Germplasm collection

Citrus

Total 135 accessions of citrus representing mandarins, sweet oranges, sour  oranges, pummelo, grapefruit, limes and lemons and two related gene Poncirus trifoliata (trifoliate orange) and Fortunella sp. (kumquats) are being maintained in a compact block. Detailed descriptions of these accessions have been made for floral and vegetative characters, fruit quality parameters etc. Extensive research works have been conducted to standardize the rootstocks for Coorg mandarin.

Underutilized fruits

More than 500 collections of underutilized fruits comprising of mangosteen( 16 accessions ), durian (11 accessions), rambutan (150 accessions), avocado ( 32 varieties), passion fruit (25 accessions ) ,   kokum- Garcinia indica l. (46 accessions), Malabar tamarind – Garcinia gummigutta l. ( 56 accessions ), macadamia nut ( 3 accessions) and longan ( 2 accessions ) are being maintained and evaluated for various characteristics.

 

Varietal development: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Promising lines

 

Rambutan

CHES-14: high yielding promising selection. Late variety,  regular bearer. Tree  semi spreading ,flowers  in February and fruits ripen in October- November. Fruit yellow  . Fruit weight-   45- 50 g. Fruits   free stone,   aril  white  free sweet not attached to  testa.  Total soluble solids -18.5 0 b, vitamin c content – 55 mg/100g pulp.  Aril recovery -  55 per cent. Yield – 900 - 1200 fruits/tree

CHES -26

High yielding promising selection. Semi-spreading,  early maturing, medium size tree. Flowers in February.  Fruit dark red coloured. Ripe in September -October . Fruits cling stone, aril  white, thick, juicy and sweet  attached to the testa, fruit weight 35- 40 g each. Aril recovery – 54  per cent. Total soluble solids - 17.5  0 b, vitamin c content- 48 mg/100g pulp, yield- 2000-2500 fruits/tree

 

Pummelo

 

 

CHESK - V-6

Seedling selection from Konkan region. Plants medium bushy, 2-3 m tall, spreading sparse with 2-3 stem. Leaf 6-7 cm long and  4-5 cm wide, green, young leaves red. Each node bears two thorns. Flowers in February – March. Flowers white, fruits round mature between May and July. Fruit weight – 13-15 g, fruit colour- dark red, flesh colour – dark red contains no seeds or very less seed. TSS-  140brix, acidity-  0.44% , vitamin C - 7.30mg/100 g pulp. Yield (4 year old plant) – 1200-1500 fruits per plants.

Avocado

CHES A-1  

 

Malayan apple

 

 

Kokum  (Garcinia indica)

GI-V-8

It is a promising seedling selection with higher fruit weight. The tree has upright growth,   medium sized. The fruits ripe in the months of May -June. The fruit weight ranges between 75 to 85g.  Fruits are dull red colored, 4-5 seeds/fruit, rind dark red, flesh white, 8 segments, juicy and acid sweet, seeds attached to flesh. The rind recovery is 62 per cent. The fruit contains 13.50 brix total soluble solids and 62 mg vitamin - c /100g pulp. The average yield is 300-500 fruits per tree.

GI-VIII-5

It is a high yielding promising seedling selection. The tree is spreading, medium sized. Fruits ripe in the months of May -June. The average fruit weight ranges between 50-60 g. Fruit are dull red in colour, 6- 7 seeds/fruit, rind dark red, flesh white, 8 segments, juicy and acid sweet,  seed attached to flesh. The rind  recovery is 59.5  per cent. The fruit contains 14.10 brix total soluble solids, 64 mg vitamin C per 100 g pulp. The average yield is 1000-1200 fruits per tree.

    

GI-V-4

It is a high yielding promising seedling selection. The trees are spreading type,  medium sized, 3- 4 m height , 4-5 m  tree spread. The fruits ripe in the month of May -June. The fruit weight ranges between  45 to 50g.  Fruits are dull red coloured,  rind dark red, flesh white, 8 segments, juicy and acid sweet,  seed attached to flesh. The rind recovery is 48  per cent. The fruit contains 14.50 brix  total soluble solids  and 36 mg vitamin c /100g pulp. The average yield is 1000-1250 fruits per tree.

Yellow mangosteen ( Beeneke puli)

More than 70 accessions of yellow mangosteen have been collected and are under evaluation for growth and yield. It is a evergreen tree reaching up to 15-20 m height, with straight trunk,  dense, pyramidal crown. The seedling trees have long juvenile period and starts flowering only after 8-10 year. It flowers during April to May and fruits ripen during December- January. The fruit is a subglobose with  prominent beak and turns yellow when ripe. The seeds are embedded in the edible deep  yellow colour pulp. The  fruit weight is varies  100 to 150g. The pulp recovery is 85-90 percent. The fruit are sweet acidic in taste with 10-14 o brix total soluble solids and 1.0% acidity. The fruits contain high amount of xanthones  which are said to reduce cholesterol levels and hardening of the arteries, or atherosclerosis, as well as naturally combat cancer. Yellow mangosteen has the huge potential to be improved as food as well as pharmacologically uses.

 

 

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Updated on 05.03.2014

Production technology for production of Coorg mandarin

Improved production technology for Coorg mandarin was developed .It has five different components. Citrus rootstocks such as Rangpur lime, trifoliate orange, rough lemon should be used for production of buddlings of Coorg mandarin. The application of 600g N, 200g P2O5 and 400 g K2O per tree per year for the healthy budded plants of Coorg mandarin is recommended for optimum growth and productivity. Three to four sprays of  zinc sulphate (0.2%) and magnesium sulphate (0.5%) with lime during new flush period is recommended for  better growth and production. For control of citrus mealy bug, lady bird beetle (Cryptolaemus montrouzieri muls) should be used. Bt and Verticilium lecani can be successfully used for control of citrus butterfly and soft green scale, respectively. Trichoderma harzianum should be used for control of Phytophthora diseases.

Rejuvenation technology for Coorg mandarin

The rejuvenation technology for Coorg mandarin consist application of nutrient through soil and foliar application and control of diseases and pests. The soil  application of  25 kg FYM + 5kg neem cake + 150g Trichoderma harzianum + 400g N, 125g P205 and 275g K20 in two splits (pre- and post-monsoon) + 1 kg dolomite twice (June and October)is recommended. The remaining 220g N, 75g P2O5 and 25 g K2O should be given as 8-10 foliar applications at monthly intervals. Application of zinc sulphate (0.2%), magnesium sulphate (0.5%) calcium chloride/ calcium nitrate(0.5%)  once a month is recommended. Spraying of imidacloprid / monocrotophos at 10 days interval during peak flush periods and at  15 days intervals  during other periods is recommended for control of disease transmitting vectors. Spraying of wettable sulphur (0.3% ) at monthly intervals during post monsoon periods, soil drenching with metalaxyl or mancozeb + metalaxyl (0.2 %)  or potassium phosphonate (0.3 %) and foliar application of 0.2 per cent metalaxyl / phosetyl al / potassium phosphonate four times a year is recommended for disease control.

 

Cropping based technology for improved productivity of Coorg mandarin.

A cropping system trial was established in CHES, Chettalli with Coorg mandarin budded plants ,  coffee and black pepper on Erithrina.  Coorg mandarin seedlings along with coffee and black pepper on Erithrina was grown as check. Long term effect of these treatments on growth, leaf nutrient and soil properties were evaluated. It was found that there was no significant difference in fruit yield of budded plants under different treatments. However, fruit yield of seedling plants were significantly lower than the budded plants. There was no significant effect of these treatments on growth attributes viz. Plant height, stock girth, bud joint girth, scion girth and spread of the Coorg mandarin plants. There was no significant effect of treatments in influencing the concentration of nutrients viz. N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Fe, Cu and Mn in leaf samples of Coorg mandarin plants. The effect of different treatments on measured soil properties viz. pH, organic carbon, exchangeable ca and mg and the concentration of available N, P, K, Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn in soil was not significant.

Standardization of technology for organic production of papaya

Different combinations of organic manures were evaluated for organic cultivation of Coorg honey dew papaya. The yield/tree, fruit weight, and reducing sugar percentage were highest in the plants applied with inorganic fertilizers of 250:250:500 g NPK / plant /year. The results showed that fruit length, fruit girth, pulp thickness, TSS and total sugar were non significant. The plant treated with FYM was on par with recommended dose (250:250:500 g NPK / plant /year).

Development of high density technology for banana

Four banana varieties cv. Grand Naine,  Nendran , Ney Poovan  and Red Banana  and three densities 1.8x1.8m as check, three suckers/hill at a spacing of 1.8 x 3.6m for Grand Naine and 2.0 x 3.0m for Nendran , Ney Poovan  and Red Banana  varieties were planted for yield and other parameters. The yield of all varieties was highest in the planting density (1.8x3.6 m) and 3 x2 m distance with planting of three suckers per hill.

Standardization of shoot tip grafting (STG) technique in Coorg mandarin

 Shoot tip grafting (STG) technique was standardized with optimum size and sources of shoot tips on the success of STG and protocols were optimized.  Rangpur lime rootstock seeds were cultured on standard MS basal media and two weeks-old etiolated seedlings were decapitated and  shoot tip sizes of  Coorg mandarin comprising of meristem with 3 leaf primordia were excised from the actively growing flushes of the plants maintained under net house environment and placed in the triangular cut at the apical end of the decapitated rootstock seedling under in vitro conditions. The highest percentage (51.17) of successful stg plants was obtained when the 3 leaf primordia of 0.5 mm scion was for grafting.  As regards the sources of shoot tips, the highest percentage of successful grafts (42.61) was obtained with those shoot tips excised from net house as compared to the ones from field grown plants (21.68). Success of in vitro shoot tip grafting indicated positive correlation with the size and sources of shoot tips.

Standardization of protocol of production of disease free planting material of Coorg mandarin

The protocol for production of disease free planting material of Coorg mandarin was standardized. Which consist of production of Rangpur lime seedling from nucellar seedlings, use of scion wood from disease free mother plants maintained under insect proof net cum polyhouses and indexing of mother plants and buddlings.

Inter-cultivation in Coorg mandarin

In Coorg region, mandarin is grown as intercrop in coffee plantations. Coorg mandarin in coffee based cropping system with two row of coffee at 2.8m x 2.8m and  one row of Coorg mandarin at 2.8m x 5.5m has been found most profitable .in pure mandarin orchards, inter cultivation with papaya and pineapple were found profitable during the pre-bearing period.

Water management in Coorg mandarin

Water requirement of Coorg mandarin is different in growth and reproductive phases. In order to avoid moisture stress during growth phase, irrigation at 10 days interval from March to end of April is beneficial in sustaining the vigour of plants. However, in the reproductive phase, irrigation should be given as blossom shower either through sprinkler or drip irrigations (18-20 litres of water per day per plant for one week-one acre inch) during March-April and thereafter supportive irrigations to ensure sufficient soil moisture for retention and good growth of fruits. Mulching the basins with dry leaves during summer conserves soil moisture.

To minimize the damages arising from the development of soil-borne diseases, effective drainage is necessary.

Pest Management in Coorg mandarin

Major insect pests included leaf miner, black Citrus aphid, psylla, oriental red mite Eutetranychus oreientalis  and orange shoot borer. Fruit flies and fruit sucking moths were confined to fruiting seasons.

Citrus leaf miner (Chyllocnistis citrella)  showed four population peaks in a year on Coorg mandarin and nine peaks on Rangapur lime. Availability of tender flush seemed to be major governing factor with weather parameters showing no correlation  application of foliar spray of imidacloprid 0.03 % or quinalphos 0.2 % or fenvalerate 0.05 % at the time of appearance of new flush controlled leaf miner. In citrus nursery indoxacarb @ 0.04% was most effective in controlling leaf miner.

Citrus psylla (Diaphorina citri): Maximum number of insects was recorded from March to May with two population peaks with first peak from late March to early May and second in late December coinciding with emergence of new flushes. Natural enemies including general predators like Coccinellid beetles, Syrphids flies and spiders & parasitoids (Tamarixia radiata and Diaphorencyrtus aligharenis) though brought down psyllid population considerably, did not suppress pest to below economical level. Crucial period for chemical intervention was third and last week of October, second to third week of April, fourth to last week of May and third to fourth week of June. Cirtrus psylla could be effectively controlled by spraying thiamethoxam 0.05 % or acetamiprid 0.005% or imidacloprid 0.005% or fenvalerate 0.005%.  Botanical formulations had no effect on psyllids.

 Brown/ black citrus aphid Toxoptera citrida , T. aurantii:  highest number of aphids caught on the yellow sticky traps included Toxoptora citricida followed by, T. aurantii, Apis gossypii and A. spiraecola. Cubical & cylindrical yellow sticky traps were highly efficient in trapping aphids management practices have to be initiated during January, April, June and October for suppressing aphids. Three neo-nicotinoids (thiamethoxam (0.05%) and imidacloprid (0.005%) and acetamiprid (0.005%) were most effective chemicals as against botanical formulations in the management of aphids.

Fruit flies (Bactrocera caryeae /Bactrocera dorsalis) and fruit sucking moths (Otheraea spp):  active during fruiting season. Effective management of fruit flies and fruit sucking moths could by done by erecting methyl eugenol traps @ 4/acre and bait traps respectively during fruiting season.

Management of diseases on Coorg mandarin

Coorg mandarin plants have been affected by a number of fungal, viral and bacterial diseases. The higher infection of these diseases and the other abiotic stresses has created such a situation that it becomes difficult to grow healthy crop in the region with out proper management of these biotic and abiotic stresses. The station has extensively worked on the management of these factors .Among the fungal diseases are Phytophthora root rot, foot rot, stump rot, gummosis leaf and fruit rot, powdery mildew, are important. The research works on epidemiology, management of these diseases through evolving resistant rootstocks, improved cultural practice such higher budding height and chemical and biological control were carried out. A package of practices was recommended for integrated management of Phytophtora infections in Coorg mandarin which includes (a) application of 100-150g of Trichoderma harzianum Culture along with 5kg neem cake per plant (b) Use of Coorg mandarin budded plants raised on Rangpur lime or Cleopatra mandarin root stocks. (c) Avoiding low budding, proper planting in the field maintaining tree trunks free from sprouts (d) application of Wettable Sulphur (0.3% ) at monthly intervals during post monsoon periods, soil drenching with metalaxyl or mancozeb + metalaxyl (0.2 %) or potassium phosphonate (0.3%) and foliar application of 0.2 per cent metalaxyl / phosetyl AL / potassium phosphonate four times a year is recommended for disease control.The disease like powdery mildew can control by the application of Wettable sulphur (0.3%) or Carbendazim (0.1%) or Contaf(0.2%) on new flushes.

Among the virus and virus like diseases associated with the Citrus decline are greening, Tristeza and Psorosis .The citrus black aphid and psylla are the vector responsible for spread of these diseases. The indexing of the trees of the orchards of the region suggests the major role of greening disease in the decline of Coorg mandarin. On the basis of the findings of the trails, some management approaches were suggested for the control of these diseases

Improved Crop Production Technology for Papaya

Spacing of 2.5 x 2.5 m and an application of 250g N and 250g P2O5 and 500g K2O per plant per year in six split doses is recommended for optimum growth and productivity of the variety.

Production technologies of under utilized fruits

The standardization  of rambutan propagation techniques revealed that the approach grafting in the month of March and December gave higher success(upto 75 %)  as compared to T and patch budding and veneer and cleft grafting. Similarly cleft grafting was found most effecting in multiplication of avocado with success of 70- 80 percent compared to T and patch budding and veneer grafting. Cleft grafting was also found for multiplication of grafted passion fruit plants.

Improved Production Technology of Hybrid Passion fruit

Improved Production  Technology  of Hybrid  Passion fruit Includes  planting of rooted or grafted plants in 45 q.cm feet size  pits at 2X3 m spacing on the onset of monsoon. These plants should trained on 2.5 m long poles of iron or wooden poles at erected at 6 m distance with 8 guage wire fixed on the top. The plant should be trained in  two arm kniffin system selected going back of secondary lines to 4-5 nodes ,generally after harvesting of crops during the month of April  and  Nov. -  Dec. A fertilizer dose 90g nitrogen, 50g .of Phosphorus,100 g potassium per plant per year in three split doses is recommended. Drip irrigation is found beneficial for  higher yield and good quality fruit. There is no major pest for passion fruit but brown leaf spot and Fusarium Collar rot, Phytophthora, Leaf blight are major disease of passion fruit. This may be controlled by application of suitable fungicide with proper drainage  system.

Improved production technologies of Pineapple:

In improved production technology of pine apple suckers are planted at higher density ( 53,000 to 63,000 plants / ha). Pre-emergence Weedicide are used for control of weedicide. For inducing flowering, 25 ppm of ethephon with  0.04% Sodium Carbonate should be applied at 40 leaf stages

Vegetable

Vegetable demonstration/ trials conducted during recent years and revealed that almost all vegetable crop grown successfully during Dec. to May with surface or Drip irrigation. IIHR vegetable varieties (Tomato – Arka Rahsak and Arka Samrat , Chlili – Arka Meghana and Arka Kyati, Brinjal – Arka Anandh ,Okra – Arka Anamika , Amaranth – Arka Suguna and Arka Arunima , Palak – Aruna Anupama,Dolichos – Arka Samrat and Arka Samphram, Pumpkin – Arka Suryamuki, Ridge gourd – Arka Sujat, Yard long bean  - Arka Mangala, Radish - Arka Nishanth, and Beans (Arka Snoop)   were found successfully grown in this area.

Flowers

More than 300 varieties of roses, 10 varieties of Hibiscus and many other flowers are maintained at this station. Large number of wild orchids have been collected and maintained at this station. The major includes Dendrobium  crepidatum, Vanda tessellate, Liparis viridiflora, Rhynchostylis retusa, Phoidata pallid, Dendrobium aqueaum, Cymbidium bicolor,Aerides ringens etc.  These collections have been maintained at the station. Some the orchids have potential for potted orchids and now it starts flowering.

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Updated on 04.01.2016

Off season production of litchi in South India for crop diversification and income enhancement of farmers NEW

  TSP activities of CHES,Chettalli in the month of December 2015

• CHES  staff visited Nakoor Shirangala and Heroor on 01.12.2015,8.12.2015 and 14.12.2015 and distributed unbreakable plastic water cans and baskets  and follow activities of  supplied poultry birds and fruit plants. Totally 140 tribal beneficiaries were participated.
• On Campus  Training on Spice crops :50 Tribal beneficiaries from Nakoor Shirangala village under the TSP plan visited Chettalli on 15-12-2015. A Training programme was conducted under the subject spice crops. Dr. Senthil kumar   Principal Scientist & Head explained about the cultivation aspect of Black Pepper, Ginger and Turmeric. The budding method like serpentine method and rooted cuttings planting method has been explained. The basic cultivation method with proper irrigation fertilizer application, spray and pruning also explained to them.The trainees were taken to nursery and cinnamon plots. 

 

• Exposure visit to IIHR,  Hesarghatta  and  KVK,  Hirehalli:25 Tribal beneficiaries of Nakoor Shirangala village were taken to IIHR Bengaluru and KVK Hirehalli for 3 days from 16-12-2015 to 18-12-2015 .The benificiaries were taken to TTC, IIHR Bengaluru. Concerned concerned scientist took them theoretical class and explained the activities of the station. Also the various micro nutrients application to vegetable crops and Banana were also taught to them. Field visits like flower plots, nursery and minor fruit crops plots also demonstrated. The beneficiaries were taken to KVK Hirehalli. The activities of the station is explained and visit to demonstration plots were made.

 

 

Seed and plant multiplication

The station has 4 hectare nursery unit good infrastructure for multiplication of diseases free healthy plants for Coorg mandarins, passion fruits, avocado etc. . The mother plants as well the seedlings and buddlings of Coorg mandarin are maintained under net house for protection against vector transmitted diseases. In addition, budded plants of a rose, China rose and pepper are also being propagated for distribution. Breeder seed of Coorg honey dew papaya are being multiplied to supply to the growers all over India.

Bee-keeping

An apiary was established with the objective of studying the role of bee management practices for increasing productivity of horticultural crops and for increased honey production. All the four species of bees apis dorsata, a. Cerana indica, a. Florea and trygona sp. Are found in the area. More than 50 plant species served as pollen and nectar forage for the bees during the year. Schefflera spp. And bidens pilosa, are very good nectar sources during april to june. The maximum honey flow periods are during April-May and December. Dividing colonies during march with four frame strength was the best in colony building and honey production. An ant proof stand has been developed and popularized. There was sustainable yield increased was observed in most of fruit crops and coffee. 50% of crop yielding was observed in citrus by bee pollination. The station is providing training and technical guidance to the growers of the region on honey bee management.

Trichoderma production

Trichoderma harzianum kodagu isolate was isolated from the soil of Kodagu region by the scientists of CHES, Chettalli. It has been found effective in management of pepper wilt, root rot of Coorg mandarin, rhizome rot of ginger and cardamom. Two applications of Trichoderma one  as pre monsoon and other post monsoon were recommended for management of these diseases. One kg of Trichoderma mixed with 100 kg of fym needs to be applied for disease control at Chettalli it is multiplied on coffee cherry husk and provided to the grower at reasonable costs.

Mushroom spawn production

The spawn of oyster mushroom is being multiplied and supplied to the mushroom growers. Locally available agricultural wastes can be used as substrate. The training of mushroom production is also organized for the growers. Temperature and humidity is highly favourable to grow this mushroom in this region. A small demonstration production unit is functional at the station.

Vermicompost

The station is also maintaining a small demonstration unit of vermicomposting. Where in the decomposable farm produce wastes (banana wastes) can be recycled by using earth worms.

Trainings

This station regularly conducts training on nursery management fruit production technology, Mushroom cultivation, apiculture etc., for the benefits of the local growers.

Field days

This station organized field days of various crops such as Rambutan, Litchi, Avocado etc. at regular intervals for creating awareness among the growers.

Exhibitions

This station regularly organizes exhibitions to show causing all technology of IIHR and CHES at regular interval. This station also participating in exhibition organized by various organization at regular interval.

Important visitors

Publication

Technical bulletins

1. Rambutan: an underutilized fruit crop for tropical humid climates, 2007 (in English and kannada)
2. Improved technology for Coorg mandarin production, 2007
3. Promising lines of underutilized fruits at CHES, Chettalli, 2011
4. Central Horticultural Experiment Station, Chettalli : at a glance, 2011 (In English, Hindi and kannada)
5. Production of quality planting material for Coorg mandarin 2012
6. Gunamattada kodagina kittale sasigala utpadane (In kannada), 2012
7. Mali tarabethi kaipidi (In Kannada) (handbook of gardeners training), 2012

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