The botanical name of Amaranthus is Amaranthus sp L.; it belongs to the family Amaranthaceae
Varieties
CO 1 (Mulaikeerai and Thandukeerai)
CO 2 (Mulaikeerai and Thandukeerai)
CO 3 (Clipping)
CO 4 (Grain)
CO 5 (Mulaikeerai and Thandukeerai)
Soil: Well drained loamy soils with slightly acidic nature and warm climate are suitable.
Season and sowing: Can be sown throughout the year.
Seed rate: 2.5 kg/ha.
Broadcast the seeds evenly on the bed after mixing with 10 parts of sand.
Preparation of field: The field is prepared to a fine tilth and beds of 2 x 1.5 m are formed. After germination thin the seedlings to have a spacing of 12 – 15 cm.
Irrigation: Irrigate before and after sowing and at weekly intervals after germination.
Application of fertilizers: Apply FYM 25 t/ha, Azospirillum 2 kg and Phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha, N 75 kg and K 25 kg per ha as basal dose.
Plant protection against Pests
Ants: Apply lindane 1.3% dust @ 10 kg/ha around the beds to control ants, termites and other burrowing insects.
Leaf eating caterpillar: Carbaryl 50 WP @ 2 g/lit.
Harvest and yield
Leafy types: 25 days after sowing for Mulaikeerai (10 t/ha);
40 days after sowing for Thandukeerai (16 t/ha).
Clipping types: 10 clippings at weekly intervals (30 t/ha).
Grain types: CO 4 – 2.4 t grains/ha + 8 tonnes of tender greens.
