Unit 4: Vegetables and Plantation Crops
Table of Contents
Syllabus Reference: Origin, history, distribution, cultivation and uses of Arecanut and Coconut. Cultivation of Brinjal, Tomato, Coriander. [cite_start]Importance, varieties, climate, soil, etc [cite: 614-615].
1. Plantation Crops
A. Coconut ("Kalpavriksha" - Tree of Heaven)
- Scientific Name: Cocos nucifera (Family: Arecaceae).
- Soil & Climate: Sandy loam soil. Hot and humid coastal climate.
- Propagation: Seed nuts.
- Cultivation: Pits are dug (1m x 1m x 1m). Manuring with NPK is crucial.
- Diseases: Bud Rot, Root Wilt.
B. Arecanut (Betel Nut)
- Scientific Name: Areca catechu (Family: Arecaceae).
- Origin: Malaya/Philippines. Widely grown in Karnataka, Kerala, Assam.
- Cultivation: Needs shade in early stages (Banana often grown as intercrop). Sensitive to water-logging.
- Uses: Masticatory (chewing), Religious rituals.
2. Vegetable Crops
| Crop | Scientific Name | Family | Cultivation Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tomato | Solanum lycopersicum | Solanaceae | Transplanting: Seeds sown in nursery, seedlings transplanted after 4 weeks. Staking required for indeterminate (tall) varieties. |
| Brinjal (Eggplant) | Solanum melongena | Solanaceae | Hardy Crop: Can be grown year-round. Pests: Shoot and Fruit Borer is the major pest. |