GILOY

Cultivation

Cultivation

giloy

Generally, Giloy is cultivated as ornamental and can be easily propagated by stem cutting. It grows well almost in any type of soil and under climatic conditions. The plant is generally grown on neem trees to get more medicinal value. This plant can also be grown by sowing seeds in the monsoon, but the growth of seedlings is very slow as compared to plants grown by cuttings.

Climate and soil

Subtropical and tropical climate is suitable for the cultivation of Giloy. Light-medium sandy loam soil rich in organic matter, and with adequate drainage, is suitable for its cultivation. It does not tolerate high rainfall or waterlogged conditions.

Propagation material

Stem cuttings are the best planting material for raising the commercial crop. The cuttings can be obtained from the mother plant in June-July. The plant can also be raised by using seeds, but growth will be slow in comparison to stem cutting.

Nursery techniques

Raising propagules: The stem cuttings are sown directly in the field. Cuttings are obtained from older stems with nodes. Cuttings should be sown within 2 hours of their removal from the mother plant. Meanwhile, they should be half-dipped in water vertically.

Propagule rate and pretreatment: About 2500 cuttings are required for plantation in one hectare of land. No specific treatment is required before sowing.

Agro-techniques

Agro-techniques

giloy
  • The soil of the field will be treated with farmyard manure and nitrogen contained manure.
  • An optimum distance (3m x 3m) should maintained between the plants during plantation.
  • Being a twiner plant, it needs a host tree/plant to grow faster.
  • Supply of farmyard manure along with nitrogen and removal of weed should be done regularly.
  • Rainfed conditions are more favorable for the plant. But occasional irrigation is also required in extreme cold and hot conditions.
  • Till now no serious insect, pest infestation or disease has been reported in this crop.