MEDICINAL PLANT-ASOKAM/ ASOKA/ OSAKA

Common name: asoka, Asok, Ashok, Asogam, Wu You Hua, Osaka

Scientific name: Saraca asoca (ROXB.) DE WILDE

Part Used : Bark, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds.

Commercial importance:

The bark contains tannins and some chemicals and is prescribed as a tonic. Crushed flowers and leaves are rubbed on the skin to get relief from skin diseases. When selecting trees for avenues or large gardens, it will be an excellent idea to choose Saraca asoka instead of the usual rusty shield bearer or the ubiquitous gulmohur. The dried flowers are used in diabetes and haemorrhagic dysentery and seeds are used for curing bone fractires, strangury and vesical calculi. The flowers are considered to be a uterine tonic and is used in cases like burning sensation, dysentery, hyperdypsia, scabiesin children and inflammation. It is also used in fever, dipsia, colic, ulsers and pimples. The seeds are strengthening and the ash of plant is good for external application in rheum-arthritis. It is considered as best female tonic.

How to cultivate

Soil and climate: The plant requires slightly acidic to neutral soils for good growth with

medium to deep well drained fertile soils. It grows well in tropical to sub-tropical

situations under irrigation.

Nursery raising and planting: The crop can be propagated by seeds and stem grafting. The seeds has to be collected from the matured tress in august- September. As the seeds have less life span, it will be betterto plant the seeds as early as possible. Prior to seeding, soak the seeds in water for one day and then sow them in either  nursery beds or in polythene covers filled with soil. Transfer the plants in nursery bed to polythene cover after two weeks of germination. After two years these plantlings can be used for planting in main field. The seedlings are planted in the well manured field during the rainy season with a spacing of 3* 3 meter.

Thinning and weeding: Weeding and thinning of the plants may be done as and when

required usually after 15-30 days for better growth.

Manures, fertilizers and pesticides: The medicinal plants have to be grown without

chemical fertilizers and use of pesticides. Organic manures like, Farm Yard Manure

(FYM), Vermi-Compost, Green Manure etc. may be used as per requirement of the

species. To prevent diseases, bio-pesticides could be prepared (either single or mixture)

from Neem (kernel, seeds & leaves), Chitrakmool, Dhatura, Cow's urine etc.

Irrigation: Normally grown as rainfed crop but for better yield irrigation may be done as

per requirement (weekly/fortnightly).

Harvesting/ post harvesting operation: Bark is removed from about ten years or older

tree and then it has to be sun dried. By thus time tree will also produce flowers.



MEDICINAL PLANT- ARAYAL/ Bodhi Tree, Peepal Tree, Sacred Tree

Common Name : Bodhi Tree, Peepal Tree, Sacred Tree

Scientific name :Ficus religosa

Part Used : Bark, Leaves, Tender Shoots, Latex, Seeds, Fruits.

 Commercial importance: The bark is cooling and astringent and is useful in inflammations and glandular swellings of neck. Root bark is good for stomatitis, clean ulcers and it is astringent in leucorrhoea and promotes granulations. According to Unani system of medicine, root, bark is aphrodisiac and also good for lumbago. Roots are said to be good for gout. The roots are chewed to prevent gum disease. The fruit is laxative, promotes digestion, aphrodisiac and checks vomiting. Ripe fruits are alexipharmic (an antidote or defensive remedy against poison, venom or infection), are good for foul taste, thirst and heart disease. The powdered fruit is taken for asthma. The seeds are cooling, laxative and refrigerant. Seeds are useful in urinary troubles. The leaves alone are used to treat constipation. The leaves and young shoots together are purgative (strong laxative). An infusion or decoction of the bark is used with some honey for the treatment of gonorrhoea, ulcers, skin diseases and scabies. Its power bark has been used to heal the wounds for years. 

 How to cultivate

Peepal tree is easily propagated through the seeds or through the cuttings. propagating the sacred fig (ficus religiosa) with seeds isn’t difficult. you can use a good regular potting mix. give the seeds just on the soil. to increase humidity put a glas or a freezing bag over the pot. don’t forget to air daily. place the pot on a bright location without direct sun. temperature should be +20 °c/68 °c. keep the soil moist but not wet. the sacred fig needs approx. 7 to 21 days to germinate (at 25 °c/77 °f). if the seedlings are approx. 5 cm/1.97 tall you can start slowly adapting them to your room climate with extending the airing time day by day. when they are 10 cm/3.94 inches tall they can be divided an re-potted. It can grow in any type of soil. Young peepal needs proper nourishment. It requires full sunlight and proper watering. Commonly cultivated areas Peepal tree is grown throughout India. It is mainly grown in State of Haryana, Bihar, Kerala and Madhya Pradesh. It is also found in the Ranthambore National Park in India.

MEDICINAL PLANT- ANALIVEGAM/DEVIL TREE

Common name: Sinnappalai, Devil Tree

Scientific name:  Alstonia venenata R.BR.

 Parts used: roots and fruits

Commercial importance:  it can used for treating pitta, cobra bite, skin diseases, other venomous bites, epilepsy, fever and otalgia. Fruits are useful in insanity and epilepsy. The latex is used in treating coughs, throat sores and fever. It is a remedy for impure blood. the seeds of Alstonia venenata as an aphrodisiac and stimulant in their tantric sex rituals.

 

How to cultivate

 Plant seeds just under the surface (0.5cm) in a well drained mixture, (potting mix:perlite:washed sand) in full sun. Keep moist until germination. They are drought tolerant and hardy species once established.

MEDICINAL PLANT- TINOSPORA / AMRUTHU

Common name: Gulancha tinospora, Tinospora

 

Scientific name: Tinospora cordifolia (WILLD.) HOOK.F. & THOMS.

 

Parts used: stem

 

Commercial importance: amruthu acts as a diuretic and found to be effective against Renal obstruction like calculi and other urinary disorders. It acts as a memory booster, develops inteligence, promotes mental clarity. It is described as one of the Medhya Rasayana (mental rejuvenative) in the Charak Samhita (The oldest and most potent book of Ayurvedic Medicine). It is regarded as a liver protector. It is considered helpful in eye disorders as a tissue builder and promotes mental clarity. The stem is used in general debility, dyspepsia and urinary diseases. It is anti-pyretic and act as a tonic after fever, also has action against alternative fever like Malaria. Tinospora or Guduchi acts as a diuretic and found to be effective against Renal obstruction like calculi and other urinary disorders

How to cultivate

Medium black soil or red soil is the best for the cultivation of Tinospora Cordifolia. A well drained, rich in organic matter soil is very good for the growth of this plant. The plant is very hardy and it can be grown in almost all climates but prefers warm climate.

 

Tinospora can be propagated by seeds and also vegetative cuttings. The best way is vegetative way. The cuttings of the small finger thickness with 6 to 8 inch length long stem having two nodes are used. The cuttings are dipped by quick dip method in 2500 ppm of IBA and get greater success of rooting. This may be planted in poly bags of 4 inch ×6 inch size. The poly bags filled with mud, sand and dry cow dung in the ratio 1:1:1. The rooting of the cuttings takes almost 4 to 5 weeks. The cuttings of Tinospora Cordifolia will be ready for planting into the main field by this time.

Tinospora is a climber and hence needs some source of support to get higher yields. Proper training structures like the wires are required. The first harvest can be made by plucking the leaves without damaging the vines. These leaves are then spread on clean dry floor for drying.

 

Irrigation: Tinospora Cordifolia should be watered everyday in the early stages and later at weekly intervals depending upon soil and climate conditions.

MEDICINAL PLANT- INDIAN GINSENG/ WITHANIA SOMNIFERA

Common name: Winter cherry, Indian Ginseng

Scientific name: Withania somnifera (Linn.) Dunal.

Parts used: Roots and Leaves

Commercial importance: The root of Asvagandha is used in the form of powder to treat consumption, excessive emaciation, bronchial asthma, rheumatic ailments, insomnia, cardiac diseases, wound due to accident, suppression of urine, and for conception in sterility. Also used for inflammatory conditions , ulcers , and scabies in the form of external application . Leaves are used as a febrifuge and applied to lesions, painful swellings and sore eyes . Also used in rejuvenating preparations . Ashwagandha, if given in proper dose, can restore the neurotransmitters and hence can be useful in various mental disorders. Ashwagandha can be used by both men and women and it acts to calm the mind and promote sound, restful sleep. Ashwagandha works as an adaptogen, promoting the body's ability to maintain homeostasis and resist stress. It prevents or minimizes imbalances that may lead to disease, whether from poor diet, lack of sleep, mental or physical strain, or chemical toxins in the environment. It is especially beneficial in stress related disorders such as arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, general debility, etc. It has also shown impressive results when used as a stimulant for the immune system. Ashwagandha is a unique herb with anti-stress adaptogenic action that leads to better physical fitness and helps to cope with life's daily stress.

How to cultivate

Withania somnifera is cultivated in sandy loam or light red soils having a PH of 7.5 to 8.0 with good drainage. It is a late rainy season crop. It requires relatively dry seasons, and the roots are fully developed when 1-2 late winter rains are received. The areas receiving 65-75 cm rainfall are best suited for its cultivation.

Withania somnifera is mainly grown on residual fertility and hence no manure or fertilizers are recommended.

Direct sowing: Seeds can be sown directly in the field by broadcasting since it is largely grown as a rainfed crop, sowing is determined by the monsoon. After receiving pre monsoon rainfall, soil is brought to fine tilth and the crop is sown during the second week of July. A seed rate of 10-12 kg per hectare is sufficient when the crop is raised by this method.

Transplanting: About 5 kg of seeds is required to provide seedlings for an area of one hectare. The seeds are sown in the nursery just before the onset of the rainy season. The seeds are lightly covered with soil and germinate in about 6-7 days after sowing. When the seedlings are about 6 weeks old they are transplanted in the field in 60 cms wide furrows 60 cm apart.

In the directly sown crop, the plants are thinned at 25-30 days after sowing to maintain a plant propulation of 20,000-25,000/ha. Hand weeding at 25-30 days interval helps to control the weeds effectively.

Harvesting starts from January and continues till March (150-170 days after sowing). The maturity of the crop is judged by the drying of leaves and red berries. The entire plant is uprooted for roots which are separated from the aerial parts by cutting the stem 1 - 2 cm above the crown.

The roots are cut into small pieces of 7 - 10 cm to facilitate drying. The berries plucked from dried plants are threshed to obtain the seeds for the next crop. An average yield of about 400 - 500 kg of roots and 50 kg of seeds are obtained from one hectare.

MEDICINAL PLANT- Adapathiyan/Holostemma Creeper

Common name: Holostemma Creeper

Scientific Name: Holostemma ada-kodien Schultes

Parts used: Roots and the whole plant

Commercial importance: it is ideal for treating ear, burning sensation, cough, fever and diabetes. It is a vitalizing herb, anti aging, anti asthmatic and oleating adjunctive. It is also beneficial for eyes and alleviates all the three dosas. It is a remunerative tonic and anti diarrheal. Roots has cooling and lactative properties and is also an astringent to the bowels and is sweet. The root made into a paste is applied to eyes in ophthalmic and also for scalding in gonorrhoea. In diabetes, the root rubbed into a paste is given in cold milk. In spermatorrhoea, the dried root with an equal quantity of the root of Ceiba pentandra powder, is given in six doses with milk and sugar daily. It is employed in dicoction by the Santals, as a remedy for cough and also for orchitis. It is a Munda stomach ache medicine. It also cures ulcers, biliousness, diseases of the blood, worms, itching and vesicular calculi.

How to cultivate

The plant is propagated vegetatively by stem cuttings but mainly by seeds. But less than 10 per cent fruit set in this crop becomes a major constraint for large scale cultivation. The crop can be planted in open conditions or in partial shade. Prepare the land to a fine tilth during April-May by ploughing or digging. Planting is done on ridges of 30cm height, taken 50 cm apart. On this 2-3 months old seedlings or rooted cuttings can be planted at a spacing of 30 cm. Planting can be done in June-July. Cattle manure or compost at the rate of 10t/ha may be applied as basal dose at the time of land preparation. P and K fertilizers are found beneficial for increasing root yield, which can be applied basally and once or twice during the growing period. Weeding has to be done as and when necessary. When the plant starts vining, support can be provided with ropes. Flowering and fruit set occur during July-December. Dried fruits can be collected for seed purpose in January-February. The crop can be harvested in 18 months time. Harvesting is done by digging when the vines start drying up. The tubers are cut in to pieces of 10 cm length and dried in sun

MEDICINAL PLANT- ADOLODAKAM/ VASACA SMALL

Medicinal Plant- Adalodakam/ Vasaca small

 

 

Common name: Vasaca small, Malabar Nut

Parts used : Whole plant, Leaves and roots of the plant are medicinal. Leaves contain two major alkaloids called vasicine, and vasicinone.

Commercial importance: Plant is used for treating pitta, kapha, cough, bronchitis, asthma, inflammation, hemorrhage, hemorrhoids, diseases of eyes, bleeding and diarrhea. Fresh or dried leaves of the plant constitute the drug Vasaka and are used for bronchial troubles and consumption. Leaf juice is used for glandular tumours. It is also prescribed commonly for local bleeding due to peptic ulcer, piles etc. Its local use gives relief from pyorrhoea and bleeding gums. Powdered leaves are used for skin troubles

 

How to cultivate:

Cultivation

Soil and climate

Though the crop grows in a variety of climatic and soil conditions, alluvial soils are best suited for raising the crop. The plant is tolerant to shade but is susceptible to water logging. It can be cultivated either as a pure crop or as an intercrop in coconut and rubber plantations in the initial 3-4 years.

Propagation

Adhatoda is propagated by tender stem cuttings. Stem cuttings of 15-20 cm long and 3-4 nodes are ideal for planting. It is better to root the cuttings in nursery before transplanting in the main field. Nursery preparation can be done in March-April. For this, the tender stem cuttings are planted in poly bags filled with farm yard manure, top soil and sand in the ratio 1:1:1. Cuttings will root readily and will be ready to transplant to main field after two months.

Planting

Rooted cuttings of adhatoda can be planted on mounds or on ridges. Plough and level the main field thoroughly and ridges or mounds are prepared 60 cm away from each other. With the commencement of rainfall, rooted cuttings are planted on the ridges with a plant to plant spacing of 30 cm. If grown on mounds, up to 5 cuttings may be planted on a single mound. In sloppy areas cuttings are planted directly by making pits with a sharp pole. Adequate care should be taken to prevent water logging as it may promote rotting.

Manures and fertilizers

Apply organic manure in the form of FYM, compost or green leaf at the rate of 10 t/ha as basal dressing. Apply N:P:K each at the rate of 50 kg/ha. Entire P should be given basally and N and K may be given in two equal splits. Keep the field free of weeds and give earthing up after topdressing with fertilizers.

Harvesting

Leaves, roots and stem of adhatoda are of medicinal value. Leaves can be harvested from the first year of planting itself; but roots will be ready to harvest only two years after planting. December-January is the ideal time for harvesting adhatoda. In the second year, the entire plant is harvested and roots are carefully dug out wholly without damage by carefully removing soil. Harvested roots are cleaned and marketed either in fresh form or after drying. Total yield of root, stem and leaves from one hectare of area will be 12.5 tonnes.

MEDICINAL PLANT- East Indian globe thistle/Adaykkamaniyan

East Indian globe thistle/Adaykkamaniyan

Common name: East Indian globe thistle
Scientific name: Sphaeranthus indicus
Parts used: Roots, Whole plant, Floral Heads, Fruits

Commercial importance

This herb is hot, laxative, digestible, tonic, fattening, alterative, anthelmintic and alexipharmic. It is used in insanity, tuberculosis, indigestion, bronchitis, spleen diseases, elephantiasis, anaemia, pain in uterus and vagina, piles, asthma, leucoderma, dysentery, vomiting, hemicrania, etc. The flowers have alterative, depurative and tonic properties. The flower contains albumin, tannins, mineral matter and a glucoside.


How to cultivate

This tough perennial prefers a well drained fertile or slightly impoverished soil. Preferring full sun but will tolerate part shade. Dead head in autumn and propagate old clumps by division. Mulch once every few years to feed and stake taller flowers.


Culture

The globe thistles are best grown on poor, sandy soils. In richer organic soils, with plenty of watering, they may grow so much as to require staking. If you cut flowerheads for dried arrangements early in the season the plants may bloom again.

Light: Full sun.

Moisture: Water regularly. Once established, small globe thistle is moderately drought tolerant.

Hardiness: Small globe thistle is very tolerant of hot weather, but cool nights result in more intense flower colors.

Propagation can be done through divided root clumps in winter, or sow seed in spring.

MEDICINAL PLANT- NEEM/ ARYAVEPPU/ MARGOSA

 

Common name: neem, margosa

Scientific name: Azadirachta indica A. JUSS.
Parts used: Leaves, Flower, Oil, Seed.

Commercial importance: It acts as vermifuge, insecticide, astringent, tonic and antiseptic. It possess anti diabetic, anti bacterial and anti viral properties and used successfully in cases of stomach, worms and ulcers. Root barks possess astringent, tonic and antiperiodic properties. It is also useful in malarial fever. The oil is used in making neem-based soaps, shampoos and toothpaste. Leaves are used to cure chicken pox. It is also used in the treatment of acne and has blood purifying property. Neem tea is usually taken to reduce the headache and fever. Its flowers are used to cure intestinal problems. Neem bark acts as an analgesic and can cure high fever as of malaria. Even the skin diseases can be cured from the Neem leaves. Dental Treatments : In India, millions of people use twigs as "tooth brushes" every day. Dentists have endorsed this ancient practice, finding it effective in preventing periodontal disease. Neem fruits : The fruits are recommended for urinary diseases, piles, intestinal worms, leprosy etc. The dry fruits are bruised in water & employed to treat cutaneous diseases.

How to cultivate

It generally performs well on areas with annual rainfall varying from 400 - 1200 mm. It thrives under the hottest conditions where maximum day temperature reaches 50⁰ C. But it cannot withstand freezing or extended cold.

Soil

Neem grows on almost all kinds of soils including clayey, saline and alkaline soils but does well on black cotton soils. It thrives better than most other trees on dry stony saline soils with a waterless sub-soil or in places where there is a hard calcareous or clay pan near the surface. It does not tolerate inundation. It has a unique property of calcium mining which changes the acidic soil into neutral. Neem also grows well on some acidic soil. It is said that the fallen neem leaves which are slightly alkaline are good for neutralising acidity in the soil.

Nursery Practices

Nursery Site : Nursery could be either a temporary or permanent one. Site in either case should have a perennial water source and located on a flat ground with well drained soil. On a hilly site, a moderate slope preferably on the northern aspect has to be chosen.

Seed collection and storage

Only fruits at the yellow green colour stage are pricked from the branches by hand or by using ladder. After collection the fruits are depulped immediately. Soaking in cold water for a few hours helps in removing pulp. Fruits are then rubbed over a coffee weir and floated in water to separate seed from pulp. Storing neem seed for 5 months at 40% natural moisture content at 16 degree centigrade is possible. For short storage the seeds are closed in polythene bags and exposed to air once in a week to keep them viable. Long term storage of Neem seeds for more than 10 years is done at 4% moisture content and -20⁰ Centigrade temperature. For this purpose seeds are dried very quickly i.e. within a few hours after depulping in a mono layer at temperature more than 20 degree centigrade to prevent chilling damage under a fan. Shade drying and storage of seed in cloth bags at a temperature upto 4 ^o Centigrade is also done to improve seed viability. Storage of seed in earthern pot containing wet sand (30% moisture) helps to retain viability upto 60% at the end of 3 months. On an average 5000 seeds weigh one kilogram.

Sowing of Seeds

Germination rate of Neem varies between 15% (stored seeds) and 85% (fresh seeds). Hence, to ensure higher viability of the seeds, their immediate sowing in nursery is recommended. Pre-soaking the seed for 24 hours in cold water and removal of the endocarp or cutting of the seed coat at the round end with a sharp knife also increase its germination capacity. Examination of seeds at the time of sowing is also necessary. Seeds are cut across with sharp blades and the cotyledons are examined. If the cotyledons are found green, seeds are sound and suitable and if they are yellow or brown, then seeds are not suitable for sowing .

Sowing of seeds in nursery beds made up of fine river sand is done in drills 15 c/m apart. Seeds are sown 2.5 cms deep at distance of 2 to 5 cms in the lines and lightly covered with earth to safeguard against birds and insects which often eat radicles of the germinated seeds on the surface. The beds are sparingly watered to prevent caking. Alternatively seeds can be sown directly into pots. Germination occurs in 1/2 weeks time. Once the hypocotyl is erect the seedling is transplanted into the containers. Seeds are sown 3 / 4 months before planting date. Potting mix comprises of 50% sandy loam, 40% river sand and 10% compost by volume.

Pricking :

Seedlings are pricked out at 15 cms x 15 cms when about 2 months old. They do not require any shade. Soil working and weeding are very beneficial. When the seedlings are 7 to 10 cm tall with tap root about 15 cm long, these are transplanted with balls of earth around them. In dry areas, it is necessary to plant larger seedlings of at least 45 cm height since smaller ones are unable to tide over the drought period. This is the reason why seedlings are kept in the nursery beds for another year before planting in the next range.

Planting Techniques :

Neem can be easily raised through direct sowing, entire / polypot seedlings or root-shoot cuttings. For degraded areas direct sowing is more successful and economical provided adequate protection is given during early stages. Entire / polypot seedlings or root-shoot cuttings are more relevant for agro-forestry / silvi pasture and road side avenue plantations. Direct sowing is done either by dibbling in bushes, broadcast sowing, line sowing, sowing on mounds or ridges, sowing in trenches in sunken beds in circular saucers or by aerial sowing. The choice varies with edaphic, climatic, biotic and economic conditions of the site. Planting in pits is carried out by using 20 to 45 cms tall seedlings. Taller ones promise better survival. Planting of stumps prepared from a year old seedlings in crowbar holes also gives good results.

Dibbling in bushes :

Neem seed can be successfully dibbled in Euphoribia bushes. For this purpose, small pits are made and 3 to 5 seeds sown in each pit and covered.

Broadcast sowing :

This is generally done on ploughed land. Very good results are obtained by ploughing of the ground twice. early ploughing during premonsoon showers gives better results than ploughing after monsoon has set in. In arid areas ploughing is done in early spring when the soil is just moist after winter rain.

Sowing in lines :

Neem is grown along with Babool in line sowings in combination with field crops. Here Neem is used as a buffer species to control the insect attack to which Babool is susceptible.

Sowing on mounds and ridges :

This is prescribed for heavy soils. Sowing on mounds (about 70 cm high 60 cm dia. at the top and 2 mtrs dia at the base) in poor soil on trap formation has given satisfactory results. The plants reached 90 cm height 16 months after sowing. Sowing on mounds 3.7 x 1.2 mtr x 46 cm in rows 2.7 mtr apart on black cotton soil has been successful with plant attaining a maximum height of 1.4 mtr in one year after sowing.

Sowing in Trenches : On dry sites for conserving moisture continuous or interrupted trenches are made on which direct sowing is successful. In Tummala method, the trenches are aligned at an angle of 45⁰ to the contours. Similarly, sunken beds and Saucer Method are in vogue.

Entire / polypot planting :

Seedlings which have attained 20-25 cm height by the beginning of the rainy season are planted out in pits of 30 cu. cm at a spacing of 3x3 mtrs. or any other spacing depending on the purpose of plantation. Pruning of leaves except at the tip and roots has been proved successful. Even plants of 45 cm height can be used for this purpose, since smaller plants are found incapable of bearing the stress of drought period. Planting is, however, done during the rainy season.

Planting Root-shoot cuttings :

The stumps are prepared from 12-13 months old seedlings, keeping 2.5 cm of shoot portion and 23 cm of root and are planted in crow bar holes at the break of rains. Stumps from two years old plants have given higher survival and better height growth than one year old root stock. 53% success from root-shoot cuttings has been reported. The success of root-shoot cuttings depends upon rains, prolonged drought may affect survival to a great extent.

Farm forestry plantations :

For raising a block plantation under farm forestry a closer espacement of 5mx5m accomodating 400 trees per ha may be followed. This may vary from field to field and also depending upon the objective. The wider espacement of 7mx7m accomodating about 200 trees per hectare may be on the broader side where Agro-forestry can also be practised.

Care of Young Plantation :

Strip weeding of young plantations has a positive effect on health and survival. Two weedings are sufficient in the first year and one weeding during the second year. First mechanical thinning in the case of transplanted seedlings is done at the age of 5 years. In arid region Neem planted are watered for the first 5-7 years.

Harvesting, Yield & Returns :

Neem starts bearing fruits after 3-5 years and comes to full bearing at the age of 10-12 years. Fruit yield is 10-25 kg per tree per year in the initial years. A mature tree produces 35-50 kg fruit/year. Oil yield varies from 40-43% of seed on dry weight basis. It has been observed that as rainfall in an area increases oil content also increases. Yield generally stabilises from 9th year. Irrigating the young stock, keeping the field clear from competing weeds & soil loosening have been reported to produce good results in neem.