PKM2 MORINGA SEEDS

About PKM-2 Variety

• Developed by: TNAU (Tamil Nadu Agricultural University)
• Purpose: High-yielding drumstick pod variety (better than PKM-1 for pod length and weight)
• Features:
  • Early bearing: Starts flowering at 90–100 days
  • Pod length: 120–130 cm (longer than PKM-1)
  • Pod weight: 150–200 g
  • Yield: 400–500 pods per tree annually
  • Oil content: 38–42% in seeds
  • Suitable for pods + leaves farming

Farming Method for PKM-2

1. Climate & Soil

• Ideal Climate: Warm tropical/subtropical, 25–35°C
• Soil Type: Well-drained sandy loam; pH 6.0–7.5
• Avoid heavy clay and waterlogging

2. Land Preparation

• Plough 2–3 times to achieve fine tilth
• Layout:
  • For pods: 2.5 × 2.5 m or 3 × 3 m spacing
  • For leaves (intensive): 0.45 × 0.45 m
• Pit size: 45 × 45 × 45 cm
• Fill with:
  • 10 kg FYM or compost
  • 250 g Neem cake
  • 25 g Trichoderma

3. Seed Selection & Treatment

• Use certified PKM-2 seeds (90% germination)
• Pre-soaking: 8–12 hrs in water
• Treat seeds with Carbendazim (2 g/kg) to prevent fungal infection

4. Sowing

• Depth: 2–3 cm
• Spacing:
  • Pods: 2.5 × 2.5 m
  • Leaves: 0.45 × 0.45 m
• Germination: 8–12 days

5. Irrigation

• First irrigation immediately after sowing
• Water every 3–4 days in dry conditions
• Avoid water stagnation

6. Fertilizer Application

• Basal dose per plant:
  • 50 g Nitrogen, 50 g Phosphorus, 50 g Potassium
• Annual maintenance:
  • 250:250:250 g NPK split into 2 doses
• For leaf crop: 2% Urea spray every 45 days

7. Pruning

• First pruning: 60 days after planting (when plant reaches 60 cm)
• Cut at 45 cm height to promote branching
• Regular pruning: Every 35–45 days for leaf farming

8. Pest & Disease Management

• Common pests: Hairy caterpillar, Pod fly
• Control with Neem oil (3%) or Bt spray
• Root rot: Prevent by using Trichoderma and good drainage

9. Harvesting

• Leaves: 60 days after sowing, then every 35–45 days
• Pods: Starts at 6–8 months; peak yield in 10–12 months
• Yield:
  • Pods: 400–500 per tree/year
  • Leaves: 25–30 tons/ha/year

10. Economics

• Higher pod yield compared to PKM-1
• Continuous income from pods, leaves, seeds