Just in time

This week,I would like to introduce you to a colourful plant,Cassava,the Manihot. I am doing so because a few days from now only the branches will be left and it will shed leaves to go dormant. Then you won’t be able to see how it looks like if I were to explain. The plant is very fast growing and forms a temporary screen in no time. It is very easy to multiply by way of cuttings. It is equally effective when planted in pots and could be kept in balcony to provide temporary screening relief at least while sitting. The plants do not grow high as these can be clipped every winter to keep them dense and low headed. The deep green leaves are lobed and variegated with deep pink petiole (the part of the leaf that joins the leaf with stem). Fresh cuttings are planted in January-February.

* Q: What fruit plants are planted in winter? Please tell one good variety for each. From where can these be obtained? Namita Sharma,Chandigarh
A: You can plant peach (Partap),Plum (two varieties will have to be planted for the purpose of pollination),Kala Amritsari and Satluj Purple,Pear (Punjab Beauty),grapes (Flame Seedless) and mulberry and fig could be prepared from cuttings from any good bearing plant. The varieties are available with the Horticulture department of PAU at Ludhiana.

* Q: When are gerbera and lilium planted? Any precautions while planting? Manisha,Panchkula
A: Both of these are planted during October. In case of gerbera,plant it on lifted bed so that there is no stagnation of water at any stage. While planting lilium,treat the bulbs with bavistin before planting. For this dissolve bavistin at two gram to a litre of water and dip the bulbs for two hours. Dry them in shade and plant.

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* Q: I have one very good bearing ber tree in my garden. Last year,there was too much fall of fruit which turned white on the tree before falling. What could be the reason and how can I control this malady?
A: The reason for this premature fruit fall is the disease powdery mildew in which case there appears white powdery growth on the fruit which becomes stunted,yellow and then drops. Spray karathane,dissolved at one millilitre to a litre of water or wettable sulpher dissolved at two and a half gram to a litre of water. Repeat the spray after a fortnight.

* Q: Can I plant Brussels sprout,leek and knol-khol now? Ravinder,Chandigarh
A: Yes,sow the seeds now to be transplanted later.

(You can ask Dr Green at satishnarula@yahoo.co.in)