D Munshi, T K Behera,

Research Amish K Sureja, J Singh

and B S Tomar*

Pusa Long Green – A high yielding cucumber variety for

spring summer and kharif season

This articles describes the new variety of cucumber Pusa Long Green which has
been released and recommended by AICRP (vegetable crops) for commercial
cultivation in Zone IV during both spring summer and kharif season.

T he cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.), also known as

Khira in Hindi is a very popular and important
vegetable grown in hills and plains of India. It is used as
of cucumber Pant Khira-1 is medium long type and
significantly lower in yield as compared to the new
variety Pusa Long Green which has been released
salad, for pickle, rayata preparation and also as cooked and recommended by AICRP (vegetable crops) for
vegetable. It has a cooling effect, prevents constipation, commercial cultivation in Zone IV (Sub-humid Sutlej-
acts as appetizer, and is useful in jaundice. Cucumber Ganga Alluvial Plains, i.e. Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar
has great economic importance as food plant. Due and Jharkhand) during both spring summer and kharif
to good taste and low energy content, regarded as season. It was subsequently notified by central sub-
refreshing condiment. The nutritive value of seed protein committee on crop standards, notification and release
of cucumber is comparable to those of legumes and of varieties of horticultural crops during the year 2019.
the seeds are used in various Ayurvedic preparations. In
north Indian plains, generally two crops are taken in a Pusa Long Green (DC-83)
year, viz. spring-summer and kharif season crops. The It is developed from local material collected from
consumer preference in India is long cylindrical type Chhutmalpur, district Saharanpur, Uttar Pradesh. Selfing
medium thick indigenous (desi) variety of cucumber and individual plant selections were carried out to purify
with high yielding ability. The National check variety the material and develop the variety.
Vine length is 2.0-
2.5 m with 3-4 branches.
Leaves are medium green
with lobed margin. Plants
are monoecious; female
flower solitary on short
peduncle, yellow in colour
and male flowers are
borne in clusters. Fruit is
attractive light green in
colour with mild whitish
green stripes (originating
from the blossom end of
the fruit) and brownish
green blotchy patches are
present near the stem end.
Fruits are 15-18 cm long,
non-hairy, with soft skin,
crispy and tender flesh.
Average fruit weight is
150-160 g.

Performance of Pusa
Long Green
Pu s a L o n g G r e e n
(DC-83) has been tested
Plant and fruits of ‘Pusa Long Green’ in yield trial at several
Turn to page 3

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Courtesy : Dr. N.K. Saxena
Division of Floriculture, IARI
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C o n t e n t s
Pusa Long Green – A high yielding cucumber variety for spring summer and Cover II
kharif season
D Munshi, T K Behera, Amish K Sureja, J Singh and B S Tomar
From the Director 2
Stem cutting: A novel technique for the production of quality seed in Spine 5
gourd
Jitendra Kumar Tiwari, Gajala Ameen, Vivek Kumar Sandilya,
Ashish Kumar Tiwari, Sonal Upadhyay and Hanuman Lal Raiger
Introduction of new columnar apple plants in himalayan regions of India 9
Dinesh Raturi and Vitthal Kauthale
Prospects of litchi cultivation in Punjab 12
Nav Prem Singh, Sarvpriya Singh, Manu Tyagi, Jagdish Singh,
Bikramjit Singh, B V C Mahajan, M S Gill, Sumanjit Kaur and Indira Devi
Wild and lesser-known fruit germplasm in JNTBGRI: An approach for ex-situ 17
conservation
A Nazarudeen, S M Shareef, K S Kalesh, M Salim, A Hussain, T Shaju,
R Rajvikraman and R Prakashkumar
Eco-friendly management of fruit fly in mango 27
Megha R, Sanjay Kumar Singh, Vinay Kalia, Manish Srivastav and
Babita Yadav
Insect pests in okra agro-ecosystem and their integrated management 30
Bal Krishna, Rakesh Kumar, Jaipal Singh Choudhary, Ram Kumar and
Hansraj Hans
Winged bean: A one stop supermarket 35
Jeetendra Kumar Soni, Sunil Kumar Sunani, Lungmuana and I Shakuntala
Indigenous fruit resources for nutritional security of India 40
Vijay Singh Meena, Nirmal Kumar Meena, Neelam Shekhawat,
Kartar Singh, Manoj Kumar Mahawar, Kirti Jagoankar,
Pankaj Kumar Kannaujia and Narender Negi
Terrarium: A unique entrepreneurial opportunity for migrant women in the 45
COVID-19 pandemic
Roshni Agnihotri, Shiv Lal Chawla and Krishna Kumar
Management of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in cucumber 50
Ishwar Singh, B R Choudhary, S K Singh, Ved Prakash Chahal,
Mahindra Kumar, J R Verma, S S Bhati and Shilpa Kumari
Guava based intercropping for doubling farmers' income 52
Rakesh Kumar Yadav, M C Jain, V K Yadav and R K Yadav
Fig at a glance Cover III
T Janakiram
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 From the Director

Pollination services by honey bees

for food security

B eekeeping in India has been mentioned in ancient scriptures and is as old as human civilizations. The
honey bees are one of the few insects directly beneficial to man. The product ‘honey’ is highest valued
food produced by them, along with other useful beehive products like beeswax, royal jelly, propolis and
bee venom. However, more than the value of beehive products, bees provide wonderful pollination services
while collecting nectar and pollen from the flower for enhanced fruit and seed setting, ultimately leading to
high crop yield and food quality.
To enhance the income of farmers’, beekeeping has been identified as an agro-based activity to be
undertaken by farmers/land less labourers in rural areas as an integrated farming practice. The call of the
Hon’ble Prime Minister to double farmers’ income has generated so much of positive buzz around the subject.
He called upon in a farmers gathering on 17 September, 2017 at Amreli in Gujarat to take up honey farming
for bringing Sweet Revolution in the country on the lines of White Revolution and Green Revolution; and
suggested the farmers to have 50 beehives in their fields for honey production as this would give additional
income of about ` 2 lakh per annum. Beekeeping supplements income generation and nutritional intake of rural
population. It is being increasingly realized that bees could be less expensive and valuable input for promoting
sustainable and eco-friendly agriculture, and enhancing the crop productivity. Crop-wise yield increase has
been reported by a factor of 2 to 300 times depending upon crop, season and location.
Keeping in view the importance of beekeeping as a part of the Integrated Farming System as well as
on the basis of recommendations made by the Taskforce chaired by the undersigned, the then Agriculture
Commissioner, Government of India, launched National Beekeeping and Honey Mission (NBHM) as a part of
the Atma Nirbhar Bharat scheme with the aim of overall promotion and development of scientific beekeeping
in the country to achieve the goal of ‘Sweet Revolution’. This mission promotes holistic growth of beekeeping
industry for income and employment generation for farm and non-farm households, to enhance agriculture/
horticulture production, empowerment of women and developing infrastructural facilities, and technology
generation in beekeeping through three Mini Missions.
India is among the world’s top five honey producers. With the concerted efforts of Government of India,
honey production has increased from 76,150 MTs (2013-14) to 1,25,000 MTs (2020-21), whereas export of
honey has increased from 28,378 MTs (2013-14) to 59,999 MTs (2020-21), taking the revenue earned through
export to more than ` 700 crore.
Madhukranti portal for online registration/traceability system for source of honey and other beehive
products has also been launched. More than 10,000 Bee-keepers/Beekeeping and Honey Societies/Firms/
Companies with 16 lakh honey bee colonies are registered with NBB and linked to Madhukranti portal. In
order to ensure availability of quality honey, country shall be having 5 regional labs and 100 mini honey testing
labs in the different agro-ecological regions. Formation of 100 FPOs of Beekeepers/Honey Producers is in
process and NAFED has developed 14 Honey Corners in their stores to provide market support. Twenty
nine Bee Breeders have been developed for multiplication/production of quality honey bee colonies along
with queens and each Bee Breeder will produce at least 2,000 bee colonies every year. Sixteen Integrated
Beekeeping Development Centers (IBDCs) as role model of beekeeping have been commissioned in 16 States.
In this editorial, the undersigned who was the Mission Director of NBHM has shared the initiatives
made in the recent past where he was instrumental in development and implementation of new schemes and
establishment of 16 IBDC’s in the country. Indian Council of Agricultural Research also promotes location
specific research on regional researchable issues through All-India Coordinated Research Project on Honey
bees and Pollinators (26 centers) spread over different agro-ecological regions of the country. The ICAR is
catering to the needs of enhancing quality through Regional Honey Testing Lab at IARI, New Delhi; IIHR,
Bengaluru and IBDC’s at IIVR, Varanasi.

(Dr S K Malhotra)

2 Indian Horticulture
 Continued from Cover II Pusa Long Green...

centers throughout India in AICRP (vegetable crops) trials Plant protection

from 2015-16 to 2017-18 along with check Pant Khira-1.
The results indicated that Pusa Long Green yielded
18.93 t/ha which was 34.93% higher than check Pant
Khira-1 (Table 1). At multilocation testing DC-83 had
fruit length of 18.60 cm (Table 2) and average fruit weight
161.35 g (Table 3).
Cultivation
It can be grown successfully on all type of soils but
prefers well-drained loam and sandy loam soils rich in
organic matter. The seed rate is 1.5-2.0 kg per hectare. As
a spring-summer crop, it is sown from mid February to
February end, and as kharif season crop in June-end. The
seeds are sown in the hills 45-60 cm apart on the slope
of channels prepared at a distance of 2.0 m. The spacing
between channels is increased to 2.5 m when sowing
is done on both the sides. Two to three seeds are sown
2 cm deep in each hill. Bower or trellis system of training
is preferred during kharif season to obtain high yield and
disease free crop.
Fertilizer management
Apply 15-20 tonnes of well-rotten organic manure per
hectare before field preparation and 100 kg urea, 200 kg
single super phosphate and 80 kg muriate of potash at
the time of last ploughing. Another dose of 50 kg urea
should be top-dressed at 8-10 leaf stage. Spray 1% urea
if crop growth is poor.
Interculture
When seedlings become 8-10 cm tall, thinning should
be done to keep 1 or 2 seedlings per hill. Since the crop is
shallow rooted, earthing up is essential to cover the roots
properly, especially in rainy season crop. It requires 2-3
hoeing and weeding.
Drenching with ridomil @ 2 g/litre and blitox
@ 3 g/liter of water is necessary to prevent the seedlings
from damping off and other root borne diseases. Downy
mildew and virus are the major problem during kharif
season. A need based spray of Imidachlorpid @ 0.3 ml/l
or Acetamiprid @ 0.3 g/ litre of water followed by
Dimecron @ 2 ml/litre of water at two weeks interval
should be applied judiciously to prevent the crop from
important sucking pests like aphid and whitefly.
Harvesting and yield
Fruits become ready for first harvesting in 45-50 days
and 50-55 days after sowing during kharif and spring-
summer season, respectively. Average yield under normal
conditions is 18.93 t/ha which is 34.93% higher than
National check Pant Khira-1.
Seed production technology
Cucum­ber is primarily monoecious, bearing separate
staminate and pistillate flowers on the same plant. Male
flowers occur in clusters with each flower on a slender
stem and having three stamens. Female flowers are usually
solitary with stout and short pedicel. Nectar is produced
by male as well as female flowers. Bees visit the flowers
for nectar. Female flowers produce a higher volume of
nectar than male flowers.
Anthesis and dehiscence of anther takes place during
early morning hours. Pollen remain fertile 7 to 8 hours
after anthesis. Honeybees are the major pollinating agents.
To increase fruit set, the pollination can be enhanced by
supplementing the natural bee population with additional
bee-hives in the field. At least two bee-hives should be
placed per acre.
For seed production, an isolation distance of 400 m for
certified seed and 800 m for foundation seed and at least

Table 1. Mean performance of Pusa Long Green (DC-83) in AICRP (VC) from 2015-16 to 2017-18
Entry IET (2015-16) AVT–I (2016-17) AVT–II (2017-18) Average yield % increase
(t/ha) over check

DC–83 20.52 18.30 17.96 18.93 34.93

Pant Khira-1 (Check) 14.19 13.27 14.62 14.03

Table 2. Average fruit length (cm) of Pusa Long Green (DC-83) in AICRP (VC) from 2015-16 to 2017-18
Entry IET (2015-16) AVT–I (2016-17) AVT–II (2017-18) Average fruit length (cm)

DC–83 18.53 16.48 20.78 18.60

Pant Khira-1 (Check) 18.26 17.40 19.82 18.49

Table 3. Average fruit weight (g) of Pusa Long Green (DC-83) in AICRP (VC) from 2015-16 to 2017-18
Entry IET (2015-16) AVT–I (2016-17) AVT–II (2017-18) Average fruit weight (g)

DC–83 189.07 144.09 150.90 161.35

Pant Khira-1 (Check) 193.17 151.04 134.67 159.62

May–June 2022 3
1000 m isolation is required for breeder seed production.
Seed crop should be raised in such a season which
remains dry at the time of seed maturity and seed
extraction. Seed crop is to be monitored and rouging
should be done at four stages of crop growth, viz. before
flowering stage, flowering stage, fruit development stage
and fruit maturity stage for removal of off-types.
On an average, cucumber takes a maturity period
of 35-40 days from fruit set for seed production. The
full mature fruit is indicated by the ripe rind colour
characteristics of the variety (pale yellow to golden
yellow or brown). The fruit stalk adjacent to the fruit
withers when seed is mature. The matured fruits are cut
longitudinally and seed along with the placental material
is scooped out. Seeds are washed slowly with care in
running water. The piece of rind, coarse material from
the seed and fine pulp are separated. Fermentation is
usually avoided as it discolours the seeds and reduces the
germination percentage. Seeds are spread on tarpaulin
sheet under partial shade. The seeds should be dried till
the moisture content reaches to 10% and can be stored
under ordinary room temperature. When seeds are to be
stored in vapour proof containers, moisture content should
be 6%. Average seed yield is 300-450 kg/ha.
SUMMARY
Pusa Long Green is an early long fruited, improved
variety of cucumber for spring-summer and kharif season
cultivation, developed by IARI for Zone IV (Sub-humid
Sutlej-Ganga Alluvial Plains, i.e. Punjab, Uttar Pradesh,
Bihar and Jharkhand). Apart from superior quality
characters, it showed 34.93% higher yield over the
National check variety Pant Khira-1.
For further interaction, please write to:
T K Behera (Principal Scientist), ICAR-Indian Institute of Vegetable
Research, Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh 231 304. *Corresponding
author email: tusar@rediffmail.com

Textbook of Field Crops Production – Foodgrain Crops

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published in 2002 and there has been a heavy demand for the
book. This book is now being brought out in two volumes.
The chapters cover emerging trends in crop production such
as System of Rice Intensification (SRI), export quality assurance
in the production technology of commodities like Basmati rice,
organic farming, resource conservation technologies, herbicide
management etc. Good agronomic practices must judiciously
inter-mix the applications of soil and plant sciences to produce
food, feed, fuel, fibre, and of late nutraceuticals while ensuring
sustainability of the system in as much possible environment
and eco-friendly manner. The advent of hydroponics, precision
farming, bio-sensors, fertigation, landscaping, application of ICT,
GPS and GIS tools, micro-irrigation etc. is in the horizon. The
textbook covers both the fundamentals of the subject and at the
same time inspire and prepare both teachers and students for
(Volume I) the emerging frontiers.

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4 Indian Horticulture
 Jitendra Kumar Tiwari*, Gajala Ameen,
Technology Vivek Kumar Sandilya,
Ashish Kumar Tiwari, Sonal Upadhyay
and Hanuman Lal Raiger

Stem cutting: A novel technique for the production

of quality seed in Spine gourd

The major issue related to spine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) is the availability
of seed of desired varieties to be grown. Only two Varieties (Indira Kankoda-1
and Indira Kankoda-2) were identified by CVRC till date and these varieties are
not in seed chain because of lack of seed production technique. True-to-type plant
production methods are scanty and not available to the farmers. Every year, area
under this potential crop is increasing and farmers are facing problem of quality
planting material. The new technology of vegetative propagation in spine gourd
through stem cuttings can be the best alternative to growers. RMD College of
Agriculture and Research Station, IGKV-Ambikapur, is pioneer in developing a
stem cutting propagation technology in spine gourd which can be easily adopted
by farmers for multiplication of promising planting material.

S pine gourd (Momordica dioica Roxb.) is a perennial

climber of family Cucurbitaceae. Conventional
commercial propagation of spine gourd largely depends
on tuberous roots followed by seeds. Tubers are not
multiplied and only one tuber is obtained in one
generation from a single plant. Further, due to dioecious
nature of spine gourd, male plant has heterozygous (XY)
and female has homozygous (XX) sex type. So, after
fertilization in a single fruit both male and female seeds
are present in 1:1 ratio. Due to these major constrains in
propagation of spine gourd, asexual propagation through
stem cutting will show its significance. Plants developed
from stem cutting, on the other hand are inexpensive
and can be planted in the field within few days. Plants
raised from cutting produce early flowers, by reducing
the transformation period from vegetative to reproduction
phase, hence producing early crop. From a single plant,
a number of rooted cuttings can be produced. It is easy
to raise healthy planting materials of true to type plants.
Technology
Stem cutting in spine gourd is limited due to

Planting material propagated through stem cutting shows good rooting in root trainers

May–June 2022 5
unavailability of standard propagation method; as a
result, it has not been commercially exploited. Normally,
rooting in stem cuttings is difficult without treatment
with any growth regulator. The successful establishment
from stem cuttings depends upon many factors, such as
stem portion, stem diameter, seasonal and age variation,
moisture level, growing media, temperature and nutrient
status. Plant growth regulatory hormones particularly
‘auxin’ plays a vital role in adventitious root formation
in plants. Propagation by seed is limited by 4 major
problems, viz. high seed dormancy, unidentified sex
of seeds, difficulty to grow in nursery tray and low
germination rate, it takes 20-45 days for germination
and in case of tuber as propagating material tuber
multiplication rate is only 1, whereas cuttings are ready
in about 15 days for planting. Cuttings produce true-to-
type plants; tuber multiplication is 1:5 and plants have
identified sex. About 12-15 cm long stem cuttings are
taken from spine gourd to clone varieties or to regenerate
several more plants from a mother plant. Two set of true
leaves and two growing nodes are retained. Whole spine
gourd vine is used for cutting but upper growing part
responds better than older one. Due to its indeterminate
nature, it grows continuously.
Pre-treatment of nodal cuttings
The nodal cuttings were put in 2 litre glass beaker
containing 1.5 litre double distilled water after gentle
washing to clean field soil and for maintaining turgor
pressure of cutting till it is planted in soil after treatment.
Fungicide Bavestine (2 g/litre) were used as disinfectant
in cutting node. The cuttings were treated with different
concentrations of 1500 ppm IBA in combination with 5
second dipping time duration.
Rooting medium and growth conditions (Cutting
propagation)
Pre-treated nodal cuttings were immediately inserted
into the potting trays containing FYM: Soil: Sand (2:1:1)
substrate mixture. After 7 days, cuttings planted start root
initiation in the soil. After 15 days, rooted cutting become
ready for transplanting in the field. The air temperatures
in the net house differed strongly during the day (up to
25-35°C during the day time and between 15 and 20°C
during the night). Fogging was regulated manually to
obtain 90–95% relative humidity. Fogging intervals lasted
approx. 5 minutes, with a 3 hour pause and switched off
during the night.
Transplanting of cuttings
The variety used for the standardization was Indira
Kankoda-2. Pits of 50 × 50 × 50 cm3 should be prepared
in each hill with a spacing of 2 m × 2 m. These pits
should be filled with a mixture of soil, sand and well
decomposed FYM (2:1:1) along with initial dose of
fertilizer. After 25-30 days, first fruit picking can be
done and growing vines are also used as mother plant
for generation of more cuttings.

Planting conditions for

stem cuttings and root
tuber formation
In spine gourd planted
from stem cuttings, the
development of spine
gourd tuberous roots starts
from stem nodal derived
adventitious roots that
enlarge and form starch
containing storage roots. It
is characterized by a central
vascular cylinder containing
star-shaped xylem, with
alternating phloem and
0 15 20 25 30 35 40 45 60 65 75 90 days parenchyma cells, and the
vascular cylinder is confined
by an endodermis. Spine
gourd cuttings of cultivar
Indira Kankoda-2 were
established singly in pot tray
which have 24 blocks. After
15 days plants were shifted
to field containing a mixture
of garden top soil and
a b c d e sand in the ratio 3:1, using
15 days 30 days 45 days 75 days 100 days stem cuttings (20-25 cm
a: Plant generated from cutting 15 days old, b: Basal- and nodal- derived fibrous roots in length), taken 10-15 cm
emerging from a stem cutting, c: Brown colouring, stiffening, and first signs of root swelling, from the base of the primary
d: Progressive tuberous root filling from the proximal cells, e: Enlarging storage roots with stem of the mother plant.
fully established secondary growth anatomy The adventitious roots which

6 Indian Horticulture
formed underground developed from nodal points on
the mother cutting and later at the nodal positions of
the underground swollen stem. The resulting tuberous
stems are those emanating directly from the base of the
mother stem. Tuberous roots developed from the swollen
stem as a result of swelling of adventitious roots present
on the stems. `

Tuber production technique

Cuttings were taken from healthy and disease free
mother plant and treat with 1500 ppm IBA for induction
of root. Once rooted, the cuttings were transplanted in
the field to produce tubers. Tuber development takes
90-100 days and after 8 months dormancy it can be used
as planting material. Spine gourd with such modified
roots, have become a good example of plant with a high
efficient mechanism for the storage of energy in form
of tuber. In addition to this, it functions as organ of
vegetative propagation. The provision of two reproductive
mechanisms enables this plant to survive in difficult
environments.
Performance
The results obtained from the two year field
performance reveals that spine gourd raised through
cutting produce the same yield performance as
recorded from plants raised through seeds. Significant
observation recorded was early flowering, fruiting and
tuber multiplication rate in the cuttings. For transfer of
technology training were demonstrated to farmers about
this innovative technique of plant propagation and solve
the problem of unavailability of quality planting material
and procedure of seed multiplication technique to growers.
The technology will ensure disease free, early, uniform
and elite planting material and produce in spine gourd.
Plants developed from cutting produced five tubers in a
plant within 90 days
Training and facilities
Farmers can get hands-on training and visits to spine
gourd cutting production unit at the Department of
Genetics and Plant Breeding, Raj Mohini Devi College
of Agriculture and Research Station, IGKV, Ambikapur
during the month of June–July. Training and other
capacity building programme were organized at the
village level and the farmers were guided in spine gourd
seed production for alternate income generation and
nutritional security. Plants were also distributed under All
India Coordinated Research Network on Potential Crops,
TSP (Tribal sub plan) programme every year. Farmers
can approach to different NHM (National Horticulture
Mission) schemes available with state government to get
fund for new establishment.

Standardization of seed production techniques in Spine gourd

May–June 2022 7
Economic gain
By utilizing this protocol, RMD College of Agriculture
and Research Station, Ambikapur (Chhattisgarh) earned
` 2,40,000 within two months ( July and August, 2020).
Prospects
With the development of different varieties of
spine gourd for cultivation, the major bottlenecks in
popularization of spine gourd cultivation is the lack
of true-to-type planting materials, seed multiplication
technique and their availability in the market. It has been
observed that many times farmers collect tubers from
forest or hills and grow in backyard but mostly they collect
female plants only. So the yield is less as well as due to this
practice, diversity of spine gourd may also be decreased in
forest areas. Quality planting material and multiplication
method will solve the problem. For this purpose, more
number of trainings can be provided to farmers so that
the innovative technique of plant propagation can be
demonstrated to them and problem of unavailability of
quality planting material to growers can be addressed.
For further interaction, please write to:
Jitendra Kumar Tiwari (Scientist), RMD College of Agriculture
and Research Station, IGKV, Ambikapur, Chhattisgarh 497 001.
*Corresponding author email: tiwarijk5@gmail.com

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8 Indian Horticulture
 Dinesh Raturi* and
Research Vitthal Kauthale

Introduction of new columnar apple plants in

himalayan regions of India

To improve the production and productivity of Apple in Himalayan states of India,

BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune, had introduced short gestation
columnar /Mini Apple plants from European country after undertaking performance
trial for 5 years at the Research Station in Uttarakhand. Due to shorter height and
columnar shape, these plants are found to be very ideal for cultivation in terrace
land and also suitable for high density plantation. They can even be grown in
pots as garden plants. After successful adaptation in Uttarakhand, the plants are
now ready to reach farmer’s field.

A pple (Malus domestica) is an important fruit crop

of the Himalayan regions of India. However, the
productivity of apple varies widely in the four apple
growing states of India namely Jammu and Kashmir,
Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Arunachal Pradesh.
The production and productivity of apple in Uttarakhand
is very low which further accentuated due to the impact
of climate change.
Rationale for selection of Columnar/Mini apple tree
The Mini apple trees are a great way to grow apples
in a small space of mountainous terrain as they are
completely a new product. As the name "Mini Tree"
indicates, it is an apple tree that is small sized (up to
2 m high and 50 cm wide) and columnar in shape.
Accordingly, about 2600 plants can be grown in one acre
(spacing 0.5×3.0 m) and could produce about 13 MT fruits

Genesis
To increase the production and productivity of the
apple in Uttarakhand, which in turn increases economic
status of the farmers, BAIF Development Research
Foundation, a Pune based National level NGO, decided
to import Columnar/Mini Apple Plants, developed by
European countries and assess its performance in Indian
context. Accordingly, a few Columnar/Mini Apple
plants were imported from M/s Fleuren Nursery, an
internationally reputed fruit nursery of Netherlands, in
2015.

Columnar/Mini apple plant

One of the modern apple breeding goals is to produce
apple cultivars with columnar growth habit for growing
apple in high-density orchards.
The columnar growth habit in apple was initially
discovered as a mutant, called ‘Wijcik McIntosh’ by
‘McIntosh’. The favourable characteristics of ‘Wijcik
McIntosh’ have been viewed highly valuable in apple-
breeding programs for the genetic improvement.
The Stark Bro's, a fruit-and-vegetable nursery,
released the first columnar apples in the United States in
the 1990s but subsequently it spread to other European
countries as well. M/s Fleuren Nursery of Netherlands also
developed this Columnar Apple Plant, and also provided
some 100 plants to BAIF to undertake the adaptation trial
in apple growing states of India. Sunlight and Goldlane

May–June 2022 9
per acre on 5/6 years (average yield 5 kg/plant) as against
9.6 MT per acre in traditional varieties (spacing 5×5 m
and average yield 60 kg/plant on 10/12 years).
Clearances from NBPGR
With a view to ensure that the imported grafts
are free from any pests and diseases, the grafts had to
undergo vigorous Phytosanitary tests in India, which was
conducted by ICAR-National Bureau of Plant Genetic
Resources (NBPGR), New Delhi, besides furnishing
the Phytosanitary certification from exporting country
(Netherlands).
After getting requisite clearance from NBPGR, the
plants were planted in 2016 at the BAIF’s own Research
field at Lohaghat in Champawat district of Uttarakhand.
Location of the BAIF Research Station
The Research Station of BAIF is situated at Talla,
Manar village (Khetikhan) of Pati block of Champawat
district of Uttarakhand. It is situated at an elevation of
1700 to 1800 feet above the sea level. The latitude and
longitude of the Khetikhan is 29.4 degrees and 80.02
degrees. The maximum temperature varies from 23ºC
to 43º C and minimum temperature varies from 5º C to
24º C during 2018.
Adopted agro-technology
Field preparation and staking: About 2 feet deep pits
were dug and filled with FYM and vermicompost before
planting. To keep the planted trees straight, a galvanized
wire was fixed at two ends of the row. The individual
plants were tied with the telephone wire and used for
staking the plants.
Planting spacing: The adopted spacing was 3 m × 1 m.
Sunlight Moonlight
10
Varieties
Redlane: The Redlane variety has pink flowers,
and bears beautiful, edible crab apples in autumn. The
Redlane is self-pollinating variety.
Goldlane: A new and distinct Malus
domestica (Borkh.) apple tree variety which exhibits
a columnar tree type, compact growth, predominant
bearing on spurs and V f-resistance against scab. It is
also a self-pollinating variety.
Sunlight: The Sunlight variety has white flowers and
bears juicy, sweet red apples in autumn. The plant grows
slowly and is not self-pollinating. It requires another
Apple tree nearby for pollination. Moonlight, Redlane or
Gold Lane are excellent combination possibilities. It has
circumference between 80-100 cm.
Moonlight: It is a Czech variety of columnar apple
tree from 2010. Excellent medium size fruit similar to
Golden Delicious in shape and colour, resistant to scab
and powdery mildew.
Irrigation
Plants were irrigated manually once a week to
maintain optimum moisture in the soil and irrigation
interval varied according to the season.
Insect/Pests
No specific pest infestation was seen in Mini Apple,
but leaf folder attack was seen in the month of May to June
which can be easily controlled by spraying of pesticides.
Anti hailstorm net
It is necessary to install anti hail net over mini apple
Goldlane Redlane
Indian Horticulture
plants to protect them from hailstorm falls from March
to June so that flowers and fruits can be saved.
Growth and yield performance
The average plant height of 180 cm and fruit
production of 4 to 6 kg per tree was observed at 5th year
of the plant growth. The highest fruit yield was recorded
in Sunlight variety followed by Moonlight, Goldlane and
Redlane.
Fruit weight
The fruit weight ranged from 91 to 206 g and highest
fruit was found in Sunlight (206 g), followed by Goldlane
(197 g), Moonlight (172 g) and lowest (91 g) was in
Redlane.
Fruit taste
The organoleptic test indicated Red delicious obtained
the highest rating points (50) closely followed by Sunlight
(49), Goldlane (44), Moonlight (42) and Redlane (40).
Farmers from different villages participated in the fruit
testing. Among the Mini Apple varieties, Sunlight was
most acceptable to the farmers while Redlane was least
preferred by them.
Trials at ICAR-CITH
With a view to assess the performance of these
columnar/ Mini Apple Plants in different agro-climatic
situation of Himalayan region, some plants ware shared
with ICAR-CITH, Srinagar, with whom BAIF had a MoU
to conduct collaborative research for Temperate Fruit
Crops. Available information suggests that performance of
the Columnar /Mini Apple Plants at the Research station
of CITH, Srinagar, was also found to be good and at par
with Uttarakhand.
Field trial at other locations of Champawat district
Field trials were undertaken on farmer’s field at
Manar, Khetikhan and Forti Lohaghat. Four hundred
plants were planted during 2019 and were well adapted
to the field conditions. The plants have started bearing
fruits. At Mayawati Ashram at Lohaghat, 107 mini apple
plants were planted during the year 2020 and satisfactory
growth performance observed.
Conclusion
The research and development on Mini Apple at
BAIFs research station in Champawat as well as field
demonstrations at farmer’s field have indicated that
Mini Apple varieties are well adapted to the climatic
conditions of Uttarakhand. The satisfactory growth
and yield performance of Mini Apple revealed that
this short gestation Columnar/Mini Apple plants could
be successfully cultivated in Uttarakhand as a cash
crop. There is great opportunity of developing nursery
entrepreneurs of Mini Apple to cater the ever increasing
demand of the planting material in Uttarakhand.
For further interaction, please write to:
Dinesh Raturi, BAIF Development Research Foundation, Pune,
Maharashtra 411 058. *Corresponding author email: dinesh
prasad.raturi@baif.org.in

Multiplication of
clonal rootstocks
of apple:
Technology for
production of clonal
rootstocks of apple
by hardwood stem
cuttings using soilless
growing medium
was standardized.
It comprised 30
cm cutting along
and treatments
(Cocopeat 75:
vermiculite 25)
under greenhouse
conditions with cent
per cent rooting.
Source: ICAR Annual Report 2021-22

May–June 2022 11

Prospects
Prospects of litchi cultivation in Punjab
The scenario of litchi cultivation in the sub-mountainous regions of north India
has been discussed in this article. Litchi based cropping system is generating
direct and indirect employment opportunities. Above all, strategies to enhance
the fruit productivity with the adoption of interventions like leaf analysis, choice of
intercrops, INM, insect-pests and diseases management, post-harvest management,
etc. have also been highlighted.
L itchi, botanically known as Litchi chinensis Sonn, is
widely grown under tropical and warm sub-tropical
climatic conditions. It prefers cool, frost free winters and
summers with high humidity and rainfall. In Punjab, litchi
farmers are earning lucrative returns due to availability of
fruits at the fag end of the season from mid to end of June
in contrast to other litchi growing states of India. Litchi
was introduced in Punjab by Justice D K Mahajan during
1920 at Pathankot. Initially, the acreage under litchi
was increased at slow pace. However, litchi cultivation
has gained momentum in Punjab after the end of 20th
century. Presently, Punjab occupies an area of about 3142
ha with the production of 51504 MT and productivity of
16.4 MT/ha. The major litchi growing districts of Punjab
are Pathankot, Hoshiarpur and Gurdaspur and these
districts are contributing nearly 57.4, 14.3 and 13.9%
respectively of the total area in the state. The crop is also
grown in some pockets of Rupnagar, SBS Nagar, Union
territory of Chandigarh, Patiala and Mohali districts. Litchi
productivity is the highest at the national level among the
other litchi growing states. Dehradun and Calcuttia are the
leading cultivars of litchi in these zones; however, seedless
cultivar due to its chicken tongue seed is also preferred
but, only a few plants are found in some orchards or in
the kitchen garden.
Litchi productivity in Punjab
12
Nav Prem Singh*, Sarvpriya Singh,
Manu Tyagi, Jagdish Singh,
Bikramjit Singh, B V C Mahajan,
M S Gill, Sumanjit Kaur and Indira Devi
Niche area
Litchi cultivation is a main source of livelihood
and nutrition security for many, especially in the sub-
montainous zone of north India. Pathankot, Gurdaspur
and Hoshiarpur districts situated in sub-mountaneous
region contributing nearly 85.6% to the total area under
litchi in the state is known for litchi cultivation due to
availability of conducive environment conditions. These
districts are situated near the water bodies’ viz. network
of canals, including Beas, Ravi and Chakki rivers; and
seasonal rivulets which help in maintaining optimum
micro climatic conditions for the development of better
pericarp colour, fruit size and quality parameters.
Litchi Estate’ at Pathankot has been established by
the Government of Punjab to improve the quality and
productivity in the pockets of sub-mountaneous area of
the state. It also provides farm machinery and hi-tech
equipments, viz. digger, tractor, spray pump, rotavator,
power tiller, pruner, etc. on custom hiring basis and
also insecticides and fungicides on subsidized rates.
Approximately 300 farmers are registered under litchi
estate and availing these facilities. The State Horticulture
Mission, Government of Punjab also provides subsidy to
farmers for raising new litchi orchards, rejuvenation of
old senile plantation, establishment of drip system, pack
houses, purchase of machinery, etc.
Punjab Agricultural University (Department of Fruit
Science and Krishi Vigyan Kendras) in collaboration
with Department of Horticulture (Punjab) are organizing
field days, technical lectures, seminars, meetings,
demonstrations, awareness camps and farmer’s scientist
interface, etc. to provide an impetus for the litchi
cultivation.
Krishi Vigyan Kendra (Gho) Pathankot and Department
of Fruit Science, PAU, Ludhiana have prepared an action
plan for rejuvenation and canopy management of old
senile orchards of litchi in the region. Various OFT’s
on nutrition, bagging of litchi, fruit drop, leaf sampling
technique, intercropping, canopy management and
post-harvest management have also been executed and
planned.
Indian Horticulture
Table 1. Area, production and productivity of litchi as it contains Mycorrhizae fungus which helps in the
in Punjab improvement of nutrients uptake and root development.

Year Area Production Productivity Nutrition management

(ha) (MT) (MT/ha)
Integrated nutrient management is important for
2010-11 1628 23881 14.7 proper vegetative growth and fruit yield, which can be
2011-12 1672 24682 14.7
applied by assessing the nutrient status of soil and plant.
Leaf samples from the mid-portion of 4-5 months old
2012-13 1752 26520 15.1 leaves of autumn flush should be collected at the advent of
2013-14 1848 28003 15.2 panicle initiation, i.e. during February-March from IInd and
IIIrd pair of leaflets (from terminal apex to downwards).
2014-15 1988 32108 16.2
Litchi fruit production and quality will be improved if
2015-16 2152 34882 16.2 fertilizers are applied on the basis of soil and leaf analysis.
To prevent the adverse effects of nutrient deficiency in the
2016-17 2320 37637 16.2
plant, fertilizer is applied as per PAU recommendations:
2017-18 2708 43958 16.2

2018-19 2885 46940 16.3

2019-20 3057 50091 16.4

2020-21 3142 51504 16.4

Nursery production
Litchi plants are successfully propagated through air
layering (also known as Gootee) technique. Under north
India conditions, air layering is performed during mid-July
to September. The air layers are prepared on previous
season’s terminal growth which is about 45-60 cm long
and has thickness of 1.0-1.25 cm. A bark ring of 4 cm
thickness is completely removed along with cambium from
Leaf sampling technique in litchi
the middle of selected shoots with a sharp knife to prevent
downward flow of carbohydrates and photosynthates Table 2. PAU recommendations for fertilizer application
through the girdling site. The wood portion of the shoot
(xylem) should remain undisturbed so that water and Plant age FYM Fertilizers (g/plant)
mineral nutrients flow uninterrupted to the upper leaves. (Years) (kg/
plant) Urea Superphosphate Muriate
The shoots selected for this purpose should not be directly of Potash
exposed to sun. It has been noted that the shoots facing
1-3 10-20 150-500 200-600 60-150
north-eastern and north-western aspect of the tree canopy
produce higher number of roots on the girdled portion. 4-6 25-40 500-1000 750-1250 200-300
The sphagnum moss grass holds moisture for a long time 7-10 40-50 1000-1500 1500-2000 300-500
so it is placed around the cut portion and wrapped with Above 10 60 1600 2250 600
polythene strip. The ends should be tied tightly with string
to prevent drying of moss grass. After a few weeks, roots The proper fertilizer schedule needs to be followed,
start emerging from the growing points formed by the starting with the plantation of the litchi in the orchard.
cambium at the upper end of the ringed portion and are The whole of FYM, single super phosphate and muriate
easily visible through polythene sheet. of potash should be applied in December. Whereas, urea
Gootee or marcot should be cut from the mother tree should be applied in two equal splits, i.e. half dose in the
just below the rooted portion, when a good number of middle of February and the other half in the mid-April
roots are developed. These should be dipped in water after fruit set. The progressive farmers are applying urea
and kept under shade. Nursery beds should be prepared (0.5 to 1.5 kg/tree) after fruit harvest to promote vegetative
under partial shade. The excessive number of leaves and growth.
polythene covering around the rooted portion should
be gently removed. Marcot should be transplanted in Canopy management
pre-prepared holes slightly bigger in size than the rooted The best time to perform rejuvenation of old senile
portion. The space around the marcot should be filled orchards is August–September. For reiterative pruning,
with fine soil and gently pressed to avoid injury to tender tree is headed back up to primary limbs, i.e. about 1.5-
roots. These rooted layers should be kept in the nursery 2.5 m above the ground level with the help of pruning
for at least two years before transplanting in the field so saw by taking full care that the cut is sharp and uniform.
that they develop sufficient root system.  Bordeaux mixture is applied on cut end portion to avoid
The soil in pit for litchi plantation should be mixed fungal diseases. The newly emerged shoots are kept well-
with soil collected from the root zone of litchi orchards spaced. The trees start emerging shoots within 25-30 days

May–June 2022 13

Demonstration on canopy managment in litchi
after rejuvenation and have a tendency of producing large
number of sprouts after the operation which should be
thinned out carefully by keeping about 4-5 branches on
each pruned limb. Pruning is followed by application of
recommended doses of fertilizers and light irrigation. The
commercial bearing starts after 3-4 years from heading
back operations.
Intercropping
Litchi tree has long juvenile period and therefore,
additional income can be generated by growing intercrops
between the rows in the orchard. Tall and exhaustive
crops like cotton, bhindi, barseem, chari, maize, bajra,
sugarcane, potato and creeper type vegetables should be
avoided. Ploughing with disc harrow cultivators, tillers,
etc. causes root injury and spread of root fungal diseases.
Some orchardists plant plum, peach, kinnow and guava
as filler crop and often hesitate to uproot them even
after the main litchi orchard comes into bearing. In such
orchards, litchi plants become compact, put forth very
little vegetative growth and develop poor lateral branches.
Filler plants should be removed as soon they start
interfering with the main crop. In young and non-bearing
orchards, PAU has recommended various intercrops like
moong, mash, toria, wheat, peas, gram and senji. Emphasis
should be given to select legume field crops since they
fix atmospheric nitrogen through symbiotic bacteria in
their nodules for the mutual benefit of both plant and
Damage to root system due to excessive irrigation
14
soil. Intercrops or fillers should be provided with separate
irrigation, fertilization, intercultural practices, etc. on the
basis of given recommendations.
Fruit bagging
Punjab Agricultural University and AICRP (Fruits)
recommends covering of litchi fruit bunches with white
or pink non-woven polypropylene bags after 25-30 days
of fruit set. This eco-friendly technology enhances fruit
quality, improves pericarp colour development and also
reduces fruit cracking and incidence of litchi nut borer.
Fruit bagging in Litchi
Irrigation
During pre-bearing stage, orchards are irrigated at
weekly/fortnightly intervals. In bearing orchards, irrigation
should be avoided in winters as water stress inhibits winter
flushing and also promotes flowering in the coming
season. But light irrigation may be applied during end-
November or first week of December, depending upon
rains, age of the orchard and soil moisture conditions just
to provide protection against frost injury. Later on, regular
irrigations should be initiated in bearing orchards with
the advent of fruit set stage. It is advised that excessive
irrigation should be strictly avoided as it leads to damage
of roots thus causing decline and drying of trees. PAU has
recommended that irrigation should be applied twice in
a week during critical fruit development stages i.e. from
IInd week of May to end-June to reduce fruit cracking and
for proper size development.
Harvesting
Litchi is a non-climacteric fruit and harvesting is
usually done on the basis of visual appearance and eating
quality. Pericarp of red colour, flattening of tubercles,
fruit size and optimum TSS/acid ratio is the most reliable
maturity index to determine litchi fruit maturity. In
Punjab, harvesting of Dehradun cultivar is initiated in the
second week of June while, Calcuttia and Seedless Late
cultivars are harvested during third week of June. These
cultivars generally take 55 to 65 days from full bloom to
maturity. Fruits are harvested in bunches. A whole panicle
is removed with clippers/secateur along with few leaves.
Fruits should not be pulled to avoid any peel injury.
Precooling
This technique is used to remove field heat of litchi
fruits and checks rate of respiration, retards pericarp
browning, extends storage life and market profit. Hydro-
cooling, forced air cooling, evaporative cooling, etc
methods are used for precooling.
Indian Horticulture
Grading and packaging
Litchi fruits are graded and marketed on the basis
of fruit weight and pericarp colour. Generally, the litchi
fruits of 25-30 g are preferred by consumers. The different
grades of litchi suggested by Directorate of Marketing and
Inspection (DMI) based on the Equatorial Fruit Diameter
(mm) are Extra class (33 mm), Class I (28 mm) and Class
II (23 mm).
In the conventional marketing system, fruits are
packed in jute sacks (Palli) or gunny bags, wooden boxes
that deteriorates the fruit quality and affects the shelf life.
PAU has recommended corrugated fiber board boxes of
2, 4 and 10 kg capacities and strength of 3-5 ply (designed
by Punjab Horticultural Postharvest Technology Center
(PHPTC)) for commercial marketing of litchi. The fruits
packed in CFB boxes retain visual appearance, keeping
quality and marketability. The transportation losses are
also minimized with the packing of litchi fruits.
Table 3. Specifications of packing boxes of litchi
Capacity of box (kg) Dimension of box (mm)
2 Kg 340 mm × 220 mm × 100 mm
4 Kg 340 mm × 220 mm × 190 mm
8-10 Kg 420 mm × 235 mm × 210 mm
Storage
Litchi is a highly perishable fruit and the major
challenge after fruit harvest is to maintain the red pericarp
colour and to prevent browning due to the degradation
of anthocyanin caused by polyphenol oxidase (PPO)/ or
peroxidase (POD) and enzymatic oxidation of phenolic
compounds. Therefore, harvested fruits should be stored
at low temperature to enhance shelf life. It can be stored
at 2-3oC and 90-95% relative humidity. The fruits can be
stored at low temperature for 1-2 weeks depending upon
maturity.
Marketing
Litchi fruit is available in market for a limited time
period due to short harvesting window and poor shelf
life. This often gives rise to market glut and distress sale.
More than 80% fruits are commercially sold through a
pre-harvest contractor to a wholesaler or commission
agent, who manages the harvesting, packaging and
transportation. Now-a-days, self-marketing is the best
alternative for growers to improve the income, and price
disparity at grower and consumer levels. Traders from
other states are also approaching the litchi growers in
the state during harvesting season for direct marketing.
The farmers are advised to form the cooperative
groups or farmer producer’s organizations (FPO) and
create postharvest facilities like pack house and storage
infrastructure.
Plant protection
Litchi fruit nut borer is major insect pest that causes
heavy economic losses to growers. Tree branches
should be lightly pruned after harvesting to remove
hibernating pupae and to promote vegetative growth.
May–June 2022
Clean orchard floor management practices should be
followed by removing fallen fruits (mummies) from the
orchard and regular ploughing destroy the carryover
of pests to the next crop. NRC for Litchi, Muzaffarpur
(Bihar) recommends to spray Novaluron 10 EC (1.5 ml/
litre of water) or Flubendamide 39.35 SC (1 ml/5 litre of
water) or Spinosad (1 ml/4 litre of water) for the effective
control of insect-pests of litchi. The first spray should be
done at clove fruit size stage. The second spray should
be done 15 days after first spray (when fruit attains large
cardamom size) and third spray at 10 days after second
spray. Incidence of leaf blight and panicle blight should
be controlled with spray of copper oxychloride (0.1%) or
Thiophanate methyl (0.14%).
Strengths
y y ICAR has established Litchi Networking and
Voluntary Centre at MS Randhawa Fruit Research
Station, Gangian (Hoshiarpur) under AICRP on Fruits
for the refinement of technology in befitting manner
for the Punjab state.
y y Government of Punjab has established ‘Litchi Estate’
at Pathankot to boost litchi cultivation in the sub-
mountain zone of Punjab.
y y Litchi fruit in the state is available in the month of
June and demand for the fruit in distant markets is
more due to non-availability of fruits. The harvesting
period in other litchi producing states is done from
mid-April to 1st week of June; hence, fruit growers
are getting higher remunerative returns.
y y Litchi growing areas are situated at the distance of
100-200 km from Chandigarh International Airport,
Mohali and Sri Guru Ram Dass Jee International
Airport, Raja Sansi, Amritsar. Therefore, farmers of
Punjab will earn foreign exchange from the export of
quality litchi fruits to Gulf countries.
y y GAP for litchi has been standardized by the PAU,
AICRP on Fruits and; hence interventions are
disseminated by Department of Fruit Science, Krishi
Vigyan Kendras and Regional Research Stations of
PAU.
y y Incubation Centre at PAU is organizing various
training programme for rural youth in the field of
processing, packaging, preoparation of array of value
added products.
y y NHB/APEDA/MIDH is providing subsidy to farmers
for the stablishment of orchards, cold storage, pack
houses, processing units, Referee vans, etc.
y y Healthy litchi plants are being provided to the
growers of Punjab and neighbouring states by MS
Randhawa Fruit Research Station (Gangian), PAU-
Regional Station Gurdaspur, and State Government
Fruit Nurseries.
Thrust area
y y Awareness camps and training programmes should be
organized to promote the nutritional importance of
horticultural crops and their contribution in doubling
farmer’s income.
y y Sound infrastructure system for grading, packaging
and processing must be developed.
15
yy Regular power supply to the litchi orchards should
be ensured during peak litchi season.
Farmer-Scientist interface
Such type of activities encourage the young farmers
for developing interest in the horticultural fruit crops
and interact with the experts to solve the problems being
faced for their successful cultivation. Dr Vishal Nath,
Former Director, ICAR-NRC for Litchi, Muzaffarpur
(Bihar) and his team (Drs. Amrendra Singh, S D Pandey,
Farmer-scientist interface
Development of a ‘Litchi Maturity Kit’
for judging optimum time of harvest
Diagrammatic representation of ‘Litchi Maturity Kit’
A ‘Litchi Maturity Kit’, that provides an easy and
handy option to accurately judge acidity of litchi
fruit was developed. The kit is based on the
established principle of neutralization of acids with
a base (NaOH) using phenolphthalein as indicator.
A reliable indicator of optimum fruit maturity
is the attainment of 18–20°B TSS and acidity of less
than 0.5%.
Source: ICAR Annual Report 2021-22
16
Sanjay Kumar Singh, Kuldeep Srivastava and Evening
Stone), and Dr B S Dhillon (Director, RRS Gurdaspur)
also participated and interacted with the litchi growers of
the state from time to time. Department of Fruit Science,
PAU, Ludhiana in collaboration with KVK, Pathankot
and Department of Horticulture, Punjab organized Litchi
show-cum-Seminar at Pathankot. The main objective of
this Litchi Show was to encourage the farmers to adopt
latest technology, to increase litchi production and quality,
so that they may get maximum return of their produce.
More than 500 progressive fruit growers from Punjab,
Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir participated
in the deliberations. Various departments of PAU, Self-
help Groups and State departments also displayed their
products and technologies. Fruit samples and the product
made from litchi fruits were displayed for the competition.
Winners were awarded with certificates and memento for
quality fruit production.
For further information please write to:
Nav Prem Singh, Punjab Agricultural University, Ludhiana, Punjab
141 004. *Corresponding author email: navpremsingh@pau.edu
Girdling tool for litchi tree
In order to mechanize girdling, a selective wounding
process that removes strips of bark of a litchi tree
to increase fruit size and yield, a motorized girdling
tool was developed. It mainly consists of a circular
blade to cut the wood bark from the tree, safety
cover to protect the operator from rotating blade,
handle and a 12 V battery-operated motor. The time
taken to complete one girdling (2–3 mm depth and
3–4 mm width) operation with the tool is 2–4 min
as compared to 15 min with traditional knife. It was
also demonstrated to litchi farmers in Muzaffarpur
district for its popularization and adoption.
Source: ICAR Annual Report 2021-22
Indian Horticulture
 A Nazarudeen, S M Shareef, K S Kalesh,
Prospects M Salim, A Hussain, T Shaju,
R Rajvikraman and R Prakashkumar*

Wild and lesser-known fruit germplasm in JNTBGRI:

An approach for ex-situ conservation

Wild edible fruits are the ‘grapes and apples’ of the rural and tribal communities,
supplementing essential nutrients for their better health and survival. The forests
of Kerala are a treasure trove of such lesser-known and under exploited wild fruit
resources. With the help of the Department of Planning and Economic Affairs,
Government of Kerala, Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and Research
Institute (JNTBGRI) has taken up an in-depth study on the wild edible fruits of
the State which has resulted in conservation 648 live accessions belonging to 184
species in 43 families, of which 141 species yields raw fruits, 12 species produces
vegetable fruits, and 22 species provide consumable seeds/ grains/ kernels and
9 species supplies spices/ condiments. A total of 47 species are endemic either
to the State or to the Western Ghats region, among which Aporosa bourdillionii,
Eugenia discifera, Meteoromyrtus wyanaadensis, Garcinia imbertii, Ixora johnsonii,
Syzygium bourdillonii and S. travancoricum are critically endangered while
Salacia malabarica is endangered which and Garcinia wightii along with Eugenia
rottleriana are vulnerable. Salacia beddomei finds mention in the Red Data Book
of Indian Plants.

E ver since the human history, wild fruits form

an important source of food for mankind and the
situation continues, as it acts as the staple food for at
least the marginalized rural and tribal folks throughout
the world. The fruits we cultivate today were once
grown wild in their natural habitats and the collection
and conservation of such wild fruits is considered as
one of the oldest occupation in the history of human
civilization. Thus germplasm of wild edibles formed an
important and key resources to which the entire world
and its generations owe for existence. The improved
types of fruits we see today are actually the resultant
products of continuous selection and hybridization of the
once widely grown wild fruits. Out of 265,000 species of
angiosperms identified world over, some 30,000 species
are edible and about 7,000 species are cultivated for
human consumption. Even though there were efforts to
collect and conserve useful germplasm since prehistoric
time, large-scale collection of plant germplasm took
shape only after 16th century with the development of
gardens and orchards, which were largely responsible
for the collection and movement of vast amount of
germplasm around the world. It is with the establishment
of FAO, CGIAR and International Board for Plant
Genetic Resources (IBPGR) that the co-ordinated
efforts of germplasm collection began on national
and international level. Presently, International Plant
Genetic Resources Institute (IPGRI), an independent
successor to IBPGR, in close collaboration with other Baccaurea courtallensis

May–June 2022 17
 Karinga Kattu munthiri Kattu seemanelli

international agencies and botanic gardens continue to Location details

be actively involved in plant germplasm collection and Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic Garden and
conservation in developing countries. About 800 botanic Research Institute, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, located
gardens are presently engaged in such activities around between 8˚ 45´ and 8˚ 47´ north latitude and 77˚ 1´ and
the globe and it is interesting to note that those who are 77˚ 4´ east longitude covers an area of 121 hectares of
engaged in germplasm collection exercises most of their forest land with an altitudinal range between 100-125
efforts in collecting crop plants and their wild relatives m MSL in the lap of the Western Ghats. The climate is
rather than bringing truly wild plants whose unknown tropical, the average annual precipitation is 300 cm and
potential represents astonishingly never-ending biological the temperature varies from 19 0-34 0 C. The area is in fact
prospects. continuous with the natural forests whose predominant
Many of the wild fruits of unknown potential vegetation being a mix of evergreen and moist deciduous
including those having food value still remain locked-up types. The institute now acts as a repository of lesser-
in the impenetrable areas of our wild habitats and such known plants of various utility classes including edible,
fruits are continuously being reported from all over the medicinal, and ornamental plants, the fruit plants
world. India, with its 17,000 species of angiosperms, more conservatory alone is of 10 acres of land within the site.
than 1,000 species fall in the category of wild edibles, in
the form of fruits, tubers, Methodology
vegetables etc. JNTBGRI The wild fruit plants
establishes a vast germplasm whose edibility has been
of wild fruits which serves as proved beyond doubt by
a genetic stock for selection repeated enquiries through
and improvement. A total of Rapid Appraisal Method
648 live accessions of wild among the traditional
edible fruits belonging to village folks and the tribal
184 species were collected communities all over the
through extensive field State were collected for
surveys all over the wild nutritional analysis and
habitats in Kerala and the the live accessions for field
species were conserved planting. Representative
ex-situ in the wild fruits specimens were also
conservatory in JNTBGRI, collected for making
the largest of its kind in the permanent herbarium
State of Kerala. vouchers which are duly
Kudappunna
identified and deposited in
Venue for ex-situ conservation TBGT for future reference. The planting materials were
JNTBGRI is the pioneer Botanic Garden in Kerala raised either through seed trials or by recruiting seedlings
established with the sole objective of collecting and directly from the original habitat. Saplings thus raised
conserving the vast amount of plant germplasm of the were subsequently established in the field following the
State. Persistently since the date of inception, the institute ‘contour method’ of planting.
broke all frontiers in collecting of all types of potential
plant resources including wild edible fruits seizing high Accessions
merits of conservation potential as such resources are Since the value of a gene bank is determined by the
more prone to get depleted due to randomly occurring extent of its documentation system and its accessibility,
bio-physical pressures. It is hoped that the new initiative of each accession has been assigned a unique accession codes
ex-situ conservation of lesser-known wild fruit germplasm followed by accompanying information such as current
will provide a double safety for their existence, at least botanical name, family, local name etc. Each accession
under captive environments. code contains 2 parts, the first part is the abbreviation of

18 Indian Horticulture
 Ponkorandi Shade house for fruit plants

its generic and specific epithets while the second part is a of making grafting operations. Field planting was done by
number ranging from 1 to many. The duplicate accessions planting in 1.5 × 1.5 × 1.5 feet pits filled with a mixture
essentially represent the extent of intra-specific variability of sand, soil and farm yard manure in the 1: 1: 1 ratio.
within each accession. The interspace between each plant was given 8 – 15
m distance considering the canopy diameter, growth
Field planting pattern and the height reachable at maturity with regard
Species were planted intermixed in the field with to individual species.
appropriate interspaces, considering their mode of growth,
adaptability etc. The species recruitment was principally Discussion
based on their habitat requirements as the site selected The evaluation and sustainable utilization of genetic
for planting possess highly varied topography with diversity among plants is increasingly recognized
distinct landscape undulations. Trees with superior traits worldwide for the benefit of the whole humanity and
based on yield, palatability etc, as evident from the field therefore, every step to strengthen and preserve our
experience were identified and such plants were used for biodiversity is of immense importance. A total of 648 live
raising saplings, also for collecting scions for the purpose accessions of 184 species of wild plants having edible fruit
value were collected and
conserved ex-situ at
JNTBGRI. These species
belongs to 43 families and,
based on their mode of use,
wild fruits are categorized
into: (1) raw fruits, (2) fruits
cooked as vegetables, (3)
kernels, seeds and grains
cooked or roasted and (4)
spicy and condiment fruits.
The raw fruits include 141
species with a total of 509
accessions, the fruits which
are consumed cooked or
roasted contain 12 species,
with 28 accessions and
those having edible
seeds, kernels and grains
include 22 species, with
74 accessions; the ‘spicy’
and ‘condiment fruits’
contains 9 species, with 37
accessions (Tables 1 and
Table 3[A] – 3[D]).
Tw o g y m n o s p e r m s
viz. Cycas circinalis
(Cycadaceaea) and Gnetum
ula (Gnetaceae) whose
starchy seeds have great
Views from fruit plants conservatory in JNTBGRI

May–June 2022 19
acceptance among the tribal or village communities as a
staple food item, but remains under-utilized and relatively
lesser known to the outside world are also conserved
along with wild fruits. Similarly, there are some other
species viz. Phyllanthus emblica, Mangifera indica, Syzygium
cumini, Garcinia gummi-gutta, Baccaurea courtallensis etc
whose fruits play significant roles in the formal as well
as informal trade among forest dwellers, to meet their
livelihood. Garcinia wightii is considered as a keystone
species which afford food and shelter for a wide range of
birds, bats and primates. Likewise, the seeds and flowers
of Cullenia exarillata, an endemic tree of Western Ghats
forms the principal food for the Lion tailed macaques,
Bonnet macaques and Malabar giant squirrels.
The present investigation mainly concentrates on
the edible aspects of the species rather than their rarity
or endangerment. This does not mean that the rare or
endangered species are not given priority. For instance,
Salacia beddomei, a species that has ‘qualified’ to enter into
the Red Data Book of Indian Plants due to severe habitat
destruction has been given adequate attention and 20
accessions of the species are conserved. On account of their
edible as well as ornamental potential, more than thousand
saplings of S. beddomei has been raised and distributed to
the public for planting around their homesteads. Some
rare endemics such as Buchanania axillaris, B. lanceolate
etc. deserving immediate conservation measures are
also well-maintained in the conservatory. Species listed
in Table 2 are endemics restricted to the Western Ghats
region. Since most of the wild fruit species recruited for
conservation are tropical in their adaptability, they grow
and acclimatize well in the ex-situ conservatory of wild
fruits in JNTBGRI.
Though the primary objectives of the study were to
collect the wild fruits germplasm, the authors could also
collect some significant intra-specific variability among
Phyllanthus emblica, Baccaurea courtallensis, Elaeocarpus
serratus, Garcinia gummi-gutta, Mangifera indica, Syzygium
cumini etc, some of which have great potential for selection
and improvement. The present attempt is a prelude
towards a great leap to be followed in this direction, and
an added expansion of the wild fruit germplasm - cum-
field gene bank is anticipated with a view to acquire more
accessions from the backwoods of South India.

Table 1. Family-wise representation of lesser-known edible fruits conserved in JNTBGRI

Family No. of No. of Family No. of No. of

species accessions species accessions

Anacardiaceae 6 84 Moraceae 6 13

Annonaceae 1 1 Musaceae 2 3

Apocynaceae 2 16 Myrtaceae 37 91

Arecaceae 2 7 Nelumbonaceae 1 2

Berberidaceae 1 1 Nymphaeaceae 1 1

Boraginaceae 2 2 Passifloraceae 1 3

Cactaceae 4 9 Pedaliaceae 1 4

Cannabaceae 2 2 Phyllanthaceae 16 137

Celastraceae 8 53 Piperaceae 4 7

Clusiaceae 13 35 Poaceae 3 5

Combretaceae 2 7 Primulaceae 1 1

Cornaceae 2 6 Rhamnaceae 4 6

Cucurbitaceae 5 16 Rosaceae 6 6

Dilleniaceae 2 3 Rubiaceae 6 15

Dioscoreaceae 1 2 Rutaceae 10 16

Elaeagnaceae 3 8 Salicaceae 3 22

Elaeocarpaceae 2 20 Sapindaceae 3 6

Lamiaceae 1 1 Sapotaceae 5 10

Leguminosae 2 7 Solanaceae 3 6

Lythraceae 1 1 Urticaceae 1 1

Malvaceae 7 6 Zingiberaceae 1 2

Melastomataceae 1 5 Total 184 648

20 Indian Horticulture
Table 2. Endemic species among lesser-known wild edible fruit germplasm conserved ex-situ in JNTBGRI

Species+ Family++ Local namex AC NA

Alphonsea sclerocarpa Thw. Annonaceae - AS 01

Aporosa acuminata Thw. Phyllanthaceae Cheruvetti AAC 02
Aporosa bourdillonii Stalpf. Phyllanthaceae AB 01
Aporosa indoacuminata Chakrab. & Balakr. Phyllanthaceae Cheruvetti AI 01
Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk. Moraceae Anjili AHi 08
Baccaurea courtallensis (Wt.) Muell.-Arg. Phyllanthaceae Moottipuli BC 32
Buchanania lanceolata Wt. Anacardiaceae Kulamavu BL 18
Clausena austroindica Stone & K.N. Nair Rutaceae Kattukariveppila CA 01
Cullenia exarillata A. Robyns. Malvaceae Vedipilavu CE 01
Elaeagnus indica Servettaz Elaeagnaceae Kurangurudraksham EI 02
Elaeocarpus munronii (Wt.) Mast. Elaeocarpaceae Kattukara EM 08
Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesm. Musaceae Kalluvazha ESu 02
Entada rheedii Spreng. Leguminosae Paranda ERh 04
Eugenia discifera Gamble Myrtaceae Senelli ED 01
Eugenia rottleriana Wight & Arn. Myrtaceae - ER 01
Eugenia terpnophylla var. keralensis Shareef et al. Myrtaceae - ETk 01
Flacourtia montana Graham Salicaceae Kattuseemanelli FM 18
Garcinia wightii T. And. Clusiaceae Attupuli GW 02
Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Robson Clusiaceae Kodampuli GG 25
Garcinia imbertii Bourd. Clusiaceae Manjakkanji GI 01
Garcinia indica (Thour.) Choisy Clusiaceae Kokum GI 01
Garcinia wightii T. Anders. Clusiaceae Pulimaranga GW 01
Ixora brachiata Roxb. ex DC. Rubiaceae Marathetti IB 01
Ixora johnsonii Hook.f Rubiaceae Malamthetti IJ 01
Meteoromyrtus wynaadensis (Bedd.) Gamble Myrtaceae - MW 01
Palaquium ellipticum (Dalz.) Baill. Sapotaceae Pali PE 01
Phyllanthus indofischeri Bennet Phyllanthaceae Malanelli PI 01
Piper galeatum (Miq.) CDC. Piperaceae Kattu kurumulaku PGa 01
Salacia fruticosa Heyne ex Lawson Celastraceae Ponkorandi SF 15
Salacia macrosperma Wt. Celastraceae Anakorandi SM 02
Salacia beddomei Gamble Celastraceae Korandi SB 20
Salacia brunoniana Wight & Arn. Celastraceae - SBr 01
Salacia gambleana Whiting & Kaul Celastraceae Korandi SG 01
Salacia malabarica Gamble Celastraceae “ SM 01
Spondias indica (Wight & Arn.) Airy Shaw & Forman Anacardiaceae Kaattambazham SI 01
Syzygium bourdillonii (Gamble) Radhakr. & Nair Myrtaceae - SBo 01
Syzygium chemungianum S.M. Shareef, E.S.S. Kumar et Roy Myrtaceae - SC 01
Syzygium densiflorum Wall. ex Wight & Arn. Myrtaceae Vellanjaval SD 01
Syzygium laetum (Buch.-Ham.) Gandhi Myrtaceae Kollinjaval SL 01
Syzygium mundagam (Bourd.) Chithra Myrtaceae Kattuchamba SMu 01
Syzygium munnarense Shareef et al. Myrtaceae - SMun 01
Syzygium occidentale (Bourd.) Gandhi Myrtaceae Attusamba SO 01
Syzygium palodensis S.M. Shareef, E.S.S. Kumar et T. Shaju Myrtaceae - SP 01
Syzygium ramavarmae (Bourd.) Gandhi Myrtaceae - SR 01
Syzygium salicifolium (Wight) Grah. Myrtaceae Vellamanchi SS 01

May–June 2022 21
 Species+ Family++ Local namex AC NA

Syzygium stocksii (Duthie) Gamble Myrtaceae Njaval SSt 01

Syzygium travancoricum Gamble Myrtaceae Vathamkollimaram ST 01
47 species 17 families 191 accessions

AC: Accession code; NA: Number of accessions. +Species treatment follows alphabetic order; ++
Naming of families follows APG system;
x
Malayalam.

Table 3[A]. Lesser-known wild edible fruit germplasm conserved ex-situ in JNTBGRI (Raw fruits)
Species+ Family++ Local nameX AC NA

Aegle marmelos (L.) Corr. Rutaceae Koovalam AM 01

Alangium salviifolium (L.f.) Wangerin Cornaceae Ankolam ASa 01
Alangium salviifolium subsp. sundanum (Miq.) Bloem. Cornaceae Kilikothippazham ASs 05
Alphonsea sclerocarpa Thw.* Annonaceae - AS 01
Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng. Phyllanthaceae Mayilkombii AB 02
Antidesma acidum Retz. Phyllanthaceae Kattupulinchi AAc 08
Antidesma alexiteria L. Phyllanthaceae Thathalamaram AAl 01
Antidesma ghaesembilla Gaert. Phyllanthaceae Kattupulinchi AG 12
Antidesma montanum Blume Phyllanthaceae Nilamveetti AMo 02
Aporosa acuminata Thw.* Phyllanthaceae Cheruvetti AAc 02
Aporosa bourdillonii Stalpf.* Phyllanthaceae - AB 01
Aporosa cardiosperma (Gaertn.) Merr. Phyllanthaceae Ponvetti AL 16
Aporosa indoacuminata Chakrab. & Balakr.* Phyllanthaceae Cheruvetti AI 01
Artocarpus hirsutus Lamk.* Moraceae Anjili AHi 08
Artocarpus heterophyllus Lamk. Moraceae Kattupilavu AH 02
Artocarpus lacucha Buch.-Ham. Moraceae Kurangupilavu ALa 02
Atalantia racemosa Wight & Arn. Rutaceae Malanaragam AR 01
Atalantia monophylla DC. Rutaceae Kattunarenga AM 01
Baccaurea courtallensis (Wt.) Muell.-Arg.* Phyllanthaceae Moottipuli BC 32
Bridelia retusa (L.) Spreng. Phyllanthaceae Mulluvenga BR 01
Bridelia stipularis (L.) Blume Phyllanthaceae Kanjikottam BS 01
Carissa carandas L. Apocynaceae Karimulli CC 09
Carissa spinarum L. Apocynaceae Cherumulli CS 07
Carmona retusa (Wall.) Masamune Boraginaceae Kurangu vettila CR 01
Celtiis timorensis Span. Cannabaceae Poochakkurumaram CT 01
Cereus pterogonus Lamaire Cactaceae Chathurakkalli CP 01
Chrysophyllum roxburghii G. Don Sapotaceae Noolambazham CRo 01
Clausena austroindica Stone & K.N. Nair* Rutaceae Kattukariveppila CA 01
Clausena dentata (Willd.) M. Roem. Rutaceae CD 01
Clausena indica (Dalz.) Oliver Rutaceae Gorakotta CI 01
Cordia dichotoma G. Foster Boraginaceae Naruviri CDi 01
Debregeasia longifolia (Burm.f.) Wedd. Urticaceae Neerinch DL 01
Dimocarpus longan Lour. Sapindaceae Poripunna DLo 01
Elaeagnus kologa D.F.K. Schlecht Elaeagnaceae Kurangupazham EK 02
Elaeagnus conferta Roxb. Elaeagnaceae Kattumunthiri EC 04
Elaeagnus indica Servettaz* Elaeagnaceae Kurangurudraksham EI 02
Elaeocarpus serratus L. Elaeocarpaceae Kara ES 12
Elaeocarpus munronii (Wt.) Mast.* Elaeocarpaceae Kattukara EM 08

22 Indian Horticulture
Species+ Family++ Local nameX AC NA

Eugenia discifera Gamble* Myrtaceae Senelli ED 01

Eugenia mooniana Wight Myrtaceae Kunjunnippazham EMo 01
Eugenia rothii Panigrahi Myrtaceae ER 03
Eugenia rottleriana Wight & Arn.* Myrtaceae - ERo 01
Eugenia roxburghii DC. Myrtaceae Kaya ERox 01
Eugenia terpnophylla var. keralensis Shareef et al.* Myrtaceae - ETk 01
Flacourtia indica (Burm.f.) Merr. Salicaceae Chaliru FI 03
Flacourtia jangomas (Lour.) Raeusch. Salicaceae Kanji FJ 01
Flacourtia montana Graham* Salicaceae Kattuseemanelli FM 18
Garcinia cowa Roxb ex DC. Clusiaceae Cowa GC 01
Garcinia indica (Thour.) Choisy* Clusiaceae Kokum GI 01
Garcinia spicata (Wt. & Arn.) Hook.f. Clusiaceae Pandurmanga GS 01
Garcinia wightii T. And.* Clusiaceae Attupuli GW 02
Garcinia xanthochymus Hook.f. ex T. Anders. Clusiaceae Rajapuli GX 01
Geophila repens (L.) I.M. Johnston Rubiaceae Karimkodangal GR 02
Glycosmis mauritiana (Lam.) Tanaka Rutaceae Karumpanal GM 01
Glycosmis pentaphylla (Retz.) DC. Rutaceae Panal GP 03
Gmelina arborea Roxb. Lamiaceae Kumizh GA 01
Grewia damine Gaertn. Malvaceae Manjali unnam GD 01
Grewia nervosa (Lour.) G. Panigrahi Malvaceae Kottangapazham GN 01
Grewia tiliifolia Vahl. Malvaceae Unnam GT 01
Grewia villosa Willd. Malvaceae Thottukulla GV 01
Ixora brachiata Roxb. ex DC.* Rubiaceae Marathetti IB 01
Ixora coccinea L. Rubiaceae Kattuthechi IC 04
Ixora johnsonii Hook.f* Rubiaceae Malamthetti IJ 01
Limonia acidissima L. Rutaceae Vlanka LA 01
Madhuca longifolia (J. Koenig ex L.) J.F. Macbr. Sapotaceae Illippa ML 01
Maesa indica (Roxb.) A. DC. Primulaceae Kaarithi MI 01
Mahonia leschenaultia (Wall. ex Wight & Arn.) Takeda ex Berberidaceae Mullumanjanathi MLe 01
Gamble
Mangifera indica L. Anacardiaceae Kattumavu MIn 42
Manilkara hexandra (Roxb.) Dubard Sapotaceae Pazhamunnipala MH 01
Melastoma malabathricum L. Melastomataceae Kalampotti MM 05
Meteoromyrtus wynaadensis (Bedd.) Gamble* Myrtaceae - MW 01
Mimusops elengi L. Sapotaceae Elengi ME 01
Morinda citrifolia L. Rubiaceae Noni MC 01
Opuntia elatior Mill. Cactaceae Pattanathumkalli OE 01
Opuntia ficus-indica (L.) Miller Cactaceae Ilakkalli OF 01
Opuntia striata var. dillenii (Ker-Gawler) Haw. Cactaceae Pathikalli OSd 01
Palaquium ellipticum (Dalz.) Baill. * Sapotaceae Pali PE 01
Passiflora foetida L. Passifloraceae Bonjikkai PF 03
Phoenix loureiroi Kunth Arecaceae kaatteentha PL 01
Phoenix pusilla Gaertn. Arecaceae Chitteenthal PP 06
Phyllanthus emblica L. Phyllanthaceae Nelli PEm 49
Phyllanthus indofischeri Bennet* Phyllanthaceae Malanelli PI 01
Pithecellobium dulce (Roxb.) Benth. Leguminosae Korukkappuli PD 03
Psidium guineense Sw. Myrtaceae Kattupera PG 08

May–June 2022 23
Species+ Family++ Local nameX AC NA

Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (Ait.) Hassk. Myrtaceae Kattukoyya RT 01

Rubus niveus Thunb. Rosaceae Mulli RN 01
Rubus ellipticus Smith. Rosaceae Manjamulli RE 01
Rubus glomeratus Blume Rosaceae Mulluvettila RG 01
Rubus micropetalus Gaertn. Rosaceae Chuvanna mulli RM 01
Rubus moluccanus var. glomeratus (Blume) Backer Rosaceae Chuvannamulli RMg 01
Rubus racemosus Roxb. Rosaceae Chambamulli RR 01
Salacia chinensis L. Celastraceae Cherukorandi SC 12
Salacia beddomei Gamble* Celastraceae Korandi SB 20
Salacia brunoniana Wight & Arn.* Celastraceae - SBr 01
Salacia fruticosa Heyne ex Lawson* Celastraceae Ponkorandi SF 15
Salacia gambleana Whiting & Kaul* Celastraceae Korandi SG 01
Salacia macrosperma Wt.* Celastraceae Anakorandi SM 02
Salacia malabarica Gamble* Celastraceae “ SMa 01
Salacia oblonga Wall. Celastraceae Ponkorandi SO 01
Schleichera oleosa (Lour.) Oken Sapindaceae Poovanam SOl 02
Spondias indica (Wight & Arn.) Airy Shaw & Forman* Anacardiaceae Kaattambazham SI 01
Spondias pinnata (L. f.) Kurz. Anacardiaceae Ambazham SP 19
Streblus asper Lour. Moraceae Paruva SA 01
Streblus taxoides (Roth.) Kurz. Moraceae Kozhimullu ST 03
Syzygium gardneri Thw. Myrtaceae Karinjaval SGa 01
Syzygium travancoricum Gamble* Myrtaceae Vathamkollimaram STr 01
Syzygium zeylanicum (L.) DC. Myrtaceae Poochappazham SZ 23
Syzygium arnottianum Walp. Myrtaceae Navva SAr 01
Syzygium benthamianum (Wight ex Duthie) Gamble Myrtaceae Njaval SBe 01
Syzygium bourdillonii (Gamble) Radhakr. & Nair* Myrtaceae - SBo 01
Syzygium calophyllifolium Walp. Myrtaceae SCa 01
Syzygium caryophyllatum (L.) Alston. Myrtaceae Karinga SCr 04
Syzygium chemungianum S.M. Shareef, E.S.S. Kumar et Roy* Myrtaceae - SCh 01
Syzygium claviflorum (Roxb.) Wall. ex A.M. Cowan & Cowan Myrtaceae - SCl 01
Syzygium cuminii (L.) Skeels Myrtaceae Njaval SCu 20
Syzygium densiflorum Wall. ex Wight & Arn.* Myrtaceae Vellanjaval SD 01
Syzygium fruticosum (Roxb.) DC. Myrtaceae - SFr 01
Syzygium hemisphericum (Wt.) Alston Myrtaceae Vellanjaval, Venjara SH 01
Syzygium jambos L. Myrtaceae Jamba SJ 01
Syzygium laetum (Buch.-Ham.) Gandhi* Myrtaceae Kollinjaval SL 01
Syzygium lanceolatum (Lamk.) Wt. & Arn. Myrtaceae Njara SLa 02
Syzygium lineare (Duthie) Wall. ex Gamble Myrtaceae - SLi 01
Syzygium malabaricum (Bedd.) Gamb. Myrtaceae SMal 01
Syzygium mundagam (Bourd.) Chithra* Myrtaceae Kattuchamba SMu 01
Syzygium munnarense Shareef et al.* Myrtaceae - SMun 01
Syzygium munronii (Wight) Chandr. Myrtaceae Njaral SMunr 01
Syzygium myhendrae (Bedd. ex Brandis) Gamble Myrtaceae - SMy 01
Syzygium neesianum Arn. Myrtaceae - SN 01
Syzygium occidentale (Bourd.) Gandhi* Myrtaceae Attusamba SOc 01
Syzygium palodensis S.M. Shareef, E.S.S. Kumar et T. Shaju* Myrtaceae - SPa 01
Syzygium ramavarmae (Bourd.) Gandhi* Myrtaceae - SR 01

24 Indian Horticulture
 Species+ Family++ Local nameX AC NA

Syzygium salicifolium (Wight) Grah.* Myrtaceae Vellamanchi SS 01

Syzygium stocksii (Duthie) Gamble* Myrtaceae Njaval SSt 01
Toddalia asiatica (L.) Lam. Rtaceae Kakkathodali TA 01
Trema orientalis (L.) Blume Cannabaceae Malamthodali TO 01
Trichopus zeylanicus subsp. travancoricus Burkill ex Narayanan Dioscoreaceae Karivachi TZt 02
Triphasia trifolia (Burm.f.) P. Wilson Rutaceae Chonanaragam TT 01
Ziziphus mauritiana Lam. Rhamnaceae Elentha ZM 01
Ziziphus oenoplia (L.) Mill Rhamnaceae Thodali ZO 02
Ziziphus rugosa Lamk. Rhamnaceae Julippazham ZR 02
Ziziphus xylopyrus (Retz.) Willd. Rhamnaceae Kottamullu ZX 01
141 species 31 families 509 accessions

AC: Accession code; NA: Number of accessions; Species treatment follows alphabetic order;
+ ++
Naming of families follows APG system;
X
Malayalam.

Table 3[B]. Lesser-known wild edible fruit germplasm conserved ex-situ in JNTBGRI (Vegetables fruits)

Species+ Family++ Local nameX AC NA

Coccinia grandis (L.) Voigt Cucurbitaceae Koval CG 05

Cucumella ritchiei (Chakr.) Jeffrey Cucurbitaceae Kattuvellari CRi 01
Dillenia indica L. Dilleniaceae Chalitha DI 01
Dillenia pentagyna Roxb. Dilleniaceae Kudappunna DP 02
Ensete superbum (Roxb.) Cheesm.* Musaceae Kalluvazha ESu 02
Ficus hispida L.f. Moraceae Erumanakku FH 03
Ficus racemosa L. Moraceae Athi FR 02
Memordica dioica Roxb. ex Willd. Cucurbitaceae Kattupaval MD 02
Mukia maderaspatana (L.) M. Roem. Cucurbitaceae Kattuvellari MM 03
Musa acuminata Colla Musaceae Navazha MA 01
Solena amplexicaulis (Lamk.) Gandhi Cucurbitaceae Karuvi SAm 05
Tamilnadia uliginosa (Retz.) Tirvengadum & Sastre Rubiaceae Pindichakka TU 01
12 species 5 families 28 accessions

AC: Accession code; NA: Number of accessions; +Species treatment follows alphabetic order; ++
Naming of families follows APG system;
Malayalam.
X

Table 3[C]. Lesser-known wild edible fruit germplasm conserved ex-situ in JNTBGRI (Edible kernels, seeds
and grains)

Species+ Family++ Local nameX AC NA

Bambusa bambos (L.) Voss. Poaceae Mullumula BB 02

Buchanania axillaris (Desr.) Ramam. Anacardiaceae Malamavu BA 03
Buchanania ngulate Wt. * Anacardiaceae Kulamavu BL 18
Buchanania lanzan Spreng. Anacardiaceae Mungappezhu BLz 10
Cardiospermum helicacabum L. Sapindaceae Uzhinja CH 03
Cullenia exarillata A. Robyns. * Malvaceae Vedipilavu CE 01
Cycas circinalis L. Cycadaceae Kalanga Cci 04
Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn. Poaceae Kaepa EC 01
Entada rheedii Spreng. * Leguminosae Paranda Erh 04
Gnetum ula Brongn. Gnetaceae Odal GU 03
Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn. Nelumbonaceae Thamara NN 01
Nymphaea nouchali Burm.f. Nymphaeaceae Ambal Nno 02

May–June 2022 25
Species+ Family++ Local nameX AC NA

Oryza meyeriana subsp. granulata (Nees & Arn. Ex Watt.) Poaceae Kattunellu OM 02
Tateoka
Physalis angulata L. Solanaceae Njodi-njotta PA 01
Sesamum orientale L. Pedaliaceae Ellu Sor 04
Solanum nigrum L. Solanaceae Manithakkali SN 02
Solanum torvum Swartz “ Chunda Sto 03
Sterculia foetida L. Malvaceae Keethondi Sfo 01
Sterculia guttata Roxb. Ex DC. “ Thondi SG 01
Terminalia bellirica (Gaertn.) Roxb. Combretaceae Tanni TB 03
Terminalia chebula Retz. “ Kadukka TC 04
Trapa natans L. Lythraceae Karimpolam TN 01
22 species 13 families 74 accessions

*Endemic; AC, Accession code; NA, Number of accessions.

+
Species treatment follows alphabetic order; ++Naming of families follows APG system; XMalayalam.

Table 3[D]. Lesser-known wild edible fruit germplasm conserved ex-situ in JNTBGRI Spicy and condiment fruits

SN Species+ Family++ Local nameX AC NA

1 Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton Zingiberaceae Elam ECa 02

2 Garcinia gummi-gutta (L.) Robson* Clusiaceae Kodampuli GG 25
3 Garcinia imbertii Bourd.* Clusiaceae Manjakkanji GI 01
4 Garcinia talbotti Raiz. ex Santapau Clusiaceae Malampongu GT 01
5 Garcinia wightii T. Anders.* Clusiaceae Pulimaranga GW 01
6 Piper attenuatum Buch.-Ham. ex Miq. Piperaceae Kattukurumulaku PA 02
7 Piper galeatum (Miq.) C.DC. * Piperaceae Kattu kurumulaku PGa 01
8 Piper longum L. Piperaceae Thippali PL 02
9 Piper nigrum L. Piperaceae Kattukurumulaku PN 02
Total 9 species 3 families 37 accessions

AC, Accession Code; NA, Number of Accessions.

+
Species treatment follows alphabetic order; ++Naming of families follows APG system; XMalayalam.

Summary to the fruit basket of the State. In the coming years,

The conservation activities of wild fruits are in
fact a safety measure to protect the lesser-known and
under-exploited native fruit germplasm from all kinds
of depletion. JNTBGRI is the pioneer institute in Kerala
to come up with such a prolific scheme to protect the
vast reservoir of wild fruits germplasm bounded in its
wilderness. A total of 648 live accessions belonging to
184 species are maintained in the Institute’s conservatory.
Within the next few years, more wild fruit plants will be
brought out for conservation and popularization as an
alternative unconventional resource, adding substantially
novel strategies will be established for bringing such
unconventional fruit germplasm into the limelight of active
research so as to catch up the attention of plant breeders,
agriculturists, industrialists, etc.
For further interaction, please write to:
R Prakashkumar (Director), Jawaharlal Nehru Tropical Botanic
Garden and Research Institute, Palode, Thiruvananthapuram,
Kerala 695 562. *Corresponding author email: rprak62@gmail.
com

Identification of Pro Vitamin A (PVA) rich banana accessions

Two dessert hybrids plantain (NOP 45–102 µg/g of Dw pulp)

and Pisang Awak (Progeny No. 434- 90 µg/g pulp dry weight)
back grounds and one selection (ITC 2390/2) having more
provitamin-A (82 µg/g of pulp dry weight) were identified.
Source: ICAR Annual Report 2021-22

26 Indian Horticulture
 Megha R, Sanjay Kumar Singh,
Research Vinay Kalia, Manish Srivastav
and Babita Yadav

Eco-friendly management of
fruit fly in mango

Oriental fruit fly infestation causes severe loss of fruit damage (upto 90%) leading
to high revenue loss to the mango growers under the congenial conditions. Such
high financial loss is created due to the frequent erratic weather events and poor
management of the orchard soils. Fruit fly infested fruits are inedible and application
of chemicals though effective leads to residue issues thus restricting international
trade. Safe and eco-friendly approaches are now available which farmers can adopt
on community level so that the menace of fruit fly is minimized and the safe produce
can be traded in domestic and export markets. Hence, integrated pest management
strategies are being suggested for minimizing fruit flies in mango that would help
in lowering the pest population by timely adoption of different safe options without
destroying the other beneficial insects and diminishing fruit quality parameters.

M ango (Mangifera indica L.) belongs to the family

Anacardiaeace, which is known as the ‘King of
Fruits’ in the Indian sub-continent. The global production
of mangoes is estimated to be over 55.38 million metric
tonnes per annum, while India topped with over 40% of
the total production of 20.82 million tonnes from an area
of 2.32 million ha (2019-2020). Mangoes are considered
as a good source of dietary antioxidants, such as ascorbic
acid, carotenoids and phenolic compounds. At present,
India is exporting a huge chunk of fresh mangoes to
different countries of the world. However, inherent
infection of fruit fly, stone weevil etc. are considered as
major hurdles since these pests are listed as the quarantine
pests. Further, fruits infected with oriental flies are not
permitted in several countries. During the past several
decades, Indian mango growers are facing stiff competition
in export of fresh mangoes mainly due to infection with
such restricted quarantine pests.
Fruit flies (Diptera: Tephritidae) are the most serious
and destructive pest species of global importance that
causes direct damage to the fruits and thereby reducing
the yields.
Adult fruit flies collected from the pheromone trap
Their attack not only reduces yield but also degrades
the quality of the fruit, rendering it unfit for human
consumption.
It causes significant economic losses by lowering
the market value of fruits and, as a result, diminishing
farmer’s revenues. The total estimated losses caused by
these fruit flies are up to 27-42% and in severe cases, it
may reach upto 90% in mango, while upto 90% losses
have been reported in guava. Furthermore, quarantine
restrictions on fruit fly-infested produce limit exports
to profitable international markets. For example, the
European Union (EU) had decided to put ban on the
import of Indian mangoes, which resulted in huge
revenue loss (2013-2014).
Several fruit flies species are known to affect wide
variety of horticultural crops across the globe. The most
common species known to attack mangoes are Bactrocera
dorsalis (oriental fruit fly), B. zonata (peach fruit fly),
B. correcta (guava fruit fly) etc. Both adults and maggots
cause damage to the fruits. The fruit flies lay eggs beneath
the peel of physiologically mature fruits by puncturing
with its needle like ovipositor. On hatching, the yellowish
maggots feed on fruit pulp and jump out of the fruit
when fully mature, drop to the ground, and pupate deep
beneath the soil.  Thus, the maggots, on consuming the
pulp, render it foul-smelling and discoloured. Fruits
that have been infected develop brown rotting spots on
them and eventually fall to the ground. These fruits then
become the source of population build up and spread
to the entire orchard and also in the neighborhood. The
differences in degree of infestation depends upon the
cultivars. The data pertaining to natural fruit fly damage
in mango cultivars under north Indian conditions is
given in Table 1.

May–June 2022 27
 Mango fruits infested with fruit fly

Table 1. Field reaction of different mango varieties to implementation of management strategies as such will
natural fruit fly infestation under north Indian states aid in precise determination of the timings of treatments
in order to maximize their effectiveness and minimize
Degree of Varieties the number of insecticidal sprays. Therefore, constant
infestation
monitoring of fruit fly populations in orchard and accurate
Immune (< Bhadauran, Langra, Olour forecasting of incidence forms the part of an effective
10%) management strategy.
Highly Arka Neelachal Kesari, Neelum, Neelphonso The insect bio-control laboratory of IARI has been
resistant (1- Pusa Arunima, Pusa Lalima, Pusa Shresth, Pusa working on integrated management strategies and has also
10%) Peetamber, Ratna, Sonpari, Rataul, Lucknow Safeda
demonstrated the same in the institute adopted villages
Resistant Amrapali, Dashehari, Gulab Khas, Pusa Surya, having substantial area under mango cultivation. The eco-
(11-20%) Rajapuri friendly integrated management module having different
Moderately Jardalu, Mallika, Maldah, Pusa Manohari options for minimizing fruit fly incidence in mango is
resistant given hereunder.
(21-30%)
Susceptible Alphonso, Banganpalli, Himsagar, Kesar, Sensation, Integrated Pest Management Module
(31-40%) Totapuri
y y Growing of resistant/ tolerant varieties
Highly Chausa, Fazli, Tommy Atkins y y Early harvesting of mature fruits. As this stage of fruit
susceptible maturity, crops are not susceptible to fruit fly attack.
(≥40%)
y y Collect and dispose all infested fruits on trees and
fallen fruits on the ground every alternate day and
Management strategies bury in trench.
The management of fruit flies is challenging because y y Removal of all wild trees in the orchards that might
of their adaptation to various regions, high polyphagia serve as a breeding ground for pests.
and rapid reproduction. To manage the menace of fruit y y Ploughing the top soil to a depth of 10 cm to expose
flies, chemical pesticides are used all around the world. the pupae to sunlight and killing them, preventing the
Chemical pesticides, on the other hand, are frequently infestation from spreading.
linked to significant health and environmental hazards.
Overuse of chemical pesticides has resulted in various
horticultural produce being intercepted on the worldwide
markets, notably mango fruits. Furthermore, pesticides
are costly and often out of reach for the bulk of resource-
poor farmers. The use of Integrated Pest Management
(IPM) as a more environmentally friendly alternative
to the widespread use of broad-spectrum conventional
insecticides. Implementing the IPM plan would minimize
mango losses due to fruit fly infestation, cut down
production costs, boost producer income, and enhance
market access and processing by increasing mango quality
and productivity to satisfy the demands of both domestic
and export markets. An IPM strategy is a broad approach
that uses a combination of practices that complement
each other rather than work as an individual management
method. The efficiency of management strategies mainly
depends on the natural fruit fly population, therefore Fixing of pheromone trap on mango tree

28 Indian Horticulture
yy Install methyl eugenol plywood traps at the rate of 6
per acre during the fruit development stage till final
harvest and, if necessary, minimal application of
chemical insecticides.
Fixing of pheromone trap on mango tree
y y Use of bait traps with 100 ml of 0.1% methyl eugenol
(1 ml/litre) and 0.05% Lambda-cyhalothrin 5% EC
@ 2 ml/litre in 250 ml wide mouthed bottles with
hanging mechanisms for male annihilation.
yy Another poison bait made up of 100 g of jaggery and 2
ml of decamethrin 2.8 EC in one litre of water is sprayed
near the tree trunks once a week. The bait should also be
sprayed on all the adjacent plants and hedges.
y y Fruits bagging will result in zero incidence of disease
along with protection against fruit fly leading to agro-
chemical residue-free fruit production.
Use of fruit bag in mango tree
y y Spray with decamethrin 2.8 EC @ 0.5 ml/litre +
azadirachtin (0.3%) (Neem oil) 2 ml/litre, three
weeks before harvest and all mature fruits need to
be harvested on time.
y y The harvested fruits should be followed by adopting
the postharvest protocol and making the graded fruits
for either hot water, vapour heat or low dose gamma
irradiation as per requirement of the importing
countries.
yy Use of new molecules: Spray of Lambda-cyhalothrin
5% EC @ 2 ml/litre (Karate®) or thiamethoxam (12.6%)
+ Lambda-cyhalothrin (9.5%) ZC (Alika® @ 0.4 ml/
litre or Quinalphos 25% EC (Ekalux® @ 2 ml/ litre
+ neem oil (Econeem Plus @ 0.3%) will help in controlling
fruit flies under their high population situation in mango.
yy Breaking the life cycle of the fruit fly. Once the mango
season is over, the fruit flies look for alternate host
for completing their life cycle. Growing vegetables
like watermelon, muskmelon, gourds, lemons, guava,
papaya, okra, etc. in the vicinity prove to act as alternate
host and adults after hatching infect the developing fruits.
y y Community based integrated pest management
schedules are to be adopted for effective
implementation of IPM module and thus need to be
followed for effective control of fruit fly.
In the wake of health conscious population, integrated
pest management strategies need to be promoted. For
May–June 2022
Yearly integrated fruit fly management strategy for
pesticide-free mango production
managing the menace of fruit fly in mango, a bouquet of
safe practices need to be adopted by the mango growers
right from the fruit development stage to minimize
the pesticide residue. The safe integrated package for
insecticide-free mango production is suggested, which
controls infestation upto 95-98%.
The Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
is providing the low cost pheromone trap technology to
different fruit growers including mango who have been
immensely benefitted by it. The integrated approach
suggested break of life cycle of this insect pest, which is
the major quarantine pest apart from stone weevil and thus
lead to eco-friendly safe production. The IPM modules
though added to the cost of production varying from
` 500-2500/ha related with different IPM components but
the gain was realized in terms of improved fruit grade,
size and quality, which led to the better price on farm
realization quantified to the tune of ` 2,000 to 7,500 extra
per hectare basis with B:C ratio of 1:1.51 to 1:3.65.
Summary
Fruit fly infestation is the major concern in mango
production in tropical and sub-tropical regions of the
country. The adult flies infest by puncturing the surface
of the mature fruits and lay the eggs that hatch into
maggots. These maggots feed on flash of fruits thus make
them unmarketable and unfit for human consumption.
Depending upon the intensity of infestation, damage to
fruits could be as high as 90%. Further, there is difference
in intensity of infestation among the cultivars. Chemical
control of fruit fly has been proposed but it do have
health risks. Hence, the integrated pest management
strategies of fruit flies in mango should be promoted which
involves orchard sanitation, use of methyl-eugenol traps,
application of neem based oil sprays, protein bait spray,
a male annihilation technique (MAT) with methyl-eugenol
traps to kill males, need-based insecticidal cover sprays
and integrated practices during fruit maturity.
For further interaction, please write to:
Sanjay Kumar Singh (Principal Scientist), ICAR-Indian Agricultural
Research Institute, New Delhi 110 012. *Corresponding author
email: sanjaydr2@gmail.com
29
 Bal Krishna, Rakesh Kumar,
Research Jaipal Singh Choudhary,
Ram Kumar and Hansraj Hans*

Insect pests in okra agro-ecosystem and their

integrated management

Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus) is a high fibre vegetable with many valuable

nutrients and medicinal properties. Okra crop is attacked by several insect pests,
among them, shoot and fruit borer, whitefly, jassid, red cotton bug, red spider mite
are common, and causes severe economic losses. Therefore, it is noteworthy to
describe the damage symptoms, mark of identification and management practices
of these major insect pests of okra.

O kra (Abelmoschus esculentus L. Moench) belonging to

the family Malvaceae, is an important vegetable crop
grown throughout India. West Bengal has the maximum
area under okra followed by Bihar. Okra is high fibre
food, with many valuable nutrients. Nutrient contents
of okra are 0.2 g fat, 7.5 g carbohydrate, 3.2 g fibre,
1.9 g protein, 1.5 g sugar, 82 mg Ca, 57 mg Mg, 299
mg K, 7 mg Na, 23 mg vitamin C, 0.2 mg thiamine, 0.2
mg vitamin B6, 60 µg folate, 716 IU vitamin A and 31.3
mg vitamin K, respectively. Most abundant vitamin in
okra is vitamin K which helps in blood clotting. Iodine
content of okra provides protection from goitre. Okra
fruit is mainly used as green vegetable; however, roots
and stems are used for clearing cane juice in preparation
of gur/jaggery. Like other crops, okra is prone to wide
array of biotic and abiotic factors. Among biotic factors,
insect pests are of utmost importance. Okra is attacked
by more than 72 insect pests, in which shoot and fruit
borer (Earias vittella and Esrias insulana), jassids (Amrasca
biguttula biguttula), aphid (Aphis gossypii), whitefly (Bemisia
tabaci), fruit borer (Helicoverpa armigera), red spider mite
(Tetranychus cinnabarinus) and thrips (Thrips palmi) are the
most dangerous pests.
Shoot and fruit borer, Earias vittella (Fabricius)
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
Adult moths are ~ 1 cm in length. Wings have light
greenish band with white margin. Female moth lays 2
or 3 sky blue round eggs either on buds, petals, flowers,
fruits or anywhere on tender plant parts. Larva of E.
vittella is light brown with white patches on dorsal portion.
Pupa is covered inside a cream-coloured cottony cocoon,
becomes full grown within 7-8 days. Infestation starts at
45-50 days, after sowing of crop. Before fruiting, the larva
bores inside tender shoot and tunnel downwards, the
infested shoots finally dry. During reproductive stage of
crop plant, larvae feed on developing buds, flowers, and
tender fruits. Fruits become distorted and are rendered
unfit for human consumption.
Management
To prevent the crop from shoot and fruit borer infestation,
following preventive measures should be applied:
y y Use of resistant varieties such as AE 57, PMS 8,
Parkins Long Green, PKX 9275, Karnul special.
y y Clean cultivation and destruction of alternative weed
host plant of E. vittella i.e Chrozophore rottlari.

Shoot damage by E. vittella caterpillar Distorted fruit

30 Indian Horticulture
 Larvae of Earias vittella
yy Release of egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis,
Trichogramma brasiliensis and pupal parasitoid
Brachymeria nephantidis is very useful in reducing
pest incidence.
yy Use of Bacillus thuringiensis var kurstaki @ 500 g a.i./ha
at 10 days interval showed effective control on okra
shoot and fruit borer.
yy Use neem extract @ 1500 ppm, if pest population is
very severe.
yy Intercropping of soybean, maize, sorghum, cowpea
with okra reduces pest infestation.
yy After 15 days of okra planting, install sex pheromone
trap (Funnel trap/sticky trap/water pan trap etc.) @
100/ha (10m × 10m) just above the crop canopy.
yy When pest population crosses economic threshold
level, the crop should be sprayed immediately and
thereafter at 10 days interval with any of the following
insecticides in 500-600 litres of water per ha: 1.5 litres
of profenophos 50 EC, 2.5 kg carbaryl 50 WP, 200 ml
cypermethrin 25 EC, 400 ml deltamethrin 2.8 EC,
250 ml fenvalerate 20 EC, 150 ml spinosad 48 SC.
To control the pest effectively, 5–6 application of
insecticides is required. Insecticide belonging to
the same group should not be repeated to avoid
development of pesticide resistance and resurgence
problem.
Aphids, Aphis gossypii Glover (Hemiptera: Aphididae)
Aphids are small and greenish brown insect pest
found in tender part of plant and adaxial surface of leaves.
The dry condition is most favourable condition for growth
and development of aphid. Both adult and nymph suck
the cell sap of plant. During sucking processes, aphid
secretes honey dew on which black sooty molds develops
which decreases the photosynthesis process of plant. In
severe infestation, curling of leaves takes place and may
lead to severe yield loss.
Management
y y Collection and destruction of aphid infested twigs.
y y Clipping the tips of the seedling up to 2 inches prior
May–June 2022
Adult of Earias vittella
to flowering to remove the egg masses of aphids if any.
yy Growing castor along the borders and irrigation bunds
as trap crop for aphids.
y y Spray NSKE (5%) or neem oil (3%) alternatively.
y y Apply neem cake @ 250 kg/ha as a basal dosage.
y y Spray fish oil resin soap 25 kg/ha @ 1 kg in 40 litres
of water.
y y Release of Chrysoperla spp. (Green lace wing) 5000-
10000 eggs/ha after starting of first sign of aphid
presence 3-4 times in 15 days.
y y Application of Verticillium lecanii (0.5-1.0%) affects all
growth stages of aphid.
y y Use of light tarp @ 12/ha to monitor and trap the
aphids.
y y Set up the yellow sticky traps @ 25/ha to monitor
the activity of pest and to synchronize the botanical
pesticide application, if need be, at the maximum
activity stage.
The insect infestation can be managed by spraying
the crop with 625 ml of dimethoate 30EC or 100 ml of
imidacloprid 17.5 SL in 500 litres of water per ha.
Whitef ly, Bemisia tabaci Ishida (Hemiptera:
Aleyrodidae)
Pale yellow nymphs are sluggish in nature that
congregate on the undersides of leaves to suck the sap.
Adults are small (1-1.5 mm long), winged, and have a
pale-yellow body with a white waxy powder coating. Both
nymphs and adults feed on the sap of leaves, especially
the undersides of leaves and other tender plant parts.
The affected leaves curl inward and eventually become
dry because of this, and they are also responsible for
the transmission of yellow vein mosaic virus (YVMV), a
catastrophic okra disease. The potential of whiteflies to
spread viruses adds more to their destructive potential.
The virus is spread by whiteflies on a persistent manner.
Management
y y Removal and destruction of alternative weed host
plant of white fly like Chrozophore rottlari, Abutilon
indicum, Solanum nigrum and Hibiscus ficulneus from
31

Whitefly infestation
the fields and neighbouring areas and maintaining
field sanitation.
y y Collection and destruction of leaves infested with
white fly.
y y Release of Chrysoperla spp. (Green lace wing) 5000-
10000 eggs /ha, 3-4 times in 15 days after first sign
of whitefly presence.
y y Spray fish oil resin soap (25 g/litre) and add teepol
as wetting agent.
Whitefly population can be managed below economic
threshold level (ETL) by adopting several integrated pest
management tools i.e., use of resistant varieties, using trap,
botanicals and at last, chemical insecticides. Insecticides
used against whitefly should be systemic in action, as it
is a sucking pest. Application of 750 ml of oxydemeton
methyl 25 EC or 625 ml of dimethoate 30EC per hectare
is effective.
Okra fruit borer, Helicoverpa armigera Hubner
(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae)
The adult insect is 20 mm long in length, has brown
forewing which have dark cross band in outer margin
and dark spot in coastal margin. The eggs of this insect
are yellowish and spherical in shape. The larva is around
Jassid infestation
32
35-45 mm long, has darker broken lines along the side of
the body and fine hair on the body. The adult moths can
lay 300-500 eggs and their incubation period is 3-6 days.
The larval period duration is about 13-18 days. It pupates
inside the soil and pupation period is around 8-15 days.
The larvae of this insect bore the fruit and during feeding
the half portion of larva remain inside the fruit while the
remaining half is outside the fruit.
Management
Collect and destroy the infected plant part and larva.
Spray the field with Bacillus thuringiensis @ 2 g/lit or Ha
NPV 250-500 larval equivalent/ha or carbaryl 50 WP 2 g/lit.
Jassids, Amrasca biguttula biguttula Ishida (Hemiptera:
Cicadellidae)
Adults are~3 mm long and colour varies with
temperature (during summer, it is greenish yellow, while
during winter, it becomes reddish tinge). Jassids move
briskly forward and sidewise. By slight disturbances,
the winged adult flies jump and are phototropic also.
Adult breed throughout the year on different hosts but
during spring, they especially migrate to okra and start
breeding. Female laiy egg on the underside of the leaves.
Both nymph and adult suck the cell sap from leaves,
prominently from underside and probably also introduce
toxins to the plant cell. Initially injured leaves turn pale
and later rust red. Sap sucking from the leaves causes
inward curling, drying of leaves and fall of leaves to the
ground. During severe infestation, plants becomes stunted
and fail to achieve reproductive stage.
Management
At the time of sowing, seed should be treated with
imidacloprid 70 WS @ 5 g/kg seed. Insecticide should be
applied only when pest reach economic threshold level
(ETL). The insecticides can be used to control this pest
when it crosses ETL at their respective doses: 100 ml
imidacloprid 200 SL, 250 ml fenvalerate 20 EC and 100
g thiomethoxam 25 WG in 250 – 300 litres of water. For
seed crop, apply 20 kg of phorate 10 G at time of sowing
in furrows or spray twice starting at 15 days after sowing
with 50 g acetamiprid 20 SP or 625 ml dimethoate 30
EC in 250 – 300 litres of water/ha.
Curling of leaf due to jassids infestation
Indian Horticulture
Red cotton bug, Dysdercus koenigii F. (Hemiptera:
Pyrrhocoridae)
Bugs are elongated slender insects, crimson red with
white or pale bands across the abdomen. Insect is active
throughout the year and passes winter in the adult stage.
Both nymph and adult insects suck cell-sap from leaves
stem and fruits of okra. Sap sucking from leaves and stem,
initially causes yellowing of leaves and stunted growth
of plant. However, during severe infestation, the plant
may lose their vigour and fail to reach the reproductive
potential.
Management
The insect infestation can be managed by adopting the
following practices:
y y Use of resistant varieties
y y Clean cultivation and destruction of alternative host
plant
y y By using predacious hemipteran bugs like Antilochus
cocqueberti Fabricius (Pyrrhocoridae) and Harpactor
costalis Stal (Reduvidae) which feeds on nymph and
adults
y y If pest population exceed above the economic
threshold level, then pesticide with systemic mode of
action same as on jassids should be applied at their
recommended dose.
Red spider mite, Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari:
Tetranychidae)
Mites are oval-shaped, extremely small creatures that
can be less than 100 microns long. Some specimens lack
the two dark spots on the sides of the body that have
given this species its common name. The egg, larva, and
two nymphal stages make up the life cycle (protonymph
and deutonymph). The time it takes from egg to adult
depends a lot on the temperature. Spider mites grow in 5
to 20 days under optimal conditions (around 80 degrees
Fahrenheit). Every year, there are several generations that
overlap. Adult females live for 2 to 4 weeks and can lay
hundreds of eggs during that period.
They use their cheliceral stylets to suck cellular
materials, resulting in characteristic white blotches on
leaves and plant devitalization. The presence of mite
on fruits makes them unfit for consumption, resulting in
financial loss.
Management
It can be controlled by commercially available

Table 1. Recommended pesticides for okra insect pests

Pest/Pesticide Dosage Waiting period

(days)
in g Formulation (g/ml) Dilution (litre)

Shoot and fruit borer

Deltamethrin 2.8% EC 10-15 400-600 400-600 1
Fenpropathrin 30% EC 75-100 250-340 750-1000 7
Whitefly
Azadirachtin 0.03% (300 ppm) - 2500-5000 500-1000 7
Fenpropathrin 30% EC 75-100 250-340 750-1000 7
Red spider mites
Dicofol 18.5% EC 250-500 1350-2700 500-1000 15-20

Fenazaquin 10% EC 125 1250 500 7

Fenpropathrin 30% EC 75-100 250-340 750-1000 7
Quinalphos 25% EC 250 1000 500-1000 -
Okra fruit borer
Azadirachtin 0.03% (300 ppm) - 2500-5000 500-1000 7
Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC 25 125 500 5
Quinalphos 25% EC 200 800 500-1000 -
Leaf hopper
Azadirachtin 0.03% (300 ppm) - 2500-5000 500-1000 7
Quinalphos 25% EC 250 1000 500-1000 -
Dimethoate 30% EC 600 1980 500-1000 -
Aphids
Acetamiprid 20% SP 15 75 500-600 3
Imidacloprid 17.8% SL 20 100 500 3
Dimethoate 30% EC 700 2310 500-1000 -

Source: Directorate of Plant Protection, Quarantine and Storage.

May–June 2022 33
predator mite species such as Phytoseiulus persimilis,
Mesoseiulus longipes, Neoseiulus californicus, Galendromus
occidentalis, and Amblyseius fallicus. The most widespread
predator, Phytoseiulus persimilis, feeds on all stages of
mites. Spider mites are also preyed upon by lady beetles
(Stethorus), minute pirate bugs (Orius), thrips (Leptothrips),
and lacewing larvae (Chrysopa). Mites can be controlled
by adding sulphur dust at a rate of 25 kg/ha or spraying
1 kg in 225 litres of water. Phosalone, dicofol, and other
synthetic acaricides are also used to control mites.
E. vittella moth emergence and should replace the
lures at every 20-30 day interval.
yy Install yellow sticky and delta traps for whitefly and
other sucking pests.
yy For control of leaf hoppers, aphids, whiteflies, borers,
and mites, use biopesticides such as Verticillium lecanii
(0.5-1.0%), Beauveria bessiana @ 1.6×10 4 conidia/ml,
NSKE 5%, Azadirachtin @ 0.5%, Bacillus thuringiensis
@ 2 g/lit, N PV 250-500 larval equivalent/ha
recommended as need based.

Bio-intensive eco-friendly pest management strategies SUMMARY

y y Select resistant/less susceptible region-specific
varieties for cultivation.
y y Resistant varieties should be sown specially during
kharif season.
y y Grow maize/sorghum on borders as a barrier crop for
the entry of shoot and fruit borer adults.
y y Grow African marigold along the borders and
irrigation bunds as a trap crop to attract the adults
of H. armigera.
y y The alternate weed plant host of insect pest should be
removed and destroyed at regular interval.
y y About 30-35 days after sowing of crop, egg parasitoid
Trichogramma chilonis @ 1-1.5 lakh/ha should be release
to control shoot and fruit borer.
y y At regular intervals, remove and destroy the borer
affected fruits and shoots.
y y Install pheromone traps @ 2/acre for monitoring of
Among vegetable crops, okra has its own importance
due to nutritional and medicinal value. In India, West
Bengal is the largest producer of okra, followed by Bihar.
However, okra production suffers from many biotic and
abiotic factors. Among all biotic factors, insect pests are
most important as it causes heavy infestation and reduces
economic yield. Therefore, it is essential to study about the
insect pest life cycle, damage symptom and management
practices to control the pest below economic threshold
level.
For further interaction, please write to:
Hansraj Hans (Senior Research Fellow), Division of Croping
Research, ICAR-Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna,
Bihar, India. *Corresponding author email: hrhans13@gmail.com

Management of sucking pests in okra: In search of new alternatives to neonicotinoid insecticides

against sucking insect pests of okra, Flupyridifurone 200 SL @ 2.5 ml/l was observed most promising with
lowest whiteflies (4.38/3 leaves), leafhoppers (4.86/3 leaves) and gave maximum fruit yield (10.94 tonnes/ha)
and maximum B:C ratio of 1:3.22 under Raipur condition.
Pest management in okra through organic sources: To promote organic pest management in okra,
seed treatment with Bacillus pumilus 1% A.S (10 ml/kg seed) and application of 20 tonnes of FYM enriched
with B. pumilus (5 litre/ha) recorded the maximum decrease in M. incognita population (67.57%) accompanied
by highest yield (30.83% over control) with B:C ratio (1:1.93). It was at par with seed treatment with P.
putida 1% A.S @ 10 ml/kg seed and application of 20 tonnes of FYM enriched with P. putida (5 litre/ha) in
reducing the final nematode population (66.51%) and increasing the yield (29.44% over control) and B:C
ratio (1:1.91) under Bengaluru conditions.
Source: ICAR Annual Report 2021-22

Okra: Okra genotype VRO 146 is resistant to YVMV and OELCV

virus. More yield potential (170–175 q/ha), semi-dwarf (100–106
cm), dark green fruit colour, free from ring formation and easy to
harvest.
Okra genotype VRO 208 is resistant to YVMV and OELCV virus.
More yield potential (160–170 q/ha), medium tall (120–130 cm),
dark green fruit free from ring formation and easy to harvest.
VRO 210 is resistant to YVMV and OELCV virus. More yield
potential (160–165 q/ha), semi-dwarf (100–110 cm), dark green fruit
colour free from ring formation and easy to harvest.

Source: ICAR Annual Report 2021-22

34 Indian Horticulture
 Jeetendra Kumar Soni*,
Research Sunil Kumar Sunani, Lungmuana
and I Shakuntala

Winged bean: A one stop supermarket

Mizoram is blessed with rich agro-biodiversity with favourable climatic conditions.

Winged bean is a sporadically distributed crop of Mizoram that has been grown
with least management and owns rich diversity. It holds high nutritional value and
requires the least management practices. Also, due to its high root nodulating
property, it improves soil fertility. As all of its parts can be used for consumption
therefore it is called as one stop supermarket and supermarket on a stalk. Greater
use of this underutilized crop has the potential to increase crop diversification
and improve quality of human diets with sustainable and resilient food production
system. However, this crop is grown as rainfed crop without proper agronomic
management thus reducing the potential yield of the crop. Therefore, it is important
to use scientific cultivation practices with the use of high yielding varieties or
local germplasms. This article highlights scientific cultivation practices along with
disease and pest management including post-harvest and value addition options
for this crop.

W inged bean [Psophocarpus tetragonolobus (L.)]

is an underutilized potential crop belonging to
family Fabaceae, self-pollinated tropical legume crop
popularly known as Goa bean, four-angled bean, and
asparagus pea. It is twining crop having tuberous root,
longitudinally winged pods and grow generally as
annual crop. South-eastern Asia or Papua New Guinea
are probable centre of origin for this crop. This plant
grows well in hot and humid climatic condition including
India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Bangladesh, Sri
Lanka and Myanmar. In India, it is generally cultivated
in southern and north-eastern region, viz. Mizoram,
Tripura, and Manipur. In Mizoram, it is locally called as
‘Bepuithlanei’ and generally consumed as raw, for soup,
chutney and vegetable. Almost all the parts of winged
bean including green tender pods, immature and mature
seeds, leaves and tubers are edible having exceptional
nutritional quality and have widespread use in protein
supplementation, therefore it has got the nicknames
‘One Stop Supermarket’, ‘Supermarket on a Stalk’ and
‘One Species Supermarket’. It has higher nodulation and
nitrogen fixation capacity than any other tropical legumes
crop like cowpea, groundnut, soybean, etc.

Morphology
The winged bean has hypogeal type of germination. It
is a climbing twining plant that can reach height of 3–5 m
with trifoliate leaves in ovate to deltoid shape. Its flowers
colour ranges from purple, white and blue in colour with
2.5 to 3.5 cm width. It has been observed that flower
changes its colour from white at initial to sky blue at later
stage. It contains tuberous roots with 8-12 cm length and Germination of winged bean

May–June 2022 35
 (a) Winged bean plant stand
(c) Winged bean root with nodules
Winged bean plant parts
2-4 cm in width. Winged bean fruits are elongated pods
with four corners and at each one, the pod bears a wing,
hence the name of winged bean. Pod length ranges from
15 to 30 cm; however, in some of the varieties may go
upto 40-50 cm in length and 3 cm in width. Each pod
contains about 5-20 seeds. Seeds are round in shape and
vary in colour from yellow and brown to black or mottled
having 100 seed wight of 30-40 g.
Nutritional importance
Winged bean owns all the desirable characteristics of
garden pea, green bean, soybean, spinach, mushroom,
sprouting bean, and potato. All plant parts, excluding
the stalk, are fit for human food. Among all parts, tender
winged bean pods are the mainly consumed parts that
possess high minerals and vitamins, particularly vitamin A,
high fibre and 1-3% protein. It becomes ready to harvest
after two to three months of sowing. These tender pods
are consumed as salad, soup, curry and pickled forms.
While tuberous roots are consumed as roasted, boiled and
confectioneries purpose. These tubers are rich in protein
(≈20% on dry weight basis) and 1.0-4.0% fat. Mature seeds
have crude protein content in the range of 29.0-42.0%
and 14-19% oil.
Crop growth stages
Winged bean plants mature between 120-150 days
after sowing (DAS). However, its maturity depends on
the end products desired by consumers. Brief crop stages
are given in figure.
Package of practice for winged bean in Mizoram
In Mizoram, it is generally cultivated in small patches
36
(b) Winged bean flowers
(d) Winged bean green pods
in Jhum land as mixed farming. Also, it is grown in kitchen
garden. However, scientific interventions and screening
of suitable high yielding varieties and germplasm that are
well suited for Mizoram conditions led to the adoption of
winged bean cultivation in a commercial scale.
Climatic and soil requirement
Winged bean can be grown in tropical and sub-tropical
condition. It is photosensitive crop and needs short days
length (<12 hour day), with day and night temperature
of 27°C and 22°C for reproduction, respectively. The
optimum temperature for its growth and nodulation is
25°C. The bean is sensitive to frost. For tuber production,
the optimum day and night temperature is 24 and 13°C,
respectively. It is sensitive to frost. Winged bean can be
cultivated at up to 2000 m altitudes from mean sea level
and prefers humid and tropical climate. Also, it is well
adopted in a region where well distributed annual rainfall
ranges from 1500-2500 mm per year. However, it cannot
tolerate prolonged dry spell but short dry spells do not
affect the crop. But dry spell effect tuber development
in crop. It can be grown on sandy to heavy clay soil but
grows better on well-drained, loamy and slightly acidic
soils with a pH range of 5.5-7.5. However, it does not grow
well in wet soils. Under the heavy soil, winged bean tuber
remained small. It can be grown well in nitrogen-poor soil
because of its exceptional root nodulation ability.
Land preparation
For proper growth and development of winged bean,
a well-pulverised soil has to be thoroughly mixed with
well-decomposed FYM. It can be grown in raised beds
or in ridge with a good drainage facility.
Indian Horticulture
 Seeds Germination
6 to 8 DAS
50% flowering Pod development
55 to 83 DAS 80 to 120 DAS
*DAS- days after sowing
Growth stages of winged bean
Manures and fertilizers
About 10 t/ha of FYM applied at the time of field
preparation and application of fertilizer N:P:K (kg/ha)
20:40:20 before planting is recommended or based on the
soil testing report. Winged bean seed should be treated
with Rhizobium sp. (20-30 g/kg seed) prior to planting to
improve crop growth and yield.
Sowing time, seed rate and spacing
The optimum sowing time for winged bean in
Mizoram is the second fortnight of April-May, however,
can be sown up to June. Presence of hard seed coat in
winged bean seeds, pre-soaking of seed for 24-48 hours
helps in quick and uniform seedling emergence. Seed
starts germinating at 6-8 days after sowing. The seed rate
varies from 15-20 kg/ha. Depending upon the variety and
the climatic factors, spacing of 60-80 cm between row to
row and 30-45 cm between plant to plant is optimum with
a depth of 2-3 cm.
Training of winged bean
May–June 2022
Seedling Training stage
15-30 DAS 30-45 DAS
Maturity Mature produce
120 to 150 DAS
Suitable varieties/cultivars
Mizoram is blessed with rich winged bean bio-
diversity. Some of the suitable varieties are AKWB 1, PWB
17-1, Indira Winged bean 1, RMDWB 1, RWB 25, RWB
26, RWB 30, PWB 17-14 and PWB 17-18. Local cultivars
like MZWB 1 to 12 are also used.
Training
The winged bean responds to training system. The
seedlings show signs of twining few days after germination.
The optimum height of trellis is 2 m and can be done
through thin bamboo. Normally, the vines are trained
either individually or in a row using overhead trellis. This
system improves pod yield and quality and seed yield;
facilitates intercultural operation and helps to minimize
pest and disease.
Irrigation
Winged bean is generally cultivated as a rainfed
37
crop of Mizoram. However, in case of delayed rainfall
at the flowering and pod development stage, supplement
irrigation is necessary. It has more water requirements for
optimum crop growth than other legumes.

Weed management
It is important to maintain weed free condition at
initial growth stage of winged bean. Initial slow growth of
winged bean makes it susceptible to weed competition in
the initial 3-6 weeks of development. Two-hand weeding
at 20 and 40 DAS is recommended and it should be done
before providing support system to its seedling.

Pest and disease management

Winged bean is affected by insect pests, fungal and
viral disease. However, infestation of these diseases is not
serious in Mizoram. Insects such as pod borer infect pods
that can be managed by spraying of cypermethrin @0.008 %
at four different stages (flower initiation stage, 50%
flowering, 100% flowering and 100% pod setting) were
found effective against pod borer. Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt),
neem seed kernel extract (NSKE), neem seed powder are
also effective against the pod borer. Blister beetle damaged
flowers can be managed by spraying of lambda-cyhalothrin
@ 24 g a.i./ha twice during infestation (blooming stage).
Whereas black bean aphid damages flowers, shoots and
leaves and can be managed by application of systemic
insecticides, viz. imidacloprid 70.00% WG @1 g /10 litre
of water or imidacloprid 17.80% SL @ 1 ml/5 litre of
water or thiamethoxam 25.00% WG @ 1 g/5 litre of
water. Also, yellow sticky traps for @ 4-5 traps/acre is
recommended. Whereas, major fungal diseases of winged
bean are dark leaf spot and powdery mildew. Dark leaf
spot can be managed by proper staking of plant followed
by spray of mancozeb (2 g/L) or propiconazole (2 g/L) or
copper hydroxide (2 g/L) at fortnight intervals. Powdery
mildew can be managed by pruning and thinning for air
circulation. Spray neem oil @ 3% or NSKE @ 5% twice
at 10 days intervals from initial appearance of disease.
Apply carbendazim 500 g/ha or propiconazole 500 ml/ha
or wettable sulphur 1500 g/ha at beginning of the disease
and 10 days later. Spraying of wettable sulphur @ 4 g/
litre of water is also found helpful.
Green tender pods
Green tender pods: The pods become ready to harvest
after 20-35 days of flowering or 2-3 weeks after fruit set.
Usually, 2-3 picking are required for complete harvesting.
It should be flexible to bend without breaking and have
less fibre content. The green tender pods are harvested
after 75-100 days of sowing depending upon the variety.
Average yield of green tender pods is 6-10 t/ha that
depends upon variety, environment and management
practices.
Seed: Seeds mature within 2.0-2.5 months after
flowering. At full maturity, pods turn to brown or black
with hard seeds inside pods.  Mature seeds are bright
with round in shape, brown or black with average yield
of 1.5 to 3.0 t/ha.
Tuber: The yield of tuber is 5-10 t/ha.
Post-harvest and Value-addition
The different parts of winged bean, viz. seeds,
immature pods, leaves, flowers and tubers are edible
and are rich sources of carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins,
minerals and fats. Crop after harvest should be sorted by
removing diseased and pest-infested leaves/pods/seeds/

Harvesting
Harvesting of winged bean depends on products
aimed to harvest. The details are given here.

a b

Pest incidence on winged bean: (a) Blister beetle and

(b) Aphid Boiled winged bean tubers

38 Indian Horticulture
tubers. Proper drying of seeds up to 10-12% moisture for
storage and seed purposes (sowing and consumption) is
required. Soil debris should be removed from tubers of
winged bean by cleaning and washing in water before
processing. The seeds can be used for making flour,
weaning foods, protein supplement and seed oil. Mature
seeds are reported to contain 29 to 37% proteins and 15
to 18% oil. The immature pods and flowers can be used
for making pickles. The immature dry leaves can be stored
and used as boiled vegetable. Fresh tubers of winged bean
contain up to 11% crude protein. So, the tubers can also be
processed as protein supplements and used in boiled farm.
Economics
Based on the prevailing market price of 2021, cost of
inputs, cost of cultivation and gross return was calculated.
It has been observed that the cost of cultivation for winged
bean in Mizoram is ` 60,000-65,000/ha. While gross return
from dry winged bean seed yield (considering average
yield of 2 t/ha) has been `1,40,000/ha (considering ` 70/
kg of seed price). The resulting benefit-cost ratio is 2.15-
2.30. However, if returns from dry seed and tuber are
combined, its B:C ratio would be 2.8-3.0.
Summary
Winged bean is high-yielding underutilized potential
legume crop. It possesses high nutritious value and
requires the least management practices. Apart from these
benefits, the climatic condition of Mizoram are very well
suitable for winged bean cultivation and blessed with rich
diversity. In order to boost its production and alleviate
the malnutrition problem of the state, it is important to
go for scientific cultivation practices with selection of high
yielding variety or local germplasm.
For further interaction, please write to:
Jeetendra Kumar Soni (Scientist), ICAR-RC NEH Region,
Mizoram Centre, Kolasib, Mizoram 796 081. *Corresponding
author's email: jeetendra.soni@icar.gov.in

Varieties of vegetable crops for release and notification

Cowpea (Bush): VRCP 12 is a bush type variety with erect growth habit and photo-
insensitivity. Suitable for sowing in rainy and spring-summer seasons. It flowers in 40–45
days after sowing. Pods are 32–35 cm long, dark green, tender and free from parchment
layer. Yield potential 140–160 q/ha. Identified for cultivation in Zone IV (Punjab, Uttar
Pradesh, Bihar and Jharkhand).

Dolichos bean (Bush): VRBSEM 3-Days to first picking: 80–85 days, Peak
fruiting period: December to March. DYMV disease free in cropping period
with temperature tolerance up to 35°C. Yield: 360 q/ha in five pickings.
Identified for cultivation in Zone VI (Rajasthan, Gujarat, Haryana and Delhi),
Zone VII (Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra and Goa) and Zone VIII (Karnataka,
Tamil Nadu, Kerala and Puducherry).

Indian (Dolichos) bean/Sem: Arka Neelachal Pushti, is high yielding, pole

type, round podded variety. The pods are rich in protein (4.61 g/100 g) and
micronutrients (iron: 15 ppm, zinc 37 ppm). Duration of crop is 95 days from
sowing to green harvest. Rabi season is ideal for its cultivation in Eastern India.
Average yield is 24 tonnes/ha in 120 days.

French bean (Bush): VRFBB 91 is bush-type, early, short duration, flowers

at 32–35 days after sowing. Pods are green and bright, fleshy, tender,
straight, cylindrical and free from parchment. Bears about 20–25 pods/
plant. Resistant to sclerotinia rot (Sclerotinia sclerotiorum). Tender
pod yield potential is 125–150 q/ha. Recommended for Zone I: Humid
Western Himalayan Region (Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh and
Uttarakhand).
Source: ICAR Annual Report 2021-22

May–June 2022 39
 Vijay Singh Meena*, Nirmal Kumar Meena,
Prospects Neelam Shekhawat, Kartar Singh,
Manoj Kumar Mahawar, Kirti Jagoankar,
Pankaj Kumar Kannaujia and Narender Negi

Indigenous fruit resources for nutritional

security of India

Indian population is growing very fast and is expected to overtake China by 2027.
India stands at 101th position among 116 countries in Global Hunger Index which
is a very big challenge. In many pockets, there are severe crisis for availability of
quality food thus the problems like malnutrition, diabetes are arising and every
second women is anaemic. Feeding safe and nutritious food to this alarming
growing population seems the greatest challenge to our country. India has a
rich heritage of fruits due to its diverse range of climatic conditions. But, the
traditional and underutilized fruits are more nutritious and healthy in terms of
nutraceuticals over the major fruit crops. The underutilized fruits contain more
phytochemicals including minerals, vitamins and other secondary metabolites
which help in curing several chronic diseases. The consumption of these fruits has
gained popularity during the COVID 19 pandemic due to their great importance in
immunity boosting. Every part of India has strong diversity of underutilized fruits
such as aonla (Emblica officinalis), bael (Aegle mamelos), mulberry (Morus alba),
phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis), karonda (Carissa carandus), ker (Caparis decidua),
pilu (Salvadora oleoides), khirni (Manilkara hexandra) and mahua (Madhuca
longifolia) etc., which needs to be domesticated and conserved. The exploration
of these fruits is rarely attempted and emphasis must be given to explore them.

A ccording  to the Global Hunger Index

2019,  India ranks 101 out of 116 countries. It
is believed that more than one-third of the world’s
malnourished children are in India which is not a good
sign of economic progress of any country. India has failed
to combat malnutrition that adversely affects the country’s
socio-economic progress. India is a mega-diverse country
with only 2.5% of the land area, accounts for 7.8% of the
recorded species of the world spread over 45,968 (11.18%
of world) species of plants and 91,212 species of animals
(7.43% of the world) that have been documented in its ten
bio-geographic regions.

The cultivation of major fruits reaches to a new

height due to their large popularity. Obviously, they
are good source of energy, fat and carbohydrates but
somewhat they are lacking with secondary metabolites
and antioxidants. The underutilized fruits have more value
of nutraceuticals and are more useful in combating the
Aonla
nutrients related disorders in human. The rural people of
tribal belts rely on these unexplored fruit crops for their a valuable livelihood option for rural households during
nutritional and livelihood security. Since, these fruits are these periods of nutritional stress caused by Covid-19
lesser known but due to their high medicinal potential, pandemic. Besides, their fresh consumption, they also
they are becoming popular worldwide. Fruits like aonla, have good processing potential and some of the fruits
ber, bael, chironzi, khejri, phalsa, pilu, karonda etc. have like lasoda, ker, pilu and karonda have more processing
been shifted to cultivation and their exploitation creates value than the fresh form. The processed products are also

40 Indian Horticulture
gaining equally importance in the market and becoming
sustainable. Across India, a wide range of indigenous
fruit trees are available throughout the year (Table1) for
enhancement of income of farmer communities which is
potential source of crop diversification and nutritional
security. However, over past decades, large scale genetic
loss has occurred due to urbanisation of these indigenous
fruit species. Climate change is another important
hindrance for minimising food production.

Reason for underexploitation of indigenous fruits

y y Lack of importance and multiplication techniques
y y Lack of cultivation package and practices
y y Non-availability of improved varieties
y y Inadequate research on diversification of crop pattern
through such species Lasoda pickle
y y No initiative by government to promote their
commercial expansion and vitamins particularly vitamin C and A (Table 2).
y y Lack of marketing infrastructure and value addition Incorporating these fruits in balanced diet can combat
technologies problems like malnutrition and other related disorders.
y y Non-preference by orchardist to establish an orchard In addition to that, these fruits are also good source
of secondary metabolites which are lacking or present in
Table 1. Availability of indigenous fruits small quantity in major fruits though the exploration of
those are little known. If we look upon the iron availability
Fruit Month of availability in pilu (Salvadora oleoides) and chironji (Buchanania lanzan),
it is very high (8.0 or more than 8.5 respectively) (Table
January - Aonla and Ber
February 2). Likewise, karonda (Carrissa carandus), mahua (Madhuca
indica) and khirni (Manilkara hexandra) are rich source
March - April Ber, Mulberry, Beal, Pilu and Khirni
of vitamin A which is useful for maintaining eye sight.
May - June Chironji, Beal, Pilu, Khirni, Lasora and Mahua Aonla (Emblica officinalis) and monkey pod ( Pithecellobium
July - August Jamun, Ker and Phlasa dulce) are another important source of vitamin C whose
Sep - October Karonda consumption among rural population can boost immunity
power a lot. Ker and chironji again good source of
October - Pomegranate, Aonla
November phosphorus and calcium which are very essential for
muscle contraction, building strong bones and teeth,
December - Aonla, Ber
January
regulating heart beat and fluid balance etc. All indigenous
fruit are good source of fibre so can their consumption
can help in maintaining a healthy and happy digestive
Nutritional and livelihood security through system. Since they are lesser used for fresh consumption,
underutilized fruits therefore, they also secure the livelihood of rural and
Indigenous fruits given the tag of ‘poor man’s food’, tribal people by various value addition techniques. Fruits
and their nutritional benefits just remarked as superior in like khejri, pilu and jharber are used round the year after
comparison to exotic fruit like apple, grape, banana and dehydration. Some of the fruits like ler, sangri, karonda,
citrus etc. These fruits are an immense source of minerals lasoda etc are used in the form of pickle and used widely
as ayurvedic tonic. These products are not so commercial
but are sold by the households in traditional local markets,
haats, fairs and roasides for their earnings. In tribal
pockets like Southern Rajasthan, Odisha, Chhattisgarh etc,
these are the only source of livelihood. However, standard
procedure and protocol is still a challenge.
But in past two decades, ICAR/SAU institution
did significant work for standardization of package and
practices for precision farming of such species (Table 3).
The popularization of these fruits are done by on farm
trials, through AICRP on Arid Zone Fruits, and through
various trainings and seminars. Some of the research
organizations, KVKs and SAU’s are working in this
direction.

Cultivation prospects of underutilized fruits

Ker Underutilized fruits are easy to cultivate and they are

May–June 2022 41
tolerant enough to adverse climatic and soil conditions.
Fruits like ber, karonda, and custard apple can be
cultivated at high soil pH (8.5 or more). They can tolerate
frost and high temperature upto 48°C. They can withstand
in waterlogged soils. The method of propagation is also
similar to that of major fruits. Ber can be easily propagated
through ring budding, lasoda through T budding, custard
apple and tamarind through softwood grafting. Karonda
can be easily propagated through seeds and hardwood
cuttings. There is no such specific fertilizers and nutrient
requirements for these crops.
Hence, it is essential to conserve the genetic diversity
of Indian origin fruit species to protect and preserve for
the prosperity of nation. The germplsam conserved at
NBPGR Regional Station, Jodhpur are mentioned in
Table 3. An area which needs immediate attention is the
collection, documentation, conservation and utilization
for their sustained production and popularization and
commercialization.

Indigenous genetic resource conservation strategy

Among the challenges of HGR, utilization and
conservation of perennial species of economic importance
is essential which can be done either in situ or ex situ.
Emphasis needs to be given to the collection and
conservation of such species in coming decades for such
species.

Conservation strategy of indigenous resources Phalsa is a delicious fruit of arid region

Table 2. Proximate principles of other underutilised indigenous fruits species (all value as per 100 g edible
portion)

Fruit Botanical name Energy Protein Fat (g) Carbohydrate Crude Ca P Fe Vita-A Vita –C
Kcal (g) (g) fibre (g) (mg) (mg) (mg) (IU) (mg)

Chironji Buchanania lanzan 656 19- 59.1 12.1 3.8 279 528 8.5 - 5.0
21.6
Ker Capparis decidua 100 5.9 1.23 20.87 153.8 50.8 2.0 - 133

Karonda Carissa caranndus 59.4 0.3-1.1 2.5-4.6 0.5-2.9 0.6-1.8 21 28 - 1619 9-11

lasora Cordia myxa 65 1.8-2.0 1.0 12.2 0.3 40 60 - - -

Mahua Madhuca indica 1.37 1.61 22.6 - 45 22 1.1 512 40-42

Khirni Manilkara henxandra - 0.48 2.42 27.74 - 83 17 0.9 675 15.6

Monkey pod Pithecellobium dulce 78.8 2-3 0.4-0.5 18-19 1.1-1.2 13 42 0.5 25 138

Pilu Salvadorao leoides - 6.0 2.0 76 2.0 630 167 8.0 - 2.0

Jamun Syzygium cumini 62 0.7 0.1-0.3 14-16 0.3-0.9 8-15 15-16 1.2 80 5.7-18

Imli Tamarindus indica - 2-3 0.6 41-61 2.9 34-94 34-78 0.9 - 44

Ber Zizyphusnu malaria - 2.0 1.0 93 2.0 60 120 7.0 - 88

Source: Malik et al. 2010

42 Indian Horticulture
 To strengthen plant genetic resources of indigenous
fruit and important perennial plant species, ICAR-NBPGR
initiated concerted efforts to enrich their germplasm
though systematic exploration and conservation through
in-situ and ex-situ methods. Ex situ conservation of
important perennial fruit species having economic
importance consists conservation of land race, cultivated
types and their wild relatives with the help of designated
NAGS (National Active Germplasm site).

Table 3. Germplasm maintained in gene bank of

NBPGR Regional Station, Jodhpur
Tamarind is a source of value-added products
Name of crop No. of germplasm
maintained
waste without reaching to consumers. Hence their value
Ber 26 addition through SHG can boost the farmers income
West Indian Cherry 2 at grassroots level. Several production technologies
Lasoda 17
have been standardized by different institutions e.g.,
propagation methods (rootstock selection, grafting/
Ker 15
budding), plant spacing, canopy management, nutrient
Aonla 41 and water management, crop regulation, plant protection,
Phalsa 19 and post-harvest management and value addition .
Tamarind 01
In addition to production, there is a need for skill
development through entrepreneurships or self-help
groups (SHG’s) or Farmer Producer Organizations
Strategies for the improvement and promotion of (FPO), etc. ICAR-CIPHET; CIAH, Bikaner and Godhra
underutilized fruit crops etc involve in organising training for popularising
Indigenous fruit species can play a pivotal role in these fruits and development of value added product
mitigating malnutrition problem of the country where the from these species which needs to further up scale
availability of major fruits is either low or not accessible. for more entrepreneurship development. Government
In recent years, the awareness toward these species has through its various schemes like MIDH, NHB etc. is
increased due to awareness campaigns by ICAR & SAU providing subsidies for the establishment of commercial
institutions or KVK and farmers fairs demonstration or orchard, ripening chamber, cold storage and packhouse.
audio-video access on internet. As a result, their demand Organization of awareness camp at tehshil /block level
is increasing. These locally adapted species can be grown can popularize these indigenous species, to achieve theme
on waste lands where most of the others fruit fail to grow ‘vocal for local’.
or cultivate. Since, these species are reservoir of minerals, In addition to above incentives to on farm diversity
vitamins and antioxidants, they can serve the purpose of conservation, recognition through felicitation and
achieving SDGs (1 to 3). But, their produce perishability monetary support to the people and societies involved
is a cause of concern for research community. It has been in the conservation and utilization of such important
estimated that about 15 to 25% of such produces goes indigenous underutilized fruit species need to accelerated.

Table 4. Improved varieties of indigenous fruit species

Fruit Improved varieties Institute involved for planting material supply

Bael Goma Yashi, NB-5, NB-7, NB-9, Pant aparna, Pant Sujata, Pant CIAH, Bikaner (Raj); NDUAT, Ayodhya (UP);
Shivani, Thar divya, Thar Neelkanth GBPUAT, Pantnagar (UK)
Aonla NA-7, NA-10, NA-6, Goma Aishwaria CIAH, Bikaner (Raj); NDUAT, Ayodhya (UP)
Ber Gola, Umran, Goma Krti, Katha, Seb, Thar Sevika, Thar Bhuvraj CIAH, Bikaner (Raj)
Phlasa Thar Pragti, CIAH-P-1 CIAH, Bikaner (Raj)
Mulberry Thar Lohit, Thar Harit, Delhi local CIAH, Bikaner (Raj)
Lasora Thar Bold, Maru Samaridi, Karan CIAH, Bikaner (Raj)
Jamun Goma Priyanaka, Thar Kranti, CISH-J-37 CISH, Lucknow (UP); CIAH, Bikaner (Raj)
Karonda Thar Kamal, Konkan Bold, Marugorav, Pant Manohar, Pant Sudarshan, CIAH, Bikaner (Raj); GBPUAT, Pantnagar (UK)
Pant Suvarna
Mahua Thar Madhu CIAH, Bikaner (Raj)
Khirrni Thar Rituraj CIAH, Bikaner (Raj)
Chironji Thar Priya CIAH, Bikaner (Raj)

May–June 2022 43
Further, inclusion of a course curricula about indigenous
fruit species at school level will create awareness among
the children. Furthermore, the use of mass media like
radio, television, newspaper and other printed and
electronic media platforms can play an effective role in
creating awareness about the significance of underutilized
fruit crops among the growers and other stakeholders as
well as consumers.
Success story
Sh. Kailash Choudhary is a progressive farmer from
Kiratpura village, Rajasthan. After undertaking training
on value added product of indigenous fruit species
particularly of aonla, he raised his income from marginal
land. At present, Mr. Kailash is not only organically
producing products like amla juice, amla powder, aloe
vera juice, candies, squashes, pickles, sweets but also
exporting the international quality products to countries
like USA, UK, UAE and Japan under brand name of
K.S. Bio Foods.
Improved varieties and their source of origin
For establishment of commercial orchard, farmers
can send their requisition to respective institutions well
in advance so they can receive improved varieties timely.
44
Institutes involved in producing planting material are
given in Table 4.
Market and marketing opportunities
At present, there are two major marketing channels
predominant for export and promotion of these fruits.
One is traditional method such as local Mandies, Haat, and
some of the product targeted specified market. Another
form is retail chain in which some of the private firms like
Reliance Fresh, Pie Stores, Uphaar markets are getting
involved. They take the produce directly from the tribal
areas and of local people through the agents and further
do the essential postharvest handling operations followed
by export. These are getting commercialized owing to their
high medicinal value. People in restaurants are preferring
processed products of these fruits. These have significant
market opportunities in future and more channels need
to be framed for their commercial marketing.
For further interaction, please write to:
Vijay Singh Meena (Scientist), ICAR-NBPGR, Regional Station,
Jodhpur, Rajasthan. *Corresponding author email: nirmalchf@
gmail.com
Indian Horticulture
 Roshni Agnihotri*, Shiv Lal Chawla
Prospects and Krishna Kumar

Terrarium: A unique entrepreneurial opportunity for

migrant women in the COVID-19 pandemic

Terrarium making is an art as well as there is a science behind it. It is emerging

as one of the lucrative business opportunities in metro cities of India, where
people have to be confined indoors, and they crave for greenery. As a part of
the curriculum taught under the aegis of the undergraduate course ‘Ornamental
Horticulture’, an innovative teaching module was tried for instilling creativity in
undergraduate students of PDUCHF, Dholi, Bihar. Terrarium making was taught
in theory, demonstration, and practice. After that, students did an assignment of
preparing their terrarium by following guidelines provided by the instructor. These
terrariums were then displayed in Kisan Mela conducted by the RPCAU in 2021,
and a brief survey of visitors/interested farmers was conducted by the students.
Afterward, we found that many women from surrounding villages, who visited kisan
mela, were more interested in the art; thus, this article on the method of making
terrarium was compiled for the popularization of technology among women and
youth for the entrepreneurial opportunity/startup.

A terrarium is like an aquarium, with an ecosystem

of its own, but instead of ornamental fish, it contains
decorative/ornamental plants. It is a small aquarium-type
art of terrarium making and converging the women into
SHGs for marketing of their produce by e-commerce will
go a long way in metamorphosing skilled creative women
cabin utilized for growing plants. In the era of urbanization into empowered entrepreneurs. This skill will prove to
and shrinking space, man’s need to live in touch with be an asset for women as they can take it up along with
nature has increased immensely. To fulfill the need for household work. The scope of this business will bloom,
greenery in an innovative way, terrarium indeed can
act as an aesthetic and practical interior design element.
Terrariums developed as a miniature landscapes are an
interior-scaping masterpiece, made in just about any glass
container. It is planted to look like a miniature garden or
forest enclosed in its own little world, depending solely
on style or type. For people who live in cities and have
minimal or no garden space, their thirst for a small touch
of nature has been quenched by Bonsai/indoor plants/
window baskets, but a terrarium is the most wonderful
addition on the list.

Terrarium making: Entrepreneurial opportunity for

creative migrant women
‘Sashakt Mahila, Sashakt Bharat’ ideology is a motto
that will enable 50% of the country’s population to
contribute their share of GDP. The Indian government
has worked extensively towards the upliftment of rural
women in the country. Indian women have been
intrinsically and historically involved in art and craft to
become financially independent. This skill set can even
help landless reverse migrants being retained in their own
states and give them good work opportunities in their own
villages. Training rural agriculture women farmers in the Rainforest themed terrarium

May–June 2022 45
 Terrarium made by students
and the group of women can make this business along
with plant production for a terrarium as a niche business,
and they won’t find much competition. In the times of
the COVID-19 pandemic, urban people have realized the
value of greenery within four walls of their apartments;
thus terrarium as a center decorative piece in the living
room can be the next big thing to boast of!!
Instilling creativity in Graduates of PDUCH&F
Terrarium is one of the topics in the undergraduate
course of Horticulture in the aegis of Ornamental
Horticulture. After familiarising students with all
theoretical parts, components, and working of a terrarium,
an individual assignment was planned for a batch of 24
students to make a terrarium with available materials
in their home and use non-conventional ornamental
plants chosen from the surrounding. As this assignment
was performed in times of the COVID-19 pandemic
when teaching was online, the students were given 10
Desert landscape
46
minutes each to make an interactive video presentation
on how they made their terrarium. After this exercise,
qualitative feedback was taken from students, and they
found the assignment ‘creative’, ‘enjoyable’, and ‘fun’.
The teaching innovation was so inspiring that the students
even made and displayed their terrarium in kisan mela and
demonstrated the making technique to farmers, which
attracted lots of women farmers who expressed their
interest in taking up this business. Students can take this
venture as a part of their student-ready program as well
and can try their hands at developing it further into a
full-fledged business opportunity later on.
Guiding principles
A terrarium is a glass container that allows for a
mostly closed enclosed environment for plants. It allows
for control of the conditions that will be optimal for
the care of the plants inside. A terrarium has its own
miniature climate, and the closed glass container acts
like a greenhouse where sunlight enters through the glass
and warms the air, soil, and plants the same way that
sunlight coming through the atmosphere warms earth’s
surface thus mimicking the greenhouse effect. The glass
holds in some of the warmth, just as earth’s atmosphere
does. In summary, it can be said that terrariums are the
evolved form of a greenhouse, a self-sustaining miniature
ecosystem, with its very own flora-fauna interaction, own
water cycle, and nutrient cycle. Terrariums are easy-to-
make, low-maintenance, and can thrive well indefinitely
with minimal water application. The principle behind
a closed terrarium is simple; the water from the soil
is taken up by the plant as it grows. The water is then
released through the leaves via transpiration. This water
condenses on the glass and runs back to the soil where it
can be used again. Due to this mini-cycle, the plants can
go for months without water. It also creates a jungle-like
atmosphere of high humidity and warm temperature and
no drafts, which are perfect conditions for native tropic
house plants.
Indian Horticulture
Materials required
Containers from aquarium houses, amazon, antique
stores, or even from around the house like an old jar,
fused bulbs can make beautiful terrariums. They can be
of different size, shape, hanging type, tabletop type, etc.
It is possible to use anything for a terrarium, as long
as it is glass. The container can be left open or closed
depending on the selection of plants. Preferably the jar or
container should have a wide mouth. While it is possible
to use something with a small opening, placing the plants
is easier if the container has a wide mouth. Also, ideally,
the plants shouldn’t touch the sides of the jar. A large
container has a greater choice of types and sizes of plants
and the option of fitting in decorative elements, such
as shells, figurines, or ornaments. Other materials may
include rocks, pebbles, recycled glass chunks, activated
charcoal (or activated carbon), potting soil/media/moss/
sand, spoon, scissors, and gloves, etc.
Plant elements
Generally, small plants of slow-growing habit are
preferred that can be fitted inside a terrarium jar and
won’t grow too tall. Some plants having multiple stems;
can be separated even further. Terrarium will be successful
only when an appropriate group of plants is chosen. It is
advised to keep succulents and cacti together as they are
of xerophytic nature, and while making a tropical theme-
based terrarium, fern, mosses and tropical plants can be
kept together. Each group requires different amounts of
water and soil. First, all the plants selected for the single
terrarium need to thrive in the same kind of environment.
If a fern is paired with a cactus, one or the other might
not do well (the fern if it gets too dry, the cactus if it
gets too wet). Cacti and succulents require well-drained
sandy soil, while rich potting soil is needed for a tropical
terrarium. If the planting plan contains succulents,
beautiful terrariums with these plants can be made, but
no cover terrarium is required. Picking different shapes,
colours, sizes, and varieties in a pleasing combination will
add to the aesthetics of the terrarium. When considering
terrarium plants, chosen plants should thrive in low to
medium light. Getting a mix of sizes, leaf textures, and
leaf colours is recommended for terrariums. There are
tonnes of great terrarium plants, such as croton, pothos,
dracaena, small ferns, lucky bamboo, nerve plant, prayer
plant, club moss, orchids and creeping fig.
Making technique
The terrarium container does not have drainage
holes in the bottom, so there is a need to create a
place for extra water so that the roots do not rot. A
thick layer of sheet moss at the bottom of the terrarium
can soak up extra water. The moss sheet can even be
replaced by a layer of stones. It is advised to put at least
a 2-inch layer of stones in the bottom. The next step
is the addition of 1/4- to a 1/2-inch layer of activated
charcoal on top of the stones. The purpose of this is
to help in drainage and control any odour that might
occur inside the terrarium. It acts as an adsorbent and
filters the draining water, and avoids fungal growth. The
rocks are used above charcoal as a false drainage layer,
May–June 2022
Terrarium samples made by students during practical class
while the activated charcoal helps keep the terrarium
healthy, and the moss can be used for decoration and
to help soak up and retain water. Add polythene or wire
mesh to separate the charcoal layer from the soil layer
to prevent their mixing. The next step is to add moss on
top of the stones and charcoal. This extra layer keeps the
next layer, potting soil, from mixing in with the charcoal
and stones. This is an aesthetic decision, so this step is
optional. It can add visual interest to the terrarium by
displaying different layers from see-through terrarium
containers. The addition to sterile soil-less potting mix
on top of moss or on top of charcoal is given. This layer
fulfills the nutrient requirement of the plant and provides
anchorage to the plants, the depth of potting soil can be
at least a couple of inches. As it is needed to make sure
the selected plants fit into the terrarium with the lid on,
plants need to be measured before planting.
Landscape principles
Selecting the design of the terrarium too is a very
important point to ponder. The plants and different
elements of the terrarium should be placed nicely and
must not be cluttered. The arrangement should follow
the landscape principles given here.
y y Style/Theme: A theme such as desert/tropics/jungle/
park needs to be decided beforehand for pleasing
landscape development. It is suggested to contour the
soil so that it mounds and sinks to create interest. The
layout can be formal or informal.
y y Colour scheme: The plants should follow a proper colour
scheme, such as monochromatic/complementary or
supplementary, etc. A flashy colour of one element
can be added to create interest or draw attention.
y y Balance: Will the terrarium have a back and a front?
Or it should be visible from all sides; this depends on
the place of placement, type of container and design
of terrarium, etc. If it is visible from only one side, it
may be required to put the tallest plant in the back
or in the middle.
y y Focalization: One object of interest having some
curiosity/aesthetic factor to it.
47

Tropical closed moss terrarium
yy Simplicity: The design needs to be simple but attractive.
The utmost requirement is to avoid clutter and keep
the terrarium from becoming a horticultural zoo.
yy Ratio and proportion: The plants, focal element/Rock/
other objects should be in a pleasing proportion. The
size of the selected plant shouldn’t be too big for the
terrarium.
Removing the plants from the pots and trimming/
separating the root-bound plants by teasing the roots
apart, even cutting some off, should be prioritized.
Cutting off some of the roots, called root pruning helps
retard a plant’s growth, which is usually a good thing
when growing plants in the confines of a terrarium. If the
selected terrarium has a narrow neck, cooking chopsticks,
tongs, or long tweezers can be used to place plants. It
should be made sure that there are no air pockets between
the roots of terrarium plants and the soil. Thus, the soil
around the plants must be pressed firmly.
Aftercare
Over time, it is necessary to monitor the terrarium’s
water needs based on how dry the soil is. For terrariums
with closed lids, if water is dripping down from the top,
the lid has to be opened to allow evaporation. It does
not need water very often. If leaves die or wilt, then
they must be removed from the terrarium immediately.
If an entire plant dies, it needs to be taken out. For
precautionary measures, it must never be placed in direct
sunlight. Placing the plants in indirect light gives the
best results. If the terrarium is closed, taking off the top
at least once a month to air it out is a must. If there is
lots of condensation, top should be left open until it has
had a chance to dry out. It is not required to fertilize the
terrarium because encouraging growth is not a motive;
48
the healthy survival of plants is!! The terrarium enables
people to enjoy a larger variety of plants and widens
the decorative usage of flora. It enables people to grow
exotic and demanding plants and also to have plants in
places of limited daylight. The terrarium prolongs the
plants’ beauty and growth season by providing a protected
atmosphere. Any kind of plant, including herbs, grasses,
and mushrooms, can be easily grown, provided the size
is small and fits inside the container. Terrarium containers
are also used to preserve seasonal plants over winter.
Some companies are even providing novelty features like
automated control of lighting, heating, and humidity; thus,
these features can also be explored for the Indian market.
Marketing
Terrarium is a very attractive novelty item; thus can be
popularized through offline, online, direct sale, displayed
in gift shops/nurseries, and can be sold through homes,
plants, gardening, and interior magazines as well. It can
also be sold through specialists like florists and interior
designers. Initially, the terrarium can be marketed to
knowledgeable hobbyists, direct sales, and specialty
boutiques. Based on experiences from the initial market,
the product can develop and evolve. Terrariums can be
used instead of bouquets/garlands as a part of offering
to the end customers. Marketing strategy involving
professional florists, nurserymen, and designers, as well
as by gifting to chief guests, the product can get visibility
and thus a market among a wider audience. Finally, when
the production cost is low enough, the product can be
offered to a mass market through departmental stores and
supermarkets as well.
It is an appealing interior design element with
functionality of a mini greenhouse that enables the
growth of decorative and useful plants. These types of
novelty items will for sure help young, innovative and
creative women to open a world full of opportunities in
the ornamental and decoration industry.
Companies/Online communities involved in
Terrarium business in India and abroad
In India, there are many gifting companies and
startups venturing into this arena. Some well-established
online gifting platforms like ferns and petals are selling
terrariums in a wide range of prices starting from INR
399 to 5599, and they are a popular gifting choice
according to the website. Flower aura sells terrariums
ranging from INR 599 to 2499 in 21 states. Flower aura
also gives buyers a chance to select terrarium plants to
terrarium containers and accessories; thus, a personalized
self-designed terrarium can be purchased, that’s a novel
selling method used by the startup. They are popularizing
terrarium gifting through different social media campaigns
and targeting the tech-savvy youth by giving discounts on
using hashtags such as #gracefulgreens. Woodlings is a
Bengaluru-based startup that offers a wide range of indoor
plants and handmade terrariums. They don’t believe in
mass production and consider all terrariums to be unique.
No two terrariums would be exactly the same, and that
novelty is something that sets it apart from the rest. The
challenges it faces are dealing with fragile glass containers
Indian Horticulture
and fast shipping for its live plants. Some other companies
in this space include My Bageecha, Urban plant, Nursery
live, Ugaoo, West Elm, Decorizz India, etc

Way Forward
Greenpiece Terrariums, a Kerala-based company,
is a joint venture handled by Lakshmi Raju and Ganga
Fischbeck since 2015. ‘We never thought of starting
Greenpiece Terrariums as a startup. Being a stay-at-home
mother of two young children, what this venture has given
me is the convenience of making these at my home itself.
A lot of promotion happened because of word of mouth
as people really loved our terrariums and spread the
word’, said Lakshmi. Today, their business is thriving to
the extent that Greenpiece Terrariums rakes in an income
of ` 70,000 every month! People in Kochi began loving
these tiny gardens so much that requests for workshops
and DIY kits soon started dropping in.
As researched, there are not many people involved in
this business, but a few communities of hobbyists turned
into entrepreneurs, but the demand for this seemed very
high, especially in times of pandemic when people were
stuck indoors for more than 1.5 years worldwide. If seized
properly, terrarium making would prove to be a good
export commodity. Government support per se is not
available for terrariums. Under NHB/start-up Incubation/
MIDH scheme, some financial support can be availed, but
detailed information could not be obtained specifically.
If the marketing of the terrariums can be taken up Zen terrarium
along with nursery raising, this business can even be
expanded for export. In developed nations, there is a huge time in India. A set of sustainable skills imparted to the
demand for ornamentals for gifting on different occasions. horizontally marginalized group of persons will indeed
The terrariums can be promoted as miniature landscapes result in the economic empowerment of women.
for gifting purposes. It is a possibility that democratic
institutions such as self-help groups may help elevate
household economics through rural women as agents of
change. The group marketing will also empower them For further interaction, please write to:
by giving them a voice in decision-making. Women are Roshni Agnihotri (Assistant Professor), Tirhut College of
endowed with aesthetic acumen and have innate skills Agriculture, Dr. Rajendra Prasad Central Agricultural University,
Pusa, Samastipur, Bihar 848 125. *Corresponding author's email:
for crafts and arts. Crafts have been coexisting with
roshni@rpcau.ac.in
agriculture, farming, and natural resources for a very long

Mushroom as successful enterprise under ARYA in Kokrajhar district of Assam

KVK developed entrepreneurship in mushroom production in Rangati village by training 22 youths during
2019–20. On completion of training five youth were selected and provided with inputs for establishing
Mushroom production unit. Shri Rajib Baruah is one among them who started his mushroom production
unit (oyster mushroom) with the inputs provided. In first year, he got a production of 7 q mushroom
which he sold @ ` 180/ kg. He could get a return of ` 126,000. In second year, he got a production of
24 q mushroom which he sold @ ` 200/kg and got a return of ` 432,000. He invested his income for
increasing the capacity of his unit. In addition to that he also started button mushroom cultivation. He
also provides training to local youth as and when needed. Presently 4 youths have got full employment
along with partial employment of 15 youths. He has also engaged several youths in his entrepreneurial unit
thus, providing employment generation. His productions are mostly marketed to nearby state of Arunachal
Pradesh as well as within and outside the district and also among the local small entrepreneurs. The
mushroom production under ARYA has proved to be a successful enterprise for providing employment
opportunity to the rural youth of the district.
Source: ICAR Annual Report 2021-22

May–June 2022 49
 Ishwar Singh, B R Choudhary,
Success story S K Singh, Ved Prakash Chahal,
Mahindra Kumar, J R Verma,
S S Bhati and Shilpa Kumari

Management of root knot nematode

in cucumber grown under protected cultivation

Ten farmers cultivating cucumber in protected cultivation were selected for

management of root knot nematode (Meloidogyne incognita) in cucumber. This
particular nematode infestation was badly damaging the cucumber crop in FFP
adopted villages. The farmers were given technical help right from land preparation
till harvesting of cucumber. All the farmers were individually contacted and the
integrated nematode management practices were implemented at all the sites
with the help of a contact farmer. Results were very encouraging as the farmers
achieved average additional return of ` 89,000 per ha by adopting nematode
management suggested by scientists.

C ucumber is a very remunerative crop of FFP

adopted villages located 30-35 km away from Jodhpur
city in Rajasthan as it is in high demand round the year.
fields in Balarwa, Manai, Binjwaria and Bada kotecha
villages of Jodhpur District.

Ten farmers in the adopted villages had installed protected
cultivation structure, each having a half hectare area with
the help of Horticulture Department subsidies. Due to lack
of technical knowledge and adoption of monocropping
to earn maximum profit, there was heavy infestation of
nematode in the protected cultivation area. The cucumber
is in high demand in Jodhpur because of its nutritive
value of high fibre content, potassium and vitamin C. This
hue and cry of farmers was observed in farmers-scientist
interaction held in Village Balarwa in August 2021. The
FFP team decided to resolve this problem.
Shri Om Prakash, resident of Village Balarwa, is a
Agriculture Graduate from SKRAU, Bikaner. He along
with field assistant of FFP, was given the responsibility to
convince the farmers for the adoption of the techniques of
integrated management of root knot nematode at farmer
Technology demonstrated
Technology: Management of root knot nematode
No. of farmers and area: 10 and 4 ha
Situation: Irrigated
Date of sowing: Last week of September, 2021
Critical input: Improved package of practices as
recommended by Scientists of AU, Jodhpur.
Farmers were suggested to adopt integrated
management of root knot nematode, which included
application of formalin fumigants @ 30 ml/m2 through
drip irrigation as pre-sowing treatment. The formalin
treated area was sealed for 15 days with 4 plastic mulch
as per the recommendation developed by Scientists of
Agriculture Research Station, Mandor, Jodhpur. This
practice reduced the quick reduction of initial nematode
population. Inputs of the complete package for 0.4 ha area

Scientists taking soil samples for nematode population in Healthy crop of cucumber after integrated nematode
crop in adopted villages management

50 Indian Horticulture
Table 1. Yield and economics of cucumber

Technology Fruit yield Per cent Cost of cultivation Gross return Net return Additional B:C ratio
(q/ha) increase (`/ha) (`/ha) (`/ha) return
(`/ha)

Treated 170 21.4 90,000 5,44,000 4,54,000 89,000 6.04

Non-treated 140 - 83,000 4,48,000 3,65,000 - 5.40

were given to each farmer from FFP funds. To keep the
nematode population below ETL in the formalin treated
area, fungal bio-agent like Paecilomyces lilacinus @ 2 kg/ha
was applied through FYM enrichment at the time of seed
sowing. The bio-agent was purchased from ICAR-National
Research Centre on Seed Spices, Tabiji, Ajmer. All the
farmers were motivated to adopt crop rotation, balance
fertilization, proper irrigation schedule and recommended
inter-culture practices in cucumber grown in protected
cultivation.
This integrated nematode management module
was found highly successful and improved the average
cucumber yield by 21.4% over the untreated plot. Due to
improvement in cucumber yield, farmers got additional
net return of ` 89,000 per ha with B:C ratio 6.04 against
B:C ratio of 5.40 observed in untreated plots.
Shri Om Prakash, the contact farmer who is a
agriculture graduate played a very important role as he
managed and he motivated all the 10 fellow farmers to
adopt integrated management practices of nematode. He
was rewarded with a letter of appreciation by PI of the
FFP. The protected farming practices are increasing in the
adopted villages and most of the farmers are now using
the recommended technologies of Agriculture University,
Jodhpur for harvesting maximum benefit and sustainability
of the farm resources.
For further interaction, please write to:
Ishwar Singh (Director Extension Education and PI of FFP),
Directorate of Extension Education, Agriculture University,
Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342 304. *Corresponding author email:
deeaujodhpur@gmail.com

Textbook of
Field Crops Production – Commercial Crops

Availability of high-yielding varieties/hybrids and increased irrigated facilities have (Volume II)
resulted in the development of production-intensive cropping systems in several parts of
India, and this has catalyzed further agronomic research based on the cropping-system
approach. Many changes have also taken place in the crop-production technologies. And
this necessitated the revision of the earlier publication brought out in 2002. The revised
textbook is in two volumes: First is covering Foodgrains and second is on Commercial Crops.
The discipline of Agronomy has no longer remained mere field trials without application
of discoveries emanating from the related disciplines of Genetics, Soil Science and
Agricultural Chemistry, Plant Biochemistry, etc. The future Agronomy Landscape will
face challenges of climate change, transboundary issues, TRIPS and other trade-
related barriers, biotic and abiotic stresses, consequences of biotechnology and genetic
engineering and increased market demands in terms of quality assurance, customized
food crops, global competition, ecosystem services on land and social equities etc. The
Agronomy must measure up to these futuristic challenges with well-defined metrics
and methodologies for performance. The advent of hydroponics, precision farming,
bio-sensors, fertigation, landscaping, application of ICT, GPS and GIS tools and micro-
irrigation is in the horizon. This revised edition in two volumes covers fundamentals of
the subject and at the same time will inspire and prepare teachers and students for the
emerging frontiers.

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Pages : i-xiv + 612 • Price : ` 800 • ISBN No. : 978-81-7164-146-8

For obtaining copies, please contact:

Business Manager
Directorate of Knowledge Management in Agriculture
Krishi Anusandhan Bhavan I, Pusa, New Delhi 110 012
Tel: 011-25843657, Fax 91-11-25841282; e-mail: bmicar@gmail.com

May–June 2022 51
 Rakesh Kumar Yadav*,
Success story M C Jain, V K Yadav and
R K Yadav

Guava based intercropping for

doubling farmers' income

The current study was started in July 2018 at village Suhana, Post Bhandahera,
Block Sultanpur, District Kota, Rajasthan. The area comprising Kota, Baran, Bundi
and Jhalawar Districts of Rajasthan is popularly known as Haroti region. This
region comes under south-eastern part of the state. A farmer (Sh. Ghanshyam) was
identified for different modules based on his existing production system, potential
and interest. The major cropping system of the region were paddy-wheat, urd-
wheat and soybean-wheat. The village is near to the Agriculture University, Kota
and adopted by the university under Mera Gaon Mera Gaurav but the technology
awareness and adoption was very low. Farmers are still cultivating old varieties
and do not have access to quality seed. The soil texture is clayey. Being in peri-
urban situation, there is an immense opportunity and potential to make agriculture
a profitable enterprise.

G hanshyam, a farmer of village Suhana, Kota

(Rajasthan) was growing soybean, wheat, etc. with
traditional practices of agriculture. These traditional
crops were mainstay of his livelihood. The idea of
guava based intercropping helped to harness potential
yield and attaining more profit as compared to
individual crops of tomato, coriander, onion, garlic and
potato. For sustainable crop production in Rajasthan
conditions, by cultivating intercrop in fruit orchard,
farmers can enhance the water-use efficiency, sustain
soil fertility, reduce weed growth, minimize soil erosion,
maximize utilization of interspaces left in orchard,
which ultimately leads to sustainable production and
enhanced farm income. Keeping these points in view,
different combinations of vegetable crops, viz. guava +
onion, guava + tomato, guava + garlic were grown by
Sh. Ghanshyam in guava orchard, spaced at 5 × 5 m,
which has attained the age of 3 years. He also adopted
brinjal + pumpkin intercropping and garlic + bottle
gourd relay cropping. According to Sh. Ghanshyam,
the guava based intercropping with vegetables during
both the seasons (rabi and kharif) is practically feasible
and economically viable under Haroti region of
Rajasthan. Among the sole crops of vegetables, guava
and guava based intercropping, the net economic return
` 611,983/ha with the B:C ratio 4.13 was achieved in
guava based intercropping. In order to obtain more
sustainable returns, intercropping not only enhances the
productivity and income but also utilizes the unutilized
space left in orchards.

Garlic and bottle gourd intercropping Kishan Divas at Sh. Ghanshyam's field

52 Indian Horticulture
 Scientific cultivation of potato as sole crop
Objectives
y y To introduce new cropping patterns as intercropping
in the fruit orchard
y y To encourage the farmers for crop diversification for
doubling farmers income
y y To enhance farm income by adopting horticulture
based cropping system
Generic problems in the area
y y Scarcity of ground water and uneven distribution of
monsoon
y y Low market price of traditional crops and less farm
income per unit area
y y Limited awareness of farmers regarding good
agriculture practices
y y Less adoption of horticulture-based cropping system
Reason for selection of this area
Haroti region of Rajasthan is known for cultivation
of soybean, coriander, garlic, wheat and mustard. Haroti
region comes under Humid South Eastern Plain agro-
climatic zone of Rajasthan. Soil of this zone is heavy
textured vertisols which is swelling and shrinking in
nature. The farmers of this zone grow sole crops like
soybean, wheat, mustard, garlic, coriander etc. Farmers
face many problems viz. price issue at the time of selling
because the above crops are in glut in the Mandi or in
the market, therefore, farmers do not fetch good prices of
their produce. Apart from that, heavy and erratic rainfall
cause unbearable loses to the farmers, severe incidence
of insect pests and diseases in the latter years, ultimately
reduces the yield and quality of the produce.
Impact of Agriculture University
Sh. Ghanshyam belonging to Village Suhana, Block
Guava and garlic intercropping
May–June 2022
Pumpkin + brinjal Muskmelon and marigold
intercropping intercropping
Sultanpur, District Kota, Rajasthan came in contact with
Agriculture University, Kota and deliberated his problems
with university scientists. He faced many problems like
scarcity of good quality irrigation water, low yield and
poor quality of produce. He was looking for adoption of
recent technologies developed by the agriculture scientists.
Scientists suggested to Sh. Ghanshyam for various
trainings and he got training on propagation methods,
irrigation water management, nursery management,
drip irrigation, mulching, importance of guava based
intercropping, etc. from various units of Agriculture
University, Kota. After that, idea of guava based
intercropping came to his mind and he discussed deeply so
many times regarding this with scientists of the university
who explained him that how guava based intercropping
is better than sole crops. This type of cropping system
utilise inter row space and nutrients judiciously until the
main crop is affected by intercrop.
He was advised to take guava as main crop because
it is well suited to this agro-climatic zone, this region
also called Haroti region (comprises Kota, Baran, Bundi
and Jhalawar districts of Rajasthan). Farmer agreed to
take guava crop and established an orchard of 3 ha in
the year 2018. He had insufficient ground water for the
Guava and chilli intercropping
53
Table 1. Net returns obtained in different cultivation practices

Crop Area Gross return Total cost Net return BC ratio

Sole crop (Vegetables) 1.0 ha 391,600 110,240 281,360 2.55

Sole crop (Guava) 1.0 ha 503,690 118,430 385,260 3.25

Guava based intercropping 1.0 ha 760,053 148,070 611983 4.13

(Guava + Vegetables)

Guava + onion intercropping

Harvesting, cutting and curing of onion bulbs

summer crops, so he was advised to create a farm pond Summary

to harvest the rain water. Later he had farm pond for
fulfillment of irrigation water requirement and this pond
was filled with rain water harvesting only. For irrigation,
drip and check basin methods were adopted for guava
and intercrops respectively. In between the rows of guava
plants, farmer took onion, tomato, chilli, potato, cucurbits
(initially), marigold, garlic, etc. as intercrop.
Outcome
According to farmer, sole crop of onion, potato,
garlic, tomato, etc. gave average net return of ` 281,360
per ha with B:C ratio of 2.55 . Whereas, in case of guava
as sole crop, net return of ` 385,260 per ha and BC ratio
of 3.25 was observed. New intervention of guava based
intercropping with onion, potato, garlic, tomato and
cucurbits gave net return of ` 611,983 with BC ratio of
4.13 (Table 1).
Sh. Ghanshyam regularly observe the prices online
and accordingly sells his produce in cities like, Kota,
Jaipur, own farm etc. and elsewhere from where he gets
more return. He uses social media actively on regular basis
for promotion of produce like, farm/orchard photographs,
harvested produce, etc. He also adopted animal husbandry
and properly utilises the by-products obtained from the
crops. Sh. Ghanshyam is popular among the farmers
community in his block for adopting new technologies and
his success stories are published periodically in magazines
and newspapers. Being inspired by Mr. Ghanshyam,
nearby farmers of his village and other villages are
adopting new technologies and knowledge provided by
Agriculture University, Kota. He also inspires the farmers
by providing training at his own farm for adopting new
interventions. Scientists of Agriculture University, Kota
also visit his field as and when he call them to solve his
problems.

For further interaction, please write to:

Rakesh Kumar Yadav (Assistant Professor), College of Agriculture,
Ummedganj-Kota, Agriculture University, Kota 324 001, Rajasthan.
*Corresponding author email: rakeshyadav635@gmail.com

54 Indian Horticulture
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56 Indian Horticulture
 T Janakiram
Hort Fact Sheet

Fig at a glance

Fig variety Diana under forti-drip Multistem training Reproductive bud Fruiting behaviour
irrigation system

Fig Its fruit is pear-shaped, 3–5 cm long, with a green skin that may ripen toward purple or brown,
and sweet soft reddish flesh containing numerous crunchy seeds. Figs can be eaten fresh or dried,
or processed into jam, rolls, biscuits and other types of desserts.
Botanical name Ficus carica
Family Moraceae
Commercial varieties Poona fig, Dinkar and Diana Ripe fruits
Economic part Fruit
Propagation techniques Hardwood cutting and Tissue culture
Nursery period 2-3 months
Grafting time June-July and February-March
Spacing 4 m × 3.5 m; 5 m x 5 m
Climate and soil Fig is especially well adapted to Mediterranean climate, but grows well in subtropical conditions.
requirements The optimum temperature for its good growth being 15.5 to 21oC. It comes up well in lateritic,
alluvial soils, and well drained soil.
Leaf The leaves of the tree are bright green in colour, large and either single or alternately arranged Ideal stage for
table purpose
Fruit Multiple fruit called as syconium (parthenocarpic fruit set)
Growth form Upright and compact
Economic yield After 3 years
Yield/plant 12-15 kg/plant
First harvest 2 years
Harvesting method Individual fruits, harvested by hand plucking
Harvesting period 3-4 months after fruit set
Dried fig
Pests Thrips and fig fly
Diseases Rust
Shelf life 4-5 days under ambient conditions
Post-harvest products Dried fruit, powder and Jam
Nutritional value Chemical composition of fig fruit (100 g edible portion)

Nutrient Quantity
Fresh fruit Dried fruit
Protein 1.3 g 4.3 g
Minerals 0.6% 2.4%
Carbohydrates 7.6% 69% Dry fruit packing
Fibre 2.2% 5.6%

Medicinal value Figs have many potential benefits, including promoting digestive and heart health, and aids in
managing blood sugar levels.

For further details, please contact or write to:

Drs Akath Singh, Dalpat Singh and Hukam Singh
Kothyari, IICAR-Central Arid Zone Research Institute, Fig jam
Jodhpur, Rajasthan 342 003