CHRYSANTHEMUM

CHRYSANTHEMUM (Chrysanthemum coronarium Linn) atau 'Tangho' dari keluarga COMPOSITAE merupakan sejenis tanaman renek yang berasal dari kawasan Asia khususnya di China dan Kawasan Eropah serta Meeditrenean. Terdapat lebih dari 30 spesis chrysanthemum yang terdapat diseluroh dunia dengan pelbagai warna, rupabentuk dan kegunaan. Nama lain bagi tanaman ini ialah seperti crown daisy ; tangho (English), Shungiku (Japan), chop suey green (US), tango (Filipina), phaktango (Thailand) dan saruni walanda (Indonesia). Di Malaysia tanaman ini di tanam di Tanah Tinggi Cameroon Highland dan sedikit di Kundasang Sabah untuk kegunaan 'cut flower' dengan keluas lingkungan 30-35 hektar setiap tahun. Artikel ini saya membentangkan tekologi tanaman chrysanthemum berdasarkan pembacaan dari beberapa buku teknikal dan pengalaman penulis melawat tanaman ini di China pada tahun 2006.

Chrysanthemum di tanam di China secara komersial semenjak kurun ke 15 dulu dan kebanyakannya digunakan sebagai 'Teh Chrysanthemum' atau Teh Herba yang menjanjikan kesihatan. Daun muda dan pucuk mudanya menghasilkan aroma kuat begitu juga bunganya. Bahagian bunga sering dikeringkan untuk dijadikan teh secara komersial dan mendapat pasaran yang mekuas diseluruh Asia. Syarikat pengeluar minuman air kotak di Malaysia telah menghasilkan air kotak "Teh chrysanthemum" (seperti Yeo Hiap Seng dll). Tanaman ini juga dijadikan industri ornamental atau 'cut flower' yang popular di Malaysia dimana terdapat lebih 30 syarikat yang menghasilkan tanaman ini di Cameroon Highland. Chrysanthemum juga digunakan dalam menyembuhkan penyakit VD di Thailand, menyejukan tubuh badan dan sebagai 'insect repelent' yang sangat berkesan (Kandungan bahan Pyrethroids). Negara pengeluar utama chrysanthemum di Asia adalah China, Jepun dan Taiwan tetapi tiada statistik dikeluarkan. Negara lain yang luas menanam chrysanthemum ialah seperti USA, Australia, Jerman dan India.

Chrysanthemum adalah tanaman renek yang tumbuh menegak dan bercabang dengan ketinggian mencapai 20 - 60 cm semasa tampang dan setinggi 90 cm ketika berbunga bergantung kepada varieti dan kesuburan tanah. Daunnya berbentuk oblong atau ovate yang bersilang dengan ukuran 3-13 cm panjang dan 1-4 cm lebar. Bunganya berangkai dengan ukuran 3-6 diameter kelopak bersusun 2 lapisan kebanyakannya berwarna kuning. Setiap 100 g bahagian tanaman chrysanthemum yang boleh di makan terdapat 94 g air, protin (2.7 g), Vitamin A (0.4-3 mg), Vitamin B1 (0.15 mg), Vitamin B2 (0.30 mg), Vitamin C (17-45 mg) dan Kalsium (75 mg). Berat 1,000 biji benih chrysanthemum adalah 1.5 gram.

Penanaman chrysanthemum atau tangho lazimnya menggunakan biji benih (foto sebelah) tetapi terdapat juga pembiakan dengan kaedah keratan batang. Kaedah keratan batang akan mengambil masa 30 hari untuk berakar. Benih tangho tahan disimpan selama 2 tahun dan boleh ditabur teus keladang atau di semai dalam kotak semaian. Anak benih tangho yang setinggi 3-4 cm boleh di ubah keladang. Jarak penanaman bergantung kepada keadaan menanam tetapi paling sesuai pada jarak 5-15 cm x 5-15 cm. Penuaian tangho boleh dibuat selepas 4-5 minggu disemai dimana ketinggian pokok 5-10 cm. Menuai dengan mencabut keseluruhan pokok atau dengan memotong batang dalam masa satu bulan. Kaedah lain menuai adalah dengan membiarkan pokok di tuai berperingkat2 sehingga 3 bulan dengan ketinggian pokok 15-15 cm.

Kadang-kadang cantasan pucuk dijalankan untuk menggalakkan pengeluaran cabang baru dan mengekalkan fasa tampang pokok. Pengeluaran bunga yang terlalu awal akan menyebabkan kualiti tangho menurun kerana kurang aroma dan citarasa. Tanaman chrysanthemum juga sesuai ditanam secara 'intercropping; kerana ia boleh dan sesuai ditanam dibawah teduhan. Pemerhatian dan rujukan mendapati tanaman tangho tidak menpunyai banyak masaalah serangan serangga dan penyakit. Masaalah dihadapi adalah persaingan dengan rumpai yang berlawan dengan tangho untuk tumbuh dikawasan terbuka. Tanaman ini mudah layu selepas di tuai dan tahan hanya 2 hari sahaja selepas di potong dan di bungkus dengan baik. Jika dijadikan bunga keratan seperti di Cameroon Highland dan dimasukkan dalam pasu/vase di rumah mampu bertahan sehingga 5-7 hari sahaja.

Penanaman chrysanthemum di Malaysia pada tahap kecil dan hanya untuk tujuan ornamental bagi menghasilkan bunga keratan. Potensi tanaman ini untuk di kembangkan lagi banyak bergantung kepada kesediaan teknologi dan permintaan pasaran. Benih tanaman ini 100% diimpot dari luar negara dan banyak varieti yang boleh ditanam di negara kita. Tanaman chrysanthemum untuk dijadikan makanan kesihatan dan teh masih perlu dikaji kesesuaiannya.

CHRYSANTHEMUM, TANGHO....NAMA DI BERI...

DI MALAYSIA DITANAM....DI TANAH TINGGI...

BENIH DIIMPOT...DARI LUAR NEGERI....

BERMINAT NAK TANAM...CUBA SENDIRI....

By,

M Anem

Pct 11

Putrajaya

SOIL BORNE DISEASE MANAGEMENT

Plants are susceptible to pests and diseases from various infection and attack by foreign organism such as Bacteria, Virus and Fungi. The intruder may attack through contact, wind, injection or through root system. Soil-borne diseases result from a reduction of biodiversity of soil organisms. Restoring beneficial organisms that attack or repel or otherwise antagonize disease-causing pathogens will render a soil disease-suppressive. Plants growing in disease-suppressive soil resist diseases much better than in soils low in biological diversity. Beneficial organisms can be added directly or the soil environment can be made more favorable for them through use of compost and other organic amendments. Compost quality determines its effectiveness at suppressing soil-borne plant diseases. Compost quality can be determined through laboratory testing. This article I would like to share knowledge in "Anim Agriculture Technology" on sustainable management of soil borne plant disease based on my experience and knowledge and references from few books and website.

Agriculture in Malaysia contribute third level in contribution to Gross National Product (GNP) every year from industrial crop such as oil palm, rubber and many type of food crops. The food crops especially paddy and vegetables among popular crop among 176,000 commercial farmers in Malaysia for domestic and export market. There are many factors involved in crop production include farm management, pest control, disease control, manuring and post harvest activity. Among important activities for Malaysian farmers are to control plant disease. So Why Disease? ...

Plant diseases result when a susceptible host and a disease-causing pathogen meet in a favorable environment. If any one of these three conditions were not met, there would be no disease. Many intervention practices (fungicides, methyl bromide fumigants, etc.) focus on taking out the pathogen after its effects become apparent. This article I emphasizes making the environment less disease-favorable and the host plant less susceptible. The are few high intensive vegetable growing such as at Cameroon Highland, Kundasang, Sengkang, Johor Bahru district monitored the occurance of plant disease.

Plant diseases may occur in natural environments but they rarely run rampant and cause major problems. The threat of disease epidemics in crop production is constant from many years. I believe the reasons for this are becoming increasingly evident. The general principle is to add the beneficial soil organisms and the food they need for the ultimate goal being the highest number and diversity of soil organisms. The higher the diversity so there are more stable in the soil biological system such as in Malaysian Tropical Jungle. These beneficial organisms or pathogen will suppress disease through competition, antagonism and direct feeding on pathogenic fungi, bacteria and nematodes. I think we cannot restore the balance of organisms that was present under native, undisturbed circumstances but we can build a new stable balance of soil organisms that will be adapted to the altered soil conditions. This is a proactive plan that moves us toward the desired outcome of disease prevention.

There are two types of disease suppression that are Specific and General. Specific suppression results from one organism directly suppressing a known pathogen. These are cases where a biological control agent is introduced into the soil for the specific purpose of reducing disease incidence. General suppression is the result of a high biodiversity of microbial populations that creates conditions unfavorable for plant disease development. A good example of specific suppression is provided by a strategy used to control one of the organisms that cause damping off caused by Rhizoctonia solani. Where present under cooler temperatures and wet soil conditions, Rhizoctonia kills young seedlings of crops like melon, bitter gourd, long bean and others. The beneficial fungus such as the Trichoderma spp. will locates then attacks Rhizoctonia through a chemical released by the pathogen. Some beneficial fungal strands (hyphae) entangle the pathogen and release enzymes that dehydrate Rhizoctonia cells and eventually killing them. This process I believed been in the natural cycle to balance the ecosystems.

The introduction of a single organism to soils seldom achieves disease suppression for very long. If not already present the new organism may not be competitive with existing microorganisms. If food sources are not abundant enough the new organism will not have enough food to eat. If soil conditions are inadequate the introduced beneficial organism will not survive. This practice is not sufficient to render the soil "disease suppressive". It is like planting flowers in the desert and expecting them to survive without water. With adequate soil conditions the inoculation with certain beneficial should only be needed once.

General Suppression:

A soil is considered suppressive when, in spite of favorable conditions for disease to occur, a pathogen either cannot become established, establishes but produces no disease, or establishes and produces disease for a short time and then it will declines .Suppressiveness is linked to the types and numbers of soil organisms, fertility level, and nature of the soil itself (drainage and texture). The mechanisms by which disease organisms are suppressed in these soils include induced resistance, direct parasitism (one organism consuming another), nutrient competition, and direct inhibition through antibiotics secreted by beneficial organisms.

Mycorrhizal Fungi (Left photo) and Disease Suppression is among the most beneficial root-inhabiting organisms, mycorrhizal fungi can cover plant roots, forming what is known as a fungal mat. The mycorrhizal fungi protect plant roots from diseases in several ways:

By providing a physical barrier to the invading pathogen.

By providing antagonistic chemicals.
By competing with the pathogen.

By increasing the nutrient-uptake ability of plant roots.

By changing the amount and type of plant root exudate.

Crop Rotation and Disease Suppression Avoiding disease buildup is probably the most widely emphasized benefit of crop rotation in vegetable production. Many diseases build up in the soil when the same crop is grown in the same field year after year. My visits to commercial leafy vegetable are at Kg Solok Tangkak confirm the issue. The Crop Rotation to a non-susceptible crop can help break this cycle by reducing pathogen levels. To be mre ffective I normally advice the farmers thet the rotations must be carefully planned. Since diseases usually attack plants are related to each other it is helpful to group vegetable rotations by family such as Leguminoceae, Cucurbitaceae or Cruciferae crops. The susceptible crop within the related plants and alternate host plants for the disease must be kept out of the field during the rotation period. Since plant pathogens persist in the soil for different lengths of time so the length of the rotation will vary with the disease being managed.

From my observation to effectively plan a crop rotation it is essential to know what crops are affected by what disease organisms. In most cases I found that the crop rotation effectively controls those pathogens that survive in soil or on crop residue. Crop rotation will not help control diseases that are wind-blown or insect vectored from outside the area. So it will help control pathogens that can survive long periods in the soil without any host such as Fusarium for example. Crop Rotation by itself is only effective on pathogens that can infested in the field or be introduced on infected seeds or transplants. The disease-free transplants or seed should be used in combination with crop rotation. The period of time between susceptible crops is highly variable and it also depending on the disease. Some will takes seven years without any cruciferous crops for clubfoot to dissipate. Three years between parsley is needed to avoid damping off, and three years without tomatoes to avoid Verticillium wilt on sweet potatoes.

Plant Nutrients and Disease Control related to Soil pH (soil acidity), calcium level, nitrogen form and the availability of nutrients. This condition can all play major roles in disease management system. I believe healty plants mre tolerant than waek plants. That is important to sensure an adequate crop nutrition that makes plants more tolerant of or resistant to disease. My study shows that the nutrient status of the soil and the use of particular fertilizers and amendments can have significant impacts on the pathogen's environment. Fast release fertilizer and foliar fertillizer among the best solution on this issue.

Liming is a best alternative on the other hand will increases disease severity (Left photo) . Liming is strongly recomended in Malaysia as important activity to improve soil fertility. While lowering the pH is an effective strategy for sweet potato scab the increasing soil pH or calcium levels may be beneficial for disease management in many other crops. Adequate levels of calcium can reduce clubroot in crucifer crops (broccoli, cabbage, cucumber etc.). The disease is inhibited in neutral to slightly alkaline soils (pH 6.7 to pH7.2) .A direct correlation between adequate calcium levels or higher pH and decreasing levels of Fusarium occurrence has been established for a number of crops, including tomatoes, banana, melons and several ornamental as observed in Air Hitam Agriculture Station in Johore.

Compost and Disease Suppression is another way to manage soil borne disease. Compost has been used effectively in the nursery industry and in high-value crops and in potting soil mixtures for control of root rot diseases. Adding compost to soil may be viewed as one of a spectrum of techniques including cover cropping, crop rotations, mulching and manuring to add organic matter to the soil. The major difference between compost amended soil and the other techniques is that organic matter in compost is already "digested." Other techniques require the digestion to take place in the soil, which allows for both anaerobic and aerobic decomposition of organic matter. Properly composted organic matter is digested chiefly through aerobic processes. These differences have important implications for soil and nutrient management, as well as plant health and pest management. Chemicals left after anaerobic decomposition largely reduce compost quality. Residual sulfides are a classic example.

Successful disease suppression by compost has been less frequent in soils than in potting mixes. This is probably why there has been much more research (and commercialization) concerning compost amended potting mixes and growing media for greenhouse plant production than research on compost-amended soils for field crop production. Why Compost Works in the management system ? The study shown that compost is effective because it fosters a more diverse soil environment in which a myriad of soil organisms exist. Compost acts as a food source and shelter for the antagonists that compete with plant pathogens for those organisms that prey on and parasitize pathogens and for those beneficial that produce antibiotics. Root rots is caused by Pythium and Phytophthora that are generally suppressed by the high numbers and diversity of beneficial microbes found in the compost. Such beneficial prevent the germination of spores and infection of plants growing on the amended soil . To get more reliable results from compost than the compost itself needs to be stable and of consistent quality. I teach compost subject to many local farmers in Johor and Melaka as part of the agriculture extension system by Department of Agriculture.

Systemic resistance is also induced in plants in response to compost treatments. Hotlink has now established that composts and compost teas indeed activate disease resistance genes in plants . These disease resistance genes are typically "turned on" by the plant in response to the presence of a pathogen. These genes mobilize chemical defenses against the pathogen invasion although it often too late to avoid the disease. Plants growing in compost however will have these disease-prevention systems already running . Induced resistance is somewhat pathogen-specific but it does allow an additional way to manage certain diseases through common farming practices.

It has become evident that a "one size fits all" approach to composting used in disease management will not work. Depending on feed stock, inoculum and composting process. Composts have different characteristics affecting disease management potential. For example a high carbon to nitrogen ratio (C:N) tree bark compost generally works well to suppress Fusarium wilts. With lower C:N ratio composts Fusarium wilts may become more severe as a result of the excess nitrogen which favors Fusarium. Compost from sewage sludge typically has a low C:N ratio. This I learn from Kyusei Nature Faming Institute at Saraburi, Bangkok , Thailand in 2005 for 10 long days.

Three approaches can be used to increase the suppressiveness of compost. First, curing the compost for four months or more; second, incorporating the compost in the field soil several months before planting; and third, inoculating the compost with specific biocontrol agents. Two of the more common beneficial used to inoculate compost are strains of Trichoderma and Flavobacterium, added to suppress Rhizoctonia solani. Trichoderma harzianum acts against a broad range of soil-borne fungal crop pathogens, including R. solani, by production of anti-fungal exudates. As the compost matures, it becomes more suppressive. Readily available carbon compounds found in low-quality, immature compost can support Pythium and Rhizoctonia. As these compounds are reduced during the complete composting process, saprophytic growth of these pathogens is dramatically slowed . Beneficial such as Trichoderma hamatum and T. harzianum, unable to suppress Rhizoctonia in immature composts, are extremely effective when introduced into mature composts.

Rhizoctonia is a highly competitive fungus that colonizes fresh organic matter. Its ability to colonize decomposed organic matter is decreased or non-existent. There is a direct relationship between a compost's level of decomposition and its suppression of Rhizoctonia - again pointing to the need for high-quality, mature compost. Like immature compost, raw manure is conducive to diseases at first and becomes suppressive after decomposition. In other words, organic amendments supporting high biological activity (i.e., decomposition) are suppressive of plant-root diseases, while raw organic matter will often favor colonization by pathogens.

Determining and Monitoring Compost Quality also discuss in this topic.
It is clear that compost maturity is a key factor in its ability to suppress disease. The challenge involved in achieving and measuring that maturity is the primary reason that compost is not more widely used. Certainly, immature compost can be used in field situations, as long as it is applied well ahead of planting, allowing for eventual stabilization. However, good disease suppression may not develop due to other factors. For example, highly saline compost actually enhances Pythium and Phytophthora diseases unless applied months ahead of planting to allow for leaching .

Direct Inoculation with Beneficial Organisms is another set to manage soil borne disease. There are a number of commercial products containing beneficial, disease-suppressive organisms. These products are applied in various ways including seed treatments, compost inoculants, soil inoculants and soil drenches. Among the beneficial organisms available are Trichoderma, Flavobacterium, Streptomycetes, Gliocladium spp., Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and others. Trichoderma and Gliocladium are effective at parasitizing other fungi, but they stay alive only as long as they have other fungi to parasitize. So, these fungi do a good job on the pathogenic fungi that are present when you inoculate them, but then they run out of food and go to sleep. In soils with low fungal biomass (soils with low organic matter and plenty of tillage) these two beneficials have nothing to feed on. Compost is a great source of both the organisms and the food they need to do their jobs. A great diversity of bacteria, fungi, protozoa and beneficial nematodes exists in good compost.

Soil-borne diseases result from a reduction in the biodiversity of soil organisms. Restoring important beneficial organisms that attack, repel, or otherwise antagonize disease-causing soil organisms will reduce their populations to a manageable level. Beneficial organisms can be added directly, or the soil environment can be made more favorable for them with compost and other organic amendments. Compost quality determines its effectiveness at suppressing soil-born plant diseases.

I belive most scientists aware about the importance of knowing soil borne disease as subject to be studied. The occruance ot soil borne disease in Malaysia are under control with adequate suiveilance done by commercial farmers and DOA personels. Oil Palm, Rubber, Paddy and vegetables are important crops in Malaysia contribute huge income to the nation and involve millions of farmers. It has to be ways to reduce the loss of income due to soil borne disease.

Thanks to ASTRA for the information.

By
M Anem
Senior Agronomist
Agriculture Department of Malaysia
Putrajaya
Malaysia

(October 2010)

TALK ABOUT PLANT DISEASES

Plant diseases are caused by FUNGI, BACTERIA OR VIRUSES. This pathogen lives on or inside the plants as a parasitic organism by consuming the host plants for their source of food. The pathogen pant disease affect the health of the plants and reduce the yield production as well as kill the plants. So there must be a factors determine the severity of the disease attack to the plants or there must be a suitable condition for the pathogen to multiply tremendously in the plant tissues. Although the disease may be introduced in the clean area but climatic and soil condition favour the establishment of the disease organisms. This article I would like to share knowledge about factors determines the severity of plant disease based on my observation and experience in food crop extension activities for about 30 years in the field. Factors that determine the severity may due to Soil Condition, Climate, Irrigation, Planting Distance and Planting Time.

1. Soil Condition
As I visits most of vegetable production area in Malaysia, most of the vegetable area are fertile, well-drained soils with plenty of organic matter to ensure high productivity. The soils also balance in the supply of plants nutrients and adequate moisture stand and excellence chance of withstanding attacks by most disease. Most lowland vegetable area are located near the water supply such as rivers, lakes and ponds. One of the largest vegetable area in Muar located at Sengkang B1 19 and Kg Solok Tangkak are peat soils with modern infrastructure. From my observation some seeds are slow to germinate due to unsuitable soil condition for roots to establish or take a longer time for the crop to establish. Some cases may be infected by damping-off fungi at early stage.

Leafy vegetable need a significant amount of water from sowing to harvesting season especially on peat soils that are porous and lack of important nutrients. The acidic soil favour the disease and it is important to apply lime (GML etc) to improve the soil pH and increase the ability for the plants to absorb the nutrients from the soils. Soil humidity, CEC, acidity, salinity, texture, pH and others may results the plants growth. Some vegetable farmer apply more organic matter and compost to improve the soil fertility.

2. Climate
Although soil temperature can influence the growth of soil-borne fungi, the main effect of the climate is on those diseases developing above ground level. High temperature and high humidity in most lowland vegetable area in Malaysia may favour for certain diseases to establish such as Downy Mildew fungi attack watermelon, melon, cucumber and their family groups. Other disease such as leaf spot disease, mould fungi are associated with the climate and environmental factors. From my observation in large vegetable area in Tangkak and Johor Bahru area seems that the wet season (in November to January) the chances for leafy vegetable are frequent and affect yield quantity and quality.

3. Irrigation
Irrigation system in vegetable growing area are critical because the spread of plant disease pathogen related to the distribution of the water. There is a report saying that if the farmers watered their vegetable in the late day may cause the leaves remain wets and this condition allow the spores to germinate in infect the plants. Overhead irrigation ( by sprinkler system) is the most system applied in Johor, Malaysia because it was practical, cheap maintenance, effective and applicable. Some disease may start from water source, water flow , spraying , contact and many others. Drip tape, micro-sprinkler, mist system, open over-head sprinkler and many other supply the water according to type of crop, varieties, plan age and planting system.


4. Planting Distance
From my observation in commercial vegetable farm in Buloh Kasap, Segamat, Johor seems that the densely planted crops can create condition of high humidity and less wind movement which encourage the growth of many diseases. The normal planting distance for bitter gourd (Momordica charantia) is 1.5 m x 0.5 m to provide 8,540 plants/ha and if planted in closer will cater more than 10,000 plants/ha. More numbers of plants per hectare may not produce more fruits but more plant diseases as I observed.

5. Planting Time
Crop Calendar and matrix Production calendar is a planning program for the farmers WHEN is the best time to grow vegetables. Watermelon growers would not grow during November to January in Johors and most east coast due to wet season and possibility of flood, water-logged and poor drainage. Farmers has their own planting time date to suit the market demand, best climate, high demand, suitable land area and practical.


By,
M Anem
Agronomist
Johor
Malaysia

CAULIFLOWER dan BROCOLLI

Cauliflower (Brassica oleracea L. cv groups) dan Brocolli merupakan sejenis sayuran dari Keluarga Cruciferae atau Kerlauga BRASSICEAE yang digunakan sebagai sayur-sayuran dan salad dalam penggunaan seharian. Perkataan 'Cauli' (bermaksud Kobis) dan 'Flower' (Bermaksud bunga) meninjukkan bahawa tumbuhan ini adakan pokok kobis yang di ambil bahagian bunganya. Terdapat beberapa kumpulan Cauliflower iaitu B. oleracea var botrytis , B. cauliflora dan B. botrytis. Bagi Broocolli pula adalah B. oleracea var italica. Cauliflower ini juga di gelar Kobis Bunga (Malaysia), blumkol; kol bunga ; kobis bunga (Indonesia),Chou-fleur (Peranchis), Cauliflower (English), kalam-dok (Thailand), phkaa spei (Kemboja) dan koli flawa (Papua New Guinea). Brokoli pula di gelar sprouting brocoli ; calabrese (English), Chou brocoli (French) dan brokkholi (Thailand). Cauliflower adalah kobis bunga berwarna PUTIH dan Brokoli adalah kobis bunga berwarna HIJAU. Artikel ini saya cuba kongsi maklumat mengenai teknologi tanaman cauliflower dan brokoli berdasarkan beberapa buah buku dan pengalaman menanam tanaman tersebut pada tahun 1996-1999 ketika bertugas di Mersing.

Tanaman cauliflower adalah berasal dari kawasan Meditrenean sebelum di sebarkan ke Eropah, Amerika dan seluruh Asia. Pengeluaran cauliflower dunia lingkungan 8.5 juta tan setahun dengan China sebagai pengeluar utama (120,000 ha) diikuti dengan India (90,000 ha), Perancis (45,000 ha), USA, Mexico dan juga Itali. Di kawasan Asia Tenggara saya dapati Thailand merupakan pengeluar utama (4,000 ha /tahun), Indonesia (2,500 ha/ tahun) dan Vietnam (1,500 ha/ tahun). Malaysia menanam sekitar 350-500 hektar setahun terutama di kawasan tanah tinggi Cameroon Highland dan Kundasang. Penanaman Brokoli pula tiada data lengkap kerana kebanyakannya dilaporkan bersama data cauliflower. Pengeluar brololi terbesar adalah USA (26,000 ha/tahun) diikuti dengan Taiwan, UK, Italy dan Spain.

Cauliflower dan Brokoli digunakan sebagai sayuran berbentuk salad, dimasak, di sejukbeku dan juga di proses sebagai jeruk dan lain-lain. Sayuran ini tinggi kandungan Kalsium dan Vitamin C. Setiap 100 g sayuran ini mengandungi 88 g air, protin (4 g), Karbohiderat (6 g), Lemak (0.03 g), Fiber (1.5 g), Kalsium (25 mg), Kalium (325 mg), Karotin (200 mg), Vitamin C (100 mg) dan tenaga 245 kJ. Kandungan Brokoli lebih tinggi Karotin (800 mg), Ca (150 mg) dan juga Vitamin C (100 mg). Kajian saya mendapati berat 1,000 biji benih cauliflower lingkungan 3-4 gram.

Tanaman cauliflower dan brokoli adalah renek dengan ketinggian 50-80 cm pada masa tampang dan setinggi 90-150 cm semasa berbunga. Akarnya berserabut dengan kedalaman 30 cm dalam tanah. Batangnya berwarna hijau tidak bercabang, tebal, 20-30 cm panjang menegak. Daunnya berwarna hijau berbentuk 'rosette' ,oblong berukuran 15-25 cm panjang dan mengelilingi bunga. Bunga Kobis ini berbentuk 'curd' yang berwarna putih atau hijau atau lain2 warna seperti ungu dsb berukuran 40 cm x 50 cm dengan 10-40 cm garispusat.

Penanaman cauliflower dan brokoli menggunakan biji benih sebanyak 300-350 gram sehektar. Kawasan yang sesuai dari kawasan tanah tinggi Cameroon Hidhland atau Kundasang dan juga tanah rendah yang subur. Batas penanaman disediakan dan diberikan baja organik. Kawasan tanaman mestilah mempunyai sumber air mencukupi, cukup cahaya matahari dan tidak mudah banjir. Benih Cauliflower dalam kelembapan 6% tahan sehingga 4-6 tahun. Benih disemai bercambah 3-4 hari dalam kotak semaian dan boleh diubah keladang dalam masa 30-40 hari dengan 7-9 helai daun. Lazimnya di kawasan sejuk Asia Tenggara yang melebihi 800m ketinggian bersuhu 18-20 darjah celsius cauliflower tumbuh subur. Kepadatan tanaman cauliflower 20,000 -35,000 pokok sehektar.

Pembajaan dilakukan dengan baja organik sebanyak 20 mt/ha dan juga baja NPK 15:15:15 peringkat tampang dan baja 12:12:17:2 untuk peringkat pembungaan. Kekurangan unsur Nirtojan akan dilihat bila saiz daun dan bunga mengecil. Cauliflower dan brokoli sangat perlukan unsur pekit Magnesium, Boron dan Manganese melalui pembajaan dengan Borax, GML dan amonium molybdate. Kekurangan unsur ini menyebabkan pembentukan bunga tidak seragam atau tidak terbentuk langsung. Penggunaan sungkupan penting dari peringkat awal penanaman. Penanaman dalam polibeg disekeliling rumah juga sesuai dijalankan. Kerja merumput peringkat awal boleh menggangu pertumbuhan pokok yang sensitif. Bunga yang terbit perlu ditutup dengan daun tua untuk mengekalkan warna dan elakan sinaran matahari yang akan menjadikan warna jadi kuning atau pink. Varieti baru cauliflower biasa mempunyai helaian daun di keliling bung untuk melindunginya.

Penyakit dan perosak sama seperti tanaman kobis bulat. Di Malaysia Penyakit Layu Fusarium (Fusarium oxyporium) , Penyakit Downy Mildew/ Kulapok Berdebu (Peronospora parasitica) dan Reput Hitam (Plasmodiospora brassicae) boleh menyebabkan pembentukan bunga cauliflower tidak terbentuk. Penyakit lain menyerang cauliflower adalah seperti Penyakit Black Leg (Phoma lingam), Penyakit Powdery Mildew (Erysiphe polygoni), Penyakit Karah (Alternaria brassicae), Penyakit Damping-off (Phytium ultimum), Penyakit Reput Batang (Rhizoctonia solani) dan Penyakit Soft Rot (Ervinia caratovora). Kawalan dengan menjalankan giliran tanaman, varieti resistan dan racun kimia. Nematod (Meloidogyne spp) juga sering menyerang tanaman ini.

Terdapat banyak serangga perosak yang minat untuk makan dan musnahkan cauliflower dan brokoli. Serangga perosak tersebut adalah seperti Kupu2 Diamond Black Moth (Plutella xylostella), Ulat potong daun/cutworm (Spodoptera litura atau Agrotis spp), Ulat Kupu2 Kobis (Pieris canidia), Aphid (Aphid spp) dan juga lain-lain serangga. Kawalan dengan menggunakan racun serangga jenis sistemik atau kontek sangat TIDAK DISYORKAN kerana boleh mengganggu pembentukan bunga kobis. Lazimnya pendekatan Kawalan Perosak Bersepadu (IPM) seperti giliran tanaman, Penggunaan BT, Perangkap serangga, pherommone digunakan.

Penuaian cauliflower dikawasan sejuk lingkungan 60-120 hari selepas mengubah keladang. Dikawasan tropika terdapat varieti yang boleh dituai dalam masa 40-55 hari sahaja. Pengutipan bunga cauliflower dijalankan 1-2 minggu. Bunga kobis dituai dengan memotong tangkai/batang sepanjang 10-15 cm dengan pisau tajam dan kekalkan daun2 yang mengelilingi bunga. Anggaran hasil cauliflower sebanyak 12-30 mt sehektar dan bagi brokoli sebanyak 4-10 mt sehektar. Hasil lebih tinggi di kawasan tropika dengan ketinggian tanah tinggi melehihi 1,000 meter dari aras laut. Dikawasn temperate biji benih sebanyak 200-600 kg dihasilkan dalam satu hektar. Cauliflower segar bertahan 3 minggu dalam suhu sejuk 1 celsius.

Industri tanaman caukiflower dan brokoli di Malaysia mempunyai potensi yang tinggi untuk pasaran domestik dan ekspot. Isu utama penanaman ini adalah untuk mendapatkan sumber bekalan benih yang hanya dihasilkan oleh negara2 temperate sahaja. Masaalah serangan perosak dan penyakit juga menjadi satu cabaran kepada penanaman kobis bunga. Pengalaman saya menanam cauliflower dan brokoli di Mersing pada tahun 1996-1997 menunjukkan ianya sesuai juga di tanam disekiling rumah sebagai tanaman dalam program buku hijau.

TANAM CAULIFLOWER.....TANAM BROKOLI....

DITANAH RENDAH...APA LAGI TANAH TINGGI...

BENIH DIIMPOT...DARI LUAR NEGERI....

HASIL DIJUAL...MAKANAN BERGIZI...

By,

M Anem

Putrajaya

Malaysia

BAWANG BESAR (Onion)

Bawang Besar (Alium cepa var. cepa) atau Onion adalah sejenis sayuran umbisi dalam keluarga LILIACEAE yang telah ujud dan ditanam di Mesir semenjak 2,700 tahun dulu dan merupakan tanaman makanan penting yang digunakan diseluroh dunia. Tumbuhan ini dipercayai berasal dari kawasan Asia Barat dan Asia Tengah dan kini telah di usahakan diseluroh dunia. Bawang besar juga di panggil sebagai Onion; Bulb onion (English), Oignon (Peranchis), Bawang Besar ; Bawang Bombay (Malaysia, Indonesia, Brunei), Sibuyas (Filipina), Ktum barang (Kemboja), Biwax balang (Laos), Hom-hunyai (Thailand) dan Hafh cur tinly (Vietnam). Artikel kali ini saya menulis mengenai teknologi tanaman bawang besar yang tidak ditanam di Malaysia tetapi banyak digunakan dalam masakan kita seharian berdasarkan kepada pembacaan saya dari buku "Vegetable Production in SEA Country" dan lawatan saya ke Thailand dan Filipina beberapa tahun dulu yang berpeluang melawat tanaman ini semasa berkursus.

Kajian saya mengenai data pengeluaran bawang besar dari FAO Statistik Report menunjukkan bahawa pengeluaran bawang besar dunia pada tahun 2008 sebanyak 3.367 juta metrik tan dengan negara China sebagai pengeluar utama sebanyak 835,060 mt diikuti dengan Jepun (535,340 mt) dan Korea Selatan (523,439 mt). Negara lain yang banyak menanam bawang besar adalah New Zealand, Nigeria, Mexico, Tunisia, Korea Utara dan Equador. Dikalangan negara Asia Tenggara hanya Thailand (2,200 hektar setahun) dan Filipina (7,000 hektar setahun) yang banyak menanam bawang besar. Indonesia pula ada mula menanam tetapi tidak berlaku di Malaysia. Kita mengimpot bawang besar sebanyak 150,000 - 250,000 mt setiap tahun.

Kajian saintifik mendapati setiap 100 gram bawang besar, bahagian yang boleh di makan mengandungi 83 g air, protin (1-2 g), Karbohiderat (5-9 g) dan tenaga 150 KiloJoule. Bahagian bawang yang boleh dimakan mencapai 90% kerana bawang besar hanya mempunyai kulit yang sangat nipis dan bertahan agak lama. Kandungan terpenting dalam bawang besar dikenali sebagai S-Alkenyl cysteine sulphoxides iaitu bahan aktif yang berfungsi dalam menambahkan perisa dan kesedapan dalam makanan. Saya memang suka makan bawang besar mentah atau segar terutama bila makan sate atau dijadikan ulam ketika makan nasi (Lihat Foto sate). Bawang impot di Malaysia lebih dikenali dengan Bawang Besar China (jenis Bulat) lebih sedap berbanding dengan Bawang Besar India (Bulat Leper - lebih pedas).

Tanaman bawang besar atau Onion ini mengeluarkan bau atau aroma yang kuat apabila di pecahkan dari bahagian umbisi (bulb, daun dan akar). Tanaman bawang adalah jenis umbisi dengan daun dari bawah setinggi 40-50 cm serta berwarna hijau. Daunnya adalah alternate (5-8 helai), leaf-blade cylindrical, pejal di bawah dan hollow di bahagian atas atau pucuk dengan pucuk yang tajam/tirus. Buah bawang besar atau bulb terletak dibahagian dalam tanah yang berbentuk bulat, lonjong atau leper bergantung kepada varieti dan mempunyai kulit nipis. Bunganya terbentuk seperti 'spherecal ambel' dengan ukuran 2-5 cm mengandungi 50-2,000 jambak berwarna ungu atau hijau putih. Kajian mendapati seepas pendebungaan buah onion akan terbentuk berukuran 4-6 diameter seperti kapsul megandungi 6 biji benih. Biji benih onion berukuran 6mm x 4mm yang berwarna hitam dan berkerekot apabila kering (Lihat foto sebelah).

Penanaman bawang besar sesuai ditanam diatas tanah gembur berpasir yang subur dan lazimnya di tanam diatas batas. Benih bawang besar (Jenis Red Creole) perlu disemai diatas tapak semaian selama 6 - 8 minggu dan perlu diberikan teduhan. Apabila anak semaian bersaiz seperti pensil atau setinggi 15 cm terus di tanam/diubah keatas batas dengan jarak tanaman sejauh 30 - 40 cm dalam baris dan 50-60 cm antara baris (2 baris diatas batas). Terdapat juga beberapa varieti di Filipina seperti 'Granex' dan 'Red Pinoy' yang ditanam biji benih terus keatas batas terutama di waktu musim hujan. Sistem pengairan penting pada peringkat awal penanaman tetapi jika air berlebihan juga akan memusnahkan tanaman.

Pembajaan bagi bawang besar adalah penting dengan menggunakan baja organik dan baja sebatian kimia. Baja Nitrojen perlu diberikan pada peringkat awal pertumbuhan vegetatif sehingga keperingkat hampir matang ditambah unsur Posforan dan Kalium. Sebaiknya tanaman bawang merah diberikan sungkupan seperti jerami padi atau rumput kering seperti apa yang dijalankan di Filipina dan Thailand. Petani perlu menlaksanakan penggiliran tanaman (Crop Rotation) bawang merah untuk elakkan serangan dari nematod, kulat Sclerotium dan Fusarium.

Masalah utama tanaman bawang merah adalah serangan teruk oleh Kulat Altenaria porri (Penyakit Purple Blotch - Lihat foto sebelah) yang menyebabkan pokok boleh mati dan perlu dikawal dengan racun kimia seperti Dithane. Serangan Reput Pangkal oleh Kulat Fusarium oxysporium juga berlaku pada semua peringkat dan perlu dikawal dengan amalan penggiliran tanaman atau menggunakan varieti tang rintang. Tahukah anda terdapat juga Penyakit Bintik Daun yang disebabkan oleh Stemphyllium botryosum dan serangan ini boleh dikawal dengan racun kimia jenis carbamate?... Memang banyak masaalah dalam teknologi tanaman bawang besar. Kita beli sahaja di Malaysia pun murah dan senang dapat. Penyakit lain ialah Penyakit Antraknos (Collectotricum cicirnans) , Penyakit Black Mould (Aspegillus niger) dan Penyakit Terbakar Pucuk (Botrytis squamosa).

Belum habis lagi masaalah tanaman bawang besar ni... Terdapat banyak serangga perosak yang juga meminati bawang besar seperti Ulat ratus/ Army worm (Spodoptera exigua) yang makan daun bawang dan juga serangan Kutu Thrips (Thrips spp) yang merosakan daun. Virus juga menyerang onion iaitu massalah 'onion yellow dwarf - Pokok terbantut seperti foto sebelah) dan Penyakit Aster yellow yang sering berlaku. Selepas dituai bawang besar juga diserang bakteria iaitu jenis Pseudomonas aeruginosa dan Ervinia carotovora yang menyebabkan kerugian semasa penyimpanan di setor. Nematod (Melodoigyne spp.) juga menyebabkan kerosakan akar yang menjejaskan hasil jika penggiliran tanaman tidak dijalanan. Kalau begitu.....patutlah petani di Malaysia tak tanam bawang besar...lebih baik impot saja , tak pening kepala!

Penuaian bawang besar dibuat selepas 90 -150 hari lepas semai atau tanam mengikut varieti dan lokasi. Lazimnya penuaian di jalankan pada musim kering iaitu bulan March-April dengan mencabut bawang yang telah cukup matang. bulb dengan daun tadi digantung untuk beberapa hari dikebun sehingga daunnya cukup kering sebelum diasingkan bulb dan dibuat penggreddan. Bulb kemudian dimasukan dalam guni berjaring dan disimpan dalam setor untuk dijual. Hasil bergantung kepada varieti bawang merah. Jenis 'Granex' mampu menghasilkan 15-20 metrik tan sehektar di Filipina dan Thailand walaupun purata penghasilan di kawasan asia cuma 14 mt.ha berbanding dengan penanaman onion di Eropah mencapat 50 mt/ha.

Bawang besar di masukkan kedalam guni dengan berat 20 kg /guni yang disusun datas rak-rak kayu didalam setor yang mempunyai pengudaraan yang baik. kajian juga mendapati bawang besar yang di simpan dalam bilik sejuk bersuhu o darjah celsius mampu bertahan selama 6 bulan. Mebaca daripada artikel ini saya rasa memang teknologi penanaman bawang besar agak rumit dan adakah memadai dengan harga yang di tawarkan di Malaysia! Kita beli satu kilo cuma RM 6.00 - RM 7.00 satu kilogram atau biasanya satu guni 2 kg dijual dengan harga RM 14.00 sahaja. Sampai bila kita harus impot bawang merah kerana tidak menanam sendiri di Malaysia. Baru-baru ini China, Thailand dan Filipina mengalami bencana alam banjir...akan naik lagi harga bawang besar nanti.
Wasallam.



OMPUTIH KATA ONION... ITU BAWANG BESAR...
BANYAK DIGUNAKAN.....NAK TANAM SUKAR....
BANYAK DIIMPOT....SENANG DAPAT DIPASAR....
SELALU DIMAKAN....BADAN PUN SEGAR...


Related articles:
1. Bawang Merah (Klik disini)
2. Bawang Putih (Klik disini)
3. Daun Bawang (Klik disini)
4. Celery (Klik disini)
5. Sayuran Popular DI Malaysia (Klik disini)



By,
M Anem
Pct 11
Putrajaya
Malaysia

RUMPUT MENERONG

Rumput Menerong (Cyperus spp L) adalah sejenis tumbuhan rumpai dari keluarga Cyperaceae yang sering terdapat di tanah lembab dan berpaya di kawasan tropika seperti di Malaysia dan Asia Tenggara. Menerung dikategorikan sebagai rumpai kerana tumbuhan ini menjadi halangan kepada aktiviti pertanian dalam keebun petani. Tumbuhan ini mudah ditemui dalam sawah padi, tali air, paya dan tasik. Saya mengenali menerong semenjak kecil lagi kerana banyak tumbuh di tepi parit depan rumah di Grisek, Muar, Johor. Kadang-kadang kaki jadi luka atau gatal apabila terkena daun menerong (dulu masa kecil pakai seluar pendek). Paling sukar bila menerung tumbuh dalam kebun getah dikawasan berpaya dan dengan kadar pertumbuhan agak cepatterutama musim hujan. Artikel ini say aberkongsi maklmat mengenai rumpai menerong untuk bacaan bersama.

Menerong tumbuh menegak secara berumpun dengan batang terbentuk daripada pangkal rumpun. Batangnya berwarna hijau dan lembut. Daun menerong terdapat bermacam bentuk samaada tirus, tiga segi atau leper berwarna hijau dan ada yang hijeu kemerahan. Bunga menerong berbentuk komposit yang dikeluarkan dari bahagian pucuk serta menghasilkan biji menerong. Akarnya jenis akar serabut lazimya berwarna coklat kehitaman atau kekuningan. Menerong dikawasan sawah merupakan masalah utama pesawah terutama dikawasan yang mempunyai kurang air atau tanah yang agak masam (asidik).

Semasa saya melawat negeri di sebelah utara Semenanjung, menerong juga dikenali dengan nama rumput tiga segi oleh orang utara. Nama ini diperolehi kerana kebanyakan batang famili menerong berbentuk tiga segi di bahagian batang. (MACAM JENIS RUSIGA) .Batang pokok menerong tumbuh menegak dengan ketinggian antara dua kaki sehingga ke empat kaki. Beberapa spises yang ditemui di Afrika dan India mempunyai ketinggian sehingga -melebihi lapan kaki. Daunnya berbentuk kipas bersusun di sekeliling batangnya yang kelihatan seperti rangka payung. Terdapat hampir sepuluh jenis rumput menerong di negara kita. Jumlah tumbuhan dalam keluarga ini di seluruh dunia dianggarkan sebanyak 750 -800 jenis.

Kajian saya mendapati antara spesis menerong yang mudah ditemui di kawasan sawah di Malaysia ialah seperti Jenis Rumput Ganda (Cyperus aromaticus), Bilisjantan (Cyperus haspan), Para-para (Cyperus pilosus), Rumput Tiga Segi - Foto kanan (Cyperus odoratus) dan (Cyperaus platystylis). Terdapat juga beberapa spesis yang jarang-jarang ditemui di negara kita seperti spesis ‘broadleaf umbrella palm (Cyperus diffusus), ‘Umbrella palm’ (Cyperus alternifolius) dan ‘Egyptian paper plant’ (Cyperus papyrus). Spesis-spesis menerong ini tidak mempunyai nama tempatan kerana dipercayai berasal dari luar negara yang dibawa masuk untuk tujuan hiasan taman dan laman sejak dua-tiga puiuh tahun lampau. Kini spesis-spesis telah ditemui tumbuh meliar di kawasan paya, danau dan tali air.

Menerong adalah sejenis rumpai yang tidak memberi faedah kepada petani. Bagi arkitek landskap menerong digunakan untuk dijadikan tumbuhan landskap. Kalau tak percaya pergi ke Taman Saujana, Putrajaya dimana terdapat tumbuhan seakan menerong di tanam dilaluan utama tempat rekreasi. Menerong yang mempunyai warna daun coklat kemerahan di tanam di pintu masuk dekan pondok kawalan keselamatan. Jenis-jenis pokok yang digunakan bagi menghiasi taman air agak terbatas kepada jenis-jenis pokok yang boleh tumbuh dalam air seperti kiambang, teratai, lili dan termasuklah menerong. Penampilan menerong dalam taman air lebih menyerlah kerana bentuknya yang tinggi selalu menjadi tumpuan pandangan. Kewujudan menerong juga dapat mengimbangkan pandangan kerana kebanyakan jenis tumbuhan air yang lain biasanya berbentuk mendatar di permukaan air. Selain menjadi pokok hiasan taman air menerong juga boleh digunakan untuk menghias taman dalaman dan laman. Penggunaan dalam taman perlu diberi penjagaan rapi terutamanya kadar kelembapan tanah perlu sentiasa lembab.

Perlukah kita nak tahu cara menerong membiak ? Kalau pekerja landskap memeng perlu kerana cara pembiakan menerong adalah dengan cara yang paling mudah iaitu dengan menggunakan anak pokok yang terdapat pada perdu pokok menerong yang cukup matang. Kaedah ini lebih mudah dan mencapai pertumbuhan yang tinggi hampir 100 peratus tetapi bilangan anak pokok untuk dijadikan benih agak terbatas bilangannya. Penyediaan anak benih dalam jumlah yang besar agak mustahil dapat dihasilkan. Satu lagi kaedah yang biasa diamalkan ialah dengan cara menyemai keratan daun tua. Kaedah ini dapat menyediakan anak benih dengan jumlah yang besar. Semaian boleh juga menggunakan air sebagai media semaian. Keratan daun tua tadi direndam dalam air untuk beberapa hari

Lihat foto sebelah... Ini bukan buah salak tetapi biji menerong jenis Cyperus odoratus yang di perbesarkan. Apa yang saya perhatikan adalah dimana keratan daun menerong tua terlebih dahulu perlu dipotong helaian daunnya dan tinggalkan hanya 1 - 2 inci sebelum disemai atas media semaian. Bahan media semaian yang sesuai digunakan ialah pasirsungai atau sekam padi bakar. Buang beberapa helai daun yang telah dipotong supaya tunas-tunas muda di bawah ketiak daun nampak dengan jelas. Letakkan keratan daun tadi atas media semaian dengan bahagian batang menghala ke atas. Tutup bahagian daun dengan lapisan pasir yang nipis. Siram air secukupnya dan letakkan di bawah naungan. Kotak semaian ini perlu disiram dua kali sehari, iaitu di sebelah pagi dan petang. Pastikan media semaian sentiasa berada dalam keadaan lembab sepenuhnya. Dalam masa 4 - 5 hari tunas-tunas ketiak daun kelihatan cambah. Anak pokok yang baru cambah akan membesar dalam masa seminggu selepas disemai dengan ketinggian antara 2 - 3 inci. Pada peringkat ini anak benih bolehlah ditanam dalam pasu yang mengandungi tanah campuran pasuan 1:2:3 dengan bilangan sebanyak 3 - 4 anak bagi sebiji pasu

Kegunaan tumbuhan menerong selain dijadikan pokok hiasan taman air, pokok menerong juga dijadikan bahan hiasan jambangan dalam gubahan bunga. Bagi tujuan hiasan jambangan bunga, beberapa keratan batang menerong akan diatur dengan keratan-keratan bunga lain untuk mendapatkan bentuk gubahan tinggi dan menegak. Keratan batang menerong biasanya akan dipotong bahagian hujung helai daun untuk menampakkan keunikan sesebuah gubahan. Kajian lanjut mengkin boleh dijalankan untuk meneliti kandungan tumbuhan menerong untuk di ekstrak bagi ubat dan makanan kesihatan pada masa akan datang.

RUMPUT MENERONG...TUMBUHAN RUMPAI....
DALAM SAWAH PADI....DIA SAJA YANG SESUAI....
KALAU DI TEBAS....DI SEMBUR RACUN RUMPAI.....
TIDAK MUDAH MATI....PERLU DI SELESAI....

By
M Anem
MUAR

JOHOR

STEVIA

The Stevia plant (Stevia rebaudiana Bertoni) belongs to the Compositae (sunflower family of plants) is a new crop introduced in Malaysia recently. Stevia also known as Sweetleaf or Sugar Leaf in most countries. Centuries ago stevia are natives of Paraguay used the leaves of this small, herbaceous, semi-bushy, perennial shrub to sweeten their bitter drinks. Originating in the South American wild stevia, it could be found growing in semi-arid habitat ranging from grassland to scrub forest to mountain terrain. The plant made its way to Pacific Rim countries where in recent decades it became cultivated domestically, used in its raw leaf form and now is commercially processed into sweetener. This article I would like to share some information about stevia as potential crop to be grown in Malaysia. There is few private company and individual farmers growing stevia as hobby and commercial scale. This article in "Anim Agro Technology" I would like to share stevia as a reference.

Stevia product has been an alternative sweetener in Japan for many decade as a dietary food. It has been banned in USA in 1990's due to the national regulation. The sweetness of stevia are due to the chemical content of steviol glycocide that has 300 times sweeter compare to sugar. Chine nowadays is the largest stevia producers in the world in planting size and end product. Other countries seriously grow stevia are Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia, Korea, Taiwan, Uruguay and Malaysia. As I check with DOA Malaysia there is no official record of stevia planted acreage in Malaysia in 2010 but I estimate about 50-60 hectare mostly grown in Pahang, Selangor and Perak. The climate and rainfall in Malaysia are suitable for stevia to be grown commercially as profitable ventures. Few companies started to grow and market their product as dietary and supplementary food for diabetic patient, obesity and high blood problem.

As a transplanted annual plant, stevia tends to grow well on a variety of soil types ranging from course textured sands to well drained loams but not clay or poorly drained sites. The selected area must has a very good drainage system and enough water supply. The shrub like stevia need full sunlight for maximum growth rate. During the growing season, it seems to thrive in a temperature range of 15°C to 30°C provided all input resources and good management practices are incorporated. Stevia requires cultivation practices similar to those of other transplanted horticultural crops. Educated and experience vegetable farmers in Malaysia has no problem with growing stevia provided there are a stable marketing system and acceptable price for best quality. Until I write this article the demand for stevia are uncertain due to lack of consumers demand.

Report from research confirm that stevia leaves have a long history of use as sweeteners, due to the presence of sweet crystalline glycosides called steviosides which are 200-300 times sweeter than sucrose. Stevioside is non-caloric, non-fermentable, non-discolouring, heat stable at 95°C and has a lengthy shelf life. The product can be added to cooked or baked goods or processed foods and beverages. In the Pacific Rim countries, China, Korea and Japan, stevia is regularly used in preparation of food and pharmaceutical products. There are better future markets for stevia with the increase in consumer purchasing power in dietary health food especially in China and many ASEAN countries. Lets go to the technology in stevia planting based on my observation in Pahang and Selangor and from few references in the web.


Agronomic Practices of STEVIA

1. Climatic RangeStevia is native to semi-humid, sub-tropical climates where temperatures typically range from -6 Celsius to 43 Celsius. Malaysia and most ASEAN Country are the best place to grow stevia all year round. While tolerant of mild frost, hard frosts will kill the roots of the plant therefore in temperate country they has chance to grow stevia compare to our beloved Malaysia. The best area for stevia may located at central region of Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.


2. SoilStevia grows well on infertile, acid soils, but can also be cultivated on more neutral soils (pH6.5-7.5). Stevia will not grow in saline soils. There is a claim by my corlicks in Pontian growing stevia on medium deep peat soil with a very good harvest last year. The mineral soil with excellent drainage system and fertile is the best alternative for stevia plantation.

3. Land PreparationFields should be plowed and either disced and/or cultivated twice to prepare a fairly smooth, firm planting surface. Add some organic fertilizer such as processed chicken dung or other manure to increase soil fertility. The flat area should be ridged to allow better water flow during raining season. Make a low bed in the farm for proper agronomic practices.

3. TransplantsTransplants from cuttings would be superior, however the cost is prohibitive. Stevia must be propagated from seed in plug trays placed in a greenhouse for a period of 7 to 8 weeks. The certified seed from authorised seller used for best stevia seedling. Put single seed in seeding tray (102 or 78 holes) which contain cocopeat as the germination media. Watered accordingly and transplant individually in morning or late afternoon.

4. PlantingPlanting of stevia by plug the seedling planted into the field on either 53 cm or 61 cm row spacing with a total plant density in the order of 100,000 plants/ha. Ensure the seedling in a good row and even planting distance. Watering are critical in initial growing stage by using automatic sprinkler system or drip tape irrigation system. The spraying of pre-emergence before planting are recommended with LASSO or other chemical weeks before transplanting. There is few aggressive farmers using silvershine plastic cover on the bed for stevia planting.

5. FertilizationThe plant appears to have low nutrient requirements, however a soil test should be conducted. For the year 1995, test plots were fertilized with 100 kg/ha of 6-24-24 prior to planting and a split application of urea at 140 kg/ha. The use of organic fertilizer at the initial stage are good practices in Malaysia especially on low soil fertility level. There are report that the use of foliar fertilizer to stevia at for the matured tree affect the sweetness of the leaves.

6. IrrigationNormally, the stevia plant requires frequent, shallow irrigation. Generally, irrigation is required when the stem tips begin drooping. Therefore stevia farmers in Malaysia must include irrigation cost for long term investment. Ponds, river or canal as source of water with sprinkler or drip tape system may suitable for stevia.

7. Weed ControlRepeated mechanical row-cultivating can be used to control weeds. The crop may also require hand hoeing and weeding. Chemical control for weed are and options and farmers should not use weedicide freely because it will affect the leaves if not properly used.

8. Pests and diseasesInsect pest pressures other than cutworm are minimal. Septoria disease caused considerable damage to the over-mature 1995 crop. Chemical control for stevia pests should minimised or use IPM method to overcome damage by pests attack. There is a report oversea that browsing by deer, who seem to like the sweet taste of stevia, may also be a problem especially if the farm located to the jungle where the deer are there. There is no serious disease reported in Malaysia. Only minor pests and disease problem in stevia planting and manually pull-out the affected tree and removed.

9. HarvestingTime of harvesting depends on variety and growing season either wet or dry season in Malaysia. Harvesting has to be arranged according to production calendar when plants are 40-60 cm in height. The uniform average height may be achieved with proper Good Agronomics Practices. There is a report that shorter days induce flowering in temperate country but not significant in Malaysia. Optimum yield (biomass) and stevioside quality and quantity are best just prior to flowering. Ensure the is enough manpower for harvesting activity to cut, gather and process the stevia plants. The plant will tolerate temperatures. Specialized harvesters may need to be fabricated to mechanize the harvesting process. Grading of leaves may necessary if you want to sell the stevia fresh leaf to niche consumer.

10. DryingDrying of the woody stems and soft green leaf material is completed immediately after harvesting utilising a drying wagon or a kiln. Depending on weather conditions and density of loading, it generally takes 24 to 48 hours to dry stevia at 40°C to 50°C. An estimated 21,500 kg/ha of green weight is dried down to 6,000 kg/ha of dry weight. The production of stevia in Malaysia reported about 18 mt wet leaves/stem per hectare in Pahang last year. This is considered a acceptable harvest of stevia in Malaysia.

11. Threshing
Immediately following drying, a specially designed thresher/separator is necessary to separate dry stevia leaves from the stem. The yield of dry stem and dry leaf is similar at approximately 3,000 kg/ha each. The stem are collected and processed for their content.

12. PackagingDry leaves are stored in plastic lined cardboard boxes, sealed, strapped and labelled for further processing. If the farmers want to sell the dry leaves just sent to local marketeers. The best system is to engage with 'anchor company' so there is a guarantee market and payment. The labeling system by grade is applicable.

13. Economics of Production
Recent cost of production data for Malaysia is not available, but research from few growers indicates that sample leaf yields taken at the optimum harvest period have a yield potential of 2,850 kg/ha (dry stevia). Cost of production for stevia has to be calculated. My visit to MAHA Exibition 2010 checked the end processed product from exhibitor's priced at RM 30-RM40.00 per packed (contain 250-400 g in sachets). There is more promotion the usage of stevia in Malaysia if we want to create more domestic demand. The best is to market stevia in global market especially claim as Organic Product from Malaysia. Farmers should apply Skim Organic Malaysia (SOM) or Farm Accreditation Scheme (SALM) in future.

Stevia is commercially produced in temperate regions (like China, Korea and Taiwan) and other par of the world where it can be grown as a perennial crop. For future Malaysia growers to be competitive with these other production regions, New stevia variety with high productivity should be introduced. . Other requirements that are needed to reduce the cost of production include further refinements in agronomic practices, plant breeding to improve yield and quality, development of mechanisation techniques in transplanting, harvesting, drying and threshing, and the registration of pest control products.

I hope this article able to provide knowledge the all of you. I would like to buy some stevia seed and grow in surrounding semi-D spacious compound in the pots. I think we can reduce the importation of sugar from overseas with promotion campaign to consume stevia and sugar. We need more agronomic technology, processing activity and create special marketing plan for stevia. Malaysia Boleh !

By,
M Anem
Putrajaya