💊 Sarpagandha
Sarpagandha cultivation, root harvest, and medicinal relevance of reserpine-bearing plants.
Sarpagandha is an important medicinal crop grown for alkaloid-rich roots, especially reserpine used in antihypertensive formulations.
Crop Profile and Uses
Rauvolfia serpentina is a medicinal shrub of Apocynaceae. Roots are the commercial part and contain key alkaloids, including reserpine.
Medicinal value:
- Antihypertensive and tranquilizing use.
- Roots are bitter and alkaloid rich.
Soil and Climate
The crop adapts to sandy loam to lateritic soils with humus and drainage.
Preferred conditions:
- Soil pH about 4.6 to 6.5
- Warm humid climate
- Good rainfall without water stagnation
Propagation and Planting
Commercially, seed propagation is preferred though stem cuttings, root cuttings, and root stumps are possible.
Practical points:
- Fresh/heavy seeds germinate better.
- Nursery transplanting is done at 40 to 50 days seedling age.
- Common spacing around 30 x 30 cm.
Nutrient, Interculture, and Irrigation
- FYM incorporation during land prep.
- Basal NPK followed by split N topdressing.
- Mostly rainfed, but limited irrigations improve growth in dry periods.
- Defloration is advised when root yield is the objective.
Pests, Diseases, and Harvest
Notable problems:
- Root-knot nematode
- Leaf spot and Alternaria-type infections
Harvesting:
- Roots are generally harvested at 18 to 30 months depending on management and alkaloid target.
- Careful drying and storage are essential to preserve quality.
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Topic | Exam Key Point |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Rauvolfia serpentina |
| Economic part | Root |
| Key alkaloid | Reserpine |
| Preferred pH | 4.6 to 6.5 |
| Common spacing | 30 x 30 cm |
| Main use | Antihypertensive drug source |
References
2 sources • [1] [2]
References
[2]
Official
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