Development and production of Indian jujube (ber) in India

The ber (Zizyphus mauritiana Lamk.) is a hardy fruit tree which is cultivated all over the country particularly in Maharashtra, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Rajasthan, Bihar, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal and Assam. India ranks second among ber growing countries in the world after China, occupying approximately 1 lakh ha area. Forty two cultivars of ber at PAU, Ludhiana and 52 cultivars at FRS, Patiala were screened and evaluated for various characters. The leaf and fruit apex were the most dependable characters for classification of ber cultivars through vegetative and fruit characters. Ber hybrid (Chinese×Sanaur-2) was observed free from powdery mildew disease. Zizyphus mauritiana (Elongated Dehradun) rootstock for higher fruit yield and Z. mauritiana (Coimbatore) for semi-vigorous growth has been recommended for different commercial cultivars of ber. Bud take efficiency in 'Umran' ber was noted highest during June (84.9%), August and September. Various types of explants such as nodal segments, shoot-tip, seedling and root suckers can be used for clonal propagation. The fruit growth in ber followed a pattern of 'Double Sigmoid' curve. Pruning of 'Umran' by heading back at 6 buds and of 'Sanaur-2' at 8 buds length of previous year's growth gives higher yield of better quality fruits. Best time of pruning of 'Umran' is 2nd-3rd week of May and that of 'Sanaur-2' is 3rd week of April in North-West India when the trees are dormant. Application of 8-11 irrigations at CPE (cumulative pan evaporation) 75 mm during the entire cropping season is ideal for young ber plants for initial establishment and better production. Pre-emergence application of Hexuron 80 WP (diuron) at 3 kg ha-1 during the first fortnight of August or glycel 41 SL (glyphosate) or gramoxone 24 WSC (paraquat) at 3 L ha-1 as post-emergence in 500 L of water effectively control weed flora in ber orchards. NAA 30 ppm once in second fortnight of October and again in second fortnight of November check 10% physiological fruit drop in ber cultivars. Ethephon at 400 ppm at colour break stage in first fortnight of March advanced ripening in 'Umran' by two weeks and produce attractive, uniform, and deep golden yellow coloured fruits. Highest distribution of fruits in 'Umran' was found in B grade (33%) followed by A grade (27%) and are more acceptable to the consumers. Ber fruits harvested at early maturity (15 March) ripened unevenly. Ethephon (2000-3000 ppm) and hot water dip regardless the stage of maturity enhanced the ripening percentage and developed the best colour of fruits. The fruits of 'Sanaur-2' are dried best in mechanical drier at 60±2°C for 31 h for making Chhuharas. The annual production of ber in India is approximately 10 lakhs t with productivity of 10 metric t ha-1. The growers can net an income of Rs. about 1 lakh ha-1 by growing selected cultivars and using recommended practices. Powdery mildew appears from September to December is a big menace and foliar spray with Bayleton is very effective in controlling the disease.