Use of fertilizer to increase the yield of paan [Piper betle L.]

ABSTRACT

No work has been reported in Pakistan on the evaluation of fertilizers in ehancing the yield of Paan. It is observed that significantly higher yield could be obtained by using fertilizers. Bangkok variety of Pann [Piper betle L.] has been successfully cultivated in rustic conservatories in PCSIR Laboratories Complex, Karachi. The effects of different combination of fertilizers with and without fungicides and nematocides on the yield and size of the leaves of this crop were investigated. Two types of fertilizers [organic and chemical] were applied separately and in combination. Chemical fertilizers gave better results than organic fertilizers. Significant increase in the yield was observed when organic and chemical fertilizers were applied in the ratio of [21]. The main disease of this crop is a complex of root-knot nematodes like Pratylenchus, Aporcelaimellus, Labronema and Meloidogyne spp. etc. and fungi like Alternaria, Cephalosporium and Fusarium spp. causing leaf and root-rot. [Maiti and Sen, 1979, Maiti, S., 1989]. This complex is controlled by the use of formaldehyde [4001] nematocide [Tenekil-M 5%] and fungicide [Benlate 0.02%]