Mesta

Common name: Mesta, Pulichakeerai

Scientific name: Hibiscus sabdariffa and Hibiscus cannabinus

Family: Malvaceae

Varieties: Hibiscus sabdariffa – AMV 1, AMV 2, AMV 3, AMV 4, HS 4288, HS 7910
Hibiscus cannabinus- HC 583

Spacing: For good growth and yield spacing of “30 cm x 10 cm” is recommended

Sowing depth: Seeds are sown at depth of 2.5 to 3 cm depth.

Method of sowing: For sowing, broadcasting method is generally followed but line sowing is also proved to be beneficial.

Seed Rate: For H.sabdariffa required seed rate of 6 kg/acre and for H.cannabinus cultivation required 5 kg/acre of seeds.

Seed Treatment: Treat seed with Mancozeb@3gm/kg of seeds before sowing.

Pests: Jassids, Mealy bug, Semilooper, Spiral borer