Ooty Garlic Cultivation: A Detailed Guide
Garlic (Allium sativum) is an important spice and medicinal crop, widely grown in India. Ooty garlic, which is grown exclusively in hilly areas, is known for its high quality and taste. This crop is not only important in the food industry but is also popular due to its medicinal properties. For Ooty garlic cultivation, it is necessary to know the right techniques, soil management, pest-disease control, and weed management. In this article, we will discuss in detail the entire process of Ooty garlic cultivation, its diseases, pests, weeds and their control measures, so that farmers can be helped in its cultivation.
Field selection and soil preparation
Well-drained loamy or sandy loam soil is best suited for Ooty garlic cultivation. The soil pH level should be between 6.5 and 7.5, as acidic or alkaline soil may affect the growth of garlic. Take the following steps for field preparation:
1. Ploughing: Plough the field 2-3 times deeply to make the soil friable. Tractor or bullock-driven plough can be used for this.
2. Organic manure: Add 15-20 tonnes of well-rotted farmyard manure or vermicompost per hectare. It improves the fertility and structure of the soil.
3. Drainage: Make proper drainage arrangements to avoid water stagnation in the field. Making high ridges helps in drainage.
4. Soil testing: Get the soil tested to know the fertility and nutrient status of the soil.
Seed selection and treatment
Seed quality plays an important role in garlic cultivation. For Ooty garlic, select healthy, disease-free, and medium-sized cloves (4-5 grams). About 4 quintals of seed is required per acre.
Seed Treatment:
Before sowing seed cloves, dip them in a solution of Mancozeb (2.5 g/liter of water) or Carbendazim (1 g/liter of water) for 10-15 minutes. This prevents fungal diseases like Stemphylium blight.
- Use Trichoderma (5 g/kg of seed) for organic treatment.
- Dry the treated cloves in shade so that germination is not affected.
Sowing time and method
Sowing time of Ooty garlic varies according to the region:
- Plains: Mid September to end of October.
- Hilly areas: June-July or October-November.
Sowing method
- Sow garlic cloves in rows 15-20 cm apart and 10-15 cm between plants.
- Plant the cloves at a depth of 2-3 cm, with the pointed end facing upwards.
- Use the ridge and furrow method, which helps in drainage and root development.
- Irrigate lightly after sowing to maintain moisture in the soil.
Irrigation
Garlic crop requires balanced and regular irrigation.
- First irrigation: Lightly irrigate immediately after sowing.
- Further irrigation: Irrigate every 7-10 days depending upon the soil moisture. Light soils require more frequent irrigation and heavy soils less frequent irrigation.
- Avoid waterlogging, as it may cause root rot and fungal diseases.
- Using drip irrigation saves water and provides uniform moisture to the crop.
Manure and Fertilizers
Garlic crop has high nutrient requirements. Use the following fertilizers:
- Organic manure: 15-20 tonnes/hectare of cow dung manure or compost.
- Chemical fertilizers:
- Nitrogen (urea): 60-70 kg/hectare.
- Phosphorus (single super phosphate): 60-80 kg/hectare.
- Potash (muriate of potash): 50-60 kg/hectare.
- Apply half the quantity of nitrogen and full quantity of phosphorus and potash as basal dose at the time of sowing. Apply the remaining nitrogen as top dressing after 30-40 days.
Weed Control
Weeds are harmful to garlic crop, as they compete for nutrients and water. Take the following measures:
- Weeding: First weeding should be done 20-25 days after sowing. Second weeding should be done after 40-50 days.
- Chemical Herbicides
- Pendimethalin: Spray 2-3 days after sowing at the rate of 1-1.5 kg/ha.
- Oxyfluorfen: Use after sowing and before weeds emerge at the rate of 0.25-0.5 kg/ha.
- Quizalofop-ethyl: Use for grassy weeds at the rate of 50-60 g/ha.
- For organic method, use mulching (straw or dry grass), which helps in suppressing weeds.
Pest and disease control
Many pests and diseases can affect the garlic crop. Their timely control is necessary.
Major pests and control:
1. Thrips
- Symptoms: Silver-like spots on leaves, leaves curling.
- Control: Spray imidacloprid (0.3 ml/liter water) or dimethoate (1.5 ml/liter water).
2. Root Maggot:
- Symptoms: Damage to roots, wilting of plants.
- Control: Use chlorpyrifos (2 ml/liter water).
3. Nematodes:
- Symptoms: Knots in roots, stunted growth of plants.
- Control: Use carbofuran (1 kg/hectare) or add neem cake.
Major diseases and control:
1. Purple Blotch :
- Symptoms: Purple-brown spots on leaves.
- Control: Spray Mancozeb (2 g/liter of water) or Copper Oxychloride (3 g/liter of water).
2. Stemphylium Blight :
- Symptoms: Brown-black spots on leaves, wilting of plants.
- Control: Use Dithane-M 45 (2 g/liter of water) or Ridomil MZ (2.5 g/liter of water).
3. Root Rot :
- Symptoms: Root rot, yellowing of plants.
- Control: Use Trichoderma (5 kg/hectare) in the soil or spray Carbendazim (1 g/liter of water).
4. White Rot:
- Symptoms: White fungus, rot on roots and bulbs.
- Control: Use carbendazim (1 g/kg seed) for seed treatment and follow crop rotation.
Harvesting and Storage
Harvest garlic when the leaves turn yellow and 50-60% dry up. This usually happens 120-150 days after sowing.
- Harvesting: Uproot the plants along with the roots and dry them in the shade for 15-20 days.
- Storage: Store garlic in a dry, ventilated, and cool place (4-7°C). Maintain moisture at 65-70% to prevent germination.
- Store the dried garlic in a mesh bag and check it from time to time.
Additional Tips
1. Organic Farming: Use neem cake, biopesticides (such as Trichoderma), and biofertilizers.
2. Local Varieties: Varieties like Ooty-1 and Ooty-2 are suitable for hilly areas.
3. Crop Rotation: Cultivate wheat, maize, or pulses after garlic to maintain soil fertility.
4. Agricultural Experts: Contact local agricultural universities or agriculture department.
Conclusion
Ooty garlic farming is a profitable and sustainable agricultural business. With proper soil management, seed treatment, timely sowing, balanced irrigation, weed and pest control, and proper storage, farmers can get high quality and good yield. Use chemical medicines with caution and expert advice. Ooty garlic farming not only provides economic benefits but also meets the demand in local and global markets.
Note: Consult an expert according to local conditions and soil.
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