JANHIT A Handbook on ... FOUNDATION

JANHIT FOUNDATION D-80 Shastri Nagar, Meerut-250002, Uttar Pradesh Phone +91-121-2763418, 4004123 e-mail: [email protected] Website: www.janhitfoundation.in

Lemongrass Neem A Handbook on ...

LEGEND

• According to Indian mythology, the origin of the Neem is related to the story of palazimadanam ( the churning of the Palazi, the Ocean of Milk). During the course of the event, Lord Dhanvanthari appeared from The Ocean, with a pot, full of nectar in the end, Lord Indra, the king of Devas tactfully snatched the pot from the Asuras and left for Deva loka. On the way, a few drops of nectar fell down on to the earth and legend has it that the Neem tree originated form the nectar.

• The Neem tree is considered as One of the ten , in the Nandanavana of the Ramayana It is mentioned in the "Mantra maharnavam", Brihat Samhitha","Kdambari", and "Padma Purana", It also finds a place in the "Charaka Samhita"(2000 BC), and is one of the most Important mentioned in Kautilya's “Arthasastra” (4BC).

• The Neem is used in the worship of goddess Mariyamma in Tamil Nadu Lemongrass Neem Citronella and Karnataka. Buchanan's Travelogues report five leaf branches of Neem being used in the Mariyamma pooja in Mysore,

• In Ayurveda, Unani and Sidha Systems of medicine the Neem tree is used as a single drug and also as an ingredient in many herbal formulations. In Abhidhanamanjari", there is reference to three types of Neem or Veppu (in Malayalam) Azadiracta indica (Aryaveppu) Azdirach JANHIT (Malaveppu) and Murraya Koenigii (Kariveppu). FOUNDATION

28 1 Contents A Word

A Word...... 3 Between the 1940s and 1960s India needed Revolution which was once a boon has now a boost in agricultural output. Green become a curse. Yields have gone down, Revolution which started in 1943 led to input costs have increased, returns are low Introduction...... 4 significant increases in agricultural the farmer is left with no choice but to quit production. This was possible because of farming or borrow money and lay his own Citronella ...... 6 increased output through genetically death trap. modified seeds, chemicals aiding in growth and pesticides increasing produce per Time has come to start the process of Lemongrass ...... 13 hectare. reversal and go back to the golden days of bountiful! Lush green fields, clean flowing Neem...... 20 The benefits were reaped till the time rivers and pure air to breathe. Chemical continuous use saw the reversal of effects. based farming and Monoculture are creating This started the practice of monoculture an imbalance, the only way to conserve bio- chiefly of cash crops. As a consequence, soil diversity and our natural resources is to started losing its fertility, crops became practice organic farming and grow resistant to pesticides, water consumption medicinal plants, aromatic plants, vegetables increased leading to groundwater depletion, and even flowers. Pulses, paddy and health of farmers suffered because of aromatic plants are gradually becoming lost exposure to insecticides and the consumers words. Some of the good alternates that can too suffered eating the produce leached be viably grown are Aromatic plants like with pesticides. Lemongrass, Citronella and medicinal plants like Neem. These will conserve bio diversity We now stand on the threshold from where and also enhance the income of farmers. our future looks very bleak. The three Details of the three plants are enumerated natural resources and the basic requirement in this booklet to aid the farmer in their for sustenance water, air and food all face cultivation. the threat of pollution and depletion. Green

2 3 medicinal preparations. Despite their which the fragrant constituents are likely to demands today, they are not grown in a be decomposed or destroyed, the essential Introduction controlled manner. Rather tribes use them as oils are mostly obtained by distilling the their livelihood in some belts where they are produce; in fact, steam distillation is the grown in the wild. Unlike India, in China, the oldest method of separation of essential oils. AROMATIC PLANTS HERBAL MEDICINE spurt in demand for traditional medicines The perfumery material is filled in a large- has led the government to allow growth of galvanized iron still over a perforated metal Aromatic plants possess odoriferous and Four billion people or about 80% of the these plants for further research and grid. Water is filled in the still below the volatile substances which occur as essential world's population use herbal medicine development. About 100 units have nearly level of the grid so that it generates a low- oils, gum exudates, balsam and oleo-resin in today as part of health care. Different 600 types, grown for their medicinal pressure steam on heating to pass through one or more parts, viz. root, wood, bark, cultures use herbs located in their value. Herbal medicines are used in the material. The water vapours carry with it foliage, flower and fruit. The chemical nature geographical locations for curing common Ayurveda, Naturopathy, and Homeopathy, the essential oil of the perfumery material. of these aromatic substances may be due to illnesses. They have been successful to a traditional and Native American medicines. These vapours are passed through a a variety of complex chemical compounds. certain extent and over many centuries, About 74 plant types are used in modern condenser and collected in a vessel where Many of these aromatics are powerful some of the herbal cures have proved to be medicines. They are bought from rainforests. the oil is decanted with a separating-funnel. germicides and have anti-bacterial properties, far more useful than allopathic drugs. What but the bulk of the produce finds use in exactly is herbal medicine? One can loosely With due importance, healthcare is being A simple field distillation unit could be perfumery and the food-flavouring industries. describe it is a natural form of healing or given worldwide, it is strange that herbal fabricated by a skilled blacksmith. For more Amongst the two, the perfumery and allied alternative therapy where herbs and plants medicines are being used quietly without efficient and quick distillation of the industries consume much larger amounts of are used in the form of extracts, pills, syrup the consultations of a practitioner. They are produce; “steam distillation" units are the natural fragrant material. According to the or powder to cure ailments or diseases of bought over the counter or from unqualified employed. These units are built on the same UN Word Statistics (1972), the annual world human beings and in some cases of animals people who make them. As they hardly principle except that live steam at 40-100 1b trade (excluding countries in Eastern ) too. The administration of herbal medicines have, any side effects patent medicines are pressure per inch is injected into the filling- in essential oils and perfumery aromatics for has been on a profile until now. But failure few in circulation, especially in India and still through perforated coils and the 1969 was of the order of Rs 2250 million; also, of some allopathic drugs and its side effects China. If general physicians and doctors distillation is completed in a shorter period. a large quantity of the aromatic material of have prompted some patients to go back to combine them with allopathic drugs for It has the advantages of handling a larger plant origin is utilized in cosmetics, toiletries ancient healing methods which use herbal patients with chronic problems, it could be a quantity of the material, besides improving and allied industries. Our current volume of medicines to give relief. positive step towards healthcare. As they are upon the recovery of the essential oil. foreign trade in the perfumery material, cost effective, they fall within the budget of essential oils and aromatic compounds is Herbal medicines are also called as patients needing long-term care. around Rs 65 million and this amount herbalism. Ancient Chinese, Indians and accounts for 1.6 per cent of the world trade. Europeans discovered origins of medicinal PROCESSING PROCEDURE Some sixty-two types of essential oils come herbs. They have been using them for to the international market with a large and curative purposes successfully. The records The methods employed to obtain aromatic consistent demand. However, our treatment of are available in ancient texts. In India itself, substances from plants are classified into the aromatic plants is confined to a few more there are more than 1100 medicinal plants distillation, effleurage, maceration, expression important essential-oil crops grown in the grown all over the wild forests. Of these, and solvent extraction. Expect in the case of 4 country some 60 genuses are used rampantly in flowers crops, such as jasmine and kewara in 5 Introduction: Citronella is native to • :Chile Southeast Asia. It is grown commercially in • Cironella incarum: Peru Citronella Sri Lanka, India, Burma, and Indonesia. Major • Cironella moorei: : NSW and producing areas of Citronella oil are Ceylon, Queensland Java, Taiwan, Guatemala, Honduras, Brazil, • Citronella samoensis A. Gray: Polynesia Ceylon, India, Argentina, Ecuador, Scientific classification Madagascar, Mexico and West Indies. The Varieties crop is grown in India in the states of Kingdom : Plantae Assam, Gujarat, Jammu & Kashmir, Karnataka, Mandakini: Clonal selection, Chemical compounds: Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and gives a little less herb yield (35 Division : Magnoliophyta Uttar Pradesh. t/ha) and oils (118 kg/ha). This Citronellal : 32 - 45% variety is suitable for hills and Class : Magnoliopsida Description: Citronella is a tall, blue- Tarai tracts of Himalayas (CIMAP, Geraniol : 12 - 18% green, lemon-scented perennial grass which Lucknow). Order : or grows to 1 or 1.5 meters tall. A tufted Geranyl acetate : 3 - 8% Celastrales aromatic perennial herb with fibrous roots; Manjusha: Clonal selection, stout culms, is erect, smooth and shining, gives a herbage yield of 43 Citronellyl acetate : 2 - 4% Family : Poaceae leafy, glabrous at the nodes; whose leaf tons/ha. and 150 kg/ha of oil blades are linear, gradually tapering to a per annum. The variety is Linalyl acetate : 2% : Citronella D. Don long membranous acuminate tip, up to 1 suitable for Indo-Gangetic plains meter long, 1.5 cm wide and yellow-green. (CIMAP, Lucknow). 1-limonene : 2 - 5% Species : winterianus and nardus It is characterized by inflorescence, has a very large decompounded panicle, Manjiri : This variety has been Caryophyllene : 2.1% Scientific Name : Cymbopogon spreading loose, over 30 cm long, erect, released by University of winterianus jowitt finally drooping, consisting of branches of Agriculture Sciences, Bangalore. Linalool : 1.5% the third and fourth degree which finally It is an elite mutant clone of Centre of Origin : Sri Lanka end in pairs. Manjusha M3-8. It has been Farnesol : 0.6% found to possess 50-90% more Pollination System : Cross pollinated Other names: Andropogon nardus, oil, high citronella oil and low Methylisoeugenol : 2.3% Cymbopogon nardus var.linnaei (typicus) C. elemol content. It has profuse Chromosome No. : 2n = 20 nardus var. confertiflorus, Cymbopogon tillering and rapid growing winerianus. ability thus producing a high herb yield.

It is called: CIMAP Bio-13, Java-2, Jorhat-2: Are high yielding varieties for the southern and • 'Maha pengeri' in Ceylon. eastern India released by CIMAP. • Citronella costarricensis (Donn. Sm. ) R. A. 6 Howard: Soil: The species has been found to grow 7 well under varying soil conditions, but the fine tilth by discing and tilling. There should harvest, the weeds grow in the inter-row again after about 1.5 months. Fresh, partly sandy loam soil with abundant organic be enough moisture in the field at the time spaces and weeding is essential. This can be dried or wholly dried grass is steam distilled matter is the most suitable. Heavy clay soils of planting. economically accomplished by running to remove the essential oil. The oil is yellow- and sandy soils do not support good growth cultivator in between the rows. brown and has the powerful lemony aroma of the plant. The plant has been found to Spacing: The slips should be planted at a we are all familiar with. Citronella oil is used grow well in a soil where pH range is under distance of 60 cm x 60 cm apart. However, Irrigation: Java citronella requires a lot for commercially produced perfumes 5.8-6.0. 180-120 m altitude is optimum for the in areas where the soil is very fertile and the sufficient moisture for good growth and and soaps. It is also mixed with other growth of the plant, although they can also climatic conditions support luxurious yield of the leaves. In the areas where vegetable oils to produce massage oils. grow between the altitudes of 1000-1500 m. growth, a spacing of 90 cm x 90 cm may be annual rainfall is about 200-250 cm, well followed. distributed over the year and the humidity Danger Climate: Citronella thrives well under is high, supplemental irrigation is not tropical and subtropical conditions. It requires Method of Planting: The slips should necessary. In drier months, however, Handling the plant bare handed may cause abundant moisture and sunshine for good be taken from healthy, vigorously growing irrigation is provided twice a week during skin irritation or allergic reaction. growth. A good rainfall of about 2000-2500 young bushes and should be planted soon the first month of planting and thereafter mm well spread over the year and high after the bushes have been dug up and the once in 5 days. Diseases atmospheric humidity, appear to influence the slips have been separated out. If the growth of the plant, yield and quality of the planting is delayed, the slips may partially Manuring & Fertilization: Java Leaf Blight (Curvularia oil favorably. dry up resulting in poor plant population. citronella generally requires high dose of Andropogonis): Fungus affects the crop The slips are planted vertically, about 10 cm nitrogen for good growth. Under the agro in the beginning of monsoon. Small Propagation: Citronella is a perennial deep. The planting should be done in such a climatic conditions of North-Eastern India brownish spots appear initially during the grass, however, it does not produce viable way that the excess water is drained off and North India, 80-120 kg N /ha per year is month of July, which enlarge into long seeds, therefore, the species can be quickly. This is because plants are extremely recommended. For the soils with high patches along the tips and margins of the propagated only vegetatively by slips. This is sensitive to temporary water logging, which fertility level, the dose may be reduced. The leaves. In case of serious infections, the achieved by splitting well-grown clumps. It adversely affects the growth of the plant. It recommended annual doses of P and K are entire leaves dry up resulting in has been observed that a year old clump is better to plant citronella on ridges to 40 kg/ha each. It is beneficial to apply N in 4 considerable decrease in leaf and oil yields on an average about 50 slips. The avoid water logging. The field should be equally split doses, the first about a month production. Black dots in the form of clump is gently separated into a number of irrigated immediately after planting if there after planting and then after each harvest, at sporulation of the fungus have been seen slips and each slip contains 1-3 tillers. These are no rains within next 24 hours. an interval of about three months. on dead spots of the leaves. slips are the unit of propagation and on planting establish themselves as plants or Intercultural Operations: The In poor soils, 200 kg N and 80 kg P205 per Pests: Mites and others bushes. Fibrous roots and leaves should be citronella plantations should be kept weed ha should be applied. Nitrogen is applied in trimmed off the slips before planting. free. When the plants have established 5-6 split doses. Control: These diseases and Insects can be themselves and formed bushes, the problem controlled by bio pesticides like Neem Cake, Season of Planting: Although the is not so severe because of the very nature Processing method: The leaves are Neem Oil, Harit Pani, Chilli and Garlic plantation of Java citronella can be initiated of growth of the bushes. The bushes do not used to make citronella oil. When the grass solution, Kernel powder solution, anytime during the year, onset of monsoon is allow weeds to grow around them by is 2.5 - 3 months old it is cut about 5 cm Trichoderma, Beauvaria bassiana, the best time. The land should be prepared to cutting off the sunlight. However, in the above the leaf sheath. The leaves are left to Metarhhizium, Cow urine etc. 8 newly established plantations and after each wilt in the sun. It can then be harvested 9 Harvesting: Citronella is cultivated Post Harvest Technology condensation of the oil. About 80% of the citrus, cherry, ginger, etc. However, the essentially for oil. Although, all the plant parts total oil yield is recovered in the first hour, greatest importance of Citronellal lies in its contain oil, leaves contain the maximum Distillation: The grass is steam-distilled 19% in the second hour and about 1% in role as a starting material for further amount of oil. Therefore, only the leaves for better recovery of oil and economical the 3 hour, of distillation. Larger percentages derivatives. Hydroxycitronellal can be should be harvested. Harvesting is done by a purposes. The distillation equipment consists of the major components in the total oil, prepared from citrinellal and it is a key sharp sickle at about 20-45 cm above the of a boiler in which steam is produced, a such as citronellal, geraniol, citronella and ingredient in compounding. ground. The number of harvests, which can distillation tub for distilling the grass, a geranyl acetate are recovered on the first Hydroxycitronellal is one of the most be taken during a year, depends upon the condensor and 2-3 receivers /separators. The hour of distillation. frequently used floralizing perfume growth of the plants. Under favorable distillation tub is made of steel with a materials. It finds its way into almost every conditions, upto 4 harvests can be obtained perforated bottom, which is called false Growers cultivating smaller areas can make type of floral fragrance and great many non- in a year. The leaves are ready for first harvest, bottom, on which the grass rests. It has two use of properly designed direct-fired stills, in floral ones. For soap perfumes, a slightly about 5 months after planting. The second opening: one at the bottom for steam entry case they are not able to invest in the rougher grade is used. High grade is used in and subsequent harvests can be taken and the other at the top through which the purchase of a boiler. In such cases, the lower flavour compositions. thereafter at 2.5 -3 months interval. oil vapour and steam escape. The top of the portion of the distillation tub is filled with Harvesting too soon and too late affects the still is fitted with a lid, which is removable. water and this function as a boiler. The Medicinal Uses: The leaves have been quality of oil adversely. The delay also causes Charging and discharging of the grass is water in the boiler is separated from the used for their fragrance and medicinal value the leaves to dry up resulting in decrease in done in perforated cages with chains. These remaining part of the still by means of a for centuries. Besides being an effective yield of oil. While harvesting, only the leaf cages may be lowered in the tub with the false perforated bottom on which the grass insect repellent it has been used for blade should be cut and the sheath should help of chain-pulley system. Tubular rests. In the still, the water does not come in rheumatism, colds, headaches, lower back be left. This is because the sheath contains condensers oil vapours, coming out from the contact with the grass. The tub is heated pain, migraines, fevers, pain, sprains, only little and poor quality oil. Flowering distillation tub, enter from the top of the from below either by wood or coal and the muscular aches, intestinal parasites, digestive should be discouraged as it causes aging in condenser and cool down while passing steam thus produced passes through grass problems, menstrual problems, stomach plants and reduces their life span. through the tubular tubes. Oil and water place above in the tub carrying oil vapours complaints, as an after childbirth wash, to vapour after condensation are led to a with it. However, distillation in such direct- speed healing, remove fatigue, depression, Yield: On an average, the oil content is receiver where the oil separates out from fire still takes a little more time and the excessive perspiration, in households as a about 0.8% - 1% of the fresh weight of leaves. the water and floats on the top and is quality of the oil is also inferior. germicide/antiseptic, repelling cats, and for Depending upon the nature of growth, the drawn off. conditioning oily skin & hair and also to yield of fresh leaves is about 15 - 20 Java citronella oil should preferably be increase mental alertness. tonnes/ha in the first year and 20-25 The harvested grass sometimes contains stored in glass /aluminum containers. dead leaves. These should be removed. The tonnes/ha in the second as well as in the Don't put pure citronella oil directly remaining leaves are cut into shorter third year, after which the yield declines. Uses: The oil is used mostly in perfumery, on your skin (it needs to be mixed lengths. This reduces the volume of the both directly and indirectly. Soaps, soap with something). Do not use when grass and facilities firm and even packing The yield of oil obtained during the first year flakes, detergents, household cleansers, pregnant. It has also been known to within the still. Further, chopping the grass is about 100 kg/ha and 150 kg/ha during technical products, insecticides, etc are often increase the heart rate of some gives a higher yield of oil compared to second and third years. Under very favorable perfumed exclusively with this oil. It is also a people. Citronella oil should be used uncut grass. Generally, distillation is conditions, yield of 200-250 kg oil/ha can be valuable constituent in perfumery for soaps externally only - if ingested seek complete within 2 to 3 hours under normal obtained. and detergents. Citronellal is occasionally medical help. pressure starting from the initial 10 used in traces in flower compositions of the 11 Other uses: Do citronella candles & soaps Cultural Importance : The earliest really work? Some say you'd have to have to reference to citronella oil is found in ancient burn a lot of candles to create enough scent Sanskrit literature of India written more than Lemongrass to keep the mosquitoes away. But, it won't 2000 years ago, where it is mentioned that hurt and even if it doesn't keep them all leaves of Cymbopogon species and their oil away it should cut them down. Use was used in perfumes and incenses decorative candles that look great so their employed in religious rites. The earliest Scientific classification only purpose isn't repelling mosquitoes. Use a reference of this oil in the western world is mosquito repellent soap in the summer it found in the works of Garcia da Orta written Kingdom : Plantae helps. Give it a try - it if works great, if it in 1563. doesn't keep the mosquitoes away you're still Division : Magnoliophyta clean & a little lemony scented! Class : Liliopsida

Order : Poales

Family : Poaceae

Genus : Cymbopogon Spreng.

Species : Flexuosus, Citratus

Scientific Name : Cymbopogon Flexuosus Nees

Centre of Origin : India

Pollination System : Cross pollinated

Chromosome No. : 2n = 40, 60

12 13 Introduction: Lemon grass is widely used Lemongrass essential oil comes from none exchangeable sodium percentage up to as doses during the growing season. In soils as an herb in Asian and Caribbean cooking. It other than lemongrass which can be found high as 55%. The requirement of nutrition in having low fertility levels, the dose of is a tall perennial grass that is native to in India and parts of Guatemala in a couple Lemongrass on an average is 120-180 lbs. of nitrogen should be increased. These tropical Asia. Cymbopogon is a genus of of different varieties. It is from the leaves nitrogen per acre, 140-180 lbs. of nutrients provided by organic manures and about 55 species of grasses, native to warm that the essential oil of the plant is phosphorous and some potassium if needed. liquid manures like as; Nadep Compost, temperate and tropical regions of the old extracted using steam distillation All the phosphorous and potassium and Ladep Compost, Vermicompost, Vermiwash, World and Oceania. C. citratus is cultivated in techniques. about 15-20 lbs. of nitrogen are placed 4-6 Jeewamrit, Beejamrit, Cow Urine etc. the West Indies, Central and , in under the plant as starter fertilizer. and tropical regions. Chemical compounds: Fresh C. citratus Gypsum application up to a level of 25% of Propagation grass contains about 0.4% of volatile oil. The the gypsum requirement was found to be Other names: Common names include oil contains 65% to 85% of citral (a mixture optimal for higher productivity of By Seeds: The common method for lemon grass, lemongrass, barbed wire grass, of 2 geometric isomers, geraniol and neral). lemongrass. Rest of the nitrogen is split and propagation of lemongrass employed in silky heads, citronella grass, fever grass or Other compounds found in the oil include applied during the season as a side dress or Kerala State is from seeds. The crop flowers Hierba Luisa amongst many others. myrcene (12% to 25%), diterpenes, water run, preferably prior to, or with an during November- December and seeds are methylheptenone, citronellol, linalol, farnesol, irrigation to improve plant uptake. collected during January-February. For East-Indian Lemon Grass (Cymbopogon other alcohols, aldehydes, linalool, terpineol, collection of seeds, the plants are left flexuosus), also called Cochin Grass or and more than a dozen other minor fragrant Climate: The best climate for lemongrass without harvest as the yield of seeds from Malabar Grass, is native to Cambodia, India, Sri components. Philippine lemongrass has is with temperatures ranging from 64 84º F plants subjected to regular harvest is less. Lanka, Burma and Thailand while the West- been found to contain alpha and beta and high humidity (80-100%). However, On an average, a healthy plant gives about Indian lemon grass (Cymbopogon citratus), pinene, limonene, phellandrene, and others, lemongrass can also be successfully grown 100-200 g of seeds. At the time of seed also known as Serai in Malay, is assumed to findings of 21 components such as in high temperatures (70 - 100º F) and low collection, the whole inflorescence is cut and have its origins in Malaysia. While both can be anisaldehyde, cinnamaldehyde, catechol, and relative humidity (40-60%) too. The dry spread in the sun for drying for 2-3 days. used interchangeably, C. citratus is more hydroquinone are found in certain fractions environmental conditions of the area favor These are then thrashed and seeds are again suited for cooking. of this species from Bangladesh, and various the growth of the plant but not the growth dried in the sin. These are finally stored in constituents from this species and others of plant pathogens which go after the crop gunny bags. The seeds lose their viability if Description: Cymbopogon includes a (including C. winterianus , C. jwarancusa ) in tropical areas native to the species. stored for a longer period. number of aromatic perennial tropical grass from China and Morocco. Lemongrass utilizes sunlight very effectively species with mostly lemon scented foliage. therefore it should be planted in areas of Raising of Seedlings in Nursery: It is The plant itself is a tall breed of grass, Nonvolatile components of C. citratus consist the farm exposed to the sun. Lemongrass advantageous to raise the plantation sometimes growing as high as 4 feet. The of luteolins, homo-orientin, chlorogenic acid, grows best in well drained sandy soils free through transplanting of seedlings linear leaves can grow up to 90 cm in height caffeic acid, P-coumaric acid, fructose, of weeds and soil borne pathogens such as whenever there is assured source of water. and 5 mm wide. The gray-green stalks are 2 sucrose, octacosanol, and others. Flavonoids fusarium and verticillium. The transplanting of nursery raised seedlings to 3 feet long and are as stiff as beach grass. luteolin and 6-C-glucoside have also been is found to be superior to direct sowing of The plant grows in dense clumps as big as 6 isolated. One study reports high Manuring & Fertilization: It is seeds. feet in height and diameter. Cymbopogon concentrations of cobalt. recommended to apply 30 kg nitrogen, 40 citratus (lemon grass) is cultivated for the kg P2O5 and 40 kg K2O per ha basal dose The seeds are sown by hand on well edible stem and for lemon grass oil. Soil: Lemongrass successfully grows in at the time of planting. Remaining nitrogen prepared raised beds of 1m to 1.5m width 14 sodic soils having pH up to 9.8 and (60) can be applied as top-dressing in 3 split at the onset of monsoon and are covered 15 with thin layer of soil. Recommended seed organic mulch @ 3 tonnes/ha is found the grass is cut a few centimeters above the symptoms are in the form of stunting and rate is 3-4kg/ha. The bed should be watered effective for controlling weeds in the crop. ground, the caterpillar, which is lodged little leaf formation in place of normal immediately after sowing and care should be Lemongrass has been found to be a weed lower down, is not affected. The first inflorescence. taken to maintain adequate moisture in the smoothing crop. After it is established, it symptom of the attack is the drying up of soil. Seed germinates in 5-6 days and the may inhibit weeds. the central leaf. Subsequently, the whole Control: These diseases and Insects can be seedlings are ready for transplanting at the shoot dies, resulting in a significant controlled by bio pesticides Neem Cake, age of 60 days. Intercropping: The plant does not reduction in the yield of the grass. Neem Oil, Harit Pani, Chilli and garlic tolerate shade and oil yields are drastically solution, Kernel powder solution, By Rooted Slips: For better quality and reduced when the crop is grown under Nematodes: (Tylenchorhynchus vulgaris, Trichoderma, Beauvaria bassiana, yield of oil it is recommended to grow lemon diffused light. However, intercropping of Rotylenchulus renifomis, Helicotylenchus metarhhizium, Cow urine etc. grass by slips obtained by dividing well- lemon grass in regularly pruned cinnamon spp. and Pratylenchus spp.) Nematodes have grown clumps. Tops of clumps are cut off plantation and newly planted cashew fields also been found to infect the grass. Harvesting: Lemongrass is a perennial within 20-25 cm of the root. The latter is during initial 4-5 years is being widely crop in the tropical areas of the world. In divided into slips and the lower brown sheath practiced. Diseases some places lemongrass is harvested only is removed to expose young roots. once a year, but in most places 2-5 harvests Irrigation: Lemongrass requires an Long Smut (Tolyposporium can be obtained. The time of harvesting Planting: Seedlings are planted at a average of 24-30 inches of water per year, Christensenii): All the flowers in the affects the yield and quality of the oil. The distance of 45 cm in rows, 60 cm apart. It is which depends on available soil moisture, inflorescence are transformed into, slender, first harvest is generally obtained after 4 to better to plant on ridges in areas receiving soil type and environmental conditions. tubular to conical cream-coloured sori. These 6 months of transplanting. Subsequent high rainfall. In case of rooted slips one or Irrigation is usually done on an 8-10 day sori flake off at maturity, starting from the harvests take place at intervals of 50-60 days two slips are placed into each hole, about 15 schedule. However, due to the shallow root tip and hang in shreds. depending upon the fertility of the soil and cm deep. Deeper planting is dangerous as the system of the crop, it is more beneficial to seasonal factors. Under normal conditions, 2- plants may develop root-rot during the rainy irrigate more often with lighter irrigations. Red Leaf Spot (Colletotrichum 3 harvests are possible during the first year, season. Slips are transplanted firmly into the Moreover, the frequency of irrigations will Graminicola): The symptoms are in the and 3-5 in subsequent years, depending on ground. This is done at the beginning of the increase the humidity, which favors rapid form of brown spots with concentric rings in the management practices followed. rainy season. In northern India, planting by plant growth. As the plant cannot withstand the centre appearing on the lower surface Harvesting is done with the help of sickles, slips may be done in February if irrigation is any amount of water-logging, planting on of the leaves. The spots may be formed on the plants being cut close to their bases available. In such cases, field is irrigated ridges or open hill slopes is recommended. leaf sheaths and midrib. Later the spot about 10 cm above ground-level. immediately after planting. merge to form bigger patches and the Pests affected leaves dry away. Post Harvest Technology and Weed Control: Weeding and hoeing are distillation process: very important as they affect the yield and Stem Boring Caterpillar: The most Leaf Blight (Curvularia quality of oil. Generally, 2-3 weedings are important is the species of Chilotrea Andropogonis): The disease appears in Is the same as in Citronella necessary during the year. In row-planted infecting lemongrass. The caterpillar is white the form of minute chlorotic streaks on the crops, inter-operations can be done by a in colour with a black head and black spots surface of the leaves. Yield: Depending upon soil and climatic tractor-drawn cultivator or hand-hoe. on the body. It bores into the stem and conditions, plantation lasts on an average, Distillation waste of this crop applied as remains there, feeding on the shoot. It is Little Leaf or Grassy Shoot for five years. The yield of oil is less during 16 usually found at the bottom of the stem. As (Balansia Sclerotica): The characteristic the first year. It increases in the second year 17 and reaches a maximum in the third and Antimicrobial effects: One mechanism Some species are used for the production of part of Southeast Asian cuisine, especially in fourth years, after which it declines. For of action explained in a report evaluating oil, which is used in soaps, in insect sprays Thai food. economy, the plantation is maintained only lemongrass oil and its antibacterial effects and candles as a mosquito repellent. for five years. On an average, 25 to 30 tonnes on Escherichia coli determined that the oil Benefits of Lemongrass Essential of fresh herbage are harvested per hectare elicits morphological alterations on the host, The extract is often used in everything from Oil: There are a myriad benefits that are per annum from 4 to 5 cuttings, which yields including filamentation, inhibition of septum cleaning supplies and personal care associated with lemongrass essential oil. about 80 - 120 kg of oil. Under irrigated formation, production of bulging, abnormal products, like deodorant, to even perfume. It Aside from being an effective insect conditions an oil yield up to 150 kg/ha has shaping of cells, all of which deter bacterial is used as an astringent, fragrance in beauty repellent, the oil has uses in personal care as been recorded. The percentage yield based growth. products and in perfumes. and also in well. Lemongrass essential oil is sometimes on fresh weight varies between 0.2 to 0.4. aromatherapy, which is famous in Bintan, used in shampoo to help add shine and Lemongrass oil is discussed as being Indonesia luster to dull, damaged hair. The oil is also It is the lemon-like smell that makes the effective as an herbicide and an insecticide employed to combat acne. A word of essential oil so popular in everyday products because of these naturally occurring Besides oil production, citronella grass is warning, the essential oil of the lemongrass antimicrobial effects. also used for culinary purposes, in tea and plant can cause skin irritation. It must be Medicinal uses: In India C. Citrates is used as a food flavoring. Inside the fibrous stem properly diluted to be used safely and you as a medical herb. Lemongrass has been It is usually taken by ingesting an infusion layers of lemon grass is a paler tubular core should always consult your physician before widely used in South American traditional made by pouring boiling water on fresh or that resembles a firm scallion bulb. Cooks applying it on your skin. medicine. A report of Guatemalan use lists dried leaves.. In Chinese medicine, sliver this more tender part into various lemongrass as a popular medicinal plant. lemongrass is used in the treatment for dishes, adding a pungent lemon flavor. Other uses: In India, oil of lemongrass is Traditional Indian medicine employs headaches, stomachaches, abdominal pain, However, it can be finely sliced and added primarily used for the isolation of citral for lemongrass for fever, infection, and sedation. and rheumatic pain. to recipes. It has a citrus flavour and can be manufacturing Vitamin-A. Citral is the It is also used in the treatment for skin dried and powdered, or used fresh. It may starting material for the manufacture of conditions, muscle pain, infections, fever, Other reported effects of lemongrass also be bruised and added whole as this ionones. A small amount of oil is used, as colitis, and indigestion. In folk medicine, it is include a report on fever reduction. releases the aromatic oils from the juice sacs such in soaps, detergents and other used as an antispasmodic, hypertensive, in the stalk. It's also used in herbal teas, and preparations. The spent lemongrass is anticonvulsant, analgesic, anti rheumatic and Lemongrass Essential Oil and baked goods. suitable for making paper. It is also used as as an antiseptic. Aromatherapy: In regards to fuel for the distillation of the grass. It is an aromatherapy, the lemongrass essential oil Lemon grass is commonly used in soups excellent source of manure. It is applied Brazilian folk medicine uses the plant for has the benefit of blending well with other and curries. It is also suitable for poultry, fish, either after composting or in the form of nervous conditions or GI disturbances. essential oils. The strong, sweet scent of the and seafood. It is often used as a tea in ash by burning. It may be used for mulching oil has both the ability to calm and the African and Latino-American countries (e.g. coffee. It is a good crop for checking soil More recently, lemongrass has been shown to ability to revitalize those who smell it. Its Togo, Mexico). Lemongrass is an important erosion. have antimutagenic properties; that is, citrus aroma also has a cleansing effect, researchers have found that it is able to helping you wash away the cares of the day reverse chemically induced mutations in and begin anew. However, effectiveness of certain strains of bacteria. lemongrass has not been sufficiently evaluated to help substantiate these claims. 18 19 Introduction: Neem is grown in parts of The flowers (white and fragrant) are mainland Southeast Asia, particularly in arranged auxiliary, normally more-or-less Neem Cambodia and Thailand, Laos and Vietnam. drooping panicles which are up to 25 cm Today, Neem is well established in at least long. The inflorescences, which branch up to 30 countries world-wide like in Asia, Africa the third degree, bear 150-250 and Central and South America. Some small flowers. An individual flower is Other Names: Scientific classification scale plantations are also reportedly 5-6 mm long and 8-11 mm successful in the United States of America. wide. Protandrous, bisexual Sanskrit - Nimba Arishtha Kingdom : Plantae flowers and male flowers exist meaning the Description: It is a tall fast growing on the same individual reliever of the Division : Magnoliophyta evergreen tree with small bright green (polygamous). sickness leaves. But under severe drought it may Class : Magnoliopsida shed most or nearly all of its leaves. It grows The fruit is a glabrous olive-like English - Indian Lilac / up to 100 feet tall. The branches are wide drupe which varies in shape Margosa tree Order : Sapindales spread. The fairly dense crown is roundish or from elongate oval to nearly Hindi - Neem oval and may reach the diameter of 15-20 m roundish, and when ripe is 1.4- Family : Meliaceae in old, free-standing specimens. It blossoms 2.8 x 1.0-1.5 cm. The fruit skin Malayalam - Veppu in spring with small white flowers. (exocarp) is thin and the bitter- Bengali - Nimgachh Genus : Azadirachta sweet pulp (mesocarp) is It has a straight trunk. The trunk is relatively yellowish-white and very fibrous. Punjabi - Drekh Species : A. indica, A. juss, short, straight and may reach a diameter of The mesocarp is 0.3-0.5 cm Marathi - Limba A. azedarac 1.2 m. Its bark is hard rough and scaly, thick. The white, hard inner shell fissured even in small trees. The colour of (endocarp) of the fruit encloses Urdu - Neem Scientific Name : Azadirachta indica the bark is brown grayish. one, rarely two or three, Telugu - Vepa A. juss elongated seeds (kernels) having The leaves are alternate, pinnate leaves are a brown seed coat. The root Kannada - Hebbavu 20-40 cm long, with 20-31 medium to dark system consists of a strong Tamil - Vepamaram green leaflets about 3-8 cm long. The taproot and well developed terminal leaflet is often missing. The petioles lateral roots. are short. Very young leaves are reddish to purplish in colour. The shape of mature Chemical compounds: The active leaflets is more or less asymmetric and their principles of the plant were brought to the margins are dentate with the exception of attention of natural products scientists in the base of their basis copal half, which is 1942 when Salimuzzaman Siddiqui, while normally very strongly reduced and cuneate working at the Scientific and Industrial and consists of several leaflets with serrated Research Laboratory at Delhi University, for edges. the first time extracted three bitter 20 compounds from neem oil, which he 21 provisionally named as nimbin, nimbinin, and temperatures. It does not tolerate Life: It is estimated that a Neem tree has a are made from the Neem kernel, oil and nimbidin respectively. temperature below 4 °C (leaf shedding and productive life span of 100 - 150 years. leaves amongst other things. death may ensue). Propagation: It can be propagated Appropriate Method for Storing Pest and disease control: through seeds and cuttings. Neem is a life giving tree in South India, Neem Seeds: As the dried seeds can also especially for the dry coastal southern become mouldy during storage, they should Neem seeds and leaves contain many Soil: Neem can grow in many different types districts. It is one of the very few shade only be stored in airy containers (e.g. jute compounds which are useful for pest of soil, but it thrives best on well drained giving trees that thrive in the drought prone sacks or baskets). Airtight containers such as control. Unlike chemical insecticides, neem deep and sandy soils (pH 6.2-7.0) Neem areas. The trees are not at all delicate about plastic bags or pots are unsuitable. compounds work on the insect's hormonal grows on almost all types of soils including the water quality and thrive on the merest system, not on the digestive or nervous clay, saline and alkaline soils with pH upto 8.5, trickle of water, whatever the quality be. In Used for: system and therefore do not lead to but does well on black cotton soil and deep, Tamil Nadu it is very common to see neem development of resistance in future well-drained soil with good sub-soil water. trees used as shade giving trees lining the Organic Farming: The Neem Tree and generations. Neem has had a long history of Unlike most other multipurpose tree species, streets or in most people's back yards. In its derivatives have great relevance in use primarily against household and storage it thrives well on dry, stony, shallow soils and very dry areas like Sivakashi, the trees are organic farming practices. The tree is a pests and to some extent against crop pests even on soils having hard calcareous or clay planted in large tracts of land, in whose renewable resource for home grown agro- in the Indian sub-continent. pan, at a shallow depth. The tree improves shade fire works factories (that are banned chemicals and nutrients which are bio- the soil fertility and water-holding capacity as from using electricity for lighting) function. degradable, non-toxic and effective. Neem is Neem is deemed very effective in the it has a unique property of calcium mining, a source of environment-friendly treatment of scabies although only which changes the acidic soils into neutral. Water Requirement: Neem tree needs biopesticides. Among the isolated neem preliminary scientific proof exists which still little water and plenty of sunlight. The tree constituents, limonoids are effective in insect has to be corroborated, and is It needs very little water and plenty of grows naturally in areas where the rainfall is growth-regulating activity. The unique recommended for those who are sensitive to sunlight. It grows slowly during the first year in the range of 450 to 1200 mm. However, it feature of neem products is that they do permethrin, a known insecticide which of planting. Young neem tree can not tolerate has been introduced successfully even in not directly kill the pests, but alter the life- might be an irritant. Also, the scabies mite excessive cold. areas where rainfall is as low as 200 - 250 processing behavior in such a manner that has yet to become resistant to neem, so in mm. It cannot withstand water-logged areas the insect can no longer feed, breed or persistent cases neem has been shown to Climate: The Neem has adapted to a wide and poorly drained soils. It can grow in undergo metamorphosis. However, this does be very effective. There is also anecdotal range of climates. It thrives well in hot regions with an annual rainfall below 400 not mean that the plant extracts are harmful evidence of its effectiveness in treating weather, where the maximum shade mm, but in such cases it depends largely on to all insects. Since, to be effective, the infestations of head lice in humans. temperature is as high as 49° C and tolerates the ground water levels. The neem is a tree product has to be ingested; only the insects cold upto 0° C on altitudes upto 1500 m. noted for its drought resistance. that feed on plant tissues succumb. Those The oil is also used in sprays against fleas in normally it thrives in areas with sub-arid to that feed on nectar or other insects (such as cats and dogs. sub-humid conditions. Time to Mature: Neem grows slowly butterflies, bees, and ladybugs) hardly during the first year of planting. A Neem accumulate significant concentrations of Formula of some It is a tropical and subtropical tree and exists tree normally begins to bear fruit between 3 neem products. Neem cake is widely used in biopesticides: at annual mean temperatures between 21-32 and 5 years and becomes fully productive in India as fertilizer for sugarcane, vegetable °C. It can tolerate high to very high 10 years. A mature tree produces 30 - 55 kg. and other cash crops. In organic farming Harit Pani: Collect 25 kg of weeds like 22 fruit every year. liquid manure, dry manure, bio-pesticides etc Neem leaves, Bakayan leaves, Aankha leaves, 23 Kaner leaves and other green weeds. Chop it neem leaves into flooded rice fields before agricultural productivity. In fact, all During hot summer months in northern and Place in a 100 liter drum. Mix 500 gm gur the rice seedlings are transplanted. development efforts and activities should be parts of the Indian subcontinent, the (jaggery), 500 gm tamarind (imli) and 250 gm within well defined ecological rules rather temperature under the neem tree is ~10° C salt with the chopped biomass. Pour 100 liters Analysis of 100 kg of Neem Seed Cake: than within narrow economic gains. less than the surrounding temperature; 10 of water into the drum so that it covers the Sustainable agricultural systems must be air conditioners operated together may not ingredients. Stir 2 3 times daily with a stick. Contents Amount in Kgs ecologically sound for long-term food do the job as efficiently and economically as The mixture will decompose within 15-20 sufficiency, equitable in providing social a full grown neem. Restoration of the health Nitrogen 3.56 days. When ready, mix 100 liter of water and justice, and ethical in respecting both future of degraded soils and ultimate use of such use per acre as a soil application. Strain it and Phosphorous 0.83 generations and other species. For reclaimed wastelands lands through neem is use it as a spray 1:10 ratio. This is ideal for developing countries, the use off the neem another example of its value as an Potassium 1.67 farmers who do not have cows but still want tree may provide a key component in more environmental panacea. to use organic manures for their fields and Calcium 0.77 sustainable agricultural system including crops. It acts as a plant growth promoter and pest and nutrient management, human Many countries have been consistently Magnesium 0.75 bio pesticide for crops. health, and environmental conservation. growing the Neem tree against the global warming. The worldwide Neem Foundation Neem for Sustainable Agriculture Neem and Environment: Neem has has helped in making the people aware Kernel Powder Biopesticide: and Environmental Conservation: powerful pest controlling activities and about the importance of neem and its uses In the past two decades, "green revolution Take 1 kg dry neem kernel (3 to 6 months medicinal properties. More importantly, globally. technologies" have more than doubled the old) crush it to powder. Mix powder it 100 pesticides made from neem are much safer yield potential of rice and wheat, especially liter of water and leave it for a night it will be compared to synthetic pesticides. The side- Biomass Production and in Asia. These high-input production systems ready the next day to spray. In this solution effects of the synthetic pesticides are often Utilization: Full grown neem trees yield requiring massive quantities of fertilizers, also mix 50 gm jaggery and spray on crops in not less serious than the problems between 10 to 100 tons of dried biomass pesticides, irrigation, and machines, which the evening to protect them from different themselves. They cause environmental per hectare, depending on rainfall, site however, disregard the ecological integrity insects such as Aphids, Thrips and caterpillars contamination and are a great risk of human characteristics, spacing, ecotype or genotype. of land, forests, and water resources, etc.. It is best for controlling insects because health. As a consequence, there has been an Leaves comprise about 50% of the biomass; endanger the flora and fauna that cannot be this solution has anti bacterial properties. intense search for safer pesticides. Neem, in fruits and wood constitute one-quarter each. sustained over generations. Appropriate Indian culture has been ranked higher than Improved management of neem stands can technologies, which do not assault the Manure: Indian farmers have traditionally 'Kalpavriksha', the mythological wish- yield harvests of about 12.5 cubic meters nature, would have key roles to play in used deoiled Neem cake as a fertilizer in their fulfilling tree. In 'Sharh-e-Mufridat Al- (40 tons) of high quality solid wood per ensuring food security, in improving human fields. The dual activity of Neem cake as Qanoon, neem has been named as 'Shajar-e- hectare. health, and in rehabilitating and conserving fertilizer and pest repellent has made it a Mubarak', 'the blessed tree' because of its the environment to safeguard the well favoured input. Neem leaves have also been highly beneficial properties. Although Neem wood is hard and relatively heavy. The being of the posterity. Instead of striving for used to enrich the soil. They are widely used scientific studies are wanting, neem is wood seasons well, except for end splitting. more "green revolutions" with emphasis on in India to fertilize cash crops. When Neem reputed to purify air and the environment of Being durable and termite resistant miracle seeds, hard-hitting, synthetic and cake is ploughed into the soil it also protects noxious elements. Its shade not only cools engineered pesticides, and increased use of plant roots from nematodes and white ants. but prevents the occurrence of many Medicinal uses: According to the Hindus, fertilizers, the future must look to natural Farmers in southern parts of India puddle diseases. it is believed that the Goddess of the ways and processes for augmenting 24 chickenpox, Sithala lives in the Neem tree. 25 The indigenous people of Nilgiris consume Other uses: • Neem seed pulp is useful for methane the neem tree it contains all the disinfecting the dried and powered tubulers of the gas production. and healing properties of the tree, in a terrestrial orchids as an energizing tonic. • Neem twigs are used for brushing teeth concentrated easily usable form. For Neem also holds medicinal value. Each part of in India, Bangladesh and Pakistan. This • It is also useful as carbohydrate which is centuries, this therapeutic oil has provided neem is used in the medicines practice is perhaps one of the earliest rich base for other industrial protection and oil is used for soap making, and most effective forms of dental care. fermentations. pharmaceuticals such as creams. Neem oil is • In India, the tree is variously known as currently used in cosmetics for creams, "Divine Tree", "Heal All", "Nature's • Neem oil is used for preparing cosmetics • Neem bark contains tannins which are lotions and shampoos Drugstore", "Village Pharmacy" and (soap, shampoo, balms and creams), and used in tanning and dyeing "Panacea for all diseases". Products made is useful for skin care such as acne, and Cultural Importance: One can find from neem have proven medicinal keeping skin elasticity. • The bark of the yields the fiber that is Neem in almost all the parts of India. It is properties, being anthelmintic, antifungal, woven into ropes. said that planting Neem tree in the house is antidiabetic, antibacterial, antiviral, anti- • Besides its use in traditional Indian an ensured passage to heaven. Its leaves are infertility, and sedative. It is considered a medicine the neem tree is of great Even lightly cooked, the flavour is quite stung on the main entrance to remain away major component in Ayurvedic medicine importance for its anti-desertification bitter and thus the food is not enjoyed by from the evil spirits. Brides take bath in the for more than 4000 years and is particularly properties and possibly as a good carbon all, though it is believed to be good for water filled with the Neem leaves. Newly prescribed for skin disease. Practictioners of dioxide sink. one's health. Neem Gum is a rich source of born babies are laid upon the Neem leaves traditional Indian medicine recommend protein. to provide them with the protective aura. that patients suffering from Chicken Pox • Neem Gum is used as a bulking agent Neem gives out more oxygen than other sleep on neem leaves. and for the preparation of special Other Uses of Neem Oil: Apart from trees. The neem tree is also connected with purpose food (those for diabetics). pesticide application for storage and the Sun, in the story of Neem bark 'The Sun • A tea made of boiled neem leaves, protection, neem oil has been a trusted in the Neem tree'. Neem is the wonder tree sometimes combined with other herbs • The tender shoots and flowers of the remedy for a naturally healthy skin in the and finds mention in a number of ancient such as ginger, can be ingested to fight neem tree are eaten as a vegetable in villages of India. Derived from the seeds of texts. intestinal worms. India.

• All parts of the tree (seeds, leaves, flowers • Neem flowers are very popular for their and bark) are used for preparing many use in Ugadi Pachadi (soup-like pickle) Neem and the Mahatma different medical preparations. which is made on Ugadi day in South India. A soup like dish called Veppampoo Mahatma Gandhi, the father of our nation • Neem tea is usually taken to reduce the Rasam (translated as 'juice of neem headache and fever flower') made of the flower of neem is was very fond of Neem leaf chutney. prepared in Tamil Nadu. • Its flowers are used to cure intestinal It is said that the secret of his health was problems • Neem wood is used in making fence posts, poles for house construction, The Neem leaf. • Neem bark acts as an analgesic and can furniture etc. 26 cure high fever as of malaria, 27