ISABGOL

Isabgol, stemless herb, is important medicinal crop of India. Isabgol derives its name from Persian word ‘Aspghol’ which means horse-ear. Its husk possess medicinal values. Drugs prepared from isabgol are used to treat constipation, diarrhea, piles, asthma, kidney problems etc. Apart from its medicinal value it is used in food industry i.e in Ice-cream, biscuits and candies. India is largest producer as well as exporter of Isabgol. In India, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh and Haryana are major isabgol producing states. In Rajasthan, it is grown on commercial scale and state rank first in term of production and area. Pali, Jodhpur, Barmer and Jalore are major Isabgol producing areas of Rajasthan.  

It can grow on variety of soils but it gives best result when grown on well drained sandy loam soil. Ideal pH range of soil is about 4.7-7.7. Soil having high nitrogen content is good for planting Isabgol.

RI-87, RI-89, AMB-2, MI-4, TS-1-10, EC 124345

Other state varieties:

GI 1 (Gujarat Isabgol-1): Developed by Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat. It yields 320-360kg/acre seeds.

GI 2 (Gujarat Isabgol-2): Developed by Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat. It yields 360-400kg/acre seeds.

GI-3 (Gujarat Isabgol-3): Developed by S.D. Agriculture University, Sardarkhrushi Nagar, Gujarat. It yields 520kg/acre seeds.

Niharika: Developed by CIMAP, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh. It yields 400-480kg/acre seeds.

Haryana Isabgol-5: Developed by CCS Haryana University of Agriculture, Hisar, Haryana. It yields 400-480kg/acre seeds.

Jawahar Isabgol-4 (MIB-4): Developed by S.D. Agriculture University, Sardarkhrushi Nagar, Gujarat. It yields 520-600kg/acre seeds.

MIB 121, HI 34, HI 2, HI 1,

By ploughing and harrowing bring soil to fine tilth. At the time of last ploughing, add well decomposed cowdung@40-48qtl/acre. Then divide soil into plot size of 8-12m x 3m.

Time of sowing
Optimum time for Isabgol sowing is from October to November Month. Avoid late sowing (after first fortnight of December) as it will lead to yield loss.

Spacing
Keep plant to plant distance of 15cm.

Sowing Depth
Sow seeds at depth of 1-2cm.

Method of Sowing
Seeds are sown by broadcasting method or by line sowing method. When broadcasting method is used, after sowing, seeds are swept lightly with help of broom to cover them with soil.

Seed Rate
For sowing one acre land, use seed rate of 2-3kg. As seeds are small, they are mix with sufficient quantity of sand or manure to increased volume of seeds.

Seed Treatment
To protect seeds from soil borne fungus, treat seeds with Carbendazim@2gm/kg or Captan@5gm/kg of seeds. After chemical treatment, treat seeds with PSB+Azotobactor@200gm/acre. 

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Overall Isabgol crop required Nitrogen@20kg in form of Urea@45kg, Phosphorus@10kg in form of SSP@65kg, and Potash@12kg/acre in form of MOP@20kg/acre.

Apply half dose of Nitrogen and full amount of Phosphorus and Potash at time of sowing. Apply remaining dose of nitrogen, one month after sowing.

Light soils required more number of irrigation compared to heavy soil. Depending upon soil type, weather conditions, Isabgol crop required overall 7-10 irrigations. Immediately after sowing, apply light irrigation. It will help in quick germination of seeds. (In case of poor germination apply one more irrigation). Apply second and third irrigation, 30 and 70 days after sowing. Irrigation at the time of spike formation is important. At milk stage apply last irrigation. 

Depending upon weed intensity, carry out hand weeding operation. Generally 2-3 hand weedings are required within two months of sowing. 20-25 days after sowing take first hand weeding.

• Pest and their control:
  

White Grub: If infestation is observed, apply 10% Phorate@4kg/acre or Quinalphos@300 ml/acre or drench soil with Chlorpyriphos@1.5-2.0Ltr/acre in moist soil.

Aphid: If infestation is seen 50-60days after sowing. If infestation is observed, take spray of Oxydemeton Methyl@2.5gm/10Ltr of water. If necessary take second spray at interval of 12-15days.

• Disease and their control:

Powdery Mildew: Patchy, white powdery growth appears on upper surface of leaves also on main stem of infected plant. In severe infestation it causes defoliation.
If infestation is observed take spray of wettable sulphur@ 20gm/10Ltr of water for two to three times with interval of 10-14 days.

Rhizoctonia Wilt: As a preventive measure, treat seed with Captan@5gm/kg of seeds. Also spray crop with Captan@2gm/Ltr of water. Repeat the spray with interval of seven days.

Downy mildew: Serious disease of Isabgol, appeared at the time of spike initiation. Humid and cloudy weather favour this disease.
As a preventive measure, 30 days after sowing, take spray of any copper based fungicide like Copper Oxychloride@2gm/Ltr of water or Diathane-M-45@2gm/Ltr of water for three times with interval of 10-15days.

Depending upon variety, crop is ready to harvest four to five month after sowing. Right time for harvesting is when, spike changes its color to brown and lower leaves turn into yellow also if pressed between fingers, seeds come out. Carryout harvesting in morning after 10am. Harvest crop at ground level.

After harvesting, crops is collected and spread on threshing floor for one to two days. After drying threshing is done with the help of  tractor or bullock to separate seeds. Husk is removed from seeds by processing in grinding mills.

On an average seed yield of 360-600kg/acre and Husk yield of 90-150kg/acre is obtained.