Leafhoppers are a common problem for field growers and identifiable by their light green bodies. Leafhoppers can be detected by the presence of white or pale-yellow spots on Tulsi leaves. The damage caused is not solely cosmetic since these insects are known to transmit viral diseases.
Some botanical sprays like neem, pyrethrum, and horticultural oil sprays are best for controlling leafhoppers.
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are commonly green and black colors. There are numerous methods of aphid control, including botanical sprays like insecticidal soap, pyrethrum, rotenone, and horticultural oils. Beneficial insects like ladybugs will also help to eradicate the pest.
Some medicinal plants like Tulsi require production involving minimal or no usage of chemical pesticides. Some organic practices include control measures using neem-based formulations. Fish oil resin soap can be used to manage such sucking pests in Tulsi plants. Tulsi crop is generally free from pests and diseases. However, when grown in poor conditions, the Tulsi plant can be attacked by some common pests like mealy bugs, aphids, spider mites, and sometimes whiteflies. For treating Tulsi pests, use organic pesticides or insecticidal soap.
Depending upon Tulsi plant growth habit, prepare seed beds of about 4.5 ×1.0×0.2m size. Seeds should be sown at a distance of about 60 cm by 60 cm. The distance between the beds mainly depends on available cultivation equipment and end-user. Normally, large commercial producers use a mechanical planter or a vegetable seeder. The seeding rate will depend on the desired planting density, in turn, depends on the end market.
For cultivating Tulsi, the land is brought to a fine tilth and laid out into plots of convenient sizes for irrigation purposes. Then, it is preferable to add 15 tonnes of FYM (farmyard manure) per hectare during the preparation of land and mix well in the soil.
Tulsi plants are grown successfully in tropical and subtropical climates. Long days with high-temperature levels have been found favorable for plant growth and oil production. It requires warm temperature levels to germinate and kept in a place that’s at least 21°C.
Sandy loam soil with good organic matter is considered ideal for the Tulsi plants. Fertile and well-aerated soil is ideal for the Tulsi plant. If you are planning to plant outdoors, make sure that the soil is well-dug. Though, mixing organic compost or cow dung is a good method to make the soil fertile and facilitate proper aeration. And, make sure that the soil and the compost are weed free.
Tulsi plant thrives well on a variety of soils. For Tulsi cultivation, rich loam to poor laterite, saline, and alkaline to moderately acidic soils are well suitable. Well-drained soil helps better vegetative grown. The waterlogged condition can cause root-rot and result in stunted plant growth. This plant can be grown under partially shaded conditions but with low oil contents. This plant flourishes well under fairly high rainfall and humid conditions. Tropical and subtropical climate (at altitudes up to 900m.) is suited for its cultivation.
Lemon Basil is the cultivar of Tulsi. The plant is a perennial, aromatic, and culinary type species of the basil plant. It has green leaves and white color flowers. It has a strong lemon scent and all parts of the leaves and stems are edible.
Babi Tulsi is the cultivar of Tulsi. It is found in Punjab to Trivandrum and in Bengal, Bihar also. The height of the plant is about 1-2 feet tall. The leaves are 1 to 2 inches long, oval, and pointed. The taste of leave is like cloves and used for flavoring vegetables.
Amrita Tulsi is the cultivar of Tulsi. It is found all over India. It has dark purple color leaves which create a dense bush. It is mainly used in the treatment of cancer, heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, and dementia. It is a less commonly grown perennial plant and sacred species of basil in India.