Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

Introduction:

As per the IV Deans’ Committee Report, the Department of Plantation, Spices,

Medicinal and Aromatic Crops has been established recently. Under this

Department, the teaching at Under Graduate and Post Graduate level, AICRP

on Coconut at Regional Horticultural Research Station, Navsari and extension

activities are on hand. The Regional Horticultural Research Station is situated

on 200 57’ North latitude and 720 57’ East longitudes and has an altitude of 12

m above MSL. The farm is about 12 km away from Arabian Sea shore in the

East.

This farm is situated in typically tropical, characterized by three

well defined seasons viz., hot summer, mild winter and warm and humid

monsoon. The monsoon commences from the second week of June and lasts

up to end of September realized entirely from southwest monsoon. Partial

failover of rains once in three to four years is common in the area. July and

August are the months of heavy precipitation.

The climate of this area is humid with an average relative humidity

above 68.27 per cent throughout the year. The temperature during most part of

the rainy season ranges from 200to 300C which is highly suitable for the growth

and development of palm crops. The average minimum temperature ranges

from 12.0 to 28.10C the beginning of November when winter season sets in and

continues till the mid February. The December -January and part of February

are the coldest period. April and May are the hottest months of the year during

which the average maximum temperature ranging from 27.60C to 36.00C. The

highest temperature may go more than 39.00C.

The soil of Farm is placed under Jalalpore series which is deep

moderately drained clayey soil with medium fertility classify as deep black soil.

The topography of the Farm was fairly leveled. The chemical properties of the

soil are as under:

pH : 7.59 to 8.15 Fe : 12.7 to 20.5 ppm

EC : 0.15 to 0.27 dSm Mn : 29.2 to 49.9 ppm

Organic carbon : 0.27 to 0.53 % Zn : 0.55 to 1.81 ppm

Available P2O5 : 13.9 to 36.3 kg/ha Cu : 2.95 to 6.28 ppm

Available K2O : 250 to 671 kg/ha

Information of Department:

Name of the Department

Plantation, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Crops ASPEE College of Horticulture & Forestry

Navsari Agricultural University Navsari – 396 450

Location and Agro-climatic

Zone

ASPEE College of Horticulture & Forestry (Regional Horticultural Research Station)

Block D and E South Gujarat Heavy Rainfall Zone – I AES - III

Total area 40 ha.

Cultivated area 38 ha.

Road and

buildings

2 ha.

Plantation Crops

Coconut : 5 ha. (Including Cocoa, Black Pepper, Noni, Turmeric, Nutmeg and Cinnamon)

Nursery 0.5 ha.

Faculty information:

Name of In-charge Professor : Dr. B. V. Padhiar

Qualification : Ph. D.

Specialization : Horticulture

Educational Qualification:

Sr. No.

Degree Field of specialization

discipline

Class/grade Date of Notification/

Provisional Certificate

1. B.Sc.(Agri.) Agril. and Allied

Subject

49.1% (Pass

Class) April, 1973

2. M.Sc.(Agri.) Horticulture I 7.37/10.00 June, 1987

3. Ph.D. Horticulture I 7.38/10.00 August, 2000

U.G. and P. G. Teaching:

A. UG Courses:

Sr.

No.

Course No. Title Credits Semester

1 FRT.1.1 Fundamentals of Horticulture 3 (2+1) I

2 FRT.2.2 Plant Propagation and Nursery Management

2 (1+1) II

3 FRT.2.3 Tropical and Subtropical Fruits 3 (2+1) II

4 FRT.3.4 Temperate Fruits 2 (1+1) III

5 FRT.3.5 Weed Management in Horticultural

Crops 2 (1+1) III

6 FRT.3.6 Principles of Genetics and

Cytogenetics 3 (2+1) III

7 FRT.4.7 Orchard Management 2 (1+1) IV

8 FRT.4.8 Plantation Crops 3 (2+1) IV

9 FRT.4.9 Breeding of Fruit and Plantation

Crops 3 (2+1)

IV

10 FRT.4.10 Principles of Plant Breeding 3 (2+1) IV

B. PG Courses:

Sr. No.

Course No. Title Credits

1 PSMA 501* Production of Plantation Crops 2+1

2 PSMA 502* Production Technology of Spice Crops 2+1

3 PSMA 503* Production Technology of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops

2+1

4 PSMA 504* Breeding of Plantation Crops and Spices 2+1

5 PSMA 505* Breeding of Medicinal and Aromatic Crops 2+1

6 PSMA 506* Processing of Plantation Crops, Spices, Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

2+1

7 PSMA 507 Organic Spice and Plantation crop Production

Technology

2+1

8 PSMA 508 Underexploited Medicinal and Aromatic Plants 1+1

9 PSMA 591 Master’s Seminar 1+0

10 PSMA 599 Master’s Research 20

11 PSMA 601** Advances in Production of Plantation crops 2+1

12 PSMA 602** Advances in Spice Production 2+1

13 PSMA 603** Advances in Medicinal and Aromatic Crop Production Technology

2+1

14 PSMA 604** Advances in Breeding of Plantation Crops and Spices

2+1

15 PSMA 605 Advances in Breeding of Medicinal and Aromatic crops

2+1

16 PSMA 606 Biotechnology in Plantation Crops and Spices 1+1

17 PSMA 607 Post harvest Processing and Extraction in Medicinal and Aromatic Plants

2+1

18 PSMA 608 Environmental Horticulture 2+1

19 PSMA 691 Doctoral Seminar I 1+0

20 PSMA 692 Doctoral Seminar II 1+0

21 PSMA 699 Doctoral Research 45

* Compulsory for M. Sc. Programme; ** Compulsory for Doctoral programme

Facilities

Infrastructure facilities are as under all the facilities are obtained from RHRS,

Navsari.

Research Recommendation:

Coconut : (Cocos nucifera L.)- Coconut variety West coast Tall and TXD as well

as DXT hybrids are suitable in this area. The coconut growing farmers are

advised to apply 1500 g N, 750 g P2O5 and 1500 g K2O per palm per year in two

equal splits i.e. half in June and half in October in addition to 50 kg FYM in

June. (1987).

Publications:

1. Kacha, P.T. and Padhiar, B. V. (2008). Effect of plant growth substances

on growth, sex-expression and yield of summer grown bitter gourd

(Momordica charantia L.) cv. Priya. Bioscience Reporter. Vol. 6 (2): 303-

306.

2. Padhiar, B. V.; Karmur, A. M.; Patel, N. B. and Kacha, P. T. (2008). Effect

of plant regulators on growth, yield and quality of turmeric (Curcuma

longa L.) cv. Sugandham. Bioscience Reporter, Vol. 6 (2):249-252.

3. Patel, N. I.; Padhiar, B. V. and Patel, N. B. (2010). Effect of post harvest

treatments on storage life of banana (Musa paradisiacal L.) cv. Grand

Nain. The Asian Journal of Horticulture, Vol. 5 (1):80-84.

4. Bhalerao, R. R.; Parmar, B. R.; Padhiar, B. V. and Bhalerao, P.P. (2009).

Pre-harvest spray of different sources of calcium to improve the

physiological qualities of sapota fruits (Manilkara achras (Mill) Fosberg)

cv. Kalipatti. Asian Sci., 4 (1 & 2): 53-55.

5. Bhalerao, R. R.; Parmar, B. R.; Padhiar, B. V. and Bhalerao, P. P. (2010).

Pre-harvest spray of different sources of calcium to improve the bio-

chemical qualities of sapota fruits (Manilkara achras (Mill) Fosberg) cv.

Kalipatti. Asian Jr. Hort., 5 (1): 93-95.

6. Nehete, D. S.; Padhiar, B. V.; Shah, N. I.; Bhalerao, P. P.; Kolambe, B. N.

and Bhalerao, R. R. (2011). Influence of micro-nutrient spray on

flowering, yield, quality and nutrient content in leaf of mango cv. Kesar.

Asian Jr. Hort., 6 (1): 63-67.

7. Nistane, N. G.; Padhiar, B. V.; Bhalerao, P. P. and Bhalerao, R. R.

(2011).Influence of micro-nutrients on flowering, yield, quality and leaf

nutrient status of coconut cv. Hybrid D x T. Asian Jr. Hort., 6 (1): 89-91.

8. R. R. Bhalerao; B. R. Parmar; P. P. Bhalerao, S. S. Gaikwad and S. J.

Patil (2010). Pre-harvest spray of calcium on shelf life of sapota fruits

(Manilkara achras (Mill) Fosberg) cv. Kalipatti. Green Farming, 1 (2): 152-

154.

9. P. P. Bhalerao, B. R. Parmar, B. V. Padhiar, R. R. Bhalerao and S. B.

Parmar (2011). Effect of growth regulators on post harvest life of banana

(Musa paradisica L.) cv. Grand Nain. Asian Jr. Hort., 6 (2): 283-287.

10. R. R. Bhalerao, B. V. Padhiar, S. J. Patil, P. P. Bhalerao and S. S.

Gaikwad (2013). Seasonal variation in nutrients of mango (Mangifera

indica) cv. Alphonso and Kesar leaves. Current Horticulture, 1 (1): 41-50.

Contact Information:

Office Professor, Dept. of PSMA, ASPEE College of Horticulture & Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari – 396 450.

Phone No. Office : (02637) 282144 Ext. 618

Mobile 09824197225

Residence Dr. B. V. Padhiar

192, Sitaramnagar, Eru Char Rasta Ta. Jalalpore, Dist. Navsari

Email padhiarbalvant@yahoo.co.in

Research Activities

Project/scheme wise research activities are us under.

List of ongoing schemes at Regional Horticulture Research Station:

1. AICRP on Palms (B. H. 2044)-ICAR

The All India Coordinated Research Project on Palms was started in

1972. At present, the AICRP is implemented in 21 Centres located in eleven

State Agricultural Universities and one Central Institute. Out of 21 centres, one

centre for coconut research was sanctioned during XIth five year plans at

Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture &

Forestry Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat)-396 450.

Specific objectives of project:

Collection, conservation, cataloguing and evaluation of germplasm, new

hybrids and high yielding varieties of coconut.

Standardization of agro-techniques for coconut cultivation, development

of suitable inter and mixed cropping systems and studying the effect of

these systems on soil fertility.

Development of effective and efficient disease and pest control measures

in coconut.

Name Designation Qualification Total experience

Contac details

Dr. Pankaj P.

Bhalerao

Assistant

Professor (Project In-

charge)

Ph.D.

(Horticulture) in Fruit Science

SRF- 2 years

and 2 month

RA- 5 Months

Assist.

Prof.- From 2nd

March, 2013 and continue

…….

E-mail ID:

1. aicrppalmsnavsari@yahoo.co.in

2. pankaj5bhalerao@rediffmail. com

Mobile No. +91 9662532827

Major Activities of the Scheme: List of Research Programmes:

Sr.

No.

Experiment Title of Experiment (Research programmes)

A. Genetic Resources & Crop Improvement:

1. Gen. 1 Evaluation of existing germplasm in coconut

2. Gen. 1 A Collection, conservation and evaluation of local germplasm of

coconut

3. Gen. 10 Performance of Tall x Tall hybrids in coconut in different agro-

climate regions

4. Gen. 12 Demonstration of released varieties of coconut in different

agro-climatic regions

5. Gen. 13 Screening of cocoa clones for their performance as mixed crop

in coconut gardens

B. Crop Production:

6. Agr. 10 Development of Coconut based integrated cropping system models for different agro-climatic regions (Coconut+Cinnamon+Banana+Black Pepper+Nutmeg+Turmeric)

7. Agr. 11 Observational trial on the performance of Morinda citrifolia (Noni) as mixed crop in coconut gardens

Achievements:

Coconut Palms var. D x T successfully established to develop modules of

coconut based integrated farming system for South Gujarat.

Nuts of coconut can be collected for seed purpose throughout the year.

Planting of seed nuts in horizontal position at 30 cm apart is ideal to get

good stand of robust seedling compared to vertical planting.

Planting of coconut seedlings 60 cm deep in 90 cm pits is ideal for good

growth of plants.

Planting of dwarf/tall coconut at 7.5 m X 7.5 m spacing is ideal for better

growth and yield.

When there is good source of irrigation water, banana and turmeric can

be grown as inter crop under coconut garden.

The research station is producing and supplying about 5,000 coconut

seedlings to the farmers every year and has planned to produce 15,000

seedlings this year onwards to meet the increasing demand by the

farming community.

Technology Developed by NAU:

1. Management of Eriophid Mite (Aceria guerreronis (Keifer) (Acarina:

Eriophyidae) in Coconut-

Application of FYM @ 50 kg/plant/year

Application of neem cake @ 5 kg/plant/year

Application of 500:320:1200 gm dose of NPK/plant/year (Urea-1.10 kg,

SSP- 2 kg and MOP 2kg/plant/year)

Application of MgSO4 @ 500 gm/plant/year in soil

Application of borax @ 50 gm/plant/year in soil

Spraying of Neem oil (2%) + Garlic liquid (2%) with addition of 5% sticker

OR

Spraying of Azadiractine (1%) @ 4 ml/lit. of water

OR

Spraying of Azadiractine (5%) @ 1 ml/lit. of water

Root feeding of Azadiractine (1%) @ 10 ml/10 ml of water/plant

OR

Azadiractine (1%) @ 7.5 ml/10 ml of water/plant

Note: Time of spray- Three times in a year i. e. April-May, Sept.-Oct and Jan-

Feb.

Future Strategies:

To collect the maximum numbers of local germplasm of coconut.

To conduct need based research on coconut for different agro ecology of

South Gujarat.

Cultivation of papaya (Fruit), ginger, onion, garlic (vegetables), heliconia,

marigold (Flowers) as well as tuber crops etc. under coconut garden.

To increase the area of coconut through TSP under Navsari, Dang,

Valsad and Narmada districts of south Gujarat (As per survey and

project programme).

Small scale unit for production of vermicompost and vermiwash from

coconut leaves.

Value added products from inflorescence and tender as well as dry nuts.

Developing cost effective and comprehensive management package for

coconut cultivation.

Pesticide residue analysis on coconut produces to ensure safe use.

Extension activities focusing on participatory approaches at community

level and training the extension personnel for effective transfer of

technology.

Transfer of Technology:

Strengthening research – farmer linkages by Krishi Mahotsav, Khedut

Shibir, Exibitions, Parisnwad, Kisan Gosthi etc.

Advisory services provided through ‘Cell phone’ as when required.

Demonstration of Technology in the farmers field- 04

Field days/Training organized by the centre- 04

Training on different aspect of coconut farming imparted by the staff of

AICRP to the farmers, entrepreneurs and other state Government officials

as resource person-

No. of districts covered-04

No. of farmers, entrepreneurs, students of other SAU’s and Govt. officials

visited to RHRS, Navsari centre: 1030 (Avg. of year)

No. of training attended-05

Publications:

a) Research papers: - 0

b) Abstracts presented in Seminar-02

1. Bhalerao, P. P. and Patel, B. B. (2014). Production of Vermicompost

by Using Coconut Leaves. Abstract presented in Role of Organic

Farming in Climate Resilient and Sustainable Agriculture on 9 to

10 Jan., 2014 held at ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry,

Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) pp. 167.

2. P. P. Bhalerao and B. B. Patel (2014). Vermiwash Production by

Using Vermicompost from Coconut Leaves. Abstract presented in

Role of Organic Farming in Climate Resilient and Sustainable

Agriculture on 9 to 10 Jan., 2014 held at ASPEE College of

Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari

(Gujarat) pp. 167.

c) Extension/Folder:- 01

1. Bhalerao, P. P.; Padhiar, B. V.; Patil, S. J. and Patel, N. L. (2013).

“Naliyarini Adhunik Kheti Padhati” folder was published in Krushi

Mela 2013-14. (In Gujarathi language).

d) Popular articles in local newspapers- 09

1. Bhalerao, P. P. and Padhiar, B. V. (2013). Kalparuksha Naliyari Vade

Varshe Sari Aavak. Published In: Divya Bhaskar-Daily News Paper

(Gujarathi).

2. Bhalerao, P. P. (2013). Aadivasi Kheduto Mate Naliyari Aavakno

Shroth. Published In: Divya Bhaskar-Daily News Paper (Gujarathi).

3. Bhalerao, P. P. (2013). Aadivasi Kheduto Mate Naliyari Aavakno Navo

Shroth. Published In: Agro Sandesh-Weekly News Paper (Gujarathi).

4. Bhalerao, P. P. (2013). Naliyari Kheti Padhati Par Talim Varg.

Published In: Divya Bhaskar-Daily News Paper (Gujarathi).

5. Bhalerao, P. P. (2013). Navsari Krushi Universityma Vishwa Naliyari

Din Ujvayo. Published In: Divya Bhaskar-Daily News Paper (Gujarathi).

6. Bhalerao, P. P. and Padhiar, B. V. (2013). Naliyarima Faydakarak

Bahuudheshiy Pak Padhati. Published In: Agro Sandesh-Weekly News

Paper (Gujarathi).

7. Bhalerao, P. P. and Padhiar, B. V. (2013). Naliyarima Bahustariy

(Bahuudheshiy) Pak Padhati. Published In: Divya Bhaskar-Daily News

Paper (Gujarathi).

8. Bhalerao, P. P. (2013). Naliyari Paknu Vavetar Vadhava Khetutone

Aapti Sahay. Published In: Agro Sandesh-Weekly News Paper

(Gujarathi).

9. Bhalerao, P. P. (2014). Naliyarina Pakma Jivato Roki Utpadan Vadhar.

Published In: Agro Sandesh-Weekly News Paper (Gujarathi).

10. Bhalerao, P. P. (2014).Naliyarima haldarnu vavetar karine malvo

bamni aavak. Published In: Divya Bhaskar-Daily News Paper

(Gujarathi).

e) Chapters published in symposium/workshop/school/seminars- 02

1. Bhalerao, P. P. (2013). Recent Advances in Production Technology

of Coconut. Chapter presented in reference manual of winter school

on Current Trends in Commercial Horticulture, Dec., 1 to 21, 2013

held at ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari

Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) pp. 354-365.

2. Padhiar, B. V.; Gajbhiye, R. C.; Bhalerao, P. P. and Patel, N. L.

(2013). Feasibility of Production of Plantation Crops in Gujarat.

Chapter presented in reference manual of winter school on Current

Trends in Commercial Horticulture, Dec., 1 to 21, 2013 held and

organized by ASPEE College of Horticulture and Forestry, Navsari

Agricultural University, Navsari (Gujarat) pp. 83-92.

2. National Horticulture Mission (BH-18930-1)-Other Agency

Specific objective:

Seed programme of turmeric crop.

Major Activities of the Scheme:

Cultivation/growing of turmeric crop (cv. Sugandham and NVST-1)

under coconut garden for the seed purpose.

Planting of turmeric under new coconut garden

Intercropping of turmeric (Sugandham) and banana (cv. Grand Nain) under old coconut garden

Green manuring for improve the soil condition under coconut garden

Production of vermicompost from coconut dry leaves by using earthworms

DIFFERENT ACTCIVITIES OF CENTRE

Growth & yield of coconut (D x T)

Production of coconut seedlings for farmers (WCT) Turmeric powder for selling

Monocropping of coconut (West Coast Tall)

PHOTOGRAPHS OF DIGNITORIES/VISITORS AT CENTRE

Visit of Hon. CM of Gujarat State to NAU stall on 01-05-2014

Visit of Dr. V. V. Sadamate, Former Adv. Ag. Pl.

Commn & Pr. Consultant, FAO, New Delhi at

Research Station on l5-10-2013

Visit of Dr. S. Ayyappan, Secretary, DARE

and Director General, ICAR at Research Station

on l8-06-2013

Visit of Project Co-ordintor (Tuber Cops) with QRT Chairman and members at Navsari Centre on

25-02-2014

Visit of Project Co-ordintor (Palms) Dr. H. P. Maheswarappa at Navsari Centre on 28-10-2013

Visit of farmers, trainees, scientists, students etc. to AICRP (Palms), Centre-Navsari

QRT report presentation at Bhatye (Ratnagiri, MS)

Field visit with other scientists of university at farmers field

Actively participate in Krushi Mohastav during May-2013

Celebration of World Coconut Day on 2nd

September-2013

Different extension activities under TSP programme (conducting training programmes, distribution

of coconut seedlings, fungicides, fertilizers etc.)

Page No. 31

Distribution of different inputs to the selected farmers of Navsari and Dang Districts of

South Gujarat under TSP

Page No. 32

Page No. 33

Visit of project co-ordinator at farmers field of Navsari District under TSP

Page No. 34

Publications: Popular articles and information regarding coconut crop in local news paper

Page No. 35

Page No. 36

Folder- (Production technology of coconut in local language) for farmer’s community