PKM1 MORINGA SEEDS

PKM-1 Variety Overview

• Developed by: Horticultural College, Periyakulam (Tamil Nadu)
• Best for: Leaf and drumstick (pod) production
• Features:
  • Early flowering: 90–100 days
  • Pods: 45–75 cm
  • High leaf yield
  • Suitable for tropical/subtropical regions

Farming Method for PKM-1 Variety

1. Climate & Soil Requirements

• Climate: Warm, tropical; temperature 25–35°C
• Rainfall: 250–300 mm (avoid waterlogging)
• Soil: Sandy loam, well-drained; pH 6.2–7.0
• Avoid: Heavy clay or waterlogged soils

2. Land Preparation

• Plough the field 2–3 times for fine tilth.
• Prepare ridges and furrows or pits:
  • Pit size: 45 × 45 × 45 cm
  • Fill pits with:
    • 10 kg FYM (farmyard manure)
    • 250 g Neem cake
    • 25 g Trichoderma for fungal protection

3. Seed Selection & Treatment

• Use pure PKM-1 seeds with >90% germination.
• Pre-treatment:
  • Soak seeds in water for 8–12 hours before sowing for quick germination.
  • Optionally treat with fungicide (Carbendazim 2 g/kg seeds).

4. Sowing Method

• Spacing:
  • For pod production: 2.5 × 2.5 m (or 2 × 2 m)
  • For leaf production (intensive): 0.45 × 0.45 m
• Sow 1 seed per pit at 2–3 cm depth.
• Germination starts in 8–10 days.

5. Irrigation

• First watering immediately after sowing.
• Maintain light irrigation every 7–10 days in dry areas.
• Avoid water stagnation.

6. Fertilizer Application

• At planting:
  • 50 g N, 50 g P, 50 g K per plant (or 250:250:250 g/plant/year in split doses)
• Apply FYM or compost annually to maintain soil fertility.
• For leaves: Apply urea spray (2%) every 45 days for better growth.

7. Pruning & Training

• First pruning: 60–75 days after planting (plant height 60 cm)
• Cut at 45 cm above ground to encourage branching.
• Subsequent pruning: every 35–45 days for continuous leaf yield.

8. Pest & Disease Management

• Common pests: Hairy caterpillar, pod fly
• Control: Neem oil spray (3%) or Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt)
• Diseases: Root rot → avoid waterlogging + Trichoderma in soil.

9. Harvesting

• Leaves: 60 days after planting; then every 35–45 days
• Pods: Start after 6 months; full harvest in 8–10 months
• Yield:
  • Leaves: 25–30 tons/ha/year
  • Pods: 250–300 pods/tree/year

10. Economic Returns

• High profitability due to continuous leaf harvest and medicinal demand.
• Additional income from seeds for oil extraction.