Cultivation of Periwinkle (Catharanthus roseus)

Botanical Name: Catharanthus roseus
Family: Apocyanaceae
Common Names: Periwinkle, Madagascar periwinkle, Vinca

Importance and Uses:

Periwinkle is a perennial herb widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions. It holds significant medicinal value due to the presence of various alkaloids, especially vincristine and vinblastine, which are important components of chemotherapy drugs used in cancer treatment. It also has therapeutic uses for hypertension and other medicinal properties.

Uses of Periwinkle:

• Medicinal:
  • Leaves are used in treating blood cancer, menstrual disorders, and diabetes mellitus.
  • Decoctions made from leaves and roots help in controlling hypertension.
  • Roots have antihypertensive properties.
• Ornamental:
  • Grown as an ornamental plant for its attractive flowers, which bloom year-round.
  • Flowers are commonly found in gardens, pots, and hanging baskets due to their beauty and hardiness.

Climate:

• Periwinkle grows best in tropical and subtropical climates.
• It requires a warm climate with temperatures ranging from 25°C to 35°C.
• Ideal rainfall is 100 cm or more per year.
• Grows well in areas with moderate humidity, but can tolerate drought once established.

Soil:

• Periwinkle grows in light, well-drained, sandy loams with good organic matter.
• Soil pH should be between 6.0 to 8.5.
• It can grow in most soils except highly alkaline or waterlogged ones.
• Best suited for soils that are rich in organic content, such as loamy soils with good drainage.

Propagation Methods:

Seed Propagation:

• Fresh Seeds: Periwinkle is typically propagated by seeds. Fresh seeds are preferred as they lose viability over time.
• Sowing Method:
  • Seeds can be directly sown or seedlings can be transplanted.
  • In direct sowing, 2-3 kg of seed per hectare is required.
  • Mix seeds with sand (10 parts sand to 1 part seed) for even distribution and sow them during the monsoon (June-July).
  • In seedling transplanting, seeds are sown in beds during March-April at a depth of 1.5 cm. The seedlings are ready for transplanting when they reach 6-7 cm in height after about 60 days.
  • Transplant seedlings at a spacing of 45 cm x 30 cm or 45 cm x 45 cm.

Planting Time and Spacing:

• Best Time to Plant: The ideal time for planting periwinkle is during the monsoon season (June-July), when soil moisture is high.
• Spacing: The recommended spacing for transplanting is 45 cm x 30 cm or 45 cm x 45 cm.
• Planting Depth: Transplant the seedlings 1.5 cm deep into the soil.

Irrigation and Watering:

• Periwinkle is drought-tolerant once established but requires adequate watering during the initial growth stages.
• It does not require excessive water and can thrive in areas where rainfall is evenly distributed.
• In regions with irregular rainfall, 4-5 irrigations throughout the growing season are sufficient.
• Avoid waterlogging as it can cause root rot.

Manuring and Fertilization:

• Farmyard Manure (FYM): Apply about 15 tonnes of FYM per hectare before planting for good growth.
• Fertilizer Requirements:
  • Basal application of fertilizers: 20 kg N, 40 kg P2O5, 40 kg K2O per hectare.
  • Additional nitrogen (6 kg N) should be drilled in the rows at thinning (90 days) and 120 days after planting to boost growth.

Weeding and Weed Control:

• Periwinkle needs two weedings:
  1. The first weeding should be done about 60 days after sowing or transplanting.
  2. The second weeding should be done about 60 days after the first weeding.
• Hand weeding or mechanical weeding is usually sufficient to control weeds.

Pest and Disease Management:

Periwinkle is generally resistant to most pests and diseases, but can sometimes suffer from the following:

• Aphids: Can damage the leaves and flowers. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Leaf Spot Disease: Caused by fungal pathogens. Apply fungicides to manage the disease.
• Root Rot: Caused by waterlogging. Ensure good drainage and avoid overwatering.

Harvesting:

Leaves:

• First leaf stripping can be done at 6 months after planting.
• Second leaf stripping can be done at 9 months.
• A third leaf harvest can be done when the whole plant is harvested after one year.

Roots:

• Roots can be harvested after one year by cutting the plant about 7.5 cm above the ground.
• After cutting, the plants should be dried in the shade, then the roots are washed and bundled for marketing.

Seeds: Collect mature fruits by handpicking, drying them in the shade, and lightly threshing to separate the seeds.

Yield:

• Under Rainfed Conditions:
  • Roots: 0.75 tonnes per hectare (dry weight).
  • Stems: 1.0 tonne per hectare (dry weight).
  • Leaves: 2.0 tonnes per hectare (dry weight).
• Under Irrigated Conditions:
  • Roots: 1.5 tonnes per hectare (dry weight).
  • Stems: 1.5 tonnes per hectare (dry weight).
  • Leaves: 3.0 tonnes per hectare (dry weight).

Post-Harvest Handling:

• After harvesting, the roots are washed well, dried in the shade, and bundled for marketing.
• Leaves and stems can be processed into medicinal products, or dried for further use.
• Seeds should be stored in cool, dry conditions to maintain their viability.