Natural Farming

Intercropping | 10 Types, Advantages and Disadvantages

Intercropping is a method of growing more than one crop in the same piece of land during the same crop season. It has many advantages, related to the complementary use of environmental resources by the component crops. This results in an increased and better nutrient recycling in the soil, stable yields, better control of pests and diseases with increased biodiversity.

Definition:

Simply inter cropping can be defined as growing two or more crops simultaneously in the same piece of land. We can observe Crop intensification in terms of both space and time dimensions under the inter-cropping system.

The major benefit of inter cropping is it increases the production per unit area compared to single cropping through the effective use of resources, nutrients including water, and solar energy. Inter-cropping is preferred over sole cropping as a result of superior yield due to the efficient utilization of available resources.

Main Crop or Base Crop:

The base crop is one which grown as a main source of income in between the main crop vacant spaces we will plant intercrop to get extra returns.

Intercrop: It is the growing of a crop in the vacant spaces of another widely grown crop that has a short duration of life cycle mainly grown for getting extra profits or to mitigate the losses during main crop failure.

Different types of intercropping systems:

1. Mixed Intercropping or Mixed Cropping: Growing of two or more crops simultaneously on the same piece of land with no distinct row arrangement

2. Row Intercropping:

It is a kind intercropping where different crops are grown at the same time in the same piece of land with a distinct row arrangement.

3. Patch intercropping:

In this method of intercropping, intercrops are grown in patches in the vacant spaces in the same piece of land.

4. Strip intercropping:

In this method, we will grow more than one crop in strips to allow independent cultivation in the same piece of land.

5. Relay Intercropping:

In relay intercropping intercrops were sown or planted when the main crops reach the maturity but before harvesting of the base crop.

6. Parallel Intercropping:

In this method, both selected intercrop and main crops are with different growing habits. Hence, there will zero competition for the available resources. So, both crops can express their full yield potential.

7. Multi Storied Intercropping:

In multistoried intercropping crops with different height were selected. Mostly this kind of intercropping is adopted in plantation crops.

8. Alley Intercropping:

Alley cropping is a kind of agroforestry system where intercrops are grown in the alleys of trees and hedges etc.

9. Guard Crops:

The main crop is grown in the center, where it is surrounded by hardy or thorny crops. Thus the main crop gets protection with the help of gourd crops.

Guard crops are mainly planted with a view to protecting the main crop. Guard crops are planted around the main crops in such a way to protect the main crop.

10. Trap Crops:

Traps crops like marigold and mustard etc. are intercropped in between the main crop to trap various insect pests.

11. Filler Cropping:

It a method of cropping in which newly established orchards are planted with other filler crops in the juvenile period of the main crop for efficient utilization of space and to earn some extra profits.

12. Mixed Cropping:
It is said to be mixed cropping when two or more crops are grown in the same piece of land. In mixed cropping seeds of different crops are mixed and sown or broadcasted. Mixed cropping is popular in areas prone to natural calamities like drought, frost, etc. Further, though all the crops are sown at same time, they mature at different times. Mixed cropping may cause problems in harvesting and carry out in intercultural operations.

Rules to be followed in the selection of the inter cropping crops

Caution should be ensured while selecting crops with different growth habits, duration, root growth, taxonomical families, etc.

Grow tall-growing crops along with bushy crops.
Select shallow-rooted crops as inter crop in the deep-rooted crop.
Long duration crops should be intercropped with short duration crops.
Grow slow-growing crops in vacant spaces of fast-growing crops.
Selected main crops and inter crops should show a very negligible allelopathic effect.
Need to intercrop non-legumes with intercrops.
Crops selected should be of different families to avoid various pests and diseases

Advantages of intercropping:

Better utilization growth resources like nutrients, light, and moisture.
Mitigate losses where the failure of any one of the component crops occurs.
A farmer can get extra yield from the unit area.
Better utilization of space available with the time dimensions.
We can achieve better weed control by growing intercrops.
Minimizes the chances of soil crust formation.
Mitigate losses where the failure of any one of the component crops occurs.
Inter crops will also soil fertility.
Controls soil erosion.
To some extent, control the pests and diseases of the main crop.
Ecological stability.
Cultivation practices for the major crop will also supplement the requirement of companion crops.
It provides shading and physical support to some crops.
It provides extra income to the farmers.
It provides daily needs for the farmers.
Intercropping will also generate extra employment for agrarian people .

Disadvantages of intercropping:

Sometimes inter crops work as alternate hosts for various pests and diseases.
Differential maturity and sometimes harvesting may become a problem.
It becomes difficult to control various pests and diseases.
Inter cropping is a labor-intensive practice.
Allelopathic effect.
Possibility of problems in carrying out intercultural operations.
Difficulty in mechanization.
There might arise a competition among the component crops.

How to Grow Aloe Vera | In Farms and Indoors

Aloe is fleshy perennial, a shallow-rooted crop with 30 – 60 cm high. Nowadays the demand for aloe vera is increasing day by day owing to its medicinal properties. It is cultivated around the world. There are around 275 species of aloe vera. Of those only few are recommended for cultivation. Long thick, fleshy leaves with spines at margins are the commercial product of Aloe Vera.

Verities:

IC111271

IC111269

IC111280

IC111273

AL – 1

Soil:

Sandy loam to slightly alkaline soils is recommended for aloe vera cultivation. We can find aloe vera in barren lands. So, aloe vera cultivation is possible in a wide range of soils. Aloe vera grows well in marginal and low fertile soils. It does well under soil P. H 8.5. However, avoid soils with poor water drainage and tend to waterlog for aloe vera cultivation.

Climate:

The water requirement of aloe vera is low compared to the other crops. So, it can be grown in arid parts of the world. It can tolerate drought conditions. Temperate regions of the world are not suitable for aloe vera cultivation. Optimum rainfall is 35 – 40 cm to 150 – 200 cm. The temperature of 25 – 40 ̊ is suitable for aloe Vera cultivation.

Land preparation:

Plough the soil 2 – 3 times and remove the weeds and previous season crop residues. Level the land before sowing. Make drainage channels at 15 – 20 ft apart.

Propagation:

aloe vera plant cuttings — *Aloe vera plant from cuttings*

Root suckers and rhizomes are used as propagating material. Use 15 – 18 cm root suckers or rhizomes bits. Place the two-third portion inside the soil. Around 15, 000 cuttings are required to plant aloe vera in one hectare of land.

Spacing:

A spacing of 60 × 60 cm between row to row and plant to plant is followed.

Fertilization:

The application of organic manures will increase the yield. So, apply 8 – 10 tonnes of farmyard manure per hectare land. During last plowing add 35-kilo grams of nitrogen, 70 kilograms of P₂O_5, and 70 kilograms of K₂O per hectare. Apply 35 – 40 kilograms of nitrogen as top dressing. Neem cake application at a rate of 300 – 400-kilo grams per hectare will reduce the termite problem. However, these fertilizer doses will increase or decrease depending upon the soil fertility.

Irrigation:

As aloe vera can tolerate drought conditions, its water requirement is less compared to the other crops. Irrigate the crop immediately after planting. Maintain optimum soil moisture in the field until plants get established. Aloe vera requires around 4 – 6 irrigations per year. Even it is tolerant of drought highly sensitive to water stagnation. So, care should be taken to ensure proper drainage in the field. During the summer season irrigate the crop at every 20 days intervals.

Weeding:

Keep the crop free from weeds as weeds interfere with intercultural operations and reduce the yield. Practice light cultivation. The first weed removal can be done after 30 to 40 days after planting. In aloe vera, around 4 – 5 weedings along with one hoeing per year is required to reduce damages caused by weeds.

Earthing up:

Earthing up needs to be done after weeding by covering the base of the plant with soil.

Pests and diseases of aloe vera:

Pest and disease attack is very less in aloe vera cultivation. However, there is little incidence of termites and leaf spots in some parts of the world. A termite problem can be managed by applying light irrigation. Leaf spot can be controlled by spraying fungicides.

Harvesting

Aloe Vera is a perennial crop. Harvesting lasts up to 4 – 5 years after planting. Leaves can be harvested every three months. Harvest the leaves which are mature enough. First harvesting can be taken after 8 – 10 months after sowing. Commercial yield starts from the second year onwards and lasts up to 5 years. Outer most 3 -4 leaves are harvested by cutting with the help of a sharp knife at the white base. Care should be taken while cutting the leaves without causing any injuries to the leaves and plants. Because these injuries may act as entry points for the various infections. Dry the leaves in the shade properly before processing.

Yield:

On an average basis, aloe vera farmer can get 15 – 20 tonnes of fresh leaves in an area of one acre by adopting good management practices.

Conclusion:

Its cultivation is possible in low fertile and marginal soils. So, the cultivation of aloe vera in such soils provides good returns to the farmer, where he may not be able to grow other crops. In that way aloe vera cultivation is helpful for the farmers in areas prone to drought and with low fertility.

Tips to indoor cultivation of Aloe Vera:

Its cultivation is possible indoors along with field cultivation.
Fill the containers with drainage material, compost, coarse sand, and with little amount of bone meal.
Provide proper drainage holes to the growing containers as aloe is very sensitive waterlogging.
Place these growing containers where they can receive adequate sunshine for their growth and development.
Water the plants lightly at frequent intervals until they established properly.
During rainy season watering is not necessary. But in summer water the plants whenever you find soil dry.
Care should be taken while watering as overwatering may kill the plant permanently.
Clean the drainage holes regularly to ensure better drainage.
Apply organic fertilizers like compost, farmyard manure or household wastage, etc.
Once plants established, it starts producing offshoots; these can be removed and transplanted into new pots.
Remove the loose soil and supplement it with new garden soil if necessary.
We can harvest leaves after 8 – 10 months after planting. We can take one harvesting for every 3 months.
Harvesting of leaves was done by cutting outer 3 – 4 leaves without causing any injury with the help of a sharp knife near the white base.

Also see cultivation of lemon

How to Grow Lemon | Details on Cultivation and Harvesting

Lemon is the most important fruit crop around the world belongs to the family Rutaceae. It is also the most popular fruit of the citrus group. It is a good source of Vitamin – C. It is useful in improving skin quality.

It also improves digestion. Used in preparations of mouth fresheners. Lemon juice is also used in the preparation of juices and beverages etc. drinking lemon juice with honey and water will cause a reduction in weight. It contains 27 % of the protein in it. Lemon also reduces the incidence of heart diseases. As the peels are rich in pectin, they are also used for the preparations of jellies, marmalades, etc.

Details on How to Grow Lemon

Verities:

Eureka

Libson

Plant lemon – 1

Villafranca

Kagzikalan

Climate requirement

Areas which are relatively dry with low moisture content in the air are most suitable for lemon cultivation. Lemon cultivation requires an average rainfall of 750 mm. areas prone to high wind velocity are not suitable for cultivation lemon. High rainfall and high humidity will not favor its cultivation as they cause uneven flowering at uneven times.

Soils selection

Deep red soils with proper drainage are suitable for lemon cultivation. Requires p.h for citrus cultivation is 6.5 – 7.5. soils with high lime content need to be avoided for lemon cultivation. Do not cultivate lemon in soils that are rocky and shallow.

Propagation of lemon

Lemons mainly propagated by seeds, or they are also propagated by budding on trifoliate orange or mandarin lime. Care should be taken while procuring the planting material as the life span of the orchard will be affected.

Planting tips

Dig the pits of 1 × 1× 1 m size before one month of planting and allow the pits to dry for some days. Add 20-kilo grams of farmyard manure, 1-kilo grams of single super phosphate along with 1kilo grams of neem cake for a pit.

Note:

Planting should be done during evening times.

Provide support for the seedlings by staking.

Avoid plating weak, unhealthy and diseased seedlings.

Spacing:

General recommended spacing in citrus fruits is 6 -8 m × 6 – 8 m.

Irrigation

Lack of proper irrigation leads to poor growth and reduced flowering, fruiting. So, proper irrigation should be provided whenever it is necessary. Provide frequent irrigations for plants during the summer season at the juvenile phase. Flowering and fruit development are critical stages for water requirements. Irrigate the crop immediately after fertilizer application. Irrigation through drip will save water, increase the growth of plant and fruit quality.

Inter cultivation

In the early years of crop growth, we can go with intercrops like chickpea, chili, onion, brinjal, and tomato, etc. growing intercrops will decrease the nematode population. Grow green manure crops and plow them during flowering will increase soil fertility.

Fertilization

It is a very important operation in the lemon orchards. Lack of good proper fertilization leads to the attack of different pests and diseases. In lemon 25 % nitrogen should be applied farmyard manure, 25 % should be provided in the form of neem cake, and the remaining 50 % should be applied in the form of chemical fertilizers in two splits the first dose during December – January and second split during June – July. Phosphorous should be applied inform of single super phosphate; potash should be applied in the form of muriatic of potash.

During the first year: 375: 150: 200 grams of N: P: K per plant.

During the second year: 750: 300: 400 grams of N: P: K per plant.

During the third year: 1125: 450: 600 grams of N: P: K per plant.

During the fourth year: 1500: 600: 800 grams of N: P: K per plant.

During the fifth year and after 1500: 600: 800 grams of N: P: K per plant.

Stop irrigation a few days before flowering and apply the recommended dose of fertilizers and irrigate the crop sufficiently.

Flowering regulation

In lemon, there will be flowering round the year. But a major part of flowering occurs in 3 seasons from January to February, June – July, and September to October. We can regulate this flowering and take up the crop in any one season depending upon market demand and pest and disease incidence etc. by adopting crop regulation (water regulation).

In crop regulation, we will stop the irrigation before 1 – 2 months of flowering, and roots were slightly pruned and exposed to the sun. by doing, plants we go into dormancy whenever they met with favorable conditions they start flowering. By adopting crop regulation we can get uniform flowering, high yield, and quality fruits.

Controlling flower and fruit dropping

Fruit and flower dropping may happen due to various reasons like changes in the temperature, high rainfall and chemical changes inside the plants, etc. Avoid plowing during flowering and fruiting in the orchard. Mix Alpha naphthyl acetic acid 1 ml per 4.5 liters of water or 2 – 4 D 1 ml to 100 liters of water and spray during flowering and fruiting when fruits are pea-size will control this problem effectively.

Training:

Training is an important operation in lemon orchards to develop a good canopy structure. Generally, lemons trained as low headed plants. An open leader system is followed in lemons, which can get abundant sunshine.

Pruning:

Pruning is mainly the removal of diseased, dried and extra growth. In lemon, orchards practice light pruning every year to remove the previous season fruiting branches.

Harvesting

In lemon, first, harvesting can be done after 3 – 4 years of planting. Fruits come to maturity after 5 – 6 months after flowering.

Yield:

Yield will depend upon various factors like the type of soil, variety, pest, diseases, and climatic conditions. We can take around 2000 – 5000 fruits from a single lemon tree. Do not keep the harvested fruits under the sun. Harvesting during and after rain is not advisable. Yield varies depending upon the various factors like variety used, climatic conditions and soil fertility, etc.

Storage:

Lemons can be stored for 8 – 12 weeks at 85 – 90 % relative humidity at 7.2 to 8.6 ̊ C.

Major pest and diseases:

Pests:

Leaf minor:

Management:

Employing natural enemies.

Spraying phosphamidon at 1 mi per liter 2 -3 times.

Spraying of NSKE 5 %

Citrus butterfly:

Management:

Spray Nuvan 1 ml per liter.

Hand-picking of larvae.

Employ parasitoids like Trichogramma etc.

Fruit sucking moth:

Management:

Removing of weeds that act as hosts for the insect.

Grow trap crops like a tomato.

Hand-picking and destroying the larvae.

Bagging of fruits with polythene bags reduces the damage of fruit sucking moth.

Thrips:

Management:

Spraying of malathion 0.05 % or carbaryl 0.1 %.

Collect and destroy the affected plant parts.

Termites:

Management:

Apply facial 2 % near the base of trees.

Spray chlorpyriphos 4 ml per liter on the affected branches.

Nematodes:

Management:

Apply 50 grams of carbofuran granules per plant near the base.

Avoid cultivation of tomato, tobacco and brinjal, etc. crops as intercrops.

Apply 15-kilo grams of neem cake or castor cake per plant.

Mites:

Management:

Spraying Dicofal at 2 ml per liter or Propargite 57% 1 ml per liter during once in September, October, and November months.

Diseases:

Canker: The most serious problem in citrus fruits.

Management:

It is mainly controlled by controlling the leaf miner by which it will spread.

Spraying of streptomycin at 500 ppm will provide better control.

Color rot:

Management:

Maintain proper sanitation in the field.

Carry out pruning operations at timely intervals.

Spraying of the Bordeaux mixture will also control collar rot.

Scab:

Management:

Spraying of copper oxychloride along with white oil.

Greening:

Management:

it is mainly propagated by psyllids controlling psyllids by spraying chemicals like Monochrotopus is advisable to control greening in lemons.

Powdery mildew:

Management:

Collection and destruction of affected plant parts.

Two to three Cabendizem sprays at 20 days intervals.

How to Grow Coriander

How to grow ParsleyCoriander (Coriandrum sativum)is an important spice crop that belongs to the family Apiaceae. Coriander is also called Chinese parsley. It is an annual herb. In coriander all parts of the plant are useful. Leaves and grains of coriander are mostly used in preparation of various dishes. Coriander is indispensable part of cooking all over the world. Coriander is rich source of Vitamin – C. It also possesses high medicinal value. In this article we will discuss all the possible aspects of coriander cultivation.

Verities of coriander:

Karan – it is highly resistant to stem gall and wilt disease.

Sadhana – It is resistant to aphids and 70 cm tall. Thrives well under black cotton soils and yield is 1000-1100 kg grains per hectare.

Co-1 – It is a dual-purpose type. Duration110 days. It is tolerant to grain mold.

Co-2 – It is tolerant of drought and high yielding, dual purpose.

Co-3- Duration of this crop is 90 days. It is least susceptible to wilt and mold.

CS-2 – It is a bushy type with a profuse branching habit

CS-287- It is suitable for rainfed conditions.

Soil:

Coriander requires well-drained loamy soils. It performs well at soil pH ranging from 6-8. It does well in soils rich in organic matter. Avoid soils with poor drainage facilities for coriander cultivation.

Climate:

Generally coriander is a warm-season crop. It requires cool and dry climate for its cultivation. It cannot tolerant of frost conditions. The optimum temperature for coriander cultivation is 15-28 ̊ C, and it requires an average rainfall of 75-100 mm. Don’t go through coriander cultivation during hot summer.

Land preparation:

Incorporate 4-5 tonnes of farmyard manure during the preparation of land. Plough the land twice or thrice to get a fine tilth. For an irrigated crop, prepare the beds of convenient size. Remove the weeds, stubbles, and residues of the previous season before plowing the land.

Seed rate:

The seed rate will be different for irrigated and rain-fed crops. Seed treatment with Azospirillum and Triciderma etc. will provide protection from diseases like wilt etc.

8-10 kilograms per hectare – under irrigated conditions

18-20 kilograms per hectare- under Rainfed conditions

Sowing:

Mostly coriander is grown as rabi season crop. However, round the year its cultivation is possible.

Sowing time between June- July and September – October

Germination will occur within 10-15 days after sowing. Breaking seeds into two and Soaking of seeds in water for 8-10 hours before sowing ensures better germination. Germination will not occur when whole seed was sowed.

Spacing:

Recommended spacing for coriander cultivation is20 – 30 cm between rows and 15 cm between plants.

Weed control:

Weeds are a major problem during the initial stages of coriander; protecting the crop at this stage is very important to get higher yields. Spraying of pre-emergence herbicides like pendimethalin at 1.3 to 1.6 kg per acre after mixing with 220 liters of water will provide better protection from weeds. Two to three hand weeding cycles are necessary for better weed control.By controlling weeds effectively we can reap out higher yields.

First weeding should be carried out after 30 days of sowing.

Second sowing should be carried out after 2-3 weeks after sowing.

Irrigation:

First irrigation should be provided immediately after sowing. Subsequent irrigation should be provided at every 7-10 days intervals. Avoid water stagnation in the field. In rainy season irrigation intervals can be prolonged depending upon the moisture content of the soil. Provide irrigation whenever it is necessary and do not let the crop to dry up without irrigating the crop.

Fertilizer application:

Add 10 tonnes of farmyard manure per hectare during the last plowing.

Basal dose: 40 kilograms of N, 40 kilograms of P and 20 kilo grams of P.

Topdressing: 10 kilograms of N per hectare at 30 days after sowing.

Plant protection:

Major Pests and diseases:

Aphids:

Management: spraying of imidacloprid at a rate of 6 ml per 10 liters of water will effectively control aphids.

Powdery mildew:

Management:Foliar spray of wettable sulfur of 1 kilogram per hectare or spraying of Dinocap at 250 ml per hectare controls powdery mildew.

Wilt:wilt is the most serious disease in coriander cultivation.

Management:

It can be controlled by seed treatment with Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 grams per kg seed.

Grain mold: High humidity favors the development of this disease.

Management: Avoid humid conditions during grain development, for this spray carbendazim at 200 grams per hectare to controls this problem.

Harvesting:

For leaf purposes, coriander will be ready for harvesting within 30-40 days after sowing. The whole plant is pulled out, and they were tied into small bundles after cleaning the roots without soil, and for grain purposes, the crop should be harvested when fruits mature enough, and 60-80 % grain turns in to straw yellow color. The crop should be harvested at proper stage as there could be lost in yield losses and also reduction in quality of the product.

Yield

By cultivating coriander in one-hectare, a farmer can get a yield of 6-7 tonnes of leaf yield, 500-600 kilograms of grain yield (irrigated), and 300-400 kilograms of grain yield (under rainfed conditions).

Conclusion:

As demand for coriander leaves and seeds is evergreen in the market, by adopting coriander cultivation, we can bag good returns.

Also read How to grow Parsley.

Uses of coriander:

It contains antioxidants.

Coriander protects the health of heart and brain health.

Improve digestion and promote gut health.

Provide protection to the skin.

Coriander also helps in lowering blood sugar.

It also plays a role in reducing Diarrhea and cough.

How to Grow Parsley | Tips for Commercial Production

How to grow corianderParsley (Petroswlinum hortense) is one of the most important leafy vegetable crops in the western countries of the world. It belongs to the family Umbelliferae. It is mostly grown for its leaves. It is a hardy cool season. It flourishes well under both temperate and tropical conditions.

How to Grow Parsley

There are three types of parsley

Plain leaf

Double curled

Moss Curled

Verities:

Humburg– plants are tall, course, and tough stem, leaves look like celery shoots.

Soils requirements

Well-drained sandy loam soils are most suitable for parsley cultivation. It requires a pH range of 6.0 to 7.0. Parsley yields better under deep soils with rich in organic matter. Avoid soils with a lack of proper drainage facilities.

Climate conditions

The optimum temperature for parsley cultivation is 50-80 ̊ F. parsley requires an optimum temperature of 24 ̊ C for germination. It contains high light requirements compared to the other crops. Parsley is somewhat resistant to cold. The optimum temperature required for the growth of parsley is 15 -18 ̊ C.

Land preparation:

Land should be plowed in such a way to create smooth seedbeds. Better to add organic manures like farmyard manure, etc. for better yields. Prepare the beds of convenient size to facilitate easy intercultural operations. Land should be plowed 1- 2 times to achieve a fine tilth. Remove weeds and stubbles of the previous season before plowing.

Propagation:

Parsley is mainly cultivated by seeds. Seed soaking for 24 hours in water before sowing will ensure quick germination.

Seed rate: 50-100 grams of seeds per acre.

Nursery management:

Prepare 60 inches raised fine seedbed by adding forest soil, leaf mold, and compost. Maintain a spacing of 18 to 22 between beds. After sowing, the seeds in the nursery cover the seeds with soil or leaf mold, etc.

Transplanting:

July is the best time for transplanting. The seedling will be ready for transplanting after two months after sowing. Care should be taken while transplanting to avoid injuries to the tender roots.

Spacing:

Recommended spacing for parsley cultivation is 50 × 50 cm.

Irrigation:

Whenever you find the soil dry, irrigate the soil. Lack of soil moisture will adversely affect the yield. Better to install drip or sprinklers to irrigate the plants. Always keep the soil moist enough. Irrigation should be provided at 15-20 days intervals. Providing proper drainage is essential.

Mulching:

Covering beds with any type of material, either organic or inorganic is called mulching. Mulching conserves soil moisture and hinders the growth of weeds, which in result increases the yield.

Fertilizes:

Fertilizers of different kinds, either organic or inorganic can be used. Pouring tea to parsley plants also shows a beneficial effect on parsley growth and development. Apply farmyard manure of 10 -12 tonnes along with 60: 45: 25 N, P, and K. Apply nitrogen fertilizers in split doses.

Weeding:

Weed management is necessary for parsley cultivation. Growing crops under mulch mostly reduce weed growth by cutting light. Remove the weeds whenever they found in the fields. Generally, 2-3 weeding’s necessary. Various herbicides can also be used for effective weed control.

Pest and disease:

Diseases

Downy mildew

Management:

Spraying of chemicals like Fosetyl-Al, PyraclostrobinMandpropamid, and Potassium Phosphite controls downy mildew effectively.

Damping-off:

Management:

Fludioxonilspary will control damping-off in parsley.

Leaf spots:

Management:

Neem oil sprays are recommended to control leaf spots

Nematodes:

Management:

Sprays of sesame oil or azadirachtin

Pests

Aphids:

Management:

Spraying of cypermethrin, Azadirachtin, or garlic juice extracts works effectively against aphids.

Beetle and weevils:

Management:

Spraying of cypermethrin, Azadirachtin, or garlic juice extracts control beetles and weevils without causing yield losses.

Harvesting:

Plants come to harvest in 90-100 days (direct sown crop). In the case of transplanted crops, it comes to harvesting within 60-70 days after transplanting. It can be harvested when the plant is 6 inches tall. If parsley has to be sold at a fresh market mostly harvesting was done manually. It is better to use scissors to cut the plants near the soil line which in result does not disturb the roots. If we want to take up multiple cuttings leave at least one inch of stem from the ground without cutting.

Yield:

In parsley, we can take around 3-4 cuttings from without a single crop. The average yield involved in parsley cultivation is 5-8 tonnes per hectare.

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