School of Agriculture Diploma in Commercial Horticulture DCH-10

School of Agriculture
Diploma in Commercial Horticulture

DCH-10
Applied Horticulture: Crop Production Technology

(Vegetable Crops)
DCH 05
2010-2011
Uttarakhand Open University
Haldwani, Nainital
i|Page
Expert Committee
Prof. Vinay Kumar Phatak
Patron
Haldwani, Nainital
Prof. Nem Pal Singh

Director, School of Agriculture & Health
Sciences
Haldwani Nainital
Shri Sudhir Chadda

Director
IDHT, Chaffi, Bheemtal
Dr. Ranjan Shrivastava

Associate Professor, Deptt. Of Horticulture
GBPUA&T, Pantnagar
Dr. Prabhat Kumar

Assistant Professor, Deptt. Of Horticulture
GBPUA&T, Pantnagar
Programme Co-ordinator
Gaurav Papnai
Course Writers and material collection

Prof. Nem Pal Singh
Director, School of Agriculture & Health Sciences
Haldwani, Nainital
Gaurav Papnai
Academic Consultant
Haldwani, Nainital
Course Editing
Prof. Nem Pal Singh
Director, School of Agriculture & Health Sciences
Haldwani, Nainital
Gaurav Papnai
Academic Consultant
Haldwani, Nainital
All rights reserved. No part of this work may be reproduced in any form, by mimeograph or any
other means, without prior permission in writing from the Uttarakhand Open University.
ii | P a g e
Syllabus
Page No.
Unit-1: PEAS
01-15
Unit-2: TOMATO
16-33
Unit-3: GINGER
34-45
Unit-4: POTATO
46-69
iii | P a g e
Unit-1: PEAS
Table of Contents
1.1 OBJECTIVES
1.2 IMPORTANCE AND UTILITY
1.3 ORIGIN AND HISTORY
1.4 CLASSIFICATION
1.4.1 GARDEN PEA (PISUM SATIVUM VAR. HORTENSE)
1.4.2 FIELD PEA (PISUM SATIVUM VAR. ARVENSE)
1.5 BOTANY
1.6 CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS
1.7 SOIL AND ITS PREPARATION
1.8 VARIETIES
1.9 SEED AND SOWING
1.10 MANURES AND FERTILISERS
1.11 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE
1.12 WEED CONTROL
1.13 DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL
1.13.1 WILT AND ROOT ROT
1.13.2 POWDERY MILDEW
1.13.3 RUST
1.14 INSECT PESTS AND THEIR CONTROL
1.14.1 PEA STEM FLY
1.14.2 LEAF MINER
1.14.3 PEA APHIDS
1.14.4 POD BORER
1.15 HARVESTING AND THRESHING
1.16 PREPARATION FOR MARKET
1.17 STORAGE
1.18 SEED PRODUCTION
1|Page
1.1 OBJECTIVES
After the completion of the chapter students will be able to
1. Understand importance of Pea cultivation.
2. Identify different varieties of Pea.
3. Understand propagation methods of Pea Cultivation.
4. Perform different cultivation practices of Pea.

Pea is a popular vegetable and pulse crop of India. It provides varieties of vegetarian
.dishes and hence it is liked throughout the world. There are two types of cultivated peas, the
garden pea and the field pea. Garden peas are harvested in an immature condition to be cooked
as green to provide a delicious dish, or to be canned or frozen for subsequent use. Field peas are
grown as a forage crop for cattle or as a green manure crop for soil improvement or as a cover
crop to reduce soil erosion or as a mature seed. The mature seed may be used as whole or split
into 'dal' and prepared in various ways for human consumption. It is highly nutritive and contains
high proportion of digestible protein, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. The idea of nutritive
value of pea can be had from the following figures. Values have been drawn up on the basis of
100 g of dried edible portion.
Moisture
11 g
Calcium
64 mg .
Protein
22.5 g
Iron
4.8 mg
Fat
1.8 g
Riboflavin
0.15 mg
Carbohydrates
62.1 g
Thiamin
0.72 mg
Niacin
2.4 mg
2|Page
The grains of edible mature pods contain 72.1 per cent water, 19.8 per cent carbohydrates, 7.2
per cent protein, 0.1 per cent fat and 0.8 per cent mineral matters.

The cultivation of pea is very ancient. Cultivation of pea can be traced to Swiss lake dwellers of
the Bronze Age (about 3000-1100 BC). The pea is native to the Mediterranean region of
southern Europe and to western Asia. It is probably indigenous to the region comprising Italy
and south-western Asia eastwards to the Himalayas, including northern India.
1.4 CLASSIFICATION
Two types of peas are generally cultivated all over the globe. One is the garden pea and
the other is field pea.
1.4.1 Garden pea (Pisum sativum var. hortense)
It is also called table pea. In this type, young, green seeds are used mostly in vegetables
and also for canning purposes. Seeds are bold and wrinkled. The plants are generally white
flowered. Leaf axils are generally green. Seeds are yellowish, whitish or bluish green.
1.4.2 Field pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense)

In this type, the ripe, mature seeds are used as pulse (dal). They are also grown as forage
or green manure crop. Field peas are hardy plants and grown on a large scale without irrigation.
These plants are also able to withstand frost. Seeds are round and little angular. Generally they
have coloured flowers. Leaf axils are often pigmented. Seeds are grayish green, grayish brown or
grayish yellow.
3|Page
1.5 BOTANY
Pea belongs to the family Leguminosae. It is an annual herbaceous plant. The plant is
semi-erect, but when a support is available, it has a tendency to climb. The plants grow to a
height of about 30-200 cm. Peas germinate in a hypogeal fashion; the cotyledons remaining
below the ground surface. Plants develop a tap root system. Stems are slender, hollow and
succulent. Leaves are typically pinnately compound. Each leaf has one to three pairs of leaflets
and terminal branched tendrils. A large pair of stipules, or leaf-life bract, is found at the base of
the petiole of each leaf and these bracts are so large that they can be mistaken for sessible leaves.
The inflorescence is an axillar raceme. It is a typical legume flower. The flowers of field peas are
smaller than those of garden pea and are coloured, the colour of the standard being pale lilac, the
wings purplish and the keel yellowish white. The flowers of garden pea are white in colour. The
fruit is a typical pod containing 4 to 9 seeds. The length of the pod is 5-9 cm and shape is inflated
or almost cylindrical. Seeds vary in shape from round to angular to very rough and in colour
from green yellow to grey and brown. Peas are generally self-fertilised, but cross fertilisation
may also occur.

Peas require a cool growing season and moderate temperatures are essential throughout
the growing season. For germination, about 22C temperature is considered favourable. High
temperatures are more injurious to pea crop than frost. Frost can damage the plants during
flowering stage. Peas can be produced successfully in temperate, semi-arid zones. Peas are most
sensitive to moisture stress at flowering stage. High humidity is harmful to pea crop as it favours
incidence of diseases. The optimum monthly temperature suitable for its growth is 13-18oC.
4|Page

A well drained soil is essential for successful production of peas. Pea is highly sensitive
to water logging conditions, hence, a well drained loam soil is considered best for pea
cultivation. It tolerates a moderate soil pH range (6.0 to 7.5). The optimum pH is 6.5. Field is
prepared as in the case of other Rabi crops. After harvest of Kharif crops, the field should be
ploughed with disc or mould board plough. Where tractor is available, one deep ploughing
followed by 2-3 harrowings and plankings should be given to prepare a well pulverized seed bed.
Where bullocks are the source of power, deep ploughing followed by 2-3 harrowings or 3-4 cross
ploughings with desiplough should be done. Avoid powdery seedbed. Field should be well
levelled and should be prepared after pre-sowing irrigation to ensure adequate moisture at the
time of sowing.
1.8 VARIETIES
Pea varieties may be divided into two groups according to seed shape that is (a) smooth
seeded and (b) wrinkled seeded. The wrinkled seeded varieties are generally sweeter in
comparison to smooth seeded ones. The description of some of the important varieties of garden
pea is given below:
Type-I 9: It matures in 120 days. It has dark green foliage and white flowers. Seeds are wrinkled
and greenish white. Pods are ready for picking in about 75 days. It yields about 70-100 quintal
green pods per hectare. It is recommended for growing in all the tracts of Uttar Pradesh.
5|Page
Punjab 87: Its plants are medium dwarf, vigorous, erect and dark green. The first picking takes
place 100 days after sowing. Pods are dark green, 9-10 cm long and slightly curved at the end.
The grains are bold and sweet. Shelling out-turn is 49 per cent. The yield of green pods is about
150 quintal per hectare.
Early Badger: Pods are of light green colour and about 7 cm long. Pods are ready for picking
after 60-65 days of sowing. The average yield of green pods is 80-85 quintal per hectare.
Early December: It has been developed from a cross of T -19 and Early Badger. It is wrinkleseeded short duration variety. Its pods get ready for picking after 55 days of sowing. Pods are
about 7 cm long and of dark green colour. Average yield of green pods is about 75quintal per
hectare.
Arkel: It is a wrinkle-seeded dwarf variety. Pods are ready for picking after 60 days of sowing.
Long, bent at the stigmatic end, pods look very sound at full maturity. Average yield of green
pods is 80-90 quintal per hectare. s
Meteor: It is smooth seeded, early and dwarf variety. Its pods get ready for picking after 60 days
of sowing. Average yield of green pods is 80-90 quintal per hectare.
G.C. 141: It is a wrinkle-seeded variety. It takes about 95 days for producing marketable pods.
Average yield green pods is about 100 quintals per hectare.
6|Page
Asauji: It is a very early variety and pods are ready to harvest after 45 to 60 days of sowing. The
seeds are round and green.
G.C. 195: It has been developed from a cross of T 19 and Little Marvel. It is a wrinkle seeded
early maturing variety. Its plants are of medium size. Pods are ready for picking in 75-80 days.
Pods are about 7 cm long. The average yield of green pods is about 90 quintal per hectare.
Rekha: It matures in about 120 days. Plants are semi-spreading type with white flowers. Seeds
are round, smooth and creamy in colour with black hilum. It is suitable for green pods and dry
seeds as well. Its average yield is 80-100 quintal of green pods and 15-20 quintal of dry grains
per hectare.
Pant Matar-2: It is cross between Early Badger and Pant Uphar. Pods are ready to harvest 60
days after sowing. The average yield is 100 quintals per hectare.
Pant Sabzi Matar-3: It is a cross between Arkel and GC 141. It is tolerant to powdery mildew.
Pods are ready to harvest 60-65 days after sowing.
1.9 SEED AND SOWING

Before sowing the seeds should be treated with Thiram at the rate of 0.25 per cent. Time
of sowing is more critical in case of garden peas. The optimum time for sowing of garden peas
(vegetable purpose) is from 25th October to 15th November in northern India. In case of early
sowing, special care should be taken against stem fly. Seed rate and spacing vary according to
7|Page
the periods of maturity of different varieties. The early maturing varieties like Arkel, Early
Badger etc. are given closer spacing and higher seed rate and the late varieties are given wider
spacing and lower seed rate. In case of early maturing dwarf varieties, crop should be sown .in
rows 20 cm apart and about 100-125 kg seed per hectare should be sown. In late maturing and
taller varieties a row spacing of about 30 cm seems to be optimum. The seed rate should be
reduced to 75-80 kg per hectare.
Sowing of pea should be done according to prevailing temperature in a particular area. It
should be sown when daily maximum temperature is below 30o C and the daily minimum
temperature comes down to 20oC. If pea is sown above this temperature range then crop will
have more incidence of stem fly.

Being a leguminous crop, the pea does not require high doses of nitrogen. If available,
about 200 quintals of farmyard manure should be incorporated in the soil at the time of land
preparation. This should be supplemented with 20-30 kg nitrogen as a starter dose per hectare as
a basal dressing at the time of sowing which can meet plant requirement before the formation of
nodules. For good nodulation, seed should be treated with proper strain of bacterial culture
before sowing. However, in plots where peas are being regularly grown there is no necessity of
bacterial culture.
Phosphorus and potassium are the other two important major nutrients required for better
growth and yield. These should be applied as a basal dose based on soil test. If soil is deficient in
these nutrients, apply 60-70 kg phosphorus and- 30-40 kg potash per hectare. Mixture of all the
8|Page
fertilizers should be given 4-5 cm away from the rows and 4-5 cm deeper from seed. Where
placement is not possible scattes the fertiliser on the soils before the last harrowing.
In case of zinc deficiency, 0.5% zinc sulphate and 0.25% lime should be sprayed after the
appearance of disease symptoms characterized by chlorosis, stunted growth etc.

Pea crop can tolerate drought condition to some extent. By providing one or two
irrigations higher yields can be obtained. First irrigation should be given at 45 days and second,
if needed, at pod filling stage. The irrigation may bring 100 to 150 per cent increase in the yield
depending upon the soil type, winter rains and depth of water table. Special precaution should be
taken while irrigating a pea crop. Light and uniform irrigation should be given. Water logging
condition in pea field, even for a day, causes considerable loss in the yield since this crop is
highly sensitive to poor drainage conditions. Poor drainage leads to reduction in the number of
branches and pods per plant.
1.12 WEED CONTROL

The pea field should be free from weeds for a period of 40-50 days after sowing. Later on
the crop itself checks the growth of weeds by covering the ground surface. The major weeds
found in pea crop are Chenopodium album (bathua), Fumaria Parviflora (gajri), lathyrus spp.
(chatrimatri), Melilotus alba (senji), Vicia sativa (ankari). There is drastic reduction in yield
under heavy infestation of weeds. Therefore, the field should be kept free from weeds by giving
two weedings and hoeings after three and six weeks of germination. Weedicides like Basalin and
Tribunil can be used safely for weed control. Basalin at the rate of 0.75 kg (a.i.) in 800-1000
9|Page
litres of water as pre-planting spray may be used as effective herbicide. It should be well
incorporated in the soil before sowing. In case Basalin is not available, use 2.5 kg Tribunil in
800-1000 litres of water per hectare as pre-emergence spray.

The important diseases of pea are wilt, root rot, powdery mildew and rust.
1.13.1 Wilt and root rot
These diseases are caused by Fusarium oxysporum and Rhizoctonia solani fungi. The
symptoms may be seen in seedling stage. The roots rot and plants show yellowing of the lowermost leaves, followed by wilting. These diseases cause considerable damage when the crop is
sown early.
Control Measures
Treat the seed with 2.5 g of Ceresan or Brassicol or 2 g of Captan per kg of seed before
sowing.
Avoid early sowing in badly infested areas.
1.13.2 Powdery mildew

This disease is caused by the fungus Erysiphe polygoni. It is a serious disease of pea
crop. The symptoms first appear on the leaves and then on other green parts of the plant. They
are characterised by white powdery, patchy growth on both the surfaces of the leaf and also on
the tendrils, pods, and stem. In advanced stage, entire plant's surface may be covered with white
powder which consists of mycelium and spores of the fungus. The number and weight of the
pods are reduced. In case of severe infection the plant dies prematurely.
10 | P a g e
Control Measures
Avoid late planting.
After harvest, collect the plants left in the field and burn them.
The disease can be controlled by two to three sprays of any of the wettable Sulphur
compounds like Sulfex, Elosal or Hexasual at the rate of 3 kg per hectare in 1000 litres of
water. Give the first spray after appearance of the disease in the crop. The second spray
should be done 14 days after the first spray and the third spray only if there is a need for
it.
1.13.3 Rust
The disease is caused by the fungus Uromyces fabae. This disease is serious in northern
India. The stem of the plant becomes malformed and the affected plant dies. All the green parts
of the plants are affected. The earliest symptoms are the yellow spots having aecia in round or
elongated clusters. Then the unredo pustules develop which are powdery and light brown in
appearance.
Control Measures
After harvest, the affected plant trash should be burnt.
Spray the crop with Dithane M-45 at the rate of 2 kg per hectare in 1000 litres of water.
Two to three sprays are sufficient.

The crop is infested by a number of pests which are described below.
11 | P a g e
1.14.1 Pea stem fly

The adult fly 1ayseggs in the plant tissues and the maggots damage the internal tissues of
the stem and ultimately the entire plant dies. Damage is more severe in early plantings.
Control Measures
Mix 30 kg Furadon or 10 kg Thimet granules in the soil before sowing the crop.
When plants attain 10-15 cm height, spraying with 0.04 per cent Thiodan should be done.
1.14.2 Leaf Miner

Larvae feed by making tunnels in the leaves. They cause serious damage during
December to March.
Control Measure
Spray 250 ml of Dimecron 100 EC or 1 litre of Metasystox 20 EC in 1000 litres of water

per hectare when the attack begins and repeat at 15 days' interval.
1.14.3 Pea Aphids

They suck the sap of the cells, owing to which the leaves turn pale and yellow. In case of
server infestation the plant growth is checked.
Control Measure
Spray 250 ml Dimecron 100 EC or I litre of Metasystox 25 EC in 1000 litres of water per
hectare.
1.14.4 Pod borer

They bore into the pods and feed on the grains inside. Generally late sown crop is
damaged more by this insect pest.
12 | P a g e
Control Measure
Spray crop with 1.25 litres of Thiodan 35 EC (Endosulfan) in 1000 litres of water per
hectare or 1.5 litre of Diazinon 20 EC or 400 ml of Phosphamidon in 1000 litres of water
per hectare. Picking of green pods should be done 15 days after spraying.
1.15 HARVESTING AND THRESHING

As stated above different varieties of garden pea have varying maturity periods. The
picking of green pods should be done by giving a simple jerk to the pedicel with minimum
possible disturbance to the plant. Crop for seed should be harvested when it is fully ripe and
threshed after sufficient drying in the sun.
YIELD
With improved package of practices, one may expect about 100-125 quintals of green
pods per hectare and about 15-20 quintals of grain and about same quantity of straw from one
hectare of land.

The pods deteriorate rapidly after harvest. Therefore, they should be kept in shade and at
a cool place. The over mature, diseased and damaged pods should be removed before sending to
the market. The pods can be packed in gunny bags and can be sent to market.
13 | P a g e
1.17 STORAGE
Unshelled pea pods can be kept better than shelled pea. At room temperature the pods can
be kept for two to three days provided they are frequently sprayed with fresh water. but in cold
storage they can be kept for 15 to 20 days at OOC with 85 to 90 per cent relative humidity.

It is a self-pollinated crop and requires 25 and 50 metres isolation distance for certified
and foundation seed production respectively. During its crop period, the crop should be inspected
thrice. First, before flowering and on the basis of external characters off types and diseased
plants should be removed. Secondly, at the time of flowering and on the basis of flower
characters off types and diseased plants should be removed. Finally, at the time of pod ripening
and off types and diseased ones should be removed. Complete dry pods along with the plants are
harvested and kept for 6 to 8 days for drying. Later on threshing is completed.
14 | P a g e
Check Your Progress
Q.1 Write down the importance of Pea crop.

Q.2 Write short notes on climate and soil requirement for Pea crop.
Q.3 List down different Pea crop.
Q.4 Explain propagation methods of Pea crop.
Q.5 Elaborate cultivation practices of Pea crop.
Q.6 What are the different diseases affect the growth of Pea crop?
Q.7 Write down post harvest practices of Pea crop.
Q.8 Write down different classification of Pea crop.
15 | P a g e
Unit-2: TOMATO
Table of Contents
2.1 OBJECTIVES
2.4 BOTANY
2.7 VARIETIES
2.8 SEED AND SOWING
2.8.1 SOWING TIME
2.8.2 SEED RATE
2.8.3 SEED SOWING
2.8.4 TRANSPLANTING
2.11 WEED CONTROL
2.12 STAKING
2.13 USE OF GROWTH REGULATORS
2.14.1 DAMPING OFF
2.14.2 EARLY BLIGHT
2.14.3 LATE BLIGHT
2.14.4 FUSARIUM WILT
2.14.5 BACTERIAL WILT
2.14.6 FRUIT ROT
2.14.7 POWDERY MILDEW
2.14.8 LEAF CURL
2.14.9 SUN INJURY
2.15 INSECT PESTS AND THEIR CONTROL:
16 | P a g e
2.15.1 CUT WORM

2.15.2 JASSIDS
2.15.3 EPILACHNA BEETLE
2.15.4 FRUIT BORER
2.15.5 ROOT-KNOT NEMATODE
2.16 HARVESTING
2.18 STORAGE
2.1 OBJECTIVES
5. Understand importance of Tomato cultivation.
6. Identify different varieties of Tomato.
7. Understand propagation methods of Tomato Cultivation.
8. Perform different cultivation practices of Tomato.

In India, Tomato has become the most popular vegetable especially during last six
decades. The crop is grown almost all round the year in one part or the other in the country and
its fruits are available in the market all round the year. The fruit cost varies from Rs. 2.00 to Rs.
15.00 per kg depending upon the availability of the fruit. It is used in many ways such as cooked,
salad, soup, preserves, pickles, ketchups, sauces and many other products and is served baked,
fried and as a sauce on various foods. Hundred g (Grams) edible portion of tomato contains 94, I
g water, 1.0 g protein, 0.3 g fat, 4.0 g carbohydrates, 0.6 g fibre, Vitamin A 1100 I.U., Vitamin B
0.20 mg, nicotinic acid 0.6 mg, pantotheric acid 0.3 I mg, Vitamin C 23 mg, Vitamin E 0.27 mg,
17 | P a g e
Biotin 0.004 mg, mallic acid 150 mg, citric acid 390 mg, oxalic acid 3.5 mg, sodium 3 mg,
potassium 268 mg, copper 0.10 mg, magnesium II mg, iron 0.6 mg, copper 0.10 mg, manganese
0.19 mg, phosphorus 27 mg, sulphur II mg, chlorine 51 mg. In Europe and America, its juice is
used as substitute for orange juice for children fed on pasteurized milk. It stimulates tropid liver
and is very useful in chronic dyspepsia. Its juice contains citric acid, mallic acid and oxalate of
potash. Therefore, it is not suited to those suffering from higher uric acid problems. It is very
useful. in .bronchitis and asthma. It has good medical value, the pulp and juice of the fruit are
digestible and act as mild aperients, a promoter of gastric secretion and a blood purifier. It is
considered to be an intestinal antiseptic as it has a cleaning effect in the enteric portion of the
alimentary canal. It is very clear that it has a very high nutritive value; therefore, it is sometimes
called as 'poor man's orange.

Tomato is said to be me native of Tropical America, its original home being probably in
Peru or Mexico. Till 1695, the word tomato was not used and is said to be derived from the
Aztec "Xitomate" or "Xitotomate". It is supposed to have been eaten by the wild tribes of
Mexico. From Tropical America it spread to other parts of the world in the 16th century. The
earliest available literature on tomato was made by Mattiolus in Italy in 1544.
2.4 BOTANY
It is a herbaceous annual plant with bisexual flowers. The fruit is true berry. Adventitious
roots are produced from the stem if plants are planted deep at transplanting. A number of lateral
branches develop from the axil of the leaves on main stem resulting in a bushy plant. Numerous
hairs and oil glands are found on the stem and are ruptured when the plant is handled. Leaves are
18 | P a g e
alternate and compound. On the basis of growth habit the tomato plants have been divided into
two indeterminate and determinate types. In case of indeterminate type, the varieties terminate in
the vegetative bud. Generally, the flowers are borne at every third inter-node separated by three
leaves. In case of determinate, the varieties terminate in the flower bud. They generally have a
flower cluster at every inter-node. Such varieties do not have adequate foliage for fruiting. The
flowers are borne in clusters or inter-node. The anthesis starts at 6 A.M. with maximum flowers
opening between 7 to 8 A.M. The dehiscence peak is between 9 to 11 A.M. Pollen grains remain
viable for long period. Stigma become receptive 16 hours before anthesis and remains the same
for 2 to 3 days after anthesis. The fertilization and fruit formation are maximum when pollination
takes place at anthesis time. Visible sign of fruit set can be observed after about 96 hours of
pollination. Maximum pollen germination and fruit setting are reported at 21 C to 23C.

It is a moderate season crop and does not tolerate frost. High temperatures followed by
low humidity and dry winds increase flower drop and there is no fruit set (Smith, 1932). Both
high and low temperatures interfere with fruit setting. The best pollen grain germination takes
place at 21C to 23C and very poor at 10C and at 38C. It cannot be grown successfully in
high rainfall areas. The best seed germination takes place at 18C to 30C but at 14C the seed
can be germinated. The fruit develops good colour and better quality when weather is warm and
sunny.

Tomato can be grown on a variety of soils ranging from sandy loam to heavy clay but
better yield is obtained in a well-drained heavy loam soil free from hard layer and having better
19 | P a g e
irrigation facilities. The best soil pH is 6.0 to 7.0. If the soils are acidic, liming is advocated. In
general, the crop does well on loams, silt loams and clay loams. Light soils are good for an early
crop, while clay loam and silt loam soils are well suited for heavy yields. The soil should be
prepared well by repeated harrowing and planking. During its preparation the crop resides of
previous crop should be collected and burnt. The field should be well levelled and divided into
different beds. Two to three weeks before planting, 250 to 300 quintals of farmyard manure per
hectare should be mixed in the soil thoroughly.
2.7 VARIETIES
Sioux: It is a high yielding American introduced variety with indeterminate growth habit. The
fruits, when immature, are yellowish green, medium large and ripen to a uniform red colour. It is
good for spring-summer crop. It is good for salad purposes also.
Pant T-I: It is a high yield culture, introduced from California. It has an intermediate growth
habit. The fruits are large, smooth and fleshy. It does well both in winter and summer. It is good
for salad and resistant to wilt. It is unreleased culture.
Pant T-2: It is a semi-determinate culture introduced from California. The fruits are pear shaped,
thick skinned having few seeds, hence it can withstand long transportation stresses. It is specially
suited for summer cultivation. It is an un released promising culture.
AC 142: This is an extra early culture introduced from California. The fruits can be harvested
first time after 50-60 days of transplanting in early winter and spring-summer. The plants are
20 | P a g e
determinate in growth habit; fruits are small, nippled and are borne in clusters. The pedicel is
jointed and free-necked, which makes the variety most suitable for mechanical harvesting. The
variety is a good general combiner for earliness and clustered fruit habit.
Pusa Ruby: It is a cross between Sioux' and 'Improved Meeruti'. The fruits are medium sized,
developing deep red colour and it is good for salad. This variety is suitable for autumn-winter
crop specially in the North Indian plains. The plants are indeterminate in habit.
Pusa Early Dwarf: It is a cross between 'Improved Meeruti' and 'Red Cloud'. The fruits are
medium-large and of uniform colour. It does well in both the seasons.
Pusa Red Plum: It is a cross of a cultivated tomato with a wild Lycopersicon pimpinellifolium.
It is an early variety and good for kitchen gardens. The fruits are small, borne in clusters with red
colour and are rich in vitamin C and sugar. Due to its small fruiting habit a good price in the
market is not possible.
Co 3: The fruits are round and smooth, pale green at unripe stage while red when fully ripe. The
average fruit weight is about 125 g and fruits are borne in cluster of 6 to 8 in numbers. The plants
are dwarf of semi-spreading habit with dark green foliage.
Keck-Ruth Ageti: It is a selection from a cross between Keckmethi and Rutgers. The fruits are
medium in size, round in shape and become red at maturity. The fruits bear in clusters of 5 to II.
21 | P a g e
The plants are indeterminate in habit. The maximum yield reported by Nandpuri and Singh
(1973) is 591 quintals per hectare.
Keck-Ruth: It is a cross between Keckmethi and Rutgers. Its fruits are large in size with green
and raised shoulders which disappear at maturity. The fruits are borne in clusters of 3 to 6 in
each. The plants are indeterminate in growth habit. The average yield obtained in Ludhiana
condition in 641 quintals per hectare (Nandpuri and Singh, 1973).
Punjab Tropics: The fruits are borne in clusters of 4 to 6 number and at ripening they are deep
red in colour. The plants are indeterminate in growth habit. It is late maturing variety than other
main season varieties. The average yield in Ludhiana condition is about 690 quintals per hectare
(Nandpuri and Singh, 1973).
2.8 SEED AND SOWING

2.8.1 Sowing time
Seed sowing in the plains is done thrice during the year.
1)
For rainy-autumn crop. the seeds are sown in the months of June and July while
transplanting is done in the months of July and August.
2)
For autumn-winter crop the seeds are sown in the months of September-October while
transplanting is done in the months of October and November.
3)
For spring-summer crop the seeds are sown in the months of January-February and
transplanting is done in the months of February and March.
22 | P a g e
In hills the seed sowing depends upon the elevation of the place. On lower hills the seeds are
sown in February-March while on higher hills in the months of March and April.
2.8.2 Seed rate

The seed rate depends upon the germination percentage of seed. About 500-600 g seeds
will be sufficient to plant an hectare provided it has got 80-85 germination percentage.
2.8.3 Seed sowing

Nursery should be at a sunny location and should have better irrigation and drainage
facilities. Approximately 100-125 square metre area will be sufficient for raising the seedlings to
plant one hectare. Soil should be prepared well by repeated harrowing and planking. Raised
beds, one metre wide and 5 metre long, should be prepared and leveled. Ten kg of well rotten
farmyard manure per bed should be mixed thoroughly. One centimeter deep furrows should be
prepared at 15 cm distance and seeds sown at I cm distance. Cover the furrows by a mixture of
farmyard manure and soil. Seeds should be treated before sowing with Thiram or Cerasan (2%).
The beds are covered with a thin layer of dry grass to maintain the temperature and to reduce
evaporation. Beds should be kept moist till the germination is completed. As soon as germination
is complete, the layer of grass should be removed carefully without damaging the seedlings.
Weeding, hoeing and irrigation should be done as per requirement. Seedlings should be sprayed
with Dithane M-45 at the rate of 0.2 % and Metasystox at the rate of 0.1 % at 10 days' interval.
Seedlings will be ready for transplanting after 4 to 6 weeks of seed sowing.
23 | P a g e
2.8.4 Transplanting
The field should be prepared and leveled well. It is divided into small beds depending
upon the source of irrigation. The seedlings should be transplanted in evening hours to avoid
mortality. Indeterminate varieties like Sioux, Pusa Ruby, Sweet-i2 should be transplanted at a
distance of 60 cm between the rows and 45 cm within the rows, while determinate varieties like
S-12, H.S. 10 I, H.S. 102, S.L. 152 etc. should be transplanted at a distance of 45 cm between the
rows and 45 cm within the rows. A light irrigation should be done immediately just after
transplanting the crop.

The crop responds very well to manurial and fertiliser application. The amount of plant
nutrients required by the crop depends upon the variety and season of crop. A crop grown in
spring-summer will require more nitrogen as compared to crop of winter season. Early maturing
varieties will require less nitrogen as compared to long duration ones. Fertility status is also one
of the main factors affecting the recommendation of the nutrients. However, different
recommendations made for various regions are 80 to 120 kg nitrogen, 50 to 75 kg phosphorus
and 50 to 60 kg potash per hectare.
In addition to above doses, 250 to 300 quintals of farmyard manure may also be added in
the soil during field preparation. Half dose of nitrogen and full dose of phosphorus and potash
should be applied as basal while half dose of nitrogen may be applied as top dressing after 25 to
30 days of transplanting. Sometimes the crop suffers due to boron deficiency which may cause
cracking in fruits. This can be corrected by spraying the crop with Borax at the rate of 0.3 % at
15 days interval.
24 | P a g e

In humid regions, the crop requires very less irrigation while under dry conditions it is
impossible to get the crop without irrigation. In hot condition the crop should be irrigated at
weekly or then days' interval while during winter the crop should be irrigated at 15 to 20 days'
interval. During fruit ripening the interval should be increased to check fruit rotting. Fluctuations
in soil moisture from complete dry to heavy moist may cause cracking of fruits. Heavy watering
is also harmful to the crop because flowers do not set properly and crop is affected by fungal
diseases. To avoid the situation, excess water should be drained out immediately. During rainy
season, permanent drainage system should be made in the field.
2.11 WEED CONTROL

The crop should be free from weeds from very beginning till the crop is over. Hence,
weeding and hoeing are very essential. If the weeds are allowed to grow in the crop, in addition
to nutrients uptake by weeds the crop will also be affected by insect pests and diseases. The
number of weeding and hoeing depends upon the season of crop. During winter season, the crop
requires less weeding while maximum is required in rainy season crop. Since it is shallow rooted
crop, weeding and hoeing should be done carefully to avoid root injury.
Chemical weedicides such as Sencor at the rate of 0.5 kg active ingredients dissolved in
1000 litre of water per hectare can be applied just after transplanting the crop. The crop will
remain weed free up to 50 to 60 days after transplanting. Later on, one weeding will be
sufficient.
25 | P a g e
2.12 Staking
Staking of the plants has proved to be very useful in the cultivation of tomato. In case of
indeterminate varieties, the yield and quality of fruits is improved much more than in
determinate varieties. Staking not only increases the yield and improve its quality but also
reduces the infection by fungal diseases. Wood sticks can be used for staking the tomato plants.
Pea straw can also be used for mulching in the crop which checks the crop from touching the
ground. Mulching is done about one month after transplanting.
2.13 Use of growth regulators

Some of the growth regulators help in fruit setting and reduce the disease incidence in the
crop. A spray of solution of 2,4-0 (5 ppm) at 30, 45 and 60 days after transplanting or dipping of
seeds In 5 ppm solution of 2, 4-0 for 24 hours before sowing increases the fruit set and reduces
the effect of virus in the crop (Singh and Singh, 1980 and Mehta, 1983). Similarly GA 5 ppm as
fruit set spray increases the percentage of fruit set in the crop. GA has been found effective in
hills whereas 2, 4-0 in plains.
2.14 Diseases and their control

2.14.1 Damping off
It is caused by Pythium, Rhizoctonia and Fusarium and Phytophthora sp. Emerged
seedlings collapse caused by decay of stem at ground level. Sometimes the infection is much
more due to high humidity.
Control Measures
Seed should be treated with Ceresan, 2 to 3 g in one kg seeds.
26 | P a g e
Sterilise the nursery by steam or by formaline.
2.14.2 Early blight

It is caused by Alternaria solani. Dark brown to black spots with concentric rings are
formed on leaves and stems and sometimes on fruits also.
Control Measures
Spray the crop with Oithane M-45 at the rate of 0.2% concentration at weekly intervals.
Seed should be treated with Ceresan 2 to 3 g in one kg seed.
Proper crop rotations should be followed avoiding solanaceous crops.
2.14.3 Late blight

It is caused by Phytophthora infestans. Dark brown and black spots are formed on leaves,
petioles and stems of affected plants. On the fruits, small, water soaked blotches are formed and
these spread rapidly over the surface.
Control Measures
Spray the crop with Oithane M-45 at the rate of 0.2 % concentration at weekly intervals.
Follow crop rotations avoiding solanaceous crops.
2.14.4 Fusarium wilt

It is caused by Fusarium sp. Lower leaves start yellowing, wilt and dies. Plant remains
stunted and does not set any fruit.
Control Measures
Grow resistant varieties like Marglobe and Pant T I.
27 | P a g e
Follow crop rotations to decrease the fungal population.
Use healthy seeds.
2.14.5 Bacterial wilt

It is caused by Pseudomonas sp. It is a seed-borne disease and plants start wilting
suddenly and do not recover.
Control Measures
Grow resistant varieties.
Treat the seed with Ceresan at the rate of 2 g per kg seed.
2.14.6 Fruit rot

It is caused by Phytophthora Iycopersici. Brown spots are formed on the fruits. Fruit
decays and becomes unmarketable. Fruits touching the soil are affected badly due to high
moisture.
Control Measures
To avoid_the touching of fr:uitson--tbe--soil, plants should be staked.
Proper drainage should be followed.
2.14.7 Powdery mildew

It is caused by Olidium sp. White powdery growth appears on the leaves and finally the
leaves start falling down but it is not very common in tomato.
Control Measures
The crop should be sprayed with 0.2 % wettable sulphur.
28 | P a g e
Spray the crop with 0.06 % Karathane.
2.14.8 Leaf curl

It is one of the most serious diseases of tomato observed during summer and rainy
season. Due to low temperature in winter causing reduction in white fly population the disease
does not spread much. The leaves start puckering, curling and get reduced in size and ultimately
the plant becomes dwarfed. It is spread by white fly.
Control Measures
The crop should be sprayed with Metasystox at the rate of 0.15 % at 10 to 15 days'
interval. It will reduce the white fly population.
Remove the affected plants from the field.
2.14.9 Sun injury

It is very common in summer season. When the fruits are exposed to bright sunlight, they
become yellow or develop brown burnt areas. It can be controlled by growing varieties having
abundant foliage so as to cover the fruits with leaves.
2.15 INSECT PESTS AND THEIR CONTROL:

2.15.1 Cut worm
They cut the plants from the ground level in the night and remain in cracks in the day
time. Sometimes the damage reaches upto 50 per cent.
Control Measures
Aldrin 5 % or Heptachlor 5% dust should be mixed in the soil before transplanting at the
rate of 25 kg per hectare.
29 | P a g e
2.15.2 Jassids
They suck the sap from the leaves and cause curling. Their population is much more in
September, October, March and April.
Control Measures
The crop should be sprayed with Metasystox at the rate of 0.15 % concentration at 15
days' interval.
2.15.3 Epilachna beetle

Both larvae and adults feed on the leaves and the plant becomes leafless.
Control Measures
The crop should be ~prayed with Sevin at the rate of 0.2% concentration at 10 days
interval.
2.15.4 Fruit borer

It is one of the very serious pests and too much damage is observed in April and May.
Fruits are bored by the borers and start rotting later on.
Control Measures
The crop should be sprayed with Sevin at the rate of 0.2 % at 10 days interval starting
from flowering to fruit ripening.
Remove damaged fruits and bury them in the soil.
2.15.5 Root-knot nematode

These are small worm-like pests affecting the roots. They check the activities and
ultimately the plants become dwarf, start yellowing and finally start wilting and premature death
occurs. Knot-like irregular swellings are formed on the roots of affected plants.
30 | P a g e
Control Measures
Proper crop rotations should be followed avoiding solanaceous crops.
Grow nematode resistant varieties like S-120.
Use saw dust in the soil at the rate of 15 to 20 quintals per hectare three weeks before
planting. In this case, 50 kg per hectare more nitrogen should be used.
Use 6 to 7 litres Nemagon per hectare in the soil.
2.16 HARVESTING
During summer season, fruits should be harvested at turning stage while during winter
season fruits at more mature stage should be harvested. For canning and processing, completely
ripened fruits should be harvested to get better colour in the product.
Yield
The yield of fruits varies from 150 to 450 quintals per hectare depending upon the
variety, growing season, type of soil, cultural practices followed and use of plant growth
regulators. The average yield per hectare is about 200 quintals.

Well developed fruits, free from insect pests and diseases and having uniform ripening
stage should be selected from the harvested lot for the market. Cracked, bruised, scalded and
injured fruits should be culled out. The selected fruits should be packed in baskets, using papers
inside and out side the basket, and the packed fruits should be kept in a cool place before sending
them to the market. A single layer of baskets should be put inside the vehicle used for
transporting.
31 | P a g e
2.18 STORAGE
The fruits harvested at turning stage can be kept at room temperature for 3 to 6 days in
summer and 6 to 10 days in winter season. The completely ripened fruits can be kept in fairly
good condition for about two weeks at 10C to 15C temperature.

Seed production of tomato can be undertaken in any part of the country. It is a self
pollinated crop and an isolation distance of 5'0 and 25 metres should be maintained for
foundation and certified seeds. The best time for planting the seed crop is january to mid
February in plains since it is not affected by the viruses due to low temperature. All
recommended cultural practices should be followed for crop cultivation. The crop should be
inspected thrice during growth period. Firstly before flowering on the basis of growth characters.
Off types should be removed. Secondly, at the time of flowering on the basis of flower
characters. Off types should be removed. Thirdly, at the time of fruit ripening on the basis of
fruit characters. Plants affected by viruses and other diseases should be removed whenever
observed in the crop.
The complete ripened fruits should be harvested and crushed under feet in wooden boxes
and allowed to ferment for 24 to 48 hours. In winter, the, fermentation takes place in 72 hours.
Later on the seeds are washed with water through a sieve and dried in the sun on large scale. HCI
can be used for fermentation at the rate of 1 litre per quintal of fruits but it is costly. On an
average, to produce one kilogram of seed 150 to 200 kg fruits will be required depending upon
the variety. Normally pear shaped varieties have less seeds than round or oval varieties. The
32 | P a g e
average yield of seed varies from 110 to 200 kg per hectare. At present, seed is also being
extracted in processing factories. The tomatoes of only one variety are supplied to the factory.
The pulp is used by factory for preparation of various t6mato products whereas seed is returned
to the growers.
Check Your Progress
Q.1 Write down the importance of Tomato crop.

Q.2 Write short notes on climate and soil requirement for Tomato crop.
Q.3 List down different Tomato crop.
Q.4 Explain propagation methods of Tomato crop.
Q.5 Elaborate cultivation practices of Tomato crop.
Q.6 What are the different diseases affect the growth of Tomato crop?
Q.7 Write down post harvest practices of Tomato crop.
Q.8 Write down different classification of Tomato crop.
33 | P a g e
Unit-3: GINGER
Table of Contents
3.1 OBJECTIVES
3.4 BOTANY
3.7 VARIETIES
3.8 SEED AND SOWING
3.8.1 PLANTING TIME
3.8.2 SEED RATE
3.8.3 METHOD OF PLANTING
3.10 MULCHING
3.12 WEED CONTROL
3.13.1 SOFT ROT
3.13.2 LEAF SPOT
3.14.1 SHOOT BORER (DICHOCROCIS PUNCTIFERALIS GUEN.)
3.14.2 MEALY BUG (PSEUDOCOCCUS SP.)
3.14.3 SCALE INSECTS (ASPIDIELLA BARTII, A. SPIDIOTUS SP.)
3.14.4 STORE BEETLE (SITODREPA PAPICEA L.) AND TOBACCO BORER
BEETLE (LASIODERMA SERRICORNE F)
3.14.5 ROOT-KNOT NEMATODES (MEOIDOGYNE JAVANICA (TREUB), M.
INDICA R. AND M. INCOGNITA)
3.15 HARVESTING
34 | P a g e
3.17 STORAGE
3.1 OBJECTIVES
9. Understand importance of Ginger cultivation.
10. Identify different varieties of Ginger.
11. Understand propagation methods of Ginger Cultivation.
12. Perform different cultivation practices of Ginger.

In Western countries, ginger is used for culinary purposes, in ginger-bread, biscuits,
cakes, pudding, soups and pickles. Ginger beer and ginger wine are also prepared from it. After
preserving with sugar, it is used in most of the countries. Its rhizomes yield 1-3 per cent pale
yellow essential oil which is used for flavouring and in man's toilet water. It is used in medicine
as a carminative and aromatic stimulant to the gastro-intestinal tract and externally as a
rubefacient and counter-irritant. India produces about 50 per cent of the world's total ginger and
is the largest exporter. Edible portion of ginger contains 85 per cent water, 10.5 per cent
carbohydrates, 1.1 per cent protein, 0.7 per cent fat, 0.05 per cent thiamine, 0.04 per cent
riboflavin, Vitamin C and minerals in traces.

It originated from South-East Asia, but is nowhere known in a wild state. In Asia, it has
been cultivated as spice since very ancient times.
35 | P a g e
3.4 BOTANY
It is a monocotyledon, belonging to the family Zingiberaceae in the order Zingiberales.
The 2n chromosome number is 22. It is a perennial herb but is generally grown as an annual. The
plant is 30- 100 cm tall, with a robust branched rhizome borne horizontally near the surface of
the soil. Rhizome is hard and thick and usually pale yellow within. It is covered with small
distichous scales with an encircling insertion. The inflorescence arises direct from the rootstock,
is spicate and 15-25 cm long. The bracts are oppressed, avate or elliptic, 2-3 cm long and 1.5-2.0
cm wide. The calyx is thin, tubular, spathaceous 1-1.2 cm long and three toothed. The corolla
tube is 2-2.5 cm long with three yellowish lobes. There are three stamens about 1.2 cm long and
wide. The inferior ovary is trilocular with several ovules per loculus. The fruit, which is very
seldom produced, is a thin walled, three valved capsule, with small, black arillate seed.

It thrives well in hot, moist climate and can be grown successfully up to an elevation of
1500 metres. It does well at the average day temperature of 28oC to 35C and where annual
rainfall is 3000 mm, distributed 8 to 10 months during ginger growing season. In Himachal
Pradesh and the hill tracts of Assam and West Bengal, the crop is grown under climatic
conditions very different from those existing in the plains, with fairly low temperatures and
rainfall. It can be grown as inter-crop in orchards.

It does well on medium loams with heavy supply of humus, particularly after cutting
down forest or bush. In India' it is grown on a wide variety of soils such as sandy loams, clayey
36 | P a g e
loams, lateritic and black soils, but better yields are recorded in loam soils. It is very sensitive to
water logging conditions; hence low lying areas are not suitable for its cultivation. Sloppy soils
having hard pan are also not suitable for its cultivation. Soil should be prepared well by repeated
harrowing followed by planking. At the time of soil preparation, residues of the previous crops
etc. must be removed. If required, soil should be leveled well during its final preparation. Prior to
planting, about 200 to 250 quintals of farmyard manure or compost or leaf mould should be
added in the field.
3.7 VARIETIES
Wynad Manantody: It is cultivated widely in Kerala, the state which produces the largest
quantity of ginger in India.
Suprabha: This variety is found to be suitable for hills and is high yielding. It is resistant to soft
rot.
Suruchi: It is high yielding variety and tolerant to soft rot and good for plains and hills.
Surabhi: It is high yielding variety resistant to soft rot and is most suitable for hills.
Maram: It is widely grown in Assam and was recently introduced in Kerala. It is high yielding
variety and produces high percentage of dry ginger.
Canton: It is used for preservation purpose. It has more succulent and thicker rhizomes.
37 | P a g e
White or yellow ginger: These are commonly grown in Jamaica. Sometimes these two types are
known as turmeric ginger and blue or flint ginger, in which the interior of the rhizomes has a
bluish tinge, with harder, more fibrous rhizomes having poor quality and poor yield.
3.8 SEED AND SOWING

It is always propagated by the portions of the rhizome known as seed pieces or sets.
Clumps of rhizome are separated which are about 2.5-5 cm long and weigh 28 to 56 g, each
having at least one growing point.
3.8.1 Planting time

The usual time for planting in India is May and June. A number of experiments have
shown that planting early in the season is beneficial. The highest yield was obtained from
Himachal Pradesh when it was planted in first and second week of May. Early planting ensures
that the crop will make sufficient growth to tolerate heavy rains and will grow rapidly with the
onset of heavy rains in July and August. At Ambalavayal in Kerala planting in the first week of
April was best and gave 100 to 200 per cent more yield than the local practice of late planting in
May-June.
3.8.2 Seed rate

The seed rate varies from region to region, size of rhizome used for planting, and the
methods of cultivation adopted. In Kerala and other southern states of India, 1200 to 1400 kg
seed rhizomes were required for planting one hectare, while in northern India, especially in
Uttarakhand, 2500 to 3000 kg seed rhizomes were required, using bigger seed bits. It is reported
38 | P a g e
by a number of workers that planting of large sized seed pieces gives significantly higher yield
than the planting of small pieces.
3.8.3 Method of planting

Closer spacing in ginger gives higher yield than wider spacing. It is reported that spacing
of 15 x 15 cm, 15 x 23 cm and 23 x 23 cm gave better yields in India. It is suggested that 30 x 15
cm was the normal spacing for ginger. Bed planting gives better yield than flat planting. Usually
beds of one metre width, 15 cm height and of convenient length varying from 3 to 6 metres are
prepared. The width of the channels between the beds is about 30 cm. Planting is done in 4-5 cm
deep furrows on the beds at the distance given above.

It is an exhausting crop and requires heavy manuring for obtaining better yield and
quality. About 200 to 250 quintal farmyard manure per hectare is incorporated in the soil 20 to
25 days before planting. About 120 kg nitrogen, 60 kg phosphorus and 60 kg potash per hectare
should be applied in the form of chemical fertilisers. Half dose of nitrogen and full dose of
phosphorus and potash should be applied at the time of planting. Remaining 60 kg nitrogen may
be applied in two splits, the first about 40 to 60 days after planting.
3.10 MULCHING
Mulching is very essential in ginger cultivation as it helps to prevent drying of the soil
and weed growth. Just after planting, a mulch of green leaves at the rate of 10000 to 12000 kg
per hectare is applied. It should be repeated during the second and third month after planting at
39 | P a g e
the rate of 5000 kg of green leaves each time. Aiyudurai (1966) reported that in mulched plots
almost double yield was obtained as compared to unmulched ones.

The total water requirement of the crop is 1320 and 1520mm during complete crop cycle.
The interval of irrigation depends upon the weather and the moisture retention capacity of the
soil. Irrigation is given at fortnightly intervals during summer and from middle of September to
November. Rainy season crop does not require irrigation. During rainy season water logging
conditions should be avoided by providing better drainage facilities.
3.12 WEED CONTROL

In mulched crop two to three weedings are generally given to the crop. The first weeding should
be done before second mutching and should be repeated at one month interval. If mulching is not
done, the crop needs about 5 to 6 weedings.

3.13.1 Soft rot
It is one of the serious diseases in India caused by Pythium sp. The affected plants
become pale, the tips of leaves turn yellow, followed by complete yellowing and drying up of the
leaves. The shoots fall and cease to produce rhizomes. The infection increases by high moisture
content of the soil with insufficient drainage.
Control Measures
Select a well-drained site for planting.
40 | P a g e
Follow crop rotation to avoid repeated planting of ginger in the same field.
Use healthy rhizomes for seed purpose.
Spray the crop with 0.2% solution of Dithane M-45 during rainy season.
Treat the rhizomes with Dithane M-45 (0.2%) before planting.
3.13.2 Leaf spot

It is caused by Colletrotrichum zingiberis (Sundar). The fungus attacks the foliage only,
forming round to oval light yellow spots which may coalesce to form large discoloured areas,
often drying up in the centre to form a hole.
Control Measures
Spray the crop with 0.2% solution of Dithane M-45 or Dithane Z-78 or Blitox at 15 days'
interval.
Spray the crop with 5-5-50 Bordeaux mixture.
Other diseases such as thread blight root rot and dry black rot are also reported from different
parts of the world.

3.14.1 Shoot borer (Dichocrocis punctiferalis Guen.)
Its larvae bore into the shoots. Sometimes the infection reaches 30 to 40% during humid season.
Control Measures
Spray the crop periodically with 0.02% solution of Endo-sulfan (35 EC) at intervals of
one month starting from second month after planting.
41 | P a g e
Spray the crop with 0.2% solution of Sevin (50 W.P.) at 15 days interval during humid
season.
3.14.2 Mealy bug (Pseudococcus sp.)

They cause little damage but may spoil the appearance of the sample.
Control Measure
Fumigate the rhizomes with carbon bisulphide.
3.14.3 Scale insects (Aspidiella bartii, A. spidiotus sp.)

They damage the ginger plant by sucking the cell sap from the leaves. Affected leaves become
pale and do not function properly.
Control Measure
Spray the crop with 0.1 % solution of Rogor or Metasystox.
3.14.4 Store beetle (Sitodrepa papicea L.) and Tobacco borer beetle (Lasioderma serricorne
F)
They damage the rhizomes during storage and may spoil the appearance of the produce.
Control Measure
Fumigate the rhizomes with carbon bi-sulphide.
3.14.5 Root-knot nematodes (Meoidogyne javanica (Treub), M. indica R. and M. incognita)

They attack the crop through root infection and are reported from all ginger growing areas.
Control Measure
42 | P a g e
Use DD or Nemacar nematicides in soil before planting.
3.15 HARVESTING
The optimum time for its harvesting is 210 to 260 days after planting. If rhizomes are
allowed to remain in the field for longer period they become more fibrous reducing market value.
For making preserved ginger, the harvesting should be done before they become fully mature i.e.
about seven months after planting for dried ginger, the harvesting is done 8 to 10 months after
planting, when leaves become yellow and stems begin lodging. Harvesting is usually done by
hand using a spade, hoe or digging fork.
YIELD
Ginger yield depends upon the variety, soil, irrigation facilities, nutrients and mulch
application etc. It is reported that average yield of dry ginger is 1570 to 2000 kg per hectare. As
reported from Central Horticultural Research Station, Ambalavayal, Kerala the yield per hectare
of dry ginger is only about 1000 kg, with the lowest 940 kg in Kerala and the highest 1350 kg in
Mysore. It is reported the normal yields in Queensland for the early harvest crop may be about
10,000 kg per hectare.

Three different forms in which ginger is sold in the market are fresh (green) ginger,
preserved ginger in syrup or brine and dried ginger spice. For fresh ginger, consumed as a
vegetabi.e) the rhizomes are washed in running water thoroughly, put in baskets or in plastic
containers and sent to the market. Preserved ginger is sold in the international market.lt is
43 | P a g e
washed first and soaked in cold water for two days, several changes of water being made. Then it
is heated and boiled for 10 minutes and removed with fork. Later on it is boiled in sugar syrup
for 45 minutes. For 100 kg ginger, 80 kg sugar and sufficient water is needed to cover the
rhizomes. It is kept in syrup for two days and re-boil for 45 minutes after which it is packed in
fresh syrup. The quantity of syrup used depends on the market for which ginger is intended. The
dried ginger spice is prepared by rhizomes. The peeled or unpeeled freshly harvested rhizomes
are washed in running water thoroughly. Washed rhizomes are boiled for 30 to 45 minutes
depending upon the variety. Later on it is kept .in sunlight till it is dries completely.
3.17 STORAGE
Freshly harvested rhizomes cannot be stored for more than 20 days at room temperature
but its storage life can be increased by lowering down the temperature. It can be kept well for 8
to 10 weeks at storage temperature of 5C to 7 C. The preserved ginger can be kept at room
temperature for 6 to 12 months while dried ginger can be kept in dry conditions at room
temperature for two to three years.

This tuber crop is almost free from viral diseases; hence, quality seed production is not a
problem. Healthy and true to the type plant material is selected from the field on the basis on
rhizome characters. The selected rhizomes are multiplied following the recommended cultural
practices.
44 | P a g e
Check Your Progress
Q.1 Write down the importance of Ginger crop.

Q.2 Write short notes on climate and soil requirement for Ginger crop.
Q.3 List down different Ginger crop.
Q.4 Explain propagation methods of Ginger crop.
Q.5 Elaborate cultivation practices of Ginger crop.
Q.6 What are the different diseases affect the growth of Ginger crop?
Q.7 Write down post harvest practices of Ginger crop.
Q.8 Write down different classification of Ginger crop.
45 | P a g e
Unit-4: POTATO
Table of Contents
4.1 OBJECTIVES
4.4 BOTANY
4.7 VARIETIES
4.7.1 EARLY MATURING GROUP
4.7.2 MID DURATION GROUP
4.7.3 LATE DURATION GROUP
4.8 FIELD PREPARATION
4.9 SEED AND SOWING
4.9.1 SELECTION OF SEED
4.9.2 SEED TREATMENT
4.9.3 SEED SIZE, SEED RATE AND SPACING
4.10 METHODS OF PLANTING
4.10.1 PLANTING TIME
4.12 WATER MANAGEMENT
4.13 EARTHING
4.14 WEED CONTROL
4.15.1 LATE BLIGHT
4.15.2 EARLY BLIGHT
4.15.3 BLACK SCURF
4.15.4 BACTERIAL WILT AND BROWN ROT
4.15.5 WART DISEASE
4.15.6 MOSAIC
46 | P a g e
4.15.7 LEAF ROLL

4.16.1 EPILACHAN BEETLE
4.16.2 CUTWORMS
4.16.3 APHIDS
4.16.4 LEAF HOPPERS
4.16.5 WHITE GRUB
4.16.6 POTATO TUBER MOTH
4.17 HARVEST1NG
4.1 OBJECTIVES
13. Understand importance of Potato cultivation.
14. Identify different varieties of Potato.
15. Understand propagation methods of Potato Cultivation.
16. Perform different cultivation practices of Potato.

Potato is one of the most important food crops of the world. Potato has been cultivated in
Nepal for a long time and it has become one of the most popular crops for vegetable purposes.
Potatoes are an economical food since they provide a source of low cost energy to the human
diet. They are rich source of starch and vitamins, especially C and B, and minerals. They contain
20.6 per cent carbohydrates, 2.1 per cent protein. 0.3 per cent fat. 1.1. per cent crude fibre and
0.9 per cent ash on fresh weight basis. They also contain good amount of essential amino acids
like leucine. tryptophane and isoleucine etc.
47 | P a g e
Potatoes are used for several industrial purposes such as production of starch and alcohol.
Its starch (farina) is used in laundries and for sizing yarn in textile mills. Potatoes are also used
for the production of dextrin and glucose. As a food product itself, these are converted into dried
products such as 'potato chips', 'sliced' or 'shredded' potatoes.
The probable centre of origin of potato is in South America in the Central Andean region.
Evidences indicate that potatoes were cultivated for centuries by South American Indians and the
tubers were used as a common article of food. The Spaniards, during invasion, found this
economic plant worthy of introduction into Europe. The Spaniards brought the potato from Peru
to Spain in 1565. They were probably brought to England about 1586 by Sir Francis Drake.
Following its introduction into European agriculture, the potato became an important food crop
of Italy, France and Ireland. During the famine years the potato crop became a valuable food
crop in Ireland. It was introduced to India from Europe in the beginning of the seventeenth
century probably by the Portuguese, who were the first to open trade routes to the East.
4.4 BOTANY
It is perennial but as a crop it is treated as an annual. It is vegetatively propagated by
means of tubers. The tuber is an enlarged underground modified stem produced at the end of a
stolon. They possess "eyes" which contain multiple buds. The tubers also contain lenticels
(respiratory structures) like stems of other plants.
The upper part of the sprout develops into the aerial stem. The aerial stems are round or
angular, pubescent or glabrous, green or purplish. The stem is of a branching type. It is erect
48 | P a g e
when young, and spreads as the plant grows. In some varieties the sprouts are hollow whereas in
others they are solid.
The leaves of the potato are alternate and compound (occasionally bi-compound). The
leaves arise along the stem in a spiral arrangement, the fourth being above the first. There are 3
to 4 pairs of leaflets arising in succession along the rachis. The leaflets are more or less opposite.
There is a large terminal odd leaflet which may unite with one to three leaflets.
The root of potato is adventitious, arising from the base of a sprout. The root growth is usually
restricted to a depth of about 20-25 cm from soil surface. In rich soils, roots of some varieties
may reach up to a depth of 90-100 cm.
The flowers of the potato plant are in terminal clusters. Each flower normally has five
stamens, two-celled pistil, five sepals and five petals united for about half their length. Most
varieties of potato bear infertile pollens and hence fruits or berries are not generally formed. In
some of the varieties fruits or berries are formed.

Potato is a cool season crop. It thrives best in cool regions where there is sufficient
moisture and fertile soil. Satisfactory tuber growth occurs if soil temperatures are between 17 19C. Higher soil temperatures adversely affect the tuber development. Tuber development
virtually stops if temperatures rise above 30C. At higher temperatures, the respiration rate
increases, and the carbohydrates produced by photosynthesis are consumed rather than stored in
the tuber.. High temperatures at any part of the growing period affect the size of the leaflets,
thereby reducing the tuber formation. In the growth period the temperature may be higher but
during tuberization phase the temperature should be lower. This situation prevails in plains of
49 | P a g e
India, causing very good yields. Some potato varieties are qualitative short-day whereas others
quantitative short-day in respect of tuberization. Qualitative short-day varieties tuberize only
under short-day conditions. The examples are Kufri Sindhuri, Phulwa etc. These are suitable for
growing under autumn-winter period of plains of India. Under quantitative short-day group, the
varieties which tuberize better under short-days but produce substantially good yields under long
days are included. The examples are Kufri Chandramukhi and Kufri Jyoti.
4.6 SOIL
Potatoes can be produced on a wide range of soils, ranging from sandy loam, silt loam to
loam. Soils for potato should be friable, well aerated, fairly deep and well supplied with organic
matter. Well drained sandy loam and medium loam soils, rich in humus are most suitable for
potato. Soil structure and texture has a marked effect on the quality of the tuber. Light soils are
preferred because they tend to promote more uniform soil temperatures and make harvesting of
the crop easier. Alkaline or saline soils are not suitable for potato cultivation. They are well
suited to acidic soils (pH 5.0 to 6.5) as acidic conditions tend to limit scab disease.
4.7 VARIETIES
A large number of high yielding varieties of potato suited to different agro-climatic
conditions have been evolved and released for cultivation on farmers' fields. The characteristics
of some of the important and high yielding varieties are given below:
4.7.1 Early Maturing Group

Kufri Chandramukhi: This is an early maturing variety which takes 80-90 days to mature in
the plains. The plants are medium tall, vigorous with lighter purple flowers. Tubers are attractive,
50 | P a g e
white, oval with fleet eyes. The flesh of tuber is dull white. It has wide adaptability and can be
grown in the Indo-Gangetic plains, Madhya Pradesh and the plateau region of Maharashtra. It fits
very well in intensive crop rotations. The average yield is about 250-300 quintals per hectare in
plains. The plants as well as tubers of this variety are highly susceptible to late blight. Thus,
either this should be grown in blight-free period or sprays of fungicide should be given to protect
the crop from late blight.
Kufri Bahar: This variety matures in 90-100 days. Its tubers are large, white, oval and
attractive. It is not good for long distance transport purposes. It gives more yield than Kufri
Chandramukhi due to its longer duration (100 days). This variety is suitable for growing in plains
of northern India. However, its reaction to late blight disease is similar to Kufri Chandramukhi.
Klifri Lovkar: The plants are medium tall, vigorous, having white flowers. It is an early
maturing (75-90 days) photo insensitive variety having large, round white tubers with medium
deep eyes. The flesh of tuber is white. It has slow degeneration rate. It is not suitable for hills
because of heavy rotting of tubers. In plains, it gives an average yield of 250 quintals per hectare.
This variety is suitable for plains of northern India as a spring crop and in tropical plateau
regions both as Rabi and Kharif crops.
Kufri Alankar: It is an extra-short duration variety with tall, erect and vigorous plants with
white flowers. Tubers are large, oval and white with shallow eyes. Flesh is white with floury
texture on cooking. Its keeping quality is poor and, therefore, does not store well in cold storage.
The maturity period in plains and hills is 75 and 130 days, respectively. It is an ideal variety for
51 | P a g e
multiple cropping in plains of northern India. It yields about 200-250 quintals per hectare under
average conditions in plains. This variety is more susceptible to early blight.
Kufri Jyoti: It is a short duration variety producing oval, white and shallow eyed tubers. It has
all the qualities of Kufri Chandramukhi but its tubers are susceptible to cracking under long crop
duration of plains. It is, therefore, advisable to harvest it within 80 days of planting in plains. It is
recommended for cultivation in Himachal Pradesh, Kumaon hills of Uttaranchal, Assam and
Nilgiri Hills. In the plains, it yields, on an average, 200-250 quintals whereas on hills 80-120
quintals/hectare.
4.7.2 Mid Duration Group

Kufri Badshah: It is a suitable variety for plains of India. The harvesting can start from 80 days
as in case of Kufri Chandramukhi. At this time, its yield potential will be more than Kufri
Chandramukhi. However, if harvesting is delayed up to 110 to 120 days, it will yield similar to
Kufri Sinduri. This variety possesses resistance to late blight and frost. Its tubers are white and
oval.
Kufri Sheetman: It takes about 100 to 110 days to mature in the plains. This variety possesses
resistance to frost. Its tubers are oval, medium to large sized with shallow eyes. Its flesh is white
and texture floury' on cooking. This variety is suitable for those areas of northern India where
frost is a common occurrence. However, it shows susceptibility to late blight. It yields about 250
quintals/hectare.
52 | P a g e
Kufri Lalima: This variety has been released to replace Kufri Sinduri. It is high yielding with
100 to 110 days' duration. The tubers are red, round and possess medium deep eyes. It is,
however, susceptible to late blight.
Kufri Ashok: It was released in 1995. The plants are long in height. The crop matures 70-80
days after planting. This variety has features close to Kufri Chandramukhi. Tubers are large, oval
type, white, smooth, having good eyes. This variety is recommended for the plains of the Ganga
in U.P., Bihar and West Bengal.
Kufri Jawahar: It was released in 1997 for Plateau regions. The plant height is small. The crop
matures about 80 days after planting. The size of tuber is medium, round oval type having sharp
eyes, and is creamy white in colour. It is moderately tolerant against blight.
Kufri Satalaj: It is recommended for Punjab, Haryana, U.P., Rajasthan, Bihar and plains of
M.P. It was released in 1997. The features are very close to Kufri Badshah and Kufri Bahar. The
tubers are large, oval type, white, smooth and sharp eyed. It is very easy in cooking.
Kufri Chipsauna-l: The plant height of this' variety is medium and the plant is vigorous. This
variety matures in 80-90 days after planting. It is resistant against blight. This is recommended
for plains of the Ganga. It is also good for making chips.
Kufri Chipsauna-2.: The plant height of this variety is medium and the plants vigorous. The
crop is ready for harvest after 90-95 days of plan~ing. Tubers are medium in size, white in
colour and sharp eyed. This variety is affected by blight and is best for chips making.
53 | P a g e
Kufri Giriraj (S.M./85-45): It is found best for hills. It is resistant against blight. The yield of
this variety was found to be better than Kufri Jyoti at Ranichauri, Shillong, Kufri and Utakmand.
The average yield of this variety is 200-250 quintals per hectare.
Kufri Pukhraj (J.JX/C-160):- The height of this variety is medium in length, straight and
vigorous. The crop is ready for harvesting about 80-90 days after' planting. Tuber of this crop are
medium in size, oval round, white in colour and smooth.
Kufri Anand (SS.717): The height of this variety is medium, straight and vigorous. The crop is
ready for harvesting about 90-95 days after planting. Tubers are medium in size, white in colour
and smooth. It is resistant against blight and is good for plains of the country.
Kufri Thanamalai (Shankar D/79-56):- This variety was released by Variety Releasing
Committee of Tamil Nadu for Tamil Nadu. It is best for hills of the state of Tamil Nadu.
4.7.3 Late Duration Group

Kufri Dewa: It is a long duration (120-125 days) variety. It produces medium sized, oval to
round shaped tubers. The skin is white except near eyes, where it is pink. The eyes are pinkish
red and medium deep. The flesh is pale yellow. It combines a useful degree of frost tolerance
with good keeping quality at room temperature as well as in cdld storage. It is less susceptible to
late blight as compared to Kufri Chandramukhi.ln plains, it yields 300-400 quintals/hectare. It is
suitable only for plains of India.
54 | P a g e
Kufri Sinduri: It is a late maturing (120-140 days) variety with round, light yellow and texture
is waxy. This variety shows wider adaptability and is suitable for cultivation as main crop in the
plains of northern India. It has aability to yield about 300-350 quintals/hectare under average
conditions of fertility.
4.8 FIELD PREPARATION

A well pulverised seed bed is required for good tuberization of potato crop. Where potato
is taken as a Rabi crop, soon after the harvest of the Kharif crop, field should be prepared well.
Enough moisture is essential at the time of planting otherwise pre-planting irrigation is
necessary.
4.9 SEED AND SOWING

4.9.1 Selection of Seed
Select healthy and pure seeds of high yielding varieties. The tubers showing any surfaceborne disease like scab, wart, nematode infection or effect of rots should be sorted out. It is
advisable to use certified seeds for good yields. However, farmers can produce seed potatoes
themselves provided all precautions needed for seed production are taken.
4.9.2 Seed Treatment

For planting the crop, the seed potatoes, after removing from the cold storage, be kept in
a cool and shady place for one to two weeks to, allow the emergence of sprouts. The sprouted
tubers should be used as planting material. Both the whole and cut tubers sho.uld be treated with
0.25% Aretan/Tafasan (6% mercury) solution for at least two minutes against black scurf disease
and rotting of seed potatoes. Dipping of cut seed tubers in 0.5% Dithane M-45 for ten minutes is
55 | P a g e
also effective in avoiding rotting in early planting. In case plain grown seed potatoes are required
for planting in March in hills, treatment of potatoes with I ppm Gibberellic acid is required. It
involves washing of potatoes, dipping in I ppm Gibberellic acid solution for one hour, drying in
shade and then storage in gunny bags for 3 to 4 weeks. After these steps, seed potatoes of
varieties suitable for hills can be shifted to hills for planting.
4.9.3 Seed Size, Seed Rate and Spacing

Tubers having 30 to 50 g weight are the most economical to use. Whole tubers should be
planted for early crop. This will avoid rotting of tubers. Due to high temperature and moisture in
soil, there is always more rotting of cut tubers in early plantings. Large seeds can be effectively
used by increasing plant to plant spacing and smaller tubers by decreasing it. Distance between
rows should be 55-60 cm and between plants 20-25 cm. About 20-25 quintals of seeds are
sufficient for planting one hectare area.
For main crop, cut tubers can be planted. While cutting the tubers, care should be taken
that each piece has 2-3 eyes and weighs at least 25 g. If any diseased tuber is observed, it should
be discarded. For planting one hectare about 15-20 quintals of "Seed potatoes are required. A
row to row distance of 55 to 60 cm and plant to plant distance of 15 to 20 cm should be
maintained in main crop.
4.10 METHODS OF PLANTING

There are three methods of planting in India.
a. Planting potatoes on ridges: After preparation of field, ridges are made at a distance of 55-60
cm with the help of spade. Planting of potato is done on the ridges with the help of khurpi.
56 | P a g e
b. Flat method: Planting of potato is done of flat surface in shallow furrows. Ridges are made
after emergence of shoots when plants attain 10-12 cm height. This method is suitable for light
soils. Later on, 2-3 earthings are done to make the ridges thick.
c. Planting potatoes on flat surface followed by ridges: In this method the field is prepared
and then shallow furrows are opened on the flat surface. Potatoes are planted in furrows and
immediately after planting, small ridges are made. Later on these ridges are made thicker by
earthing up of the side soil.
4.10.1 Planting Time

To secure high yield, it is essential to plant the potatoes at optimum time. The best time
of planting is when the maximum and minimum temperatures are from 30C to 32C and 18oC
to 20C, respectively. Following time schedule should be followed for obtaining good yield.
i. Early crop -25th September to 10th October
ii. Main crop -15th October to 25th October.
iii. Hills -February for valleys and March-April for higher altitudes.

Potato crop is a heavy feeder and hence needs heavy doses of fertilizers for its good
growth and yield. A good crop of potato yielding about 350 quintals removes from the soil 170180 kg nitrogen, 75 kg phosphorus and 250 kg potash. In most of our soils potash is available in
sufficient amount. Phosphorus is also available in some of the soils. Therefore, application of
phosphorus and potash should be based on soil test.
57 | P a g e
Nitrogen: It is the most important nutrient affecting potato production. The soil, depending upon
its initial fertility, provides 20 to 60 kg nitrogen per hectare. Response of nitrogen is invariably
quite high. In soils of good fertility, which are loamy in nature, the requirement of nitrogen will
be about 100-120 kg per hectare. In light sandy soils with low organic matter, the requirement is
high (120-200 kg/ha). Higher doses, however, may not be desirable. Since these tend to delay
tuber initiation and maturity of the crop. The optimum doses of nitrogen are affected by soil
fertility status, agro-climatic conditions, variety, length of growing season and ultimately the
yield of the crop.
Phosphorus: The phosphatic fertiliser requirements are high in acidic soils of hills because of
their phosphate fixing capacity. High phosphate responses are also found in light textured
alluvial soils. Application of phosphate at the rate of 80 to 150 kg per hectare is recommended in
various types of soils, depending upon their available phosphorus status and their phosphate
fixing capacity. In most parts of plains response has been observed up to 80 kg P 25 per hectare,
whereas in hills the suitable dose is about 100 kg/ha.
Potassium: Potassium requirement of potato crop is quite high. Application of potassium along
with nitrogen and phosphorus is necessary for potato crop, especially in light textured soils
which are basically low in this nutrient. The application of potassium up to 150 kg per hectare is
recommended, depending upon the potassium supplying capacity of the soil and the potato
variety. In plains, the dose varies from 60 to 80 kg/ha whereas in hills from 80 to 100 kg/ha.
Micro-nutrients may be needed in some soils and the same may be applied as foliar spray, if
needed. Such cases need specific recommendations.
58 | P a g e
Table 1. Recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash per hectare for different
potato growing regions
Sl. No. Regions
Doses of nutrients Kg/Ha
Nitrogen
Phosphorus (P2O3)
Potash (P2O)
North eastern
100-120
60-80
100-120
North central
100-120
60-80
100-120
North western
80-120
80-100
80-100
Southern 80
80-100
80-100
100-120
Hills
80-110
100-120
80-100
Plains
North eastern
The application of organic manures, particularly farm yard manure or compost, is

recommended for potato crop. Organic manures not only supply nutrients to the crop but also
improve physical conditions of soils, such as soil texture and its water retention capacity. If
available, apply 20-30 tonnes of well-rotten farm yard manure about two weeks before planting
and properly mix in soil. In case farm yard manure is applied. Two thirds of recommended doses
of chemical fertilizers should be given. Recommended doses of nitrogen, phosphorus and potash
per hectare are given in Table 1.
Apply three-fourths of nitrogen and full doses of phosphorus and potash at the time of
planting. The remaining one-fourth quantity of nitrogen should be given as top dressing after 3540 days of planting when earthing is done.
4.12 WATER MANAGEMENT

Potato crop is very much responsive to good water management. Removal of excess
water is essential. In no case water should reach more than 2/3rd height of the ridges. Length of
the ridges should depend upon the soil type, slope and source of water. It may vary from 10 to
59 | P a g e
200 metres. The objective is to supply uniform water throughout the .plot. As a rule soils must be
kept always moist but hardening or too wet conditions of soil should not be allowed. Irrigation
may be moderate to heavy but'water should not be allowed (0 reach more than 2/3rd height of the
ridges. The frequency of irrigation also varies depending UP1) the water table and soil type. In
medium to heavy soils, 3 to 4 irrigations shall be sufficient. On the other hand, in sandy soils
having low water table, even 8-12 irrigations may be necessary. The available moisture in the
soil should be about 75%.
4.13 EARTHING
Proper development of tubers depends upon aeration, moisture availability and proper
soil temperature. Therefore, proper earthing up is necessary. Earthing should be done when the
plants are 15 to 22 cm tall. Generally, earthing is done at the time of top dressing of nitrogenous
fertilizers. The ridges should be broad, loose and high enough to cover up tubers. If necessary, a
second earthing may be done after two weeks of the first one. A mould board plough or a ridger
may be used for earthing up in large area.
4.14 WEED CONTROL

Weed control in potato crop is normally done by manual labour. However, in large
acreage this operation sometimes may not be completed in time due to shortage of man power.
Under such circumstances, weedicides may be used. In case of perennial weeds like cyperus
rotundus (motha) or cynadon dactylon (doob), Gramaxone may be sprayed at the rate of 2.5 litres
in 1000 litres of water per hectare. Spraying should be done at a stage when potato plants are
emerging to the extent of only 5-10 per cent and weeds have germinated on the ridges. This is a
contact herbicide and, therefore, should not be sprayed on well-grown potato plants. In fields
60 | P a g e
where perennial weeds are not a problem, Simazine at the rate of 0.5 to 1.0 kg per hectare or
Sencar 1 kg per hectare may be sprayed over the ridges just after planting of potatoes. For its
effectiveness, there should be optimum moisture in the soil. Where wheat crop is to be grown
after potato its application should be done cautiously and at no place excessive quantity of
herbicide should be used. Lasso may also be used at the rate of 4 litres per hectare as preemergence spray ie., after planting of potatoes but before emergence of weeds and potatoes.

Potato crop suffers from different pathological maladies resulting in considerable loss in
yield. Symptoms of important diseases and their suitable control measures are given below.
4.15.1 Late blight

This disease is caused by a fungus called Phyrophd1ora infestans. The disease may
attack almost any 9~e after the crop has put up fairly good foliage. 1Initially, the lower leaves are
Infected. They show water-soaked lesions, especially towards margins. The spots enlarge if
proper humidity and temperature are available. In humid atmosphere the growth of the fungus
can be seen on lower side of these spots as whitish cottony growth. The spots turn black as the
affected leaves start rotting. Similar symptoms may be observed on stems also. Decaying leaves
often emit an offensive odour. The tubers under the ground also decay before harvest. On tubers,
greenish sunken areas may be seen.
Control Measures
Use potato tubers for seed from disease-free areas to ensure that the pathogen is not
carried through seed tuber.
The infected plant material in the field should be properly destroyed.
61 | P a g e
Grow resistant varieties like Kufri Navtal.
Fungicidal sprays can be effective. if given properly and timely. Sprays should start a few
days before the anticipated time of occurrence of the disease or on the appearance of
initial symptoms. Cool humid atmosphere favours the disease and prevalence of such
weather can be an indication of disease in a short time ahead. Spraying should be done
with Dithane M-45 or Dithane Z-78 (2.5 kg/ I 000 litres of water per hectare). Spraying
should be repeated at 10-12 days' interval.
4.15.2 Early blight

This disease is caused by a fungus called Alternaria solani. Early blight is more common
than late blight and can occur anywhere at any period. The spots of this disease on the leaves are
brown to black with concentric rings. Their number is numerous and they are scattered allover
the leaves. Heavily infected leaves fall off after drying. Spots also appear on stems.
Control Measures
Crop debris should invariably be destroyed by burning after harvest.
Sprays recommended in case of late blight also serve to control this disease.
4.15.3 Black scurf

This disease is caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani. This disease is of common
occurrence both in the hills and plains. There are two phases of the disease. In stem canker
phase, the sprouts are killed before they emerge and this delays the germination resulting in loss
of yield. The cankers may cause wilting of the plants also. The black scurf phase is recognised
by appearance of black crust on the tubers which reduces their acceptability with the consumers.
62 | P a g e
Control Measures
Plant only healthy tubers.
The seed tubers should be dipped in 0.5% suspension of Aretan or Agallol for ten
minutes.
Soil can be treated with Brassicol at the rate of 20-30 kg per hectare. Combination of
seed and soil treatment gives best control of the disease.
4.15.4 Bacterial wilt and brown rot

This disease is caused by bacterium Pseudomonas solanacearum. This dreaded disease of
potato is common in mid hills, plateau region and West Bengal. The most common symptom of
the disease is sudden wilting of the plant. Affected plants show droopy appearance and the
branches gradually turn bronze and die. There is unusual browning of vascular bundles in the
stem and tubers show a brown ring inside. Eyes of tubers are also blackened.
Control Measures
Certified seed free from brown rot disease should be planted.
In case cut potato tubers are being used, they should be kept at 12C for four days so that
the cut surface hardens. The tubers can also be treated with the solution of Aretan,
Agallol.
The crop debris should be collected and burnt.
4.15.5 Wart disease

This disease is caused by a fungus Synchutrium endobioticum. This disease is found in
Darjeeling hills of West Bengal and its surrounding areas. The disease in recognised by
63 | P a g e
appearance of tumours or warts on tubers, stems and stolons of the potato plant. Sometimes the
whole tuber is converted into a distorted mass.
Control Measures
Wart-affected tubers should not be planted.
Grow wart immune varieties.
4.15.6 Mosaic
There are different types of mosaic diseases that attack potato. The leaves show green
and dark green mosaic pattern on leaves. There may be faint yellowing in patches on the leaves.
The plants remain stunted and sick. Size and number of tubers is reduced. In some mosaic
diseases the leaves may show necrosis of tissues along the vein. Diseased small-sized tubers are
main source of disease in the field. Disease is spread in the field by insects which carry the virus
from sick plant to healthy one.
Control Measures
Seed tubers should be healthy and certified. Do not plant very small-sized tubers since
they are more likely to be from diseased plants.
Inspect the field regularly and destroy the plants showing initial symptoms.
Spray the crop with Metasystox or Rogor at the rate of 600-700 ml dissolved in 500-600
litres of water per hectare at 10-15 days interval to check the insects that spread this
disease.
4.15.7 Leaf roll

This disease is very common in plains. Leaves show upward rolling of the margins
progressing towards the midrib until the entire lamina is involved. The leaves assume a rigid,
64 | P a g e
leathery texture having a characteristic rattle when brushed with hand. The number of tubers
produced per plant and their size is greatly reduced.
Control Measures
The control measures recommended for mosaic disease are effective for leaf roll disease
also.

Potato crop is attacked by a number of insect pests which either reduce the yield or spoil
the quality to a great extent. The major pests, their nature of damage and measures to control
them are given below.
4.16.1 Epilachan beetle

The grubs and adults both are the damaging stages for this insect. It is one of the serious
pests of potato crop. They feed on the foliage. The grubs scrap away the chlorophyll from the
leaves leaving only veins. The grubs or larvae of this beetle are very sluggish and move very
slowly while feeding on leaves. They are yellowish in colour with erect spines on their body. A
severe infestation may cause loss up to 70 per cent in yield.
Control Measures
Spraying with 0.2% Sevin 50 WP at the rate of 1000 litres of water has been found quite
effective.
Dusting of 10% Sevin dust at the rate of 30 kg per hectare may also control the pest.
4.16.2 Cutworms
The damage is caused by the caterpillars by cutting off the growing potato plants. They
may cut the twigs, leaves or entire potato plant above-the soil surface. They do more harm by
65 | P a g e
cutting the plants than by actual feeding. The full grown caterpillars are about 5 cm long. During
day time they remain hidden in the soil and in the night damage the crop. In the later stage, they
also feed on the tubers and thus reduce their market value.
Control Measures
Flooding of field reduces the activity of the caterpillars.
Use of Temik l0 G at the rate of 8-10 kg per hectare at the time of sowing has been found
effective in controlling this insect.
Use of carbafuran 3 G at the rate of 30 kg per hectare at the time of sowing has also been
found very effective.
4.16.3 Aphids
These are small insects either pale yellow or dark in colour. Both nymphs and adult
damage the plant by sucking the cell sap from the leaves, tender shoots and stem. The leaves of
attacked plants become yellowish and they lose vitality. Besides this, aphids secrete honey dew
on the leaves on which black mould develops. This interferes in the photosynthesis. The winged
aphids also transmit serious viral diseases in this crop.
Control Measures
Spray Metasystox 25 EC or Rogor 30 EC at the rate of 600 ml in 1000 litres of water per
hectare.
4.16.4 Leaf hoppers

The nymphs and adults of these insects have piercing and sucking type of mouth parts.
They suck the cell sap due to which the leaves become yellowish and plants lose their vitality.
66 | P a g e
Besides the direct loss due to their feeding, leaf hoppers transmit viral diseases in potato which
reduce the yield of the crop.
Control Measures
Application of Carbafuran 3G, Temik l0 G or Thimet l0 G at the time of sowing controls

the leaf hoppers along with other pests.
4.16.5 White grub

The damage is done mainly by the grubs which remain in the soil. They damage the plant
by feeding on the underground portion viz., roots, stems and tubers. The grub in the early stage,
feed on the roots with the result that the plants dry up. Later on when tubers are developed the
grubs cut holes in the tubers. The market value of such tubers is very much reduced.
Control Measures
Apply Heptachlor 5% dust or Aldrin 5% dust at the rate of 45-60 kg per hectare in soil
before sowing and mix it properly.
Use carbofuran 3G or Thimet lOG at the rate of 30 kg or Temik lOG at the rate of 15 kg
per hectare at the time of sowing.
4.16.6 Potato tuber moth

This is mainly a pest of stored potato but it causes damage in the standing crop also. The
caterpillars mine the leaves causing patches in them. The damage done by the caterpillars to
potato in. stores is much more serious. The caterpillars feed inside the pulp. The tunnels made by
the caterpillars are filled with excreta. Such tubers generally become unfit for human
consumption and seed purposes.
Control Measures
Only healthy potatoes should be kept in the store.
67 | P a g e
Potatoes should be stored in cold stores. In case they are to be kept in ordinary stores, a
layer of sand about 2.5 to 5 cm thick should be spread below and above the heap of
potato.
Seed potato should be protected by spraying 5% HC dust or 1% malathion on and

around the heap.
4.17 HARVEST1NG
The crop should be harvested when haulms start yellowing and falling on the ground. At
this stage, haulms should be removed at ground level. The crop should be harvested about 15
days after cutting the haulms. Digging is done with spades or khurpi in small fields. Suitable
tractor-operated potato diggers are available now for digging the potatoes in big fields. There
should be optimum moisture in the soil at the time of harvest. The clods hinder the efficient
functioning of potato-digger. After digging the tubers may be allowed to dry on the ground for
some time in shady place.
YIELD
With recommended package of practices, an yield of 300 to 400 quintals per hectare can
be obtained. However, in hills, except lower valleys, the yields do not go beyond 200 quintals
per hectare. In plains, under good management, an yield of 4 q/day can be easily obtained.
However, to get yields higher than this much more efforts have to be made.

With the help of seed plot technique" a healthy seed crop may be raised as below:
68 | P a g e
i)
Whole virus-free tubers treated with Aretan 0.25% solution should be planted from 10th
October to 20th October.
ii)
Sow the tuber at distance of 60 cm from row to row and 15-20 cm within the row.
iii)
Apply lower dose of nitrogen i.e. 80-1 00 kg/ha to avoid excessive growth.
iv)
The crop should be carefully examined at least thrice and all diseased plants removed and
burnt.
v)
Towards mid December, when the crop has tuberised well, restrict irrigations and later
withhold it completely so that haulms dry up and consequently escape aphid build-up
towards mid-January. Remove tops between 10th and 15th January.
vi)
Leave the tuber under ground till the end of January so that they mature and the skin
hardens.
vii) Take all precautions against blight and aphids.
Check Your Progress
Q.1 Write down the importance of Potato crop.

Q.2 Write short notes on climate and soil requirement for Potato crop.
Q.3 List down different Potato crop.
Q.4 Explain propagation methods of Potato crop.
Q.5 Elaborate cultivation practices of Potato crop.
Q.6 What are the different diseases affect the growth of Potato crop?
Q.7 Write down post harvest practices of Potato crop.
Q.8 Write down different classification of Potato crop.
69 | P a g e

School of Agriculture Diploma in Commercial Horticulture DCH-10

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

School of Agriculture Diploma in Commercial Horticulture DCH-10

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

School of Agriculture Diploma in Commercial Horticulture DCH-10

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

School of Agriculture

Diploma in Commercial Horticulture

Applied Horticulture: Crop Production Technology

Prof. Nem Pal Singh

Shri Sudhir Chadda

Dr. Ranjan Shrivastava

Dr. Prabhat Kumar

Course Writers and material collection

1.2 IMPORTANCE AND UTILITY

1.3 ORIGIN AND HISTORY

1.4.2 Field pea (Pisum sativum var. arvense)

1.6 CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS

1.7 SOIL AND ITS PREPARATION

1.9 SEED AND SOWING

1.10 MANURES AND FERTILISERS

1.11 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE

1.12 WEED CONTROL

1.13 DISEASES AND THEIR CONTROL

Avoid early sowing in badly infested areas.

1.13.2 Powdery mildew

Avoid late planting.

After harvest, the affected plant trash should be burnt.

1.14 INSECT PESTS AND THEIR CONTROL

1.14.1 Pea stem fly

1.14.2 Leaf Miner

Spray 250 ml of Dimecron 100 EC or 1 litre of Metasystox 20 EC in 1000 litres of water

1.14.3 Pea Aphids

1.14.4 Pod borer

1.15 HARVESTING AND THRESHING

1.16 PREPARATION FOR MARKET

1.18 SEED PRODUCTION

Check Your Progress

Q.1 Write down the importance of Pea crop.

2.15.1 CUT WORM

2.2 IMPORTANCE AND UTILITY

2.3 ORIGIN AND HISTORY

2.5 CLIMATIC REQUIREMENTS

2.6 SOIL AND ITS PREPARATION

2.8 SEED AND SOWING

2.8.2 Seed rate

2.8.3 Seed sowing

2.9 MANURES AND FERTILISERS

2.10 IRRIGATION AND DRAINAGE

2.11 WEED CONTROL

2.13 Use of growth regulators

2.14 Diseases and their control

Seed should be treated with Ceresan, 2 to 3 g in one kg seeds.

Sterilise the nursery by steam or by formaline.

2.14.2 Early blight

Seed should be treated with Ceresan 2 to 3 g in one kg seed.

Proper crop rotations should be followed avoiding solanaceous crops.

2.14.3 Late blight

Follow crop rotations avoiding solanaceous crops.

2.14.4 Fusarium wilt

Grow resistant varieties like Marglobe and Pant T I.

Follow crop rotations to decrease the fungal population.

Use healthy seeds.

2.14.5 Bacterial wilt