MULANUR VARIETY

Mulanur Variety Moringa Farming Method

1. Regional Context & Unique Traits

• Mulanur Kuttaimurungai is a short, drought- and heat-resistant drumstick variety from Mulanur, Tiruppur district.
• Suitable for export due to compact size—no trimming needed for packaging.
• Often intercropped along field boundaries for protection and extra income.

2. Propagation Techniques

• Seeds: Easy and quick, but plants may vary.
• Cuttings: Ensures uniform maturity and faster fruiting; keeps desirable traits.

3. Land Preparation & Planting

• Pit spacing: 45×45 cm pits at 2.5×2.5 m spacing (~1,600 plants/ha).
• Fill pits with topsoil + compost/manure (5–15 kg per pit).
• Seed rate: ~625 g/ha.

4. Irrigation & Fertilizer

• Maintain soil moisture without waterlogging.
• Drip irrigation at 4 L/day can boost yields by ~57%.
• Apply compost, farmyard manure, or green leaves + ash in rainy season.
• Optional NPK at pinching (75 days) and first flowering (150–160 days).

5. Growth Management

• Pinch terminal buds at ~75 cm height (2 months after planting) for branching.
• Annual pruning to 1–2 m after harvest for fresh growth.

6. Pest, Disease & Intercropping

• Pests: hairy caterpillars, budworms, aphids, fruit flies.
• Control with neem/datura sprays, predator attraction, and clean fields.
• Intercrop with cowpea, okra, tomato, or legumes.

7. Harvesting & Yield

• First harvest in 6–8 months; peak season March–August.
• Yield: 20–30 t pods/ha/year, up to 3 t seeds/ha, ~250 L oil/ha.