R B Herbal Agro is a pioneer in the field of pomegranate cultivation in India. Led by Ramdas J. Patil, R B Herbal Agro, in association with Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (Maharashtra) is constantly working on the solution for the deadly disease –Bacterial Blight of Pomegranate.
Pomegranate Farming
There is a constant struggle with the cultivation of pomegranate in India. In 2000, a bacterial epidemic spread which had made the growing pomegranate a recurring battle for farmers in India even today. Till this day, about 80 percent of pomegranate cultivation in Maharashtra, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh and Gujarat are still being affected.
Ramdas J. Patil has taken various courses in New Delhi, Mumbai and Israel to help improve his knowledge in this agricultural endeavor. Included in his vast experience are fifteen years as a senior scientist in the private sector and serving as an esteemed member of the Board of Studies at Mahatma Phule Krishi Vidyapeeth, Rahuri (Maharashtra). He has also served as the Technical Director to the Pomegranate Growers Association. He is now the CEO and R&D Chief at R.B. Herbal Agro.
The Importance of Pomegranate
Pomegranate is a fruit that is expensive even when it is in season. This is mainly because the fruit has many medicinal properties. As it is a fruit that is so good for health, the demand for pomegranate continues to increase.
“It is very much useful in controlling prostate gland cancer. It also contains a high amount of antioxidants, which reduces heart problems and aging. It also has the ability to produce estrogen in women,” Mr. Ramdas said about pomegranate.
Details of the Disease
At first, identifying the cause of the disease was difficult. Mr. Ramdas explained that the anatomy of the pomegranate made bacteria an unlikely problem initially. He said, “Pomegranate rind is rich with tannins, which are antibacterial in nature.”
However, according to Mr. Ramdas the disease was later identified as a bacterium known as “XanthomonasOxanopodpvPunicea”. He continued on to explain the nature of the bacteria saying, “This bacteria can infect fruits, leaves and stems. Initially it appears as oily spots on leaves or fruits. It grows very fast, within 48 to 78 hours.”
R.B. Herbal Agro also conducted studies to determine when the disease was most common. Weather plays a large part in the occurrence of epidemics. The incidences of the disease are less common in the winter season but increase during the rainy season. The most favorable condition for the growth of these bacteria is high humidity - more than 65 % RH and a temperature range of 28 to 320C. It grows slowly at temperatures below 150C. It appears more in the rainy season when the temperature is 320C - 350C. These bacteria rarely breed in the winter season.
When the disease has progressed, there are various ways to identify it. One simple way to detect the disease is when a Y shaped crack appears on the fruit. Black spots and decaying leaves are also other symptoms. On the stem, it appears as a black spot with an oozing type wound leading to a dead arm.
Controlling the Disease
After extensive research and studies, R.B. Herbal Agro along with M.P.K.V. Rahuri have developed a solution for the disease. It is called Char Sutri Karyakram i.e. the “Four Point Program” and helps to control the spread of the disease. The four points are:
Cleanliness,
Horticultural practices,
Fertilization and
Scheduled sprays for disease control.
Cleanliness helps to reduce inoculums. The second point, horticultural practices, involves determining when to start seasons and determining how many fruits will grow on a plant. Fertilizing keeps the pomegranate healthy through organic manure. The scheduled spray helps control the growth of the bacteria. Mr. Ramdas recommends the following spray:
1] Prophyalexin 3 Ml + Cop-E 0.4 Gm - Per litre of water
2] R. B. Bordo 2.5 Gm + Sulfer 2 Gm – Per litre of water
3] Prophyalexin 3 Ml + PMBS 2.5 Gm - Per litre of water
4] Xanthonashak 0.5 Gm + R. B. Bordo 2.5 Gm – Per litre of water
5] Pseudo-FL 5 2 Ml + 5 Litres of Milk – Per litre of water
Mr. Ramdas explained additional research for better yield saying, “We have studied and gathered data on the role of potassium and nitrogen on Bacterial Blight. We also found that biofertilizer is a useful took to control bacterial blight.”Optimum levels of ‘N’ & ‘K’ are required in the plant tissue to fight against Bacterial Blight. Therefore, Mr. Ramdas recommends a suitable INM programme to have a higher yield without any incidence of the disease.
Training and Advice for Farmers
At the end of the day, the knowledge that R.B. Herbal Agro gains is shared with pomegranate farmers. R.B. Herbal Agro has done this through training programs for farmers. Mr. Ramdas shared that training programs are conducted at their training center and also at the field level. He proudly claims, “We have conducted about 300 training programs so far.”
Mr. Ramdas also had advice to share to the farmers growing pomegranate. He said, “We advise people to choose a scientific approach starting from soil analysis to select the soil for the plantation. Also, give more attention to root and soil health rather than only on pest control through the use of chemicals.”
According to Mr. Ramdas, there are thousands of success stories of farmers who have employed their methods. Farmers using the Four Point Program and correct bio-fertilizers are now enjoying good quality pomegranate.
Feel free to post your query or questions related to Pomegranate farming. Mr. Ramdas J. Patil or Editorial team of agricultureinformation.com shall respond the comments.
SINDURI.JPG)
