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Friday, June 7, 2013

Phase 2 Mango Update & Need to De-weed

Our second phase of Mango (UHD) was planted late last year. The plants have progressed well and so far have been pruned once - in Feb 2013. It is about time for another round of pruning but we are waiting for the temperatures to cool off a bit, after which we would begin the pruning. Lately, the sky is often overcast but we are looking for a few good showers.

While the plants have been growing well so far, we did encounter a few dozen casualties during the peak of summer. I tried evaluating the roots, looking for fungal infections but did not find anything. On showing it to an agronomist, we found that the plants were affected with root rot. It was not immediately clear why this occurred but at this time the consensus is that it is due to pathogens (natural or introduced) in the soil. The recommended prevention is drenching the root zone in Bavistin solution 1g/L + Fytolon (Copper oxychloride) 2g/L. During our replanting, we shall use the solution and hope that the replacements will fare better. Heat could be another reason as well, ambient temperatures in May have been consistently hovering around 40-42 degree Celsius, so you can imagine the temperature on the ground!



Due to regular irrigation and fertigation, we realized that the weeds flourish as well. Managing weeds has been an issue so far. De-weeding using the Rotovator or brush cutter does not effectively eliminate those near the base of the saplings, as seen above. Has anybody used a cost effective and easy method to control/retard weed growth?

16 comments:

  1. oh my God 42 c'how difficult plants to grow. did you provide any shade to these mango plants?

    regarding weeding velvet beans is one option. we used do in our rubber cultivation and it was very cost effective.

    rgds
    rajan mathew
    ahmedabad

    ReplyDelete
  2. "...a cost effective and easy method to control/retard weed growth?"

    Heavy mulching with straw, wood chips, grass clippings, corrugated cardboard, newspapers or a combination of above.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Use Trichoderma Viride ..... this is a best biological control for root related diseases.
    Also try evaluating Azobacter,PSB

    Hari Devarapalli
    http://amruthafarms.blogspot.in/

    ReplyDelete
  4. It is better to use bio degradable coir mulching mat. It costs 18rs/sqmtr.

    Velvet bean NO NO. because the mango plants are too young to sustain creeping act by the velvet beans. Once they are 5 year old. Velvet beans are good option.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thakns. Can you please send me the details of the mfg?
      How often do they need to be replaced ?

      Delete
  5. Have you considered using blackout fabric at the mango plant base? There is a fabric from SRF which is white in color but has a blackout layer prohibiting sunlight.this could result in up to 10 degs at root.also keep out weeds.

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  6. Jon,
    Are you referring to mulching sheets ?

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  7. Hi,

    This is Boopathy from NY (we met this time!at my farm). I am using brush cutter (Stihl)near the trees and weed killer (chemicals from Farm Aid) in other areas.

    Regards
    Boopathy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Mr Boopathy. Do you have a name for the weedicide at FarmAid ? Was it effective ?

      Delete
    2. Mr.Techie,
      Told my manager to contact you and provide the required information. We used weedicide at our Periyakulam farm which was very effective. You can share any information obtained from him in your blog.

      Regards
      Boopathy

      Delete
  8. Yes, he called him yesterday and informed me that Roundup worked well. I will give it a try. Thanks!

    ReplyDelete
  9. Hi

    I have the same problem in my farm for weeds...please suggest

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. We have tried a few different ways with varying degrees of success. You may explore Mulch Films produces by Reliance. I am sure there are other producers in the market as well. Depending on your requirement they may be an effective option. Let us know if you decide to implement it or reason why not..

      http://www.ril.com/downloads/pdf/Reltech_mag_js06.pdf

      Delete
  10. Wood chipper is a must. There are two sellers in India but none of the machines are cost effective compared to their technology or quality. Try importing one from China. The excess mulch produced can be sold. Much can be used directly. Other option is to mix the wood chips to cow dung or sheep manure and allow it to become fertilizer for three to six months. This can be spread to the base of every plant which will help in water conservation efforts, nutrition to the plant, and weed control. Remember, you can always feed banana leaves, Neem leaves and any other green (nitrogen) to the wood chipper to avoid only dried wood chips. Please don't use the chemicals to kill the weeds. Roundup is used normally for a home garden to keep everything look neat and clean or for a 1000 acres agriculture activitiy where manual labour is too expensive.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Great tips regrading Marijuana. You provided the best information which helps us a lot. Thanks for sharing the wonderful information.

    ReplyDelete