconut shell, groundnut
shell, arecanut husk, tree barks and leaves can be used in this biomass gas stove. The
feedstock materials used should preferably be in the form of small chips, splinters and small
logs. The fuel consumption is 5 kg/h and its thermal efficiency is 23%. The cost of the unit is
Rs.1000/-.

(iv) DOWNDRAFT GASIFIER FOR WATER PUMPING

A downdraft gasifier along with a gas cleaning system retrofitted with a 5 Hp diesel
engine coupled with a centrifugal pump for pumping water for irrigation applications. In

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order to supply producer gas for running the 5 Hp engine on dual fuel mode, a 10 kg/h
capacity downdraft gasifier is required. A maximum of 50 percent diesel can be saved by
substituting 50 percent of diesel with the producer gas obtained from biomass. And the cost
of operating the gasifier coupled water pumping system is around Rs.50/h.

(v) SOLAR TUNNEL DRIER

The solar tunnel dryer is commercially used dryer for drying agro food products.
Solar tunnel dryer is working based on Green House Effect principle. It results that 15-20°C
increase in temperature above ambient temperature inside the solar tunnel dryer to dry the
product from initial moisture to safe storage moisture. It mainly consists of semi-cylindrical
tunnel structure, solar collector and cement concrete floor with absorber surface (Table 1).
The semi cylindrical pipe structure covered with U.V. stabilized semi-transparent
polyethylene sheet of 200-micron thickness. Drying floor with absorber surface is a cement
concrete flooring laid at a gradient of 5° along the length with special black coating. The
dryer is walk-in type and to facilitate loading and unloading of the product to be dried. The
trays made of 8 SWG thick galvanized iron mesh with dimension of 1m x 1m can be used to
increase the capacity. The dimensions of drying chamber (LxWxH) is 18m x 3.75m x 2.0m.
The length can be varied depending upon capacity of the products to be dried.

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 (vi) BIOMASS HOT AIR GENERATION SYSTEM INTEGRATED WITH SOLAR TUNNEL DRYER

Renewable energy integrated drying system using solar thermal and biomass hot air with
controlled environment can be used for continuous drying of agro-products.
• Solar mode is used for drying during sunshine hours and biomass mode is used during
off-sunshine hours, cloudy weather.
• Suitable to dry coconut, turmeric, chillies, medicinal plants, vadam (food) products etc.,
with hygienic environment and enhanced quality compared to conventional open sun
drying.
• Efficient (19 %) biomass combustor with heat exchanger is suitable for various biomass
fuel such as coconut husk, coconut shell and wood logs.
• The integrated drying system attains the drying temperature ranged from 45 to 65oC
and has controls to maintain desired RH and temperature.
• Loading capacity is 500 kg to 2 tonnes per batch
• Drying time for coconut in integrated dryer is 48-52 h and 4-5 days in Solar tunnel dryer
• Cost of installation of integrated dryer is Rs.6.0 lakhs for 500 kg and Rs.8.0 lakhs for 2
tonnes/batch
• Reduces 35% drying time over solar tunnel dryer and 70 % over conventional open sun
drying method.
(vii) NIGHT SOIL BIOGAS PLANT

Night Soil cum Kitchen Waste based Biogas Plant is the integration of modern biogas
technology with disposal of night soil and food wastes generated from hostel kitchens and
dining halls for harnessing bio-based energy.
458
• The hydraulic retention time of the plant is 45-55 days and human waste from 40
persons will be required for the production of 1 m3.
• Biogas contains 65-70% methane and 30-35% carbon dioxide with traces of H2S.
• Available at varying capacities from 1 m3 to any higher capacity, based on the feedstock
availability.
• Cost of installation is Rs. 30,000 for 1 m3 and about Rs. 6.5 lakhs for 20 m3 capacity.
• Biogas is utilised for cooking, lighting through mantle lamps, running engines, electricity
generation, etc.
• Biogas burners, lamps and engines are available with hourly capacities from 8 to 100, 4-5
and from 50 cubic feet, respectively.
• Major advantages are sanitation and hygiene, environmental improvement, energy
generation, provision of community facilities, etc.

(viii) BIODIESEL PILOT PLANT

The bio-diesel pilot plant consists of a transesterification reactor with heater, a

stirrer, chemical mixing tank, glycerol settling tank (2 Nos.) and washing tank. The capacity
of pilot bio-diesel plant is 250 litres/day. The cost of the pilot plant is Rs.5 lakhs. oil is mixed
with alcohol and catalyst mixture in transesterification reactor. The reactor is kept at
reaction temperature for specific duration with vigorous agitation. After reaction, the bio-
diesel and glycerol mixture is sent to the glycerol settling tank. The crude bio-diesel is
collected and washed to get pure bio-diesel. Depending upon the need, the size of the unit
can be scaled up to get higher production.

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 26. HOME SCIENCE

FOOD PROCESSING TECHNOLOGIES

Utilization of rice bran in traditional breakfast foods

™ Rice bran is a byproduct of rice, obtained on polishing.

The bran is a rich source of protein, essential fats, B and E
vitamins, minerals, fiber and antioxidants.
™ Rice bran extracts in water can be used as a fiber free
nutrient that has a lot of health giving properties.
™ The rice oil is high in mono- and polyunsaturated fatty
acids.
™ Rice bran extracts can be used in a variety of preparations
like bakery products and beverages.
™ The Home Science College has standardised the preparation of flavored milk with
the incorporation of rice bran extract.
™ This beverage has antioxidant properties besides the soluble vitamins and proteins
of bran.
™ The heat stabilized bran can be incorporated in putt mix, ready to cook idiappam
mix and spagetti, thus increasing the nutritive value of these products.

Sorghum Flakes

™ Nutritionally superior to rice flakes.

™ Ideal breakfast and snack food.
™ Simple and low cost processing technique.
™ Quick to cook and easily digestible.
™ Good source of minerals and fibre.
™ Sorghum flakes (100 g) contains 8.6 g protein, 3.7 g fat, 1.5 g fibre, 69 mg calcium
and 16 mg iron.

Samai Biscuits

™ Little millet (samai) is a good source of minerals, B vitamins

and fibre.
™ Fat, iron and niacin content are higher in little millet, than
in other cereals.
™ Calcium, phosphorus and iron content of samai biscuits are
25.8, 150 and 4.21 mg/100g respectively.
™ High in fibre (1.40 %), and is important as health food.
™ Has a shelf life of upto nine months.

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Health Mix for Geriatrics

™ The health mix designed for the aged was formulated from
cereals, millets, pulses, and vegetables.
™ In combination with milk powder and jaggery improved
nutritional status of selected elderly subjects.
™ Significant increase in haemoglobin level.
™ The health mix (100 g) furnished 12 g protein, 2 g fat and
482µg β carotene.

Millet based health food mix

™ Can be used for preparing nutritious balls and beverages.

™ Easily digestible and good for children and aged persons.
™ Health mix (100g) contains 9.75% moisture, 16.61% protein,
3.69% crude fibre,
6.19 % reducing sugar 9.67 % total sugar, 20.68mg calcium,
244.00 mg phosphorous, 5.35 mg, potassium, 7.57 mg iron and
5.32 mg zinc.
™ Has good storage stability.

Khakra
™ Khakra is Indian flat bread.
™ Traditional food of Gujarat, simulating chapathi in terms of
product formulation and is further toasted to a moisture
content of 5-6%.
™ Incorporated with defatted soya flour (25%), the product is
a rich source of protein.
™ Addition of defatted soya flour increases protein (70%),
iron (50%) and calcium (36%)

The product has a shelf life upto 90 days at room temperature.

Puffed Soya

™ Puffing of soya reduces antinutrients and improves bioavailability

of nutrients.
™ Rich source of protein.
™ Easily digestible and ideal protein source for vulnerable groups.
™ Provides 32%protein.
™ Low moisture content (6%).
™ Has storage stability upto two months.

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Okara Mix

™ Okara is a by-product obtained during the processing of soy

milk.
™ Cheap source of protein and can be used to enrich traditional
food products.
™ Fresh okara contains 80% moisture, 13.7% protein, 1.5% fat, 4
% carbohydrate and 2% fibre.
™ The processed okara in the ready to use form finds application
in the preparation of traditional foods, bakery and
confectionery products.
™ Okara mix has a shelf life of 4 months.
Soya milk Fruit Juice
™ Blending fruit juice and soya milk improves nutritive value and
sensory quality.
™ Rose and mango flavoured soya milk is highly acceptable.
™ Contains 4 g protein, 2 g fat, 78 mg calcium, 21 mg phosphorous and
1.5 mg iron per 100 g of the fruit blended soya milk.
™ Has a shelf life of 15 days under refrigerated condition.
Best used in nutrition intervention programmes for the vulnerable
groups.

Extruded products from texturised soya protein

™ Extruded products (noodles) incorporated with texturised

soya protein are richin protein.
™ Addition of tomato juice further improved the quality of the
noodles.
™ Has good sensory appeal
™ Texturised vegetable protein incorporated noodles is
suitable for children.
Texturised soya noodles contains 20.3 g protein and 72 mg
calcium
Millet based value added products
™ Millets are miles ahead of rice and wheat in terms of their nutritional content.
Millets are good source of minerals and dietary fibre.
™ The nutrients present in the millets have the capacity for reducing the risk of life
style diseases.
™ Due to urbanization, climatic changes, erratic rainfall etc, the farmers are forced to
seek alternative crops for rice.
™ Forecasting the future need of our country millet based products like multigrain
adai mix, multipurpose snack mix, health mix, samosa mix, karasev mix, pongal
mix, priyani mix, flakes etc., were developed.
™ The processed millet based products has six months shelf life and it suits the
convenience seeking farmers.

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Sugarcane Syrup

™ Concentrated sugar cane juice.

™ Alternative natural sweetener in the place of refined sugar.
™ Convenient and ready to use, has wide application in the preparation of traditional,
bakery and confectionary products.
™ Sugarcane syrup (100 g) contains 43 mg calcium, 42 mg phosphorus and 2 mg iron.
™ Has a shelf life of twelve months at room temperature.

At Home Science College and Research Institute, a Food Processing Training Center was
established by installing the processing equipments namely Murukku machine, Sieving
machine, Mixture machine, Steaming machine, Tray wrapping machine, Handy
induction sealing machine, Continuous sealing machine, Nitrogen flush vaccum
packaging machine, Pulveriser, Extruder, Milk Extraction unit, Cabiner drier and other
processing accessories to train the entreprenuers, farmers, SHGs on processing of
millets based value added products. The equipments are available to the budding
entrepreneurs on rental basis to utilize the facilities.

463