Grain Legume, Condiments and Oil Crop Production
HC 12023
R.H.L.I.Wedamulla
196141
1
CONTENTS
1. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
2. FIELD LAYOUT
3. INTRODUCTION
4. ESTABLISH FIELD CROPS
➢ COWPEA
➢ GREEN GRAM
➢ BLACK GRAM
➢ SOYBEAN
➢ GROUND NUT
5. OIL CROPS
➢ SESAME
➢ MUSTED
6. NURSERY BED PREPARATION AND NURSERY
MANAGEMENT
➢ BIG ONION
➢ CHILLIE
7. CONCLUSION
2
ACKNOWLEDGMENT
I would like to express my gratitude and appreciation to
all those who gave me the possibility to complete this
crop record.
Special thanks go to our Grain Legume, Condiments
and Oil Crop Production lecturer,
Dr. Kamani Rathnayaka
Who support with stimulating suggestions and
encouragement to write this report
&
I would like to acknowledge with much appreciation
to the crucial role of our demonstrators,
Nonacademic staff
Who gave the fullest cooperation.
Special thank goes to all group members of the group
A, as well as the members of other groups.
3
FIELD LAYOUT
Paddy Filed
4
INTRODUCTION
In this report, mainly contain about legume crops, oil crops and
condiments. Legume is a simple dry fruit that develops from a simple carpel and usually
dehisces on two sides. When consider about characteristics of legume crops, they have
special ability of fixing of atmospheric Nitrogen. Some are having the ability to
solubilize otherwise unavailable phosphate by excreting organic acid from their roots.
In addition, improving soil fertility. They have papilionaceous flower. Legumes fruits
are varying in shape and size. There can be seen indehiscent pods, which are not split
at the maturity state. From all legumes, the peanut is especially fascinating because it
develops below the ground.
Legume family is also known as pea family, bean family, and pulse family. The family
Fabaceae can be categorized into 3 sub-groups;
1. Mimosoideae
2. Caesalpinioideae
3. Faboideae
1) Mimosoideae
The flowers are actinomorphic.Can be divided into 2 symmetrical halves by a line
drown anywhere straight through the centre.There are small petals and the stamens are
usually showiest part of the flower. Petals are not equal, upper petal (Banner or
standard) borne externally to the adjacent lateral petals (wings)Lower petals are fused
(keel): stamens 10 often united into a tube, or the uppermost filament free.
Ex: Mimosa pigra
Mimosa pudica
2) Caesalpinioideae
Its name is formed from the generic name Caesalpinia. Mainly trees and they are
distributed in the moist tropics. Their flowers are zygomorphic, but are very variable.
Nodulation is rare if have they are very tiny and simple. Important ornamental plant.
Ex: Cassia fistula
Baunia spp
Ranawara
3) Faboideae
The flowers are always zygomorphic and have a specialized structure. Usually bisexual.
One acceptable alternative name is Papilionoideae. Widely distributed and members
are adapted to a wide variety of environments. Contain showy flowers, one large
creased petal and two side petals.Flowers contain 10 stamens.
When consider about Sri Lanka, legume crops are grown as food
grain, forage legume, vegetable or oil seed. As example cowpea and black grams are
5
grown as food grain. Beans and vegetable cowpea are gown as vegetable legumes.
Soybean and ground nut are grown as oil legumes.
Major grain legumes grown in Sri Lanka
•
•
•
•
•
•
Green gram: Vigna radiata
Cowpea: Vigna unguiculate
Black gram: Vigna mungo
Soy bean: Glycine max
Ground nut: Arachis hypogea
Pigeon pea: cabanas cajan (not cultivation in larger extents)
Importance of grain legumes
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Important component in diet.
Multiple edible forms.
Ability to fix atmospheric N2.
Wide ecological adaptations.
Important component in many cropping systems.
Use as an animal feed.
Excellent and cheaper source of protein.
Have a great agro-industrial potential.
Legume crops
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Cowpea
Green gram
Soybean
Pigeon pea
Ground nut
Black gram
Condiments
1. Onion
2. Chilly
Oil crops
Have been the backbone of several agricultural economies from antiquity and play a
prominent role in agricultural industries and trade throughout the world. Oil seed
crops are ground nut, soya bean, and sesame yielding high grade, edible oil.
1
2
Sesame
Soybean
6
Cowpea- Vigna ungiculata
INTRODUCTION
Cowpea is an important legume crop. It was originated in South Africa. Cowpea is an
inexpensive source of protein.
Category: Grain legume
Botanical Name: Vigna ungiculata
Family: Fabaceae
Cultivated areas: Hambantota, Ratnapura, Badulla, Monaragala, Anuradhapura,
Kurunegala, Puttlum, Batticalo, Mahaweli System H, Ampara, Polonnaruwa.
Soil: Wide ranges of soils are suitable form sandy loam to clay and both acidic and
basic soils (pH 4.5-8.0). However, it prefers pH 6.0-7.0. This crop is highly sensitive to
water logging conditions, even logging for 24 hours may destroy the crop.
Temperature: warm weather crop which grows at temperatures between 20 C to 30 C.
Land preparation: One plough followed by harrowing is appropriate for cowpea
cultivation
Irrigation: once in every 4 days first 3 weeks and once in 7 days thereafter.
Seed rate: 35- 40kh/ha, One seed per hole
Total area planted: 1m × 3m
Recommended varieties: MI -35, Wijaya, Waruni, Dhawala, Arlingote
Seasons: Yala (Irrigated) - April, Maha (Rain fed) - end of October to Mid-November
Fertilizer recommendation (Kg/ha) :
Basel dressing
Top dressing
Urea
MOP
TSP
35
30
75
-
100
-
7
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Date
Practice
Observations and
Remarks
08/01/2022
The place was selected.
The land was cleaned.
The raised bed preparation
was done.
The soil coloids were broken Bed size
into fine tilth.
(1m × 3m)
The bed was hand forked and
leveled.
13/01/2022
17/01/2022
Basal dressing was applied.
Spacing were marked.
Seeds were established.
Watering was done.
Mulching was done.
Watering was done
18/01/2022
Watering was done
21/01/2022
Weeding was done
Watering was done
Mulch was removed.
23/01/2022
Watering was done
Plant height was increased.
Pest & diseases were observed.
02/02/2022
Pest & diseases were observed
08/02/2022
Watering was done.
Pest were removed manually.
Watering was done
10/03/2022
Watering was done
15/03/2022
Watering was done
Land was dried
Established varieties are
Dhawala, Wararuni, AUKCP
02, ANKCP 01
Weeds were observed.
Seed germination was
observed.
Land was dried
Weeds were observed
Seedlings were observed with
2-3 leaves.
Some weeds were observed.
High density of weeds were
observed
Thunessa, kalanduru weeds
were found in the field.
Some leaves turned yellowish.
Leaf minor attacks were
identified.
Some pods were observed.
Leaf eating caterpillars were
observed.
Matured pods were observed.
There were some damaged
pods.
17/03/2022
8
Land preparation
Seed sowing and mulching
Established varieties
Flowering and pod initiating
Matured pods
9
Pest & diseases
Pests
Diseases
Blister beetle
Cowpea mosaic
virus.
Aphids (Aphis
craccivora)
Nutrient deficiencies
Bean fly
(Ophiomyia
phaseoli)
Weeds
Leafpes miner
10
Green gram- Vigna radiate
INTRODUCTION
The mung bean, alternatively known as the green gram, maash, or moong Sanskrit is a
plant species in the legume family. The mung bean basically a tiny circular shaped bean
that is green in color. It is an annual plant, Erect to semi erect, Slightly pubescence herb
up to 1.3 m tall and Root system consist of a well- developed taproot system with deeply
placed lateral roots.
Category: Grain legume
Botanical Name: Vigna radiata
Family: Fabaceae
Soil: Well drained loams, sandy loams with pH 5-8. Some cultivars are tolerant to
moderate alkaline and saline soils. Well drained conditions are important.
Land preparation: Prefers one plough followed by harrowing. Both flat beds and
ridges are suitable. Under poor drainage conditions – ridges and furrow system.
Planting time : 80% cultivated during Maha season as rain fed upland crops and rest
of grown in Yala in paddy fields with supplementary irrigation.
Irrigation: Once in every 4 days during 1st week.
Yield: 1650kg/ha. Harvesting should be done when pod color turns to black
Recommended varieties: Harsha, Ari, MI-5
Recommended spacing: 30cm × 10cm
Total area planted: 1m × 3m
Average yield: 1650kg/ha
Fertilizer recommendation kg/ha
Basal dressing
Top dressing
Urea
35
30
MOP
140
11
TSP
75
-
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Date
Practice
08/01/2022
The place was selected.
The land was cleaned.
The raised bed preparation
was done.
The soil coloids were broken Bed size
into fine tilth.
(1m × 3m)
The bed was hand forked and
leveled.
13/01/2022
Basal dressing was applied.
Spacing were marked.
Seeds were established.
Watering was done.
Mulching was done.
Watering was done
17/01/2022
Observations and
Remarks
Land was dried
Established varieties are MI
17, MI05, MI 6
Weeds were observed.
Seed germination was
observed.
Seedlings were observed with
2-3 leaves.
Some weeds were observed.
21/01/2022
Weeding was done
Watering was done
Mulch was removed.
23/01/2022
Watering was done
Plant height was increased.
Pest & diseases were observed.
02/02/2022
Pest & diseases were observed
08/02/2022
Watering was done.
Pest were removed manually.
Watering was done
10/02/2022
Watering was done
10/03/2022
Watering was done
Thunessa, kalanduru weeds
were found in the field.
Some leaves turned yellowish.
Leaf minor attacks were
identified.
15/03/2022
Watering was done
Some pods were observed.
Leaf eating caterpillars were
observed.
Matured pods were observed.
17/03/2022
12
High density of weeds were
observed
Ridges were damaged.
Land preparation
Seed sowing and mulching
Established varieties
Flowering and pod initiating
Matured pods
13
Pest & diseases
Pests
Diseases
Blister beetle
Mung bean
yellow mosaic
virus
Aphids
(Aphis
craccivora)
Pod borer
Weeds
Leaf miner
14
Black gram- Vigna mungo
INTRODUCTION
Black gram is one of the important grain legumes in the rain fed farming system in
dry and intermediate zones of Sri Lanka. It can be grown under low moisture and
fertility conditions. It has high nutritive value and consist high content of proteins,
vitamins and minerals.
Category: Grain legume
Botanical Name: Vigna mungo
Family: Fabaceae
Temperature: Prefer dry weather condition, optimum temperature between 25°C 35°C. Maturity period should coincide with dry weather for high yield and quality
seeds. Suitable climatic zones are Dry and intermediate zones.
Soil: grow in a wide range of soils, in both acidic and alkaline soils (pH 5.0-8.0). Can
tolerate poor drainage up to a certain extent.
Recommended Varieties: MI 1, Anuradha
Recommended spacing: 30cm × 10cm
Total area planted: 1m × 3m
Seed rate: 1 – 30 kg/ha
Average yield: 2.5 t/ha
Cultivated areas: Vavunia, Kurunegala, Puttalam, Killinochchi, Mulativ, Batticaloa,
and Jaffna. Suitable
climatic zones are dry and intermediate zones.
Fertilizer application
Basal Dressing
Top Dressing
Urea
35
30
TSP
140
-
15
MOP
75
-
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Date
Practice
Observations and
Remarks
08/01/2022
The place was selected.
The land was cleaned.
The raised bed preparation
was done.
The soil coloids were broken Bed size
into fine tilth.
(1m × 3m)
The bed was hand forked and
leveled.
13/01/2022
17/01/2022
Basal dressing was applied.
Spacing were marked.
Seeds were established.
Watering was done.
Mulching was done.
Watering was done
18/01/2022
Watering was done
21/01/2022
Weeding was done
Watering was done
Mulch was removed.
23/01/2022
Watering was done
Plant height was increased.
Pest & diseases were observed.
02/02/2022
Pest & diseases were observed
08/02/2022
Watering was done.
Pest were removed manually.
Watering was done
10/03/2022
Watering was done
15/03/2022
Watering was done
Land was dried
Established varieties are MI 1,
Anuradha
Weeds were observed.
Seed germination was
observed.
Land was dried
Weeds were observed
Seedlings were observed with
2-3 leaves.
Some weeds were observed.
High density of weeds was
observed
weeds were found in the field.
Some pods were observed.
Leaf eating caterpillars were
observed.
Matured pods were observed.
There were some damaged
pods.
17/03/2022
16
Land preparation
Seed sowing and mulching
Established varieties
Flowering and pod initiating
Matured pods
17
Pest & diseases
Pests
Diseases
Blister beetle
Yellow
mosaic virus
Pod borer
Lady bird
Weeds
Leaf miner
Aphids
(Aphis
craccivora)
18
Soybean-Glycine max
INTRODUCTION
Soybean can be cultivated both in the Dry and Intermediate zones of Sri Lanka, but
cultivation is limited to Anuradhapura district and System H of the Mahaweli Irrigation
scheme and small extent is cultivated in Kurunegala, Matale and Polonnaruwa districts.
Soy bean leaves are trifoliate. Pod stem & leaves are covered with fine brown or gray
pubescence. White pink or purple color flowers. Leaves fall before the seeds are mature.
The fruit is hairy and grows in clusters.
Category: Grain legume
Botanical Name: Glycine max
Family: Fabaceae
Soil: Well-drained soils in DZ and IZ. pH 6.0-6.5
Land preparation: Ploughing to a depth of 15-20cm. Ridges should be formed 40 cm
apart to facilitate irrigation. Highly sensitive to excessive soil moisture and poor
drainage conditions.
Planting time: Maha mid-October to mid-November, Yala Mid-April to early May
Planting spacing: 40cm×5cm, With high fertility and moisture 60cm×5cm
Irrigation: Irrigate when rainfall is insufficient
Total area planted: 1m × 3m
Average yield: Rain fed – 3 t/ha , Irrigated – 2t/ha
Recommended varieties
Variety
PB1 (Small seeds)
PM13 (medium seeds)
PM 25 (Small seeds)
Crop duration – days
80-85
90-95
95 100
19
Fertilizer application
Urea
Basal Dressing
50
Top dressing at 100
flowering
TSP
150
-
MOP
75
-
CULTURAL PRACTICES
Date
Practice
Observations and
Remarks
08/01/2022
The place was selected.
The land was cleaned.
The raised bed preparation
was done.
The soil colloids were Bed size
broken into fine tilth.
(1m × 3m)
The bed was hand forked
and leveled.
13/01/2022
17/01/2022
Basal dressing was
applied.
Spacing were marked.
Seeds were established.
Watering was done.
Mulching was done.
Watering was done
18/01/2022
Watering was done
21/01/2022
Weeding was done
Watering was done
Mulch was removed.
23/01/2022
Watering was done
Plant height was increased.
Pest & diseases were observed.
02/02/2022
Pest & diseases were observed
08/02/2022
Watering was done.
Pest were removed
manually.
Watering was done
15/03/2022
Watering was done
Land was dried
Established varieties are Pb 01,
MISB 1
Weeds were observed.
Seed germination was observed.
Land was dried
Weeds were observed
Seedlings were observed with 2-3
leaves.
Some weeds were observed.
High density of weeds was
observed
Some pods were observed.
Leaf eating caterpillars were
observed.
Matured pods were observed.
There were some damaged pods.
17/03/2022
20
Established varieties
Flowering and pod initiating
Matured pods
21
Pest & diseases
Pests
Diseases
Green Clover
worm
Soybean
mosaic virus
Pod borer
White fly
Weeds
Bean leaf
beetle
Caterpillar
Grass hopper
22
Ground Nuts- Arachis hypogaea
INTRODUCTION
Ground nuts are pulse and also oil crop. Seeds are rich source of edible oil and protein.
Category: Oil crop & pulse
Botanical Name: Arachis hypogaea
Family: Fabaceae
Soil: Light soil, Neutral pH , At least 450 mm rain fall per season. Grow well in low
elevation but can grow up to 1500 m. Pod grow and mature underground called
geocarpy. Mostly grown under rain-red conditions with limited inputs in Sri Lanka.
Seed rate: Walawe 130kg /ha (with shell) 100gh /ha (without shell)
Other varieties – 100kg/ha (with shell) 17 kg /ha (without shell)
Time to plant: Maha mid-October to end of October, Yala – Beginning to end of April
Spacing: 45×15cm one plant/hill
Seedling depth: 2.5-3 cm
Ground nut sowing: Sowing of flat / raise beds, Sowing of ridge and furrow system
Irrigation: In 1st 3 weeks irrigation once in four days and thereafter Irrigation once in
10-12 days. After seed filling and maturity, stop irrigation.
Harvesting: When the foliage turns to tallow color. 75-80% pods of a plant are matured
and When the interbank surface of the pod is brown in color
Processing: Wash picked pods well and dry them in shade. Drying in shade throughout
long period results with seeds with high viability. Before storing remove the disease
and damage pod.
23
Total area planted: Height - 20-25cm, Length – 3m
Distance between ridges – 25cm - 30cm
Recommended Varieties: Red Spanish, Tissa, Indi, Walawe, Tikiri, ANKG1, Lanka
jumbo
Average yield: 3 t/ha
Fertilizer application
Time of application Urea kg/ha
Basal dressing
35
Top dressing (at
30
flowering)
TSP kg/ha
100
-
MOP kg/ha
75
-
Cultural Practices
Date
Practice
08/01/2022
The place was selected.
The land was cleaned.
The
ridge
and
furrow
preparation was done.
13/01/2022
17/01/2022
Raw seeding was done
Fertilizer applied
Watering was done.
Watering was done
18/01/2022
Watering was done
21/01/2022
Weeding was done
Watering was done
Mulch was removed.
Watering was done
23/01/2022
02/02/2022
Observations and
Remarks
Bed size
(1m × 3m)
Established varieties are ANKG
02, tissa, ANKG 01
Weeds were observed.
Seedlings were observed.
Land was dried
Weeds were observed
Some weeds were observed.
Plant height was increased.
Pest & diseases were observed
Pest & diseases were observed
08/02/2022
Watering was done.
Pest were removed manually.
Watering was done
15/03/2022
Watering was done
Several diseases were observed
17/03/2022
High density of weeds was
observed
Flowers were observed
weed were observed
24
Established varieties
Flowering and pod initiating
Pest & diseases
Pests
Diseases
Blister
beetle
Early and late leaf
spot(Mycosphaerella
arachidis)
Fruit fly
Weeds
Alternaria Leaf
Spot
25
Sesame - Sesamum indicum
INTRODUCTION
Sesame is an annual plant and grown about 50-100 cm height. Flowers are tuber and
color varies from white to purple. This is a low risk crop and requires low cost to grow.
This is cultivated for its edible seeds. Due to the tap root and branched lateral roots, it
is considered as a drought tolerant crop. This crop is largely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. Sesame plant is most reliable rain fed crop in dry zone as well. The
crops have poor adaptability to compete with weeds in early stages of growth.
Category: Oil crop
Botanical Name: Sesame indicum
Family: Pedalianceae
Climate requirement: Can grow as a rain fed and irrigated crop in both Yala & Maha.
Require warm dry climate with 500-600 mm of rain fall, Including light rain in early
stages of growth. Optimum range of growth and blooms and fruits ripening is 26-30c0
Water requirement: Good harvest can be expected when rainfall optimally spreads
through the vegetative period.
Soil: Best on the sandy loam soil but it performs reasonably well on poor soil if they
are well- drained. Very sandy, acidic or alkaline are not suitable.
Land: should be fine tilth.
Seed rate: Broadcasting 7kg /ha
Row seedling 5kg/ha
Time for planting: Yala mid-March – early April, Maha sow in early November,
immediately after maha paddy harvest to use residual moisture.
Planting and spacing: Row spacing 30 cm. At the 3-4 leaf stage thin plants within the
row to give 15 cm space. (30× 15cm)
Total area planted : 2m × 3m
Average yield : 600 - 1000 kg/ha
26
Harvesting : At harvesting stage stem turns yellow, leaves begin to fall off, blooming
has finished and leaves have turned yellow. Cut the stem at the base when leaves turn
yellow and the first pod turn brown.
Yield : 600-1000kg/ha Depend on the variety and prevailing climate.
Recommended varieties.
Varity
Uma
Malee
MI-1
MI-1
MI-1
Seed color
White
Light brown
Black
Black
White
Oil content%
50
53
45
45
48-49
Maturation time
70-75
80-85
80-85
89-85
85-90
Fertilizer recommendation
Urea
50
60
Basal dressing
Top dressing
TSP
120
MOP
60
Cultural Practices
Date
Practice
Observations and
Remarks
08/01/2022
The place was selected.
The land was cleaned.
The raised bed preparation
was done.
The soil colloids were Bed size
broken into fine tilth.
(2m × 3m)
The bed was hand forked
and leveled.
13/01/2022
17/01/2022
Basal dressing was
applied.
Spacing were marked.
Seeds were established.
Watering was done.
Mulching was done.
Watering was done
18/01/2022
Watering was done
21/01/2022
Weeding was done
Watering was done
Mulch was removed.
27
Land was dried
Established varieties are ANK SE
03, UMA, MI 03
Weeds were observed.
Seedlings were observed.
Land was dried
Weeds were observed
Seedlings were observed with 2-3
leaves.
Some weeds were observed.
23/01/2022
Watering was done
Plant height was increased.
Pest & diseases were observed.
02/02/2022
Pest & diseases were observed
08/02/2022
Watering was done.
Pest were removed
manually.
Watering was done
15/03/2022
Watering was done
High density of weeds was
observed
Some pods were observed.
17/03/2022
Matured pods were observed.
Established varieties
Flowering and pod initiating
Pods
28
Pest & diseases
Pests
Weeds
Stink bug
Lady bird
Caterpillar
Grass
hopper
29
Mustard – Brassica juncea
Introduction
Mustard is cultivated for edible seeds. Grown in Asia, Africa and Europe. In Sri
Lanka, It is mainly Chena crop. Annual plant growth is up to 60 – 90 cm maturity
level. Seedlings emerge rapidly but then usually grow slowly. The top roots grown 5f
in to the soil under dry condition. Flowers buds are visible about 5 weeks after
emergence. Seeds are rich source of oil & protein. Oil content is about 31-48%.
Ecological Requirement are they grow well at tropical and temperate regions. Prefer
rainy period during the vegetative stage and prefer dry period during pod maturity
Category: Oil crop
Botanical Name: Brassica juncea
Family: Brassicaceac
Soil- Variable soil types with good drainage. Best adapted to fertile well drained
sandy soil. Not tolerance to water logging conditions.
Recommended Varieties: Local selection
Maturation period: 30 45 days
Climate requirement: Well distribute rainfall pattern. Excessive moisture during any
stage of crop growth may decrease yield.
Seed rate: 6-8 kg/ha
Time of planting: Maha Late October to early November after the heavy rain Yala
April to May( under irrigation). Ridge & furrow is recommended. Within the row 15
cm and between rows 30cm ( 30cm *10cm)
30
Irrigation : every 5 or 7 days is beneficial during the first 4 weeks of crop growth and
every 10 14 days thereafter.
Weed control : Avoid mustard cultivation in areas where perennial weeds.
Fertilizer recommendation
Time of application
Basal dressing
Urea
50
Top dressing 1(4 weeks after germination)
Top dressing 2(8weeks after germination)
100
50
31
TSP
50
MOP
50
Sunflower – Helianthus
Sunflower genus of nearly 70 species of herbaceous plants of the family Asteraceae.
Sunflowers are native primarily to North and South America, and some species are
cultivated as ornamentals for their spectacular size and flower heads and for their edible
seeds. The Jerusalem artichoke (Helianthus tuberosus) is cultivated for its edible
underground tubers.
Category: Oil crop
Botanical Name: Helianthus
Family: Asteraceae
The common sunflower (H. annuus) is an annual herb with a rough hairy stem 1- 4.5m
high and broad, coarsely toothed, rough leaves 7.5–30 cm long arranged in spirals. The
attractive heads of flowers are 7.5–15 cm wide in wild specimens and often 30cm or
more in cultivated types. The disk flowers are brown, yellow or purple while the petal
like ray flowers are yellow. The fruit is a single seeded achene. Oil seed varieties
typically have small black achenes, while those grown for direct seed consumption,
known as confection varieties, have larger black and white achenes that readily separate
from the seed within. The seeds may be eaten dried, roasted, or ground into nut butter
and are common in birdseed mixes. Sunflower oil has high level of linoleic acid.
Linoleic acid is required for the cell membrane structure, cholesterol transportation in
the blood and for prolonged blood clotting. Sunflower oil helps to reduce the serum
cholesterol levels. The chemical composition of sunflower seed is comparable to that
of groundnut. However, the composition varies widely due to genetic and
environmental factors.
Recommended Varieties: Hiru, Turkey 251993, Turkey 170430, Spain, Sunfola, CO2, ANK-7.
Climatic requirements: Sunflower can be grown successfully in the dry zone as a rain
fed crop in Maha season or as an irrigated crop in Yala.
Soil: Sunflower grows well on a wide range of well-drained soils from sandy loam to
heavy clays.
Spacing : 60cm × 20cm
32
NURSERY BED PREPARATION & NURSERY MANAGEMENT
OF CHILI AND ONION
Introduction
Nursery bed is a location where young seedlings are raised under special care during
early stages of growth providing optimum conditions for germination and subsequent
growth, until they are strong enough to transplant in the field.
Nursey should be small, compact, well drained area which provides favorable soil
condition for seed germination and vigorous growth.
Objectives of nursery bed preparation.
➢
➢
➢
➢
To get high germination percentage of seeds.
To get healthy vigorous seedlings
To reduce the wastage of seeds / minimize the seed cost
To make supervise of seedling easy.
Crops: Brinjal, Capsicum, Tomato, Cabbage, Leeks, Beetroot, Lettuce, Big onion
There have some factors should to be considered regarding the crops before
establishment a nursery.
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▪
▪
▪
Seed size
Seed cost
Availability of seeds
Ability to regenerate roots after transplanting
Steps of a nursery bed preparation
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
Site selection
Land preparation
Seed bed preparation
Sterilization
Seed treatment
Seed sowing
Provide a propagator to the nursery
Hardening of seedlings
Transplanting
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Big onion – Allium cepa
INTRODUCTION
Big onion is high value cash crop introduced in the early 1980s and it has been
popular among farmers due to high profitability.
Stem - underground, thin, leaves form the apical part of the stem.
Leaf bases - convert to Sheath and cover stem
Sheath - from the pseduostem
Root System - Superficial
Inflorescence - umbel type 50- 200 flower, Cross pollination
Seeds - Triangular, black, Viability is < 1 yr.
Biennial plant, but gown as an annual
Category: Condiment
Botanical Name: Allium cepa
Family: Amarylidiaceae
Recommended varieties: Dambulla selection, MIBO- 1 (nearly released variety), Pusa
Red, Rampure, Kalpitiya Selection, N-53, Bombay Red
Planting materials: Seedlings raised from true seeds in a nursery, Dry bulbs obtained
from planting seeds in a nursery (dry seeds)
Seed requirements: 6 – 7 kg seed (good quality seeds) per 1 ha. (2- 2.5 kg / ac)
Time of planting: Mid- March Early -May is the best time for nursery establishments.
Seedlings / dry setts should be transplanted in field from mid- April to mod June for
Yala season and mid-December to mid-January for Maha season. Maha season planting
is not common due to high disease incidence caused by rain.
Spacing : 30cm x 10cm
Area of cultivation : 3m x 1m
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Field Establishment
Soil condition: Big onion can be successfully produced on most fertile soils.
Recommended soil pH range is usually 6-7 but a lower pH is suitable on organic soils.
Reddish Brown Earth and Regosols soil types, which are suitable for the cultivation is
available in dry zone.
Land preparation: Well-drained land is essential. Cropping system is a critical factor
to decide the yield. Primary weed control is needed. Bed type and the length should be
decided according to the irrigation system. Essential to apply a well decomposed
organic fertilizer.
Seeding treatment has to be done before planting the seeds.
Sterilization: Sterilization done by burning, solarization, using chemicals. A
combination if sterilization methods are used as a precaution. Chemical recommended
fungicides to nursery beds to destroy soil – borne pathogens.
Chemical name
Thiram 80%w/p
Thiophanate methyl 50% w/p
Thiram 10%w/p
Recommended amount for 3m2 size
nursery plots ( to be dissolve in 16 L of
water)
25
10
16
Seed treatments are preventing seed borne pathogens. We used Captan 80% (1kg of
bog onion seeds (g))
About 2 days before seed sowing incorporate urea 15g. TSP 3g, MOP 15g per standard
nursery beds.
Crop Management
Weed control: Applying of pre-emergence weedicide after planting and followed one
or two hand weeding effectively control the weeds of the crop.
Water management: Water requirement is high at the initial stages of the crop.
Therefore, crop should be irrigated about 3-day intervals, and this interval may be
depending on the soil type.
Fertilizer recommendations:
Basal Dressing
Top Dressing
(at flowering)
Urea kg/ha
65
65
TSP kg/ha
50
35
MOP kg/ha
100
Cultural Practices
Date
Practices
Observation
Remarks
04/01/2022
Preparation of a nursery bed
1.Site was selected
2.Land preparation was done.
The land was cleaned. The soil was
ploughed.
Raised beds were prepared.
The decomposed organic matter was
incorporated and mixed well with soil.
The bed was hand forked and leveled. Bed size-(1m * 3m)
4.Sterilization of seed bed
Burning method was used by us.
1. The soil was wetted.
2. The three layers of straw and
paddy husk were spreaded.
3. Paddy husk was used for the top
most layer.
4. The nursery bed was burned
against the wind direction.
06/01/2022
12/01/2022
Row seeding was done
Mulching and watering were done
Basal dressing was applied
Covered with a polythene
Watering was done
Weeding was done
The field was dried
Seedlings were died
Weeds were observed
36
Pest and diseases:
Disease
Bulb rot
Purple blotch
Pest
Thrips ( Thrips tabaci )
Management
Caused by Rhizoctonia spp, Ptheum spp, and Fusarium spp
Yellowing, tip drying and root rot occurs
Caused by Alternaria porri, initially irregular white spots on
leaves, later become large and brown, oral shaped spots with
pink colour margins. Finally become black patches.
Management - Field sanitation
Control
Establish the crop at proper time
Proper land preparation
Weed control
Chemical control
Leaf eating caterpillar (Spodoptera Destroy crop residuals
exigua )
Proper land preparation
Manually destroy the eggs and larva
Chemical control
Root eating ants
Chemical control
( Dorylus spp )
37
Chili - Capsicum annuum
INTRODUCTION
Chili is cultivated in large scale in dry zone specially in North Central Province and
intermediate zone. At present major chili growing areas are Anuradhpura , Monaragala,
Ampara , Puththalama, Vauniya, Kurunegal, Hambanthota and Mahaveli system H. An
essential ingredient in Sri Lanka meal(green or Dey pod). Most reliable rain fed crop in
dry zone.
Category: Condiment
Botanical Name: Capsicum annum)
Family: Solanaceae
Annual plant growing – 50 -100 cm height
High pungency
Flowers are actinomorphic, bisexual, pedicellate, hypogynous.
A self-pollinated crop
Deep root system -drought tolerance
Climate requirements: Most suitable in low country dry zone. However green chili
can cultivate in wet zone successfully. Optimum temperature – 24C0 27C0
Soil: Deep well drained loam soil. Water logging in the field even for few days may
result in significant reduction of growth.
Water requirements: Good harvest can be expected when rainfall optimally spreads
through the vegetative period. The crop can tolerate a short period drought.
Nursery preparation and management
Land selection: Raised bed cropping system is used frequently. Therefore, it is
required to select the well-drained or moderately well drained land blocks. Soil
38
conservation is needed to have a sustainable chili cultivation in the upland irrigated
condition.
Land preparation: It should be done at the onset of rainfall for efficient utilization of
water. Deep ploughing is required to a depth of 30-45 cm using a disk plough. Then the
field must be prepared to a fine tilth without large soil particles. A harrower or
appropriate machineries such as rotovators and tine tillers can be used for this. It is
important to note that chilli plant does not tolerate water lodged conditions so that a
drainage system must be prepared to remove excess water efficiently from the field.
Nursery bed preparation: Late September to early October For early Maha season
and early March for Yala season. Height of bed >15cm. Add organic matter preferably
compost 9 – 12 kg /bed
Seed requirement: 1kg for OPV and 500g for hybrids. For OPV 30 nursery beds of
3m* 90cm would be require to plant 1ha.
Recommended varieties : MI-1, MI-2, KA-2, Arunalu, MI Hot,MI Green , Weraniya,
MICH3 , MICH hy 1, Wasana, Galkiriyagama Selection
Seed rate – 40g /3*1 nursery ( 1 kg /ha)
Time of planting – Yala Early May, Maha Late October- Mid November
Field establishment
Field planting under irrigated conditions should be done in April or at least in early
May for Yala season and Late October or mid-November for Maha season.
Seeds transplanting Spacing: 60×45cm with two plants per hall.
Weed control: Weeding should be done preferably at 2, 4, 7 and 10 weeks after
planting. Soil should be loosened at each weeding to have a better root growth.
Application mulch would be preferable to control weeds.
Fertilizer recommendation
Urea
TSP
MPO
Basel dressing
100
50
Top dressing (2 WAP)
75
Top dressing (4 WAP)
95
Top dressing (8 WAP)
95
Top dressing (12 WAP) 95
Organic – well decomposed cattle manure, poultry manure, compost
Irrigation : Daily watering is necessary for plant growth flower initiation. Drip
irrigation or sprinkler is better for an efficient irrigation.
Harvesting: Can be started at 75-80 days after planting. To harvest green chili, pods
must be fully matured. Must be at least 80% red for dry chili. Dried pods can be stored
for about 4-6 months.
39
Cultural Practices
Date
Practices
Observation
Remarks
Preparation of a nursery bed
04/01/2022
1.Site was selected
2.Land preparation was done.
The land was cleaned. The soil was
ploughed.
Raised beds were prepared.
The decomposed organic matter was
incorporated and mixed well with soil.
The bed was hand forked and leveled.
4.Sterilization of seed bed
Burning method was used by us.
1. The soil was wetted.
2. The three layers of straw and
paddy husk were spreaded.
3. Paddy husk was used for the top
Bed size-(1m * 3m)
most layer.
4. The nursery bed was burned
against the wind direction.
06/01/2022
Row seeding was done
Mulching and watering were done
The field was dried
Basal dressing was applied
Covered with a polythene
12/01/2022
Watering was done
Seedlings were died
Weeding was done
Weeds were observed
40
Pest and diseases:
Diseases
Control
1. Anthracnose
Plant resistance varieties, sow good
quality seeds.
Affect all above ground part during any stage Rotating out of Solanaceous crops for
of growth and fruit symptoms begin as water two or three years .
soaked areas that turn brown colour and Removing weeds and infected debris,
condition for disease developments
and choosing field that drain well.
Application of copper fungicide
1. Chili leaf curl complex
Vector control
Plant resistant varieties
Symptoms – upward curling
Vein clearing and reduced leaf size
Cluster of leaves
2. Damping off
Avoid planting in wet, cold soil,
provide
appropriate
drainage
Seeds may rot before emergence from the condition
soil and young seedling may die. The
condition is most common on early planting
or when soil contain a large amount of
undecomposed plant residue
41
Pest
Aphids
(Greenfly/BlackFly)
Thrips
( Scirtothrips dorsalis )
Whiteflies
Root Knot Nematodes
Symptoms
Attracted to young tender
shoots
Sucking plants dry of sap
causing shoots and leaves
to become distorted.
Control
Introduce
natural
predators
Attract them away by
planting
Marigolds
(tagetes and calendula)
Isolate the plants
Affected leaves are often Introduce predatory mites
distorted and curl upward. insects
The lower surface of the Field sanitation
leaves can develop a
silvery sheen that later
turns bronze.
Damage on pods appears
as brown or silver areas
near the calyx.
suck plant juices from the Good cultural practices
leaves, causing them to Removing infected plants
shrivel, turn yellow and Pruning the top
drop
Using a mild diluted
(fatty acid based) soap
solution
Wilting
Crop rotation
Nonproductive plants
Adding organic matter to
Development
of sandy soils
characteristic knots on the Plant resistant varieties
plant's roots
42
CONCLUSION
As agricultural undergraduates we must have a thorough knowledge
about the practical application of the theories we are getting to know from our lectures.
So, this series of practices were really important to get a clear understanding about the
processes happening and difficulties that we face when the theories are being applied
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