Agrisay

How to plucking and harvesting of tea leaves?

Plucking consists of harvesting 2 to 3 leaves and a bud. It is the most labour intensive operation in a tea industry and also decides the yield and quality of made tea. Normally, a pluckable shoot takes 60 to 90 days for harvesting since its sprouting from the axillary buds.

When the shoot is plucked upto mother leaf, it is known as light removing and if it is plucked below mother leaf, it is called hard removing. It is essential to add one tier of active maintenance foliage to the bush every year. This is done by mother leaf plucking during January to March.

During the rest of the period level plucking can be carried out.Consequent to plucking, bush height increases every year in the order of 10cm over tipping height in the first year, 7.5cm, 7.5cm, 5cm and 5cm over the previous year height in the second, third, fourth and fifth year respectively.

February 8, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE farming practices Harvesting

What are the fertilizer recommendation for tea cultivation?

Tea responds to manuring and it has been estimated that to produce 100kg of made tea. The plant utilizes, on average 10.2, 3.2 and 5.4kg of Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potash per ha.

Starts manuring from the nursery stage itself. Once they strike roots (after 4 months) 30g of soluble mixtures (Ammonium phosphate (20:20) 35 parts, potassium sulphate and Magnesium sulphate each 15 parts and zinc sulphate and Magnesium sulphate each 15 parts and zinc sulphate – 3 parts) is dissolved in 10 litres of water and is applied with rosecan for about 900 plants. This must be repeated at 15 days intervals.

February 8, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE Chemical fertilizers

What is Lumpy disease and its treatment in cattles?

Lumpy skin disease (LSD) is a viral disease of cattle that is caused by the lumpy skin disease virus (LSDV). It primarily affects the skin and subcutaneous tissues of infected animals, resulting in nodules and lumps that can be painful and interfere with the normal movement and grazing of the animal.
The disease is spread by the bite of infected mosquitoes and can also be spread by contaminated needles, instruments, and equipment used in handling infected animals. LSD is an economically significant disease as it affects the quality and quantity of dairy production.
Control measures for LSD include vaccination, improved vector control, and early identification and quarantine of infected animals.

February 7, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE Livestock

Dhaincha as Green Manure

Dhaincha (Sesbania grandiflora) is a plant species that is commonly used as a green manure crop. Green manure crops are grown specifically to be plowed under and incorporated into the soil to improve its fertility and structure.

Green manure not only increases yield, but also reduces chemical fertilizer cost by 50 percent. Dhaincha is a fast-growing legume that can fix nitrogen from the air into the soil and add organic matter to the soil, which can improve soil health and fertility, and also reduce erosion and improve water-holding capacity.

This makes a valuable crop for farmers looking to improve soil quality, especially in regions with poor soil conditions. Dhaincha is green manure mainly used for Rice cultivation.

February 7, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE Organic Farming Sustainable agriculture

Manures and fertilizers required for the Safflower Farming

Safflower is a drought-tolerant crop that requires moderate amounts of fertilizer. Nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium are the primary nutrients needed for optimal growth and yield.

For fertilizer application, it is recommended to use a balanced NPK fertilizer with a ratio of 12-24-12 or 14-14-14. Nitrogen (N) is needed for leaf growth, phosphorus (P) for root development and flowering, and potassium (K) for overall Safflower plant’s health and stress tolerance.

Organic fertilizers such as compost, well-rotted manure, and green manure crops like legumes can also be used to provide the necessary nutrients to the crop.In order to identify any shortages and adjust fertilizer applications accordingly, soil testing should also be done.

February 7, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE Nutrient requirement

How does Ergot disease cause damage in Pearl Millet ?

Ergot disease in Pearl Millet is caused by the fungus Claviceps fusiformis, which infects the ovaries of the plant and replaces the seed with fungal structures called sclerotia. The sclerotia contain toxic alkaloids that can cause harm to both humans and animals when consumed.

The first symptom of the disease is exudation of pinkish or light honey-coloured small mucilaginous droplets of sticky fluid called ‘honeydew’ oozing out from infected spikelets.

The disease reduces seed germination and yields, leading to decreased crop productivity. In addition to these direct effects, Ergot disease can also weaken the plant and make it more susceptible to other diseases and pests, further reducing crop health and yield.

February 7, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE Plant diseases

The infestation of Mealybugs in Custard Apple and treatment

Mealybugs are a type of pest that can infest custard apples and other plants. They feed on the sap of the plant, causing damage to the foliage and fruit, and can also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew which can encourage the growth of sooty mold.

To control mealybugs, you can try physically removing them by wiping them off with a cloth, or using insecticidal soap or neem oil. Spray BUPROFEZIN 25% SC @ 12 ml/15 lts of water along with a good quality sticker.

It’s important to keep the plant free of dead leaves and debris, which can harbor the pests, and to monitor the plant regularly for signs of infestation.

February 6, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE pest management Pesticides Pests Plant diseases

Manure and fertilizers used for Dragon fruit cultivation.

Dragon fruit is a nutrient-demanding crop that requires regular applications of fertilizer to achieve optimal growth and yields. Organic matter plays a very important role in dragon fruit development and growth. Each plant should be applied with 10-15 kg of organic compost. Thereafter, increase the amount by 2kg per year.

This crop requires inorganic fertilizers for rapid growth in vegetative parts. In vegetative stage, this fertilizer ratio is as follows,muriate of potash :super phosphate :urea =40:90:70 grams/plants.

Low amounts of nitrogen and large amounts of potash should be sprayed during the fruit-bearing period to increase yield.

February 6, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE Chemical fertilizers Organic Farming

Club root disease of Mustard crop

Club root is a soil-borne fungal disease that affects mustard and other brassica crops. The disease is caused by the fungus Plasmodiophora brassicae, which invades the roots of the plant and causes the roots to become swollen and distorted, leading to a condition known as “clubbing.”

Symptoms of club root in mustard crops include stunted growth, wilting, yellowing of the leaves, and a reduction in yields. In severe cases, the roots of the plant can become so distorted that the plant is unable to absorb water and nutrients from the soil, leading to plant death.

To control club root in mustard crops in a suspect or infected field, incorporating hydrated lime (1,500 lb/A) at least 6 weeks before planting, whether pH is neutral or alkaline, gives additional disease control. Chemical controls, such as the use of fungicides, can also be used to control club roots.

It is also important to maintain soil pH levels between 6.0 and 7.0, as club root is more severe in acidic soils. Additionally, avoiding overwatering and improving soil drainage can help reduce the risk of club roots infection.

February 6, 2023 by POSTEDITOR OFFICE Plant diseases

What is Tobacco mosaic disease ?

An infection caused by a virus called tobacco mosaic disease that affects not just tobacco plants but also tomato and pepper plants and other Solanaceae family members. The Tobacco Mosaic Virus (TMV), which is easily spread from plant to plant through contact with contaminated tools, hands, or plant components, is what causes the illness.

Yellow-green streaks and mottling on the leaves, stunted growth, and lower yields are signs of this disease. Infection on young plants results in stunted growth, malformation, distortion and puckering of leaves. Darkgreen blisters and sometime enations (leafy growth) appear on the dorsal side of the leaf.

Since there is no treatment for tobacco mosaic disease, maintaining excellent hygiene and taking precautions to prevent infection are the best ways to manage the disease.Old stems and leaf trash of affected plants buried in the soil are the other sources of infection and spread. Additionally, planting disease-resistant varieties and removing infected plants from the garden can help reduce the spread of the virus.