Industrial Innovations

Varieties developed: t.s.k.i. Use :The berries are rich source of solasodine alkaloid (1.0-1.25%), used in the manufacture of corticosteroid hormones. Suitable region in India: tropical and sub-tropical regions of India. Soil and climate: sandy loam, sunny and well-drained soil, temp. 15 to 30 degree C, well distributed rainfall, humidity 60-85%. Propagation: by seeds, transplanted in Sept-Oct. using 5,000 seedling/ha. Agri-practices: it is a crop of 6 month duration. Requires FYM: 5t NPK: (80:40:40) kg/ha. solasodine content is highest when fruit starts turning yellow. The berry is cut into halves and sun dried till 10% moisture. Yield: 6-9 t fresh berries/ha.