Friend’s today we are adding a new member to your farming list. Ivy gourd farming is new on the bucket list. You will be glad on knowing the benefits it adds to life.
This cucumber-type appearing vegetable belongs to the Eastern part of Africa. It is also cultivated in the tropical part of America, Asia, the Pacific, and the northern part of Australia.
It is also popular by the name of the scarlet gourd. Ivy gourds are inclined towards climbing.
You can find the most commonly used in Indian dishes. But it is adored and relished worldwide for its contribution to health.
To find out what Ivy gourd farming is? This article will cover every nook and corner related to Ivy gourd farming.
Types of Ivy gourd
There are only two types of Ivy gourds: Striped and non-striped.
Soil, Climate requirement, and land preparation
For good Ivy gourd farming, you must have sandy loam soil enriched with nutrients. It should also not waterlog.
You should restrain from using acidic, alkaline, or other sorts of heavy soils. The PH range of 6-6.5 should be maintained.
A humid and warm climate is what these ivy gourds love and crave. The temperature range should fall between 20 to 32 degrees for a good yield.
Though the Ivy gourd cultivation can be done at any point of time during the year. For amazing results rainy season or warm weather is preferred.
No great efforts are to be made for getting the land ready for cultivation. Just thoroughly plowing should be done to entangle the soil and check for weeds, if any.
After that, a good quality manure should be applied to the soil. The ground is now ready for Ivy gourd cultivation.
Vegetative propagation is the planting style popularly practiced in Ivy gourd cultivation. The propagation is processed either using stems or by seeds.
But through seeds they take at least a year to reach a plant. When opting for stem cutting propagation, you should fix the width to 2 cm and the length to 20 cm of the stem.
Those stem cuttings should go 6 cm deep into the soil having a basin width of 60 cm. And the same way you can proceed with other cutting while maintaining a gap of 2 cm. This is the way how to plant Ivy gourd in the field.
How to grow Ivy gourd from seed
How to grow Ivy gourd from seeds is an interesting process. Get some scarlet gourds from the supermarket and cut them to remove the seeds.
After this, you can immediately sow these seeds, without stressing about the weather conditions. That means they can be planted at any time just to avoid scorching summers.
Remember, the temperature range between 15 to 27 degrees work wonders and promotes sprouting at a faster rate.
Though, planting can be done through seeds also but it is not a good idea. There are harms of adopting this procedure.
There are chances of disagreement between the seeds and true fruit. And it is evident to end up without any fruit, for you need to plant female and male plants next to each other.
The Ivy gourd cultivation should be done before the onset of rains or in the spring season. As these are perennial, so replanting should be done at least after 4 years. There must be 2 metre bamboo stick should used to render support to the plant.
Ivy gourd plant care
A proper Ivy gourd plant care ensures a good quality of Ivy gourd. Following things should be kept in mind while taking care of the plant:
Spacing: The spacing pattern remains the same as cucumber plants. At some point in time, they start searching for a company and tend to get attached.
Weed Control: During the early stages of Ivy gourd cultivation weeding is a must to do activity. As it is inclined to reproduce many other small plants and twigs effect the plant growth.
Water Supply: At the budding stage, it should be watered properly. Once attaining growth, the water supply can be stopped.
Pruning: This adds life and energy to the plant. After pruning, don’t dump the cut branches and small twigs as can regenerate.
Pest Control: The major enemies of Ivy gourd cultivation are Thrips, mites, Aphids, and Whiteflies. Their spread can be checked by treating them chemically.
Harvesting Ivy gourd farming
These scarlet gourds are ready for harvesting in a 3-month time. A hand sickle or a cutter is an advisable tool to be used owing to its small size and to avoid any damage to the vine.
This harvest results in a yield of 12 to 15 tonnes per hectare in Ivy gourd farming.
Benefits of Ivy gourds
Diabetes control: The leaves of this plant when consumed in a raw state helps in controlling the sugar level in the blood.
Checks obesity: It keeps so obesity free by accelerating the metabolism rate.
Reduces fatigue: Rich in iron provides a backup for energy level. As it reduces the iron deficiency in the body.
Corrects the functioning of the nervous system: Ivy gourd is a bag full of nutrients and vitamins which are associated with the healthy functioning of the nervous system.
Conclusion
There is nothing much to discuss Ivy gourd farming. One thing is clearing its farming is not very much profitable like other veggies.
Still is not a bad idea to go for Ivy gourd farming. Not on a large scale but can be executed profitably as a small-scale farming option.
Go ahead and do share your Ivy gourd farming experience. Stay connected for more updates.
Bell Pepper crop is mainly grown when the weather is warm. These crunchy Bell peppers have some sweetness in them however they lack a component called capsaicin that gives it the heat. The external skin of the bell peppers is very smooth and provides a shield to crunchy flesh present inside.
Bell Peppers are hollow from inside and have so many seeds in the middle, attached to the white-colored membrane that lies along the wall. These are also known as the colored capsicum that is mainly red, yellow, and green. These have vitamin C and vitamin A in them.
Organic capsicum farming needs a temperature of 15 to 25° celsius and these grow very well at a height of about 2000 meters above the sea level. Bell Peppers can be grown in greenHouses and in greenHouse cultivation one can get up to 120 tonnes of yield to each hectare.
Climatic conditions for growing bell pepper:
Bell Peppers can be cultivated in cool as well as warm conditions however extreme weather conditions are intolerable. So in summers to avoid too much heat, shading can be done. 20 to 25° C is the best temperature for germination as well as fruit set.
Selecting the planting stuff for bell pepper plantation:
First of all, all the materials that you select for planting should be healthy. All the stuff should be diseases and pest resistant. Coming to the seedlings, for bell pepper plantation, the age of seedlings should be about 40 days. The seeding should be up to 20 cm long.
The crop should have a fine rooting system. The stem of the seedlings should possess a few leaves on it during the plantation. Selecting a good variety of all the planting material is very important for good quality fruit and high yield as well as good production.
The soil has to be properly loosened and make a nice tilth. After this beds are prepared to have heights of 45cm and 75cm wide. But before this step either vermicompost or properly decomposed organic matter along with sand and sawdust should be added to the soil.
Afterward, the beds are soaked with 4 Percent of formaldehyde and then are protected with polythene for about 4 to 5 days. Later on, these polythene covers are removed. Then the beds are to be raked regularly every day to remove the fumes of formaldehyde that are stuck in the soil. Sandy and loamy soil are best for these capsicums. For bell pepper, the pH of the soil should be 6.0- 6.8. Along with all these, this plant also requires a lot of care.
Planting and Pruning of bell pepper:
When the seedlings are completely ready, then these are planted in the rows that maintain a distance of 60cm between them and the distance between the plants has to be 30cm. Imidacloprid is sprayed on the seedlings to prevent any pest infestation.
During plantation, the bed should be watered, as the bed has to be completely wet during this process. After this, the seeds have been sown in two lines on the beds. Plastic mulches can also be used for this purpose as it also helps in controlling weeds and saving water.
Irrigation of the bed has to be done daily until the seeds are set up well. Later on, the drip irrigation method is used to irrigate the field with 2 to 3 liters of water to each square meter every day.
Pruning is started after about 20 days of plantation and this has to be done after every 7 days.
After the completion of 4 months, this activity has to be done once in 10 days. The seedlings of bell pepper are planted in a zig-zag pattern on the beds.
Diseases of bell pepper:
Mainly the disease is fungal diseases that include damping off, grey mold, pythium, powdery mildew, fruit rot, etc.
Damping-off:
This is a disease of seeds that occurs when the plant has just started to grow. Pythium and Rhizoctonia solani are carriers of this fungal disease. In this disease, fungi destroy the root system of the plant. Some plants having this disease may have the potential to grow mature however these fungi will cause root rot and gradually kill the plant.
Growing the seedlings in an inert medium can help avoid this fungal disease however the reason for this disease can be poor sanitation in a greenhouse or improper soil, or climate or not irrigating on time can also be responsible for this.
When this crop is grown at a commercial level, the seedlings are transplanted from the greenhouse to Rockwool where the best conditions are provided and chances of any disease are also very less. Selecting fresh and healthy seeds and growing the plant under ideal conditions can help control the disease.
Root rot or pythium crown disease:
This disease is not very common and usually occurs after the dumping of the disease. The main reason for this disease is stressful conditions in the greenhouse. This disease can be under control by growing the plant in ideal conditions and maintaining the temperature in the root zone and irrigating them from time to time.
Fusarium stem or fruit rot:
In this dark brown soft, and black lesions appear on the stems. This fungal disease is mainly caused by Fusarium solani. These black lesions may also be seen around the calyx and this degrades the quality of food.
To avoid this fungal disease, the greenhouse should be neat and clean and some sanitation should be exercised to prevent fruit rot. The plants that are infected should be immediately and carefully removed from the greenhouse to avoid the spread of disease to every plant.
The greenhouse should be properly ventilated so that it has good air circulation and talking about the humidity, it should not rise more than 85 percent otherwise it will be harmful.
The fungus Botrytis cinerea is responsible for gray mold disease. It is a very common disease. High humidity and bad air circulation favor this disease. In this disease, the fungi get into the crop from the wounded area where greenish colored lesions develop.
These lesions griddle the stem and the plant dies at the end. The gray mold infection is usually found in the wounded area or calyx in the beginning. To avoid this fungal infection, proper air circulation has to be maintained and the relative humidity should not be more than 85 percent.
Powdery mildew:
This is the next disease of bell pepper. This disease is mainly caused by Leveilluta Taura. This disease was first reported in Canada. In this disease, the overall crop yield decreases by 10 to 15 percent. In this disease, the white powdery layer can be seen on the surface of the leaf.
These were some of the fungal diseases and their symptoms and control. Next comes the diseases caused by viruses.
PMMV:
Pepper mild mottle virus: In this disease, any part of the plant can get infected. This disease is very difficult to detect until the plants start fruiting. In this disease further, the growth of a plant can be infected. Symptoms of this fruit occur well before the stunting symptoms and include the development of obvious bumps on the fruit as well as color streaking and green spotting when the fruit matures to color. The fruit is very sharp from the corners and may also develop sunken brown areas on the external skin.
Daily use of skim milk as a dip while handling the plants helps to prevent the spread of the virus in the crop. Skim milk has the protein that helps to bind to the virus and disables it. The virus is secure in the sap of the plant. This virus easily expands from plant to plant.
Once the plants start fruiting, PMMV (pepper mild mottle virus) can be easily detected in the plant through its symptoms on the vegetative parts of the plant. Infected plants should be pulled out very carefully and crushed because the virus can survive in a dry plant also. If all plants bear normal fruit, then it means that the plant is known disease-free and the use of skim milk can be stopped.
Tobacco mosaic virus (TMV)
Tobacco mosaic virus disease can be found in greenhouse pepper throughout the world. Initially, the symptoms of this virus can be noticed on the surface of the leaf-like an injury with the main veins. Along with this wilting and leaf drop can also be observed. Also when the new plants start growing, then also these symptoms and this disease can be found in the plant and even it degrades the growth of a new plant.
To avoid this virus disease-free seeds should be used. The utility of skim milk dip can be helpful. The fully grown plant may carry the disease without showing any symptoms of the disease plants.
Tomato spotted wilt virus (TSWV)
Tomato spotted wilt virus TSWV has a long list of hosts that upsets almost 300 different species of plants. Thrips are the main reason for the spread of this virus, these thrips are the main problem in the greenhouse plants.
There are blackish-brown round shaped spots or tan spots that are surrounded by a black margin.
When the fruit ripens, the color of the fruit changes with orange to yellow spots having a green margin. Green spots can also be noticed at the backside of the ripened fruit that is red, yellow, or orange.
Control of this virus:
This virus can be controlled by checking on the thrips and controlling them. In the starting, knowledge about thrips control and the other reasons for the spread of this disease should be gathered. One should take care of all the symptoms to avoid the disease.
Check on weed is also very important as if you don’t cut off the weeds it will suck all the necessary nutrients and the plant quality will degrade. Ornamental plants should be kept away from the greenhouse as they can also be a source of the virus.
Harvesting of bell pepper:
The activity of harvesting can be initiated after completion of 2 months after plantation. However red and yellow capsicums take 3 months to become mature. Harvesting is done at the interval of 10 days and is carried out for almost 200 days.
After harvesting these can be stored in a cool place. These fruits are wrapped properly and then stored at a temperature of about 8° C and can be stored maximum for two months. After wrapping the capsicums, these can be packed in cartons of different sizes according to the need.
Tips for growing bell peppers:
Mulching should be done from time to time and properly for good quality and high production.
Irrigation also has to be done properly as bell pepper needs deep watering. Especially in dry conditions watering should be done on time otherwise the fruit will taste bitter.
Bell Peppers are warm climate crops and need proper sunlight for good growth.
Using the correct fertilizer is very important as this greatly affect the crop yield
Staking is not compulsory in bell pepper however it can help the crop to keep it off the floor.
Keeping a check on the pests is very important to avoid the diseases and hence suitable insecticides or pesticides should be used
Conclusion:
Bell pepper farming is a very fun activity as well as a profitable business. One should take care of all the necessary activities and take proper care of the crop.
This is a type of fungal disease that can occur in a large variety of plants. Different types of fungi are responsible for this disease. Due to their different symptoms, these diseases can be easily diagnosed. In this disease, powdery spots of white color can be seen on the stems and leaves.
The leaves on the lower part are mostly affected however this effect can be noticed on any part above the ground. In this disease with time the size of spots increases. In this the affected plant becomes weak and due to this the size and taste of fruit also get affected. Powdery mildew of pumpkincan be avoided by separating off the affected part from the plant, planting the plants at more distance so that they can get sufficient air.
What causes powdery mildew on pumpkin plant :
To treat or prevent the disease properly, it is important to know the cause of the disease. This common disease is caused by fungi. The fungi named Erysiphe cichoracearum is responsible for powdery mildew in pumpkin. It affects the leaves, flowers as well as stem of the plant. It also has an impact on the yield. Due to the microscopic spores that exist in chains, the white-colored powder can be seen.
These spores germinate without water. Hence they grow very fast in dry and warm weather conditions. More spores are produced within days. The wind is the agent that spreads it to other plants. Sometimes the weather conditions also support the growth of this powdery mildew. These conditions include dry days and cool nights with humidity. In these conditions, the infection spreads rapidly. Other than this the temperature range from 68°F to 80°F also favors the disease.
Some other reasons for the disease can be: maintaining less distance between the plants. If the air circulation is not proper, the chances of the disease are more. Hence proper distance should be there between the plants and the greenhouse or the garden should be well ventilated.
The next reason is the lack of light. When the plant doesn’t get sufficient light, it also favors the infection. Hence the leaves of the plant should be planted in such a way that it gets sufficient light. Exposing the leaves to shade for a longer time will help in the production of buds hence adding to the disease.
Next not treating the disease after discovering it or not keeping a check on it will be carelessness. Due to this, the leaves first turn yellow, and then they will die and fall. Along with this, the white spots can lead to a sunburn of pumpkin.
How can you treat the powdery mildew of Pumpkin:
There are a lot of different methods that can be adapted to treat this disease. From these so many methods, the organic method is considered the best way to treat this infection. However chemical treatments are also available.
Some of the preventive measures for powdery mildew are:
Planting the pumpkins in a way that they get proper sunlight. As we know that insufficient sunlight can lead to this disease therefore proper arrangements for enough sunlight should be there.
The next preventive measure can be planting the plant at the correct distances. A lot of distance should be maintained in each plant as planting them closely leads to infection. Hence to ensure proper air circulation, well distance has to be maintained and the garden or greenhouse should be well ventilated.
When you water the plant, try to water near the plant and make sure that leaves don’t come in contact with water.
If you see the symptoms of the disease or see the spots, immediately remove the part of the plant to avoid the spread of infection to the whole field. Cut off the infected part and dispose of it. Also, check all the other plants carefully as it spreads very easily through air or wind.
Further, do sterilize all the tools used for pruning to prevent the spread of disease to other plants. For this keep the scissors in a solution made of one part of bleach and four of water. Also, make sure that you wash your hands properly after you deal with the infected plant. Spray the foliage in the field so that the powdery mildew doesn’t occur again. Put 2 tables of aspirin in the water and then dissolve it well and spray the solution on the leaves. The best time to spray this can be early morning.
If the plant still doesn’t get rid of the disease and the infection occurs again and again then you have to detach the whole plant and fungicides have to be sprayed to the soil to prevent the infection from spreading to the whole field.
Keeping a check on weeds and removing them from time to time is also a very important step as weeds can act as an obstacle for the sunlight and plants may not get proper sunlight.
However, if you are growing the plant at home in your garden then there’s a simple home remedy for the disease. For this, you have to mix the water and milk in equal amounts and then spray it on the plant two times a week.
One can use organic compounds like sulfur or potassium bicarbonate. These organic compounds are very effective for powdery mildew.
One should check the plant at least once a week to avoid the disease.
Bottom line:
The disease powdery mildew of Pumpkin is very common and also spreads very easily. Hence it needs proper care. To avoid the disease or to prevent it, the above given preventive measures should be taken. This fungal disease can affect the yield as well as the taste of the plant hence one should keep a check on the plant.
The crop is extensively high in protein content. Soybean is largely consumed for its edible oil.
Soya is also a consumable milk product. Enormously utilized in the form of neutral tasting soya chunks.
Indian loves this for its low-fat content and rich omega 3 fatty profile. This crop helps in fetching a good amount of revenue.
If you are looking into soybean farming, there should be a proper layout designed accordingly.
Essentials for soybean farming
When planning for soybean farming, you should have a complete idea about its necessities.
Soil
Soybean gels along loamy, and well-drained soil. It should have a PH balance between 6-7.5. Water-logged soil hampers the growth of this golden crop. So, it should be taken care of on a disciplinary basis.
Planting Season
Mid of April till May or June is the best suited time for planting soybeans.
Seed Selection
Go with a genetically trusted variety of seeds for soybean farming. The seeds should be free from diseases, healthy, and fit for planting.
Irrigation
As it is a Kharif crop, which means sown at the onset of monsoon, no more irrigation is required. But when it comes to a drought prone area, field needs to be watered properly. Due to rains, care should be taken to choose well-drained soil.
Preparing land for soybean farming
This is the initial step towards soybean farming. For a good production, it must be ensured that the land is not sown with soybean crop earlier. Or you can say, field should have a clean history.
It leads to the growth of small unwanted plants on the land.
Also, it becomes a habit for pathogens that might develop due to previous cultivation. So, the best way out is crop rotation. This ensures a perfect crop.
Ridges and furrows should be made according to the need of the method to be practiced.
Planting soybean
Planting soybean depends upon the seed and the weather. It is a myth that the sooner you sow them the earlier you get them.
Make it crystal clear the ground has to be moisture-laden and the temperature should be heading towards a warmer effect.
Ensure that the crop must not be threatened by the frost effect. A warm climate maintains the soil temperature for healthy cropping.
For amazing results plant them in April end. Although over time lot of techniques have been evolved for a perfect yield. But the weather is still the deciding factor.
Tool requirement and seed spacing
The tool requirement remains the same for soybeans and corn. A corn planter ensures an accurate depth and firm fix in the soil.
Being soil type and atmospheric conditions, the deciding factor, you need to go according to them.
Planting the soybean seeds 1.1/4 to 1.1/2 is the advised depth for an impressive yield. Last you can go till 2 inches but the variety must have the capacity to thrive excellently well.
Spacing is not a compulsory practice to be followed in the case of soybeans. Though a space of 30 inches is great, as intimacy between the plants might generate bugs and pathogens.
A soybean farming attains maturity at 3-4 months from being planted. Rest the quality of the seeds also determine their growth rate.
Don’t forget all the necessary conditions for growth shows impressive results. And the sprouting phase comes in 3 to 7 days of sowing seeds.
Remember to feed them with good fodder and they start cropping within time.
How long does it take for soybeans to grow can be achieved by providing them with all the necessary required things for growth?
Weed control in soybean farming
Cropping up of weed is the major issue in soyabean farming. To check the growth is a task to be carried on a routine. A continuous effort has to be made for discouraging the weeds.
You can look for some weed dismantling elements to be added to the soil for the relief. These defoliants for stopping weeds get life on adding water to them. Adding water is done to moisten them and not water-logging.
This is done generally after 24-30 from planting the seeds.
Soybean growth stages
The production in soyabean farming is classified into 4 stages:
Flowering:
The reproduction process starts when the seeds start coming to life. Soybean is typically a night-lover crop. When they get longer nights than day, seed instigates flowering.
By this time, the plants have attained a height of 15 inches almost. Now, the flowers start emerging from the nodes of the stem. The flowers are placed between the leaf axil and are known as racemes.
These flowers turn into pods that bear the seeds. Then there are secondary racemes which are again dependent on the primary ones.
Complete flower:
The complete blooming is attained when the flower reaches full size and opens up at the upper node on the stem. The emergence of a new flower slows down rendering space for the bloom.
Blooming indicates that the growth of soybean is at a rapid pace with the plants becoming 17-22 inches tall. Thereby the lateral roots becoming deeper and firmer to the soil.
In this, the plant has reached 50% of its height and growth. Prevention from insects, illness and hails increase the output rate at this time.
Pod arrival
The pod arrival is a sign of the emergence of a bean. This is a crucial stage in the development of fruit. The plant is sensitive to any sort of damage.
As it can affect the pod size and number, bean size and number, and the seeds too. However, a prolonged flowering time can be helpful. The flowers disappear up to 70% as the pods appear and grow in size.
Now by this time the plant size is about 22 inches or more, which means almost near to maturity.
Complete fruit
The pod grows in size and number heading towards completion. It marks the end of the soybean growth stages. The plant is fully grown by now bearing pods as the result.
The only thing to keep in mind is the irrigation part. Also protecting the plant from damage in the early growth period to get a healthy fruit at the end.
Pest and disease of soybean
Soybean farming is susceptible to pests. The pest and diseases of soybean affect their growth. Some of the common diseases are a bacterial blight, downy mildew, bollworm, and corn earworm moth.
All these pests hamper the growth and curb it by 15-20%. Proper treatment for pest and disease control in soybean farming is necessary to increase the production rate.
Fungicidal seed treatment is a preventive step for root rot or where the seeds are planted in wet soils. At the time of plantation, fungicides are applied to the soil. This protects the seeds and accelerates the growth.
Soybean rust can be checked by the proper and timely application of fungicides. These soybean scouts mean spots on the leaf must be checked timely to restrict the spread further.
Organic farming in soybeans
Organic farming is among the best soybean farming techniques. The farm is solely prepared for soybean farming. Although, we know that crop-rotation works wonder for soybeans.
A best tropical or temperate climate with good fertile or productive soil adds life to the farming. Good organic manures and timely weed check are the necessary elements for the acceleration of growth. In case of phosphate deficiency.
Crop-rotation is carried out to discourage soil damage. Fixing nitrogen level to the soil should be followed. The PH should rank between 6.5-7 for a great yield. Once fixing the soil needs for the farming. You can proceed further.
Now, go for crop-rotation as it focuses on curbing pests and enhances soil productivity too. Spacing should also be done. About 45-60 cm gap should be there to allow the crop to grow.
The organic soyabean farming technique is beneficial for soybean cultivation. It improves both the quality and quantity of production.
Soybean yield accounts for 18 to 35 quintals per harvest. With the passage of time yield of soybeans has gone amazingly high. Today, the organic soybean yield per acre accounts for 163 bu/ac.
Harvestation of soybeans
Harvesting of soybean ranges between 50 to 145 days from the plantation. At this time the leaves acquire a yellow color and droop down. You can see the soybean pods popping out of the plant. The seeds should be 15% moist at the time of harvest otherwise they tend to dry out easily.
Conclusion
Soybean farming is among the profit yield businesses. The soybeans are less input and high output crops. They fetch more return with minimum investment. Excellent management is more than enough.
High in demand in the form of seed oil, chunks, chaaps, yogurt, and much more. Having a cluster of benefits for pocket and health makes it fit for farming.
Weight management, keeps diabetes under control, improves digestion, and circulation in the body.
If you want to have your soybean venture, go ahead.
Radish ( Raphanus ) is a well known crop of both tropical and temperate regions. It is a quick growing crop and hence can be easily grown as intercrop along with other vegetables.
The roots of these crops are the edible parts that are fusiform and the color ranges from white to red. There are two different genetic groups of this crop. These are the Asiatic variety and the other is the European variety.
Firstly the Asiatic variety is a tropical crop that produces edible roots in the first season whereas seeds in the second season are biennial crops. However in the European variety, roots are produced in the plains of tropical as well as subtropical climate and the seeds are produced in the hills of temperature climate.
Different types of Radish:
There are different types of Radish plants for example watermelon radish, French breakfast radish, zlata radish, cherry Belle etc. Let’s discuss in detail about some varieties of radish.
This variety of radish is moderately sweet and less spicy. It shows mainly three different shades of color that are light green, white and beige. However like it’s name it’s color reminds of a watermelon. After plantation it matures in about 50-60 days. For proper growth there must be a minimum 3 inch of distance between them.
● French breakfast radish:
It is our next variety of radish, red in color and is more elongated than the round radish that has round tip white in color. Along with it’s pleasant crispy taste it has a reflection of sourness. This variety of radish matures very early and within 25-30 days after plantation and seeding is ready for harvest.
● Zlata Radish:
It is quite different from the other varieties due to its yellow brown color and oval shape, it looks much similar to potato. This variety of radish is ready to harvest in probably 30 days. Zlata radish has small green leaves that can be used for salads as well as can be used for other green recipes.
● Cherry Belle:
It is dark pink in color and round in shape. It tastes sweet and crispy. It is mostly eaten as salads. This variety of radish also matures very early within 25-27 days after germination.
● Daikon radish :
This is a large sized radish about 14 inches long. It can be picked after about 60 days of germination and plantation. It has a delight and crispy flavor with a little bit of sweetness. It needs at least 4 inches of space to grow properly
● White Icicle:
This is our next variety of Radish which is cylindrical in shape and about 5-6 inches long. Fresh white icicles taste the best. It can be harvested in about 30-40 days after plantation.
● Round Black Radish:
Similar to it’s name it is black in color and has a very unique taste. It is spherical in shape. Though it’s black in color from out but it’s flesh is white and creamy with a strong flavor.
● Chinese Rose:
This variety of radish has a broadened shape. Its color is red-purple from outside and has white and pink colored veins inside. This variety matures in early autumn. It has a very particular taste. In the beginning it’s taste is delicate but suddenly the taste buds will sense a surprising pungent sensation.
● Horseradish:
This is the radish that doesn’t leave a bitter taste. Winters are best for plantation of horseradish and they mature in springs and can be refrigerated too.
● Easter Egg Radish:
They are named so because of their shape, its shape is like that of an egg. Easter Egg Radish is available in a number of colors like white, pink, red, lavender and purple colors. They should be harvested when their diameter measures 1 inch as harvesting at this stage can avoid it from turning hard or bitter.
● Lady Slipper:
It is news because of its unique shape. It has a bright and shiny pink color that is very attractive to eyes. It is white from inside and is sweet and crispy.
Plantation of Radish:
The seeds of radish germinate within 5-8 days according to the moisture levels. These are very easy to grow and can be grown in pots as well as containers.
One can grow these at home on balconies or backyards or on the terraces. It matures in 4-5 weeks and is ready for the first harvest. These regenerate from the roots and can be grown from scraps too. Cooler climates are more suitable for it’s growth but also need sunlight.
Overcrowding can be a problem and the radishes may not grow properly. Radish requires Sandy soil that is fertile, well drained and has good organic manures. If these are grown in a pot or containers then adding compost can be useful. Radish needs about 1 inch water every week but one should not over water it or let it dry completely.
Leaving them on the ground for a long time can cause the radish to split. A well balanced N:P:K ( nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) is also a main requirement of radish along the other micronutrients.
Land preparation:
Firstly the soil has to be ploughed 30-40 cm deep and it should be prepared properly so that there are no clots left. Any undecomposed matters should not be present in the soil as it can cause forking of the root. Adding farmyard manures or garden compost can help to enrich the soil with organic manures and provide good yield. A pH range of 6-7.5 of the soil is appropriate for radish.
The soil can be sterilized maine by two methods that are physical and chemical methods
In physical methods, the soil can be sterilized by heat treatments like it’s treatment with steam or with solar energy. However in chemical methods the soil is treated with herbicides or fumigation. Soil solarization is another method of soil sterilization in which a transparent plastic mulch film is used for the purpose.
During this process the the solar radiations passes through the plastic film and then is absorbed by the soil and then the absorbed rays gets converted into heat energy and due to which the temperature of the soil increase and hence it’s helpful in killing the soil borne diseases that includes pests as well as pathogens. For one hectare of land piece, about 10-12 kg of seeds would be enough. It is also found that for stimulating the germination of radish seeds naphthalene acetic acid can be proved helpful. For this the seeds have to be soaked in Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA)
Best time for sowing:
Radish is a winter crop cultivated in plains. The sowing process can be done in early winter however the sowing period can differ from place to place as it’s different for plains and hills.
Radish is generally grown on the ridges for good production. It can be grown as both single as well as companion crop. The minimum distance between the rows should be 45cm on the other hand the minimum distance between each plant should be 8cm. The depth at which the seed is sown is 1.15cm . There are 2 main methods of seed sowing: line sowing and broadcasting method
Line sowing method:
In this method the seed has to be mixed up with the soil in 1:4 ratio and then placed in a row with hands over the ridges. After this it has to be covered by a layer of soil.
Broadcasting: In this the seed is mixed up with the soil in the same way as done before and then it is scattered all over the field evenly. After this planking is done.
Radish crops need uniform watering to maintain moisture in the soil. It should be watered For first 4 to 5 days and then irrigated at intervals of 3-4 days. If the soil is dry then the radish may taste bitter However on the other hand over watering can rot or split the roots. Irrigation also depends on the season ( rainfall conditions) or the moisture levels of soil.
Manuring:
Mixing the farmyard manures or garden compost entirely while land Preparation can be helpful for a good crop. However doses of other fertilizers like potassic phosphatic should also be added in the soil before sowing the seeds. As radish is a fast growing crop so the soil rich in the plant nutrients can prove to be more helpful.
Weed control:
Weeding is a process that is a very important part of cultivation of almost every crop, and so is for radish. Regular weeding has to be done to keep a check on weeds so that our crops get proper and sufficient nutrients.
Especially in the rainy season two weedicides are needed so that weeds don’t suckup all the nutrients. Tok E -25( nitrofan 25%) keeps a check on both monocot and dicot weeds. Earthing up and weeding both should be carried out at least once in the early stages. Earthing up should be carried out as it ensures the quality of roots. Once after the initial stages earthing up should be again done during the flowering and fruiting.
Diseases :
Clubroot is a Radish plant disease marked by the swelling or malformation of roots or the lateral parts.
This can be controlled by raising the pH of soil with heavy dressing of lime and keeping the field free from mustard.
Plantation tips:
1. Seeding process should be carried out in early spring.
2. The seeds should be planted half an inch deep and at a distance of 1 inch from each other.
3. Keep your garden free from weeds for good quality.
4. Keep the soil from crusting around the plants as this helps the radish to become large.
Harvesting:
Harvesting is one of the important phases of radish cultivation as if you leave it unharvested for a long time it becomes inedible. Generally the crop needs to be harvested after completion of 3 weeks after sowing.
How do I know that the crop is ready to harvest: Radish is ready to harvest when the leaves about the ground become large and 2-3 cm wide at the top.
Then pull out the mature radish from the ground separate off the green part on the top. The harvested radish can be refrigerated but has to be used within a week. If you want to save the seeds for next season then leave the radish in the ground for flowering.
Yield: The temperate varieties of radish produce 10-12 tonnes of radish per hectare within a month whereas the Asiatic variety produces 14-15 tonnes within one and half month or less. It is a very profitable business with
Marketing of the crop: Mainly the transport of the crop is carried out with trucks to the local areas
Conclusion:
Radish is a crop that is grown and eaten throughout the world. It has a number of varieties namly pink radish, Malaga violet, white hailstone radish, cherry Belle l, watermelon Radish etc etc . It can be eaten in a number of ways, may be raw or in salad or cooked but salad is one of the most common ways to eat radish.
All these different varieties have their own flavor and tastes , some of them have a bit of bitterness in them. Along with different tastes these different varieties have different maturation time, some mature very early on the other hand some take time to mature. Radish crops germinate in a short time and also don’t take much longer to mature.
Carrots are a member of the Apiaceae family. This family generally includes celery, dill, cilantro, and anise. These are biennial crops and produce taproots in their first year of carrot farming. These taproots are consumed by people. Further, if they are not taken out and left to grow in the ground, they flower and produce seeds and then die in the second year.
Carrot farming is quite lucrative and its benefits vary with variety and place of production.
The botanical name of carrot is Daucus carota.
All carrots can be consumed from the root to its tip. They can be found in various rainbow colors like red, orange, purple, or yellow. Leaves of carrots can also be used in salads. They are loaded with flavor and texture. They are very popular and versatile. Plus, it is a long-lasting root vegetable
In the U.S. mostly orange colored carrots are found. They are consumed fresh and can be stored for some time. This vegetable ranked 6th most eaten vegetable in theU.S. in 1997. Its consumption was recorded as 14.1 pounds per person. However, till 2015 its consumption lowered down to 9.31 pounds.
Different types of carrots?
Carrots are available in different colors, shapes, and sizes.
Based on shape, they are divided into 5 types.
Danvers – this is the most commonly known carrot variety. It is long, slender, and tapers at the end. This variety is named after a place of growth i.e. Danvers. They are mostly found in orange color but are available in other shades too. As compared to other carrot types, they can easily tolerate poor soil.
Nantes- this variety is round at the top and cylindrical. They have very few green tops and crunchy taste. The sweetness of this variety makes it delicious to eat. This carrot type grows faster than other types of carrots. Around 40 varieties fall into this type.
Imperator- this carrot variety is most commonly found in the U.S. It looks similar to a danver but is greater in width than Danvers. Sugar content is also higher in this variety. They have fast-growing tops.
Chantenay- Before Nantes, this carrot variety was very popular for growth in heavy and clayey soil. They grow up to 6-7 inches and tops grow very fast.
Ball or mini- these carrots are small in size as the name suggests. Due to their short size or shallow roots, they are perfect for containers. The size of carrots ranges between 3-4 inches.
Varieties of carrots
Some commonly used varies of carrots are-
Bolero- This variety of carrot is slightly tapered. It grows up to 7-8 inches. They can resist leaf pests and blights. Therefore, they can be easily grown in areas that suffer from this problem.
Danvers -This variety is a classic heirloom. The size of this variety varies from 6-8 inches. They taper at the end too. Danvers can grow in heavy soil and are rich in texture and have an orange color.
Littlefinger- little fingers are heirlooms and are small Nantes. They only go up to 4 inches in height. Growth of this variety can be easily carried out in containers.
Nantes- these cylindrical carrots grow up to 6-7 inches. They are sweet and have a crisp texture.
Thumbelina- these carrots have a round shape and grow well in clayey soil. Containers are also suitable for thumberline production.
Carrot growing season
Carrots are cool-season crops. They can grow perfectly in temperatures ranging from 18-21C. This temperature range provides edible roots optimum color.
Carrots are grown in loose or sandy soil. Growing in such kind of soil provides enough room for roots to expand without any restrictions. Keep in mind that any root or soil clumps should be completely removed from the planting site. They grow well in cool seasons. The best time to grow carrots in spring or fall.
It takes around 2-4 months for carrots to fully mature. You Can keep planting carrots in spring and summer after every 3 weeks to get a continuous supply of carrot still cold frosts hit.
In the U.S. for fresh carrot farming, the gross value is $10600 per acre. This value may vary with the area and merchandise level.
What should be the soil condition for carrot farming?
As mentioned earlier, the soil should be loose and sandy for letting carrots to grow fully. If soil is not good then carrots may face stunted growth.
Soil can be cleared up to 12 inches in depth. Remove rocks, pebbles, soil clumps, or any other plant roots from soil to provide a clean and free area to grow.
Do not add fertilizers that have nitrogen in them. It leads to forking in carrots and the growth of side roots too.
If the soil on the planting site is clayey or heavy then cover it with 12-inch deep sandy soil. Then you can carry out carrot farming on it. You can also use airy, loamy soil for the same.
If soil is heavy, compact, and overly packed with nutrients like nitrogen then it leads to misshapen carrot production. They are not quite fit for consumption.
When to plant carrots?
For harvest in summer, you should sow seeds at least 3-5 weeks before the last spring frost date. There is various software available to check frost dates in your area.
Keep sowing seeds every 3 weeks to harvest carrots continuously later on.
For harvesting in the fall, you can sow seeds in mid of summer end. You can begin showing 10 weeks before the first frost.
For sowing seeds, you must prepare your planting site. The soil must be favorable for carrot farming. It should be loose, airy, loamy, and sandy for carrot farming. The planting area should receive full sunlight. However, carrots can survive in partial shade too.
Rather than sowing seeds in containers first and then transplanting, start sowing directly into the soil. Carrots do not like to get their delicate roots disturbed. Therefore, it is better to place them in soil and do not disturb them till harvesting.
While sowing seeds, sow them in ¼ inch deep holes. Keep them around 2-3 inches apart in 1 feet rows.
Distribute seeds evenly to get a good harvest at the end. Scatter them here and there will not ensure properly and fully grown carrots. They might face competition from each other.
Further, the soil should be moist but not wet. Keep adding shallow waterings regularly. A crusted soil top is not favorable for the germination of small carrots. To avoid this condition, cover the top of the soil with a vermiculite or compost layer. It keeps the soil moist and doesn’t let the crust form.
It takes around 2-3 weeks for germination. Carrots germinate slowly so many gardens prefer sowing radish along. Radish is ready to harvest in a very small time. To speed up germination on carrots you can perform a damp paper towel method. That allows seeds to sprout before being sewed into the soil.
The adequate temperature for seed germination is 50-85F. It can germinate at low temperatures up to 40F and as high as 75F if it is provided with adequate moisture. Seeds can be stored and used for 3 years.
Care Of Carrots
To keep carrots weed-free and healthy, mulch can be used. It helps in retaining moisture in the soil and suppresses weeds too. Also, germination speeds up if mulch is used. It also blocks sunlight from falling directly on roots and damaging them.
The thinning of carrots can also be performed when they grow about 1 inch tall. Thin carrots so that they stay at least 3-4 inches apart and do not become crowded.
For better growth, snip tops of carrots using scissors rather than pulling.
Providing a proper amount of water is crucial in the growth of carrots. They need moisturized soil but it should not be too wet. Wet soil can lead to diseases and even cause the death of plants. Water up to 1inch per acre per week. When carrots mature, water can be increased by up to 2 inches per acre.
Nitrogen is harmful to carrots so avoid nitrogen fertilizer use. Instead, high potassium and phosphorus fertilizers can be used after 5-6 weeks of sowing. This ensures nutrition for carrots.
When harvesting, know that smaller carrots taste better than larger ones. They can be harvested after 60-80 days of sowing seeds.
When to harvest carrots?
Carrots are ready to harvest when they reach at least ½ inch in diameter size. If the growth of carrots was carried out in spring or early summer then harvest them before it gets too hot. Heat sends signals to carrots to make their roots more fibrous. This condition can make them a little nonedible.
Moisten your soil a little to ease out pulling carrots while harvesting.
In fall harvest, wait for the first fall frost before harvesting your crop. Cover soil with about an 18 inch leaves layer. After frost, pull out your carrots. The reason behind this is, frost tends to force carrots to store energy in roots. Energy is stored in the form of sugars. Hence, your carrots become sweeter at this time.
Do not wash your carrots if you are not going to use them next week.
How do you know when carrots are ready to pick?
Tops of carrots start popping out of the ground sometimes and it is a clear indication that they are ready to harvest. Their tops can be around ¾ inch to 1 inch in diameter. Moreover, its color is vibrant.
If carrot tops are not bulging out themselves, remove some soil from their sides, and check their condition.
Generally, this happens around 60-80 days after sowing seeds.
Storage of carrots
Cut the greens of the carrots but leave 1/2 inch of it attached to the carrots. It is necessary to remove greens otherwise they will extract all sugars away from carrots.
Wash carrots with cold water remove all dirt from them. Seal them in airtight plastic bags after air drying and store them in the refrigerator. If you leave them just as it is they will limp soon.
Carrots can be stored in a cool and dry area. You can also fill up a place with dry sawdust and store carrots in it.
Pest and diseases in carrots
Carrot rust flies, flea beetles, black canker, root-knot nematodes, and wireworms can easily infect and feed on carrot production.
Nematodes have a very vast host range and too much infection of carrots can make them unfit for cultivation.
After yellow disease, carrots produced are short and have discolored tops with roots very hairy. Leafhoppers move from one plant to another and lead to this disease. No treatment or control strategy is available for this disease.
25 calories, 2g of fiber, 6g of carbohydrates, 0.5g of proteins.
Half cup of carrots has the following amount of vitamins and minerals-
73% of the daily requirement of vitamin A
9% of the daily requirement of vitamin K
8% of the daily requirement of potassium and fiber content
5% of the daily requirement of vitamin C
2% of the daily requirement of iron and calcium
Also, it has beta carotene and vitamin A which is good for the eyes.
It also aids in lowering down the risk of cancer. Antioxidants present in carrots fight with harmful radicals in the body. Carotenoids and anthocyanins are the main antioxidants present in carrots.
Heart diseases can be prevented by carrot consumption. Antioxidants are good for health and potassium keeps blood pressure in check.
Conclusion
Carrot farming can be easily carried out by taking care of basic things. They have very high and regular demand. The growth of carrots is easy and therefore, it can be a profitable business for you. The yield of carrots varies depending on the variety that you choose. So, check out varieties that grow well in your area and provide profits at the same time and then begin.
Radishes are a healthy and versatile plant. They can be consumed as toppings on salads used in western dishes too. The juice of radishes is full of nutrition. It is also cooked as a vegetable in various parts of the world. Along with all of this, radishes are so easy to grow and consume.
But while growing radishes you can face some problems too. Problems that occur while growing radishes can be woody stems, bitter taste, cracking in roots, not forming bulbs, too hot taste. And while growing radishes, one question you might ask is, why my radishes are growing above ground?
Here we shall discuss why radishes grow above ground and solutions to this problem too.
First, check out these numerous benefits of radishes.
They can be eaten raw or can be cooked too. Only half a cup of radish has enough vitamin C to fulfill your daily need. It also has nutrients like vitamin K, vitamin B6, potassium, niacin, phosphorus, riboflavin, calcium, and magnesium.
Along with this, extracts in roots of radish have the power to kill cancerous cells. It is also great for bowls. To add to this, radish consumption can control blood sugar and cholesterol levels. Gastric ulcers can be cured by radish juice. Natural antifungal agents are present too.
Why are my radishes growing above ground?
There can be few reasons behind this and they are mentioned below-
1. Imperfect Soil
If soil is not fit and does not match the required criteria for growth then abnormalities are obvious. Soil should be loose and crumpy to grow perfect and healthy radishes. In case, the soil is too compact, roots do not get enough space to expand. Therefore, first, they grow small in size.
Next, when they have no space to expand, they push themselves out and radishes start growing above ground. This situation can be prevented by loosening soil a little. It provides enough space to grow freely and thus, they do not pop out.
The soil must be loosened and well maintained with compost and dry leaves up to 14 inches.
By the time radishes start popping out of the ground, the problem would have increased very much without you noticing. Thus, if they come out by a quarter of an inch, check soil integrity.
2. Seeds not sown deep enough
Seed packets bought from the market suggest sowing seeds up to ½ inch inside the ground. Scientists suggest that seeds must be sown at least one and a half inches deep in the ground for perfect growth of radishes. Sowing seeds above can lead to roots or main bulbs coming out of soil early.
Sowing seeds deeper ensures proper growth and maximum output.
3. Temperature of soil
Soil temperature becomes unsuitable for radish growth when radish seeds are not sown at the correct time. The best time for sowing seeds in the spring season.
Sowing too early or too late makes them face too cold or too hot soil temperature which affects the growth of radish. Further, temperature above or below 80F is not suitable for radishes. Therefore, radishes come out of the ground.
Make sure soil is loose and crumbly up to 12-14 inches deep.
Use compost and dry leaves to make soil fit for radish growth.
Seeds should be sown at least one and a half inches deep for maximum output.
Maintain good moisture in the soil to avoid bitter radishes.
Radishes turning long and thin
There can be various reasons behind radishes turning long and thin. First of all, understand that the growth of leaves generally determines when they are to be pulled. Sometimes, leaves can be healthy but radishes below-ground can be long and thin and unfit for consumption.
You can check growth by pulling the main root out a little. The main taproot is strong and deep and does not get affected much. However, tiny roots attached to the main one can get damaged by harsh pulling. So, be careful while checking.
Now if your radishes appear to be long and thin then this might have occurred because of your little mistakes like-
Overcrowding- Radishes grow below ground and require enough space for proper growth. If they don’t get enough space due to overcrowding then they grow long and thin. Radishes should be grown 2-3 inches apart. This makes sure each one gets enough space to grow fully.
Sunlight- 6 hours of sunlight are a must for healthy and fully grown radishes. Alteration in sunlight periods affects growth and makes them long and thin.
Regular watering- radishes require a lot of water to grow. Shortage in the water supply makes them long and thin. However, too much water can destroy them so care must be taken. Radishes can bolt if hot water is supplied.
Temperature- 80F is the optimum temperature for radish growth. If the temperature is above 80F, radishes start producing flowers.
Nutrients- improper intake of nutrients causes thin and long main roots. If high nitrogen content is added to the soil, radishes focus more on leaf growth than root.
Radish leaves turning yellow
Various conditions can result in the yellowing of leaves like overcrowding, lack of sunlight, competition for weeds, irregular watering, pests, or diseases. Few diseases that lead to yellowing of leaves are-
Septoria leaf spots- this condition leads to yellow spot formation on leaves. Well-drained and nutritional soil prevents this disease.
Club rot- yellow leaves, tumor growth, and swelling in roots us seen. It can be prevented by crop rotation.
Downy mildew- Angular yellow spots appear on leaves along with the white or grey fungus.
Holes in Radish leaves
Flea beetles can lead to holes in the leaves of seedlings or small transplants. Larvae of flea beetles feed on radish leaves and make holes in them.
Holes eaten in the leaves of radishes by flea beetles, early June.
Cultivating them often can help get rid of flea beetles. The Garden should be kept clean to avoid pests.
Conclusion
Radishes are an easy to grow and versatile plant. They take only 3-4 weeks to grow and ready to eat as such. But growing radishes can be accompanied by the above-mentioned problem too. Therefore, take steps to prevent and cure these ailments and you can grow perfect radishes that are fit for consumption.
Kiwi (Actinidia deliciosa) is a berry fruit. It is mainly oval and with brown skin and green flesh. It also has tiny black seeds that are edible. Though it is a bit sour but doesn’t have citric acid in it. It has a sweet and tangy taste. This plant is mainly grown in the winter season as it requires a temperature of less than 7° C.
Kiwi farming is carried out in sandy and loamy soil. This soil should be rich and well-drained. Kiwi is grown at a depth of 800-1500 m. So now the question arises: How long does it take a kiwi plant to produce fruit? Fruiting mainly depends upon the age of vines.
However, the yield of the plant increases after 1 year. Kiwi has high nutritive values, it is rich in vitamins and minerals. It has vitamin c, vitamin k, fibers, and potassium. Hence kiwi farming is very profitable.
Mainly there are 3 types of kiwi fruit. It has several health benefits. These are the grocery store kiwi ( Actinidia deliciosa), the next is a hardy kiwi (Actinidia arguta ), the last type is (Actinidia kolomikta).
Kiwi plantation:
In this, first of all, one would require one male vine for eight female vines. These vines are vegetatively propagated so these vines will be made to reproduce when you buy. The growth of hardy kiwis is very very fast.
Which type of soil is best for kiwi farming?
The soil should be well-drained and should have a higher amount of organic matter in it. Sandy and loamy soil are best for kiwi farming. The pH of soil required is a little less than 6.9.
At this pH maximum yield has been reported however if the pH increases to 7.3 it can badly affect the yield. As the cropping starts, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium has to be supplied at regular intervals. 200kg of nitrogen, 55 kg of phosphorus, about 150kg of potassium are the doses required per hectare.
Suitable climatic conditions for growing kiwi:
As told earlier a cool climate is preferable for kiwi plantation however they can grow in almost every climate. The vines require a cold climate to set fruit. Less than 45° F is suitable for kiwi. These plants need to be protected from strong winds and frost.
Hence kiwi has to be protected from wind, autumn, and spring frost. The soil needs to be rich in moisture throughout the year. About 150cm of Rainfall is enough per year and it should be well distributed especially during growth periods.
During summer the temperature is more and the humidity is very low and this can cause scorching of leaves. Usually, heat stress and sunscald are the main problems in kiwi farming.
How to prepare the land for kiwi fruit production:
A steep land with rows is required for growing kiwis. The land should be prepared in such a way that enough sunlight falls towards the rows. The land has to be prepared thoroughly for the cultivation of kiwi.
The land should be plowed about 2 to 4 times and then followed by two harrowings. It is necessary to keep the soil free from any type of weeds otherwise the crop yield would be poor. While preparing pits for the kiwis, a mixture of farmyard manures and upper soil should be added to get high quality and productivity of the fruit.
Planting a kiwi fruit:
For kiwi plantation, it is very important to plant the fruit at correct distances and suitable methods have to be followed.
When the kiwi is grown at a commercial level, that time grafting method is mainly used for propagation. If this crop is grown at a proper distance then one can attain maximum fruit production. The distance between each row should be at least 3.5m whereas the distance between each plant has to be 6m. Usually, 2 main methods are used for plantation.
These two methods are: T- bar training system and the other is the Pergola training system. In the T-bar system, the above-mentioned spacing is required. In the Pergola system, the distance between each row should be 6m and the distance between the plants should be 5 to 6 m.
The first step is to get some kiwi seeds from the available kiwi fruit. Then place all these seeds in water and blend them to separate the gooey membrane from the seed. After this use a colander to water the kiwi seeds. Then soak these seeds by placing them smoothly on a paper towel. The next step is to put them in a ziplock and place it in a warm place.
When you notice sprouting in the seeds, split the paper towel into tiny pieces and transplant them in the prepared put or the pot. Therefore take proper care of your plant for good quality fruit.
Irrigation in kiwi farming:
For a good quality crop, from time to time irrigation is a must. Like other crops, kiwi also needs regular water supplies. The hard variety of the kiwi fruit takes 3-4 years to become mature. Hence water has to be supplied regularly for 3 years of the plantation. But don’t overwater the plant as this may lead to mulch in the crop.
In hot and dry conditions water has to be supplied at regular intervals. At commercial level kiso farming, irrigating at intervals of 10-14 days is best for maximum production.
Application of manures and fertilizers:
The application of manures and fertilizers is also very necessary for high productivity. From time to time enough dose of suitable manure and fertilizers has to be supplied for a good yield. So one should use soil rich in organic matter like nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and other micronutrients and macronutrients.
Other than this a dose of farmyard manure should be added before planting it in the main field. After 5 years of plantation, adding these manures and fertilizers have excellent results. A high amount of Cl is also necessary for the crop as its deficiency can cause adverse effects on the growth of the crop and even on roots and shoots. On the other hand surplus amounts of boron and sodium can be harmful to crops.
Pruning and training of kiwi crop:
For better production of the crop, pruning and training are very important. In training Wooden, concrete, or iron pillars are used to provide support to the vines. Adjust these pillars 5 to 6 meters apart. The pillars should be 1.6 to 2.1 m long above the ground. Fence or wire can be used to provide support to the pillars.
Pruning: Along with proper training, pruning is also very essential for high yield. It is very important to remove or cut off the unwanted and undesirable parts that may suck the essential nutrients from the plant.
Hence canes from the making part of the flower have to be removed along the excessive wood grown along with the plant. Also, separate off the extra tangles from the plant.
As kiwi is not a self-pollinating plant, hence there’s a need for good pollination also.
Mainly kiwi attains its full size after monsoons however it still may not be ready for harvesting. It could be ready to harvest in early winter as till then the seeds become black and sugar levels also rise however after harvesting the kiwi, the starch turns into sugar. And finally, the fruit is ready to eat.
Also, a refractometer can be used to determine if the sugar level is optional and the kiwi is ready to harvest or not. About 6.5 percent or more is the optimal sugar level. Vine-ripened kiwi has the best Taste however cannot be stored for much time.
When the kiwi is grown at a commercial level, harvesting has to be done all at one time however if one grows it in a home garden then they can harvest it according to their need in the harvesting period but harvest the large-sized kiwi first and let others remain inside to grow more. Kiwi has to be handled with care during harvesting and the kiwi that has been damaged cannot be stored.
Water Staining, Juice Blotch, and Sooty Mold of Fruit (4/13) are some kiwi diseases whose symptoms are Vines may completely collapse; white mycelial mats may be present under bark close to the soil line, there’s a change in the color of cortical tissue and white mycelial strands are also present; root-like rhizomorphs extend from roots into the soil.
These needed to be controlled as soon as possible. Make sure that land being used for new kiwi plantings is gotten rid of roots which have diameter greater than 1 inch; ensure kiwi vines are properly watered but not too much. Further, diseases can be controlled by avoiding injuries that lead a way for pathogens to enter the body. At this time, no chemical control strategies are available.
Health Benefits of kiwi:
Kiwi has several health benefits and many nutritional values. Some of the benefits are as follows:
1. Kiwi is an incredible source of vitamin C, vitamin E, and antioxidants.
2. Kiwi fruit has anti-aging properties and is also very beneficial for the skin. It improves skin health.
3. Kiwi fruit also helps in enhancing the respiratory system of the body.
4. Kiwi is very good for the eyes. It improves eyesight and is also helpful in protecting our eyes from several diseases.
5. Kiwi fruit helps us to improve our digestive system from where a large number of disorders and diseases can happen if digestion is not proper.
6. It is also very helpful in the improvement of cardiovascular diseases The kiwifruit possesses properties that lower blood pressure. By helping to maintain healthy blood pressure and providing a boost of Vitamin C, the kiwifruit can reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease.
7. Kiwi is a rich source of vitamin k that helps to make the bones strong.
8. It has many antibacterial and antifungal properties.
9. It helps with sleep disorders.
10. Along with the fruit its roots also have good properties.
It is also good for immunity asKiwi contains abundant amounts of Vitamin C, which stimulates the body’s immune response. The kiwifruit contains roughly 230% of the daily recommended intake of Vitamin C. This amazing fruit is loaded with immune-boosting nutrients in every bite.
In kiwi fruit. high amounts of dietary fiber are present in skin as well as in flesh. Fiber aids reduction of constipation and
other gastrointestinal issues and discomfort.
Treatment of Asthma
The presence of Vitamin C in kiwis has been proven to reduce wheezing symptoms in some asthma patients. This is true in children, who are benefitted the most from the consumption of kiwis.
Ocular Health
The high levels of antioxidant vitamins and carotenoids found in the kiwifruit may help in preventing eye disease and promote ocular health but only if it is consumed with other healthy and mineral rich vegetables and fruits.
Conclusion:
Kiwi is a very healthy profitable crop with high nutritive values. Kiwi is said to be a treasure of health benefits.
Papaya, also known as Carica papaya is herbaceous perennial. It belongs to family caricaceae. They are known to have originated in Caribbean in Central America. Papaya plants are generally grown in tropical or subtropical regions. They are native to Mexico and Southern America. In the USA, they are grown in Florida, Texas,southern California and hawaii. Based on their region of growth, the colour of this fruit varies.
The papaya plant bears edible fruit called papaya. The plant is treelike and usually unbranched. Stem of the papaya plant is hollow along with the petioles. Leaves are palmately lobed and arranged spirally on the top.height of plant is 2-10 m and its life span is around 25 years. This plant is found as males, females and hermaphrodites too.
Papaya is a tropical plant that bears pear shaped or melon like fruits. It is a little difficult to grow it because of its sensitive nature. Also, they cannot bear too cold temperatures, high winds and shades. Plus, papaya plants are very susceptible to diseases. Shortage of water, disease and attack by nematodes can result in wilting of leaves in papaya plants.
Male plants usually bear many flowers while female flowers bear either clusters of solitary flowers or very few flowers. Fruit of papaya is edible and is consumed by masses. It is a fleshy berry which has smooth skin on it. Skin of papaya is green and turns red, yellow or orange as it matures. Flesh of fruit is succulent and thick. Its colours vary from yellow,red to orange. Also, it contains numerous blackwrinkled seeds in it.
Basics of Papaya Plant
Plantation should be replaced every 3 years to ensure productivity to be maximum. Another name of papaya is pawpaw.
They can be eaten fresh. Along with this, people make jams, jellies, candies, and juice of papaya too. Young leaves and green fruit of papaya can be cooked and consumed as a vegetable.
papaya is a tropical plant. It grows very well in temperatures ranging from 21C to 33C. They require rainfall of at least 4 inches per month for proper growth. However, proper irrigation can also ensure undisturbed growth of papaya in dry areas. Avoid growing papaya plants in areas with risk of floods or waterlogged soils. They are also very sensitive to high winds and can easily get toppled in winds. Therefore, avoid their growth in windy areas.
Seeds can be planted out in soil and areas which receive good sunlight. But they can also grow well in containers at the start. They are grown in sterilized soils in nursery to keep diseases at bay. You can sow 3-4 seeds in one container.
Once they reach a height of 20 cm, they are ready to be planted outside. They generally grow well on hills or ridges. This is because of these places aid drainage. In addition to this, space them 2-3 m apart to ensure proper development.
Care and maintenance of Papaya
First of all seeds of papaya plants must be sown properly in well-drained soil. Proper Water supply must be ensured. Proper watering is required to grow papaya successfully. If water is not provided in the required amount that results into dropping of leaves, fruits, or flowers. Small fruits of papaya have a very small sugar content and cannot be consumed raw. In later stages, the supply of water can be reduced.
They are highly susceptible to diseases and weeds. Keep the area clean and weed free.
Mulch can be used to suppress weeds around papaya plants. Moreover, mulch has added benefits and retains moisture in soil. Regular use of fertilizer is advised to provide proper nutrition to plants. Giving required nutrients to plants helps is production of sweet and healthy fruits.
Commercial plants can be fertilized for about 2-4 times in a year. While, plants grown for personal use in gardens can be fertilized with ¼ cup of fertilizer every fortnight. When plants grow and reach the age of 7-8 months, fertilize them with 1-2 lbs of fertilizer every couple of months.
Also, these plants do not require pruning. But you can remove dead leaves from the plant without worrying.
Harvesting of Papaya
Harvesting takes around 22- 26 weeks for plants to mature. However, fruits can be picked anytime when ⅕ of fruit surface turns yellow. In addition to this, sweetness of fruit increases with time. Therefore, if you wish your fruits to have high sugar content, pick them a little later than usual. For removal of fruits, they can be either twisted or snapped. You can also use a knife to remove them.
Common diseases and pests- papaya plants are very susceptible to diseases. There are numerous microorganisms and pests that can affect these plants badly. Some of the common diseases and pests of papaya plants are mentioned below.
Anthracnose and charcoal spot- This disease is caused by fungi named Colletotrichum gloeosporioides. It causes light brown margins in circular lesions on plants. Also, small water soaked lesions are found on plants. Fungicide can be used to control the disease.
Black rot- Mycosphaerella caricae is responsible for this disease. It causes black sunken rot on young fruits. Young fruits start withering and dropping from the plant. This disease can be controlled by proper use of fungicide. Alos, fruits can be dipped in 48C hot water for 20 min to kill the fungus.
Black spot- This is also a fungal disease. It leads to formation of circular water soaked lesions. Centre of lesions becomes bleached in later stages. It can be controlled with fungicide.
Powdery mildew- Infection of all tree parts is observed in this disease. White mycelial growth occurs on the upper leaf surface. Infected area on the plant becomes light green. For getting rid of infection, avoid sprinkler irrigation systems. Also, remove the infected part to avoid further spread. Fungicides can be applied in case of severity.
Pest called as Papaya mealybug feeds on papaya plant and destroys it. It also causes plant stunting, early leaf and fruit drop. Lady beetles can be used as a natural enemy against mealybug. However, usage of chemicals can kill lady beetles and result in an outbreak of mealybug.
Cause Of Wilting Leaves In Papaya Plant
The Main reason behind wilting of leaves is insufficient watering, attack of nematodes and diseases.
Here are a few diseases mentioned that can result in wilting of papaya leaves.
Apical necrosis- this is a viral infection. In this disease,papaya leaves start curling downwards and wilt. Leaf margins turn brown and young leaves become small and have shortened petioles. As the name suggests, the disease basically begins at the top and infects other plant eventually. Gradually, it kills whole plant. Organism responsible for this deadly disease is still unknown and so is the cure. Diseased plant must be isolated to protect other plants from dying.
Phytophthora blight- This disease is caused by fungi and is extremely destructive. It leads to the death of infected plant. Root, stem and fruit of plants begin to rot in such conditions. Rapid wilting is observed and the plant dies after that. Water soaked lesions are also observed on the stem. On fruits water soaked lesions appear with white fungal growth. Further, fruit shrivels and drops. In this manner, fungus comes in contact with ground and infects roots too. This fungus is spread by wind too.
Fungicide for this disease is available but it requires good cultivation practice too. Ensure good draining soil to treat this disease. Remove destroyed or fallen fruits as fast as possible. Remove any afrucan snails from the planting site as they spread this disease.
Nematodes – these organisms are microscopic worms that attack and lead to the formation of galls in the roots of papaya plants. Galls interfere with the ability of plants to take in water and nutrients. Therefore,this results in wilting of leaves, stunting, yellowing and reduced crop yield and death of plants eventually.
These organisms can be present in any type of soil. Before planting,make sure to turn soil several times and leave it so that nematodes are exposed to sunlight.this practice results in death of nematodes.
Crop rotation also helps in handling the disease. Remove Plant debris after harvesting. To add to this, usage of resistant varieties like cassava, taro and heatmaster of tomato can be helpful
Bacterial canker and decline- Angular water soaked lesions are seen on leaves. Wilting of leaves also occurs in this disease. Water soaked lesions and cankers on the stem are observed.
Why are my papaya leaves turning yellow
The reason behind yellowing leaves infection by lethal virus. The name of this virus is Papaya Lethal Yellowing Virus (PYLV). It occurs only in Northeastern Brazil.
It results in progressive leaf yellowing and growth of greenish circular spots. The leaves wilt after becoming yellow and die. Whole plant dies eventually due to the infection.
Virus that infects plants and causes this disease generally belongs to the genus Sobemovirus. Papaya plant species that are generally infected are C.papaya, Jacaratia heterophylla, V. monicca, J.spinosa, etc.
This disease can be managed and avoided by using virus free certified plantings. Further, plants that are infected must be isolated. Usage of disinfectants to clean agricultural equipment is advised.
How to identify male and female plant seeds?
It is not possible to identify the gender of papaya seeds from naked eyes.DNA analysis is required to figure out the gender of seed. However, you identify male and female seeds once they turn into seedlings.
Male seedlings produce single straight root but female seedlings produce 2 or more branched rootlets.
Be careful while checking the gender of the seedling and avoid root damage. Just wait for plants to develop 1 or 2 true leaves and then check their rootlets.
How to pollinate papaya flowers?
One way of pollinating papaya flowers is hand pollination.
Pollination generally occurs through wind or insects.
Hermaphrodite plants have both male and female reproductive organs present in them. They do not require pollen from other plants to pollinate themselves. In other words, papaya plants undergo self pollination.
Why is my papaya tree not fruiting?
Papaya plants in home gardens fail to bear fruits sometimes. A few other times, they bear fruits but drop them as time passes. This situation can occur because of wrong pollination. Sometimes, male flowers get pollinated. But due to lack of ovary it does not bear any fruits. In rare conditions, male flowers start bearing fruit too but that fruit does not mature and drops off at a young stage.
If a tree is a female, it requires pollen to bearfruits.in case, the female plant does not receive pollen then it does not bear any fruits. Pistils of such plants start turning brown and non functional after some time.
In few cases, trees become summer sterile bisexual. Though they have both reproductive plant parts but hot weather in summer can lead to infertility. However, in cool months trees begin to function normally.
Insufficient water supply can result in a non- fruiting condition in plants. If a proper amount of water is not provided then plants cease to bear flowers and therefore there is no fruit formation too.
Excessive dryness in plants can lead to death eventually.
If the tree looks perfectly fine from outside and a proper water supply is ensured with good soil drainage and still there are no fruits. This can be a sign that the tree is starving to death. Lack of nutrients is the cause of this problem.
Provide proper nutrition to plant to get rid of problem.
Pests and diseases can also lead to no fruiting in papaya plants. When the natural functioning of plants is disturbed, they fail to fruit. Diseases like mildew and root diseases lead to non fruiting.
There are various conditions that can lead to problems and death in papaya plants. But the cure and treatment is also known to mankind. You can deal with diseases and make your plants healthy. Papaya is a herbaceous perennial and a little care of it will bring sweet fruits to you.
Biofloc technology (BFT) is a new organism that is particularly productive in aquaculture and is a potentially innovative way to fish farming. This fish farming method is cost-effective in which hazardous or toxic materials for fish and shellfish are transformed into useful products, i.e., protein feed.
The toxic substances that are converted to produce protein feed are nitrate and ammonia. Biofloc fish farming is the cultivation of Biofloc and it is most productive in the tanks exposed to the sun now, you know, “what is biofloc fish farming?”.
Some must-know benefits of biofloc farming
Among all the benefits of this latest aquafarming method, below are the few to be primarily considered.
• Not only this farming technique is safe; it is also environment-friendly.
• Biofloc technology regulates water quality and harmful pathogens
• Value-added production of microbial protein feed is possible for aquatic farm structure.
• Bioflocfish farming in USA is one of the best techniques to enhance environmental control overproduction.
• This technology ensures zero water exchange.
• The list of benefits also includessurvival rate, the performance of growth, etc.
• It is a cost-effective and efficient technique for aquaculture.
• Plus, the pressure on captured fisheries is also significantly reduced.
Since high-density fish rearing typically requires a particular system for waste management. Primarily, Biofloc is a system that treats waste. Biofloc fish farming material was designed to stop incoming water disease from entering a farm.
In order to do cost-effective production, the use of more intensive types of aquaculture is always beneficial. Especially in the water-scarce areas or where land is costly.
• First up, it needs more energy as far as mixing and aeration are concerned.
• Due to the elevation of water respiration rates, the response time is reduced remarkably.
• It also required Alkalinity supplementation
• In the case of sunlight-exposed systems, it gives seasonal as well as inconsistent performance.
• The pollution potential is more if nitrate accumulates in the large amount.
What Is The Need For Biofloc Fish Farming?
The biofloc fish farming materials system was developed to improve environmental control over the development of aquatic animals. The most influential factors in aquaculture are feed costs, and the most limiting factor is water/land supply.
High stocking rates and aquatic animal rearing need wastewater treatment. The biofloc method is a wastewater solution that has acquired significance in aquaculture.
The Theory BehindBiofloc Fish Farming
This technique is based on the assumption that nitrogen cycles are created by maintaining a higher C/N ratio through stimulation and assimilation of nitrogen waste as food for the cultivated species. Not only does biofloc fish farming tank preparation technology treats waste effectively, but it also gives aquatic animals the nutrition that it needs.
Let us tell you that higher C: N is sustained by the introduction of carbohydrate source, also known as molasses, in addition to the improvement of water quality with the high degree microbial protein obtained from single cells.
How Is Biofloc Technology Implemented?
Because
of its low dwelling habit and resistance to environmental changes, biofloc
technology is widely used in shrimp farming. Studies were conducted to assess
shrimp and Nile tilapia larval growth and reproductive efficiency.
In
the biofloc system, increased breeding efficiency was observed in shrimps
compared to standard crop practices. The improvement in larval growth was also
witnessed.
Know The Nutritional Value Of Biofloc Fish Farming
Biofloc is a diverse mixture of suspended particles and a range of extracellular polymer-related microorganisms. Biofloc is made up of bacteria, plants, fungi, invertebrates, and detritus, respectively.
The food that is prepared through the conversion of available feed and excreta into natural food becomes richer in protein when exposed to sunlight—floc is kept together in a mucous matrix which is bacteria-isolated and is attached by filamentous microorganisms. The naked eye can see big flocs, but most are microscopic.
The floc is 50-200 microns in thickness. Biofloc possesses excellent nutritional value. It consists of dry weight protein somewhere between 25 to 50 %, whereas fat is between 0.5-15%. This makes the biofloc a good medium of vitamins and minerals not to mention phosphorus.
The first thing you need to start a biofloc fish farming venture is, of course, some basic knowledge of the same. As the more experienced you are, the higher are the chances of your success. Before you go to buy biofloc fish farming material, first, arrange some space in the backyard to dig a fish pond.
It can be a space in your basement or anywhere—to gather fish in containers. Fish can be grown in tanks and tubs along with the barrels. Once you are done choosing the tub or container, you have to avail of water from a reliable source now. Your local water supply may be a good option. Now get your juvenile fish to the pond or container, and you are good to go.
The
above steps are for backyard or indoor fish farming. If you are looking to set
up an outdoor fish farm, it is better to take a quick look at the below-listed
equipment.
• Fish tanks
• Pumps
• Devices for aeration
• Seine reels or net
• Equipment to test the water
Let’s make biofloc fish farming tank preparation a bit more straightforward.
1. Preparing the water for biofloc farming
Biofloc’s water preparation is most important to start fishing using this method. Anyone who begins a biofloc process or culture must first set up a tank.
Those who are a novice to biofloc, it’s a better idea, to begin with,cement ponds or enclosed tanks where the soil doesn’t influence water conditions or biofloc systems.
Indoor
processes have a significant advantage in most tropical countries. Owing to the
fact that heavy rainfall affects alkalinity and pH in outdoor structures indoor
tank set-up always looks a good idea.
2. Aeration
Once
you are done selecting the right pond or tank set-up, it’s time to focus on a set-up
for aeration. To maintain high oxygen levels and prevent solids from lodging,
all systems need constant movements.
Areas
without activity can eventually lose oxygen, becoming anaerobic areas that emit
large amounts of ammonia and methane. Each reservoir, tank, or raceway system
needs a well-planned aerator configuration to avoid this. Wetlands use
paddlewheel aerators.
3.Pre-Seeding Microbes
Pre-seeding
is often beneficial if you want the biofloc to improve the growth of bioflocorder
and maintain your pond quicker, pre-seeding the farm water is always advisable.
Itcan be done by adding several commercial or homemade ingredients to cultural
water.
4.Select The Species And Check The Stock Density
Most species will profit from enhanced water quality of biofloc systems while feeding and digesting the biofloc themselves, you want to choose species that better benefit from extra proteins produced. These species are all or partially filter feeders.
That is tilapia and shrimp, these two are perfect candidates for engulfing biofloc, which significantly improves the feeding performance.
Growing Biofloc Farming Trend
A wide range of aquaculture programs and new aquaculture initiatives are being practiced worldwide. Alongside this,it is true about fish farming in USA as well where many companies are operating in aquaculture with particular emphasis on biofloc farming.
With growing fishing technology, aquaculture in the USA is also evolving; hence fish farming is becoming a profitable business. This was not the same earlier when fish were caught only by trial and error method.
A company planning to expand its aquaculture share in the market may get strong economic encouragement for them to be more motivated for producing inputs, notably the most costly (feed) and the most restrictive (water or land).
