Biofertilizers
The advice below comes from each crop's guide — every item shows its source, region and date. It is pending expert review; ask your local officer whether it suits your area.
Crops with advice (57)
Tap a crop to open its advice.
Paddy2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Biofertilizer seed soaking Mix five packets (1 kg/ha) each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria, or five packets (1 kg/ha) of Azophos, with enough water and soak the seeds in it overnight before sowing in the nursery. The bacterial suspension left after draining can be poured over the nursery. Bio-control agents and biofertilizers can be mixed for seed soaking, but fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Seed treatment (e), p. 17
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Biofertilizers in the main field For the wet season crop, raise Azolla as a dual crop by inoculating 250 kg/ha 3–5 days after transplanting, and incorporate it during weeding. For the dry season crop, broadcast 10 kg of soil-based blue-green algae (BGA) flakes at 10 days after transplanting and keep a thin film of water. Mix 2 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or Azophos) with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand and broadcast before transplanting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Transplanted rice – Biofertilizer application, p. 21
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Maize2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Manure and field preparation Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM, compost or composted coir pith evenly on the unploughed field along with 10 packets (2000 g/ha) of Azospirillum, and incorporate it into the soil. Plough once with a disc plough followed by cultivator ploughing twice, until a fine tilth is obtained. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Maize (irrigated) – FYM & field preparation, p. 104
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Biofertilizer seed treatment Seeds treated with fungicide may be treated with three packets (600 g/ha) of Azospirillum before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Maize (irrigated) – Seed treatment (step 3), p. 108
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Jowar1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Biofertilizer seed treatment Treat the seeds with three packets of Azospirillum (600 g) and three packets of phosphobacteria, or six packets of Azophos (1200 g per hectare). Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Rainfed sorghum – Seed treatment (iii), p. 74
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Red gram2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with bio-control agents Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g per kg of seed, or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of seed. Bio-control agents are compatible with biofertilizers: first treat the seeds with the bio-control agent and then with Rhizobium. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Seed treatment, p. 127
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with biofertilizers Seeds treated with fungicide or bio-control agents should be treated again with bacterial culture after 24 hours. Treat the seed needed for one hectare with 200 g each of Rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria and PGPR (Pseudomonas sp.) using rice gruel, and shade-dry before sowing. If seed treatment is not done, mix 2 kg each of Rhizobial culture, phosphobacteria and PGPR with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand and apply uniformly before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Redgram – Treatment of the seeds with biofertilizer, p. 127
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Groundnut2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with bio-control agents Treat the seeds with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g per kg of seed or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of seed. Treat with bio-control agents first and then with Rhizobium. Seeds treated with bio-control agents should not be treated with fungicides. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Seed treatment (i), p. 186
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment with biofertilizers Treat the seed for one hectare with 125 ml of Rhizobium and 125 ml of phosphobacteria (liquid), and shade-dry for 30 minutes before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Groundnut (rainfed) – Seed treatment (iv), p. 186
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cotton1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with bio-control agent and biofertilizers Treat delinted seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g per kg of seed. Treat with the bio-control agent first and then with biofertilizers: 3 packets (600 g) of Azospirillum and 3 packets (600 g) of phosphobacteria, or 6 packets (1200 g) of Azophos, and sow immediately. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cotton – Pre-treatment of delinted seeds, p. 261
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Chilli1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Field preparation and transplanting Prepare the field thoroughly with FYM at 25 t/ha and form ridges and furrows 60 cm apart. Apply 2 kg/ha each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria mixed with 20 kg of FYM. Irrigate the furrows and transplant 40–45-day-old seedlings, with the ball of earth, on the ridges. Spacing: 60 x 45 cm for varieties and 75 x 60 cm for hybrids. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Chilli – Field preparation & spacing, pp. 73–74
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Tomato3 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Protected nursery in pro-trays For one hectare, prepare a 3-cent nursery area with a 2% slope, covered with 50% shade net, with 40/50 mesh insect-proof nylon net on the sides. Fill pro-trays with sterilised cocopeat (300 kg mixed with 5 kg neem cake and 1 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria) and sow one treated seed per cell. Stack the trays and cover with polythene until germination starts; after six days, place them on raised beds inside the shade net. Water daily with a rose can, and drench with NPK 19:19:19 at 0.5% (5 g per litre) 18 days after sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – Protected nursery, p. 57
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Field preparation and transplanting Plough to a fine tilth, adding FYM at 25 t/ha, and form ridges and furrows 60 cm apart. Apply 2 kg/ha each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria mixed with 50 kg of FYM. Irrigate the furrows and transplant 25-day-old seedlings on the sides of the ridges. Give a life irrigation on the 3rd day after planting. Spacing given: 60 x 45 cm (45 x 30 cm for some varieties and hybrids). Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – Field preparation & spacing, p. 58
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride at 4 g or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g per kg of seed, 24 hours before sowing. Just before sowing, treat the seeds with Azospirillum at 40 g per 400 g of seed. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tomato – Seed treatment, p. 57
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Marigold2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Precision production with hybrids Under the precision production technology, hybrid seed is sown throughout the year at 100 g per acre, in pro-trays. 20-day-old seedlings are transplanted on raised beds at 90 x 22.5 cm (44,400 plants per hectare), after treating them with Pseudomonas fluorescens at 0.5%. Apply 2 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria per hectare at planting, mixed with 100 kg of FYM. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Marigold – Precision production technology (hybrid), pp. 258–259
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Azospirillum (200 g in 50 ml of rice gruel) before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Marigold – Propagation and planting, p. 258
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Pearl millet3 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Remove ergot-affected seed with salt water Dissolve 1 kg of common salt in 10 litres of water and drop the seeds into it. Remove the ergot and sclerotia-affected seeds that float. Wash the seeds in fresh water 2–3 times to remove the salt, and dry them in the shade. Then treat with 3 packets (600 g) of Azospirillum and 3 packets (600 g) of phosphobacteria, or 6 packets (1200 g) of Azophos. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cumbu – Removal of ergot-affected seeds, p. 82
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Main field, spacing and transplanting Plough twice with an iron plough and twice with a country plough to a fine tilth. Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost on the unploughed soil and incorporate it. Form ridges and furrows 6 m long and 45 cm apart (30 cm if pulses are intercropped). Transplant 15–18-day-old seedlings at 45 x 15 cm, on the side of the ridge half-way from the bottom, 3–5 cm deep. Before planting, dip the roots for 15–30 minutes in a slurry of 1000 g Azospirillum and 1000 g phosphobacteria in 40 litres of water. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cumbu – Main field & transplanting, pp. 83–85
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Fertilizer If a soil test is not available, apply 70:35:35 kg N, P2O5, K2O per hectare for varieties and 80:40:40 kg for hybrids. Apply all P and K basally; split N as 25% at sowing, 50% at 15 days and 25% at 30 days, and irrigate after top dressing. For rainfed conditions, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or Azophos) with 75% of the recommended N and P is recommended. Apply 30 kg S basally in sulphur-deficient soils. If micronutrient mixture is not available, apply 25 kg zinc sulphate per hectare. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cumbu – Application of fertilizers; top dressing, pp. 84–86
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Finger millet5 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Main field and transplanting Plough twice with a mould board plough or three times with a wooden plough to a good tilth. Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM or compost and plough it in at once (manure left uncovered loses nutrients). Form beds of 10–20 m². Transplant 18–20-day-old seedlings, 2 per hill, 3 cm deep, at 30 x 10 cm (22.5 x 10 cm for direct sowing). Dip the roots for 15–30 minutes in a slurry of 1000 g Azospirillum and 1000 g phosphobacteria in 40 litres of water. Seedlings older than 21 days under rainfed conditions: plant 3 per hill and increase N by 25%. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Main field & transplanting, pp. 93–95
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Biofertilizer seed treatment Treat the seed with 3 packets (600 g/ha) of Azospirillum and 3 packets (600 g/ha) of phosphobacteria, or 6 packets (1200 g/ha) of Azophos. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Pre-treatment of seeds, p. 92
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Fertilizer If a soil test is not available, apply 60 kg N, 30 kg P2O5 and 30 kg K2O per hectare. Apply half the N and all the P basally; apply the remaining N in two equal splits at 25–30 and 40–45 days after sowing. Before transplanting, apply 2000 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or 4000 g Azophos) mixed with 25 kg soil and 25 kg FYM. For zinc deficiency in plants, spray 0.5% ZnSO4 on the 30th, 40th and 50th day. In rainfed ragi, Azospirillum mixed with FYM saves about 50% of the nitrogen cost. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Application of fertilizers & micronutrients, pp. 94–95
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Reniform nematode Apply VAM culture (Glomus fasciculatum) at 100 g/m² in the nursery, and use Azospirillum and phosphobacteria as seed treatment, seedling dip and field application, to reduce the reniform nematode population. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Special problems (iv), p. 97
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Saving nitrogen cost in rainfed ragi In rainfed ragi, Azospirillum mixed with FYM and applied to the field saved about 50% of the nitrogen cost, with yield comparable to 40 kg N/ha. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ragi – Special problems (ii), p. 97
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Bengal gram1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with one packet (200 g/ha) each of Rhizobium and phosphobacteria, using rice kanji as binder; shade-dry for 15 minutes before sowing. If seed treatment is not done, apply 2 kg each of Rhizobium and phosphobacteria with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of soil before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bengalgram – Seed treatment & biofertilizer, p. 163
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Green gram1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment with bio-control agents and biofertilizers Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with Rhizobium. For one hectare of seed, use 200 g each of Rhizobium, phosphobacteria and PGPR with rice gruel and shade-dry before sowing. If seed treatment is not done, mix 2 kg each of these with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of sand and apply before sowing. Fungicides and bio-control agents are not compatible. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Greengram – Seed treatment, pp. 145–146
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Black gram1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with Rhizobium. For one hectare of seed, use 200 g each of Rhizobium, phosphobacteria and PGPR with rice gruel, and shade-dry before sowing. Seed treatment protects seedlings from seed-borne pathogens, root rot and seedling diseases. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Blackgram – Seed treatment, p. 137
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Horse gram1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Biofertilizer seed treatment Treat the seeds with one packet (200 g/ha) each of Rhizobium and phosphobacteria using rice kanji as binder, and shade-dry for 15 minutes before sowing. If seed treatment is not done, apply 10 packets of phosphobacteria with 25 kg of FYM and 25 kg of soil before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Horsegram – Seed treatment with biofertilizer, p. 159
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cowpea1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with one packet (200 g/ha) each of Rhizobium and phosphobacteria using rice kanji as binder; shade-dry for 15 minutes before sowing. If fungicide is used instead, leave at least 24 hours before the biofertilizer treatment. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cowpea – Seed treatment & biofertilizer, p. 154
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Field bean1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with Rhizobium culture (three packets are enough for one hectare), prepared with rice kanji; shade-dry for 15 minutes before sowing. If a fungicide (carbendazim or thiram at 2 g/kg) is used instead, leave at least 24 hours before the bacterial culture. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Field lab-lab – Seed treatment, p. 172
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Sesame2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat the seed with Trichoderma at 4 g/kg just before sowing (such seed should not be treated with fungicides). Treat one hectare of seed with 600 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or 600 g Azophos), and apply 2 kg of each with 25 kg FYM and 25 kg sand to the soil before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sesame – Seed treatment; application of Azospirillum, pp. 200–201
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Manure and fertilizer Spread 12.5 t/ha of FYM, compost or composted coir pith and plough it in. If soil tests are not available: rainfed – 23:13:13 kg NPK per hectare (or 17:13:13 with 600 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria); irrigated – 35:23:23 kg NPK per hectare (or 21:23:23 with the biofertilizers). Place the fertilizer in furrows 5 cm deep and 30 cm apart and cover with 3 cm of soil before sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sesame – Application of fertilizers, pp. 199–200
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Sunflower2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment For rainfed sowing, soak seeds in 2% ZnSO4 for 12 hours and shade-dry. Treat seed with Trichoderma at 4 g/kg just before sowing (do not also use fungicides). Treat the seed for one hectare with 600 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or 600 g Azophos) using rice gruel, shade-dry for 30 minutes and sow immediately. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sunflower – Seed treatment, p. 218
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Biofertilizers, sulphur and micronutrients Before sowing, apply 2000 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (or 4000 g Azophos) mixed with 25 kg FYM and 25 kg soil. Apply sulphur at 20 kg/ha through ammonium sulphate or single super phosphate, or gypsum at 200 kg/ha as basal. For zinc deficiency, apply 25 kg ZnSO4/ha as basal or spray 0.5% ZnSO4 on the 30th, 40th and 50th day. For boron-deficient soils, apply 10 kg borax per hectare. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sunflower – Biofertilizer, micronutrients & sulphur, pp. 217–219
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Soybean1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat seed with talc formulation of Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with Rhizobium. At least 24 hours before sowing, treat the seed for one hectare with 3 packets (600 g) of Rhizobium and 3 packets (600 g) of phosphobacteria using rice kanji, and shade-dry for 15 minutes. Coating seed with ZnSO4 at 300 mg/kg (using 10% maida solution as adhesive) increases field stand. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Soyabean – Seed treatment with biofertilizer; zinc coating, pp. 174–175
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Brinjal2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Nursery, seed rate and transplanting A 100 m² nursery raises seedlings for one hectare. Seed rate: 400 g/ha for varieties and 200 g/ha for hybrids. Sow in lines 10 cm apart in raised beds and cover with sand. Prepare the main field with FYM at 25 t/ha and ridges 60 cm apart, apply 2 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria with 50 kg FYM, irrigate the furrows and transplant 30–35-day-old seedlings. Spacing: 60 x 60 cm for varieties and 90 x 60 cm for hybrids. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Brinjal – Nursery, seed rate & field preparation, pp. 63–64
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, and with Azospirillum at 40 g per 400 g of seed using rice gruel as adhesive. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Brinjal – Seed treatment, p. 63
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Okra2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment Treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride at 4 g/kg or Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg, then with 400 g of Azospirillum using starch as adhesive, and dry in shade for 20 minutes. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bhendi – Seed treatment, p. 69
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Manure, fertilizer and irrigation Before sowing, apply 2 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria with 100 kg FYM. Varieties: FYM 25 t/ha with N 20, P 50 and K 30 kg/ha as basal, and 20 kg N/ha at 30 days. Hybrids: FYM 40 t/ha with N, P and K at 100 kg/ha each as basal, and 100 kg N/ha at 30 days. Spray 1% urea (10 g/l) + muriate of potash (10 g/l) on the 30th and 45th day. After germination, irrigate at weekly intervals. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bhendi – Application of fertilizers; irrigation; foliar nutrition, pp. 69–70
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Onion3 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Raising seedlings Seed rate: 7.5 kg/ha (2.5 kg/ha is given for the fertigation system). Before sowing, apply 10 kg FYM and 1 kg VAM per m² to the beds. On raised beds 30 cm high, mix the small seeds with fine sand and sow in lines 10 cm apart, cover with a thin layer of sand and then paddy straw, and water with a rose can twice a day. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Big onion – Seed rate & sowing; quality seedling production, pp. 151–152
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Seed treatment Treat the seed with Azospirillum using rice gruel as adhesive and dry in shade for 30 minutes before sowing. Pseudomonas fluorescens at 10 g/kg of seed is also listed. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Big onion – Seed rate & sowing; seed treatment, pp. 151–152
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Irrigation and fertilizer Irrigate at planting, on the third day, and then at weekly intervals. Basal: FYM 25 t/ha, Azospirillum 2 kg and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha, N 50 kg, P 150 kg and K 75 kg/ha, and zinc sulphate 50 kg/ha at the last ploughing. Top-dress 50 kg N/ha 30 days after planting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Big onion – Irrigation; application of fertilizers, p. 151
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cabbage2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed and nursery Seed rate: 650 g/ha (250 g/ha for hybrids raised in protrays). Treat seed in hot water at 50 °C for 30 minutes; 25 g Azospirillum treats 250 g of seed. Nursery: 100 m² per hectare, with 300 kg FYM, 10 kg of 9:9:9 mixture, 50 g sodium molybdate and 100 g borax. Sow in rows 10 cm apart on raised beds. Seedlings are ready in 40–45 days (about 25 days in protrays). Avoid land with club root disease. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cabbage – Seed rate; nursery; seed treatment, p. 119
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Irrigation and fertilizer Keep the soil continuously moist. Plains: basal FYM 20 t/ha, N 50, P 125 and K 25 kg/ha with 2 kg Azospirillum; top-dress 50 kg N one month after planting and earth up. Hills: FYM 30 t/ha and NPK 90:90:90 kg/ha basal, then 45:45:45 kg/ha at 30–45 days. Fertigation for F1 hybrids: 200:125:150 kg NPK/ha, applied every three days. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cabbage – Irrigation; application of fertilizers, p. 120
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cauliflower1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed and nursery Seed rate: 375 g/ha (250 g/ha for hybrids in protrays). Treat seed in hot water at 50 °C for 30 minutes; 25 g Azospirillum treats 250 g of seed. Nursery: 100 m² per hectare with 300 kg FYM, 10 kg of 9:9:9 mixture, 50 g sodium molybdate and 100 g borax; sow in rows 10 cm apart on raised beds. Transplant 25-day-old (early varieties) or 45-day-old (late varieties) seedlings. Avoid land with club root disease. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cauliflower – Nursery; seed rate; seed treatment, pp. 124–125
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cucumber1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Fertilizer Apply FYM 40 t/ha as basal and 35 kg N/ha 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. Fertigation for F1 hybrids: 150:75:75 kg NPK/ha in split doses, with 75% of the phosphorus as basal. Hoe and weed two or three times. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cucumber – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, p. 98
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Bottle gourd1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Fertilizer Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. Fertigation for hybrids: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha in split doses through the crop. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bottle gourd – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, pp. 89–90
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Bitter gourd1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Fertilizer Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. Fertigation for hybrids: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha in split doses through the crop. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Bitter gourd – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, p. 92
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Ridge gourd1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Fertilizer Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. Fertigation for hybrids: 250:100:100 kg NPK/ha in split doses through the crop. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Ribbed gourd – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, pp. 86–87
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Snake gourd1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Fertilizer Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. With fertigation: 75:100:100 kg NPK/ha in split doses, with 75% of the phosphorus as superphosphate at planting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Snake gourd – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, pp. 84–85
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Pumpkin2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Seed rate: 1.0 kg/ha. Dig 30 x 30 x 30 cm pits at 2 x 2 m. Soak seeds in twice their volume of water for 30 minutes; treat with Azospirillum just before sowing. Sow 3 seeds per pit and thin to 2 plants per pit after 15 days. In protected nurseries, 12-day-old seedlings from 98-cell protrays with cocopeat are planted. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pumpkin – Season and sowing; seed rate; spacing, p. 82
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Fertilizer Per pit: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture as basal, then 10 g N per pit 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake per hectare. With fertigation: 60:30:30 kg NPK/ha in split doses, with 75% of the phosphorus as superphosphate at planting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pumpkin – Application of fertilizers; fertigation, pp. 82–83
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Cluster bean2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Seed rate: 10 kg/ha. Treat seed with Rhizobium culture (600 g/ha) using rice gruel as a binder and dry in shade for 15–30 minutes before sowing. Form ridges and furrows 45 cm apart and dibble seeds on the sides of ridges 15 cm apart (45 x 15 cm). Give stakes to the MDU 1 variety. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cluster bean – Season and sowing; seed rate; seed treatment; preparation of field, p. 107
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Irrigation and fertilizer Irrigate right after sowing, then weekly. Basal: FYM 25 t/ha, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each, and N 25, P 50, K 25 kg/ha; top-dress 25 kg N/ha 30 days after sowing. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cluster bean – Irrigation; application of fertilizers, p. 107
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
French bean1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Plains: 50 kg/ha, 2 seeds per hill at 45 x 30 cm on the sides of ridges after two ploughings. Hills: 80 kg/ha at 30 x 15 cm in lines or beds, with FYM dug in. Treat seed with Trichoderma viride 4 g/kg a day before sowing (fungicide options are also listed), and with Rhizobium where beans are grown for the first time. Irrigate after sowing, on the 3rd day, then weekly. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), French bean – Sowing; seed rate and spacing; preparation of field, p. 111
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Dolichos bean2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Treat seed with Rhizobium culture (600 g/ha) using rice gruel as a binder and dry in shade for 15–30 minutes before sowing. Bush type: 25 kg/ha, one seed every 30 cm on one side of ridges 60 cm apart. Pandal type: 5 kg/ha, 2–3 seeds per pit at 2 x 3 m, in 30 cm pits filled with FYM and soil (1 x 1 m for CO 1). Irrigate after sowing, on the 3rd day, then weekly. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Lab lab or Dolichos bean – Rhizobial treatment; seed rate and sowing; preparation of field, p. 109
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Fertilizer and pandal Pandal type: 10 kg FYM and 100 g of 6:12:12 NPK mixture per pit as basal, 10 g N per pit after 30 days, and Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each at sowing; zinc sulphate 25 kg and borax 10 kg/ha basal. Hoe and weed three times and train the vines onto a 2 m pandal. (The bush-type fertilizer table in the source is not clearly printed.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Lab lab or Dolichos bean – Application of fertilizers; after cultivation, p. 110
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Amaranthus1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Irrigation and fertilizer Irrigate before and after sowing, then weekly after germination. Basal: FYM 25 t/ha, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each, N 75 and K 25 kg/ha (for Sirukeerai: N 50, K 25 kg/ha at the last ploughing). Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Amaranthus – Irrigation; application of fertilizers, p. 156
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Capsicum1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Nursery and transplanting Seed rate: varieties 1.25 kg/ha, hybrids 200 g/ha; nursery area about 3 cents per hectare. In a protected nursery (50% shade net, insect-proof side net), sow one seed per cell in 98-cell protrays with cocopeat mixed with neem cake, Azospirillum and phosphobacteria. Transplant 40–45-day-old seedlings 30 cm apart on ridges 45 or 60 cm apart; with drip, use a 90 x 60 x 60 cm paired-row system on 120 cm raised beds. Fill gaps on the 7th day. (A chemical seed treatment is also listed — ask your officer.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Capsicum – Seed rate; nursery; protected nursery; preparation of field, pp. 78–79
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Potato1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Irrigation and fertilizer First irrigation 10 days after planting, then once a week. Basal: FYM 15 t/ha with Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each. NPK 120:240:120 kg/ha in two splits — half at planting, the rest 30 days later. Also basal: magnesium sulphate 60 kg/ha, sulphur 75 kg/ha and zinc sulphate 25 kg/ha. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Potato – Irrigation; application of fertilizers, p. 134
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Sweet potato2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Planting vine cuttings Use terminal vine cuttings 10–15 cm long with 2–3 nodes, from vines at least 3 months old — about 80,000 per hectare, planted 20 cm apart on ridges 60 cm apart (or beds). Dip the cuttings in a solution of 400 g Azospirillum in water before planting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sweetpotato – Season and planting; preparation of field, p. 138
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Irrigation and fertilizer Irrigate before planting, on the 3rd day, then weekly; stop one week before harvest. FYM 25 t/ha and NPK 20:40:60 kg/ha as basal, and NPK 20:40:60 kg/ha again after 30 days. If 20 kg/ha Azospirillum is used, apply only two-thirds of the N. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sweetpotato – Irrigation; application of fertilizers, p. 138
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Tapioca1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Setts and spacing Take setts from healthy, mosaic-free, vigorous plants: 15 cm long with 8–10 nodes, from the middle of the stem, with an even cut and no damage. Dip setts for 20 minutes in Azospirillum and phosphobacteria (30 g/l each). Plant upright, buds pointing up, on the sides of ridges. Spacing: irrigated 75 x 75 cm or 90 x 90 cm; rainfed 60 x 60 cm. Plough 4–5 times. (Chemical sett dips against rot and scale insects are also listed — ask your officer.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Tapioca – Season and planting; preparation of field, p. 139
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Turmeric1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Manure and fertilizer Recommended dose: 150:60:108 kg NPK per hectare. At planting: FYM 25 t/ha, neem or groundnut cake 200 kg/ha, 25:60:18 kg NPK, 30 kg FeSO4, 15 kg ZnSO4, and 10 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria per hectare. Top-dress 25 kg N + 18 kg K per hectare on the 30th, 60th, 90th, 120th and 150th day. Spray 0.5% ZnSO4 and 1% FeSO4 + 0.1% citric acid on the 60th, 90th and 120th day. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Turmeric – Manuring, p. 172
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Coriander1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed and sowing Seed rate: irrigated 10–12 kg/ha, rainfed 20–25 kg/ha. Soak seed in water for 12 hours and treat with Azospirillum; Trichoderma viride is listed against wilt. Apply 10 t/ha FYM before the last ploughing, form beds and channels for irrigated crops, and sow split seeds at 20 x 15 cm. Seeds germinate in 8–15 days. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Coriander – Seed rate; seed treatment; field preparation and sowing, p. 185
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Fenugreek1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing Seed rate: 12 kg/ha, treated with Azospirillum 1.5 kg and Trichoderma viride 50 g. Apply 20–25 t/ha FYM before the last ploughing, form 3.5 x 1.5 m beds and channels, and sow at 20 x 15 cm. Thin at 20–25 days to 10–15 cm, keeping 1–2 plants per hill. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Fenugreek – Seed rate; seed treatment; field preparation and sowing, p. 187
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Black pepper1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Manure, fertilizer and irrigation Per vine: 10 kg cattle manure or compost before the south-west monsoon; NPK 100:40:140 g in two splits (May–June and September–October); slaked lime 500 g in alternate years in May–June; Azospirillum 100 g a month after the fertilizers. Apply 30 cm from the base and mix into the soil. Give protective basin irrigation every 10 days in December–May. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Pepper – Manuring; irrigation, p. 165
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Garlic1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Fertilizer and weeding At the last ploughing: FYM 50 t/ha, Azospirillum 2 kg and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha, NPK 75:40:40 kg/ha and 40 kg sulphur. Apply nitrogen as ammonium sulphate, not urea. To reduce rubbery cloves, reduce irrigation frequency, and spray boron 0.2% and zinc sulphate 0.25% on days 30, 60 and 90. Weed on the 30th and 60th day. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Garlic – Fertilizer; controlling rubberisation; weeding, p. 154
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Papaya1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Irrigation and manuring Irrigate copiously after planting, then once a week. Apply 10 kg FYM per plant as basal. From the third month, after removing unwanted sex forms, apply 50 g each of N, P and K per plant every two months. At planting, apply mycorrhizae 50 g, phosphate-solubilising bacteria 25 g, Azospirillum 50 g and Trichoderma harzianum 50 g per plant, and 20 g each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria again at six months. Spray 0.5% zinc sulphate + 0.1% boric acid at the 4th and 8th month. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Papaya – Irrigation; application of fertilizers; micronutrients, pp. 33–34
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Acid lime1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Irrigation and fertilizer per plant Water young plants every 8–10 days after the monsoon and every 5–7 days in summer. Use a double-ring basin so water never touches the trunk; avoid stagnation; use drip for new plantings. Per plant — 1st year: FYM 10 kg, N 200 g, P 100 g, K 100 g; increase every year by FYM 5 kg, N 100 g, P 25 g, K 40 g; from the 6th year: FYM 30 kg, N 600 g, P 200 g, K 300 g. Apply N in March and October, and FYM, P and K in October; Pseudomonas 20 g and VAM 200 g per plant can be added with the FYM. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Acid Lime – Irrigation; manures and fertilizers per plant, p. 14
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Custard apple1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Manure and fertilizer per tree Per tree: FYM 10 kg, neem cake 1 kg, and N 250 g, P 125 g and K 250 g. Also apply 30 g each of Azotobacter, VAM and Azospirillum. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Minor fruits table – Annona, p. 53
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Watermelon1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Fertilizer and weeding Basal: FYM 20 t/ha with P 55 and K 55 kg/ha; N 55 kg/ha 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake. Fertigation: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha. Hoe and weed three times. (An Ethrel growth-regulator spray is also listed.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Watermelon – Application of fertilizers; fertigation; after cultivation, pp. 101–102
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Muskmelon1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Fertilizer and weeding Basal: FYM 20 t/ha and NPK 40:60:30 kg/ha; N 40 kg/ha 30 days after sowing. Before the last ploughing, apply Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each and Pseudomonas 2.5 kg/ha with 50 kg FYM and 100 kg neem cake. Fertigation: 200:100:100 kg NPK/ha. Hoe and weed three times. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Muskmelon – Application of fertilizers; fertigation; after cultivation, pp. 103–104
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Rose1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Propagation and planting Use cuttings with 2–3 buds, dipped in IBA or IAA at 500–1000 ppm. Dig 45 x 45 x 45 cm pits at 2.0 x 1.0 m spacing and add 10 kg FYM to each pit before planting. Biofertilizer: 2 kg each of Azospirillum and phosphobacteria per hectare, mixed with 100 kg FYM, applied in the pits at planting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Rose – Propagation and planting, p. 248
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Chrysanthemum1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Irrigation and nutrition Irrigate twice a week in the first month, then weekly depending on weather. Recommended dose: FYM 25 t/ha and NPK 125:120:25 kg/ha — half the N and all the P and K at planting, the other half of N 30 days after planting. Foliar spray: ZnSO4 0.25% + MgSO4 0.5%. Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each, mixed with 100 kg FYM, at planting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Chrysanthemum – Nutrition; micronutrients; biofertilizers; irrigation, p. 256
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Crossandra1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Irrigation and nutrition Irrigate once a week depending on weather. Tetraploids: FYM 25 t/ha basal; NPK 75:50:125 kg/ha three months after planting, repeated every six months for two more years. Delhi Crossandra: basal FYM 25 t/ha, gypsum 100 kg/ha, P 50 and K 100 kg/ha; 30 days after planting, neem cake 250 kg and N 40 kg/ha; then NPK 40:20:60 kg/ha at 90 days, repeated every three months for two years. For both: Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg/ha each, mixed with 100 kg FYM, at planting. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Horticulture Crops 2020 (Directorate of Horticulture and Plantation Crops, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Crossandra – Nutrition; biofertilizers; irrigation, p. 254
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Sugarcane1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Selecting and treating setts Take seed material from a 6–7-month-old crop free from pests and diseases. Detrash by hand, cut setts with a sharp knife or sett cutter without splits, and discard setts with damaged or sprouted buds. Dip the setts for one hectare for 30 minutes in a slurry of 2 kg Azospirillum (or Gluconacetobacter), 2 kg phosphobacteria and 2 kg SSB before planting. Aerated steam at 50°C for one hour controls primary infection of grassy shoot disease. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sugarcane – Preparation of setts; sett treatment, p. 291
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-04
Mulberry (sericulture)2 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Nursery and planting For one hectare, raise saplings on 800 m² near water with 1600 kg FYM. Take semi-hardwood cuttings 10–12 mm thick and 15–20 cm long, with 3–4 buds and a clean 45° cut, from a 6–8-month-old garden; dip the ends in Azospirillum (1 kg in 40 litres) for 30 minutes, apply VAM 100 g/m², and plant at 15 x 7 cm at a 45° angle. Transplant 90–120-day-old saplings at the onset of the monsoon, on ridges at 90 x 90 cm (or a 75/105 x 90 cm paired row), keeping about 12,345 plants/ha; apply 20 t/ha FYM at the last ploughing. (Chemical nursery treatments for termites and root rot are also listed — ask your officer.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sericulture – Mulberry cultivation: nursery; main field; planting, pp. 363–364
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Fertilizer and irrigation Irrigated: FYM 20 t/ha/year and NPK 300:120:120 kg/ha/year in five splits after each pruning (375:140:140 for V1). Azospirillum 4 kg/ha after each pruning can replace 25% of the nitrogen; phosphate-solubilising bacteria 10 kg/ha/year. Short crops such as greens, green gram, black gram, coriander, cowpea, horse gram and sunnhemp can be grown after each pruning. Irrigate every 7–8 days; drip saves about 40% water. Rainfed: FYM 20 t/ha/year and NPK 100:50:50 kg/ha/year. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Sericulture – Mulberry cultivation: nutrient management; water management, p. 364
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Napier grass1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Manure and fertilizer FYM or compost 25 t/ha with Azospirillum and phosphobacteria 2 kg each (or Azophos 4 kg), ploughed in. Without a soil test, NPK 150:50:40 kg/ha: all P and K and half the N at planting, the rest of the N at 30 days, and 75 kg N after each cut. Biofertilizers with 75% of the N and P gave similar yield while saving 25% of fertilizer. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Cumbu napier hybrids – Nutrient management, pp. 327–328
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Lucerne1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Sowing, fertilizer and irrigation Plough three or four times and form beds of 10–20 m². FYM 25 t/ha; without a soil test, NPK 25:120:40 kg/ha, all at sowing. Seed rate 20 kg/ha of good seed free of dodder (Cuscuta), treated with Rhizobium and phosphobacteria (600 g each), sown at 25 x 10 cm. Irrigate after sowing, on the 3rd day, then weekly. Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Lucerne – Preparatory cultivation; nutrient management; sowing; irrigation, pp. 329–330
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05
Subabul1 recommendations
Full guide for this crop →Seed treatment and sowing Plough well and form ridges and furrows. FYM 25 t/ha; without a soil test, NPK 10:60:30 kg/ha at sowing. Seeds are hard: scarify by pounding with sand, or pour just-boiled water over them for 3–4 minutes and then soak overnight in cold water, or soak in plain water for 72 hours. Treat with Rhizobium and phosphobacteria (600 g each). Seed rate 10 kg/ha; spacing 2 x 1 m. (An acid scarification method is also listed.) Pending expert review - Source
- Crop Production Guide – Agriculture 2020 (Directorate of Agriculture, Tamil Nadu & Tamil Nadu Agricultural University (TNAU)), Leucaena – Preparatory cultivation; nutrient management; sowing, pp. 337–338
- Region
Tamil Nadu - Last updated
- 2026-11-05