Production Technology of Ber (Indian Jujube) in India
Introduction
Ber (Ziziphus mauritiana Lam.), commonly known as Indian jujube or Chinese date, is a hardy, drought‐tolerant tropical fruit tree of significant economic and nutritional importance in India. Native to tropical Asia, ber thrives across a wide range of agro‐climatic zones. Annual production in India exceeds 1.5 million tonnes from roughly 600,000 hectares.
Soil and Climate
Soil Requirements
- Texture & Depth: Deep, well‐drained loamy soils preferred.
- pH Range: 6.0–8.5.
- Organic Matter: 0.5–1.5% with FYM or compost recommended.
Climatic Conditions
- Temperature: 25–35 °C ideal.
- Rainfall: 400–1200 mm annually.
- Sunlight: Requires full sun.
Variety
- Gola: Large, round, greenish-yellow fruits.
- Banarasi: Medium to large, good for processing.
- Umran: Long-oval, aromatic, early bearing.
- Surahi: Small, reddish-pink, sweet.
- Najia, Seb: Arid-tolerant landraces.
- Sebheshkar: Flattened, sweet pulp, Bihar.
Propagation and Rootstock
Propagation Methods
- Seed: Vigorous but not true-to-type.
- Layering (Gootee): Preferred for uniformity.
- Cuttings: Lower success; requires hormone treatment.
- Grafting: Less common due to gum issues.
Rootstocks
Seedlings of Z. mauritiana or hybrids used for vigor and tolerance.
Planting
Planting Time
- Monsoon (June–July) preferred.
- Winter (Jan–Feb) in irrigated areas.
Spacing
- Traditional: 8×8 m (156 trees/ha)
- High-Density: 6×6 m (278 trees/ha)
Planting Method
- Pit size: 60–100 cm.
- Mix FYM, SSP, and neem cake.
- Ensure proper staking and mulching.
Irrigation
- Young Plants: Weekly during dry spells.
- Flowering–Fruit Set: Irrigate if dry.
- Fruit Development: Every 10–14 days.
- Post-Harvest: One irrigation to support shoot flush.
Manure and Fertilizers
| Tree Age | FYM (kg) | N (g) | P2O5 (g) | K2O (g) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1–2 | 5–10 | 50 | 25 | 25 |
| 3–5 | 10–20 | 200 | 100 | 100 |
| >5 | 20–30 | 400 | 200 | 200 |
- Micronutrients: Zinc (ZnSO₄) and boron (Borax) as needed.
Intercultural Operation
- Weed Management: Manual or mulch control.
- Intercropping: Legumes or pulses during early years.
- Soil Aeration: Light hoeing recommended.
Training and Pruning
Training System
- Open Center: Promotes sunlight, air flow.
- Central Leader: Used for moderate vigor cultivars.
Pruning
- Young Plants: Form 3–4 main branches.
- Mature Trees: Prune after harvest (April–May).
Major Pest
- Fruit Fly: Use traps, sanitation.
- Leaf Webber: Remove webs, neem spray.
- Mealybugs: Neem oil or imidacloprid sprays.
Major Disease
- Powdery Mildew: Sulphur spray.
- Leaf Spot: Bordeaux spray.
- Fruit Rot: Fungicidal dip and proper storage.
Harvesting
- Maturity: Dull skin color, slight softness.
- Method: Hand pick with 2–3 cm stalk.
Yield
- Start of Bearing: 2–3 years (layered), 5–7 years (seed).
- Yield per Tree: 30–150 kg.
- Yield per Hectare: 15–30 tonnes.
Conclusion
Ber is a hardy, low-input crop ideal for India's semi‐arid and marginal lands. With improved varieties and proper orchard management, it can provide substantial economic returns and nutritional security to farmers.