Study on comparative performance of natural and organic farming in dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus L.)
Research Type
Departmental Research
Experiment Background
Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.), a herbaceous perennial climbing cactus, widely known as Red Pitaya, has recently drawn much attention among the Indian growers, not only because of its attractive red or pink color and economic value as fruit, but also valued for its high antioxidant potential, vitamins and minerals content. Being a native of Southern Mexico, Guatemala and Costa Rica, dragon fruit was introduced in India during the late `90s and still the area under its cultivation is gradually increasing. Farmers in the Indian states of Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Orissa, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Andaman & Nicobar Islands have already taken up its cultivation, and the estimated total area under Dragon fruit cultivation.
In the present scenario, both the state and central Government is focusing on natural/ organic farming for achieving sustainable productivity, food security as well as food safety. Therefore, it is a need to find out the efficiency of natural and organic farming on crop productivity and soil health in dragon fruit. Keeping above facts in sight, the present experiment is planned.
Experiment Group
Natural Resource Management
Unit Type
(02)EDUCATION UNIT
Unit
(13)ASPEE COLLEGE OF HORTICULTURE (NAVSARI)
Department
(239)Agril. Chem & Soil Science,ACHF,Navsari
BudgetHead
(329/12088/00)329/01/REG/04493
Objective
(1) To compare the effect of organic and natural farming on yield of dragon fruit
(2) To assess the effects of organic and natural farming on soil properties
i) Application of ghan-jivamrut 1.5 kg/pole (2 t/ha), also add 2000 kg FYM/ha (1.5 kg/ pole) in three equal splits i.e. first at mid march, second at mid June and third at mid September and in succeeding year reduced 25% dose of FYM.
ii) Application of Jivamrut 1 lit/pole (1250 lit/ha).
iii) Weed mulching (Whatever weeds comes out from field)
iii) Foliar application of jivamrut (20 lit jivamrut in 200 lit water/ha), starting from April to July at 15 days interval.
i) Application of 6 kg compost/ pole in three equal splits i.e. first at mid march, second at mid June and third at mid September
ii) Gliricidia based formulation (GBF) 1 lit/ pole (1250L/ha).
iii) Foliar application of 2% GBF, starting from April to July at15 days interval
Application of 12 kg compost/pole in three equal splits i.e. first at mid march, second at mid June and third at mid September.
Gliricidia based formulation (GBF) 1 lit/ pole (1250L/ha).
Foliar application of 2% GBF, starting from April to July at15 days interval
Plant protection
Application of Neemastra, brahmastra, agnistra, dasparni ark and sour butter milk if required
Plant protection
Application of Bio-pesticides, botanicals etc. if required