Source sink relationship, dry matter and starch partitioning in developing ginger rhizomes during different growth stages

Source sink relationship, dry matter and starch partitioning, rhizome bulking process in relation to dry matter and starch partitioning in developing rhizomes and growth and gas exchange parameters were studied in three popular varieties of ginger viz., IISR Varada, IISR Mahima and IISR Rejatha. Results revealed that maximum tiller production and leaf area accumulation occurred between 60 and 120 days after planting (DAP) in all three varieties. Photosynthetic rate and hormone contents (auxin and cytokinin) increased from 90-120 DAP, peaked at 120 DAP and then started declining. Biomass partitioning data revealed that the active biomass accumulation stage was between 60 and 150 DAP in ginger. The dry matter accumulation pattern in rhizomes also revealed that maximum dry matter accumulation in rhizomes also occurred between 60 and 150 DAP in all the three varieties. Maximum starch accumulation in the rhizomes also occurred during the same period. These results suggest that most of the rhizome bulking process occurred between 60 and150 DAP in ginger. Total biomass accumulation, dry matter accumulation and starch accumulation in rhizomes followed similar trends

Response of clove (Syzygium aromaticum (L.) Merr. & Perry) seedlings and black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) cuttings to propagating media under nursery conditionsl

Various propagating media were evaluated for enhancing growth of clove (Syzygium aromaticum L.) seedlings in the nursery and the best was soil and vermicompost mixed in 1 : 1 proportion. The transplanting time of clove seedlings could also be shortened to 1 year by adopting this media in the nursery. Vermicompost was also evaluated as a propagating media for black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) in comparison with potting mixture comprising of soil, sand and farmyard manure. Black pepper "uttings raised in vermicompost were significantly taller and had more number of leaves than in potting mixture. &nbsp

Biennial harvest reduces rhizome multiplication rate and provides no yield advantage in ginger (Zingiber officinale Roscoe.)

A study was conducted during 2009–10 and 2010–11 under rainfed condition to observe the sprout emergence, tiller production and yield when the ginger was allowed to grow in the second season/year without harvest in first year/season. First generation ginger was not harvested and allowed to emerge on the same container and harvested in subsequent year in second generation in the month of January 2011. After harvesting, fresh rhizome was cleaned and sorted into first year produce and second year produce based on their appearance and texture and weighed separately, their proportion was estimated and multiplication rate from first generation crop to second generation crop was calculated. The mean shoot emergence and tiller production were five and 19, respectively. Average yield in first, second years and total yield were 209, 566 and 775 g plant-1, respectively. The share between first and second year yield were 27.8 and 72.2%, respectively and mean multiplication rate was 3.5 times. Although, yield levels tend to increase in second season, the multiplication rate was much reduced. Hence, the practice of biennial harvest may not have clear yield advantage over regular annual harvest. &nbsp

Study on yield and quality of flowered and non-flowered turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) plants

Study on yield and quality of flowered and non-flowered turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) plant

Crop diversification in black pepper gardens with tuber and fodder crops

With an objective to augment the income from black pepper plantation by intercropping tuber and fodder crops, a field experiment was conducted in RBD at Ambalavayal (Kerala) for two years 2007 to 2009. Based on yield performance , tuber crops such as cassava, elephant foot yam , coleus, and spices like ginger and turmeric, and fodder crops viz. hybrid napier grass, guinea grass, congo signal grass were selected as treatments apart from a control (sole crop of black pepper). The results indicated that higher black pepper yield was obtained under intercropping situation compared to sole crop. The maximum black pepper equivalent yield (1,147 kg/ha) was recorded by elephant foot yam followed by ginger (956 kg/ha). In the case of fodder crops, maximum pepper equivalent yield was recorded by hybrid napier grass Co 3 (2,633 kg/ha) followed by guinea grass (2,347 kg/ha). Maximum net return of ` 2, 70, 230/ ha was obtained from black pepper + elephant foot yam followed by black pepper + ginger (` 2, 60,657/ ha). Among the fodder crops, hybrid napier grass recorded maximum net return (` 2, 05,950/ ha) followed by guinea grass. Benefit: cost ratio was higher for inter cropping hybrid napier grass (3.7) followed by ginger (3.5) and elephant foot yam (3.4) in black pepper gardens

Efficiency of sulphate of potash (SOP) as an alternate source of potassium for black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Field experiments were conducted at two locations, viz., Kannur (Kerala) and Chettalli (Kodagu, Karnataka) for evaluating the efficacy of sulphate of potash (SOP) as a source of potassium (K) on black pepper. There were nine treatment combinations viz., T1 -Control, T2 -Recommended (Rec.) K as muriate of potash (MOP), T3 -Rec. K as SOP, T4 -125% of Rec. K as SOP, T5 -T3 + SOP 2% foliar spray, T6 -50% of Rec. K as SOP + SOP 2% foliar spray, T7 -50% of Rec. K as SOP, T8 -T2 + Mg @ 25 kg ha-1 as MgSO4 and T9 - T3 + Mg @ 25 kg ha-1 as MgSO4 laid out in a randomized block design with three replications. The results showed that soil nutrient status in treatment with 25.0% higher recommended K as SOP recorded significantly higher concentrations of soil organic carbon, K, Ca, S, Zn and Cu. The study further revealed that for economic yield of high quality black pepper, 50% of recommended dose of K as SOP for soils of high K status and 100% recommended K as SOP + 2% foliar spray of SOP for soil of low K status can be recommended. &nbsp

Enhancement of yield in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) through pruning

Enhancement of yield in nutmeg (Myristica fragrans Houtt.) through pruning &nbsp

Analysis of rainfall of the high rainfall tract of northern agro-climatic zone of Kerala

Analysis of rainfall of the high rainfall tract of northern agroclimatic zone of Kerala wascarried out for 26 years (1980–2005) to schedule spice crop management practices precisely.The analysis indicated that the tract received 4461 mm of annual rainfall in 145 rainy days.South west monsoon (June to September) alone contributed 75% of annual rainfall and Julywas the rainiest month (1117 mm) with 27 rainy days. The length of growing period wasidentified between 18th standard week to 47th standard week (from 30th April to 25th November)with a mean rainfall of 4284.1 mm. The pre-monsoon period from 2nd April to 6th May (between14th week to 18th week) with a mean rainfall of 180.6 mm was the right time for land preparationfor annual crops like ginger (Zingiber officinale) and turmeric (Curcuma  longa) and the periodbetween 30th April to 27th May (18th week to 21st week) with a mean rainfall of 244.4 mm wasideal for planting including first mulching and first schedule of fertilizer application forthese crops. The probability of getting 50 mm rainfall per week was more than 60% duringthe 19th week (7th to 13th May). This is the time for prophylactic plant protection, applicationof first schedule of fertilizer application and shade regulation for black pepper (Piper nigrum)and tree spices. The second schedule of these operations has to be done during the 36th to 39thweek (3rd to 30th September) as this period is relatively rainless (September rainfall was 349.6mm). Though the tract receives high rainfall, there is moisture stress between December andMarch and adequate moisture conservation (or irrigation wherever possible) is essentialparticularly for perennial crops in juvenile stage. &nbsp