Production Technology of Custard Apple:

• Origin and Importance:
• Native of Tropical America.
• Rich in carbohydrates, protein, calcium, phosphorus, and iron.
• Relatives include Bullock’s heart, Sour sop, Cherimoyer, and Atemoya.
• Climatic and Soil Requirements:
• Ideal climate: Warm, not very hot, with high humidity and mild winter.
• Grows from sea level up to 1000 meters.
• Annual rainfall of 500-750 mm is adequate for growth and fruiting.
• Varieties:
• Balanagar, Red Sitaphal, Mammoth, African Pride, Pink Mannoth, Arka Sahan, APK (Ca)-1.
• Propagation and Planting:
• Propagated by seeds; vegetative propagation for genetic uniformity.
• Recommended spacing: 5Mx5M.
• Nutrient and Water Management:
• Manure application: 10 kg Farmyard manure per tree.
• Pest and Disease Management:
• Pests include Mealy bugs.
• Diseases: Leaf spot, Anthracnose.
• Harvest and Storage:
• Harvest period: October – November.
• Storage at 15-20°C with RH of 85-90%.

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