UNDERUTILIZED VEGETABLE AND SPICE CROPS

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2 UNDERUTILIZED VEGETABLE AND SPICE CROPS Dr. S. K. Sanwal Scientist (Vegetable Science), ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Umiam, Meghalaya 2008 AGROBIOS (INDIA)

3 Published by: AGROBIOS (INDIA) Agro House, Behind Nasrani Cinema Chopasani Road, Jodhpur Phone: , Fax: E. mail: AGROBIOS (INDIA) All Rights Reserved (2008) All rights reserved. No part of the book or part thereof, including the title of the book, be reprinted in any form or language without the written permission of the author and the publishers. The copyists shall be prosecuted. ISBN No. (10): ISBN No. (13): Rs / US$ Published by: Dr. Updesh Purohit for Agrobios (India), Jodhpur Lasertypeset at: Yashee Computers and Printers, Jodhpur Cover Design by: Reena Printed at: Bharat Printing House, Jodhpur

4 Preface A balanced diet is one which ensures at least a minimum supply of carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. Underutilized vegetables can supply all the food elements needed both qualitatively and quantitatively. Major contribution of vegetables to human health is the large amount of vitamin C and A and folic acid as well as good amount of dietary fibres and minerals. The phytochemicals in vegetables protect the human body from cancers and cardiovascular diseases. Leafy greens are rich source of calcium, phosphorus and iron while leguminous vegetables are rich in protein content. Cucurbitaceous vegetables are very rich in fiber content. Underutilized vegetables and spices have immense potential to contribute location specific food production, as they are well adapted to existing and adverse environmental conditions and generally resistant to pests and diseases. Furthermore, these crops have long been a traditional part of cropping systems, especially in home gardens. Their cultivation, utilization and acceptability should not be a problem. This book comprises 37 under utilized vegetable and spice crops belong to 11 botanical families and present an expanded coverage of fundamental and practical aspects of qualitative vegetables and spices production. Exhausitive information has been given about the composition and potential utilization of different underutilized crops. The first chapter is an introductory while chapter second is of general nature which gives a detailed

5 treatment on definition, importance and strategies for development and conservation of underutilized vegetable and spice crops. I hope the book will find acceptance by researchers, students and industrialists and by all those interested in underutilized vegetable and spice crops. It is further hoped that this book will kindle interest in the minds of the readers and will act as a catalyst for more research on the possible uses and higher production and make them overutilized from underutilized. I acknowledge the help and support of my entire colleague in compilation of this book. Special thanks to Ms. Juri Burigohain and Dr. P. K. Singh (Research Associate) which helped me in typing. I indebted to the members of my family whose help, understanding and consideration sustained me during preparation of this book. S. K. SANWAL

6 Contents 1 Introduction Underutilized Species- Importance and Strategies for Development and Conservation... 6 Why bother about underutilized crops? They can improve nutrition levels They can improve incomes They can improve environmental health... 9 Constraints for the development of underutilized horticultural crops Strategies for the development of underutilized horticultural crops Conservation and research is needed Underutilized Cucurbits: Importance and Strategies for Improvement and Conservation Diversity in cucurbitaceous vegetables in NE region Conservation of diversity Constraints in diversity conservation Chow-Chow Origin and distribution Composition and uses Botanical description... 24

7 Cultivars Climate and soil Cultivation Propagation Manure and fertilizers Trellis Harvesting and yield Diseases Powdery mildew References Sweet Gourd Origin and distribution Composition and uses Botanical description Cultivars Climate and soil Cultivation Propagation Seeds Underground roots Stem cuttings Preparation of basins and pots filling Manuring of established plants Male and female plant ratio Intercultural operations Training Plant growth regulators Harvesting and yield Diseases and insect pests Disease Anthracnose Downy mildew Insect pest Epilachna beetle Fruit fly... 37

8 References Snake Gourd Origin and distribution Composition and uses Botanical description Cultivars Climate and soil Cultivation Seed rate and sowing time Sowing method Manure and fertilizers Trellis Intercultural operations Harvesting and yield Pest and diseases Diseases Powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) Downy mildew (Pseudopernospora cubensis) References Kachari Origin and distribution Composition and uses Botanical description Climate and soil Cultivars AHK AHK Cultivation Sowing Manure and fertilizers Hoeing and weeding Irrigation Harvesting and yield Disease and pest... 52

9 References Fig Leaf Squash or Malabar Gourd Origin and distribution Uses and nutritional value Botanical description Climate and soil Propagation Harvesting and yield References Stuffing Cucumber (Meetha Karela) Origin and distribution Botanical description Composition and uses Cultivation Harvesting References Underutilized Legumes: Importance and Strategies for Improvement and Conservation Need for increased production Strategies for increasing underutilized legume production Genetic enhancement of underutilized legumes Commercialization of underutilized legumes References Jack Bean and Sword Bean Origin and distribution Composition and uses Botanical description Cultivars Climate and soil Cultural practices Seed rate and sowing methods Manure and fertilizers... 73

10 Harvesting and yield Diseases and pest Downy mildew (Phytophthora phaseoli) Pod blight (Diaporthe phaseolorum) References Winged Bean Origin and distribution Composition and uses Botanical description Cultivars Climate and soil Cultivation Seed rate and spacing Manure and fertilizers Harvesting and yield Diseases and pests References Yam Bean Origin and distribution Composition and uses Botanical description Cultivars Climate and soil Cultivation Planting season Planting method Planting material Manure and fertilizers Intercultural operation Irrigation practices Prunning Crop rotation Harvesting and yield Diseases and pests... 86

11 Underutilized Vegetable And Spices Crops Publisher : Agrobios Publishers ISBN : Author : S K Sanwal Type the URL : 9 Get this ebook