Cultivation of Drumstick /Moringa ; The Tree of Life

August 16, 2020 Agrovista

Drumstick (Moringa pterygosperma ) commonly known as moringa tree or Horseradish tree It is a versatile crop. It is grown as an annual and perennial vegetable in our country. Drumstick plants can withstand severe drought as well as mild frost conditions; that’s why they are widely cultivated across the world. Every part of the drumstick tree either has very high nutrition value or is suitable for high commercial value; hence, it is also considered a Miracle Tree

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The leaves of the drumstick are a rich source of several minerals, Vitamins, and essential phytochemicals The seeds of the drumstick plant are natural coagulants that are used in water treatment.

Its immature fruits, leaves, and flowers are used in culinary preparation. Its leaves pounded with anardana and onion form tasty chutney.

The leaves are rich in Vitamin A and Vitamin C and are considered useful in scurvy and catarrhal infection and also used as an emetic. Flowers are used as a tonic, diuretic, and cholagogue. Besides this, drumstick oil is used as a lubricant for fine machinery

Medicinal Properties of Drum Stick Plant ;

Plant Parts	Pharmacy uses
Seeds	Analgesic, Anti-spasmodic, Diuretic, Larvicidal, Antibacterial
Seeds Kernel	Anti-asthmatic, Anti-inflammatory
Pods and Seeds	Hypersensitive
Leaves	Anti-ulcer, Hyperthyroidism, Anti-diabetic, Anti-diabetic, Hypo-lipidemic, Anti-helminthic, Anti-oxidant, Hypocholesterolemic, Hepatoprotective,, Antifungal, Antibacterial, Anti-oxidant, Nutritional supplement, Antiatherosclerotic, Hypolipidemic
Roots	Analgesic and anti-convulsive, Antinociceptive, Antiinflammatory, Anti-cancer, Anti-inflammatory, Antiurolithiatic
Flowers	Anti-arthritic
Bark	Antiurolithiatic
Foliage	Lactation enhancer

Nutritive Value of Drum Stick Plants ;

Moringa nutrition profile—drumstick pods and leaves, raw, values per 100 g. Percentages of daily-recommended values are marked in brackets.

(Source: USDA National Nutrient database)

Principle	Nutrient value-Pods	Nutrient value-Leaves
Energy	37 Kcal (2%)	64 Kcal (3%)
Carbohydrates	8.53 g (6.5%)	8.28% (6%)
Protein	2.10 g (4%)	9.40 g (17%)
Total Fat	0.20 g (1%)	1.40% (7%)
Cholesterol	0 mg (0%)	0 mg (0%)
Dietary Fiber	3.2 g (8%)	2.0 g (5%)
Vitamins
Folates	44 µg (11%)	40 µg (10%)
Niacin	0.680 mg (4%)	2.220 mg (14%)
Pyridoxine	0.120 mg (9%)	1.200 mg (92%)
Riboflavin	0.074 mg (6%)	0.660 mg (51%)
Thiamin	0.053 mg (4.5%)	0.257 mg (21.5%)
Vitamin A	74 IU (2.5%)	7564 IU (252%)
Vitamin C	141 mg (235%)	51.7 mg (86%)
Electrolytes
Sodium	42 mg (3%)	9 mg (0.5%)
Potassium	461 mg (10%)	337 mg (7%)
Minerals
Calcium	30 mg (3%)	185 mg (18.5%)
Iron	0.36 mg (4.5%)	4.00 mg (50%)
Magnesium	45 mg (11%)	147 mg (37%)
Phosphorus	50 mg (9%)	112 mg (20%)
Selenium	8.2 µg (15%)	0.9 µg (1.5%)
Zinc	0.45 mg (4%)	0.60 mg (5%)

Climate and soil requirements for drumstick cultivation;

1) Drum stick is a crop of dry arid regions; it gives good performance when the temperature lies between 25-35 degrees Celsius, but it can also tolerate higher temperatures under the shade

2) A pH range of 6.3 to 7 is ideal for its cultivation

3) Drumstick can be grown on any type of soil; however, it performs better in sandy loam soils rich in organic matter.

4) High land is favorable for its cultivation. Waterlogging is detrimental to this crop.

5) Drumsticks are susceptible to frost.

6) Shedding of flowers occurs when the temperature goes beyond 40 degrees Celsius

Important Varieties of Drumsticks:

Variety	Characteristics
KM-1 (Kudumianmalai 1)	It is a bushy variety propagated through seeds. Plants come to bear 6 months after planting and can be rationed for 2-3 years. Productivity: 400-500 fruits/year. Developed at Anna Pannai, Kudumianmalai of Pudukottai.
PKM – 1	PKM-1 is a “seed moringa”, propagated through seeds Developed at Horticultural Research Station, TNAU, Periyakulam. Plants grow to a height of 4-6 m and flower in 90-100 days after planting. The first harvest starts 160–170 days after planting On average, each tree bears 200-225 fruits per year. Pods are 65-70 cm long with 6.3 cm girth and 150 g weight. Fruits are green-coloured and highly pulpy
PKM- 2	This “seed moringa,” propagated through seeds, is also developed at the Horticultural Research Station, TNAU, Periyakulam. Pods are extra long (125-130 cm), pulpy, and suitable for homesteads.
Dhanraj	This is also an annual drumstick propagated through seeds and is evolved at KRC College of agriculture, UAS, Arabhavi, Karnataka.

Propagation of Drum Stick ;

The drumstick can be propagated by seeds or vegetatively by limb cutting. Vegetative propagation is generally followed.

It is propagated through limb- cuttings of one to two meters long and about 15 to 20 cm in diameter. The cuttings are planted in a 60-cm cube at a spacing of about three to five meters, preferably from June to August.

The annual crop of drumsticks is propagated through seeds at 650 g per hectare. Sow the two seeds at a depth of 2 to 2.5 cm in polythene or pits, and after one month they are transplanted to the main field.

Land Preparation for Drumstick /Moringa cultivation ;

Thoroughly plough the field up to 3 to 4 times Prepare the pits of 45x45x45 cms. At the spacing of 6X6 meters for the perennial crop and 2.5×2.5 meters for the annually grown crop Fill the pits with FYM @10 kg per pit

Manuring in Drumstick/Moringa Crop

Manuring of drumsticks is rarely practiced. , the application of urea, superphosphate, and muriate of potassium at 100 gm each per plant gave a higher yield.

Aftercare in Drumstick/Moringa Crop

Gap filling should be done within 30 days of sowing. The tree basin may be cleared of weeds once a year, and slight hoeing of the soil under the trees will be beneficial. Irrigation may be given as and when needed. Pruning is beneficial for the new growth on which fruits will be produced in plenty.

Pruning should be done when the plant attains a height of up to 75 cm. Many short-duration crops like Okra, cowpea, and tomato can be grown as an intercrop