Botanical name: Areca catechu
Family: Arecaceae (also known as Palmae)
Chromosome number: 2n = 32
1. Climatic conditions:
Arecanut grows well in warm and humid climates with temperatures between 20 to 30°C. The crop requires well-distributed rainfall with an average annual rainfall of around 2500 mm.
2. Soil:
Arecanut requires well-drained, deep loamy soils with a pH range of 5.0 to 6.5. The crop is susceptible to waterlogging, so it should not be grown on heavy soils.
3. Propagation:
Arecanut is propagated by seeds or vegetative methods such as suckers, offset, and tissue culture.
4. Planting:
The best time to sow arecanut is at the beginning of the monsoon season. The seed rate is around 2 kg per hectare, and the spacing between plants should be 2.5 to 3 meters.
5. Irrigation:
Irrigation should be provided immediately after sowing to ensure proper germination and establishment of the crop. Regular irrigation is necessary during the growing season.
6. Manures and fertilizers:
The crop requires regular application of manures and fertilizers for optimal growth and yield. A dose of 40:80:80 kg of NPK per hectare per year is recommended.
7. Training and pruning:
Arecanut trees require proper training and pruning to maintain the desired shape and size. The trees should be pruned to remove dead and diseased wood and to encourage new growth.
8. Varieties names:
Some popular arecanut varieties include Sumangala, Mangala, Mohitnagar, and Sreeranga.
9. Harvesting stage and yield:
Arecanut trees are harvested when the nuts are fully mature, which takes around 12 to 18 months. The average yield of arecanut is around 2 to 3 tons per hectare.
