Vegetables and fruits contains Pesticide residues

Vegetables and fruits contains Pesticide residues 1. TomatoThetomatois the edible, often redfruit/berryof thenightshadeSolanum lycopersicum,[1]

HYPERLINK "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato" \l "cite_note-eol-2" [2]commonly known as atomato plant. The species originated in theSouth AmericanAndes[2]and its use as a food originated inMexico, and spread throughout the world following theSpanish colonization of the Americas. Its many varieties are now widely grown, sometimes ingreenhousesin cooler climates.

The tomato is consumed in diverse ways, including raw, as an ingredient in many dishes, sauces,salads, and drinks. While it is botanically a fruit, it is considered avegetablefor culinary purposes (as well as under U.S. customs regulations, seeNix v. Hedden), which has caused some confusion. The fruit is rich inlycopene, which may have beneficial health effects.

The tomato belongs to the nightshade family,Solanaceae.[1]

HYPERLINK "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato" \l "cite_note-NHM-3" [3]The plants typically grow to 13 meters (310ft) in height and have a weak stem that often sprawls over the ground and vines over other plants. It is aperennialin its native habitat, although often grown outdoors in temperate climates as anannual. An average common tomato weighs approximately 100 grams (4oz).[4]

HYPERLINK "https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tomato" \l "cite_note-enzazaden-5" [5]Botanical name : Solanum lycopersicumTomato plants can suffer from insect infestations, including flea beetles, tomato hornworms and other leaf-chewing insects, aphids, whitefly and mites, as well as fungal diseases, such as early blight and powdery mildew. When growing tomatoes, you also have to battle common garden problems with weeds and pesky slugs. Make your own inexpensive organic pesticides to manage and control these tomato-growing challenges.

Chemical usedEndosulfan

Effects of Endosulfan

Endosulfan is one of the most toxic pesticides on the market today, responsible for many fatal pesticide poisoning incidents around the world.[38]Endosulfan is also axenoestrogena synthetic substance that imitates or enhances the effect ofestrogensand it can act as anendocrine disruptor, causing reproductive and developmental damage in both animals and humans. Whether endosulfan cancause canceris debated. With regard to consumers' intake of endosulfan from residues on food, theFood and Agriculture Organization of United Nationshas concluded that long-term exposure from food is unlikely to present a public health concern, but short-term exposure can exceed acutereference doses.[39]Toxicity[edit]Endosulfan is acutelyneurotoxicto bothinsectsandmammals, including humans. The US EPA classifies it as Category I: "Highly Acutely Toxic" based on aLD50value of 30mg/kg for femalerats,[13]while the World Health Organization classifies it as Class II "Moderately Hazardous" based on a rat LD50of 80mg/kg.[40]It is aGABA-gated chloride channelantagonist, and a Ca2+, Mg2+ATPaseinhibitor. Both of theseenzymesare involved in the transfer of nerve impulses. Symptoms of acute poisoning include hyperactivity, tremors, convulsions, lack of coordination, staggering, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, and in severe cases, unconsciousness.[17]Doses as low as 35mg/kg have been documented to cause death in humans,[41]and many cases of sublethal poisoning have resulted in permanent brain damage.[17]Farm workers withchronicendosulfan exposure are at risk of rashes and skin irritation.[13]EPA's acute reference dose for dietary exposure to endosulfan is 0.015mg/kg for adults and 0.0015mg/kg for children. For chronic dietary expsoure, the EPA references doses are 0.006mg/(kgday) and 0.0006mg/(kgday) for adults and children, respectively.[13]Insect and Mite Control

To manage problems with aphids and mites, try a pesticide made with rhubarb leaves. Simply boil rhubarb leaves in water for 20 minutes, and when cool strain into a spray bottle. A mild dishwashing soap can be added as well. For managing leaf-chewing pests, mix up mashed chili peppers, chopped onion and a head of minced garlic. Allow to steep in water for 24 hours before straining and spraying tomato plants. To curb attacks from tomato hornworms and other leaf cutters, make a mash of marigold leaves and flowers, and soak in water for 24 hours. Strain the solids, and add another 1.5 quarts of water plus a pinch of liquid castille soap before spraying. For problems with beetles, caterpillars, whitefly and any soft-bodied insect pest, use a mix of water, cayenne peppers and chopped horseradish root.

Fungal Prevention

Fungal diseases, like powdery mildew, can be prevented using a spray made of baking soda or potassium bicarbonate, horticultural oil and water. If you don't have horticultural oil, citrus oil or molasses makes a good substitute. In addition, milk deters powdery mildew. Mix 1 part of milk to 9 parts of water in a spray bottle for easy application. Cornmeal also can be used to manage fungal infections. Mix 1 cup of cornmeal with 5 gallons of water, strain, and then spray on tomato plants. For warding off early blight, mix 2 tablespoons each of cooking oil, organic baby shampoo and baking soda with 1 gallon of water, and then spray both sides of the leaves for best prevention.

Other Garden Pests

To rid tomato gardens of weeds, try some home remedies. For the first, mix 1 gallon of vinegar with orange oil, molasses and liquid soap. The second option is to add 1 pound of salt to 1 gallon of boiling water. When using these weed killers, make sure they do not come in contact with tomato plants. They cannot discriminate between good plants and weeds. For managing troublesome slugs, add beer to shallow dishes placed low to the ground around tomatoes. Overnight, slugs will crawl in for a drink and drown.

Application Concerns

Always remember that any pesticide -- whether homemade and organic or a commercial chemical product bought from the garden center -- can be dangerous to humans and animals as well as to plants, if not used correctly. Rhubarb leaves, for example, are extremely poisonous and fatal if ingested. Sprays made with hot chili peppers can irritate skin and eyes and should not be inhaled. Oily sprays should not be applied to tomato leaves when in direct sun, or the plants can suffer sun damage. A good rule of thumb is to apply a pesticide to just a small area of the plant first as a test.

Sponsored Links2. BhendiScientific Name : Abelmoschus Esculentus

Family : Malvaceae

Colour : Green to dark green

Common names : Okra, Ladies finger, Okoro, Gumbo, Bhindi (India)

Best Season : Throughout the year

Nutritional Value : 33 kcal, 7.6 g carbohydrate, 2.4 g protein, 70 mg calcium 31 mg vitamin C, 0.32 mg vitamin A, 0.17 mg vitamin B1, 0.21 mg vitamin B2, per 100 g serving.

RECIPES

Okra is a tall growing warm season annual with ornamental value, native to Africa. They are known by different names and comes in a number of varieties which vary in plant size, shape, pod type, colour and the number of spines. Dwarf varieties without spines and with smooth green pods are best for home gardens.

This upright plant grows 3-6 feet or more in height, some African varieties up to 12 feet, with a base stem of 4 inches in diameter.The woody stems bear leaves that are lobed and are generally hairy, some reaching up to 12 inches in length. The flowers are large around 2inches in diameter, yellowish hibiscus like, with red or purple centers which will last only for a day. Each blossom develops a small green pod. The fruits are green to dark green, sometimes yellow to red; long, conical and ridged. Okra contains moderate levels of vitamin A and vitamin C.

Propagation and Planting :Propagation is through seeds. Soak seeds overnight in warm water before sowing to improve germination. Seeds can be sown 1 inch deep in pots or seed trays or directly on the ground 12 to 18 inches apart or three to four seeds per foot, in single rows. Seedlings are ready for transplanting when they reach a height of 10-15cm. Rows should be kept 3 to 5 feet apart. Plants branch out only when they reach a height of 30-40cm.

Okras grow well in warm weather. They should be planted in full sun. The soil for growing okras should be fertile, well drained, high in organic matter with a pH ranging from 6.0 to 6.5. Soil should be well prepared several weeks before planting by adding well rotted manure, compost or any other organic matter and a balanced fertilizer. Lime or dolomite can be added to get the required ph level of the soil.

The soil should be kept moist by regular watering. Water the soil not the plant directly. But the plant does not tolerate excessive moisture. Regular watering and light fertilization occasionally gives better yield. Always water after fertilizing. Okra will start yieldingabout 60 days after planting. Fruits should be picked when they are 3-4 inches long and still tender. They become tough and stringy as they mature.Seeds for the next season can be obtained by not picking some of the pods till they reach the full size. Then dry the pods, shell the seeds and save the seeds in an airtight container.

Problems and Care :Keep the area around the okra plants weed free. Remove weeds and grass close to the plant carefully by hand without damaging the roots. Plants are susceptible to stem rot, so when you must water, soak the soil, not the plant. Yields will increase if plants are watered deeply.To reduce the potential for fruit rot problems, be sure that plants have good air circulation.

Some of the many insect pests which may attack okra are silver leaf whitefly, heliothis, stink bugs, rough bollworm, looper caterpillars and green vegetable bugs. Aphids and mites may also occur on okra crops. Aphids can be washed off with a steady stream of water or sprayed with soap spray. Stink bugs are more difficult to control. These can be hand picked and destroyed. Loopers can be controlled with Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis).

If the pods/ fruits are not picked on time and allowed to mature on the plant, flowering and further production will be reduced. Branch thinning or cutting off branches may be necessary to control dense growth of the plant.

Chemical used and its EffectsThe infested fruits and shoots should be removed regularly and buried deep in the soil. Spraying with quinalphos 25 EC (2 ml/litre of water) or carbaryl (4 g/litre of water) effectively controls the pest. Before spraying all the affected plant parts should be removed.

Four different concentrations of quinalphos and methyl parathion were tested on human peripheral lymphocytes over different time periods, for the analysis of chromosomal aberrations and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs). 2. A significant increase in chromosomal aberrations was observed when cells were treated with quinalphos for 48 and 72 h and a significant increase in SCEs was observed at all the concentrations and over all the time periods. 3. Methyl-parathion did not induce chromosomal aberrations but it did induce SCEs significantly over all time periods

3. Brinjal

Brinjal (Eggplant)

Family: SolanaceaeBotanical Name:Solanum melongina L

Egg plant or brinjal (Solanum melongina) is a hardy plant compared to other vegetables grown in Sri-Lanka. Because of its hardiness, it can be successfully grown in very dry areas under rain-fed conditions or with minimum irrigation facilities. It covers second large extent after curry banana. Egg plant can be kept for more than one year in production by pruning at the end of the harvesting season. The fruit colour varies from pure white to dark purple or black in different varieties.

This crop can be grown through out the year in all Agro-climatic regions except up country-wet zone. Grows well up to an elevation of about 1300m in low country wet zone, Intermediate, up country intermediate and dry zone. Eggplant is tolerant to drought. Well drain, light soils with a pH of 5.5-5.8 are more suitable for the cultivation of brinjal.

Nursery ManagementAs in other solanaeceous crop direct seeding is not practiced due to the small size of the seeds.

Twenty nursery beds of 3x 1 m are required to raised seedlings for 1 ha.. Soils should be worked to a fine tilth. Prepare about 20-leveled raised beds to a height of 15-20cm. Incorporate well decomposed organic matter at the rate of 3-4 kg/m2.

Sterile seedbeds by burning them using straw and paddy husk. Treat seeds with a recommended fungicide such as Captan or Thiram at the rate of 2g/100g of seed. Seed should be planted in beds 10-15 cm apart at the depth of 0.5 to 1 cm and cover with a thin layer of soil. Spread a layer of straw mulch over beds and water daily. Remove the mulch when the germination is complete. Avoid exposure of seedlings to heavy rains and to prolong sunlight. Harden seedlings by exposing them to sunlight and increasing irrigation intervals for one week before planting. Seedlings are ready to transplant after 21 days.

Seed Requirement:250 g/ha (1g of seeds contain 250-300 seeds)

Time of plantingMaha- November and DecemberYala- April to May(Avoid planting during heavy rains)Nursery should be laid one month before planting

Land preparationAvoid field cropped with Solanaceous crops in the previous season to minimize the incidence of Bacterial wilt. Plough the field to a depth of 15-30cm and prepare Planting holes with the dimension of 30 x 30 x 30cm. Incorporate organic matter to the soil at the rate of 6-12t/ha. Level the area and establish drains across slopes to ensure good drainage.

Planting and SpacingOptimum spacing is 90 x 60cm with one plant/hill. Healthy seedlings aged 25 to 30 days with four fully expanded leaves are suitable for transplanting. Transplant in the evening to avoid mid day wilt but ensure that soil moisture is adequate at transplanting.Seedling must be shaded with plant material until they are established

Field EstablishmentSelected field should not have a history of a cultivation of a solanaeceous crop at least 2 seasons. After primary and secondary land preparation level the land and make planting holes at a spacing of 90x60 cm. Addition of organic matter (200-300g/hill) to planting holes facilitate quick establishment of the transplant. Planting can be done in the afternoon to avoid desiccation of seedlings.

Fertilizer application (kg/ha)UREATSPMOP

Basal7532585

Top Dressing-1(1MAP)75------

Top Dressing-2 (2MAP)75---85

Top Dressing-3 (3MAP)75------

Major Disease and Insect PestsDamping off, Bacterial wilt and Foot Rot are the major diseases that affect this crop.Major pests that affect brinjal are Shoot and Fruit Borer (SFB), Mites, Thrips and Hoppers.

Damping OffCausal Agents:Fusarium sppPythium sppPhytopthora sppRhizoctonia spp

Causal agent of this disease is fungus. Symptoms of this disease are rotting the base of the nursery plants and then die off.

Seed treatments will effectively control this disease.Eg: CaptanThiramChlorothalonil

Bacterial wilt

Common disease which affect the production of brinjl is bacterial wilt. There is no chemical control for this disease which said to be the number one diseases for all solanaeceous crops. Cultural practices such as deep drains to facilitate drainage and the use of resistant varieties can be recommended to control the incidence.

Foot rotCausal agent of this disease is a fungus. Symptoms of this disease are similar to that of bacterial wilt. At the collar region of the affected plant lesions are visible. By improving drainage this can be prevented. Redomil as a soil application is very effective in controlling this disease.

Insect PestsShoot and fruit borer

Continuous cultivation of brinjal on a same field and non removal of plant parts of the previous brinjal cultivation aggravate this damage. The symptoms first appear in immature shoots i.e. wilting. Soon after observing wilted shoot remove and destroy them.

The damage after flowering and fruiting can be controlled by using recommended insecticides.

Mites and hoppersRecently these insects seem to cause considerable damage to the crop. Sulphur can be used very effectively to control mites while hoppers can be controlled by using recommended insecticides

HarvestingCan begin harvesting about 75 days after transplanting. Ten to twelve picks at weekly intervals are possible. After a 3 months harvesting period a ratoon crop can be raised if plants are pruned.

YieldYield can be varied with the variety and climatic condition.Main crop - 20-25t/haRatoon crop -7-10t/ha

Harvesting & Post-harvest TechnologyPeak production monthsThe peak cucumber production months during the Maha season are January, February and 1st and 2nd weeks of March and that during the Yala season are April, May, June, July and 1st and 2nd weeks of August (DOA Vegetable Task Force Report).).

Chemical used and its effects:

Brinjal shoot and fruit borer (BSFB),Leucinodes orbonalisis the most serious pest of brinjal, which causes about 67% fruit damage in South East Asia including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Philippines and Thailand. Farmers of Bangladesh usually spray insecticides every day or every alternate day to control this obnoxious pest. The indiscriminate use of insecticides may result in loss of their effectiveness and human health hazards (FAO 2003).

Effects to humansPesticide exposure can cause a range of neurological health effects such as memory loss, loss of coordination, reduced speed of response to stimuli, reduced visual ability, altered or uncontrollable mood and general behavior, and reduced motor skills. These symptoms are often very subtle and may not be recognized by the medical community as a clinical effect. Other possible health effects includeasthma, allergies, and hypersensitivity, and pesticide exposure is also linked withcancer,hormone disruption, and problems with reproduction and fetal development.

4. ChilliesChilliesThe native home of chilli is considered to be Mexico with secondary origin of Gautemala. It is also called as hot pepper, cayenne pepper, sweet pepper etc. Chilli belongs to the genus Capsicum under Solanaceae family. Five species of Capsicum are under cultivation, through number of wild species have been identified recently. In India, only two species viz. Capsicum annum and Capsicum frutescens are known and most of the cultivated varieties belong to the species Capsicum annum. Chilli was introduced in India by the Portugese in Goa in the middle of 17th century and since then it had rapidly spread throguhout the country.

Chilli besides imparting pungency and red colour to the dishes, is a rich source of vitamin A, C and E and assits digestion. Recently Russian scientists have identified Vitamin P in green chillies which is considered to be important as it protects from secondary irradiation injury. The pungency in chillies is due to an alkaloid capsaicin which has high medicinal value. It also prevents the heart diseases by dilating blood vessels. Chilli is an important ingredient in day to day curries, pickles and chatnies. Oleoresins, sauce and essence are prepared from chillies.

Climate and soilChilli requires a warm and humid climate for its best growth and dry weather during the maturation of fruits. Chilli crop comes up well in tropical and sub-tropical regions, but it has -a wide range of adaptability and can withstand heat and moderate cold to some extent. The crop can be grown over a wide range of altitudes from sea level upto nearly 2 100 meters. It is generally a cold weather crop, but can be grown throughout the year under irrigation. Black soils which retain mositure for long periods are suitable for rainfed crop whereas well drained chalka soils, deltaic soils and sandy loams are good under irrigated condition.

Maintenance of buffer zoneIn order to cultivate chillies organically, a buffer zone of 25 to 50 feet is to be left all around from the conventional farm, depending upon the location of the farm. The produce from this buffer zone belt shall not be treated as organic. Chilli can be cultivated organically as an inter or mixed crop provided all the other crops are grown following organic methods. It is desirable to include a leguminous crop in rotation with chilli.

Sources of planting materialFor raising nurseries, seeds of high yielding varieties with tolerance to pests and diseases may be used. They should be carefully selected from certified organic farms or from own seed plot which is raised organically. To start with , chemically untreated seeds from local high yielding varieties could also be used, in the absence of organically produced seeds. Seeds should not be treated with any chemical fungicides or pesticides. However, it is always beneficial to adopt indigenous practices for seed treatment, wherever possible. The seeds may be treated with Trichoderma @ 10 9/kg of seed to prevent incidence of seedling rot in the nursery.

Cultural practicesNormally chilli is grown under rain-fed condition. However, under irrigated condition, care should be taken to avoid using water contaminated with fertilizers, pesticides and fungicides. Irrigation should be done judiciously. Stagnation of water should not be allowed in nursery beds and fields in order to avoid fungal infection. Weeds which attract pests should be allowed to grow in the field to act as trap and removed before flowering.

ManuringOrganic manures such as farmyard manure is applied @ 4 to 5 t./ha. However, it is always advisable to use compost/farmyard manure from own farm rather than from outside the farm. It is desirable to give sheep manure @ 3-5 quintals and neern cake @ 3-4 quitals per hectare at the time of land preparation. Restricted use of permitted mineral fertilizers under organic system can be done depending on requirement, on the basis of soil analysis. Application of soil amendments such as tank silt, basic slag and gypsum is also allowed in a limited manner. Use of bio-fertilizers can also be resorted to the combination with organic inputs.

Plant protectionPestsTo avoid infestation of root grub, only well rotten farmyard manure should be applied in the field. Application of neern cake @ 250 kg/ha. is also advisable for control of root grubs. Change in the agronimic practices to distrub the life cycle of the grub is also found useful. Application of neem seed kernel extract (NSKE 3%) can be done for control of thrips, aphids and mites. Release of larvae of Chrysoperla cornea, a biocontrol agent, once in 15 days is also helpful in controlling thrips and mites. Fruit (pod) borers are the major pests which cause considerable damage to the crop. They can be managed to a certain extent by adoption of biocontrol measures. Restricted instalation of pheromone traps in the field @ 5 nos. per acre helps to monitor the adult moths. Ten days after spotting the moths in the traps, spraying with Nuclear Polyhedrosis Virus (NPV) @ 500 LE (larval equivalent)/ha 4-5 rounds is beneficial to control the early larval stage of the pod borers. The egg mosses of Spocloptera borer can be mechanically collected and destroyed. Trichogramma an egg parasite, may be released two days after appearance of moths. Spraying of neem products like neem oil, neem seed kernel extract and restricted use of Bacillus thuringenisis @ I kg/ha are beneficial. All the shed fruits and inflorescence parts should be collected and destroyed at regular intervals.

DiseasesRot and Die back caused by Colletotrichurn capsici and bacterial wilt are the two major diseases of chillies. Careful seed selection and adoption of phytosanitary measures will check the diseases of chillies. Early removal of affected plants will control the spread of the diseases. Seed treatment with Trichoderma takes care of seedling rot in nursery. Varieties tolerant to diseases should be used wherever the disease is severe. Rouging and clestrutction of affected plants help in checking the mosaic virus.

Harvesting and post harvest operationsHarvesting should be done at the right stage of maturity. Ripe fruits are to be harvested at frequent intervals. Retaining fruits for a long period on the plants causes wrinkles and colour fading. Soon after the harvest, the produce is to heaped or kept in clean gunnies for one day for uniform colour development for the pods. Sun-drying is the common practice in India. The preparation of drying floor differs from tract to tract. Levelled and compacted floor is to be made for drying. Fruits are spread on drying yards in layers of 81 Ocm. From the fifth day onwards, the produce is inverted on alternate days so that the pods in the lower layers are brought up to ensure quick and uniform drying. To avoid microbial activity and aflatoxin production, moisture in the dried pods should be brought down to 10%.

Since the produce is exposed to sun for 10-15 days on the open yards, it is likely to get contaminated with foreign matter. This also results in poor colour for the product due to bleaching effect of the sun rays. The produce can be dried within a period of 18 hours using air blown drier keeping temperature at 44-460C. This method not only saves time, avoids the drying operations for 10-15 days but also imparts deep red colour and glossy texture to the fruits. Solar drier and tray drier can be used. While drying, the produce can be covered with polythene sheets during night time to avoid dew deposition and resultant colour fading.

Grading is to be done to remove defective and discoloured pods. Packing is done in gunny bags, or jute boras. Chillies should be properly stored to avoid infestation of pests. It is preferable to store dried chilli in refrigerated condition (cold storage) to retain colour.

Pesticide on Aphids:

Systemic insecticides are also available for aphid management, primarily for woody ornamentals. These materials, including imidacloprid, are very effective and are especially useful for serious infestations of aphids such as the woolly hackberry aphid, which is often not effectively controlled by biological control or less toxic insecticides. Imidacloprid can have negative impacts on predators, parasitoids, and pollinators, so its use should be avoided where soaps and oils will provide adequate control. To protect pollinators, don't apply imidacloprid or other systemic insecticides to plants in bloom or prior to bloom.Impact on Humans:

Imidacloprid and its nitrosoimine metabolite (WAK 3839) have been well studied in rats, mice and dogs. In mammals, the primary effects following acute high-dose oral exposure to imidacloprid are mortality, transient cholinergic effects (dizziness, apathy, locomotor effects, labored breathing) and transient growth retardation. Exposure to high doses may be associated with degenerative changes in the testes, thymus, bone marrow and pancreas. Cardiovascular and hematological effects have also been observed at higher doses. The primary effects of longer term, lower-dose exposure to imidacloprid are on the liver, thyroid, and body weight (reduction). Low- to mid-dose oral exposures have been associated with reproductive toxicity, developmental retardation and neurobehavioral deficits in rats and rabbits. Imidacloprid is neither carcinogenic in laboratory animals nor mutagenic in standard laboratory assays.[43]No studies have been published involving human subjects chronically exposed to imidacloprid. Effects of imidacloprid on human health and the environment depend on how much imidacloprid is present and the length and frequency of exposure. Effects also depend on the health of a person and/or certain environmental factors.[44]A study conducted intissue cultureofneuronsharvested from newborn rats showed that Imidacloprid and acetamiprid, another neonicotinoid, excited the neurons in a way similar tonicotine, so the effects of neonicotinoids on developing mammalian brains might be similar to the adverse effects of nicotine.[45]5. Cabbage

Introduction

Cabbage is one of the most popular winter vegetables grown in India. It is cultivated in 0.245 M ha with the total production of 5.617 M mt and average productivity of 22.9 mt/ha. The major cabbage producing states are Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Maharashtra and Karnataka. Among these states West Bengal contributes 1.929 M mt of cabbage from 65,000 ha area with an average productivity of 29.6 mt/ha. Cabbage is used as salad, boiled vegetable and dehydrated vegetable as well as in cooked curries and pickles. Cabbage is rich in minerals and vitamins A, B1, B2 and C.

Crop varieties

Cabbage (Brassica oleracea L. var. capitata) belongs to the family Cruciferae. Advance technology in cabbage production utilizes hybrid verities like Green express, Green Boy and other verities are Pusa Mukta, Pride of India, Pusa Drum Head, Hari Ram Gole etc.

Conventional practices

Generally farmers grow locally available varieties and adopt check basin or furrow method of irrigation. Standard practices of nutrient and plant protection measures are rarely adopted.

Suitable agro climatic conditions

The cabbage plants thrive in a well relatively cool moist climate. In the plains it is grown mainly as a winter crop, whereas in the hills it is grown as a spring and early summer crop.

Suitable soils

Sandy loam soil is generally considered most suitable for an early maturing crop, but where higher yield is the main criterion, clay loam or silt loam soil is more suitable. It does not grow well in highly acidic soils. The optimum pH range for cabbage is between 5.5 and 6.5.

Preparation of land

The field should be deep (20-25 cm) ploughed with soil turning ploughs. Thereafter, two to three cross harrowing is done to make soil friable and loose. One or two plankings are also needed to make the surface smooth and level.

Soil sterilization

The sterilization of the soil can be achieved by both physical and chemical means. Physical control measures include treatments with steam and solar energy. Chemical control methods include treatments with herbicides and fumigants. Soil sterilization can also be achieved by using transparent plastic mulch film, which is termed as soil solarization. During soil solarization, the incoming solar radiation penetrates the transparent plastic film and is absorbed in the soil. The absorbed radiation converts into heat energy, which raises the soil temperature and kills many soil-borne organisms including plant pathogens and pests.

Planting

The seeds are sown in raised nursery beds. They are sown in August-September for the early crop and in September-October for the late crop. The seed rate is 500 g/ha for the early crop and 375 g/ha for the late crop. Poly house may be used for providing favourable climate for the germination of seeds and seedlings raising. Four to six weeks old seedlings are used for transplantation. Generally, a spacing of 45 cm x 45 cm is kept for the early varieties and 60 cm x 45 cm for the late varieties.

Drip system requirement

Area :1 ha, Planting geometry: 60cm x 45cm.

Variable items :75 mm ? PVC/HDPE pipe-54 m, 75 mm ? PVC/HDPE pipe-102 m, 12mm ? LLDPE Lateral-8400 m, Online dripper (2 l/h)-7437 Nos., Control valve-2 Nos., Flush valve-2 Nos. and Tees/bends-1 No., Accessories.

Fixed items :Screen filter (15m3/ h)-1 No., Bypass assembly-1 No., Fertilizer applicator-1 No., Accessories.

Irrigation scheduling

Cabbage requires continuous availability of moisture in soil. Heavy irrigation should however be avoided when heads have formed. Irrigation after long dry spells causes bursting of heads. Drip irrigation is the most suitable method of irrigation, which provides uniform supply of water. The estimated daily irrigation water requirement of cabbage crop is 4.66 l/4plants during early stage and 6.62 l/4plants during peak growth stage. Daily irrigation or on alternate days with On-line type of drippers is preferred.

Advantages of drip irrigation

Saves water

Enhances plant growth and yield

Saves energy and labour

Most suited for soils having low water holding capacity on undulating terrain

Reduces weed growth

Improves fertilizer application efficiency

Improves quality of produce

Reduces salt concentration in the root zone

Application of fertilizers

Cabbage is a shallow rooted crop with high nutrients requirement. For the best results 20-25 t/ha of FYM is incorporated in the soil about three week before transplanting. N, P and K fertilizers are applied respectively @ 100 kg N, 125 kg P and 150 kg K per hectare before transplanting. Three to four split doses of liquid nitrogen (100 kg N/ha) should be applied through drip irrigation after 5-6 weeks of transplanting.

Weed control

Shallow hoeing should be done for weed control. Black plastic mulch is also effective in restricting weed population.

Plant protection

The control measures for insects, pests and diseases depend upon type and intensity of problem. The control measures for the main pests and diseases are stated below.

Cabbage Maggot: It attacks on the young rootlets and on the main root, causing wilting of plants. Application of Calomelis suspension has been prescribed as a control measure.

Damping off: It is common disease in the nursery-beds of the early cabbage. It is controlled by soil solarization using transparent plastic film or by drenching the nursery beds with fungicide 3-4 weeks prior to sowing of seeds.

Downy Mildew: It is characterized by the appearance of purplish-brown spots on the underside of the leaves. The causal organism is an obligate parasite present in soil. Sanitation and crop rotation help reduce the infection of Downy Mildew.

Harvesting, yield and quality control

Cabbage is harvested when the head is of suitable size, firm but tender. The average yield of cabbage varies from 100 to 115 t/ha under drip irrigation with plastic mulch. In attaining quality of cabbage grading should be done according to the size and quality as per the standards laid down by the Indian Standards Institution.

Post harvest handling and storage

The best storage temperature is 00 C at 90 to 95 per cent relative humidity.

Cost economics

Area :1 ha, Planting geometry 60 cm x 45 cm

Fixed cost of drip system : Rs. 89,986

Rate of interest : 10.5%

Life of drip system : 7.5 years

Annual cost of drip System : Rs. 12,939

Expected yield : 112 t/ha

Cost of cultivation : Rs. 11,500

Expected Benefit Cost ratio : 6.0

Cabbage Looper

Watch for cabbage loopers particularly on the undersides of leaves along leaf margins, but they can be found anywhere on the plant.

The larvae are light green in color with a pale white stripe along each side and two thin white stripes down the back. The body tapers toward the head.

There are three pairs of slender legs near the head and two pair of club-shaped prolegs toward the other end. When mature, the larvae reach 1-1/2 inches in length. The ridged, white, round eggs are usually laid singly on the underside of the outer leaves. The pupae are brown, about 3/4 inch long and wrapped in a delicate cocoon of white tangled threads. The adult moth is a mottled, grayish-brown moth with a 1-1/2 inch wing span and a small silvery spot resembling a sock in the middle of each front wing.

Chemicals used

INDOXACARB

Effects

Indoxacarb insecticide is formulated as 30% active water-soluble granule. The oral LD50[1] is 1800 mg/kg and dermal LD50[1] is >5000 mg/kg. It affects insects by either direct exposure of spray droplets or through ingestion of treated foliage and fruit. Once absorbed, it kills the organism by blocking the flow of sodium ions.[1,4] This results in impaired nerve function, cessation of feeding, paralysis and death in insects.

Methemoglobin[7] (MetHb) is generated by the oxidation of haem iron moieties to the ferric state causing characteristic bluish brown colour resembling cyanosis. MetHb has such a high affinity to O2that virtually no O2is delivered to tissues and the O2dissociation curve is shifted towards left. Methemoglobinaemia[5] should be suspected in patients with hypoxic symptoms who appear cyanotic, though PaO2levels on ABG analysis are sufficiently high to fully saturate the haemoglobin. The characteristic chocolate brown appearance of freshly drawn blood can be a critical clue.[3] The SpO2value around 85% is because of the typical light absorbance spectra[8] of MetHb. Normally MetHb levels[3,57] are less than 1%. The cyanosis[3,57] usually manifests at a level of 15% and treatment is warranted[3,57] at levels above 30% while levels >60% are considered to be lethal.[3,57]

Methemoglobinaemia is treated with methylene blue, 12 mg/kg, administered slowly. If cyanosis persists, the dose may be repeated at an hourly interval to a maximum[5] of 7 mg/kg/day. The maintenance dose[5] of methylene blue is 1 mg/kg twice or three times a day. Other supportive measures include the administration of vitamin C and correction of the metabolic abnormalities.

In our patient, methemoglobinaemia had occurred following the ingestion of indoxacarb insecticide which was identified and treated on the basis of clinical suspicion and ABG analysis. Further literature research revealed a similar case report[9] published in year 2008 in IJCCM.

Therefore, it can be substantiated that indoxacarb, an oxidiazine insecticide, also manifests its toxicity in humans in the form of methemoglobinaemia. As in our patient, it could be successfully managed with intravenous methylene blue and other supportive and symptomatic treatment. As indoxacarb is a commonly used insecticide, the clinicians working in ICUs should be able to recognise and manage it.

6. CauliflowerIntroduction

Cauliflower is one of the most important winter vegetables of India. India produces 4.694 M mt of Cauliflower per year from 0.256 M ha area with an average productivity of about 18.3 mt/ha. In West Bengal, the area under cauliflower is 57,000 ha with total production of 1.670 M mt and average productivity of 29.3 mt/ha. The major cauliflower producing states are Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Orissa, West Bengal, Assam, Haryana and Maharashtra. Advance technology for cauliflowers cultivation is use of Hybrid seeds and drip irrigation. In the plains, it is available from September to May. It is consumed as a vegetable in curries, soups and pickles.

Crop varieties

The cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. var. botrytis) plant belongs to the family Cruciferae. Its varieties are very responsive to temperature and photoperiod. It is therefore, very important to sow the appropriate variety at right time. Early varieties if sown late produce button head and late varieties if sown early will go on giving leafy growth and will produce curds very late. Pusa Katki and Pusa Deepali are early varieties whereas Pusa Subhra, Pant Subhra are cultivated as mid-season varieties. The late varieties are Dania, Pusa Snow-ball and Indam 19.

Conventional practices

The conventional method of cultivation is practised with locally available varieties and surface flood method of irrigation without proper fertilizers and plant protection measures.

Suitable agro climatic conditions

Cauliflower produces the best curds in a cool and slightly moist climate. The optimum monthly average temperature is in the range of 15 to 200 C, with the average maximum and minimum temperature of 250 C and 80 C respectively. The early varieties require higher temperatures and longer day lengths.

Suitable soils

When other conditions are favourable, cauliflower can be grown on any good soil, but a fairly deep loamy soil is most desirable. It is sensitive to high acidity. The optimum soil pH for maximum production is 5.5-.6.

Preparation of land

The field should be once ploughed deep (20-25 cm) with soil turning plough. Thereafter, 2 to 3 cross-harrowing or 4 to 5 times ploughing with the deshi plough should be done. One or two plankings are also needed to make the surface smooth and level.

Soil sterilization

The sterilization of the soil can be achieved by both physical and chemical means. Physical control measures include treatments with steam and solar energy. Chemical control methods include treatments with herbicides and fumigants. Soil sterilization can also be achieved by using transparent plastic mulch film, which is termed as soil solarization. During soil solarization, the incoming solar radiation penetrates the transparent plastic film and is absorbed in the soil. The absorbed radiation converts into heat energy, which raises the soil temperature and kills many soil-borne organisms including plant pathogens and pests.

Planting

The seeds of Cauliflower are sown in raised nursery-beds of sterilized soil. For early season crop the seeds should be treated with some mercurial fungicide to save the young seedlings from damping off. The sowing of seeds is done in May-June for early season, July-August for midseason and September-October for late season varieties. The seed rate is 600 to 750 g/ha for early varieties and 375 to 400 g/ha for late varieties. Polyhouse may be utilized to provide favourable climate for germination of seeds and protection of seedlings from adverse weather condition. Four to six weeks old seedlings are transplanted in the field. A row to row and plant to plant spacing of 45 cm is kept for the early varieties. However, for the late varieties, the row to row spacing is increased to 60 cm

Drip system requirement

Area : 1 ha, Planting geometry: 60cm x 45cm

Variable items :75 mm F PVC/HDPE pipe-54 m, 75 mm F PVC/HDPE pipe-102 m, 12 mm F LLDPE Lateral-8400 m, Online drippers (2 l/h)- 7437 Nos., Control valve-2 Nos., Flush valve-2 Nos., Tees/bends -1 No., Accessories.

Fixed items :Screen filter (15m3/ h)-1 No., Bypass assembly-1 No., Fertilizer applicator-1 No., Accessories.

Irrigation scheduling

Cauliflower is a shallow-rooted crop. Its roots are confined to 45 to 60 cm soil depth. Drip irrigation is the most suitable irrigation method for uniform head size and high quality produce. The estimated daily irrigation water requirement is 2.96 l/d/4plants at early stage and 5.41 l/d/4plants at the development stage.

Advantages of drip irrigation

Saves water by 35 to 40 %

Enhances plant growth, and increases yield by 45 to 50 %

Efficient and economic use of fertilizers results better quality of heads of cauliflower

Increases water use efficiency

Reduces weed growth

Reduces salt concentration in the root zone

Application of fertilizers

25 tonnes of FYM along with N, P, K fertilizers @ 60 kg N, 80 kg P2O5, and 40 kg K2O per hectare should be applied before transplanting of cauliflower seedlings. Fertigation of nitrogen through drip in 4 to 5 split doses produces better yield.

Weed control

Frequent shallow hoeing is generally practised for the control of weeds. Black plastic mulch is another effective method to control weeds, because it prevents light and restricts favorable conditions for the growth and germination of weeds.

Plant protection

The control measures for insects, pests and diseases depend upon type and intensity of the problems. The control measures for the main pests and diseases are described below.

Cabbage Maggot :It attacks on the young rootlets and main root and causes wilting of plants. Application of suspension of Calomelis has been recommended as a control measure.

Damping off :It is a common disease in the nursery-beds of the early cauliflower. It is controlled by soil solarization using transparent plastic film or drenching the nursery beds with fungicide 3 to 4 weeks before sowing of seeds.

Downy Mildew :It is characterized by the appearance of purplish-brown spots on the lower side of the leaves. The causal organism is an obligate parasite, which is present in the soil. Sanitation and crop rotation help in reducing the infection of Downy mildew.

Harvesting, yield and quality control

Cauliflower is harvested when its curds attain a proper size and before they begin to discolour. The yield of cauliflower varies from 20 to 40 t/ha in early season to about 50 t/ha during mid season. The yield can be further enhanced using precision method of irrigation, nutrient application and plant protection.

Post harvest handling and storage

Cauliflower with leaves attached can be stored for 30 days at 00 C temperature and 85 to 90 per cent relative humidity.

Cost economics

Area: 1 ha, Planting geometry: 60 cm x 45 cm

Fixed cost of drip system: Rs. 89,986

Rate of interest: 10.5%

Life of system: 7.5 years

Annual cost of drip system: Rs. 12,939

Cost of cultivation: Rs. 11,500

Expected yield: 25 t/ha

xpected Benefit-Cost ratio: 2.5

Chemical : SpinosadEffects on Humans:Some medical conditions may interact with spinosad suspension. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding

if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement

if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances

if you have any skin conditions

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with spinosad suspension. Because little, if any, of spinosad suspension is absorbed into the blood, the risk of it interacting with another medicine is low.

Ask your health care provider if spinosad suspension may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine

7. snake GuardSnake gourd (Trichosanthes cucumerina.L)Cucurbitaceae

SoilSandy loam soils rich in organic matter with good drainage and the pH ranging from 6-5-7.5

SeasonJuly and January are highly suitable for cultivation.

Seed treatmentTreat seeds withTrichoderma viride4 g/kg orPseudomonas fluorescens10 g/kg or Carbendazim 2 g/kg of seeds before sowing.Seed rate1.5 kg of seeds/ha is required.PLR(SG)1

Preparation of fieldPlough the field to fine tilth and dig pits of size 30 cm x 30 cm x 30 cm at 2.5 x 2 m spacing and form basins.

SowingSow the seeds (5 seeds / pit) and thin the seedlings to two/pit after 15 days of sowing.

IrrigationIrrigate the basin before dibbling the seeds and thereafter once a week.

Application of fertilizersApply 10 kg of FYM, 100 g of NPK 6:12:12 mixture as basal dose per pit and N @ 10 g pit 30 days after sowing. Apply Azospirillum and Phosphobacteria @ 2 kg/ha and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha along with FYM 50 kg and neem cake @ 100 kg before last ploughing.

After cultivationHoeing and weeding can be done thrice or as and when necessary. Provide stakes and train the plants to reach the pandal height (2 m). Pandal is not essential for Co 2 variety. Spray Ethrel 100 ppm (1 ml in 10 lit of water) four times from 10 to 15 days after sowing at weekly intervals.

Snake gourd grown in pandal systemQuality seedling productionNursery raisingSow the snake gourd seeds in protrays containing well decomposed cocopeat medium. Sow only one seed per cell. Keep the trays under shadenet house. Water regularly with the help of rose can. Transplant about 12 days old seedlings to main field.

PlantingSpread the lateral tubes on the raised beds of 120cm wide at 150cm spacing. Irrigate the beds by operating the drip system continuously for 8-12 hrs. Plant the seedlings in the holes made at 60cm spacing.

FertigationApply a dose of 75:100:100 kg NPK/ha throughout the cropping period through split application. Apply 75% of the phosphorus as superphosphate as basal dose.

Plant protectionPestsLeaf beetles and leaf caterpillarsSpray Dichlorvos 76% EC 6.5 ml/10 lit or Trichlorofon 50% EC 1.0 ml/l.

Fruit fly1. Collect the damaged fruits and destroy.2. The fly population is low in hot day conditions and it is peak in rainy season. 3. Hence, the sowing time may be adjusted accordingly.4. Expose the pupae by ploughing.5. Use 20 x 15 cm poly bags fish meal traps with 5 g of fish meal + 1 ml of Dichlorvos in cotton @ 50 traps/ha. Fish meal and cotton are to be removed once in 20 and 7 days respectively.6.Neem oil@ 3.0 % need based as foliar spray7. For management of Aphid vector, spray Imidachloprid @ 0.5 ml/lit along with sufficient quantity of stickers like Teepol, Triton X100, APSA etc., for better adhesion and coverage.

Do not use DDT, copper and sulphur dust. These are phytotoxic.DiseasesPowdery mildewPowdery mildew can be controlled by spraying Dinocap 1 ml/lit or Carbendazim 0.5 g/lit.

Downy mildewDowny mildew can be controlled by spraying Mancozeb or Chlorothalonil 2 g/lit twice at 10 days interval.

Yield18 t/ha in 135 145 days.

Market informationChemical used : TritonSide Effects on Humans

sible side effects of pesticides:

1. Cancer: For decades, there has been a great deal of concern and debate surrounding pesticides and their carcinogenicity. There is a large body of evidence that claim pesticides cause cancer in multiple organ systems, but other factors like age, family history of cancer, diet and lifestyle should also be considered. In an effort to monitor the health effects and better understand the dangers of pesticides, the Environmental Protection Agency reviews pesticides for potential carcinogenicity based on its potency and the potential for human exposure.

2. Endocrine Complications: Another potential side effect of pesticides are endocrine complications, specifically blocked male hormones that may affect human reproduction. Agriculture pesticides have been linked to blocking testosterone and other androgens, which are essential for healthy male reproductive systems. Most of these endocrine disruptors are fungicides that are applied to fruit and vegetable crops and can remain on foods.

3. Infertility and Sterility: Pesticides have been linked to male and female infertility and sterility. Exposure to pesticides and solvents may be the cause of low sperm levels and increased levels of infertility in men working on farms and those who are exposed to pesticides on a regular basis. Sperm counts have been declining worldwide and may be the result of eating foods laced with pesticide residue and the increased use of household pesticide sprays.

4. Brain Damage: Pesticides have also been linked to brain damage in those who use these chemicals on a regular basis. Gardeners and farmers are the most at risk for developing long-term brain damage and suffering from brain problems such as mild cognitive dysfunction (MCD), which affects your ability to speak smoothly and identify words, colors or numbers. Pesticides may also be to blame for brain damage and developmental problems in children.

5. Birth Defects: Birth defects from pesticide exposure is another growing concern for expecting mothers, adults and children. The link between pesticides and birth defects has been tied to use of household sprays that kill garden insects, ants, mosquitoes and fleas. These potent chemicals are used to attack the nervous system of insects and kill them, but may pose an even greater risk to your unborn babys health and increase the risk for oral clefts, neural tube defects, heart defects and limb defects. Exposure to pesticides and insecticides should be avoided at all costs during pregnancy.

6. Respiratory Disorders: Another concerning side effect of exposure to or ingestion of pesticides are respiratory disorders, including wheezing, chronic bronchitis, asthma and farmers lung. Regular exposure to pesticides increases your risk for developing respiratory problems, but can be lessened with proper respiratory protection and daily preventative measures.

7. Organ Failure: Pesticides may be to blame for an increase in organ failures around the world. For example, there have been an alarming number of deaths related to either chronic kidney disease or intestinal nephritis in India over the last seven years. Most of the victims worked in agriculture and were constantly exposed to high levels of pesticides and ate foods with pesticide residue. Its not certain whether kidney disease is worsened by eating foods laced with pesticide residue or caused by exposure to pesticides, but the kidney has to excrete these toxins from the body and could be just one of many organs on the verge of failure.

8. Skin Irritation: Skin irritation is another possible side effect of pesticides because the skin is the most likely to come into contact with these harmful chemicals. Since pesticides can be absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream, it can easily cause cutaneous toxicity, rashes and skin infections such as ringworm and athletes foot. If enough pesticide is absorbed through the skin, it could cause severe toxic reactions and internal health problems.

8. POTATO

Potato is a cool season crop. Its wider adaptability makes it possible to grow this crop in almost all the states of the country but by adopting suitable production technology. The plateau area and southern hills, which represent a sizeable area under potato cultivation differ from other parts of the country with respect to climatic and soil conditions, in which major potato growing area lies. Hence, for exploiting the potential benefits, the farmers of this region need to adopt suitable technology for cultivating potato, which are discussed in detail in this paper.

In India major potato area is concentrated in Northern plains (80 85%). The hilly areas of northern India accounts for 6-7 per cent and plateau areas of the country represents about 8 to 9 per cent area. The remaining area is present in problematic areas like Nilgiri and Palani hills of Tamil Nadu and Sikkim and North Bengal hills. In these different parts of the subcontinent potato is grown under different climatic and soil conditions which define the technology to produce good harvests of potatoes. Hence, adoption of appropriate technology suitable for the conditions makes it possible to realize the fullest benefits from the crop.

Plateau Region:The plateau region in our country covers the areas of central and peninsular India and it is situated between 600 and 1000m altitude. The states of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Chotanagpur, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa comprise the plateau region. Here potato is grown under different situation as compared to that of other major potato growing areas of the country. In this area two crops of potato are grown viz., kharif and rabi. High minimum temperature and erratic rainfall are the major problems in kharif season. Conversely rabi crop is grown during winter i..e, from November to February under irrigated conditions. Short growing season, high temperatures after January and potato tuber moth are the important problems in this season. The soils of this zone are red sandy or fine textured black. The average temperatures are higher than those in the North Indian plains.

Southern hills:The Nilgiri and Palani hills of Tamil Nadu contribute to potato cultivation under Southern hills and the crop is grown in an area of about 3000 ha in these hills. The climatic condition of these hills is such that three crops of potato can be taken up easily per year by growing summer (60-65% area) and autumn (25 30% area) season crops under rainfed conditions and spring crop (5-10% area) under irrigated conditions. Crop growth conditions differ from season to season which will have direct correlation with the technology to be adopted during different seasons. During summer season the crop is grown under longday conditions which prolong the length of growing period and accordingly the schedule of various cultural practices are to be planned. Ill distribution of rainfall, late blight and potato cyst nematodes are the major problems of this region.

Cultural practices for potato in plateau region and Southern hills:Plateau region covers about 8-9 percent of potato area and 6-7 percent of potato production in the country. Karnataka occupies maximum area with lowest productivity in this zone and the highest potato productivity is observed in Gujarat state.

Triennial averages (2002-03 to 2004-05) for potato area, production and productivity in plateau region

StateArea(000ha)Production(000t)Productivity(t/ha)

Andhra Pradesh3.0(0.23)23.3(0.10)7.77

Gujarat35.3(2.7)869.13.72)24.62

Karnataka41.5(3.17)264.2(1.13)6.37

Madhya Pradesh41.1(3.14)601.7(2.58)14.64

Maharashtra16.7(1.28)74.9(0.32)4.49

Orissa7.4(0.57)75.0(0.32)10.14

Total142.0(10.86)1884.9(8.07)13.27

(*The values in parentheses represent the percentage to All India values)

The Southern hills which consists of Nilgiri and Palani hills account for a meager area of 3000 ha but with an average yield of 16.6 t/ha.

Land preparation:Potato grows well in slightly acidic soils with friable structure. The land is to be prepared well with 2-3 ploughings and then harrowing. Farm Yard Manure has to be applied @ 15 to 20 tonnes per hectare depending upon the fertility status and it has to be thoroughly mixed up with the soil.

Selection of seed material:Seed tubers are to be procured from a reliable source which are well sprouted and are about 40 to 60 g in size. The seeds can be treated with mancozeb (0.3%) or boric acid (3%) to avoid tuber borne and soil borne diseases.

Planting time:Potato is grown as winter crop in central plains of Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Orissa. Here the optimum time of planting is Ocotber/November. In Deccan plateau, i.e., Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka, two crops of potato can be grown, i.e., Kharif crop can be planted from mid June to middle of July and the Rabi crop can be planted during October/November. In Southern hills it can be grown through out the year under three different seasons viz., summer (April/May), autumn (August/September) and spring (January).

Varieties:The suitable varieties for different regions are given below.

State/areaSuitable varieties

Central plainsKufri Badshah, K.Pushkar, K.Chandramukhi, K.Lauvkar, K.Bahar, K.Pukhraj, K.Jawahar K.Sindhuri, K.Jyoti, K.Surya and K.Chipsona-I

Deccan plateauK.Jyoti, K.Chandramukhi, K.Pukhraj, K.Jawahar and K.Surya

Southern hillsKufri Jyoti, K.Swarna, K.Giriraj, K.Girdhari

Spacing:Spacing differs from season to season. During kharif season 60 x 20 cm under rainfed condition and during rabi 45 x 20 cm under irrigated conditions is found to be optimum. In Southern hills, summer crop can be planted at a spacing of 60 x 20 cm and autumn and spring can be planted at a spacing of 50 x 20 cm.

Manures and fertilizers:Potato crop giving 40 tonnes of tubers per hectare removes 175 kg N, 80 kg P2O5and 310 kg of K2O. The recommended doses of fertilizers are given in the following table.

StateFYM (t/ha)N (kg/ha)P2O5(kg/ha)K2O (kg/ha)

Karnataka

Kharif257575100

Rabi25125100125

Maharashtra251007050

Madhya Pradesh25120-15060-8080-100

Orissa-10062100

Gujarat

North25275138275

Middle25200100200

Southern hills209013590

Source of fertilizers:Among the sources of nitrogenous fertilizers, combination of ammonical and nitrate forms like Calcium Ammonium Nitrate (CAN) is more suitable and it is followed by ammonical forms. Urea is less efficient when compared with other forms. Similarly phosphorus in the form of Single super phosphate alone or in combination with rock phosphate in 1:1 ratio suits well for potato. With respect to potassium, sulphate form is more suitable than chloride form as it has great influence on quality of potato tubers.

Method and time of application of fertilizers:In plateau area, entire dose of phosphorus and potassium along with 50% of recommended nitrogen can be applied as basal dose and the remaining nitrogen can be applied at the time of earthing up. The fertilizers are to be mixed as per the recommendation and the mixture is to be applied in the furrows just below the seed tubers either manually or mechanically with the help of tractor mounted fertilizer drill. In southern hills entire dose of fertilizers can be applied in furrows at the time of planting as basal application.

Interculture:Interculture is done for destroying the weeds and to keep the soil loose and to cover the tubers well with soil in potato fields.

Hoeing:A light hoeing is to be done 10 to 15 days after germination to make the soil loose by breaking the crust and to kill the weeds.

Weed control:For controlling the weeds in potato field, preplanting application of Fluchloralin @ 0.7 to 1.0 kg/ha is very effective. Depending upon the intensity of weed growth a pre-emergence application of alachlor @ 1.0 to 1.5 kg/ha also is recommended. For post emergence control of weeds paraquat @ 2.0 to 2.5 l/ha at 3-5 % emergence of potato crop can completely keep the potato weeds under control.

Earthing Up:The potato haulms are to be earthed up to cover the growing stolons and developing tubers. Generally one earthing up is enough when the crop is 15 20 cm tall and just starts stolon formation. Depending upon the variety and duration of the crop, a second earthing up can also be done for properly covering the tubers. Earthing up is done with the help of spade or ridge plough and this operation should be completed timely as it will have direct bearing on the final tuber yield. In southern hills earthing up is to be done at 45 days after germination using Kothu, a fork like tool.

Irrigation:Kharif crop grown in Deccan plateau area does not require any irrigation as it is grown during Southwest monsoon season. Rabi and winter crops are to be irrigated as the rainfall received is not enough during this season. On an average potato crop requires 70 cm irrigation water. Stolon formation and elongation are the critical stages (20-40 days) in potato. First irrigation should be light and given 4-7 days after planting. The subsequent irrigation should be given at an interval of 5-7 days in September-October, at 7-10 days interval in November, 10-15 days interval in December and at 5-7 days interval in January to March and onwards. Irrigation is to be given in furrows which may be filled to about three fourth of depth. In southern hills, summer and autumn crops do not require any irrigation. Spring crop is to be irrigated at an interval of 6-7 days.

Drinage:The potato field should have a provision for good surface drainage of water as the crop is very sensitive to untimely rains and excess water.

Plant protection:Plateau region:Early blight, late blight, brown rot or bacterial wilt, common scab, black scurf, viruses, aphids and tuber moth are the major plant protection problems in plateau region.

For thecontrol of white grubs, jassids, leaf hopper and other sucking pests,phorate 10G can be applied @ 10 kg/ha at the time of planting and the same should be repeated at the time of earthing up to control the aphids.

For the control ofcutworms and Spodoptera litura,spray chloropyriphos @ 0.25% by covering all the plant parts fully with the spray solution.

For thecontrol of early and late blight, spraying contact fungicide like mancozeb @ 2kg per 800 litres of water per hectare at 40 days and repeating it at an interval of 10-15 days is effective. In case of persistence of the disease, spraying of systemic fungicide containing either metalaxyl (Ridomil @ 2.0 kg/ha) or cyamoxinil (Curzate @ 1.5 kg/ha) alternating with mancozeb is resorted to.

Bacterial wiltwhich is a major problem especially in Hassan, Bangalore and Kolar areas of Karnataka can be kept under control by following :

Crop rotation with non solanaceous crops like fingermillet, maize etc.

Fallow ploughing

Applying bleaching powder @ 6-8 kg/ha

Use of disease free seeds

Black scurfcan be controlled by soil treatment with PCNB (Penta Chloro Nitrobenzene) dust @ 50 kg/ha. Treating the seed tubers with 3% boric acid solution for 30 minutes is beneficial to control most of the soil and tuber borne diseases.

Southern hills:Here, cyst nematodes and late blight are the major plant protection problems.

To keep thenematode populationunder control, a basal dose of Furadan 3G @ 65 kg/ha is to be applied in the furrows. Crop rotation with non-solanaceous crops like cabbage, radish and carrot has to be followed.

For thecontrol of late blight,spraying systemic fungicide containing either metalaxyl (Ridomil @ 2.0 kg/ha) or cyamoxinil (Curzate @ 1.5 kg /ha) compound is to be adopted when the weather condition (high RH and less sunshine hours) becomes favourable for the disease development. This has to be followed by spraying of contact fungicide like mancozeb @ 2kg per 800 litres of water per hectare is to be adopted at an interval of 7-8 days. After that depending upon the weather condition, spraying of contact fungicide is to be continued at an interval of 7-10 days and if disease symptoms are observed, an intermittent application of systemic fungicide after every two sprays of contact fungicide is recommended.

Crop rotation:Potato crop should not be grown continuously in the same field. Rotating it with non-solanaceous crops is recommended. In plateau region, crops like pearl millet, jowar, pulses, onion, sunflower, sugarcane, vegetables like French beans, cluster beans can be grown in rotation with potato either in kharif or rabi season depending upon the season in which potato is grown. In southern hills potato can be rotated with cole crops like cabbage, carrot, radish and French beans.

Harvesting:In plateau region, potatoes are harvested either at their full maturity or little earlier depending upon the market price, manually using Khurpi, a hand hoe or using potato digger i.e., animal drawn or tractor mounted. Then the tubers are to be kept in heaps for 10-15 days for curing and after that they can be graded and sent to the market. In southern hills potatoes can be harvested at their full maturity with the help of kothu, and they can be graded and sent to the market.

Storage:In plateau region, under indigenous methods, potatoes can be stored either in room storage or pit or heap method of storage. The seed as well as table potatoes can also be stored in cold stores at controlled temperatures. In southern hills farmers usually do not store their produce as they tend to sell entire quantity of potatoes because of prevailing market rates at the time of harvest. However, they can be stored in wooden racks under diffused light conditions.

Chemicals and effects

Methemoglobin[7] (MetHb) is generated by the oxidation of haem iron moieties to the ferric state causing characteristic bluish brown colour resembling cyanosis. MetHb has such a high affinity to O2that virtually no O2is delivered to tissues and the O2dissociation curve is shifted towards left. Methemoglobinaemia[5] should be suspected in patients with hypoxic symptoms who appear cyanotic, though PaO2levels on ABG analysis are sufficiently high to fully saturate the haemoglobin. The characteristic chocolate brown appearance of freshly drawn blood can be a critical clue.[3] The SpO2value around 85% is because of the typical light absorbance spectra[8] of MetHb. Normally MetHb levels[3,57] are less than 1%. The cyanosis[3,57] usually manifests at a level of 15% and treatment is warranted[3,57] at levels above 30% while levels >60% are considered to be lethal.[3,57]

Methemoglobinaemia is treated with methylene blue, 12 mg/kg, administered slowly. If cyanosis persists, the dose may be repeated at an hourly interval to a maximum[5] of 7 mg/kg/day. The maintenance dose[5] of methylene blue is 1 mg/kg twice or three times a day. Other supportive measures include the administration of vitamin C and correction of the metabolic abnormalities.

In our patient, methemoglobinaemia had occurred following the ingestion of indoxacarb insecticide which was identified and treated on the basis of clinical suspicion and ABG analysis. Further literature research revealed a similar case report[9] published in year 2008 in IJCCM.

9. Carrot

Botanical name:Daucus carotaPlant type:VegetableUSDA Hardiness Zones:4,5,6,7,8,9,10Sun exposure:Full SunSoil type:SandySoil pH:NeutralCarrotsare a popular root vegetable that are easy to grow in sandy soil. They are resistant to most pests and diseases, and are a good late season crop that can tolerate frost. Not all carrots are orange; varieties vary in color from purple to white.

Planting

Plan to plant seeds outdoors 3 to 5 weeks before the last spring frost date.

Make sure your soil is free of stones; carrots need deeply tilled soil that they can push through.

Have you ever seen a carrot that has grown legs or forked? Fresh manure, or even recently applied rotted manure, can cause carrots to fork and send out little side roots. Dont use it before you plant your seeds.

Plant seeds 3-4 inches apart in rows. Rows should be at least a foot apart.

Care

Gently mulch to retain moisture, speed germination and block the sun from the roots.

Soil should be well drained and loose to prevent forking and stunting of the root growth.

Once plants are an inch tall, thin so they stand 3 inches apart. Snip them with scissors instead of pulling them out to prevent damage to the roots of remaining plants.

Water at least one inch per week.

Weed diligently.

Fertilize 5-6 weeks after sowing.

Carrots taste much better after a couple of frosts. Following the first hard frost in the fall, cover carrot rows with an 18-inch layer of shredded leaves to preserve them for harvesting later.

Pests

Wireworms

Flea Beetles Aster Yellow Disease will cause shortened and discolored carrot tops and hairy roots. This disease is spread by pests as they feed from plant to plant. Keep weeds down and invest in a control plan for pests such as leafhoppers. This disease has the ability to overwinter.

Harvest/Storage

Carrots are mature at around 2 months and inch in diameter. You may harvest whenever desired maturity is reached.

You may leave mature carrots in the soil for storage if the ground will not freeze.

To store freshly harvested carrots, twist off the tops, scrub off the dirt under cold running water, let dry and seal in airtight plastic bags, and refrigerate. If you simply put fresh carrots in the refrigerator, they'll go limp in a few hours.

Carrots can be stored in tubs of moist sand for winter use.

Recommended Varieties

Bolero: resists most leaf pests.

Nantesa Superior: sweet flavor, adapts to any soil.

Thumberline: round carrot, good for clumpy or clay soil.

Side effects to Humans

Pesticides can cause many types of cancer in humans. Some of the most prevalent forms include leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, brain, bone, breast, ovarian, prostate, testicular and liver cancers. In February 2009, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry published a study that found that children who live in homes where their parents use pesticides are twice as likely to develop brain cancer versus those that live in residences in which no pesticides are used.

10. PEAS

Cultivation of Pea (Pisum sativum)

Botanical Name:

Pisum sativum L.

Family:Leguminaceae

Pea is an important vegetable in India; the crop is generally cultivated for its green pods. It is highly nutritive and is rich in protein. It is used as a vegetable or in soup, canned frozen or dehydrate. It is cooked as a vegetable along or with potatoes. Split grains of pea are widely used for dal. Pea straw is a nutritious fodder.

Climate:Pea is a cool season crop and performs best at 10 0C to 18 0 C. The flower and young pods are badly affected by frost. The germination of seeds takes place at 3.3 0 c soil temperature. Boswell (1920) reported that as the temperature increases during the growing season the yield decline sharply. The optimum mean monthly temperature for pea is 12.8 0 C to 18 0 C.

Sowing of Time:a) Sowing Time:

The tea is generally sown in India in Rabi season from the beginning of October to mid of November in the plains and from middle of March to end of May in the hills. Sowing of seed during the first week of November is proper time to get higher yield.

b) Seed Rate:The optimum seed rate is 25 to 30 kg/ha.

C) Method of Sowing:The pea is generally sown by broad casting. But it may also be sown by dibbling or behind the plough. The seeds are soaked in water overnight before sowing for better germination. Seeds treated with Rhizium culture culture give higher yield. Pal Sodkar et al. (1974) reported with soaking of seeds in G. A 10 ppm for 12 hour gave the highest germination and yield.

Layout and Spacing:Flat bed layout is used. Spacing is 45 X 20 cm.

Manuring:30 to 50 cartload should be applied at the time of soil preparation. 25 kg N, 50 kg P and 50 kg k/ha should be applied dose or full dose P and K should be applied at the sowing. Remaining half nitrogen applied one month after sowing.

Intercultural Operation:a) Trailing and Staking:This is an important operation to be done when vines were about two month old and are at spreading stage. Generally the plants should be supported on bamboo sticks. Delay in this operation will reduce the yield considerably.

b) Weed Control:it is very difficult to control the weeds of pea filed by mechanical methods as the crops are sown in rows in closed spacing. Uses of herbicides have been proved very such effective. Atrazine, propazine and simazine at 0.54 kg per acre gave good broad leaf weed control and late control of wild oats damage the peas. Prometryne @ 400 gm per acre was most effective in improving vegetative growth and yield of pods.

Irrigation:Water requirement of pulse crops are higher than cereals. The water requirement of pea depends largely on Agronomic condition of the locality. The crop may be irrigated at both 10 days interval. Where rainfall is low, peas irrigation is very necessary at flowering and grain development stage.

Harvesting:Peas are harvested for table use when the pods are will fill and the young tender peas changing in colour from dark to light green. Peas may be picked in 45 to 60 days, 75 days and 100 days according to early. Mid season and late. Airtimes respectively, 3 to 4 pickling are done within the interval of 2 to 10 days. Fresh unshielded peas may be kept two at 0 C and 90- 95 percent relative humidity.

Yield:The yield of per hectare varies according to the variety:

Early Variety:25 to 40 Quintals.

Mid Season and Late:

50 to 60 Quintals.

Varieties:Varieties according to their period of maturity.

Early Variety:Early Bejar, Arket.

Mid season Variety:Bonevilla, Jawahar.

Effects of Pesticides to humansPesticides can cause many types of cancer in humans. Some of the most prevalent forms include leukemia, non-Hodgkins lymphoma, brain, bone, breast, ovarian, prostate, testicular and liver cancers. In February 2009, the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry published a study that found that children who live in homes where their parents use pesticides are twice as likely to develop brain cancer versus those that live in residences in which no pesticides are used.