Manuring

Apply well rotten FYM or compost @ 20-25 t/ha at the time of land preparation and mix well with the soil. A fertilizer dose of 75:40:25 kg N:P2O5: K2O / ha may be given. Half the dose of nitrogen, full phosphorus and half of potash may be applied as basal dose before transplanting. One fourth of nitrogen and half of potash may be applied 20-30 days after planting. The remaining quantities may be applied two months after planting. Application of 75:25:25 kg N:P2O5:K2O /ha is optimum for getting maximum yield of fruits for the variety Swetha in the reclaimed alluvial soils of Kuttanad. However, the economic optimum dose was found to be 60:20:25 kg of N:P2O5:K2O / ha.

Weeding and intercultural operations

The field should be kept weed-free, especially in the initial stage of plant growth, as weeds compete with the crop and reduce the yield drastically. Frequent shallow cultivation should be done at regular interval so as to keep the field free from weeds and to facilitate soil aeration and proper root development. Deep cultivation should be avoided as it injures the root system and expose moist soil to the surface. Weeding followed by fertilizer application and earthing up may be done one and two months after transplanting. Pre-emergence application of fluchloralin @ 1.5 kg a.i./ha coupled with hand weeding once (30 days after transplanting) is also effective for controlling weeds.

Irrigation

Continuous supply of moisture should be maintained around the root zone of the plant. A light irrigation is given on the first and third day after transplanting. Irrigate at three or four days interval during summer. Stake the plants if necessary.