Tropical and subtropical vegetables (2+1)

Sowing

• Four seeds are sown per pit and later two to three seedlings per pit are retained. Instead of sowing in the main field, the seeds can be sown in polythene bags and can be shifted to pits in the main field after 15-20 daysFour to five kg of seeds is sufficient to sow one hectare. The seeds have to be treated with Thiram @ 2g/kg of seeds.
• Soaking the seeds for 6 hours will facilitate germination. The seed has a hard seed coat and germinate slowly due to slow absorption of water. Germination takes longer time at low temperatures. The seed germination is optimum at temperature between 25°C and 35°C and inhibited at 8°C, and above 40°C.