International Journal of Noni Research - Noni Family

D.R. Singh et al. Morinda citrifolia L. – An evergreen plant for diversification in commercial horticulture
Agrotechniques
As the Morinda plants are quite susceptible to root knot nematode, the site
selection should be done carefully in order to avoid those places. It should
contain proper aerated soil with adequate drainage facilities and adequate
light. Although it grows in varied agro climatic and soil conditions it does not
grow well where winds are strong. The proper spacing for Morinda plants
is 4 x 4 m. Plants of less than three years of age should be pruned after their
first production of fruit. Pruning usually reduces the outbreak of pests and
diseases. Morinda plants require only limited application of fertilizers. A
fertilizer application of 10-20-20 kg NPK/ ha will be sufficient. Morinda
plants need moderate irrigation but once they are established fully, they can
withstand drought. Over watering can result in root knot nematode and root
rot (Nelson, 2005). Morinda fruits can be harvested when they change their
colour infestation from green to yellowish green. Usually these stages of fruits
are suitable for shipping. For self use or local purpose, fruits can be
harvested when ripe so that the juice can be squeezed easily from it. Fruits
should be harvested 3 years after planting at any stage of development
depending on the proposed processing method. Mostly producers prefer
green fruits, where as, the processors prefer mature yellowish green fruit for
processing. Noni fruits do not bruise or damage easily and need not be
refrigerated.
Results and discussion
The survey results revealed that due to its hardiness or versatile nature it
is found growing near road side (Location – 11 o 37’03.08”; 92 o 42’
30.2”), near sewage drain (11 o 40’6.3”; 92 o 44’ 15.9”), under shaded
conditions (11 o 40’13.5; 92 o 43’56.2”), in hill top (11 o 35’50.7’; 92 o
43’56.2”), near sea shore (11 o 35’37.6”; 92 o 36’38.1”), in sea water
inundated lands (11 o 36’42.6”; 92 o 40’47.3”), in jungle areas (11 o 40’
27.8”; 92 o 43’ 36”38”), and in various other locations like Ross Island,
which was erstwhile capital of Port Blair during the reign of British, where
Morinda tree was found to be growing even in tree trunks, in old damaged
buildings, in symbiotic association with Ficus plants etc.
Effect of gibberlic acid as growth regulator
Various seed germination studies were undertaken by this institute and the
results revealed that GA at 800 ppm followed by 1000 and 1200 ppm
induced significantly higher percentage of germination (91.06, 87.9 and
80.4% respectively) against water treatment (56.4%). Results further elucidated
Intl. J. Noni Res. 2007, 2(1-2) 50