If you are searching for the best plant growth regulators in India to improve crop yield, boost flowering, and increase farm income, this comprehensive guide will help you choose the right product. Below, we explore the top 5 plant growth regulators trusted by progressive Indian farmers.What Are Plant Growth Regulators (PGRs)?Plant growth regulators are products designed to enhance plant development, boost yield, and improve overall crop health. Think of them as energy drinks for crops. Just like we need vitamins and nutrients, plants need hormones, micronutrients, and stimulants to perform at their best.These regulators may contain plant hormones like auxins, gibberellins, cytokinins, seaweed extracts, amino acids, or humic substances. They’re widely used in modern agriculture to increase productivity without necessarily increasing land area. Why Farmers and Gardeners Use ThemWhy do farmers swear by them? Because they work. From better root growth to higher fruit setting, plant growth regulators help crops survive drought, salinity, and temperature stress. In a world where climate unpredictability is the new normal, these products are like insurance for your harvest.Top 5 Best Plant Growth Regulators in India1. Tapas VitaInject Plant Growth RegulatorTapas VitaInject is an advanced plant growth regulator formulated with a unique blend of Salicylic Acid and Niacinamide (Vitamin B3). It helps crops achieve their maximum potential in terms of growth, vigor, and yield.Key Benefits:Boosts Crop Growth & Yield PotentialEnhances Natural Plant DefensePromotes Strong Root ArchitectureAccelerates Secondary & Tertiary BranchingSystemic Action Formula2. Syngenta Cultar, Plant Growth RegulatorRegulator used in seeds to enhance uniform growth and increase plant vigor; often used in professional crop management plans.Key Benefits:Controls excessive vegetative growthImproves flowering uniformityEnhances fruit qualityStrengthens plant canopy structureIncreases productivity in horticulture crops3. Bayer Planofix Plant Growth RegulatorA global giant in agriculture. Bayer offers advanced plant growth solutions integrated with crop protection. Their research-driven approach ensures high performance and reliability.Key Benefits:Stimulates lateral branchingEnhances flower formationDelays senescenceImproves crop uniformity4. BASF Lihocin Growth RegulatorPart of the chemical powerhouse BASF, this division offers advanced plant health solutions including biostimulants. In order to improve crop performance, BASF Lihocin is a scientifically developed plant growth regulator (PGR) that regulates plant growth and directs energy into blooming, fruiting, and reproductive development.Key Benefits:Maximize plant healthIncrease outputEnhance crop quality across a range of crops5. Sumitomo Tareef Plant Growth RegulatorGibberellic Acid (0.001%) is a component of Tareef, a contemporary, organic plant growth regulator that improves the physiological growth processes of crops. A naturally occurring plant hormone called gibberellic acid encourages the growth of fruit, flowers, seeds, and stems.Key Benefits:Improves crop stand and canopy developmentimproves the absorption and utilization of nutrients.Increases the number of flowers and their retention Boosts the ability to handle stressBenefits of Using Plant Growth Regulators in FarmingPlant growth regulators offer several advantages for Indian farmers facing unpredictable weather patterns and soil fertility challenges.1. Increased Crop YieldPGRs stimulate flowering, improve fruit retention, and enhance biomass production. This leads to a higher number of marketable produce per acre.2. Better Stress ManagementWith rising temperatures and irregular rainfall, stress tolerance has become critical. PGRs help crops withstand drought, salinity, and heat stress.3. Improved Crop QualityPlant growth regulators enhance fruit size, color, uniformity, and shelf life leading to better market prices.4. Enhanced Nutrient EfficiencyBy strengthening root systems and improving nutrient uptake, PGRs reduce fertilizer wastage and increase nutrient use efficiency.How to Choose the Right Plant Growth RegulatorSelecting the best plant growth promoter depends on crop type, growth stage, and farming objectives.Consider the following factors:Crop-specific requirementTarget growth stage (vegetative, flowering, fruiting)Climatic conditionsSoil health statusCompatibility with other agrochemicalsAlways follow recommended dosage guidelines to avoid over-application, which can negatively impact crops.ConclusionPlant growth regulators have transformed modern Indian agriculture by improving crop yield, quality, and resilience. From gibberellic acid and NAA to seaweed extracts and advanced bio-stimulants, farmers now have access to scientifically proven tools that enhance productivity and profitability.Choosing the right plant growth regulator at the correct growth stage can significantly increase returns per acre. As agriculture becomes more competitive and climate-driven challenges intensify, adopting the best plant growth regulators in India is no longer optional, it is essential for sustainable success.Invest wisely, apply strategically, and watch your crops thrive with superior growth, improved flowering, and higher market value.

Healthy crops need more than just soil, water, and sunlight, and sometimes, even with proper soil, water, and care, crops may not grow as expected. Plant growth regulators can help crops grow stronger, flower better, and set more fruit. They support plants by improving nutrient use, strengthening roots, and helping crops fight stress. Using the correct PGR can make a difference in produce quality. Growth regulators support the natural signals that control growth, flowering, and stress response. To get the best results, it’s important to start by selecting a plant growth regulator that aligns with your crop’s needs. Identify the Crop ProblemThere are mainly two kinds of problems or stress that affect your crops:Biotic Stress:These kinds of stress are caused by living organisms such as pests, weeds, and infections. In such situations, it’s important to use crop protection products to protect your plants' health.Abiotic Stress (Environmental Stress):These are stresses from non-living factors like water shortage, high temperatures, or salinity in the soil. These stresses can slow down plant growth, reduce flowering, and affect fruit set.If your crops are facing environmental stress, use a plant growth regulator like Tapas VitaInject, which contains a unique blend of Salicylic Acid, Vitamin B3 (Niacinamide) and Natural Cytokinin that helps plants grow stronger, improve root growth, strengthen branches, increase flowering and fruit quality, and help plants tolerate external stress.Matching the Product to Crop StageIt is important to know your crop's growth stage and use the appropriate plant growth regulator. Choosing the right PGR will make a big difference in the growth, flowering, and yield of your crops. Seedling stage At this stage, the plants are still developing roots and shoots. Using a growth regulator (Like Auxins - IAA/NAA) at this stage will strengthen roots help seedlings absorb water and nutrients better.Vegetative stage During this stage, the plant starts growing leaves and stems. Using Plant growth regulators (Cytokinin) now helps plants develop strong stems with more branches (Ex: TAPAS VitaInject), healthy leaves, which support better flowering and fruiting later.Flowering and fruiting stageDuring the flowering and fruiting stage, plant growth regulators (Like TAPAS VitaInject) at this stage help improve flower set, increase fruit size, and support the plant in coping with stress like heat, drought, or minor pest attacks.Stress Recovery Stage: During crop growth or developed stages, stresses like heat, drought, or transplant shock disrupt hormone balance and defense systems. plant growth regulators (like salicylic acid Cytokinins (VitaInject) reactivate immunity, boost proline/antioxidants, and restore chlorophyll for rapid recovery.Check Compatibility With Your Spray ScheduleAlways make sure to check if the plant growth regulator can be used with other chemicals, and take the following steps:Always read the instructions to see if it can be used with other sprays.Avoid mixing it with strong chemicals unless the label specifically allows it.Use a clean sprayer and follow the recommended timing.Monitor and Compare ResultsAfter spraying, observe your crops. Look for improvements in branch growth and leaf vigour, and pay attention to flower retention and fruit set. Always apply the growth regulator on a small portion of the field and evaluate the results before treating the entire crop.ConclusionGrowth regulators are supportive tools that cannot replace proper fertilisers, irrigation, or pest management, but when used correctly, they enhance crop growth, strengthen plants, improve flowering, and increase fruit quality and yield. By complementing good agronomic practices, the right growth regulator helps crops reach their full potential even under stress conditions.

IntroductionDiamondback moth (Plutella xylostella) is one of the major pests that affects cabbage crops. These are the tiny insects that have potential to cause economic losses that may range between 30% to 90%. They also attack other crop of the family such as cauliflower, knol-khol, etc. Diamondback moth feeds aggressively on the crop canopy leading to huge loss at market value, hindered plant growth leaving the crop unfit for sale. These insects are a major challenge for the growers due to their commendable ability to develop resistance to insecticides. This may limit the use of insecticides multiple times leading to higher cost of production. For farmers, this means increased spending on pest management, reduced profitability, and significant threats to food security. In a world where vegetable production is vital to nutritional and economic wellbeing, managing the diamondback moth is no longer optional-it is a necessity for ensuring healthy crops and stable livelihoods.Cabbage Diamondback Moth SymptomsYoung larvae scrape the lower sides of leaves, resulting in thin, transparent patches. These transparent patches dry out eventually and appear as holes on leaves.Young caterpillars feed on the leaves in an irregular pattern making them look like shot holes. In severe cases, larvae feeding on leaves, sometimes between the veins leads to skeletonization of the canopy. This impacts the photosynthetic activity of the plant, thus reduced yield. Fine silk webbing and small, dark frass pellets may be found on the underside of leaves. This is a clear sign of active larval feeding.Damaged plants exhibit stunted growth and look deformed.Larvae often hide within cabbage heads, and feed on them making them unfit for marketing.Favorable ConditionsThe pest can be transported by human activity to new areas. They usually thrive well in hot temperatures ranging between 100 C to 300 C accompanied by high humidity. Rainfall can greatly influence the population dynamics of DBM.Diamondback Moth in Cabbage Preventive MeasuresAvoid transportation of pests by human activity which leads to its introduction in new areas.Grow cabbage varieties that are resistant or tolerant to diamondback moth attack.Avoid planting during the hot season or dry areas, which is favorable for the moth to reproduce.Remove and destroy alternate hosts and all debris and stubbles.Maintain plant hygiene and keep plant promptly and sanitize field before planting.Diamondback Moth Management PracticesCultural PracticesFollow crop rotation with non-cruciferous crops. Since non-crucifers do not host diamondback moths, they can be eradicated from the field completely.Adopting intercropping system with tomatoes in 20:1 ratio can reduce damage (20 lines of cabbage and one line of tomato)Frequent irrigation can reduce moth reproduction thereby their populationMarigold can be planted as a trap crop to avoid damage to the main crop. Marigold acts as an alternate host to these insects, hence insect damage can be avoided on the main crop, i.e. cabbage.Remove and destroy all the debris and stubbles after harvesting crops and plough the land to disrupt the development of pests.Collect and destroy diamondback moth larva during the initial stage of pest attack.Use pheromone traps @12 per hectareBiological Control Methods The damage can be reduced by using biocontrol agent Bacillus thuringiensis. It disrupts the digestive system of DBM when it eats leaves treated with Bacillus thuringiensis.Beauveria bassiana can also be used as biocontrol agent to control DBMDiadegma semiclausum, a parasitic wasp can be released at 50000/ha after 60 days of planting cabbageNeem seed kernel extract can be used at 5%Chemical Control MethodsFollowing chemicals at prescribed rate can be used to control the insect damage:Product nameTechnical contentDosagePager InsecticideDiafenthiuron 50% WP0.8-1.2 g/liter of waterGracia InsecticideFluxametamide 10% EC 0.8 ml/liter of waterProclaim InsecticideEmamectin benzoate 5% SG0.4 g/liter of waterBrofreya InsecticideBroflanilide 20% SC 0.25 ml/liter of waterTakumi Insecticide Flubendiamide 20% WG 0.5 g/liter of waterConclusionTo conclude, diamond back moths pose a serious threat to crucifers, especially cabbage. The amount of losses incurred may last up to 90% if not managed during the early stages. To prevent these tiny monsters from devouring your crops within a short duration and to safeguard your crop from further losses, an effective control strategy is very important. Instead of going for single management practice, it is better to adapt to integrated pest management strategies to protect your crop from dangerous diamondback moths in an environmentally safe way. Effective control not only protects yield and crop quality but also supports farmer profitability and long-term agricultural sustainability.

IntroductionWheat rust is one of the major fungal diseases that attacks wheat crops, particularly in wheat-growing regions of India. Rust of wheat is caused by fungi belonging to Puccinia genus, which can spread through the air and has the potential to travel thousands of miles and infect the wheat crop. Wheat Rust is a persistent and devastating threat to wheat production worldwide. Every year, substantial yield losses are caused by the three main forms of wheat rust: black rust (Puccinia graminis), brown rust (Puccinia triticina), and yellow rust (Puccinia striiformis). Under ideal environmental conditions, like high humidity and moderate temperatures, it can spread quickly, severely damaging wheat crops.Millions of hectares of wheat-producing land are affected by wheat rust, leading to significant economic losses annually. Depending on the severity of the outbreak and the susceptibility of the wheat variety, crop losses can range from 10% to 50%. and in extreme cases, entire harvests may be destroyed, impacting wheat market prices. To avoid such losses, effective disease management is very important. Effective control methods range from mechanical control to chemical control. In this article, let’s know about the disease, pathogens, favorable conditions, and control measures.Wheat Rust SymptomsStem Rust: Also known as Black Rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia graminis. It is known for its large, spindle shaped bumps on stem area. These bumps are reddish-brown which turn black as the disease progresses. Wheat stem and leaf sheaths are the common targets of the fungus. Stem rust grows quickly and can cause more damage. Stripe Rust: Also known as Yellow Rust. Caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis, the symptoms appear as yellow to orange stripes on the infected leaves. Stripe rust can severely reduce the grain yield due to poor photosynthetic activity because of yellow bumps on the leaves.Leaf Rust: Also called Brown Rust caused by Puccinia triticina. The symptoms of brown rust are characterized by the presence of tiny, round bumps that are reddish-brown in color. The symptoms usually appear on leaves which later may cause the death of the plant as disease progresses.Favourable ConditionsStripe rust disease, which is also known as yellow rust, thrives well under cooler conditions. Growing seasons like early spring or winters can favor disease spreading. Cooler temperatures ranging between 10-15°C are the most favorable for fungal infection.Leaf rust and stem rust, on the other hand, thrive well prefer a little warmer temperature than stripe rust. Temperatures ranging between 15-25°C will favor the fungi here. High humidity and prolonged leaf wetness are also crucial for the growth of fungus. Humidity levels above 80% are most likely to cause the spread of fungus.Rust Disease in Wheat Preventive MeasuresPlanting resistant varieties is the most effective way to control rust disease. The resistant varieties are mainly bred to fight the disease. Choosing varieties with adult plant resistance provides long-term protection against rust.Rotate wheat with non-host crops to break the disease cycle Remove and destroy infected plants to decrease the fungal colonies.Avoid early sowing: early sowing may help in escaping the risk of disease appearance as it may skip all the critical growth stages and weather conditions that favor the rust disease. Avoid dense stands and allow proper spacing between the plants as enough ventilation through the wheat plots may help avoid infection. Get rid of alternate hosts, if any. Alternate hosts might carry inoculum or encourage the spread of wheat rust disease.Balanced fertilization, proper spacing, and avoiding excessive irrigation help reduce humidity that favors rust.Management Of Rust DiseaseCultural Practices to Control Rust in WheatCultivation of resistant or tolerant varieties recommended for the season and locality. Crop rotation with non-host cropRemove and destroy heavily infected plants. Rust Disease in Wheat Biological controlUse of beneficial microorganisms to suppress the rust causing fungi and enhance plant resistance. Microbes such as Trichoderma harzianum, Trichoderma viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens, and Bacillus subtilis can inhibit rust spore germination and reduce disease severity. These bioagents can be applied as seed treatments, soil amendments, or foliar sprays. Using biological control along with resistant varieties, proper field hygiene, and timely monitoring forms an eco-friendly, integrated approach to managing wheat rust.Wheat Rust Chemical ControlProduct nameTechnical contentDosage dilution in water (L)Ergon FungicideKresoxim-methyl 44.3% SC1 ml/L in waterIndofil M-45 FungicideMancozeb 75% WP2-2.6g/L in waterTilt FungicidePropiconazole 25% WG0.6ml/L in waterKatyayani Azozole FungicideAzoxystrobin 18.2% + Cyproconazo le 7.3% w/w SC1ml/L in waterCONCLUSIONTo conclude, effective control measures for all three types of rust, namely stem rust, stripe rust, and leaf rust in wheat, demand a combination of early disease detection by symptoms, preventive measures, as well as timely action. The risk of facing yield loss or crop loss in severe cases shall be avoided by sticking to the cultural practices like cultivation of resistant varieties, proper sanitation of the field, getting rid of alternate hosts, biological control using biocontrol agents like Trichoderma harzianum, Bacillus subtilis, etc., and chemical control methods using chemical fungicides. By integrating cultural, biological, and chemical strategies, farmers can safeguard their crops, minimize yield losses, and ensure sustainable wheat production, ultimately protecting food security.

India is the second largest onion producer. Indian onions are famous for having their pungency all year around. Due to this fact there is a lot of demand for Indian Onions. India has exported 1,537,496.89 MT of fresh onion to the world for the worth Rs. 3,432.14 crores during the year 2021-22. Some of the major export countries are Bangladesh, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, United Arab EMTs, Nepal and Indonesia. Major onion growing states are Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Karnataka, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Bihar, Andhra Pradesh, Haryana, West Bengal, Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, Tamil Nadu, Jharkhand and Telangana.  Difficulty Level: Medium  Selection of Seeds There are various kind of onion varieties to choose from like Co­ 1, Co­ 2, MDU­ 1, Agrifound Rose, Arka Bindu, Bhima Shubra, Bhima Shweta, Bhima Safed, Pusa White Round, Arka Yojith, Pusa White Flat, Udaipur ­102, Phule Safed, N­257­9­1, Agrifound White, Phule Suvarna, Arka Niketan, Arka Kirtiman, Bhima Super, Bhima Red, Punjab Selection, Pusa Red, N­2­-4­-1, Pusa Madhavi, Arka Kalyan and Arka Lalima.  Onion Seed Treatment The green shoots of the onion are completely cut and removed. The onion bulbs are then treated with bavistin (or) dithane M45 @ 2 gm/litre water for 5-10 minutes before sowing. This will help prevent the bulbs infection from soil borne pathogens.  The seeds are treated with thiram @ 2gm/kg of seeds. Two days after treating the seeds, they are treated with Trichoderma viride @ 1.25 kg/ha is also recommended to manage damping off and raise healthy seedlings. Nursery Bed Preparation for Onions The seed requirement for one hectare is approximately 5 – 7 kgs. The ideal nursery size is about 6 to 7 cents. The land is ploughed 5 – 6 times and all the debris is removed. The soil is mixed with 500 kg of FYM and raised beds are made. The raised beds are of 10-15 cm height, 1.0 & 1.2 m width and length respectively with 30 cm distance between each bed. The seeds are then sown in lines at 50 mm to 75 mm. This is followed by light irrigation. After 35-40 days after sowing (DAS) for Kharif and 45-50 DAS for late Kharif and Rabi seasons,  the seedling will be available for transplanting.  Land Preparations for Onion Onion land preparation follows the land being ploughed for three to four times. Add 20 tons of FYM per acre at the time of last ploughing. Ridges and furrows are made with 20 cm spacing and fertilizers of Urea: 26 kg, SSP: 144 kg and Potash: 19 kgs are to be added to the soil. The treated bulbs are planted after irrigating the field for easy transplanting.  Soil Type Requirements for Onion Onion is grown all throughout the country. Therefore, onions can be grown in any soil. However, loamy soil or clayey loam soil is considered to be ideal.  Soil pH for Onion Production Soil with neutral pH is optimal.  Conclusion Onion is a hardy crop that can be grown anywhere. Onions, unlike other crops, can be stored for a long time. Therefore, onions regardless of when or where it is grown can be stored and sold in the market.  FAQs What is the seed rate for onion? The seed requirement for one acre is approximately 2 – 3 kgs.  What are the popular varieties of onion? States  Varieties  Karnataka & Telangana  Nasik Red onion (N-53), Royal selection onion, JSC Nasik Red onion (N-53), Prema 178 onion  Andhra Pradesh  Nasik Red onion (N-53), Prema onion, JSC Nasik Red onion (N-53), Prema 178 onion, Gulmohar onion  Madhya Pradesh  Nasik red onion (N-53), Gulmohar onion, Laxmi onion seeds diamond super, Royal Selection onion, Rise Agro Laxmi onion diamond super  Maharashtra  Nasik Red onion (N-53), Gulmohar onion seeds, JSC Nasik red onion (N-53), Royal selection onion, Rise Agro Laxmi onion diamond super  Uttar Pradesh  Nasik Red onion (N-53), Royal selection onion, Prema onion, JSC Nasik Red onion (N-53), Gulmohar onion  What is the ideal time for transplanting onion seedlings? After 35 – 40 days after sowing (DAS) for Kharif and 45 – 50 DAS for late Kharif and Rabi seasons, the seedling will be ready for transplanting.  What is the fertilizer recommendation for onion? The general dose of fertilizer recommendation for onion is 38:14:22 kg/acre. The commercial quantity to be applied in the field is given in the table below:  Nutrient  Fertilizers  General Dose (per acre)  Organic  FYM   6 ton  N  Urea (or)  83 kg  Ammonium Sulphate  178 kg  P  Single Super Phosphate (SSP) (or)  89 kg  Double Super Phosphate (DSP)  44 kg  K  Muriate of Potash (MOP) (or)  37 kg  Sulphate of Potash (SOP)  45 kg  Zn  (For zinc deficient soil)  ANAND AGRO INSTA CHEAL ZINC 12 % Micronutrient    Foliar application: 0.5 -1 gm/lit water  Soil application: 10 kg  B              ALLBOR Boron 20%    Foliar spray: 1gm/lit water    How is seed treatment done for onion bulb/seeds? Bulb treatment: Treat the onion bulbs with Bavistin (or) Dithane M75 (Mancozeb 75% WP) at 2 – 2.5 gm/litre water for 5 – 10 minutes before sowing.  This will help prevent the bulbs infection from soil borne pathogens.   Seed treatment: The seeds are treated with Vitavax powder (Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS) at 3 gm/kg seed per acre or treat with BACF TRIDENT (Tricoderma viride 1.5%WP) at 4 gm/kg seed is also recommended to manage damping off and raise healthy seedlings.   Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

India in the year 2021-2022 alone produced 3.69 lakh tonnes of coffee. The world’s largest coffee producers are Brazil, Vietnam, Columbia, Indonesia and Ethiopia. India ranks as the world’s seventh-largest coffee producer. In India, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the largest producers of coffee. Indian coffee is regarded as one of the strongest blends. Indian coffee, however, is extensively exported by almost 80% of the total coffee produced. India exports to Italy,  Germany, Russia, Spain, Belgium, Slovenia, United States and the United Kingdom. There are two kinds of coffee that are cultivated: Arabica and Robusta.  Difficulty Level: Hard Selection of Seeds There are two major types, arabica and robusta. The popular hybrids from those two types are  Kent, S-795, Cauvery, and Selection 9.  Coffee Seed Treatment Coffee seeds are usually bought from credible retailers as producing coffee seeds from coffee beans is very hard. Coffee seeds are treated with Azospirillum and phosphobacteria. Coffee seeds are not treated with too many chemicals as the seeds are sensitive to different chemicals and can affect the germination process. The coffee seed’s coat must be removed carefully. The seeds are then washed in a 1% solution of sodium hypochlorite. The seeds are then immediately washed in demineralized water to remove any chemical residue. The seeds are then soaked for 48 hours.  Nursery Bed Preparation for Coffee Coffee saplings are usually bought and planted, as getting coffee saplings from seed is very hard, time-consuming and delicate. Coffee saplings in nurseries are usually raised in polythene bags. The bag is mixed with a thin layer of fine soil, vermiculite and humus. The seeds are then individually sown and kept in shade. The germination takes 2.5 months. The coffee seeds are very sensitive, therefore too much water or too little can kill the seeds. Land Preparation for Coffee  The field must be weed free. The field must be cleaned without any debris. The field must be on a sloppy surface for better water management. The field must be soil tested before any nutrient or manure application. Based on soil test results, apply lime accordingly. Adding bulky organic manures like FYM or compost at 5 tonnes/ha is a thumb rule. The saplings are usually planted in a shaded condition, usually with an accompanying agroforestry crop.  Soil Type Requirements for Coffee Coffee is usually planted on a well drained soil with high humus content and with pH of 5 to 6. The soil has to be acidic, and this has to be maintained. The soil must be tested every 2 years to find out the fertility level.  Conclusion Coffee is a very hard crop to cultivate and is extremely sensitive. Coffee, however, if cultivated properly will fetch the farmer high return on investment.  FAQs  What are the popular varieties and hybrids of coffee? Variety – Arabica and Robusta  Hybrid – Kent, S – 795, Cauvery, and Selection 9  How to do seed treatment for coffee seeds? Treat the coffee beans/seeds with 10 ml of Azospirillium (SUN BIO AZOS) or Phosphobacteria (SUN BIO PHOSI) mixed with cold jaggery solution. Dry the treated seeds in shade before sowing and use it on the same day.  What is the germination period for the seeds? It is 2.5 months.  Is there any specific growth condition for coffee? The saplings are usually planted in a shaded condition, usually with an accompanying agroforestry crop.  What are the major plantation trees grown to provide shade to coffee? Coffee grows in a 3 – tier shade system.  The lower shade tier is usually a nitrogen fixing species like Erythrina or Glyricidia. The secondary tier is of trees like silver oak, white or red cedar which provides effective shade during monsoon by shedding leaves. The tertiary tier is of hardwood trees.   What type of soilis ideal for coffee cultivation? Well-drained loamy soil is ideal for coffee cultivation.  How is irrigation done for coffee? Over-head irrigation by sprinkler system is adopted to a greater advantage during Nov – Jan to keep the soil moisture level and Feb – April to ensure blossom as well as backing, if necessary.  What is the fertilizer recommendation for coffee? The general dose of fertilizer recommendation and its commercial quantity for young bushes up to 4th year is given in the table below.  Year  NPK dose (gram/plant/year)  Fertilizers (gram/plant/year)  Urea  Rock Phosphate  MOP  Arabica  1 year  20:10:20  43  33  33  2 year  20:10:20  43  33  33  3 year  25:15:25  54  50  42  4 year  25:15:25  54  50  42  Robusta  1 year  38:28:38  83  92  63  2 year  38:28:38  83  92  63  3 year  38:28:38  83  92  63  4 year  40:30:40  87  99  67  Fertilizer requirement and commercial quantity for mature yielding coffee is given in the table below.  Bearing bush   NPK dose (kg/acre)  Fertilizer (kg/acre)  Urea  Rock Phosphate  MOP  Yield level (kg/acre)  Arabica  1000  120:90:120  260  297  200  500  70:50:70  152  165  117  Robusta  1000  120:90:130  260  297  217  500  70:50:80  152  165  134    Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.