Medicinal plant

February 29 2024

TULSI

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CLIMATE: The plant flourishes well under fairly high rainfall and humid conditions. Long days and high temperatures have been found favorable for plant growth and oil production. Topical and sub-tropical climate
(at altitudes up to 900m) are suited for Tulsi.

SOIL: Tulsi plants thrive well on variety of soils from rich loam to poor laterite, saline and alkaline to moderately acidic soils. Well drained soil helps better vegetative grown. Waterlogged condition can cause root-rot and result in stunted growth.

PROPAGATION AND PLANTATION: The plant is propagated by seeds and seedlings may be raised in manured seed bags. The seed sowing time starts by mid of February. The seed should be sown 2cm below in the nursery beds. The seeds germinate in 8-12 days and the seedlings are ready for transplanting in about 6 weeks’ time. Transplantation shall be done in the mid of April. Before transplanting the seedlings, land shall be prepared with application of manure. The seedlings shall be transplanted at a distance of 40 x 40cm and 40 x 50cm to get high herbage and oil yield per hectare.

IRRIGATION: Irrigation depends upon the moisture content of soil. In summer 3 irrigation per month are necessary, in rainy season no irrigation is required. About 12-15 irrigation are enough during the year.

HARVESTING: The crop is harvested at full bloom stage. The first harvest is obtained at 90-95 days of planting.

February 29 2024

SAHJAN

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CLIMATE: Sahjan can tolerate a wide range of annual rainfall (250-3000 mm). It is a sun and crop that cannot
tolerate frost and thrives well where the daily temperature ranges between 25° to 35°C. It
can handle summer temperatures of up to 48°C for limited time.

SOIL: Sahjan grows in almost all type of soils with pH ranging from 5.0-9.0. It grows well in the vicinity of the sandy beds of rivers and streams. However, stiff soils are not suitable for the plant. Deep sandy loam soil with pH of 6.5 to 8 is most suitable for cultivating this crop.

PROPAGATION AND PLANTATION: Sahjan can be propagated by seeds as well as through stem cutting during July to October. Seeds may be sown at a depth of 2.5-3.0 cm in pits of 453 cm size at 2 x 2m distance; or after grafting, the seedlings may be raised in poly bags and transplanted after 35-40 days in the field at 5 x 5m distance.

Before plantation the pit must be filled with 10-15 kg manure and NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium) in a ratio of 135:23:45 g/pit/ha land after mixing with topsoil.

PLANT PROTECTION: The plants should be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manure and pesticide are recommended.

IRRIGATION: Before sowing and on the 3rd day after sowing and subsequently at 10-15 days interval, water may be applied according to soil type.

HARVESTING: The crop becomes ready for first harvest after 180 days of sowing. After harvest of main crop, trees may be cut back 90 cm from ground level for ratooning. In another 4-5 months, trees again mature for harvest. Likewise, ratoon crops can be taken for 3 years.

USES

Sahjan leaves provide antioxidants, carotene, protein, Vitamin C, calcium and potassium. The flowers act as hypocholesterolemia, and the anti-arthritic agents can alleviate urinary problems. Pods are used to treat infections of the liver and spleen and also in treating articular pains. Leaves and pods are also helpful in increasing breast milk in the breastfeeding months.
The leaves can be eaten fresh, cooked or stored as dried powder for many months without refrigeration. The
leaves may also be used as animal fodder. The entire young and pliable pod is cooked and eaten or used in the preparation of curries.

February 29 2024

NEEM

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CLIMATE: Neem tree grows well in all regions having average annual rainfall of 350
to 1200mm. It is a very robust in warm climatic condition, can tolerate high temperature upto 50°- 52°C. The plants
cannot withstand intensive shade or frost.

SOIL: Neem can grow in wide range of soils, however, black cotton soils are best suitable form them. These trees can even grow in rocky soils where water availability is a major concern.

PROPAGATION AND PLANTATION: Usual way of propagation for these trees is by sowing seeds. However, grafting of rootstocks are also possible. The seeds can be sown directly to the main field or seedlings can be raised primarily in nursery beds before transplanting. Planting or transplanting before or during rainy season is the best
suitable period for establishment of the plants.

The seeds shall be collected from the fruits at the stage of yellow-green color and immediately depulped. The germination probability from fresh seeds is about 90%. The seeds may be soaked in cold water for 24 hours for better germination. The germination of seeds starts after 6-7 days.

Transplantation of seedlings shall be done once they reach at a height of 8-10 cm tall with a taproot of 15 cm long. However, in dry areas, more aged seedlings give better survival rate. 25-30 cm long seedlings shall be transplanted in pits of 30 cm3 at a distance of 3 m x3 m in per ha land.

PLANT PROTECTION: The plants shall be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manure and pesticide are recommended.

IRRIGATION: These plants survive with little water. Therefore, conditions like water logging, poor drainage shall be avoided.

HARVESTING: Neem trees start bearing fruits after 4-5 years of plantation and come to full bearing at the age of 10-11 years.

USES

Neem boosts immunity, improves skin health, oral health and is very effective for dental treatment, reduce diabetes, treats malaria and aids blood detoxification. Leaves of Neem are used for treating leprosy, eye disorders, stomach ulcers, loss of appetite, skin ulcers, liver problems, gum diseases and anti-fungal problems.

Neem kernel and neem oil are used as pesticide. The de-oiled neem cake and green manure, which is produced from the plant, is used as fertilizer and helps in neutralizing acidity of the soil. The leaves are eaten fresh and also used in
cooking. The plant also provides fuelwood, timber and fodder.

February 29 2024

JAMUN

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CLIMATE: Jamun rhrives well under both tropical and subtropical climates. The plants can tolerate both short periods of drought as well as heavy rainfall. It can be grown successfully with an annual rainfall varying from 350 to 500 mm. It requires dry weather at the time of flowering and fruit setting. Young plants are susceptible to frost.

SOIL: Jamun trees can tolerate sodic and saline soils and can also be grown in ravines and degraded lands. However, vigorous growth and high yield may be achieved when grown on deep loam and well drained soils that have the capacity to retain good soil moisture. These plants can survive alkaline soils with pH up to 10.5. Plantations in very heavy and light soils should be avoided to achieve better results.

PROPOGATION AND PLANTATION: Jamun can propagated both by seeds and grafting techniques, though the most common being by seeds. The seeds have no dormancy, hence fresh seeds can be sown within 10-15 days of collection in 4-5 cm deep nursery beds at a distance of 25 ×15 cm. The seed germinates 10-15 days after sowing. The seedlings become ready for transplanting in spring or next monsoon. As seedling plants bear fruits of variable size and quality, therefore, vegetative method is desirable for propagation of improved or selected types. Budding is the most successful technique for this. It is done on a rootstock aged about 1 year having about 10 mm thickness.

For plantation, pits of 1m3 size shall be dug at a distance of 10 m for seedling trees and 8 m for budded plants in one hectare land. Pits should be filled with a mixture of topsoil and well rotten farmyard manure or compost in a 3:1 ratio. Monsoon season is ideal time of planting. But it can also be planted with a good survival rate in spring in presence of adequate irrigation system.

PLANT PROTECTION MEASURES: In pre-bearing period, 20-25 kgs well rotten farmyard manure per plant per year should be applied. For bearing trees, this dose shall be increased up to 50-60 kg/plant/year. The ideal time for giving the organic manure is a month before flowering.

IRRIGATION: Young plants require 6-8 times irrigation for better growth. In fruit bearing trees, irrigation shall be done from September to October for better fruit bud formation and from May to June for better development of fruits.
HARVESTING: The seedling plants start bearing fruits after 8-10 years, while grafted ones after 4-5 years of planting. The fruits ripen in the month of June–July depending upon the variety and agro climatic condition. The ripe fruit at full size is deep purple or black in color and picked immediately once ripens, as it cannot be retained on the tree at that stage.

USES

Jamun fruit is a source of vitamin-A and vitamin-C, can works as immunity booster. The seed is used to control diabetes and digestive ailments. The pulp of the fruit, extracts from the bark and seeds is of great benefit when it comes to lowering of blood glucose level. Taking dried extract of the seeds orally, greatly reduces the blood sugar and glucosuria.

Jamun bark is used for treating sore throat, bronchitis, asthma, thirst, diabetes, diarrhea, dysentery, ulcers and blood impurities. Stem bark powder is externally applied to prevent hemorrhage and leaves burnt ash in gum and teeth disorders. Root decoction helps in liver and splenic disorders. Root powder is helpful for skin infections.

Wine and vinegar can be made from the fruits. The wood is water resistant. Because of this it is used in railway
sleepers and for building furniture. The leaves are used as fodder, as they have good nutritional value.

February 29 2024

GILOY

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CLIMATE: The plant grows in subtropical and tropical climate. It does not tolerate high rainfall or waterlogged conditions.

SOIL: Giloy grows well in light medium sandy loam soil, rich in organic matter and with proper drainage.

PROPOGATION AND PLANTATION: These plants are cultivated by stem cutting. The cuttings may be obtained from mother plants during June-July. Seed sowing may also be used for cultivation. However, it takes double the time required in stem cutting.
The stem cuttings with nodes shall be sown directly in the field within 24 hours of their removal from mother plant. Meanwhile, they should be half-dipped in the water vertically. An optimum spacing of 3 x 3 m in one ha land shall be maintained in the filed for better yield. Since these are climbers, require some support to grow.
This can be done by preparing wood stakes or alike structures.

PLANT PROTECTION: The medicinal plants have to be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, farmyard manure, vermi compost, green manure, etc. may be used as per requirement of the species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared (either single or mixture) from Neem (kernel, seeds
& leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, etc.

IRRIGATION: These plants are grown under rain-fed conditions, however, occasional irrigation in extreme hot or cold climate may help them to withstand.

HARVESTING: When the leaves begin to fall in August and September, the stems should be cut 30 cm above the ground and collected. Pale green colored stems are cut into small pieces, dried and used for various purpose.

USES

Giloy has huge medicinal value for its immune boosting properties. It improves digestion, treats chronic fever, diabetes, resolves stress and anxiety, reduce asthmatic and respiratory problems, treats arthritis. It is also a natural aphrodisiac.
Apart from medicinal uses, the plant may be used as animal fodder for its nutritional values.

February 29 2024

GHRIT KUMARI

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CLIMATE: Aloe vera can be grown in almost all the parts of the country, even under extreme drought conditions, except in temperate climate. As its water requirement is very low it can be cultivated in aird and semi-aird.
regions.

SOIL: The plants grow successfully in marginal to sub marginal soils with low fertility. The plants can tolerate high soil pH with high potassium and sodium salts. However, it grows faster in black soils.

PROPAGATION: Suckers, (shoots growing from the base of the herb) are the best propagating material for these plants. Nearly 3-4 months old suckers having 4-5 leaves and about 20-25 cm in length suckers are best suited.

Suckers shall be planted in July-August, however, under adequate irrigated conditions can be done any other time also except winter. Suckers shall be planted in about 15 cm deep pits at a distance of 60 x 60 cm per ha land. After planting of suckers, the soil around the root zone needs to be firmly pressed and care needs to be taken to
avoid water stagnation.

PLANT PROTECTION: The plants shall be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manure and pesticide are recommended.

IRRIGATION: Just after plantation of the suckers the plants shall be irrigated. 2-3 subsequent irrigation shall be applied to get the plants established. 4-6 irrigation per year is adequate for its proper growth.

HARVESTING: Plants can be harvested from second to fifth year of transplantation. Depending upon the growth plants may be harvested 3-4 times an year.

USES

Aloe is a rich source of antioxidants & vitamins, improves skin health, improves digestion and boosts immunity. Aloe is used to treat burns, and the gel can also be used as a toothpaste and mouthwash; it is a natural option for improving oral hygiene and reducing plaque.
Apart from medicinal uses, Aloe is used commercially in many cosmetics and skin care products. The gel is also used in soaps.

February 29 2024

BAHERA

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CLIMATE: The bahera plant has a wide ecological range, succeeding in tropical and subtropical climates. These plants can tolerate an annual precipitation ranges from 1,000 – 3,000 mm. Though it can tolerate 5°C to 45°C, it grows best in temperatures ranges within 20°C to 33°C.

SOIL: Though the plants flourish in any moderately fertile, well-drained soil with full sunlight, it prefers periodically dry soils, and is moderately drought tolerant. Soils with pH ranges between 5.5 to 6.5 is ideal.

PROPAGATION AND PLANTATION: Propagation can be done by seeds, pre-soaked in cold water for 24 hours to improve germination rates. But germination rate rapidly declines when seeds have been stored for longer than that. Germination needs much moisture, and usually takes 2 to 5 weeks from sowing.

The seeds are usually sown in a nursery seedbed; however, they can also be sown directly in the field when conditions are favorable. When seedlings are raised in the nursery, transplantation to the field shall be done before the taproot has developed. The seedlings become ready for transplantation within 10-40 days.
The pit for transplantation shall be dug before the onset of monsoon at a distance of 1 x 6 m in one ha land. In degraded areas pits shall be dug of larger size for good growth and development of plant. The plantation needs to be done in monsoon.

IRRIGATION: In summer (March to May) 3 times irrigation in one week shall be applied.
HARVESTING: Harvesting is mainly done in the month of November-February when fruits start turning greenish grey in color.

USES
The fruit is anthelmintic, astringent, digestive, tonic and laxative. It is also used to treat eye diseases, dyspepsia, liver disease, leprosy. The fruit helps cure upper respiratory tract infections. The fruits are among ingredients of Triphala, an Ayurvedic rejuvenate.
The bark and leaves are used for making a dye. The seeds produce a clear yellow oil which used for hair-oil and in the manufacture of soap.

February 29 2024

BAEL PATRA

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CLIMATE: Warm humid climate and sunny condition is ideal for cultivation of this plant. Young plants cannot survive temperature below 4°C or tolerate hot winds.
SOIL: These plants thrive well in swampy, alkaline, sandy loamy soil having pH range of 5.0-10.0.

PROPAGATION AND PLANTATION: Bael is generally propagated by seeds. Sowing is done in June or July. The seedlings require at least a year in the nursery to be fit for transplantation. They should be transplanted in monsoon. Other than seeds the plants also may propagated by root cuttings and stem cuttings treating with IBA (4000 ppm) using quick dip method.

Seedlings or budded plants shall be transplanted in the field during rainy season at a spacing of 10-12 m in one ha land. Budded plants start bearing fruits at the age of 4-5 years, whereas seedling trees require 7-8 years.

PLANT PROTECTION: The plants shall be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manure is recommended.
IRRIGATION: The field after plantation should be irrigated periodically as and when required weekly or fortnightly as per the soil moisture condition.
HARVESTING: The fruits are deep green initially and become yellow gradually at ripening. The fruits are harvested along with a portion of fruiting stalk as it serves as a signal of ripening as it is easily detached only in the ripe fruits. The fruits require about a year for ripening.

USES
Bael is good for heart, reduces cholesterol, purifies blood, treats cancer, removes gastric problems and constipation, cures acidity and diarrhea, improves immunity and cools the body.
The fruit is used for preparing summer drinks, jams, toffees and other edible products. The leaves are used in religious purposes all over India, for which the tree is also called as holy fruit tree.

February 26 2024

ARJUN

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CLIMATE: The plant naturally occurs in subtropical and tropical moist regions of the country.
SOIL: The tree prefers alluvial loamy or black cotton soils, which are loose, moist, fertile, and have good drainage and water holding capacity. Riverbank soils, streams, and ravines are its natural habitat.

PROPAGATION AND PLANTATION: Propagation gives best results when seeds are used. Seeds can be collected in early summer from trees that are more than 6 years old. The seeds are viable for at least one year when stored in sealed tins. Seeds may be sown in nursery beds in early summer, usually just after collection.
The seeds should be soaked in cool water for 48 hours or put in boiling water and allowed to cool for 24 hours prior to sowing for better germination. The germination rate of pretreated seeds is up to 90%, while that of untreated seeds is 50 – 60%. Germination commences in 8–12 days and is completed in 7-8 weeks.
Germinated seeds may be transplanted in polybags with clay, manure, and sand in equal ratio. Alternatively, the pre-treated fruits are directly put in polythene bags in April, with half of the fruit above the soil. Pregerminated seeds are preferred to save time and ensure uniform germination. The seedlings are sensitive to drought during the germination stage as well as during the growth stage.

Pits of size 45 cm3 shall be dug at a spacing of 6 × 6 m for seedling plantation. About 10 kg Farmyard Manure and NPK (Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium) at a ratio of 75:50:30 g needs to be added per pit per ha land and thoroughly mixed with soil as basal dose. In July-August about 10-month-old seedlings shall be planted in these pits.
PLANT PROTECTION: The medicinal plants have to be grown without chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manures may be used as per requirement of the species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides like Azadirachtin can be applied.
IRRIGATION: Irrigation shall be done at 15-day intervals in the summer season for young plantations. Irrigation is generally not done during the winter season in the peninsular region.
HARVESTING: The Arjun tree starts flowering from sixth year onwards. Lifespan of the tree is 50 years and above. Bark is repeatedly. scrapped in winter season. The bark is removed from well grown trees, preferably 10th year onwards, in spiral or vertical strips of not more than 5 cm width and 25 cm length.

USES

The bark and gum are highly valued in Ayurveda as a tonic and cure for a host of cancer, heart, skin, urinary, and gynecological disorders.
The bark was once used to produce a brown dye and is
used as a tanning agent. It can be used for fuel, and for building in rural areas. The leaves are a choice feed for silkworm.

February 26 2024

AMROOD

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CLIMATE: Grows in tropical and sub-tropical regions upto 1500 m above sea level. Guava can tolerate heat and drought conditions of north Indian summers. Sever frost can kill the young plants. An annual rainfall of about 100 cm is sufficient.
SOIL: Heavy clay to very light sandy soils having pH between 4.5-8.2 are suitable for cultivation of guava. The crop is sensitive to waterlogging.
PROPAGATION AND PLANTATION: Amrood is vegetatively propagated by budding, inarching, or air layering. Monsoon is the ideal time for planting the layers and seedling. Soil must be prepared during the summer by ploughing, harrowing, leveling and removing weed. Pits of 1m3 are dug at a standard spacing of 6x6m before the monsoon and filled with a mixture of manure and soil.
PLANT PROTECTION MEASURES: Time of fertilizer application depends on the region and crop variety. In northern India, fertilizer shall be applied in the first week of May for rainy season crop and in first week of July for winter season crop. The fertilizer dose for Northern Region of India is 600 g. Nitrogen, 400 g. Potassium per hectare.

IRRIGATION: Amrood is mostly grown under rainfed condition. During winter season, irrigation is provided at an interval of 20-25 days and in the summer months it is provided at an interval of 10-15 days by the ring method. However, drip irrigation can be very effective in these plants too.

HARVESTING: The plants start bearing fruits at an early age of 2-3 years but they attain full bearing capacity at the age of 8-10 years. Guavas are harvested throughout the year (except during May and June) in different parts of the country. However, peak harvesting periods in north India are August for rainy season crop, November-December for winter season crop and March-April for spring season crop.

USES

The guava fruit is a good source of Vitamin C, Pectin, calcium and phosphorus. It can be used to treat colic, diarrhea, diabetes, cough, high cholesterol, cancer, heart diseases and cataract. Leaves of guava are used for dyeing and tanning. The fruit is used for the preparation of processed products like jams, jellies and nectar, cakes etc. Fruits can be preserved by canning as halves or quarters, with or without seed core (shells). Good quality salad can be prepared from the shell of ripe fruits.