🍂 Senna
Senna cultivation for laxative leaves and pods, including harvest and quality points.
Senna is a commercial medicinal leaf and pod crop used as a natural laxative source in domestic and export pharmaceutical markets.
Crop Profile and Uses
Cassia angustifolia is the principal cultivated senna species in India.
Active principles:
- Sennoside A
- Sennoside B
Leaves and pods are the commercial drug materials.
Climate and Soil
Senna prefers bright sunshine and dry weather during harvest.
Field suitability:
- Well-drained sandy loam to loam soils.
- Sensitive to waterlogging.
- Rainy-season harvest is problematic due to drying issues.
Propagation and Sowing
Propagation is by seed. Pre-soaking/seed treatment improves stand.
Sowing practices:
- Line sowing preferred.
- Seed treatment helps reduce damping-off.
- Plant population and seed rate vary with sowing method.
Nutrient and Crop Management
- FYM at field preparation.
- Balanced NPK with split nitrogen.
- Timely interculture and weed control.
- Mostly rainfed with light irrigation support where required.
Pests, Diseases, and Harvesting
Major concerns include leaf-eating caterpillars and leaf-spot/blight complexes.
Harvest management:
- First leaf picking typically at 50 to 70 days.
- Multiple pickings for leaves and pods.
- Fast, clean drying is essential to preserve green color and sennoside quality.
Summary Cheat Sheet
| Topic | Exam Key Point |
|---|---|
| Scientific name | Cassia angustifolia |
| Family | Leguminosae/Fabaceae |
| Economic parts | Leaves and pods |
| Active compounds | Sennosides |
| First picking | ~50 to 70 days |
| Key quality factor | Rapid post-harvest drying |
References
2 sources • [1] [2]
References
[1]
Official
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