ARECA NUT (Areca catechu L.)

Origin: Philippines/Malaysia

Botanical Name: Areca catechu

Family: Arecaceae

➤ Soil
Prefers well-drained, fertile laterite, red loam, and alluvial soils. Ideal pH is 5.5–6.5. Avoid heavy clay and saline soils.

➤ Climate
Warm, humid climate with annual rainfall of 750–4500 mm. Grows best at 14–36°C with shade in initial stages. Sensitive to drought and frost.

➤ Varieties
Mangala, Sumangala, Mohitnagar, and Srivardhan.

➤ Propagation
Propagated via seeds. Select fully ripened nuts for sowing. Germination takes 45–60 days. Seedlings are transplanted after 1 year.

➤ Planting
Spacing 2.7 x 2.7 m, pit size of 60 x 60 x 60 cm. Transplant at onset of monsoon. Requires shade during early stages.

➤ Irrigation
Requires frequent watering during dry periods. Drip or basin irrigation every 4–5 days is recommended.

➤ Manuring & Fertilization
Apply 100 g N, 40 g P, and 140 g K per palm/year. Supplement with organic manures and micronutrients for better growth.

➤ Intercropping
Black pepper, cocoa, ginger, and turmeric can be grown during initial years or in mixed cropping systems.

➤ Pests & Diseases
Diseases: Yellow leaf disease, foot rot.
Pests: Spindle bug, root grub. Control with proper drainage, neem sprays, and resistant varieties.