Innovative methods in vegetable

It is not what crops a farmer grows; it is the net profit he is able to get that is really important.

Be it cash crops or food crops, the bottom line is profit and this is what matters for any small farmer.

“Agriculture is a very big sector in this country. Soil, climate, labour — practically everything differs between states and regions. Even for the same crop variety yields vary for different soils. And the job for the researchers becomes all the more challenging to help and guide a farmer get a better profit under these situations,” Dr. I.S. Tomar, Programme Coordinator, Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Jhabua.

Take the case of Mr. Balaram Patidhar from Sarangi village in Petlawad district, Madhya Pradesh. The farmer is well known not only in his home state but also in the neighbouring states of Gujarat and Delhi.

Nothing exciting

Some years back the farmer was growing the usual maize and wheat which were common in the region. There was nothing exciting in terms of revenue but once he switched to growing crops like tomatoes and chillies the income from his land increased.

The reason for this was his ability to get a very good yield of nearly a tonne of tomatoes and chilli compared to others growing the same crops (maize and wheat) from a hectare.

In fact, after hearing this news till date nearly 5,000 people have been visiting the farmer to know his formula for getting such a high yield.

“The average yield in the state from both these crops in the recent past has not been very appreciative. Prolonged dry spells and sudden downpours during monsoon have affected yield of many crops,” explains Dr. Tomar.

Apart from the yield, the farmer has been able to successfully market his produce in New Delhi, Ahmadabad, Mumbai, Indore markets and has been able to earn Rs.10-15 lakh a year.

Short term

This is something big in vegetable cultivation. Because, being a short term crop (3-4 months), and having a lower shelf life, fast disposal is important for both growers and buyers.

In fact, with the money he earned from his crops, Mr. Patidar has bought additional lands (from an acre he has increased the land holding to about 4.5 acres) to try his success formula in an expanded area.

“I use all the scientific technologies such as seed treatment, integrated pest management, nutrient management and water conservation methods in my field. I have set up drip irrigation for all the crops and presently grow capsicum and papaya in addition to tomatoes and chillies,” says the farmer.

Bund maker

Mr. Patidar is also credited with designing a tractor operated bund maker and fertilizer drill for making ridges in fields in which papaya, tomato, and chilli are cultivated.

The device consists of two (six feet long and 1.4 feet width) iron plates. One end of the plates are joined together in a “V” shape and fitted with a frame. A fertilizer drum with a pulley system is attached to this.

Adjustments are provided to suit the size and fertilizer application amount for farmers.

Cost

The machine is priced at Rs. 8,000 and is quite popular among farmers who are used to growing papaya, tomatoes and chilli crops traditionally and this requires more labour and takes time.

“Never take decisions on an impulse to grow something. Always make it a point to visit and interact with successful growers before you embark on something,” is Mr. Patidar’s advice to other farmers.

Patience and a long study of the crop, its market and several interactions with the concerned people are all important aspects to be considered if one needs to get a good return, according to him.

Best Innovator

The farmer was conferred the Best Innovator award by the Central Institute of Agricultural Engineering (CIAE), Bhopal, for his innovation and also the State Progressive Farmer award.

Pepino Growing

Who doesn’t like easy fruit growing? Especially in these days of changing climates, we look for edible plants that can withstand extremes. So the pepino (Solanum muricatum), known also as melon pear, is just the thing. It has been widely known in South America where it originated, but it took quite a while to get into Australian gardens. One of its big advantages is that it is a bushy shrub which persists from year to year in temperate regions and produces fruit for many months – even the whole year in warmer areas.

Strictly speaking, we should refer to it as Pepino dulce (sweet pepino) to distinguish it from the Spanish for cucumber which is just pepino. As you can tell from the botanical name, it is a member of the family Solanaceae and is, therefore, related to potatoes, tomatoes and eggplants.

The bush produces clusters of purple and white flowers, which look like those of the potato, at the end of stems. Although self-fertile, fruiting will be enhanced by the presence of bees. Pepinos produce very pale green fruit which, as they grow larger and mature, develop purple stripes. At maturity the purple stripes are still there but the yellow becomes much darker.

Growing pepinos

Like most fruit and veggies, it does best in a well-drained soil with a pH of 6.5 – 7.5. It helps to supply plenty of compost or worm castings, but steer clear of manures or other fertilisers which have higher nitrogen content in relation or potassium or phosphorus if you want to encourage fruiting rather than leaf growth. Since the roots are quite shallow, they have moderate water requirements, so keep the ground well mulched in summer. It will grow in a variety of climates, but although it prefers warmth, it will withstand short periods around 0°C if cut right back after fruiting and covered during frosts. Although they are susceptible to pests which attack tomatoes, in my hands at least, they don’t seem to suffer much from pest problems.

A trellis of some kind is usually necessary to stabilise the bush against strong winds and support the branches which grow quite heavy with fruit and, if left to trail on the ground, make an accessible and attractive meal for any wandering rodents. Just tie the branches to the support as they grow. One bush will spread to about 1 metre high and wide. As it grows, it is best to remove some of the shoots, especially those that point away from the trellis, so that plenty of air and light reach all parts of the bush. If you want to propagate pepinos, cuttings strike easily and branches will produce roots if they are touching ground. They can be grown from seed, but resulting plants may not be the same as the parent. At least 8 varieties which differ in their size, taste and texture are available in California, but not so many seem to be available in Australia.

Using the fruit

Don’t be tempted to harvest fruit before they are really yellow since they won’t have acquired full sweetness. Ripe flesh is a very pale yellow-orange in colour. Pick the ripest fruit in the cluster, and the others will continue to mature. Handle carefully since they bruise easily. They can be stored on the kitchen bench for several days, or in the refrigerator for several weeks provided the temperature is not below 5° C.

Since they taste like rockmelon/honeydew melon with a hint of cucumber flavour they can be used in deserts or in savoury dishes. The skin is not normally eaten, although it can be. They make useful additions to fruit salads and can be turned into sweet sauces and chutneys. Try wrapping slices in prosciutto, mixing cubes with yoghurt or tossing in with lemon juice in savoury salads.

PEPINO

PEPINO DULCE

Solanum muricatum Ait.

Solanaceae

Common Names: Pepino Dulce, Pepino, Melon Pear, Melon Shrub, Pear Mellon

Related Species: Wonderberry (Solanum X burbanikii), Tzimbalo (S. caripense), Lulita (S. pectinatum), Lulo comun (S. pseudolulo), Naranjilla (S. quitoense), Garden Huckleberry (S. scabrum), Cocona (S. sessiliflorum),

Distant Affinity: Tree Tomato, Tamarillo (Cyphomandra betacea), Casana (Cyphomandra casana), Tomato (Lycopersicon lycopsersicum), Mexican Husk Tomato, Tomatillo (Physalis ixocarpa), Cape Gooseberry, Poha Berry (Physalis peruviana) and others.

Origin: The pepino dulce is native to the temperate Andean regions of Colombia, Peru and Chile. The plant is not known in the wild, and the details of it origin are not known. The fruit is grown commercially in New Zealand, Chile and Western Australia. The pepino dulce was being grown in San Diego before 1889 and was listed by Francisco Franceschi of Santa Barbara in 1897. Improved cultivars were imported into California from New Zealand and elsewhere in more recent times.

Adaptation: The pepino dulce is a fairly hardy plant that grows at altitudes ranging from near sea level to 10,000 ft. in its native regions. However it does best in a warm, relatively frost-free climate. The plant will survive a low temperature of 27 to 28° F if the freeze is not prolonged, but may loose many of its leaves. It can be grown in many parts of central and southern California, although it does best in locations away from the coast and is not well suited for hot, interior gardens. Pepino dulce has been grown and has fruited in the milder areas of northern California (Sunset Climate Zones 16 and 17). The plant is small enough to be grown satisfactorily in a container.

DESCRIPTION

Growth Habit: Pepino dulce is a small, unarmed, herbaceous plant or bush with a woody base and fibrous roots. Growth is erect or ascending to about 3 feet high and several feet across. It is similar in these respects to a small tomato vine, and like the tomato may need staking or other support.

Foliage: The bright green leaves are sparsely covered with very small hairs. In appearance the pepino dulce is much like a potato plant, but the leaves may take many forms--simple and entire, lobed, or divided into leaflets.

Flowers: The small flowers are blue, violet-purple or white marked with purple, and are similar in form to unopened potato flowers. The pepino dulce is deemed to be parthenocarpic but a much heavier crop results from self-pollination or cross-pollination. The plants will not set fruit until the night temperatures are above 65° F.

Fruit: The fruit also show considerable diversity in size and shape. In the areas of its origin there are small oblong types with many seeds, while others are pear or heart-shaped with few or many seeds. Still others are round, slightly larger than a baseball and completely seedless. The colors also vary--completely purple, solid green or green with purple stripes, or cream colored with or without purple stripes. The fruit of cultivars grown in this country are usually round to egg-shaped, about 2 to 4 inches long, with some growing up to 6 inches. The skin is typically yellow or purplish green, often with numerous darker streaks or stripes. The flesh is greenish to white and yellowish-orange. Better quality fruit is moderately sweet, refreshing and juicy with a taste and aroma similar to a combination of cantaloupe and honeydew melon. In poor varieties there can be an unpleasant "soapy" aftertaste. The fruit matures 30 to 80 days after pollination.

CULTURE

Location: The plant likes a sunny or semi-shaded, frost-free location, sheltered from strong winds. It does well planted next to a south-facing wall or in a patio.

Soil: The pepino dulce does best in a fertile (but not too fertile), free draining, neutral soil ( pH of 6.5-7.5). It is not as tolerant of salinity as the tomato. Mulching will help suppress weed growth.

Irrigation: The pepino dulce is quite sensitive to moisture stress as their root systems spread out and are quite shallow. Irrigation techniques are thus crucial for the health of the plants as well as for pollination, fruit set and quality of the fruit crop. Some growers feel that overhead sprinkling may even favor increased pollination. Microjets appear to deliver moisture better than trickle irrigation.

Fertilization: The plants should be fertilized in a manner similar to a tomato plant, mixing in some well-rotted manure to the plant site several weeks in advance and supplementing with a 5-10-10 NPK granular fertilizer as needed. Soils that are too rich produce vigorous vegetative growth which can lead to reduced fruit set and quality, plus an increase in pest problems.

Pruning: Pruning of the pepino dulce is not needed unless the plant is being trained to a trellis. In this case treat it as one would a tomato vine. Opening the the fruits to light increases the purple striping and improves the general appearance.

Frost Protection: In areas where frost may be a problem, providing the plant with some overhead protection or planting them next to a wall or a building may be sufficient protection. Individual plants are small enough to be fairly easily covered during cold snaps by placing plastic sheeting, etc. over a frame around them. Plastic row covers will also provide some frost protection for larger plantings. Potted specimens can be moved to a frost-secure area.

Propagation: The pepino dulce can be grown from seeds, but is usually propagated vegetatively from cuttings. Three to five inch stem cuttings are taken leaving 4 or 5 leaves at the upper end. Treatment with rooting hormones will help increase uniformity in rooting and development of heavier root systems. The cuttings are then placed in a fast-draining medium and placed under mist or otherwise protected from excessive water loss. Bottom heat also is helpful. With the right conditions most of the cuttings quickly root and are ready for potting up in individual containers. Rooted cuttings set out after the danger of frost (February to April) should be large enough to start blooming shortly after planting. The fruit will then have time to grow and ripen during the warm summer months. When planted out, a spacing of about 2 to 3 ft. between bushes is recommended.

Pests and Diseases: The plant is affected by many of the diseases and pests that afflict tomatoes and other solanaceous plants, including bacterial spot, anthracnose, and blights caused by Alternaria spp. andPhytophthora spp. The various pests include spider mite, cut worm, hornworm, leaf miner, flea beetle, Colorado potato beetle and others. Fruit fly is a serious pest where they are a problem. Greenhouse grown plants are particularly prone to attack by spider mites, white flies and aphids

Harvest: Individual fruits should not be picked until they are completely mature to assure the highest flavor and sugar content. Different cultivars vary, but the ground color of many mature fruits is somewhat yellow to light orange. Ripe fruit also bruises easily and requires careful handling. Such fruit should store well for 3 to 4 weeks at around 38° F under relatively high humidity. Fruit destined for distant markets would need to be picked earlier just before full ripeness. As it turns out this happens to be a good time to pick the fruit. Studies have shown that fruit in the middle degree of ripeness has the best performance in cold storage. Over-ripe fruit suffers most from physiological problems such as internal breakdown, discoloration and dehydration. If harvested too early, insufficient ripening and development of flavor and sweetness can result. The pepino dulce is commonly chilled and eaten fresh much like a cantaloupe or other melon.

Commercial Potential: The pepino dulce is a successful commercial crop in several countries such as New Zealand and Chile, and there appears to be no reason it can't find a niche in this country in Farmer's Market sales and elsewhere. The fruit is strikingly attractive and its storage capability and shelf life permit great flexibility in marketing. For good market acceptance it is important to select cultivars with the sweetest and most flavorful fruit. Additional breeding and selection is also needed to further enhance these qualities.

By : https://www.crfg.org/pubs/ff/pepino.html

pepino cultivation

The family Solanaceae (Nightshade) accounts for a significant number of our basic food plants, one of the most common being the Irish potato. A lesser known member, the pepino melon shrub (Solanum muricatum), is an evergreen shrub native to the mild Andean regions of Colombia, Peru and Chile. 

What is a Pepino?

It is unknown exactly where pepino melon shrubs originate, but it does not grow in the wild. So what is pepino?

Growing pepino plants are cultivated in temperate regions of California, New Zealand, Chile and Western Australia and appear as a small woody, three foot or so shrub that is hardy to USDA zone 9. The foliage looks very similar to that of the potato plant while its growth habit is akin to that of a tomato and, for this reason, may often require staking.

The plant will flower from August to October and fruit appears from September through November. There are many cultivars of pepino, so the appearance may vary. Fruit from the growing pepino plants may be round, oval or even pear shaped and may be white, purple, green or ivory in color with purple striping. The flavor of the pepino fruit is similar to that of a honeydew melon, hence its common name of pepino melon, which can be peeled and eaten fresh.

Additional Pepino Plant Information

Additional pepino plant information, sometimes called pepino dulce, tells us that the name ‘Pepino’ comes from the Spanish word for cucumber while ‘dulce’ is the word for sweet. This sweet melon-like fruit is a good source of vitamin C with 35 mg per 100 grams.

The flowers of pepino plants are hermaphrodites, having both male and female organs, and are pollinated by insects. Cross pollination is likely, resulting in hybrids and explaining the vast differences between fruit and foliage amongst growing pepino plants.

Pepino Plant Care

Pepino plants may be grown in sandy, loamy or even heavy clay soils, although they prefer alkaline, well-draining soil with an acid neutral pH. Pepinos should be planted in sun exposure and in moist soil.

Sow the pepino seeds in the early spring in a warm greenhouse or inside. Once they have attained enough size to transplant, transfer into individual pots but keep them in the greenhouse for their first winter. Once they are a year old, transfer the pepino plants outside to their permanent location in the late spring or early summer after the danger of frost has passed. Protect from frost or cold temperatures. Overwinter indoors or inside the greenhouse.

Pepino plants do not set fruit until the night temperatures are over 65 degrees F. The fruit matures 30-80 days after pollination. Harvest the pepino fruit just before it is fully ripe and it will store at room temp for several weeks.

Farming profit

The year 2013 was a mixed bag for investors in farm commodities. While guar gum, guar seed and chana (chickpea) prices fell over 25%, coriander, pepper, castor seeds and soy meal returned over 15%. Out of the 21 major commodities which trade on the National Commodity and Derivatives Exchange (NCDEX), 11 gave positive returns last year. We discuss their prospects for 2014.

Coriander: India is the world's largest producer, consumer and exporter of coriander. It accounts for more than 80% global production. Coriander is a rabi crop, sown between mid-October and November, and harvested in February-March. It is grown mostly in southeast Rajasthan.

In 2013, coriander prices rose 47% as output went down drastically due to fall in area under cultivation and bad weather. However, there was a price fall towards the middle of the year (April-August) from Rs 7,646 a quintal to Rs 5,000. But the trend changed soon after due to lean supply and high exports.

"Lower area under cultivation pushed up prices further and they touched Rs 7,853 per quintal on December 31," says Vedika Narvekar, chief manager, agri commodities, Angel Commodity Broking. On 1 January 2013, coriander was trading at Rs 5,366.40 a quintal.

Market experts say that over the last few years, coriander production has not been stable, and has been fluctuating between two and four lakh tonnes. The 2012-13 production was near two lakh tonnes. Of this, the country exported 30,700 tonnes in January-September 2013 (valued around Rs 240 crore).

Angel's Narvekar says coriander prices may keep rising in the first quarter of 2014 due to fall in stocks and area under cultivation. But prices may start falling from April as new crop comes to the market. Going forward, prices will take cues from export demand and output in other major producing countries such as Morocco, Canada, Pakistan and Romania. In the last quarter of 2014 (October-December), prices will depend upon monsoon rainfall and sowing expectations. Technically, coriander is expected to trade in the range of Rs 5,920-9,300 a quintal.

Pepper: Strong demand, both in overseas and domestic markets, due to tight supply supported prices in 2013. Prices rose 37% from Rs 37,888 a quintal on January 1 to Rs 51,918 a quintal on December 31.

Uncertainty over 7,000 tonnes pepper seized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India in response to reports about adulteration led to concerns over availability and supported prices.

-0.6% is the average return given in 2013 by commodities on the NCDEX

Exports in April-September rose 36% to 10,200 tonnes from 7,515 tonnes in the same period a year ago, according to the Spices Board.

"India's pepper production next year is estimated to be 45,000-48,000 tonnes, a massive drop from the previous year's projection of 55,000 tonnes. Domestic consumption is estimated at 48,300-50,000 tonnes," says C P Krishnan, wholetime director, Geojit Comtrade.

Limited availability means export demand is estimated to remain high in 2014 as well. "Prices are likely to stay firm, possibly around Rs 44,000-60,000 a quintal, with a positive bias. Anticipation of supply crunch due to probable fall in output in India is likely to support the commodity. An unexpected fall below Rs 40,000 will signal weakness," says Krishnan.

Castor Seed: Castor seed is sown in July-August. The crop starts arriving in the market from December. Gujarat accounts for 86% of the country's production. It is followed by Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan.

Castor oil (extracted from castor seed) and its derivatives are used to make soaps, lubricants, hydraulic/brake fluids, paints, dyes, coatings, inks, cold-resistant plastics, wax, polishes, nylon, medicines and perfumes. India is the biggest exporter of castor oil and accounts for 70% global trade, followed by China and Brazil.

On the NCDEX, prices rose 21% from Rs 3,731 a quintal on 1 January 2013 to Rs 4,512 on December 31. Kunal Shah, head, commodity research, Nirmal Bang, says, "Castor seed prices shot up mainly because of high exports."

Experts say carryover stock in January 2014 is expected to be close to four lakh tonnes, down 50% from the previous year. India had eight lakh tonnes stock at the start of 2013 due to bumper output in 2012. Availability of castor seed in 2014 is expected to be 14.5 lakh tonnes as against 20.5 lakh tonnes in 2013. Reports about fall in area under cultivation and depleting stocks have already led to a sharp rise in castor seed prices.

Wheat Planting and Harvest Seasons

Wheat crops around the world have their own unique production cycles of planting and harvest timeframes. Below are the window of opportunities for planting and harvesting wheat crops within each country. Grain prices tend to fluctuate the most during the growing seasons, as supply expectations can shift significantly due to planted acreage, weather and growing conditions.

In the United States and China, there are two seasonal wheat crops - spring wheat and winter wheat.

Winter wheat accounts for nearly three-fourths of total U.S. production. North Dakota accounts for more than half of all U.S. spring wheat. The largest producing states for winter wheat are Kansas, Texas and Washington.

United States (8 percent of world production)

Winter Wheat:

Planting: Winter wheat is planted from mid-August through October.

By : http://commodities.about.com/od/researchcommodities/a/wheat-seasons.htm

Soybean Planting and Harvest Seasons

Soybean crops around the world have their own unique production cycles of planting and harvest timeframes. Below are the window of opportunities for planting and harvesting soybean crops within the largest soybean production countries. Grain prices tend to fluctuate the most during the growing seasons, as supply expectations can shift significantly due to planted acreage, weather and growing conditions.

In the United States, most of the soybean crops are grown in the Midwest and the Delta regions.

Typically, the southernmost areas will begin planting first and then the most northern areas will begin planting as the snow is gone and the soil is thawed.

United States (38 percent of world production)

Planting: Soybean crops are planted beginning in late April and last through June.

Harvest: Soybeans are mainly harvested in late September and is finished by the end of November.

By : http://commodities.about.com/od/profilesofcommodities/a/soybean-growing.htm

Chili pepper

Chili pepper farming

Agriculture Technology

On the subject this time we will discuss the issue of cultivation of chili pepper plants. Before we explain how to do the cultivation of chili pepper plants, you need to know in advance what are the benefits that exist in the chili. This chili is actually a clump of plants in the family eggplants. This chili has many types of chili and it also has a lot of the nutrients and vitamins of which are proteins, calories, fat, calcium, vitamin A, carbohydrates, vitamins B1 and C.

In general the pepper plants can be grown in the lowlands of the altitude of 2000 meters.Chili pepper plants can also adapt well to a temperature between 24 to 27 degrees Celsius and the humidity is not high.

Techniques to perform the making of chili seed is very easy. The trick is to choose the first chilli red and ripe course. Has a shape that is not defective, fresh, perfect, and no disease. Then you can remove the seeds by cutting lengthwise. Then you can wash it and dry it.

To perform seeding, the seeds of chili should be soaked in water beforehand kemudain you see where the seeds are floating. Your floating seeds because the seeds are floating waste will not be able to grow if planted. Chili seeds before planting the seedlings should be in advance using a plastic container of thickness less than 10 cm and do not forget to give a hole at the bottom of the plastic tub for its water management.

Chili breeding way is quite easy, simply by moving the seeds that have undergone the process cambah about age 10 to 14 days into the nursery. You can move it to polybags measuring 8x9 cm for container. Land which used to be 1: 1 with manure.

Planting way is to select the first seeds of the chili that is not defective, have the green color of the leaves, and are not attacked by pests and diseases. Then you can plant the seeds of chili into planting pots or polybags. You have to sow the seeds right in the middle and add also the land until it reaches a thickness of 2 cm.

You need to do the sprinklers every 2 to 3 times a day to keep the moisture in the soil media. You can perform subsequent fertilization after the chilli has a lifespan of 30 days after planting.

Thus the cultivation of pepper plants that might be useful to you.

Vegetables Cultivation

Vegetables Cultivation

Agriculture Technology

This article we will be a little explain how to grow vegetables using polybags or using pot. There are many types of vegetables that you can plant in a polybag or by using pots, for example, include mustard, celery, spinach, kale, peppers and many other vegetables. If you want to enjoy the vegetables that we have already mentioned the plant sediri is easy enough. Here are the steps that are easy and simple to plant:

1. The first step is that you need to prepare in advance polybags or pots, you can set the size of the pot or polybags that are not too small.

2. The next step is to prepare the soil media. Land that will be used for this plant should first be mixed with the use of manure.

3. The third step is to set your desired vegetable seeds for planting. You can buy the seeds of this vegetable in the farm shop.

4. Next you can set up a hand spray. These sprays are usually in use for bathing bird.

After four steps above are already prepared then you are able to immediately start to planting. However, there are some plants that can be planted directly in there also can not be directly in the planting and seeding should undertake measures beforehand. If you do not know how to sow crops, you can listen to seeding the following manner:

1. The initial step is to incorporate into the soil media in polybags or pots first.

2. The next step you can sow the seeds of vegetables into a polybag or pot but do not sow the seeds of vegetables too tightly.

3. The next is to sprinkle the seeds with soil or covering it with a thin soil use.

4. The next is to perform condensation by spraying water using seprotan hand.

You can menuggu this seeding process emerged a few days until germination of the seeds that you plant. After kecamabah it appears cambah then you can move it into a polybag or in pots.

Here's how to grow vegetables using polybags or by using pots that may help you.

Cucumber Cultivation

Cucumber Farming

Agriculture Technology

Cucumber is a plant that needs to be treated with caution, because of the nature of these plants are susceptible to changes in temperature and weather. The most appropriate way is to be generative methods of breeding or seed. Select selecting seeds from the cucumber with a good, and not rot. Wash the seeds of cucumber were already really old and cook, sifted seeds in running water to remove mucus. Choose seeds that sink, then dry in the sun for 2 days. Save the seeds for 2 months so that the taste is gone, the seeds are stored properly can last up to 1 year.

Before planting in steps - steps and how to plant organic cucumbers that have to be followed, namely, soak the seeds in warm water for 3-5 hours, then after completion, put the seeds on a damp cloth and damp it will emerge from the seeds sprout after 15 -24 hours.

Before planting, first plow the soil as deep as 20-30 cm. Soil with a pH of less than 6 can be provided dolomite about 1-2 tons per hectare, depending on the acidity of the soil. Combine with the land and let stand for about 1-2 weeks.

Make beds, a width of 1 meter, height 30 cm, length adjust as needed. Create distance between beds of about 30 cm. Close seedbed using plastic mulch so that the media remains moist.

Make the planting hole with a diameter of 10 cm, every two rows of beds give the planting hole. The distance between the planting hole is 40 cm and the distance between rows of about 50-60 cm.

Give manure, or a mixture of chicken manure and dirt goat or cow dung, a ratio of 1: 1. How the fertilizer can be stocked in the seedbed and mixed with the soil. After fertilizers, better let the land for 1-2 weeks.

Planting seeds have sprouted, which had been prepared. Enter each 1 seeds in 1 planting hole and then close using the land. Flush every morning and evening. After about 2 days is usually a seed - a seed planted will begin to grow and sprout leaves.

After 3-4 days of planting, can be given extra fertilizer, better use a liquid fertilizer. Liquid fertilizer made with goat manure mature mixed with water. Composition 1 kg per 1 liter. Let stand for 1 week fertilizer. Fertilizer application can be watered, liquid fertilizer demand is 1 liter / square meter.

Cocoa

Cocoa Cultivatiom

Agriculture Technology

Cocoa is one of the plants have great opportunities in the agribusiness sector. therefore these plantations preferred by many farmers. But to attempt to get maximum results, there are several ways on breeding techniques and treatment of the cocoa plant. The following is a way for the planting and maintenance of cocoa.

Seeding process. Cocoa beans to be selected as the seed can be taken from the middle part of healthy fruit and mature trees from seed plants that are old enough. Before germinated, seeds should be cleaned first of flesh with ash.

There are some additional you need to know:

Cocoa beans do not have a period of rest or dormancy, and therefore should be germinated or sowing.

Germination using jute sacks indoors, watering three times sehari.Sebaiknya prepare a polybag with size 30 x 20 cm (0.8 cm thick poly bag) and place for breeding.

Mix the soil with manure (1: 1), and enter it in polybag for breeding.

Next is planting seeds. When the seeds are planted cacao, shade trees must have grown well and shade while about 1 year old. Planting cocoa with intercropping system requires no shade, for example, can be done intercropping with coconut trees.

Seedlings are transferred to the media which had been prepared in accordance with the type, for types Noble cocoa seedlings can be planted after the age of 6 months old, and Cocoa lindak aged about 4-5 months. The time of transfer would that cacao seeds not forming young leaves or flushing.

For watering can be done 2 times a day, on the morning and afternoon as much as 2 to 5 liters per tree. Manure pit can be created around the plant (with dikoak). Fertilizer was included in the planting hole, then fertilizer is closed again.

Pruning tree branches aimed at the establishment of a balanced and vegetative growth is good and healthy. Shade trees also done trimming branches and leaves that grow tall and good.

Pineapple

Pineapple farming

Agriculture Technology

Pineapple is a tropical fruit that is widely known in the world. Areas particularly Latin America, Hawaii, Thailand, Vietnam, and of course Indonesia. Pineapple cultivation is profitable, in addition to easy maintenance, this fruit does have a high economic value. This time we will review some pineapple cultivation techniques and also how to plant pineapple.

Nursery or superior seed selection was instrumental in the successful cultivation of pineapple. Seeds believed to be able to grow well, resistant to pests and diseases is certainly productive or have a satisfactory production results. Seeding pineapple wide - range, as is commonly done by vegetative and generative. Vegetative way is most often applied in particular by utilizing the root shoots (tillers), stem buds (buds of the parent), the buds of fruit, fruit crown and stem cuttings.

Penyemaiannya technique that is on when the planting would be better if oiled aphrodisiac root (root growth stimulants). Transplanting the seedlings into a nursery with a depth of about 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm. Spacing the fair is about 5-10 cm. The condition of a seeding should always be moist (not wet and not dry, but watery) and dried so that the seeds will not die. Transplanting can be done after the seedlings grow as tall as 25-30 cm or have a lifespan of 3-5 months.

For land management, soil should be trivialized by means of hijacked manual / automatic or hoeing. After that, we prepared the beds with a width of 80 cm to 120 cm and a spacing between beds is 90 cm - 150 cm.

Planting is by making the planting hole which has a size of 30 x 30 x 30 cm planting hole can manufacture using a hoe or a single or also with other tools. Do the planting with a depth of about 3-5 cm so that the stems of plants will not rot. Watering is done until the ground was rather damp and wet.

Fertilization can be done after pineapple aged 2-3 months, and fertilization is done with natural or artificial fertilizers and supplementary fertilization should be done every 3-4 months until flowering plants to bear fruit. TSP fertilizer used is 60 kg / ha, ZA 100 kg / ha, and KCL 50 kg / ha. At 6 months old plants, can be done fertilizing with manure around 10 tonnes / ha.

Pineapple fruit harvested after the plant was about 12-24 months depending on the type of seed. Seedlings of fruit crown will be fruitful at the age of 24 months, and the seeds of stem buds will bear fruit after the age of 18 months, and the seeds of root shoots bear fruit at the age of 12 months. Pineapple plant rejuvenation can be done when the plants aged 4-5 years.

Apple Cultivation

Apple Cultivation

Agriculture Technology

Apple is a fruit crop which is very widely grown in the highlands that have cool air. This tree has a sturdy stems and leaves dense of a long stem. Apples are known to have many kinds, ranging from green apple, red apple, apple poor, etc. In addition as the consumption of fruit, the apple is also the raw material of snacks such as chips, dodol, cookies, and soft drinks. Even if processed by the fermentation of apple cider vinegar can be made useful as a medicinal herb. So many benefits of apples signifies that the fruit of this one can be used as an alternative to a business that you can run. Before deciding to cultivation, you have to do is:

Seeding

Seeding dapaet done in three ways: (1) Seedlings / siwilan, by separating plant saplings of basic plant taken bersaa parent tree roots. Tillers characterized by having a height of 30 cm, diameter 0.5 cm, and brown bark. (2) Rundukan, done by a long tiller attached recline soil, then the soil and carrying heavy objects so as not lifted until it comes out and then cut and plant roots. (3) Cuttings, by cutting the apple stem good with a length of 15-20 cm and then plant it on land.

Maintenance Seed

Do watering the seeds that have been sown with care on a regular basis once a week. Place the seedlings in the shade to avoid the rain and hot sun directly. Make fertilization 1-2 months with urea and TSP respectively 5 grams per plant. Immediately do replanting if seeds are dead. Apply weeding the weeds and seeds are attacked by weeds. Make sure the seeds grow well, trim if there are roots coming out of the polybag. The seedlings are ready to be moved after the age of 6 months after grafting. Seedlings are cut with 80-100 cm tall and the leaves diptong.

Land preparation

Land preparation that must be done is to sprinkle compost / manure on land planted with komosisi 2 tons / hectare. Provision of basic nutrition is done during 3-4 weeks prior to the tillage of the soil by plowing or hoeing. This is so that the soil becomes loose and contain the basic nutrients. If the soil pH is low, add lime / dolomite that soil pH to neutral. After that the land set aside for 2-3 weeks before planting. Make the planting hole with the size of 50x50x50 cm.

Planting

Remove the plastic bag and place it in the hole seedbed that has been made. Make sure the plant upright position and place it carefully so that the roots are not damaged. Cover the hole with soil and surrounding ground and pressing gently. Then flush that soil moisture is maintained. Post a marker if needed to avoid collapse exposed to the wind.

Maintenance

Maintenance is done is (1) weeding, made when weeds and wild grasses thickened around the young plants, jiika spacing of the meeting will rarely grow grass. (2) pembubungan, done by raising the soil around the plant to avoid stagnant water. (3) Elimination of pests and diseases, carried out on plant pests and diseases by providing a suitable and appropriate pesticide doses. (4) Perampalanan, done so that the plant can grow optimally apple with cut end of the stem and cut the shoots low to prevent evaporation. (6) Fertilization, performed after entering the age of 3 months in conjunction with the weeding and perampalan.

Harvest

Apples can be harvested after 120-141 days after anthesis (flower bloom after 4-5 months of age). Harvest should be done when the plants at the level of physiological maturity (ripening). Characteristics that maximum fruit size, smell of fresh, bright fruit color and fruit skin looks fresh, when pressed felt sharp. Furthermore, harvesting can be done every 6 months.

Dragon Fruit

Dragon Fruit Cultivation

Agriculture Technology

Dragon fruit is grouped into the cactus plant family. Although known as the fruit of Asia, this plant is originally from Mexico, Central America and South America. In 1870, the French brought the dragon fruit from Guyana to Vietnam as an ornamental plant. Because it tastes sweet, dragon fruit is eaten widely in Vietnam and China. In Indonesia, dragon fruit became popular since 2000. It is unclear exactly who first developed it. It is estimated that dragon fruit coming into our country from Thailand and cultivated by hobbyists plants sporadically.

Currently there are several species of dragon fruit plants are widely cultivated. Popular fruit types are as follows:

Hylocereus undatus red skin with white flesh

Hylocereus polyrhisus red leather with red fruit flesh

Hylocereus costaricensis red skin with intense red fruit flesh somewhat purplish

Hylocereus megelanthus yellow skin with white flesh.

Cultivation of dragon fruit is very suitable to the climatic conditions and the nature of Indonesia. This plant grows optimally at an altitude of 0-350 meters above sea level with a rainfall of about 720 mm per year. The air temperature is ideal for growing dragon fruit ranges from 26-36 degrees Celsius.

Dragon fruit plants can be propagated by generative and vegetative. Generative way that plants reproduce from seeds. Seed is taken by removing the seeds from the fruit dragon elected. This way a bit difficult and is usually done by experienced breeders. Vegetative means relatively more widely used because it is easier. Dragon fruit cultivation by vegetative means more quickly bear fruit. In addition, the properties of the parent plant may simply decline to her son. Here are the steps penyetekkan dragon fruit:

Choose a rod with a diameter of at least 8 cm, hard, old, gray-green and healthy. The larger the diameter of the trunk, the better, because the rod will be the main stem of the plant. Cutting is done to stem the length is about 80-120 cm. Do not cut all, leaving about 20%, part of which 80% will be candidates for seed. Cut the stems of seedlings candidate with a length of about 20-30 cm. The upper end is cut flat, while the bottom of the base to be plugged into a tapered cut ground. Useful to stimulate root growth. Cuttings pieces must have at least four buds. Cutting length can be shorter, but the consequences will affect the speed of fruiting.

Let stem cuttings that have been cut until the sap dries. If planted directly sap is still wet can cause stem rot. To avoid the risk of fungal attack stem cuttings can be dipped in a solution of fungicide. Prepare seedbed or poly-cuttings to plant the cuttings. To a mixture of soil or planting media, please see how to create a media hotbed. Flush beds or polybags filled with planting medium. Then plug the pointed part of the cuttings into the planting medium as deep as 5 cm. Provide shade or shield to protect the cuttings. Do watering as much as 2-3 days. After 3 weeks, the first buds begin to grow and shade or lid must be opened so that the seedlings get full sunlight. Maintenance seeds usually lasts up to 3 months. At this age range 50-80 cm tall seedlings.

The need for the cultivation of dragon fruit seedlings a hectare around 6000-1000 seedlings. The number of seeds needed depends on the method of planting and spacing. This time alamtani discuss methods of dragon fruit cultivation with a single pole climbing. With this system takes pole climbing as much as 1600 stems with the needs of plant seeds as much as 6400 seedlings per hectare.

For one pole climbing takes 4 dragon fruit plant propagating material. Seedlings planted around the pole climbing, the distance between the pole climbing to plant seeds of about 10 cm. Seedlings are transferred from the plot seeding or polybag. Dig the soil as deep as 10-15 cm, or tailored to the size of the seed. Then the seed is placed in the excavation and backfilled with compacted soil while.

After the 4th seed planted, tie rod plant seeds so that attaches to mast climbing. Perform the binding of each plant grows 20-30 cm along the panhandle. The binding should not be too fast to give space for the growth of plants and in order not to injure the stem.

Pruning to form the main stem of plant seeds carried on the stems. Good plant has a long main stem, large and sturdy. To get that select shoots that grow at the very top of the stem beginning. Shoots that grow underneath should be cut only. Pruning to form a branch of production conducted on shoots that grow on the main stem. Choose 3-4 shoots to be grown. Later it will be a stem bud production and grow hanging down. Shoots are grown preferably at the top, about 30 cm from the top end.

Rejuvenation pruning is done to the branch of production which are less productive. Fruiting usually 3-4 times. Trimmings results of this rejuvenation can be used as a source of plant seeds. Things to consider in pruning is the shape of the plant. Dragon fruit plants usually grow irregularly. Strive for shoots that have been able to shape the plant properly. So it is not too dense branches and trunks that exist under the canopy can be exposed to sunlight at a maximum.

Dragon fruit plants longevity. Productive cycle can reach 15-20 years. Dragon fruit cultivation began to bear fruit for the first time in months 10 to 12 counted after planting. However, if the smaller size of the seed plants, the first harvest could reach 1.5-2 years commencing after planting. Productivity in the first harvest usually indirectly optimal. One plant typically produces 1 kg of fruit. In one pole climbing there are 4 plants. Means the number Tonggal 1600 in one hectare will produce about 6-7 tons of dragon fruit once the harvest season. The cultivation of dragon fruit that can successfully produce more than 50 tons of fruit per hectare per year. The characteristics of the fruit is ready for harvest has begun red skin shiny. Tufts of reddish fruit, the color green has begun to diminish. Crown smaller fruit and fruit base closes or wrinkled. Rounded fruit size weighing about 400-600 grams.

Watermelon

Watermelon Farming

Agriculture Technology

Watermelon is one type of fruit that is very popular in Indonesia; with a sweet taste and high water content, watermelon can be an alternative choice of fruit healthful and refreshing. There are several types of watermelon are quite popular; watermelon red and yellow watermelon and watermelon non-seed is the type most known. While others such as watermelon inul watermelon and watermelon boxes also began to be known by the public. As for tips on how the cultivation of watermelon that can be practiced to maximize crop yields are as follows.

Selection of land cultivation of watermelon is one of the important factors in the success of the cultivation of watermelon. Watermelon require climate or warm weather to grow properly. Watermelon seeds require temperatures of around 25 to 30 degrees Celsius to germinate and grow; temperatures around 20 to 25 degrees Celsius for growing, fertilization and pollination temperatures around 25 degrees Celsius and temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius to obtain perfectly ripe fruit. It became a factor in choosing the appropriate land for the cultivation of watermelon.

Tillage cultivation of watermelon is also very important; for the type of sandy land is hardly required special processing; but for the type of soil is not sandy it is necessary that the processing of the soil becomes loose or crumbly. Then on land that has been prepared made beds as places to plant watermelon seeds; the use of organic fertilizer or manure can improve soil fertility will help watermelons grow well. The distance between the plant about 100 cm with a width of approximately 3 meters seedbed planting system for single and 6 to 7 meters for double cropping systems with a raised bed height of approximately 50 cm.

One part is to prepare the way of the cultivation of watermelon seeds watermelon; prepared by planting seedlings or sow seeds; germinated seeds by way of wetted and cured in paper or newspaper cover for 1 to 2 days. After the process of seeding the seeds will germinate and then transferred to nursery media. Seedlings with roots candidate along 2mm can be sown in polythene bags with a depth of 1 to 1.5 cm. Put a polybag or nursery bag in the sun and watered 1 to 2 times a day until the seedlings 12 to 14 days before being transferred to the planting area.

Once the seeds are planted for 12 to 14 days then there will be 2 to 3 leaves that grow; the transfer of the afternoon should be done by inserting seedlings along the ground into the soil by removing polybag used to seed. As for how planting watermelon with a distance of planting a tree with a single system that is ideal is 90 to 100 cm x 3 meters; whereas the dual system or the two rows of plants with a distance of 90 to 100 cm x 6 or 7 meters.

After the watermelon seedlings were transferred to soil the black plastic silver can be applied; with plastic applications, the fertilization can be done before or during the process of transplanting is done. Beds can be irrigated until quite wet and organic fertilizer before the seedlings are transferred to the fields. The pile is then flattened so that the plastic can stick perfectly. Black plastic silver as part of an intensive watermelon cultivation techniques can be applied to the position of black face down and applied when the sun is shining or About 09.00 until 14.00.

As one of the plant care process is the use of manure; select manure true condition - completely finished. Manure that has not finished will make watermelon plants stunted or wilted. Organic fertilizers can be used as an alternative in addition to the use of ZA fertilizer, Urea, TSP, and KCl. The type of soil is also taken into consideration fertilization; sandy soils require more fertilizer than other types of soils over clay.

The alternative way is the intensive cultivation of watermelon with black plastic applications of silver; fertilization can be done only once. In addition to the applications that are tightly by soil beds and black plastic will prevent the grass and weeds around the plants to grow watermelons. Plastic with silver side facing the sun also serves to maintain the temperature of the soil and keep the soil moist so it reduces the need for watering.

Watermelon plants need penyuluran twigs; it is intended that the branches are not too coincide. Positions that coincide twigs can cause the flowers fall off easily and facilitate the onset of disease. Pendangiran needed to land without aplikaasi black plastic silverware. When the watermelon seed begins to grow as long as 50 cm, the litter can be mounted; when watermelons began to appear also need to be given the pedestal.

Perempelan fruit carried out on fruit that grows at the base of the plant stem watermelon as part of a way of intensive cultivation of watermelon; reserving 1 or 3 waste watermelon located approximately 1 meter from the base of the stem. Watermelon major types should leave 2 pieces only in the trunk; whereas for this type of small watermelon can be spared as much as 3 to 4 pieces. Harvesting can be done after 65 to 75 days after planting the seeds removed.

Melon Cultivation

Melon Farming

Agriculture Technology

Melon (Cucumis melo) grow vines but can not climb. If not supported, this plant will grow to spread over the surface of the ground. The place is ideal for the cultivation of melons in the range of 250-700 meters above sea level altitude. If the height is less than 250 meters, melon plants tend to produce smaller fruit. Whereas in the highlands with temperatures below 18oC, the plant is difficult to develop. Melon plants require humidity levels of 50-70%. The average temperature suitable for cultivation melon 25-30oC with rainfall ranging from 1500 to 2500 mm / year. Melon fruit quality will be even better if there is a temperature difference of day and night is quite significant.

Type of melon is very diverse. However, only three popular cultivars are cultivated, namely reticalatus, inodorus and cantalupensis. Reticalatus. This type of melon is the most popular cultivars. The shape is rounded with a green rind and texture berjala, such as coated webs. Fruit flesh colored light green to orange. Inodorus. This type has a smooth rind not berjala. The shape is rounded to oval. Fruit skin color pale yellow to greenish yellow. The color of the meat there are green, orange to white. Pulpy not flavorful. Cantalupensis. This type has a bumpy rind such as pumpkin, or so-called berjuring. Fruit flesh is yellow or orange, very strong aroma. Cantaloupe included in this species.

Melon crops for cultivation usually generative propagated from seeds or seedlings. For melon cultivation of one hectare takes about 16.000- seed plant 20,000 trees, equivalent to 500-700 grams of melon seeds. Before planting the seeds must be germinated first. You do this by soaking the seeds in warm water for 6-8 hours. If the seed has not contain fungicides, fungicides can be added to the soaking water according to the dosage. After soaking the seeds drained and spread on a damp cloth or newspaper that has been dampened. Let stand for 1-2 days until the seeds germinate. Keep the humidity of the cloth or newsprint. When visible dry splash water.

Then prepare a small polybag or nursery trays. Fill the planting medium mix soil with compost or manure in the ratio 2: 1, see how to create a media hotbed. Immerse the melon seeds 1-2 cm deep into the planting medium. Nursery should be protected by a clear plastic roof or lid. This is necessary so that seedlings grow protected from excessive sun and rain water running straight. Media seedbed should continue to be controlled and taken to ensure that the humidity up. Sirami regularly but not too wet. Seeding process usually lasts up to 10-14 days. Or marked by the growth of 2-3 leaves. In this phase, the seedlings are ready to be moved to the planting site.

In the dry season the pollination carried out by insects pollinators. But when the rainy season usually decreases the intensity of insect pollinators. To get good quality do artificial pollination. Artificial pollination is done in the morning, before lunch at 10. If too was somewhat wilted flower buds or closed. Perform artificial pollination the female flowers, especially flowers that exist in the branch to the 9th until the 13th. In one tree can be grown at least 3-4 candidates for the fruit. Then selected again, so the fruit are maintained until the harvest is 1-2 per tree, depending on the size of the fruit. When large fruit size, just one per tree.

Usually the cultivation of melon is ready for harvest after 3 months old. The characteristics of melon ready to be harvested for reticalatus among other types of fiber mesh on the surface of the skin looking clear and rough, the surface of the skin around the stalk looks cracked, yellowish green color and has issued a scent. Melon fruit should be picked in the maturity level of 90% or approximately 3-7 days before fully ripe. It is useful to give more time to the distribution. Plucking is done by cutting the fruit stalk with a knife or scissors. Stalks are cut like the letter T, so part of the cut is leading on the leaves rather than fruit. Harvesting preferably in the morning at about 8-11 and is done gradually. Choose fruit that is truly ready for harvest.