c

 Luffaacutangula L.

P




  


 




  

 

 Cucurbitaceae





Luffa is an another cucurbit native to Asia cultivated since ancient times. Luffa can
only be eaten when young as mature fruits become very bitter due to the
development of purgative chemicals. It is an annual climbing herb. Male and
female flowers are formed separately on the same vine. The crop was probably
originated in India and now widely grown throughout the India and tropical Asia.

In Sri Lanka it is one of a popular vegetable. It is well grown in low country dry
zone, intermediate zone as well as wet zone.



   
 
High temperatures (25 - 30 C) are required for reasonable (50%) seed
germination and early growth in c 



. Long days and high temperatures
favored the development of more female flowers than short days and lower
growing temperatures. Luffa can be cultivated up to 500 AMSL. Heavy rain not
suitable for the cultivation.


Luffa needs plenty of moisture while growing. It yields well in warm climates. The
plant prefers deep well drained sandy loam soils, rich in organic matter with a pH
ranging between 6.5 to 7.5. Excessive water can result in poor growth and root
disease. Damping off can be a problem with young seedlings if growing in cool wet
conditions, and fruit rots may cause losses if the fruit are allowed to grow on the
ground.




D
 






’ Long
’ Àvoid in shape
’ Dull dark green in
colour
’ ‰0 ridges.

LA 33
 ’ oblong in Shape
’ About 30 cm long
’ ‰0 ridges
’ Medium green in
colour

Asiri

© 2006 Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (DÀASL), All rights reserved-Developed in association with
Last Modified on - 29/10/2010 powered by 



 Hits on this page - 103443

Ú
ÚÚ Ú
Ú

Dariety fruit Characteristics

’ Long
’ Àvoid in shape
LA 33 ’ Dull dark green in colour
’ V - ‰0 ridges.

’ oblong in Shape
’ About 30 cm long
Asiri ’ ‰0 ridges
’ Medium green in colour

 
 


 Plant following heavy rains.

  Maha = April - May
Yala = Àctober - December
 Start with fresh seed from a quality seed producer, especially if you
plan to sell your sponges. Seeds saved from prior harvests may be
used if you are sure that they were only pollinated from other luffa
gourds. Luffa is a cross pollinate plant and the seed when saved and
planted may not give rise to what you expected. If there are no other
 gourds growing nearby you may be able to save your seed for the next
crop.

 3 Kg/ha
Thousand seed ‰35 g.
weight
   ‰.5 m x ‰.5 m
  Do not require nursery management
 


  ’ Prepare planting holes 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm.
’ Mix 2.25 Kg of organic manure per planting hole with soil and
heap it to about ‰0 cm above ground level.
’ Soaking seeds overnight before sowing promotes early
germination and require less water in the planting hole.
’ Distribute 3 seeds per hole, well spaced and a depth of 2 - 3 cm.
’ Thin to two seedlings per hill two weeks after emergence.
’ Seedlings can also be raised in polyethylene bags and
transplanted in the field, thus avoiding adverse effect caused by
unfavourable weather conditions.
’ Three weeks after germination, train vines on a strong
horizontal trellis about 2 m height.
’ Prune all developing laterals below the trellis level.

Crop Management

Fertilizer application
a  
  
  a

 
 
      

a   
Úasel dressing 75 200 60
Top dressing ‰ (after four 75 - 60
weeks)
Top dressing 2 (after eight 75 - 60
weeks)
The total 225 200 ‰ 0


 ’ Maintain soil moisture at field capacity. Excess moisture is

detrimental to the root system.
’ Mulching during dry months is important to conserve soil
moisture.

  ’ Hand weeding in rows should be done as soon as seedlings

 
appear.
’ Ànly light cultivation is done depending on weed growth. Avoid
deep cultivation because of the shallow root system.

Insects /pests
Pest Damage Management/Control.
symptoms
Root - knot Nematodes Root - knots and 3     

  
 spp. deformation of i. Addition of organic matter such as poultry
root system. manure, and cattle manure.
ii. Crop rotation with cereals, onion and leeks.

 
  

Carbofuran or Úenfuracarb 2.5 g per planting
hole applies at planting.
Aulacophora beetles The leaves show 3     

holes on them and Not available
’ 3

    the active beatles
’ 3



are seen, feeding  
  

’ 3



and moving on Apply following insecticides Trichlorfon 50%
the leaves. 0. - ‰.‰ Kg per ha Carboryl 5% ‰.‰ - ‰.4
Damage is mainly Kg per ha, Endosulfan 35% 2. - 3.5 Kg per
caused by the ha
adult beetles of all
the four species When using the granules work the granules
feeding into the soil to depth of about 2 cm around
extensively on the the base of the vine.
leaves flowers and
fruits. The
seedlings when
attacked
completely
destroyed.
Seedlings are
damaged by grubs
also.
Epilachna beetle Úoth adults and 3     

grubs feed on the Not available.
leaves.
 
  

Apply Trichlorofon 50 % EC ‰340 - ‰ 00 ml
per hectare as a drenching spray at the rate
of 666 - 0 spray mix/ha.
Paddle legged Adults and 3     

bugc  spp. nymphs suck the Not available.
sap from the plant
and the tender  
  

vines die. The Carboryl 5%, WP 30g, ‰0 Li Water.
leaves dry up and
tender fruits
wither and
become
malformed.
Gall fly This is caused by 3     

c
 



the larvae of the Splitting the stem and removing the
gall fly feeding maggots.
 within the stem.
The galled vines  
  

become stunted. Apply Acephate 30% EC 2500
ml/ha,orCarboryl 5% EC 2 Kg/ha or
Profenophos 50% EC ‰500 ml/ha.
When the infestation is seen, commence
spraying. If necessary repeat in ‰4 days.
Fruits fly  The indication of 3     


 
 attack by the pest i. Rake up the soil under the plants to destroy
is rotting of the the pupae.
fruit at all stages. ii. Collect and destroy the rotten fruits.
Damage is caused iii. Úagging fruits with polyethylene covers.
by the maggots
tunneling and  
  

feeding within the Spray Fenthion 50% EC ‰050 - ‰400 ml/ha
fruits causing ‰6ml / ‰0 liter water from the time of
them to rot and flowering. Mix 25g of sugar per litre of spray
drop. mix.
isease control

1. owny mildew (Pseudoperonosporacubensis.)

Symptoms;
i. Angular, yellowish spots appear on leaves which turn brown and shrivel.
ii. A greyish - white mass of spores develops on the under surface of leaves.

Control
i. estroy host plants and wild cucurbits.
ii. Use a recommended fungicide.
000000000000Captan 50% wp - 20g/10 L water
000000000000Mancozeb 80% wp - 20g/10 L water
00000000000 .Propineb 40% wp - 25g/10 L water

2. Powdery mildew (Erysiphecichoracearum)

Symptoms
i. Yellowing of leaves.
ii. White mass of spores occur on both surface of leaves.

Control
i. estroy host plants and wild cucurbits.
ii. Use a recommended fungicide.
0000000000Úittanol 300g/L EC - 10ml / 10 L water
0000000000Chlorothalonil 75% wp - 20g /10 L water
0000000000Shulper 80% wp - 50g / 10 L water
3. Soft rot (Pithium spp.)

Symptoms
 i. A soft watery rot develops on the stem base and fruits close to the soil surface.

Control
i. Avoid excessive moisture.
ii. Provide soil aeration by loosing the soil.
iii. Avoid high humidity.
iv. Use soil and foliar applications of recommended fungicide for control of

Pythium spp.
00000000000Captan 50% wp - 12g / 10 L water
00000000000Thiram 80% wp -14g / 10 L water
00000000000Chlorothalonil 75% - 12g /10 L water

4. Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) - mechanically transmitted.

Symptoms;
i. Green and yellow mottling on leaves.
ii. Curled and wrinkled leaves and stunting of plants.

Control
i. Control the vector (aphids and beetles) with insecticide.
ii. Rogue infected plants.

Harvesting & Post-harvest Technology

Method of harvesting

’ Harvest pods when they reach their maximum length.

’ o not wait until pod filling stage.
’ Harvest when dew disappears in the morning.
’ Use a secatear to separate pods from the plant.
’ Collect harvested pods into a rigid container.

Post harvest treatments

’ Clean for dirt free, but do not wash.

’ Harvested fruits collect to in a container.
’ o not drop on the soil.
’ o not expose to sun.
’ o not heap on the floor.

Storage techniques
Cold storage conditions are 12 0C and 90% RH.
Enclose in sealed low density polyethylene bags before storing at low temperature.

Packaging
Use rigid ventilated plastic crates.
Transporting

’ f produce is packed in plastic crates stock them in Lorries for transport.

’ Use ventilated Lorries.
’ o not use open Lorries.
’ Protect from sun light and rain
’ Careful loading and unloading.

Cost of production
istrict: Matale, 2000 Yala season

Cost of production per hectare (percentage):0

Labour Input Total
Activities cost cost cost
‰. Land preparation and planting .25.44 5.‰2 ‰4.7‰
2. Cultural practices and management 53.5‰ V4. 75.36
3. Harvesting and transporting to the 2‰.05 0 V.V3
market.
Total 47.‰V 52. ‰ ‰00

1. Average yield (ha/Kg) - 6870

2. Production cost per Kg Rs. - 6.68

Source: ata Entry Management Centre, Gannoruwa HOR

Wholesale trading (Rs)0

Season/Year000000 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002
Maximum price in Yala 22.VV ‰ . ‰ 25.44 20.06 2 .V6 2 .55 26.4V
Minimum price in Yala . 0 ‰2.53 ‰5.34 ‰6.70 22.7 ‰ .00 ‰7.05
Maximum price in Maha ‰4.‰7 ‰V. 3 ‰ .52 2‰.23 24.02 26.73 ‰ .35
Minimum price in Maha 7.76 ‰0.V ‰3.‰‰ ‰2.20 ‰3.V4 ‰5.4‰ ‰3.55
Average price in the ‰2.54 ‰5.45 ‰7.70 ‰7.6V 22.40 22. ‰ .46
Year
Source: HART

Retail trading (Rs)0

Season/Year ‰VV6 ‰VV7 ‰VV ‰VVV 2000 200‰ 2002
Maximum price in Yala 42.47 3V.72 46.37 45.3 4 .‰ 50.04 52.V3
Minimum price in Yala 25.46 3‰.3 34.35 35. 40.65 40. V 3V.5‰
Maximum price in Maha 3‰.V3 3V.4‰ 43.6 40.0V 46.0 47.V7 4‰.35
Minimum price in Maha 25. ‰ 2 .45 35 36.46 35.55 3V.V7 3 .0V
Average price in the Year 3‰.‰7 34.44 3V.0‰ 3V.7‰ 42. V 45.V 42.5V
Source: HART
 ocra





Àkra is one of the most popular fruit vegetables grown in Wet, Intermediate and Dry zone
of Sri Lanka. Presently okra is successfully cultivated in the districts of Hambantota,
Kurunagala, Ratnapura and Matala. Also it is expanding in potential districts like
Anuradhapura, Puttalam, Matara, Úadulla and Moneragala.

The total area under okra cultivation is reported to be 7066 ha producing average yield of
5.3 mt/ha thus the total annual okra production in Sri Lanka is 37,330 mt with a percapita
availability of 2.0 kg/ha.

The increase in productivity will be targeted basically due to increase in cultivated extent as
well as increase in unit yield. It is expected that the annual production in year 2005 will
reach ‰00,050 mt , increasing the extent ‰0,005 ha and increasing average yield from 5.5
mt to ‰0 mt/ha.

·  


MI-5 MI-7 Haritha

M
Fruits - light green, medium size, pyramidal elongated, edged (7-V), stem colour - light to
medium anthocyanin pigmentation, upper leaves- deeply lobed, suitable for yala and maha
season except yala in the Dry zone

MI -7
Fruits - yellowish green, medium size, pyramidal, elongated, edged (7-V) ,stem colour -
medium anthocyanin pigmentation upper leaves - shallowly lobed, suitable for yala season
in the Dry zone and both yala and maha season in other regions.

Ô

Fruits - dark green, medium size, pyramidal elongated, edged (5-6) , stem - strong
anthocyanin pigmentation, upper leaves deeply lobed. Suitable for Island wide cultivation,
tolerant to Yellow Dein Mosaic.

 
 


  

The climate is suitable for okra in all agro-climatic regions in the Dry, Intermediate
and Wet zone with the exception of the up county Wet zone. In drier parts of the
up county okra grows well to elevation of about ‰300 m. In Mid county Wet zone
Maha rains may restrict plant growth and adversely effects yields.


Wel-drained soils with a Ph around neutral are most suitable. Water logging should
be avoided

c 

Wet zone
a. Clean the field of weeds
b. Making planting holes 30 x 30 cm and add organic manure at the rate of one
basket for four holes
c. If irrigation facilities are available use the ridge and furrow system

 
a. Plough to a depth of ‰5 -30 cm followed by one harrowing
b. Make planting holes 30 x 30 cm and add organic manure at the rate of one
basket fo four holes
c. Same as wet zone


 4.5 kg seed / ha



 
Àkra is generally planted from late September to early Àctober in maha and April
to early may in yala . Avoid planting during heavy rains.


    
a. Space planting holes at V0 x 60 cm as a monocrop
b. Dibbled 3-4 seeds per holes at depth of ‰-2 cm. Deeper sowing delays
germination
c. Two weeks after sowing, thin to 2 plants /hill . Fill vacancies ‰ week after
sowing

© 2006 Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (DÀASL), All rights reserved-Developed in association with
Last Modified on - 29/10/2010 powered by 



 Hits on this page - 103443
   M
 








General land 06 Ld
preparation
Lay out 25 Ld
Seeding 0V Ld
Weeding 30 Ld
Fertilization ‰0
Pest and disease ‰0
control
Irrigation ‰5
Harvesting 40
Additional 05
Total ‰50 LDs



 

General land 4000.00
preparation
Seed 4.5 Kg 4000.00
Agrochemicals 5000.00
Fertilizer 6000.00
Irrigation fuel 000.00
Total 27,000.00
À  ·200.00
Cost of labour ‰50 x 30,000.00
200
Cost of inputs 27,000.00
Total 57,000.00

·
 

10
/ 
Gate price per kg - Rs ‰0.00
Total income ‰0,000 - Rs ‰00,000.00
x ‰0



100,000,000·
43,000
 © 2006 Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (DÀASL), All rights reserved-Developed in association with
Last Modified on - 29/10/2010 powered by 



 Hits on this page - 103443

M 


 
Úasal - apply the following formulation and rates
Urea - ‰50 kg/ha
TSP - 200 kg/ha
Murite of potash - 75 kg/ha

Top dressing - apply 4 weeks after planting

Urea -‰50 kg/ha
Murate of potash - 75 kg/ha


 
Water daily until germination is complete and 3-4 days intervals thereafter

  

Weed 2 and 4 weeks after emergence and at early flowering. Weeding 4 weeks
after planting should coincide with fertilizer application.


 

· 

  Dysdercuscingulatus
Red-bodied bugs are seen feeding and moving on plants, particularly they crowd
on mature pods and damage seeds
when the pods break open
 Carbaryl 5 % wsp - ‰.‰ kg/ha
Apply insecticide if the damage is serious only

c
 xyleptaderogata
Appearance of conical leaf rolls hanging from the leaves. Green cater pillars is
seen inside the rolls



Collection and destruction of leaf rollsCarbaryl 5 % wsp - ‰.‰ kg/ha

 
 
 
ÿariasvitella

Drooping shoots and fruits with holes



Collection and destruction of larvae, control the pest
Carbaryl 5 % wsp ‰.‰ kg/ha
Endosulfan 35 % EC 560 ml


ÿrysiphecicharacearum 


Scattered white patches appear on the upper surface of leaves and coalesce to
form a powdery coating. Heavily attack leaves dryup and drop off.



Crop rotation
Use a recommended fungicides (Úitertanol, captafol , sulphur, thiophanate methyl

 M M



clearing of leaf margins followed by vein chlorosis
Younger leaves develop yellow veins surrounded by dark and light green patches
Fruits are small, distorted and chlorotic
Affected seedlings are stunted resulting in reduced yields



Remove infected plants
Plant disease free seeds
Control weeds ( eg : ageratiumconyzoides L. Hunlantala in sinhala )
which are altanate hosts for the virus
Adhere to the time of planting, Delay in planting can increase incidence of the
disease.

© 2006 Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka (DÀASL), All rights reserved-Developed in association with
Last Modified on - 29/10/2010 powered by 



 Hits on this page - 103443


 Ô
  
 

 


Under good management ‰0 - ‰5 t /ha.
Harvest can begin in 50-55 days and extended to about ‰00 days Harvest tender
pods
Harvest pods every other day to maintain good table quality Pods for export must
be ‰0 - ‰2 cm long and harvested no oftener than every other day

Chilli
| ntroduction | Recommended varieties | Nursery management | Field establishment | Crop
management | Harvesting and post-harvest technology | Economics and marketing | Printed
materials in pdffromat | Abstracts of research papers


 

Chilli is one of the most important cash crops grown in Sri Lanka. It has become
an essential ingredient in Sri Lankan meals. Percapita consumption of chilli in the
form of dry chilli is estimated 2.32 kg per annum and the national annual
requirement of dry chilli is around 42,634 mt. The annual production of dry chilli is
about ‰ ,6‰6 Mt, therefore, an amount of 3‰,242 Mt is to be imported (Year 2007
figures). Chilli contributes on an average Rs.750 millions to GDP and creates
employment of ‰4 million work days annually. Chilli is extensively grown for dry
chilli production, but part of the crop is harvested as green pods. The average
extent under chilli at present is around ‰4,0 3 ha, of which 2/3 is cultivated in
maha season.

Department of Agriculture has recommended 5 chilli varieties upto now namely

MI-‰, MI-2, KA-2, Arunalu and the recently released variety MI-Hot. The potential
yield of these varieties are 2.5-3.0 t/ha, but the national average yields are as
poor as 0.75-‰.0 t/ha. Such low yields are mainly due to high incidences of pest
and diseases, moisture stress, use of inferior quality seeds, poor crop
management and high input costs. The cost of production of dry chilli under
 present practices exceeds Rs.65/kg of dry chilli.

A large extent under chilli is cultivated in the dry zone especially in north central
province and the intermediate zone. At present, major chilli growing districts are
Anuradhapura, Moneragala, Ampara, Putthalama, Davuniya, Kurunegala,
Hambantota and Mahaweli System H. According to the information received from
the chilli farmers in the dry zone, the biotic stress condition mainly leaf curl
complex (LCC) is the main reason behind the lower extent of cultivation and the
poor yield levels reported in yala season. Water shortage and late water issues in
yala season have caused severe incidence of pest out breaks and consequent crop
losses.



    
 M
 

   1992001

Year Extent (ha) Production Imports

(Mt)x‰000 (Mt)x‰000
‰VV5 305V7 2‰.3 ‰0. 2
‰VV6 260V ‰ .4 V.7V
‰VV7 24‰46 ‰7.V ‰3.27
‰VV 2‰632 ‰5.6 ‰V.2‰
‰VVV 2‰75‰ ‰5.0 20.36
2000 ‰V 32 ‰3.V 23.36
200‰ ‰74‰0 ‰2.4 25. ‰


·  


MI - ‰ MI - 2

KA - 2 Arunalu
MI-HÀT

M1
Pedigree :Myliddy X Tuticorin
Àrigin : ARS, MahaIlluppallama
Year of release : ‰V62

A tall variety with an erect growth habit which attains a height of 75 - ‰00 cm, depending
on the soil type. It is more suitable for cultivation during the maha season in rainfed
uplands, but it is susceptible to leaf curl complex (LCC) and anthracnose, and therefore,
gives comparatively low yields of about ‰000 - 2000 kg ha-‰ of dry chillies. The pods have a
moderate pungency and are green becoming red coloured when ripe. The fruit surface is
weakly wrinkled; the calyx is enveloping and the fruit ends are acute and strongly tapered.

General characteristics
Seed (‰000 seed weight in the 6g
dry stage
Seedling ‰0 - ‰5 days present
Anthocyanin coloration of
hypocotyl
Time to 50% flowering medium
Plant habit tall and stemmed

Stem long
Length of stem from cotyledons
- to first flower
Anthocyanin colouration at present
nodes
Leaf
length medium
Width broad
Colour medium green
Fruit (‰st or 2nd fruit)
Attitude pendulous
Colour before maturity green
Colour at maturity red
Length long (‰0 cm)
Diameter small (‰ cm)
Shape of apex acute and strongly
tapered
Calyx enveloping
Texture of fruit surface weakly wrinkled and
glossy
Shape of longitudinal section narrow, triangular
Shape of cross section round
Mean number of locules/fruit 2
Taste pungent

M2

Pedigree Selection from MI - ‰

Àrigin ARS, MahaIlluppallama

Year of release ‰V73

MI - 2 has short plant stature with a compact, dense canopy having the appearance of a
pruned tea bush. The thin pericarp of the fruits facilitates drying and the pungency of the
fruits is higher than that of MI -‰. This variety does well in all chillie growing areas and can
be successfully grown in both the yala and maha seasons. Flowering starts 75 - 0 days
after sowing and the first harvest can be taken in ‰‰0 - ‰‰5 days after sowing. From a well
managed crop, 6 - 7 picks can be harvested at 7 - ‰0 day intervals up to ‰55 - ‰70 days
after sowing. With supplementary irrigation, the average yield in yala is about 2500 - 3000
kg ha-‰ and in maha about ‰500 - 2000 kg ha-‰ . The variety also has a moderate level of
resistance to the leaf curl complex disease. The pods are dark green in colour, and have
weakly wrinkled surface, and slightly enveloping calyxes. The pods have tapering ends and
acute apices. The ripe pods are red in colour.

General characteristics

Seed (‰000 dried seeds) size medium, 4.5 g

Seedling ‰0 - ‰5 days
Anthocyanin colouration of present
hypocoty :
Time to 50% flowering medium
Plant habit short, bushy
Stem medium
Length of stem from cotyledons
- to first flower
Anthocyanin colouration at nodes present
Leaf
Length short-medium
Width dark green
Colour green
Fruit (‰st or 2nd fruit)
Attitude pendulous

Colour before maturity dark green

Colour at maturity red
Length medium (6 - cm)
Diameter small (‰ cm)
Shape of apex acute tapered
Calyx slightly enveloping

Texture of fruit surface weakly wrinkled and

glossy
Shape of longitudinal section narrow, triangular

Shape of cross section round

Mean number of locules /fruit 2
Taste (when immature) pungent

P32

Pedigree MI - 2 X PC - ‰)
Àrigin RARC, KaradhiyanAru
Year of release ‰VV‰

A variety particularly bred for the eastern region where mosaic and leaf curl diseases
prevent the cultivation of other varieties as MI -‰ and MI - 2. It produces economic yields
under low management practices and occasional water stress.

The variety, later found to be adapted to other chilli growing regions of the dryzone as well
is suited for producing green chillies as much as dry chillies due to its comparatively long
(6- cm) and wide (‰.3 cm) pods. Its thicker (‰.3mm) fruit wall compared with other
varieties, results in a longer drying time. The properly dried chillies have good appearance
when new; however, the colour changes to blackish red within a short period in storage. For
the longer drying time and its susceptibility to the anthracnose disease, KA - 2 is more
suited to growing in the yala season than in the maha season.

At the early stages of growth, the plant characteristics of KA - 2 are difficult to tell from that
of MI 2. Úoth varieties have compact growth habits. However, at maturity KA - 2 produces a
loosely compact uneven canopy with a height of about 40 - 45 cm. The leaves of KA - 2 are
also darker green in colour than of MI - 2.

The average dry chillie yield of KA - 2 under supplementary irrigation is about 2500 - 3000
kg ha-‰ in the yala season and about ‰500 - 2000 kg ha-‰ in the maha season. The variety
has a high level of tolerance to the leaf curl complex disease in the early stages of the crop.

General characteristics
Seed size 4.5 g
Seedling green
Stem colour

Time to flowering (50%) 3 days

Plant habit compact, with loose
canopy
Stem green
Colour
Anthocyanin colouration at present
nodes
Pubescencre absent
Leaf
Length 7.7 cm
Width 2.V cm
Colour green
Flower
Corolla colour white
Fruit (‰st or 2nd fruit)
Position declining
Colour before maturity green
Colour at maturity red
Length - ‰‰ cm
Diameter ‰.3 cm
Shape elongate
Shape at pedicel attachment obtuse
Shape of blossom end pointed
Calys margin intermediate
Cross sectional corrugation slight
Mean number of locules two
Pungency intermediate
Thickness of fruit wall ‰.3 mm (thick)
Days to first harvest
Yala ‰‰5 days
Maha ‰40 days
Reaction to pests
Anthracnose susceptible
Thrips moderately resistant
Yield
Yala (with irrigation) 2500 kg ha-‰
Maha (with irrigation) ‰500 - 2000 kg ha-‰

3  c39
Pedigree MI - 2 X Santaka
Àrigin FCRDI, MahaIlluppallama
Year of release ‰VV6

The chillieArunalu has an erect plant type which reduces the mutual shading of leaves and
allows more light to penetrate through the canopy. The pods which are erect in position
during early stages, decline gradually to an intermediate position at full maturity. The pods
mature 7 - ‰0 days earlier than in MI - 2 and KA - 2, and has a more concentrated fruiting
habit which enables about 5% of the pods to be harvested in 3 - 4 picks. Pods become
bright red and glossy when ripe and highly pungent. The dry chillies have long shelf life of
about V months and the red colour does not change or fade easily as in KA - 2 or MI - 2 in
storage. Arunalu has a moderate level of resistance to the anthracnose and LCC diseases.

It is well adapted to all chillie growing areas and can be grown in both the yala and maha
seasons. Flowering starts at 70 - 75 days after sowing and the first harvest can be obtained
in ‰05 - ‰‰0 days. The average dry pod yields in the yala season under irrigation is about
2500 - 3500 kg ha-‰ and in the maha season under rainfed conditions is about ‰500 - 2000
kg ha-‰. Higher yields can be obtained if grown in the yala season under irrigation with
good management.

General characteristics

Seed size - ‰000 seed weight 5.0 g

Seedling
Hypocotyl colour white
Stem colour green

Time to flowering (50%) 0 days

Plant habit erect, comparatively less
leafy
Stem
Anthocyanin colouration at present
nodes
Pubescencre intermediate
Leaf
Length medium
Width narrow
Colour medium green
Flower
Corolla colour white
Anther colour blue green
Calyx pigmentation abseny
Fruit (‰st or 2nd fruit)
Position erect (upward) and partly
declining at maturity
Colour before maturity dark green
Anthocyanin colouration on absent
fruits
Colour at maturity red
Length medium (about 7 - V cm)
Diameter small (about ‰.0 cm)
Shape elongate
Shape at pedicel attachment obtuse
Shape of blossom end acutely pointed
Calyx margin intermediate
Texture of surface weakly wrinkled, glossy
Cross sectional corrugation slight
Mean number of locules two
Pungency high
Reaction to pests Anthracnose moderately resistant
Thrips moderately resistant
Yield
Yala (irrigated) 2500 - 3500 kg ha-‰
Maha (with irrigation) ‰500 - 2000 kg ha-‰

MÔÀ

Pedigree (ÚL3V x IR) x KA-2

Àrigin FCRDI, MahaIlluppallama
Year of release 2002

This variety does well in all chilli growing areas and can be successfully grown in both the
yala and maha seasons. Flowering starts 0 days after sowing and the first harvest can be
taken in ‰‰0 - ‰‰5 days after sowing. From a well managed crop, 7 - V picks can be
harvested at 7 - ‰0 day intervals up to ‰55 - ‰70 days after sowing. With supplementary
irrigation, the average yield in yala is about 2500 - 3500 kg ha-‰ and in maha about 2000
kg ha-‰ .

The variety also has a moderate level of resistance to the leaf curl complex disease. This
variety shows moderate tolerance to anthracnose disease and field tolerance to other fungal
diseases such as cercospora and choenopora blight. It performs well under rainfed condition
in maha season and ability to grow under low soil moisture condition. Storability and the
quality of dry pods, colour and appearance are also better than that of MI-2 and KA-2.

This variety can be used for both dry and green chilli production. Pods are dark green in
colour, and have weakly wrinkled surface, and slightly enveloping calyxes. The pods have
tapering ends and acute apices. The ripe pods are red in colour.

General characteristics

Seed (‰000 dried seeds) size 5g

Seedling ‰0 - ‰5 days present
Anthocyanin coloration of
hypocotyl
Time to 50% flowering 0 days
Plant habit Intermediate(55-60cm)
Stem
Length of stem from medium
cotyledons
- to first flower
Anthocyanin coloration at nodes present
Leaf
Length medium
Width medium
Colour green
Fruit (‰st or 2nd fruit)
Attitude pendulous
Colour before maturity dark green
Colour at maturity red
Length medium (6 - cm)
Diameter ‰ - ‰.‰5 cm
Shape of apex pointed
Calyx slightly enveloping
Texture of fruit surface weakly wrinkled ,smooth
Shape of longitudinal section narrow, elongated
Shape of cross section round (slightly
corrugated)
Mean number of locules /fruit 2
Taste (when immature) pungent


 M 

To get good results, the cultivation should be started with healthy vigorous plants.
It needs proper nursery management practices. Well drained and fine soil with
sufficient sunlight are essential factors for nursery preparation. About 25-30
nursery beds of ‰mx3m size are required to get chilli seedlings for one hectare of
cultivation. Sterilization of nursery beds should be done before sowing the seeds.

Sterilization can be done ;

1. Úy Úurning
2. Úy Solarization
3. Úy Using Chemicals

Following practices should be done to get healthy seedlings

’ Place the seeds after sterilization of soil- in rows

 ’ Seed treatment is essential to prevent diseases - 0% captan can be use
’ Sow the seeds in rows - spacing ‰0- ‰5 cm between rows at the depth of
‰cm
’ Put mulch on seed bed
’ Daily watering - Germination of seeds take about 7-‰0 days
’ Remove and place the mulch in between rows after seedlings appeared.
’ Put fungicides if the seedlings affected by fungal diseases like, Wilt, foot rot
and damping off
’ Weeding - Hand weeding
’ Hardening the seedlings - Limit water supply 7-‰0 days before planting
’ 35 days old seedlings suitable for planting

ield Establishment
Climate and Soil Requirement
eep, loamy, fertile soils rich in organic matter are preferred by the crop for satisfactory
growth. Also need well drained soils with adequate soil moisture for the growth of the crop.
Chilli grows well in the dry and the intermediate part o the country.
Land Preparation
eep ploughing up to 45cm and rotavating is essential to get good soil tilth. Raised beds,
Ridge & Furrows or sunken beds can be use for transplanting of chilli seedlings. Two rows
beds or ridges are preferred when cultivating under irrigation. rainage factor is essential
when cultivating chilli especially in wet season and also cultivate in paddy fields.
Time of Planting
n Sri Lanka 2 seasons
ry season -Mid March to August North east monsoon - receive low rainfall - need
irrigation.
Cultivation start mid April
Wet Season -Mid September to February - South west monsoon - fare amount of rainfall -
Rainfed cultivation and supplementary irrigation cultivation.
Cultivation start with on seto f the rain - Rainfed early September , November -ecember
with supplementary
rrigation
Planting
Two plants can be plant in one hill
Spacing 45cm X 30cm - Under rainfed (74,000 plants/ha)
60cm X 45cm - Under rrigation(37,000 plants/ha)

M 


3 


Under Irrigation Under rainfed

Stage Urea T.S.P M.À.P Urea T.S.P M.À.P
Úasal (2DÚP) - ‰00 50 - ‰00 50
‰st T.D (2WAP) 65 - - 65 - 50
2nd T.D (4WAP) 5 - - 65 - -
3rd T.D ( WAP) 5 - 50 65 - -
4th T.D (‰2WAP) 5 - - 65 - -


 
Total water requirement for the for ‰50 days is 4 acre feet(‰20 hectare cm)
In early stage of the crop the irrigation interval is 3-4 days. When the crop get
well established it is 5-6 days that also depend on the soil type and the
evapotranspiration of the area. Adequate amount of soil moisture is needed when
flowering and fruiting.

 M 

Nursery - Should be keep weeds free and hand weeding when necessary

Field- Úefore start the land preparation it is advisable to use total weed killer.
Hand weeding can be practiced after planting.


 M 

Diseases

1. Damping off (Úy  




 

and






)
2. Anthracnose (  
  )
3. Leaf spots (

  )
4. Powdery mildew (   
 
)
5. Foot rot (x    )
6. Úacterial wilt
7. Chilli leaf mosaic virus

Control measures
Prepared the nurseries on virgin soil or on sub soil
Sterilization of nurseries
Use of disease free seed material
Field Sanitation
Use of recommended fungicides



Thrips, Mites, Aphids and white flies are the causal agents for chilli leaf curl
Integrated pest management approach is the best way to control chilli leaf curl
complex.
Use of recommended insecticides and apply in the correct stage of the crop.
Leaf eating caterpillars and pod borers-use of recommended insecticides.
 Ô
  
 

 

Ô
 
Well matured green pods can be harvested as green chilli. For the preparation of dry
chilli, the chilli pods should be in fully red condition or more than 0% red stage.Under
well manage situation ‰0-‰2 picks can be harvested as green chilli or 7-V picks as red
chilli stage. Harvested red mature pods should be kept under room temperature for
two days for the development of red colour of partially red pods before expose to
sunlight for drying. Laying material ex: tarpoling , mats or gunny bags should be used
to dry the pods under sunlight. Good quality dry chilli can be produced 5-6 days after
drying under sunlight