tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-86753433522644608502024-03-13T23:17:25.565-07:00PADVAL AGRICULTURE AND FARM ENTERPRISESPHOTOS, IMAGES, VIDEOS, CONTENT ON VARIOUS VEGETABLE, FRUIT & OTHER HORTICULTURE CROPS, CROP MANAGEMENT, DISEASE AND PEST MANAGEMENT, ORGANIC FARMING, COMPOSTING METHODS, INSECT TRAP & LURES METHODS by Pritham 'Metal farmer' D'SouzaUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger73125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-33514861137854577422011-01-01T20:22:00.001-08:002011-01-05T23:32:36.722-08:00Growing Green Chillies using Simplified Hydroponics<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">Growing Green Chillies using Simplified Hydroponics by Pritham 'MetalFarmer' D'Souza</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_0yw-L0DI/AAAAAAACLGo/u7x0H9WTclY/s1600/1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="487" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_0yw-L0DI/AAAAAAACLGo/u7x0H9WTclY/s640/1.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><ul><li>Green Chillies (Capsicum annuum) is one of the select few crops to be grown in almost all states of India and is largely exported worldwide. </li><li>A green chilli is referred to as ' Hot' due to the presence of 'capsiacin' which is extracted and used in pepper sprays as a non lethal but effect irritant.</li><li>excellent source of Vitamin A and also Iron, Potassium and Magnesium</li></ul><div><a name='more'></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_3tuKUY7I/AAAAAAACLGw/yLad-QdjGxA/s1600/2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="484" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_3tuKUY7I/AAAAAAACLGw/yLad-QdjGxA/s640/2.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div><ul><li>since the seeds are small, i sowed them in a plastic tub and watered using the Hydroponic Nutrient 'grow' which quickened the germination.</li><li>as you can see the pics above, i managed to achieve 99 percent germination, which is not even possible in the field (just around 70 percent)</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_4nI5PE2I/AAAAAAACLG0/W9_VC9mOF8Q/s1600/3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_4nI5PE2I/AAAAAAACLG0/W9_VC9mOF8Q/s640/3.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_4pc2rmxI/AAAAAAACLG4/4F-lam91ySs/s1600/4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_4pc2rmxI/AAAAAAACLG4/4F-lam91ySs/s640/4.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_4sGMLiHI/AAAAAAACLG8/Qs29I7M0RSk/s1600/5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_4sGMLiHI/AAAAAAACLG8/Qs29I7M0RSk/s640/5.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div><ul><li>for this post, i chose 1 plant and transplanted the same to a black colored pot which was made for hydroponics. </li><li>i continued to give it "GROW" nutrient till flowering stage.</li><li>the lush green look is due to the nutrients present in 'GROW'.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_5sF8UZ0I/AAAAAAACLHE/puGYdAw4Q18/s1600/6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_5sF8UZ0I/AAAAAAACLHE/puGYdAw4Q18/s640/6.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"> Flowering</div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"></div><ul><li>once flower buds were seen, i stopped giving it 'GROW' nutrient and switched over to "BLOOM" nutrient. </li><li>BLOOM helps in fruit formation and prevents immature fruit drop and flower shedding.</li></ul><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_5u2Bx_lI/AAAAAAACLHI/VHCkrJVQRJ8/s1600/7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_5u2Bx_lI/AAAAAAACLHI/VHCkrJVQRJ8/s640/7.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_5xEmM6bI/AAAAAAACLHM/IfsfR3kJ8Ng/s1600/8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_5xEmM6bI/AAAAAAACLHM/IfsfR3kJ8Ng/s640/8.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="490" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_50X6O3cI/AAAAAAACLHQ/L1pHNiK6dQI/s1600/8a.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_50X6O3cI/AAAAAAACLHQ/L1pHNiK6dQI/s640/8a.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div><ul><li>chillies take up to 60 days to flower , from the first day of transplanting and take another 30 to 40 days to produce yield in the field.</li><li>here flowering was observed in less than 50 days and the first chillies were produced 3 weeks later.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_6nxcEuaI/AAAAAAACLHU/1G7QKiIhky0/s1600/9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_6nxcEuaI/AAAAAAACLHU/1G7QKiIhky0/s640/9.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_6qd1CJpI/AAAAAAACLHY/zCa698B1zgU/s1600/10.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_6qd1CJpI/AAAAAAACLHY/zCa698B1zgU/s640/10.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_6t_yJGMI/AAAAAAACLHc/0DHl1w4d-sI/s1600/11.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_6t_yJGMI/AAAAAAACLHc/0DHl1w4d-sI/s640/11.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_6w5qIZtI/AAAAAAACLHg/g1gZMHnuRX0/s1600/12.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_6w5qIZtI/AAAAAAACLHg/g1gZMHnuRX0/s640/12.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div><ul><li>to prevent the incidence of pests, i regularly sprayed the plant using neem sprays. </li><li>every morning, one must check the leaves for insect droppings and eggs and if seen must be removed immediately. fortunately i never encountered such problems after switching over to Simplified Hydroponics.</li></ul><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_7_mN31nI/AAAAAAACLHo/y2hBJxZSnp0/s1600/13.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_7_mN31nI/AAAAAAACLHo/y2hBJxZSnp0/s640/13.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_8C1BH0fI/AAAAAAACLHs/60jrzFO4JpA/s1600/14.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_8C1BH0fI/AAAAAAACLHs/60jrzFO4JpA/s640/14.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_8FSGHWNI/AAAAAAACLHw/AK9-gzPVTKs/s1600/15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="486" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TR_8FSGHWNI/AAAAAAACLHw/AK9-gzPVTKs/s640/15.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></div><div><ul><li>now i get a regular supply of fresh, pesticide free tasty green chillies every alternate day. since my parents dont like spicy food, i just pluck one or two green chillies whenever required and add while cooking.</li><li>this has stopped us from buying green chillies from the market, and storing them in the fridge for several days before using them. refrigeration dehydrates vegetables (makes them all wrinkled) and now thanks to SH we have a continuous supply of green chillies everyday.</li></ul></div></div></div></div></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com32tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-58460403694410795092010-10-06T23:14:00.000-07:002010-10-07T00:08:51.098-07:00Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique<span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</span> by MetalFarmer Pritham D'Souza<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J08RYvHQjtJC_wnCEtYrLg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1hGk3Pd8I/AAAAAAAB5uc/SaO56rfzxYo/s800/16.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottle Gourd</span> (Lagenaria siceraria) is one of the most widely consumed vegetable crops grown in Dakshina kannada district. its also called Thure (Tulu), Bobley (Konkani) and Soorae kai (Kannada). It has several uses from preparing different kinds of sweets, hail oil (from seeds), hard shells used as floats in fishing nets and also in making some musical instruments. <a name='more'></a><br /><br />The hybrid varieties can yield up to 8 to 10 tonnes per acre and is a commercially viable croo<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/1heb1Zp4vbN3605i5Bc1Jg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1g0mNUBII/AAAAAAAB5s4/uqIc3JIH2iI/s800/1.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LAND PREPARATION</span><br /><ul><li>the land selected here is a hillock and pits are made at the base of the hillock as shown</li><li>a bucket of fresh decomposed farm yard manure is added to each pit and soil mixed well</li><li>stones, twigs, inert matter etc are removed<br /></li><li>3 or more seeds are then sowed in each pit</li><li>after germination, once the seedlings reach 4 leaf stage, thinning out is done and only 2 seedlings per pit allowed</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MMMHsRGgDyI3YrRWnk2dhg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1gyy9amDI/AAAAAAAB5sw/IX8kWaR_uPw/s800/2.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oJ4p68L62xYg1bbFnhcCsg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1hFgQUd0I/AAAAAAAB5uU/B334WKuIjFo/s800/3.JPG" height="576" width="768" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oDz4OImcpWvIMi_9k_8AzQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1gwm4iLkI/AAAAAAAB5so/ULKjVxhhANo/s800/4.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/vL1VnN_2SkCBPCiNSJjvpQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1g5OqainI/AAAAAAAB5tI/2oQDkvcfYkc/s800/5.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fjJ1b_PmRfbEYMwQBFNqOA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1g29e7BAI/AAAAAAAB5tA/sF7J80glFz4/s800/6.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IRRIGATION AND MANURING</span><br /><ul><li>since they are grown in pits, wastage of water is prevented</li><li>light irrigation is a must after seeds are sowed and till transpanting</li><li>dried leaves act as an excellent mulch and prevent loss of water due to evaporation</li><li>its always recommended to give the crop nutrients in split doses. </li><li>on the 20th day after germination, when the growing vines begin to develop, farm yard manure, decomposed, can be added to each pit @ 5kg per pit (minimum requirement)<br /></li><li>the fully grown plant requires a lot of water and so mulching is required</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RDjm6PyS76ws3vNG7eymIA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1g-a3GLEI/AAAAAAAB5ts/8TEVKJKncK0/s800/7.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/daMkDs049wIqty4IbWAzvA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1g_xKAawI/AAAAAAAB5t0/0za2NYgdz4A/s800/8.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0OlTlOZkhcrJwn1CxL2xlQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1hBgSAcHI/AAAAAAAB5t8/vzAQMiYVAEM/s800/9.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/prLCcle2cWElT9EqWavOqA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1hDHrLq4I/AAAAAAAB5uE/h6rCfjPPSFM/s800/10.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s4cgfqzmi888qkEZDoG8NQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1g7lyRYrI/AAAAAAAB5tY/YtQDp0LdNUQ/s800/11.JPG" height="768" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/2rx4E7inEr16TtW6MNevqQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1g89TKn-I/AAAAAAAB5tk/2mJ0Vt1KiYQ/s800/12.JPG" height="768" width="576" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FLOWERING AND HARVEST</span><br /><ul><li>bottle gourds are ready to harvest after 50 days from first day of sowing</li><li>the edible fruits are the ones whose skin color facing the sun is green</li><li>harvesting must be done using a knife.</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/9T2Pv3LtJX8ngeC_s48TXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1guMWZsgI/AAAAAAAB5sg/p3qmzRf3X90/s800/13.jpg" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VqtSCB7MaL0cfPWsDqUBPg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1hEU10fQI/AAAAAAAB5uM/g1JMTWT0ePY/s800/14.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ArkC3AAHBfLbftkWlpFqPg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1g6QY2YMI/AAAAAAAB5tQ/VzYfb5JUghQ/s800/15.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SOME IMPORTANT TIPS AND POINTS WHEN GROWING BOTTLE GOURDS</span><br /><ul><li>when manuring with fresh decomposed manure, care should be taken to see that the manure is added to the root zone area only and not on top of the plant as it might damage the leaves</li><li>weeding is very important and tall growing weeds above the growing vines should be oulled out</li><li>application of too much Nitrogen will result in excessive biomass and subsequently less yields</li><li>application of too much Nitrogen will also produce more male flowers which is not desired</li><li>deficiency of K (potassium) in soils reduces plant growth significantly and causes flower and fruit drop</li><li>soil temperature is very essential and germination of seeds wont take place if soil temp is less than 10 degrees centigrade</li><li>excess temperature over 40 degrees centigrade can cause scorching of leaves</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Note: the pale green color on one side of the fruit is because that part did not receive sunlight and it is nothing to worry about, the taste and quality is not compromised. </span><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/J08RYvHQjtJC_wnCEtYrLg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TK1hGk3Pd8I/AAAAAAAB5uc/SaO56rfzxYo/s800/16.JPG" height="600" width="800" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BottleGourdCultivationInPitsSummerTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Bottle Gourd Cultivation in Pits, Summer Technique</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">all photos and data by Pritham 'MetalFarmer' D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-33090252301036866432010-09-26T20:36:00.000-07:002010-09-26T20:59:23.963-07:00Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus<span style="font-weight: bold;">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</span> by Pritham 'MetalFarmer' D'Souza<br /><br />here i would like to discuss how one can successfully grow amaranthus leafy vegetable under a trellis (dompa) . Here the main crop is coccinia (Manoli , Tendli) which requires a large trellis to grow on. and since the crop requires a lot of vine trimming and pruning to facilitate more vine growth, the space under the trellis is exposed to a lot of sunlight and if not properly maintained encourages the growth of unwanted weeds.<br /><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/D8z6JgOZzSf5pKZMQBdE4A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAREvSh5iI/AAAAAAAB4Gs/N5_BlBPETk4/s800/aIMG_6811za-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3h8EypuBWGvi5MKRcIpNpw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAQ56ZfLjI/AAAAAAAB4GA/Ep-wYT-q5XU/s800/IMG_6490-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>the above pic shows a typical un maintained piece of plot where coccinia is grown on a trellis</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/iwk3W39-HFcaLwbulUg2qA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAQ723jicI/AAAAAAAB4GI/3ShJa37uo-4/s800/IMG_6491-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/fnXyyEve0IWY-_7-ciffwQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAQ9woEakI/AAAAAAAB4GQ/W78kGTqMo_Y/s800/IMG_6493-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PwLl4ByPAkc5N8eug5q6vg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAQ_6zKH2I/AAAAAAAB4GY/5tkYJ59euLo/s800/IMG_6494-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>the weeds have to be removed manually using the necessary agri tools and the soil turned and loosened as shown above</li><li>circular pits or platforms are made as shown above and this is ideal for sowing seeds of amaranthus</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rUgbw609WALc7Vm58ZG8ww?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKARB6B4w3I/AAAAAAAB4Gg/JpRTbgCAPdw/s800/IMG_6495-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>Amaranthus is a very short crop and can be harvested in just 21 days from first day of sowing</li><li>notice the photos below, the land once wasted with unwanted weeds is now growing a commercially viable crop</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VqVGsA1TUQT4rGM83Tc41g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKARG3jZEwI/AAAAAAAB4G0/RT_My2M18pc/s800/IMG_6816-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/a94TMdkg-1ZlH0eIJoY9jw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKARLM0ciPI/AAAAAAAB4HE/I0zu-ceQ0QI/s800/IMG_6818-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MsyMu738FcDScJCnaANJ9A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKARNVhyAVI/AAAAAAAB4HM/7aNq_7jCV-c/s800/IMG_6819-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rqVGin71Cl7LostjPCdvZA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKARPPhivmI/AAAAAAAB4HU/zpH2g1QltNg/s800/IMG_6820-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SOME IMPORTANT PRECAUTIONS </span><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/agSB4dk6kNLvBcIxH8-i9g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKARJMI_BpI/AAAAAAAB4G8/tBggSXkxX40/s800/xIMG_6817-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercroppingUnderTrellisWithAmaranthus?feat=embedwebsite">Intercropping Under Trellis with Amaranthus</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>since most of the area now recovered is used for growing amaranthus, care must be taken to see the crop is not damaged due to negligence</li><li>heavy irrigation using a hose pipe will do more harm than good as it will displace the seeds<br /></li><li>care should be taken to see the pipe is not dragged on the crop itself as shown in the photo</li><li>this method is used when the main crop, coccinia is trimmed as amaranthus needs a lot of sunlight</li><li>this method is not that successful when the coccinia vines are fully grown and provide a lot of shade, so the best time to reap benefits will be for at least 45 days</li><li>weeds will also grow with the amaranthus crop and it must be ignored as amaranthus is harvested in 21 days. after that while preparing the land for re sowing, the weeds can be taken care of.</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">all images and data by Pritham D'Souza aka MetalFarmer</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-57631113605073866552010-09-26T20:01:00.000-07:002010-09-26T20:24:38.823-07:00Interculture Operations in Chilli<span style="font-weight: bold;">Interculture Operations in Chilli</span> by Pritham 'MetalFarmer' D'Souza<br /><br />I have covered Chilli (Capsicum annuum) in my previous posts and here i would like to show you how to perform simple inter culture operations like manuring and weeding in the Chilli plot.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/pFdEYq-6rNU31gjGSUwI5w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAIwKDnsuI/AAAAAAAB4EY/BRfAjKTiy9U/s800/IMG_0777%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercultureOperationsInChilli?feat=embedwebsite">Interculture Operations in Chilli</a></td></tr></table><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ld_Jqe9DlR-6g1isPyU6KQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAI9YpOFAI/AAAAAAAB4FU/5WYcAIbuikk/s800/IMG_0785%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercultureOperationsInChilli?feat=embedwebsite">Interculture Operations in Chilli</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">WEEDING</span><br /><ul><li>The single most important threat to a successful chilli garden</li><li>since this post shows chilli grown in the monsoon season, weeds can be seen more regularly</li><li>i do not suggest chemical methods of controlling, as the residue will leave a toxic effect on the standing crops.</li><li>manual weeding is the best method to control this and the best time for weeding is during manure application</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MGFQSBqdF0sgEL5kcYWJSQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAI7HVRDGI/AAAAAAAB4FM/Hy8Ezc1zvFU/s800/IMG_0784%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercultureOperationsInChilli?feat=embedwebsite">Interculture Operations in Chilli</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>the weeds growing on the bunds or raised platforms must be removed as shown in the pic above</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/64P6mQww-okog-ovo1Bg7Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAI5ESE-cI/AAAAAAAB4FE/dMYejI-ljFs/s800/IMG_0783%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercultureOperationsInChilli?feat=embedwebsite">Interculture Operations in Chilli</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>then the bunds are broken and the soil is made loose. this is done for aeration and also to increase the porosity of the soils</li></ul><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FERTILIZER AND MANURE APPLICATIONS</span><br /><ul><li>freshly decomposed farm yard manure is mixed with neem cake and applied to the soil as shown in the pic below</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wowjs5ZHitpHJF2xUOemSw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAI3Xi1RWI/AAAAAAAB4E8/6Fhu074m3MY/s800/IMG_0781%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercultureOperationsInChilli?feat=embedwebsite">Interculture Operations in Chilli</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/EQLapQ6xk-0ccZ2zvwE5zQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAI1dhvwJI/AAAAAAAB4E0/2MN_AOklHO8/s800/IMG_0780%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercultureOperationsInChilli?feat=embedwebsite">Interculture Operations in Chilli</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/85wTKZIPxoeqaVBLRv293g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAIzkmu6OI/AAAAAAAB4Eo/2fQ2e0qx0Qg/s800/IMG_0779%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercultureOperationsInChilli?feat=embedwebsite">Interculture Operations in Chilli</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><ul><li>after completing the manure application, the soil is once again covered and this gives strength and support to the plant</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/5D1yLdht4KRpCW10UKdztA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TKAIx7GXXNI/AAAAAAAB4Eg/XHz7PrR0iRI/s800/IMG_0778%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D-1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/IntercultureOperationsInChilli?feat=embedwebsite">Interculture Operations in Chilli</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><ul><li>spraying the crop with plant hormones can be done to increase the number of female flowers.<br /></li><li>since there are several plant hormones in the market i suggest you carefully select the best one. i use BIOVITA which is an organically prepared solution comprising of seed weed algae fortified with trace minerals and plant growth regulators, sprayed @ 2 ml per litre of water</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">all images and data by Pritham D'Souza aka MetalFarmer</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-51156142617203589882010-09-23T22:07:00.000-07:002010-09-23T22:49:54.704-07:00Technique of Growing Indian Spinach on the ground<span style="font-weight: bold;">Technique of Growing Indian Spinach on the ground</span> by Pritham Denzil D'Souza aka MetalFarmer<br /><br />Traditionally Indian Spinach also known as Basale soppu in tulu and Valchhi bajji in konkani is grown on a trellis. While respecting our traditional farming practices, we also must learn to innovate and improvise, and if works out, share data for free that will benefit farmers all over. Growing Spinach on the ground was done merely as a challenge to growing them using support or a trellis. <br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/Ls5qsT7GYtsWJ25u_qNyWQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwyvAfJvyI/AAAAAAAB3-Y/tPAdDOqIsDY/s800/1IMG_1634%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">STEP BY STEP PICTORIAL GUIDE TO GROWING SPINACH ON THE GROUND</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/FtT7abUM9AR0I69BQie48A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwy1oSpjyI/AAAAAAAB3-0/eeqAqch2Esg/s800/IMG_1760%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><ul><li>as you can notice in the pic above, a trench with a minimum width of 1 meter and max length is made</li><li>weeds, stones and other unwanted materials are removed</li><li>1 load of freshly decomposed farm yard manure is added and the soil is mixed well</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/N761DGLDy024yVHxZhjKCg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwyzCKME9I/AAAAAAAB3-o/IcTzCOo48q0/s800/IMG_1759%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><ul><li>bunds are made to the entire row length as seen above</li><li>the bunds act as make shift pits where the spinach stick will be transplanted</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ionaKeoJJZ9tPdZ7IoYYHQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwyxbykF6I/AAAAAAAB3-g/_tEnnA3QUAA/s800/IMG_1758%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P-z_idjHxRBpe7zKWyiZxw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwy6e-Hh1I/AAAAAAAB3_M/cyTuyKXLjEQ/s800/IMG_1774%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0wv15o8TTJIEoWvN4S1CSA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwy4VPvZoI/AAAAAAAB3_E/eDqJ44KnUZM/s800/IMG_1773%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>from the older spinach plant, long and healthy spinach vines are selected for transplanting as seen above</li><li>the long spinach vines are then cut in half to get 2 spinach sticks of approx equal length<br /></li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-SXAxgAdyjTcNA225wt1AA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwy749JS3I/AAAAAAAB3_U/fVGzTf7WrP8/s800/IMG_1775%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rS-E9CrDTvTGW91wSCtmPw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwy9GUO_BI/AAAAAAAB3_c/VMbtNACZrwo/s800/IMG_1776%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><ul><li>from the base of the spinach stick, all the leaves are plucked out leaving only a few leaves at the top</li><li>this is also done for polarity<br /></li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zARr5hqEBr00dL2ZC5UVVQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwy-pYEBhI/AAAAAAAB3_k/8bBtD7Sh-Ic/s800/IMG_1777%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/oNWDGZHbF4gUhracuLkMVQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwy_4j_fNI/AAAAAAAB3_w/yN8QaEXkDzI/s800/IMG_1778%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>2 pairs of spinach sticks are then transplanted in every bund pit as shows and covered with soil. so every bund pit will have 4 transplanted sticks</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_DzPJTX_Pgyj-_XzUgDzXA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwzCM3deeI/AAAAAAAB3_4/VkE8W2gQThw/s800/IMG_2847%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><ul><li>in around 50 days, the vines grow luxuriently and a number of lateral shoots also emerge and the spinach is now ready to harvest</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/igxE1B0dO_7jUU3rAVrDLw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwzEantAbI/AAAAAAAB4AA/3PXyXXpY5Ts/s800/IMG_2848%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><ul><li>here harvesting is done cutting off the long spinach vines and tying around 10 sticks to make a bundle. </li><li>more number of cuttings, will produce more number of lateral shoots. </li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bZ_DOAMlbBUhWF90N7NFgQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwzGGeG_9I/AAAAAAAB4AI/WWo8oZeDyaI/s800/IMG_2849%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingIndianSpinachOnTheGroundAtPadvalFarmsMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Indian Spinach on the ground at Padval Farms, Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><ul><li>daily irrigation is a must as the spinach sticks need all the moisture they can get</li><li>covering the transplanted spinach sticks with coconut palms and banana leaves is also done to prevent excess damage due to high temp.</li><li>banana leaves, arecanut palms and coconut palms are also placed on the ground to prevent the growing spinach vines in coming to contact with the soil<br /></li><li>manuring is done again after 30 days from first transplanting</li><li>only decomposed farm yard manure is suitable as fresh un decomposed manure will destroy the developing roots and kill the vines</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">all images and data by Pritham Denzil D'Souza 'Metalfarmer'</span><br /><ul><br /><br /></ul><ul></ul><ul></ul>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-81402178459111093752010-09-23T20:49:00.000-07:002010-09-23T21:50:43.778-07:00Growing Cowpea Beans in Pit Method Summer Cultivation<span style="font-weight: bold;">Growing Cowpea Beans in Pit Method Summer Cultivation</span> by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/s44wFmAXYbduNnfbcqYSiQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwfIcpndLI/AAAAAAAB39c/zEEgrjAuP6g/s800/x.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Cowpea (Vigna unguiculata)</span> is a very popular vegetable grown in Mangalore and other parts of th country. It has been grown in India since the Vedic period. The entire plant is of economic importance, the pods harvested are rich in proteins, while the foliage is used as green manure and fodder for animals. Its called Alasandae in kannada, alasundae sango in konkani and Lattanae in Tulu<a name='more'></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CLIMATE AND SOIL</span><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/zCCkD3mVB6xhk37MCf81XA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwezWFWIFI/AAAAAAAB37w/E8sS_P4ZfBg/s800/1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_OElm8_vFCsWBF747J7nqw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwe07yddYI/AAAAAAAB374/29eTPwVh74w/s800/2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><ul><li>requires well drained soils</li><li>saline or alkaline soils should be avoided<br /></li><li>it can tolerate drought to a certain extent but cannot withstand water logging</li><li>partial shade is tolerated however its highly succeptable to frost</li><li>being a tropical crop it thrives at temps between 21 to 35 degrees centigrade</li></ul><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LAND PREPARATION</span><br /><br />since this crop is grown on a hilly area, we chose to grow it in pits and not the traditional method of growing them in rows.<br /><ul><li>square pits the size of 90cmx90cm with depth of 30 cm are made as shown</li><li>the distance between the pits is maintained</li><li>each pit, 2 buckets of decomposed farm yard manure is added and the soil is well mixed</li><li>around 5 seeds are sowed in each pit and after germination 4 are retained in each pit</li></ul>Since this variety grows long, it requires vertical support and hence the distance between the pits is very important to prevent over crowding.<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/MACVM4pxgaErou4SWLV2jw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwe2y-3ZsI/AAAAAAAB38A/yy8sdRqZIws/s800/4.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">MANURING AND IRRIGATION</span><br /><ul><li>being a root nodule crop, heavy nitrogen fertilizer application is not required, however timely application of nutrients allows for better yield results</li><li>since we apply only decomposed farm yard manure with bacterial culture for faster decomposition, we split the manure application into 3 doses. first dose at the time of land preparation and sowing. second dose, when the plant has attained a height of 45 cms and the third and final dose on the on set of flower buds.<br /></li><li>since this is a summer method of cultivation, irrigation is very important and must be done at regular intervals to avoid wilting due to extreme temperatures.<br /></li><li>light irrigation at germination stage followed by irrigation during the early hours of the day is best for the crop during later growth<br /></li><li>not much mulching is required as the root zone will get adequate shade from the plant</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/QsL0A_4LTD2O5Jco2HFZDA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwe4-KIF6I/AAAAAAAB38I/gDWGan25hO0/s800/3.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RxIOWdebI23eRPnwuexy2g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwe6UJaEmI/AAAAAAAB38Q/cSd3XnI8W3Y/s800/6.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/chPkKILwPigDxMhlg350PQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwe7Cb56FI/AAAAAAAB38Y/CV8uDY5TnJA/s800/7.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/O4Uc3bgZ_iXWKPsRdclemg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwe8i0baKI/AAAAAAAB38g/4_3oyikwZR8/s800/8.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OTHER AGRI OPERATIONS</span><br /><ul><li>weeds are a serious pest and need to be dealt with immediately</li><li>during the second and third manure applications, the soil surrounding the roots are made loose and manure mixed properly. this increases soil aeration</li><li>when the plant start to develpo long tendrils, vertical support needs to be given as shown</li><li>the plants are then trained to grow on the support</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/RPUngKC-_WgAZraJYyvfrw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwe-aVxpOI/AAAAAAAB38o/4VnrsVk-a3c/s800/5.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">FLOWERING AND HARVEST</span><br /><ul><li>most varieties start to produce flower buds after 45 days after sowing, and pods can be harvested after 15 days after pod setting</li><li>the fruits formed can be harvested up to 45 to 60 days after flowering and then there will be gradual decrease in yield and also quality.</li><li>spraying with plant hormones before the onset of flowering, produces more female flowers and is recommended</li><li>growing flower crops like marigold side by side also increases the yield due to increase in pollinating agents like bees, wasps etc</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/alxebYRnbyk9QX7Gt8dqDQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwfAO0OfFI/AAAAAAAB38w/W0PGXSBFUt8/s800/12.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ngSBWniFSzErVPKgM_1s_A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwfBzXemWI/AAAAAAAB384/SYs2c9NVRik/s800/11.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/eHRX5-Ptw8VvpB17Dhciig?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwfDMpRCLI/AAAAAAAB39A/nmUB7dlstKc/s800/10.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/GQCGlLtHjOV9MjRV8xVQGA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwfFLKeAcI/AAAAAAAB39I/t9Sa7vr-iVc/s800/9.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">PEST AND DISEASE MANAGEMENT</span><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Pod borer (Muruca tesulatis and Lampides boeticus)</span> is the single most destructive pest, resulting in over 80 percent crop loss. colonies of <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">aphids</span> are also seen on young leaves and inflorescence and makes harvesting difficult. <span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Leaf eating caterpillars</span> tend to skeletonise the plants if not checked properly<br /><ul><li>for pod borer, chemical application is foliar spray with a combination of profenophos and cypermethrin @2 ml per litre of water sprayed at interval of 10 days just at the onset of flower bud formation.</li><li>we use pure neem oil @10 ml per litre of water and sprayed at 7 day intervals<br /></li></ul>the application of neem is not a 100 percent guarantee to eliminate pod borer problem, but it controls the problem to a great extent and is an organic method of controlling<br /><ul><li> for leaf eating caterpillars, hand picking using gloves and destroying the pests is the best option even though its cumbersome. </li><li>aphid problem can be controlled by using the least toxic imidochloprid @half ml per litre of water at 14 day intervals. other chemical method is using Dimethoate Rogar at 1 ml per litre of water and sprayed when the incidence is observed.<br /></li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ACKqXJyq8svFWjOGus6ywA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJwfGwQ5CLI/AAAAAAAB39U/xVyFYbE1Su4/s800/13.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/GrowingCowpeaLentilsUsingPitMethodAtPadvalFarmsIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Cowpea Lentils using Pit Method at Padval Farms, India</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">SOME IMPORTANT TIPS</span><br /><ul><li>bugs that emit characteristic odor are not a serious pest and can be controlled using neem sprays</li><li><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Bruchid (Callosobruchus chinensis)</span> causes damage to stored cowpea seeds by the grubs which turn the seed hollow by eating from inside. infestation starts in the field but can be seen mostly at storage. adding 2 percent edible oil (volume by weight) controls this problem for at least 5 months. seeds have to be dried thoroughly before storage. </li><li>foliar application of neem should be done in the evenings when the intensity of sunlight is less. after 4 pm before 6 pm is ideal</li><li>the tender succulent pods are preferred to over ripe wrinkled pods. and so harvesting every day is recommended to avoid this problem</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">all images and data by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-37514194579664521132010-09-23T06:04:00.000-07:002010-09-23T06:19:36.119-07:00Flight T bait trap Container<span style="font-weight: bold;">Flight T bait trap Container</span> by Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/kyDBh9KF9rCuer9CquMgVQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJtP4xdZ4AI/AAAAAAAB36g/9FvCUxT27mo/s800/IMG_2902%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/FlightTBaitTrapByPCI?feat=embedwebsite">Flight T bait trap by PCI</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />The flight T bait trap container introduced by PCI is a strong and durable container <a name='more'></a><br />I have already used this successfully in controlling Daucus dorsalis pest attacking my cucurbit crops.<br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/69kpHdzr8ppqBxuORYSZ4A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJtP1JFs-GI/AAAAAAAB36A/75beI9tB1u8/s800/IMG_2896%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/FlightTBaitTrapByPCI?feat=embedwebsite">Flight T bait trap by PCI</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><ul><li>what you see here is a large number of dorsalis flies that were caught in 2 days</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aQXe_ZUAwy-XlGMTHTqMbw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJtP29mTA5I/AAAAAAAB36Q/c6JI4MGNYLQ/s800/IMG_2899%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/FlightTBaitTrapByPCI?feat=embedwebsite">Flight T bait trap by PCI</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/P8T1u1TO0ZHM-qH2zHqqGA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJtP3tjdyDI/AAAAAAAB36Y/vOVc6Wg-U20/s800/IMG_2900%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/FlightTBaitTrapByPCI?feat=embedwebsite">Flight T bait trap by PCI</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>the trapped dead flies are discarded and collecting vessel washed thoroughly</li><li>detergent water is added along with water in the collecting tray</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/aYZOE5cDSY-7iCUVhVX0Ug?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJtP5uU-DuI/AAAAAAAB36o/yuhYQY1oFEw/s800/IMG_2903%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/FlightTBaitTrapByPCI?feat=embedwebsite">Flight T bait trap by PCI</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>the bait is then placed in the container and the top closed using the cover</li><li>it is then suspended using its hook either under a trellis or close by to the crop</li><li>as you can see, the bottom is open in the middle which allows the insects to fly into the container.<br /></li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/r6XDmmPICYKYUfdqC_eZ7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJtP1xpTedI/AAAAAAAB36I/EFEyPDOZaDs/s800/IMG_2898%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/FlightTBaitTrapByPCI?feat=embedwebsite">Flight T bait trap by PCI</a></td></tr></table><br /><ul><li>once the insect gets intoxicated by the pheromone trap and falls into the collecting tray filled with detergent water, it dies due to drowning</li></ul><ul><li>hundreds of flies are caught this way and the entire operation is repeated at intervals of 7 to 10 days, denending on the pest incedence.</li><li>detergent water is preferred over normal water, as normal water can breed mosquitoes.<br /></li></ul><br />if you are interested in purchasing these bait traps you can contact Mr. Ranjan Shagrithaya on his mobile @ 9448485353 and email him at bioranjan@gmail.com<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">all images and data by Pritham 'metalfarmer' D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-62789654191364214752010-09-23T04:37:00.000-07:002010-09-23T04:50:12.122-07:00Mosaic Virus Disease in Okra Bhendi Ladies Finger<span style="font-weight: bold;">Mosaic Virus Disease in Okra Bhendi Ladies Finger</span> by Pritham D'Souza 'Metal Farmer'<br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JxEol0qGGFhp05o6CLbHOQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJs7UIPmz0I/AAAAAAAB348/L6e6E2njhDg/s800/IMG_6410.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/MosaicVirusDiseaseInOkraBhendi?feat=embedwebsite">Mosaic Virus Disease in Okra Bhendi</a></td></tr></table><br /><br />Yellow mosaic disease in Okra is one of the most devastating diseases, resulting in 80 percent of crop loss.<br />and the sad part is , since its a virus, there is no cure. Prevention is the only cure. <a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KWKq-tGAsADaGPfyGKAE5Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJs7Vw_6-SI/AAAAAAAB35E/PK_g_EjkBAA/s800/IMG_6411.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/MosaicVirusDiseaseInOkraBhendi?feat=embedwebsite">Mosaic Virus Disease in Okra Bhendi</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Symptoms and Damage</span><br /><ul><li>intricate network of interwoven yellow veins, enclosing islands of green tissue within</li><li>the appearance looks similar to that of a mosaic floor tile and hence the name</li><li>causes up to 80 to 90 percent loss</li><li>transmitted by vectors like plant hoppers and other sucking pests of okra</li></ul><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/yy8JW9hBCmtyEn7INC5u6A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJs7XGnnB5I/AAAAAAAB35M/0nlisMCoP5g/s800/IMG_6412.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/MosaicVirusDiseaseInOkraBhendi?feat=embedwebsite">Mosaic Virus Disease in Okra Bhendi</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/js0wgjCaMA1WbcLH6vt0mw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJs7YSqaqFI/AAAAAAAB35U/e5mQV-Zj-BQ/s800/IMG_6413.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/MosaicVirusDiseaseInOkraBhendi?feat=embedwebsite">Mosaic Virus Disease in Okra Bhendi</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><table style="width:auto;"><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/384wtTEkWq7grpuXOiWtyQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJs7Z60VDOI/AAAAAAAB35c/-0_mD78rgF8/s800/IMG_6414.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family:arial,sans-serif; font-size:11px; text-align:right">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/MosaicVirusDiseaseInOkraBhendi?feat=embedwebsite">Mosaic Virus Disease in Okra Bhendi</a></td></tr></table><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(204, 0, 0);">Management</span><br /><ul><li>Since it is a virus there is no cure, however Prevention is the only cure</li><li>the vectors that are responsible for the spread of the virus need to be controlled</li><li>Chemical methods include using dimethoate (rogar) 1 ml per litre of water as a foliar application at 10 day intervals</li><li>Organic methods include 5 to 10 ml neem oil in 1 litre of water, foliar spray at weekly intervals</li><li>the spraying must be done preferably during late hours, when temp is cooler (after 4pm till 6 pm)</li><li>when an infected plant is seen, it must be uprooted and destroyed immeadiately</li><li>plant residue including leaves etc must be cleared from main site or it the infection can spread to other healthy plants<br /></li><li>resistant hybrids like 'arka annamika', 'arka abhay' must be used</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">all images and data by Pritham 'metal farmer' D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-34608884705953315062010-09-23T03:47:00.000-07:002010-09-23T04:12:12.681-07:00Pitting method of Cultivating Bitter Gourd<span style="font-weight: bold;">Pitting method of Cultivating Bitter Gourd </span>by Pritham Denzil Dsouza aka 'Metal Farmer'<br />i have already discussed how to cultivate Bitter Gourd (<span style="font-style: italic;">Momordica charantia</span>) in my previous post in continuous pits . here i would like to show you how one can grow Bitter Gourds in individual pits.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/TUIAP9rT6MnaHXkpyeLN7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvTUJlFMI/AAAAAAAB32Y/ByrIZbiCOyg/s800/IMG_3829%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0dOkkwjRpc7rJUq6fPapoQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvVUQf-mI/AAAAAAAB32g/_rNlSa2Z870/s800/IMG_3487%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><ul><li>the size of every pit is around 60 cms X 60 cms and height is about 30 cms</li><li>in every pit around 6 seeds are sowed</li><li>after germination, 3 seeds are retained per pit<br /></li><li>this is done to prevent over crowding</li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/IKcklMTjzvrNbUT9V9SGyg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvW0LnPFI/AAAAAAAB32o/XUfLvkAOqdA/s800/IMG_3488%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><ul><li>support in the form of sticks has to be given during vegetative phase</li><li>the vines tend to fall to the ground and care has to be taken to see the vines are trained on top of the support so as to move upwards</li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DiOhxEZ9x88i4L7hTlreyw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvYHqNigI/AAAAAAAB32w/ksIJcWIwHGY/s800/IMG_3492%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><ul><li>during flowering phase, thousands of bright yellow flowers are seen, however only one tenth of them will pollinate and yield fruit</li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sqK3VIx7ZvyVQfN9mFMOiA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvacoxJ8I/AAAAAAAB328/yh1aqhthESs/s800/IMG_3493%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/PXAJM9HimW-fuOhUQnGhsw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvb2oFVwI/AAAAAAAB33E/QzrLE02WdVY/s800/IMG_3494%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/bscOUpb_rZmrcr8vhfNiGQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvc35dyZI/AAAAAAAB33M/GW9s_5x2CkY/s800/IMG_3496%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/JRwMMfyVyp-FR33wjdd6RA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvepayf5I/AAAAAAAB33U/4nR-Lo7QY08/s800/IMG_3497%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><ul><li>once the vines reach a desired height as shown above, they will need to start growing vertically and a proper trellis needs to be built as seen in the pic below</li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/T93th-iD5aUPQfZYkTPIfQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvgcNr4nI/AAAAAAAB33c/RYlEtOUtxb0/s800/IMG_3498%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-4JpuALoIXpkNnrosGQ4Mg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvhyZEupI/AAAAAAAB33k/KC-xxHih-OU/s800/IMG_3822%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><ul><li>results can be seen in 21 days as the pic shows above</li><li>retaining just 3 seeds per pit has resulted in lush growth of the vines in every pit</li><li>watering the pits is easy and there is no wastage</li><li>application of manures can also easily be done per pit</li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/VaJUQDwnnKBLT6WjI1j1fg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvkrWDZvI/AAAAAAAB33s/8AQ0wQk3z6c/s800/IMG_3823%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/OS_yQQ8OtFmThMxWAMgjMw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvmcWlVoI/AAAAAAAB330/FeFUb82wvO0/s800/IMG_3824%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><ul><li>there is a tendency for the vines to produce excessive lateral shoots and they too are given support so they move upwards as shown in the pic above</li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/0sxHM33sMp2TIbJNd8NtgA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvqrJUGBI/AAAAAAAB34M/PDgC3aUqHlo/s800/IMG_3828%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/wCa3HqBTzOggQ9bDuXxOmw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvoFb7hCI/AAAAAAAB338/yB0z51mQkuQ/s800/IMG_3825%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/ZXDRIBvhiR_-VQ7K36sOAg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TJsvpb8kDKI/AAAAAAAB34E/Sj3aQahO-FM/s800/IMG_3826%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a><br /><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Advantages of growing in pits<br /></span><ul><li>plant density and plant population can be maintained</li><li>no over crowding</li><li>application of manure and fertilizer is much easy</li><li>no wastage due to excessive drainage</li><li>spraying with neem using back pack sprayer is convenient and can be done from a distance</li><li>harvesting is easy</li><li>the resultant shade increases pollination by attracting a large number of pollinators</li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">all images and data by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-25601128810378563172010-08-13T04:24:00.000-07:002010-09-06T08:28:38.385-07:00Bitter Gourd Cultivation in Continuous Pits<span style="font-weight: bold;">Bitter Gourd Cultivation in Continuous Pits by Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</span><br /><br />Bitter Gourd (<span style="font-style: italic;">Momordica charantia</span>) also known as bitter gourd or Karela (hindi), karathe (konkani) and kanchala (tulu) is cultivated in mainly tropical and sub tropical places throughout the world.<table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/rujP8jXtR2C1L5Vur1k-jw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqyeLFOCI/AAAAAAABywg/UIWWV4hjjto/s800/11.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><br />The bitter taste is due to the presence of Momorcidin. <a name='more'></a>The wonder fruit, which is consumed as a vegetable is widely used in traditional medicines and is well known for treatment against diabetes, preventing malaria and constipation. It is also used as an effective bio repellent. however the red arils of the seed (outer red coating) can be toxic to children.<br /><br />Bitter gourd is an acquired taste, but its medicinal properties make it a commercially viable crop.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Climate and Soil</span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/mWE_XChcmiyz2zeO5d4JgQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqzXUO9rI/AAAAAAABywo/Frto3XZwHmo/s800/1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>being a tropical crop, it grows well in temperatures ranging from 28 to 35 degrees celcius</li><li>extreme temperatures not favorable as it will result in spread of mosaic disease caused by virus</li><li>soils have to be well drained and loamy.<br /></li></ul><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-weight: bold;">Sowing</span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/3aPTfV9rgWXh5Jg-nCvbOQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqn1_JpjI/AAAAAAAByvY/FXXMoKW293A/s800/2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>the seed coat is very hard and unless conditions are favorable, germination will not take place as usual. for this , soaking the seeds in water for a minimum of 24 hours before sowing is recommended to break the seed dormancy</li><li>in some places water is replaced by curds and it also helps in rapid germination as the curds contain bacteria which also break the seed dormancy by softening the hard seed coat</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/d0IDvcbMs58VlJQibTnQbg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqpJS0MMI/AAAAAAAByvg/synRd_TGJNo/s800/3.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><ul><li>dried and decomposed farm yard manure is added to the pits just before sowing the seeds</li><li>each pit, about 5 seeds are sowed and after germination 2 plants retained in every pit</li><li>the distance between pits is about 45 cms<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Inter Culture Operations</span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/KuFNQtolg8dzmm82V-ObBQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqptEfebI/AAAAAAAByvo/5fxB8YlaNUQ/s800/4.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>after about 21 days after sowing, the growing tendrils will begin to droop on the ground. this will require support and it being a climber, adequate arrangements need to be made</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/7PN70XFNfy5BU-nxabtyWA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqqj6JhHI/AAAAAAAByvw/9tpqp6Ogdps/s800/5.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>here the soil around each plant is gathered around to fortify the pit and organic manure is added to each pit</li><li>then support in the form of long sticks is placed in each pit as shown</li><li>the growing vines are then trained on them and a pendal is erected<br /></li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/_bZgYD9pHxPiaBiaHC633g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqrvYFfCI/AAAAAAAByv4/pLiL52VXwlg/s800/6.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/DCRql8GF98UEFM-55EQYgg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqshsUx6I/AAAAAAABywA/rHmnsqWKJHo/s800/7.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>the pits help to prevent excess leaching of water and acts as a retention barrier<br /></li><li>weeding, irrigation and earthing up of the soils are made easier</li><li>moist soils require less irrigation, about once a week, while areas which have direct sunlight, require frequent irrigation.</li><li>pits also help in mulching and prevents loss of water by evaporation</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Flowering and Harvest</span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/YnXFvrqWvDK6sdndOFFgTw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUquNB4sPI/AAAAAAABywI/JvLEIdV8aYU/s800/8.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>spraying certain growth hormones such as Ethrel is done to increase the number of felame flowers and has to be done 2 weeks before flowering begins</li><li>during flowering, another dose of farm yard manure or dried and decomposed organic manure is added @ 10 kg per pit</li><li>if the manure is fresh and not properly decomposed, it will injur the roots and stem</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/dwAtNnQhzLNlMgpLScr9vA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TGUqvoBTj5I/AAAAAAABywQ/ymN7P2NZzfk/s800/9.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/prithamdsouza/BitterGourdCultivationInContinuousPitsByPrithamDSouzaMetalFarmer?feat=embedwebsite">Bitter gourd cultivation in continuous pits By Pritham D'Souza Metal Farmer</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>fruits can be harvested after 60 to 75 days from the first day of sowing</li><li>the tender , immature fruits are preferred over ripe fruits</li><li>soon after harvesting, they are washed in water and dried before taking to market</li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Pests of Bitter Gourd and Treatment</span><br /><ul><li>the bitter taste of the fruit prevents it from getting attacked as frequent as the other crops belonging to the cucurbit family, however the major pests include the following</li></ul><ol><li>red pumpkin beetles which are most notorious as if feeds the young and tender leaves during growth stage. also feeds on the flowers .<br /></li><li>Stink Bugs are huge and have a plate of scaly armour to prevent from natural predators attacking it. also it releases a stink liquid which helps it to escape before getting caught. it feeds on tender fruits and results on rotting of the fruit<br /></li><li>aphids and thrips can cause serious damage, while the former can colonise the plant, the latter can feed on the leaves which later curl inside</li><li>leaf eating caterpillar destroy the leaves and skeletonise the plant, the silk cucoons can be seen mostly on lower surface of the leaves<br /></li><li>fruit fly bores on the growing fruit and lays the eggs which grow inside the fruit. worms can be seen in the rotting fruits</li></ol><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Treatment</span><br />integrated farm management practises recommend the use of both organic as well as chemical pesticides for effective control of pests . however since i advocate the use of mostly neem based sprays, i advise the following<br /><ol><li>neem cake applied to the soil at 25 day intervals around the plant</li><li>during the growing stage, neem solution is sprayed weekly twice @5 ml per litre water</li><li>during flowering stage , Neem solution is sprayed weekly once @10 ml per litre</li><li>since neem is all natural and non toxic , it can be sprayed on standing crops and when yield is seen</li><li>spray neem preferably in the evenings, when its cooler between 4 to 6 pm</li></ol><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">all data and images by Pritham dsouza aka Metalfarmer</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-87606947197529418362010-06-06T22:45:00.001-07:002010-09-06T08:33:19.548-07:00Growing Mint Leaves, Mentha without soil, using Simplified HydroponicsGrowing Mint Leaves, Mentha without soil, using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza<br /><br /><ul><li>Mint leaves or menthe soppu in kannada is a popular aromatic herb which is extensively used for culinary purposes in various dishes.</li><li>Mint leaves extract is used as an insecticide and its most effective against mosquitoes and ants</li><li>mint leaves consumed in the form of tea reduces stomach pain and some believe it is a strong diuretic</li><li>menthol is added in cigarettes as it blocks the bitter taste of tobacco</li><li>common antipruritic used against insect bites</li><li>commonly used in aroma therapy</li></ul>Since mint leaves love cooler climate and is pretty much a shade loving plant, the challenge of growing such a plant in Mangalore's unforgiving heat conditions was something i was looking forward to<br /><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/LQyl80-RsFehAKuOp11-Jw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyH0Ql2yuI/AAAAAAABrCc/gPp4CloGobw/s800/IMG_6848.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Dec 3, 2009 mint leaves stem picked from market and placed in coco peat grow container<a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/YHmGS3y2VVnm54FC58ZkeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyH1ktq1yI/AAAAAAABrCk/i0FSFuuplhk/s800/IMG_6998%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Dec 9, 2009 grow nutrients added<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/XfZdC6EA5-sLltiwmYaCBA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyH3TKQ4eI/AAAAAAABrCs/_08-xMExu5w/s800/IMG_0991%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">jan 4, 2010 luxuriant growth and green color<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/mKMxp8xVTwWvcrRgZEMq-Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyH4a2Fm_I/AAAAAAABrC0/a5aiWNQ1DEc/s800/IMG_1039%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/WsTnnpkQusLuiw7CFAkQQQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyH6-LTv0I/AAAAAAABrC8/vMnMF0OWH4w/s800/IMG_2588%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">feb 14, 2010 the mint leaves were then again re transplant<wbr>ed in different containers and the results were still amazing<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/fpEAlUzqV2lxp3g8XH4YDg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyH83TC_ZI/AAAAAAABrDE/8GeagiY7RD0/s800/IMG_2589%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/pOgSOJnxAvtnpDlN4iewwA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyH_NKuuhI/AAAAAAABrDM/uQRCGdTNVTE/s800/IMG_2590%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/PlsVF7l70YW-sYQSix-iVQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyIAW-ZjmI/AAAAAAABrDU/gqiVP7cjOf8/s800/IMG_2592%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">No pesticides used, no chemicals sprayed<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/6eKxMEnLpqkt_oUkB6L2hg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyIDegbOkI/AAAAAAABrDg/D5pD0PHaAuE/s800/IMG_3191.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">march 5, 2010 shows no sign of slowing down. even more growth<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/c8xupfItb0yiu77PXvGiHA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyIGJvL59I/AAAAAAABrDo/XKAXvbw8qBY/s800/IMG_3193.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/SxLXYEsyqy88OfmL49Kl9Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/TAyIIDW3BSI/AAAAAAABrDw/_fWyY7MG_Zs/s800/IMG_3286.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingMintLeavesWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Mint leaves without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption"><br />Note<br /></span><ul><li>the grow containers were kept in my car shed and i didnt use shade net</li><li>even though mint leaves extract is an insecticide the plant is still susceptible to aphids and white flies, hence regular neem spray is a must</li><li>pluck the leaves along with the stalk to encourage more growth and lateral shoots<br /></li></ul><span style="font-style: italic;">All pics and data by Pritham Denzil D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com13tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-9468227967409615082010-05-06T20:42:00.001-07:002010-09-06T08:29:31.535-07:00Growing Vegetable Cucumber or Sambar Cucumber without Soil Using Simplified Hydroponics<span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Growing Vegetable Cucumber or Sambar Cucumber without Soil Using Simplified Hydroponics by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza</span><br /><br />Vegetable Cucumber also known as Sambar Cucumber is an all time favorite vegetable crop grown in coastal Karnataka esp Mangalore. It was a challenge to grow SC in hydroponics as the crop requires a lot of care and patience in the field as it is gets easily damaged by excess irrigation, high soil temperatures and attack from fruit boring insect Dacus dorsalis fly.<br /><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/fcBHZ3AfgJFb5Q7-fWeNIg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMBck4wrI/AAAAAAABlKk/LXz1UVunIOs/s800/IMG_6483.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">Seedlings germinated within 2 days</span><br /><ul><li>Sow the seeds in seed trays and later transplant when 3 leaf stage is seen<a name='more'></a></li></ul><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/LdEPNV6bClokIVAJ60WdoQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMD-v_RnI/AAAAAAABlKs/PGF5MUV4AzA/s800/IMG_6739.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">21 days later, growth affected by red pumpkin beetle attack, immediate control using neem sprays</span><br /><ul><li>In the field, integrated pest management using organic neem sprays and Dimethoate Rogar is used to reduces pest attack of red pumpkin beetle which feed on the young and tender leaves of the plant</li><li>here since i do not use any chemical pesticides, i let the plant take the insect assault for a few days till i applied organic neem spray<br /></li></ul><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/Z5YiHBgdB2psE_OdaUoh2w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMFdswk8I/AAAAAAABlK0/kV0IV9Gm1eo/s800/IMG_6827.JPG" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">3 days later, after using Neem Sprays, lush green growth seen and pest attack neutralize<wbr>d.</span><br /><ul><li>Neem spray applied when there is pest incidence proved excellent and the results speak for themselves.<br /></li><li>no blanket sprays required. hence no wasting<br /></li></ul><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/JNofI7dy3UHaUsfK7z6fmQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMG_dbhXI/AAAAAAABlK8/wA85b6mJNE0/s800/IMG_0047%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">21 days later formation of fruit buds</span><br /><ul><li>tiny fruit buds appear and its best to switch from grow nutrients to bloom nutrients<br /></li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/t0WR-ajsf2F9B7Bu2hXmVw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMIzYUY2I/AAAAAAABlLE/vbj492ZfWQk/s800/IMG_1133%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">15 days later size of fruit increased considerab<wbr>ly</span><br /><ul><li>the young and growing fruit buds need to be protected from extreme heat which was bouncing off the hard concrete flooring. hence i had placed old gunny bags on the ground and the vines were growing over it. so no direct contact with the hot floor<br /></li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/UwilAQDU0QFpaw9hld6IbQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMKWZeWdI/AAAAAAABlLM/0aTH6X_I5d4/s800/IMG_1293%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">to prevent attack of fruit boring Dacus dorsalis, i used a plastic bowl as cover</span><br /><ul><li>this was not a good idea as the growing fruit needs light and breeze. but fortunately for me, the idea of covering the growing fruit with whatever i could find (here a plastic tray) worked.</li><li>The next time, i will use a net cover<br /></li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/AY55b23lAtbnOEfgvr0DmA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMMZXTaeI/AAAAAAABlLU/fKYtS6TRVq8/s800/IMG_1294a%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">the protected fruit without any attack</span><br /><ul><li>not a scratch on the fruit<br /></li></ul><br /><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/gacWT380QAItCDNrs0go_A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMOu2bqRI/AAAAAAABlLc/9qdkHp7Orm8/s800/IMG_2311%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Fruit ready for harvest after it changes color from green to orange</span><br /><ul><li>depending on individual tastes, generally fruits are harvested when they change their color from dark green to light green or brown and in some cases orange.</li><li>for long distance transporting green fruits are harvested.<br /></li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/RpiyvkU3lPDDKEBk6GaSOA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMQnj6baI/AAAAAAABlLk/zSxPiXz3QT8/s800/IMG_2336%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">another fruit protected</span><br /><ul><li>if you look closely, the fruit has an abnormal twisted appearance.<br /></li><li>its probably because the growing fruit didnt rest on the gunny bag which i had kept but was growing on the concrete flooring which gets hot when the temperatures are high. hence the fruit could have gotten disfigured, but its still tasty<br /></li></ul><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/_hGz7hyA12HcFUd7GX9g-Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S-OMSITFzzI/AAAAAAABlLs/OcSz4KA0yJ0/s800/IMG_2337%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Ripe Vegetable Cucumber excellent to extract seeds</span><br /><ul><li>The orange color indicates the fruit is over ripe and is excellent for extracting the seeds.<br /></li></ul><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">All pics and data by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-49765007159877036822010-04-10T06:15:00.000-07:002010-09-06T08:29:45.878-07:00Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India<span class="gphoto-context-current">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/CDsiKFrKAgCN4R-NhalqPQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1WbwPYlI/AAAAAAABaAo/Vg8-MWhvzX8/s800/1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><ul><li>Please check to my earlier posts where i have shown how to make the grow tubs and the techniques and practices involved before starting.<a name='more'></a><br /></li><li>Amaranthus seeds are very small and so have to be gently sprinkled. A pinch or two of seeds is sufficient</li><li>Germination is observed in 2 days<br /></li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/YfMk7DxKeeKun5oCgftBKQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1TToEDtI/AAAAAAABaAY/nGATw2PCtl0/s800/1a.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>lush growth seen in 10 days</li><li>Watering with nutrients should be done once a day, if temperatures are extremely hot, one can move the tub under a shade net or irrigate twice daily.</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/DdSsogUoNAbnZf8VEQmMOQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1UUhFs_I/AAAAAAABaAg/fN8e4Ip_Dlk/s800/2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/mJ_18yFzu4dJyRGiEcwHEQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1XvU0GfI/AAAAAAABaAw/Sh48O5ex4LQ/s800/3.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/66LYIbikY_WJgZ9CtWrDoA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1aInAC4I/AAAAAAABaA4/G9p3YV4uXB4/s800/4.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/jPrlVL5uAGeWu3YrbqWa1w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1b1iY7UI/AAAAAAABaBA/BMAL-QrGls4/s800/5.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>Lush green growth seen after 21 days. In field conditions Amaranthus is harvested between 20 to 30 days after sowing.</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/uTUh8-3fLMTR9qUgNlw8BA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1fdvv6EI/AAAAAAABaBQ/aJbSShf7P9A/s800/6.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/lPQjmlyxqqYftK0oNHPvpg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1hE6HX7I/AAAAAAABaBY/QiflKANsAZc/s800/7.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/Q26t_7tDg6if9ZkW97Z0sg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1jOyklfI/AAAAAAABaBg/r5S-_Q3a-jk/s800/8.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>Harvesting is done by uprooting the entire plant as the whole plant is edible.<br /></li><li>Here we encourage stem cuttings keeping the stem 3 to 6 inches above the surface</li><li>This allows lateral shoots to grow so harvesting can be done more number of times</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/NSpEavmRQ6o9zHgNkmSLEA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1klZG1TI/AAAAAAABaBo/eYS8V7jTV9s/s800/9.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>Harvesting young plants is preferred since the stem and leaves are very succulent and juicy, however its more of a personal preference. Here the Amaranth variety used is 'Bangladesh' and even the older taller plants are as succulent as the young tender ones.</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/rMxhI72n9GtL_l4VfCWgCA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1l7fQbeI/AAAAAAABaBw/-dq_sTzPG8o/s800/10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>One plant kept for seed production. Here u can see the formation of the Inflorescence.<br /></li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/OWY1b0MhoWSqv6UPNcnF4g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1nP9AE1I/AAAAAAABaB4/lVMbXPVfYM0/s800/11.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>Appearance of more flower buds</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/Y138sCO3PcBr_k9iE2im7g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1oiigeLI/AAAAAAABaCA/dzLJ7N9fDI8/s800/12.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>Seed Buds seen. The inflorescence is cut off from the plant, sun dried and threshed to get the seeds which are black, smooth and round.<br /></li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/jL7E8i-sELRHQJos2ig8NQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S8B1RthYnkI/AAAAAAABaAQ/kUQRChLMjaI/s800/13.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingAmaranthusLeafyVegetableUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Amaranthus leafy Vegetable using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><ul><li>Photo of plant kept for seed production to be re used in Simplified Hydroponics</li></ul>View the Slide Show here<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.co.in&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.co.in%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fprithamdsouza%2Falbumid%2F5458491662908933297%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="267" width="400"></embed><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">All Images and Data by Pritham 'Metal farmer' D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-91847492444838937652010-02-06T05:50:00.001-08:002010-09-06T08:30:11.379-07:00Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics<span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</span></span> <span style="font-weight: bold;font-size:180%;" ><span style="font-family:times new roman;">by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza</span></span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/xJbCkI_owhNBPvW9tUm_Ug?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21tUcxTB7I/AAAAAAABUSs/_NqY2_Zkq3Q/s800/IMG_0242%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Okra seeds germinatio<wbr>n seen on dec 17, 2009</span><a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/wGO808uuclmH3LcegIP6_A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21tVaCT2DI/AAAAAAABUS0/0-VEPFQcLnY/s800/IMG_0243%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">germinated okra seeds<br /><br /></span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/h-VCxLU2Q39IJbxgwQ9fCA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21tXXdoJUI/AAAAAAABUS8/U8h6en1SOsA/s800/IMG_0999%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Growth observed 15 days later<br /><br /></span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/yaF_PMGpArwT6gGFlDl7-Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21taXRQWoI/AAAAAAABUTI/WL5r3zWc_ns/s800/IMG_1002%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Transplant<wbr>ed Seedlings<br /><br /></span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/QPrfnMuzXuPBQ8I_0GAKXw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21teyUmw7I/AAAAAAABUTY/fD0YKhU-JNo/s800/IMG_2302%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Jan 31, 2010 fruiting and flowering seen 24 days after transplant<wbr>ing<br /><br /></span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/AyPFnD_RHPMt9biP0dnD4g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21tgBv49zI/AAAAAAABUTg/RjuwgQkDZRA/s800/IMG_2303%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/tbDwocWJkR5zbCKxE2ELRg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21tiUXBlEI/AAAAAAABUTs/zKbdXPA6rWA/s800/IMG_2304%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/PVKe-tjRXz3DrGWy4XuL0Q?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21tjtvrRrI/AAAAAAABUT0/spw4A2adj3Y/s800/IMG_2330%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Maximum growth attained<br /><br /></span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/lXQ2t-mu1vrKK2LoQypaRQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21trXZSGDI/AAAAAAABUUE/cczVbkcGzBo/s800/IMG_2331%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/DlDCjQ2y8vumTq2LyyALpg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21ttwIDiVI/AAAAAAABUUM/_WF62YBehM4/s800/IMG_2332%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/WZEJlFyaE5WpcBpGuJFxuA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21tvTohqrI/AAAAAAABUUU/bBIFw1N1MlE/s800/IMG_2333%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Developing Fruit buds<br /><br /></span><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/rTE2mW7Kw3IpnURYEkWWxA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S21twmXbAjI/AAAAAAABUUc/LsRSuILtAEA/s800/IMG_2334%20%5BDesktop%20Resolution%5D.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingOkraBhendiWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponics?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Okra Bhendi without soil using Simplified Hydroponics</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Harvesting done every 3 days<br /><br /></span><br />Watch slide Show here<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.co.in&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&interval=8RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.co.in%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fprithamdsouza%2Falbumid%2F5435120505700186209%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="533" width="800"></embed><br /><span style=";font-family:webdings;font-size:130%;" ><br />All images and data by Pritham Denzil D'Souza Padval</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-13219123128511580992010-01-24T04:31:00.000-08:002010-09-06T08:30:35.671-07:00Growing Cowpea using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India<span style="font-weight: bold;">Growing Cowpea beans (</span><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">Vigna Unguiculata</span><span style="font-weight: bold;">) using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/qPmi2oShCjF3v2HjBowwSw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w49ccFBzI/AAAAAAABQEM/MB8BQCxNyZA/s800/1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/dNjzyJw0d-8za2sh7hyy4A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w5CZUDFaI/AAAAAAABQEU/BFMs04Nb5MA/s800/2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/koBr6k1PSHphggMtfgvF4A?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w5oDaRCHI/AAAAAAABQEg/WVu9iJ2A1Rw/s800/3.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/Icx8mgg_JGW3zsTi_Z3mjQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w5rOIE7GI/AAAAAAABQE0/yygliD-ofSI/s800/4.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/NBNt6EpGPw9Re1cp7fzgiw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w5vS05y8I/AAAAAAABQE8/QJj7qJFesoc/s800/5.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/9I_sgwPsfcLxxa27gl6ZGQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w5zGPbICI/AAAAAAABQFE/QQg3HwqWYtc/s800/6.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/e5XV19efVFoEQEVewteZmA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w57IECilI/AAAAAAABQFM/h2i6ItuzIiw/s800/7.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/TTRcU27d7ZmkTDzV_yHDeQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6CfdnxAI/AAAAAAABQFU/nKyYZJyDX9A/s800/8.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/SGD7485n3Ffcv3GY36YIwQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6IoXOBKI/AAAAAAABQFs/6mjgpj-wYpI/s800/9.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/YFtUmI1gDbDa75bfd2AivQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6Lky9SlI/AAAAAAABQF0/hOlPo01jefo/s800/11.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/b5hWcwhkkzpknnyvBW-W2w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6N8uIEvI/AAAAAAABQF8/JtWOUMmlOiw/s800/12.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/MesJWUdAGa4sVImpqigktw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6TQdozgI/AAAAAAABQGE/Tl7fVc0xj1g/s800/13.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/m10aS4xuEatFVzvnJ7xIVg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6YiwfcqI/AAAAAAABQGM/tVN0c3Se-gQ/s800/10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/M4cEWTKwOFfO05pXP-_X8w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6dFPFssI/AAAAAAABQGU/7gwRiC3c6y0/s800/15.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/M1PzCPBPUHVz__42jStupQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6iy2ap-I/AAAAAAABQGc/e-013Z4WI1o/s800/16.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/M2UThi-FMrzeI3N7m_y8qw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6msO5oRI/AAAAAAABQGk/HjDRhIoVLiU/s800/17.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/sX4x6SxpoO5v270mKFuPRQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6ppdboII/AAAAAAABQGs/X_tOBOBMpKE/s800/18.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/K74vH9NnOA3byFaJsNh-ZA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1w6ukLb3DI/AAAAAAABQG0/URiV_yy78Jk/s800/14.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLentilsWithoutSoilUsingSimplifiedHydroponicsInMangaloreIndia?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Lentils without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Watch the Slide Show here</span><br /><br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.co.in&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&interval=8RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.co.in%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fprithamdsouza%2Falbumid%2F5430270636885762977%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="533" width="800"></embed><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">All Images and Data by Pritham Denzil D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com20tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-31696956417744311412010-01-15T05:05:00.000-08:002010-09-06T08:30:51.108-07:00Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique<span style="font-weight: bold;">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</span> <span style="font-weight: bold;">by Pritham 'Metal Farmer' D'Souza</span><br /><br />Bhindi or bende kai or okra Ladies finger(<i><b>Abelmoschus esculentus)</b></i> is a popular summer vegetable grown extensively along the coast of Mangalore.<br />The tender fruits have rich iodine content which is used in the treatment of goitre , while the leaves are used for treatment of dysentery and inflammation.<br />The dry seeds have rich edible oil content of up to 20 % and protein up to 25%<br /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/V9fN7loi5Zzbw9kvkI7aVA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BxSPZ9p2I/AAAAAAABPbo/NjXlgMm00u4/s800/okraIMG_6417.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><a name='more'></a><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">CLIMATE AND SOIL</span><br /><ul><li>Okra requires hot and humid climate and is very effective within the range of 25 to 30 degrees centigrade</li><li>higher temperatures will result in dessication of flowers and hence lower yields</li><li>for the seed to germinate, the min soil temp should be within the range of 25 to 35 degrees</li><li>well drained soils, loose and friable soils with rich organic content is best<br /></li></ul><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">LAND PREPARATION</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/udJ9U8ofqtdGETfn3PnvhA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWmJIJtjI/AAAAAAABPV0/rF9Bm-4kYdw/s800/1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">The land selected for okra cultivatio<wbr>n should be free from previous plant debris and residue</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/tnzakyiOXJ3OV8ugzN15gg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWpZkWuFI/AAAAAAABPV8/6yTgBtgMGu8/s800/2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">The previous ridges and furrows must be leveled and land made flat</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/bp_p6uNOLBRVIkjvsgcjBQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWVsscUzI/AAAAAAABPVE/JkwCr0buVQ4/s800/3.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">rocks, plant residue, clods and other unwanted materials must be removed</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/HjHCSfDhFHgKdN31iZyE8g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWZDVv6AI/AAAAAAABPVM/Sb1hCii9UJk/s800/4.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">pits with 1 feet depth and 2 feet width must be dug as shown</span><br /><br /><ul><li>The above pics shows the selection of land and the initial steps taken to prepare for sowing</li><li>The older rows and furrows from the previous crop must be completely leveled and made flat</li><li>stones, sticks, twigs, clods and plant residue must be removed from the soil</li><li>the soil needs to be pulverized, moistened and enriched with decomposed organic manure or farm yard manure before sowing the seeds</li></ul><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/jM-FQPNzLjGF2NpyUOpjlg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWcBBHOPI/AAAAAAABPVc/MbVHLxlwLYc/s800/5.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Distance between pits is maintained as Okra shows vigorous vegetative growth. plant density and spacing can also be maintained</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/rlyo8SrASblSuM0S6Q9NxQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWgC-Y6lI/AAAAAAABPVk/EhlCnP3CVnU/s800/6.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">adding 1 bucket of decomposed farm yard manure per pit is recommende<wbr>d</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">PIT MAKING AND SOWING</span><br /><ul><li>pits which are 2 feet wide and 1 feet deep should be dug as seen in the images above and distance between the pits also has to be maintained</li><li>at least 4 to 5 seeds must be hand dibbled in the soil in every pit. once germination takes place, only 2 or 3 seeds retained per pit. the germinated seedlings can be thinned out and later transplanted in pits where germination is less</li><li>2 or 3 days before sowing the seeds, 5 to 10 kg(approx) Organic manure should be added to enrich the soil.</li><li>The seeds can be soaked in curds/milk over night to soften the hard seed coat a day before sowing operations</li><li>light irrigation must be given immediately after sowing the seeds and care should be taken to see the seed is not dislodged from its place.</li><li>The most viable seeds take up to 5 days to germinate.</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/nMgflKM4tuOTDVKM1A08fw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWyPK4v4I/AAAAAAABPWU/7dRIFKCDjUM/s800/7.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">View of plot after germinatio<wbr>n</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/2TJXjvoAYQA6dMtU8K1Tjg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWvtjv_mI/AAAAAAABPWM/ivF4tzcBcYA/s800/8.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Complete view of plot</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/UVHkB9ZxdXNqthCLFGmawA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BWscFv7PI/AAAAAAABPWE/EmkbVlpruZY/s800/9.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div style="" class="gphoto-photocaption"><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">When plant attains 4 leaf stage, 2 buckets of decomposed farm yard manure is again added to each pit</span><br /><br /></div></div><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">IRRIGATION AND MANURING</span><br /><ul><li>Light irrigation is given immediately after sowing in soil</li><li>watering needs to be done everyday till the plant attains 4 leaf stage<br /></li><li>once the plant establishes itself properly in the pit, the frequency of irrigation can be reduced from thrice weekly to twice weekly.</li><li>its advised to give the plant NKP or nutrients in 3 split doses, one at the time of sowing, the second during the growth vegetative phase and the final at the time of flowering</li><li>Spraying with organic inputs like algae solutions and bacterial gels at least once weekly will take care of its micro and trace nutrient requirements</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/koclBdnCKPkSETj_gp2ACg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BW1KTXmDI/AAAAAAABPWc/NY5dvokTqHk/s800/10.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">A close up of the growing Okra plant</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/kRbuVa6OEnpAgG6y2GKAFA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BW4lZhL3I/AAAAAAABPWk/uwA-uA7HSJY/s800/11.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Growth visible after a few days</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/9geolEpafQAh6S2qq6ShVw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BW7neNSpI/AAAAAAABPWs/83jgYDTbnj0/s800/12.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">In pits which do not have germinatio<wbr>n, plants need to be transplant<wbr>ed and shade provided</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/TV5AW2F-qTJP5MQPNZScNw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BW97ZNvwI/AAAAAAABPW0/uXAumk5WAP4/s800/13.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">View of the same plot after 10 days</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OTHER INTERCULTURE OPERATIONS</span><br /><ul><li>Weeds are a menace to the main crop and need to be removed at every stage of plant development.</li><li>at the time of manuring, the plant needs support at the base of the stem and earthing up operations are done.</li><li>inter culture operations will also help in aerating the soils</li><li>Spraying the crop with female flower inducing hormones or sprays can be done at least 10 days before flower bud formation</li><li>All spraying operations should be done in the mornings, when the temperature is not too high and similarly at evenings after 4 pm when the light intensity is not high.</li></ul><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/mRCH_pOua1eBDn_S17v_nQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BXG9j-6fI/AAAAAAABPXc/_lftWvu3F80/s800/14.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Flowering seen after 45 days</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/TeO7-RLSbra0HxRBLdyGfA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BXCxWf5TI/AAAAAAABPXE/f5hyIWrAH5w/s800/15.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Lush green growth of Okra</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/r5bzGAfg4sveaMLrqM0_tQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BXAzu-QJI/AAAAAAABPW8/polkSW0quN0/s800/16.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">The broad leaves of Okra act as shade retaining the soil moisture</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/FhaVGbIhQ8sFbU-qk-XsCQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BXNbmKIhI/AAAAAAABPX4/9zeWIes8Bt4/s800/17.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Distance between pits maintained such that leaves do not overlap</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">HARVESTING AND AFTERCARE</span><br /><ul><li>the first flowers are seen after 45 to 55 days from the date of sowing</li><li>harvesting the tender fruits must be done preferably early mornings or late evenings<br /></li><li>a glove or piece of cloth must be used to protect against the prickly leaves and stem of the plant which can cause irritation and even rash to some people</li><li>the plant will continue to yield for another 50 days</li><li>once the plant has reached a maximum height, lateral branches start to sprout giving it a total bushy appearance, at this stage, pruning the top can be done, even though its not recommended as it is cumbersome</li></ul><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/JhlPl2Ouv9PvuI2vt4mbhg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BXI07Y2yI/AAAAAAABPXo/6_9wA-O5yCs/s800/18.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0); font-style: italic;" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Fruiting in Okra</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/SDz9xQEFp2V_Jbd3HVsbsA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S1BXLWP_bMI/AAAAAAABPXw/5cYeCaYDz6s/s800/19.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/GrowingLadiesFingerBhindiInPitSystemSummerCultivationTechnique?feat=embedwebsite">Growing Ladies Finger Bhindi in pit system summer cultivation technique</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span style="font-style: italic; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);" class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Ready to Harvest</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">OBSERVATIONS</span><br /><ul><li>since okra has a tap root system and not fibrous root system, i decided to experiment with pit method rather than the traditional ridge and furrow method.</li><li>there was all around progress in almost every department from weeding to irrigation</li><li>plant population and density was maintained</li><li>no wastage of irrigation water as each pit required the same amount of water</li><li>even manure application for every pit was the same<br /></li><li>keeping distance between pits helped greatly in harvesting, as the plants got maximum space and no over lapping of leaves was seen.<br /></li></ul>View slide show presentation here<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.co.in&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&interval=8RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.co.in%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fprithamdsouza%2Falbumid%2F5426932446301924225%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="533" width="800"></embed><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">All data and images by Pritham Denzil D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-2593504446476902512010-01-09T05:27:00.000-08:002010-09-06T08:31:08.084-07:00Growing Radish without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore<span style="font-weight: bold;">Growing Radish without Soil using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore</span> by Pritham D'Souza<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/k7ZH0N5ILmR3xqNA7Gof9w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0h_2e9iJsI/AAAAAAABL-k/vCLGcYJnOpA/s800/1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Radish being a root crop requires adequate spacing for root developmen<wbr>t. pic taken 13 nov 2009<a name='more'></a><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/JH6OAJwjen8sI5X4GIvy9g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0h_2lxrg6I/AAAAAAABL-o/yeSzxSdh404/s800/2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">close up of radish seedling, which germinated within 4 days of sowing<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/Vks9tzQ3T0tYxzt92ekqHw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0h_2lgm_3I/AAAAAAABL-s/mkVt0et6QyE/s800/3.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">since it is a root crop, NO TRANSPLANT<wbr>ING is done. so the container chosen should have sufficient depth<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/o1ytpVvyrzeH2XnAz31CpA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0h_2zeyhbI/AAAAAAABL-w/r1gYJ5cecbc/s800/4.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><div id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div style="" class="gphoto-photocaption"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">26 days later pic taken on 9 Dec 2009, also brahmi root stem planted next to growing radish</span><br /></div></div><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/ToO2N6vVwYhvxCF1-zksuw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0h_28Tdl7I/AAAAAAABL-0/VtR3ZJCxp64/s800/4a.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">8 days later, 17 Dec 2009, the radish leaves show better growth and also the brahmi stem next to it starts to sprout new leaves<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/zn__0Hsz6gmg3lcKSaXsOQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0iAGaij4XI/AAAAAAABL-8/YdP3h8zH4xc/s800/5.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">another view of Luxuriant radish growth<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/cZV8tEeElILlxvDSDZ2-qA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0iAGqg7PxI/AAAAAAABL_A/LPV_gIP4dmQ/s800/6.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Dec 25, 2009, even though the leaves are ready for harvest, i decided to keep it for a few more days<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/xlPPUP22vs9wLVgzIGICSg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0iAGh7cyhI/AAAAAAABL_E/2SraygBlDWE/s800/7.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">the best part in simplified hydroponic<wbr>s is the portabilit<wbr>y of the gardens. here you can see my radish tub placed in my kitchen<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/nuQOIoqQf0dAJcR-8SU0dg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0iAGstn0aI/AAAAAAABL_I/0YOoOazVFv0/s800/7a.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">4 Jan 2010, the developing radish root<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/9xk50pnySVMgdUmXqSzDHQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0iAG-ugW-I/AAAAAAABL_M/QRkSzMArn7U/s800/8.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><div id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div style="" class="gphoto-photocaption"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">5 jan 2010, couldnt control the urge to eat radish leaves, so got them harvested</span><br /></div></div><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/GTY-2-9yD1lZkEo5DybRew?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0iAQerdQJI/AAAAAAABL_U/wn564Ifym6Q/s800/9.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">another view of freshly harvested radish leaves<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/TWCFG49EncKZBwU3EASawQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0iAQrXOAGI/AAAAAAABL_Y/qiVt_U3g1kc/s800/10.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">jan 5 2010, radish leaves are harvested and you can see brahmi plant with its heart shaped leaves growing very well<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/jMiac5X7DxAD_D_GBqg8kw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0iAQokvqMI/AAAAAAABL_c/xUa8BxJQzyw/s800/10a.jpg" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicRadishGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Radish grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">Jan 5 2010, final picture of radish<br /><br />View Slide Show here<br /><br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.co.in&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.co.in%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fprithamdsouza%2Falbumid%2F5424726059266358321%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="533" width="800"></embed><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-13615450674528756702010-01-09T03:54:00.000-08:002010-09-06T08:31:38.229-07:00Growing Pumpkins using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India<span style="font-weight: bold;">Growing Pumpkins using Simplified Hydroponics in Mangalore, India</span> by Pritham D'Souza<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/AaSslzt8ul4IqloFRAfSnA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0huL7KPqbI/AAAAAAABL50/1wSAR0PE4v0/s800/1.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><div id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div style="" class="gphoto-photocaption"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">germinated seeds of palak, amaranthus and pumpkins in a germinatin<wbr>g tub</span><br /></div></div><a name='more'></a><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/GZO1ft5-HotEYM-6XknFqQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0huLy9Ig5I/AAAAAAABL54/qO4MmTqTz_M/s800/2.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div style="" class="gphoto-photocaption"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">ready to transplant once 3 leaf stage is attained</span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/Ud7WpsOywsvEYoyFHwenmw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0huMGM0bVI/AAAAAAABL58/GLaGVMb9Jmw/s800/3.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div style="" class="gphoto-photocaption"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">watering the plants to loosen the roots before uprooting the plant for transplant<wbr>ing</span><div class="goog-inline-block"><div tabindex="0" style="-moz-user-select: none;" role="button" title="" class="goog-inline-block goog-flat-button lhcl_fakelink gphoto-photocaption-edit">edit</div><div tabindex="0" style="-moz-user-select: none;" role="button" title="" class="goog-inline-block goog-flat-button lhcl_fakelink"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/s/v/58.14/img/transparent.gif" class="SPRITE_trash" title="Delete caption" alt="Delete caption" /><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/qxZWUsTOJLeNrUPcE2GfTQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0huMBaJOeI/AAAAAAABL6A/4b63TExoPsQ/s800/4.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">transplant<wbr>ing done is a plastic flower pot which contains mixture of coconut peat, coconut fibre and neem cake</span><br /></div></div></div></div><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/ObPaOsLwnwdyVMgjNVlPwQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0huMdy_t7I/AAAAAAABL6E/HoO8A3Y0Tnw/s800/5.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><div id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div style="" class="gphoto-photocaption"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">watering with nutrient water after transplant<wbr>ing . pic taken 5 nov 2009</span><br /></div></div><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/caLFKDoPnnUx1ezOi85WMw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hudpr7yZI/AAAAAAABL6Q/wqxpZKNiXZA/s800/6.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">pic taken 13 nov 2009, exactly a week after transplant<wbr>ing<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/lyKL9h2iWiF2Qy5fWffDXQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hudqEY3eI/AAAAAAABL6U/p-dHc8Y_moI/s800/7.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">pic taken 24 nov 2009, 10 days later, excellent vegetative growth and flower bud formation<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/mY-gyIqNYqvZx5CLy3qY7w?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hudsgIjFI/AAAAAAABL6Y/i_g6w_4j0xI/s800/8.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">24 nov 2009, tiny developing flower and fruit buds<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/8FLwbl4odxUhDBCcbawn4g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hud_tqQHI/AAAAAAABL6c/DcMxmgQabbE/s800/9.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">pic taken 27 nov 2009, more growth and more buds visible<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/o7aY3vE6u0U01y3XEf_cpg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hud8qdSqI/AAAAAAABL6g/MciNkdySlSw/s800/10.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">nov 27 2009, the develpoing bud<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/bCV7cdO9kxGrG3k3lLnn0g?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hux-LRP3I/AAAAAAABL60/C3DP07d7A0Y/s800/11.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">2 dec 2009, flowering and pollinatio<wbr>n seen and luxuriant growth<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/TKSckY6U7vGjNDYC8pEYJg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hux6l5hAI/AAAAAAABL64/ud2RPMO8q4s/s800/12.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">after pollinatio<wbr>n, the fertilized developing embryo<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/cHy5pRdCa5sLikRALjRVzQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0huyN1sCdI/AAAAAAABL68/HuzoyoMPdYE/s800/13.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><div id="lhid_caption" class="gphoto-photocaption"><div style="" class="gphoto-photocaption"><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">9 nov 2009 growing fruit buds</span><span class="lhcl_fakelink"></span><br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/kEpkZnJziJoA9juEu7w2eQ?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0huyQCCgXI/AAAAAAABL7A/d7Ay8YM0pSk/s800/14.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">close up of growing fruit bud, tender buds can be identified by lite yellow color as seen<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/07e4mHEDzh-gqYN0VyzJqg?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0huyf1QztI/AAAAAAABL7E/5DCPcZCx8XQ/s800/15.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">vine length reaches over 2 meters<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/_P-XKKInyYvhswdHmvYiJA?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hu-Kyp1zI/AAAAAAABL7M/1GoKE60yt-c/s800/16.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">another view of flowering and fruiting pumpkin plant<br /><br /><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/lh/photo/Zj1SW-l35swWHWQo4GTmnw?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_k4EBmZeF3EM/S0hu-CjHzGI/AAAAAAABL7Q/xkN9lpcmduA/s800/17.JPG" /></a></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;">From <a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite">Hydroponic Pumpkins grown in Mangalore</a></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></span><span class="gphoto-photocaption-caption">harvest index reached. pumpkins can be harvested after yellow colored fruits change to lite orange. once the fruits are harvested, it facilitate<wbr>s the developmen<wbr>t of more flower and fruit buds.<br />date of sowing 28 oct 2009<br />date of harvest 18 nov 2009<br />50 day crop</span><br /></div></div></div></div><span style="font-style: italic;"><table style="width: auto;"><tbody><tr><td><br /></td></tr><tr><td style="font-family: arial,sans-serif; font-size: 11px; text-align: right;"><a href="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/prithamdsouza/HydroponicPumpkinsGrownInMangalore?feat=embedwebsite"></a><br /></td></tr></tbody></table>View slide show here<br /><embed type="application/x-shockwave-flash" src="http://picasaweb.google.co.in/s/c/bin/slideshow.swf" flashvars="host=picasaweb.google.co.in&captions=1&noautoplay=1&hl=en_US&feat=flashalbum&RGB=0x000000&feed=http%3A%2F%2Fpicasaweb.google.co.in%2Fdata%2Ffeed%2Fapi%2Fuser%2Fprithamdsouza%2Falbumid%2F5424706601613486241%3Falt%3Drss%26kind%3Dphoto%26hl%3Den_US" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" height="533" width="800"></embed><br /><br /><br />all pics and data by Pritham D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-50860722911138252342009-12-03T05:46:00.000-08:002009-12-03T05:49:56.504-08:00Ridge Gourds at Padval Farms<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ridge Gourds at Padval Farms</span><br />Tender and young ridge gourd plants seen here at padval Farms. ridge gourds are highly intolerant to cold temperatures and growth stunt can be seen when the day temp is drastically reduced<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/RSxZceTd8Kg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/RSxZceTd8Kg&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">video and data by Pritham Dsouza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-44803763870066612692009-12-03T05:44:00.000-08:002009-12-03T05:46:49.305-08:00Bottle Gourd grown in Pits at the base of Hillock<span style="font-weight: bold;">Bottle Gourd grown in Pits</span><span> on slope to facilitate greater vine length and movement at padval farms kinya mangalore </span><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/VGqoTuMmQqs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/VGqoTuMmQqs&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">video and data by Pritham Dsouza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-18964098618308914952009-12-03T05:40:00.000-08:002009-12-03T05:43:55.153-08:00Yard Long Cowpea Runner Beans Using Pit method<span style="font-weight: bold;">Yard Long Cowpea Runner Beans Using Pit method</span> at Padval Farms, Kinya, Mangalore, India<br /><br />Yard Long Runner Beans are grown using the same pit method mentioned in Ladies Finger Okra cultivation. The results can be seen here.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7-ytAhxyIzM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7-ytAhxyIzM&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Video and Data by Pritham Dsouza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-59461881383810449312009-12-03T05:35:00.000-08:002009-12-03T05:40:26.109-08:00Amaranthus Crop Video<span style="font-weight: bold;">Amaranthus Crop Video</span> at Padval Farms, Kinya, Mangalore India<br /><br />The lush green growth of Amaranthus (harive soppu, bhaji) is credited to weekly once application of Organic Gel made from Sea Weeds which contain Helpful Bacteria which breakdown the nutrients in the soil and make them more available to the plants.<br /><br />to check the pest problem, pure neem oil @5ml per litre has to be used once a week.<br /><br />the crop is ready to harvest in 21 days.<br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/AxWQaU8d7sQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/AxWQaU8d7sQ&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Video and Data by Pritham Dsouza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-24301510714757556622009-12-03T05:33:00.000-08:002009-12-03T05:35:38.710-08:00Spinach Grown on Soil without Support<span><span style="font-weight: bold;">Spinach Grown on Soil without Support </span><br /><br />spinach also called valchhi bhajji in konkani grown on soil without using trellis or support at Padval farms,mangalore kinya. using organic inputs<br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/IntfCQTbzdY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/IntfCQTbzdY&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Video and Data by Pritham D'Souza</span><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-75773922700596226752009-12-03T04:46:00.000-08:002009-12-03T05:32:52.986-08:00Ladies Finger Okra Grown in Pits<span style="font-weight: bold;">Ladies Finger Okra Grown in Pits</span><br /><br />the video shows flowering and fruiting stage of Ladies Finger (Okra, Bhindi) grown in pits and not in rows which is the traditional method followed.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold; font-style: italic;">Some salient features in this method</span><br /><ul><li>size of pit is fixed and uniformity is maintained, pit size followed here is 2 feet X 1 feet</li><li>only 2 plants are allowed per pit, the rest are removed by thinning out, hence plant density is also maintained</li><li>each pit requires the same amount of water, hence flooding and over watering is not required, saving precious water</li><li>The plant gets more than sufficient space, with plenty of room between pits and hence no plant suffers from want of light and nutrients<br /></li></ul><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/HGWdvqqDIh0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/HGWdvqqDIh0&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0&color1=0x234900&color2=0x4e9e00" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">Video and Data by Pritham D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8675343352264460850.post-43925061940133950572009-12-03T04:38:00.000-08:002009-12-03T04:42:19.671-08:00Pumpkin Plot grown on Terraced Hill<span style="font-weight: bold;">Pumpkin Plot grown on Terraced Hill</span> at <span style="font-style: italic;">Padval Farms, Kinya Mangalore, India</span><br /><br />Video below shows effective utilization of a terraced hillock, where creeper vines are made to grow all along the surface of the hill. Pumpkin' are ready for harvesting.<br /><br /><br /><object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ger4EyAkMYA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/Ger4EyAkMYA&hl=en_US&fs=1&rel=0" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">video and data by Pritham D'Souza</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0