Withania somnifera (L) Dunal (Amukkara) අමුක්කරා.

Name of Plant      :         Withania somnifera (L) Dunal (Amukkara)

Physical description    :           Erect hoary perennial or semi woody shrub, 1m high

                                                Leaves ovate, 2-11 cm long 1.5 – 9 cm wide Petiole 3 – 17 m long.                                                 Flower  fascicled. Fruit berry, bright red. Ovary glabrous. Seed                                                       2.5mm diameter, compressed.

Climate zone               :           Grows well in dry zone high temperature

Drier parts of Africa, eastwards across Arabia to India and Sri Lanka

Propagation through seeds.

There are about 60 – 90 seeds in a fruit.

Fruit wall contain chemical to prevent seed germination.

Lighting                      :           Normal

Soil types                    :           This crop is sensitive to high soil moisture & certain fungal infections. Soil has to be loose & well drained. If infect plants, Have to be uprooted & burnt. Organic manure is recommended

Watering                     :           Normal

Propagation                 :           Seeds

Materials Used          :           Bags

                                              KMnO₄

                                              Captan (Antifungal property)

                                              Scoop

                                              Propagation media (1:1:1=Sand: Soil: Compost)

                                              Seeds (Matured)

How to propagate (i.e. leaf cutting, root cutting, etc.):

                                    From seeds.

Traditionally seeds were broadcasted under shifting cultivation at the onset of monsoon rain & harvest after about 5-9 months or 12-18 months. Depending on variety.

Procedure for propagation:

·         Collect seeds from plant. There are about 60-90 seeds in a fruit. Fruit wall contain chemical which are prevent seed germination

·         Pulps inside the fruit is trolley washed in water until all slimy material adherents on the seeds cover is washed off

·         This can be done by using KMnO₄  

·         Then seeds used to germinated in sterile sand beds

·         These sand beds are prepared by sterilized from boiling water

·         Seeds are put on sand bed after it will become cool

·         Leave sand bed about 1-2 weeks

·         Can see small plants within 1-2 weeks

·         When nursery plants are about 20cm tall, plants can be transplanted to the ploughed field

·         Planting distance 45-60x45-60cm