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T. Thangaselvabai ¹, R. Richard Kennedy ¹, J. Prem Joshua ¹, M. Jayasekar ¹

Affiliations
1 Krish Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pechiparai-629161, IN

Abstract

Clove is one of the most ancient and valuable spices of the world. It is used for culinary, pharmaceutical and perfumery purposes. It is native to Moluccas and in India it is cultivated in lower elevations of Western Ghats in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The area, production and productivity in our country is very low and it is mainly due to the non adoption of improved crop management and post harvest handling technologies, decline in area under cultivation and incidence of pest and diseases. Hence, the innovations made in various crop improvements, production, protection and post harvest handling techniques are reviewed here.

Keywords

Clove, Syzigium aromaticum, Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Post Harvest Handling.

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T. Thangaselvabai ¹, K. R. Sudha ¹, T. Selvakumar ¹, R. Balakumbahan ¹

Affiliations
1 Krish Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pechiparai- 629 161, IN

Abstract

The nutmeg is unique among tree spices as it is the donor of the two distinct spices, nutmeg and mace. Nutmeg is the seed kernel inside the fruit and mace is the covering (aril) on the kernel. Both mace and nutmeg are used as condiment and medicine. It is native of Indonesia (Moluccas Islands). In India it is cultivated in Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra, North East India and Andamans. The area, production and productivity in our country is very low and it is mainly due to the non adoption of improved crop management and post harvest handling technologies, decline in area under cultivation and incidence of pest and diseases. Hence, the innovations made in various crop improvement, production, protection and post harvest handling techniques are reviewed here.

Keywords

Nutmeg, Myristica fragrans Houtt, Crop Improvement, Crop Production, Crop Protection, Post Harvest Handling.

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K. Manonmani ¹, M. Jayasekhar ¹, C. Gailce Leo Justin ¹, T. Thangaselvabai ¹

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Horticultural Research Station (TNAU), Pechiparai-629161, IN

Abstract

Bactericidal action ofsome selected herbal extracts viz., Acalypha indica, Achyranthes aspera, Aloe vera, Azadirachta indica, Datura metal, Hibiscus rosasinensis, Nerium oleander, Ocimum sanctum, O. basilicum, Phyllanthus emblica, Polyalthia longifolia, Piper betle, Punica granatum, Solanum torvum and Solanum trilobatum were tested in vitro against the growth of citrus canker disease causing pathogen, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. citri (Xac). The leaf extract of P. longifolia followed by A. aspera recorded the maximum growth inhibition of 9.77mm and 8.47mm diameter respectively. The 20-40% ammonium sulphate fraction of A. aspera and 40-60% fraction of P. longifolia exhibited inhibitory action on in vitro growth of the pathogen. The molecular weight of the fractions of leaf extracts was found to be 30 kDa and 19 kDa for P. longifolia and A. aspera respectively.

Keywords

Herbal Extracts, Citrus Canker, Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. Citri.

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T. Thangaselvabai ¹, C. Gailce Leo Justin ², S. B. Nirmal Johnson ¹, M. Jayasekhar ¹

Affiliations
1 Horticultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore- 641 003, IN
2 Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pechiparai- 629 161, IN

Abstract

A field study was conducted to evaluate the crop maturity, productivity, quality and economic returns from banana cv. Rasthali in response to the split application of higher levels of nitrogen and Azospirillum. Application of Azospirillum along with 100g inorganic N (T7) produced higher yield (19.00kg/plant) of better quality fruits with the cost benefit ratio of 2.41 and recorded a minimum of 272 days to shoot. Similarly application of higher level of inorganic N ie., 200 g/plant in four split doses (T6) also increased the yield and quality of banana.

Keywords

Banana, Nutrients, Quantitative Traits, Qualitative Traits.

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T. Thangaselvabai ¹, S. Suresh ¹, J. Prem Joshua ¹, K. R. Sudha ¹

Affiliations
1 Krish Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pechiparai 629 161, IN

Abstract

Banana crop is a great lover of nutrient elements and it exhausts major and micronutrients from the soil in large quantities and the banana soils require a continuous replenishment. Split application of inorganic fertilizers along with organic manures increases the leaf nutrient status, uptake and distribution of nutrients and ultimately it results in better growth and yield. In general, under TamilNadu conditions a fertilizer dose consisting of 20t FYM, 5 kg Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria/ha, 250g neem cake/Plant (basal dose at the time of planting) + 200:35:330 g NPK/plant (three split doses during 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th month after planting) along with foliar application of 0.5% ZnSo₄, 0.2% FeSo₄, 0.2% CuSo₄ and Borax 0.1% (at 3^rd, 5^th and 7^th month after planting) is recommended to get higher yield and quality fruits in banana.

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T. Thangaselvabai ¹, J. Prem Joshua ¹, M. Jayasekar ¹

Affiliations
1 Krish Vigyan Kendra, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pechiparai 629 161, IN

Abstract

Cinnamon is a very useful tree spice, and every part of the tree is used for different purposes like culinary, pharmaceutical and perfumery. It is native to Sri Lanka and in India it is cultivated in lower elevations of Western Ghats in Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. The area, production and productivity in our country is very low and it is mainly due to the non adoption of improved crop management and post harvest handling technologies, decline in area under cultivation and incidence of pest and diseases. Hence, the positive developments made in various aspects of crop improvements, production, protection and post harvest handling techniques are reviewed here.

Keywords

Cinnamon, Bark spice, Flavour, Frangance.

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C. Gailce Leo Justin ¹, M. Leelamathi ¹, T. Thangaselvabai ¹, S. B. Nirmal Johnson ¹

Affiliations
1 Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pechiparai, 629 161, IN

Abstract

The red palm weevil (RPW), Rhynchophorus ferrugineus Oliv. is a dreadful pest that attacks coconut palm in India and many other countries in South and South East Asia. The infestation by the weevil is more predominant in younger plantations between the age group of 5 and 20 years. The female weevil commences oviposition 1 to 7 days after pairing and continues to oviposit upto 25 to 63 days laying about 275 eggs. Presence of cocoons and weevils on chewed up fibers in leaf axils or at the bottom of the palm on the ground provides indication for the presence of the pest. Effective control of the pest can be achieved through an integrated pest management approach. Care should be taken to see that infected palms especially those between the age group of 5 and 30 years that are cut for different purposes should be properly disposed off because these fallen and cut stems facilitate the profuse breeding of the weevil. Trapping and killing adult weevils help to reduce weevil population in an area. Root feeding of monocrotophos 10ml+10ml water affords good protection.

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K. Manonmani ¹, M. Jayasekhar ¹, C. Gailce Leo Justin ², T. Thangaselvabai ¹

Affiliations
1 Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Pechiparai-629 161, IN
2 Horticultural Research Station, Pechiparai, 629 161, IN

Abstract

Disease management options currently available to farmers do not provide adequate control of plant diseases and there is a need for new disease management strategies. Induced systemic resistance (ISR) of plants against pathogens is a widespread phenomenon that has been intensively reviewed with respect to the underlying signalling pathways as well as to its potential use in plant protection. Systemic acquired resistance (SAR) is also vital plant defense system that confers broad spectrum resistance accompanied by coordinated expression of SAR genes. The present review focuses on international and indigenous research efforts in resistance induction in plants to the pathogen attack. It provides a perceptible review on the agents inducing systemic disease resistance and the mechanism underlying the induction of resistance. Recent trends in plant disease management in India cover the use of chemicals, plant extracts, cultural methods and the use of biological agents. Each and every agent possesses inherent ability to induce resistance mechanism of the host systemically. Such hidden efficacy can be potentially utilized for plant disease management.

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C. Gailce Leo Justin ¹, K. R. Sudha ¹, T. Thangaselvabai ¹, M. Jayasekhar ¹

Affiliations
1 Horticultural Research Station, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Pechiparai - 629 161, IN

Abstract

The diamondback moth (DBM), Plutella xylostella (L.) (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae), a serious pest of crucifers has become a single limiting factor in the production of quality heads. Due to high reproductive capacity and ability to withstand pesticides, DBM has developed resistance to all groups of insecticides. As a consequence of resistance and various undesirable side effects of intensive insecticide application, increasing attention has been paid to alternate strategies such as IPM, a programmed approach including both cultural and biological control and the use of more selective insecticides.

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