CULTIVATION OF NONI

We have read enough blog regarding the medicinal benefits and strong antioxidant properties of Morinda citrifolia –Noni. But another aspect of the story is equally interesting that is its cultivation. Morinda citrifolia is a small, evergreen self-pollinating plant that belongs to Rubiaceae family or the coffee family. Though this plant is a native of Southeast Asia and Australasia but now it is cultivated throughout the tropical belt.

Volcanic soil is the best soil for production of noni. The rich, fertile lava soil is the treasure house of micro-nutrients such as zinc, copper, silicon and holds the right amount of moisture ideal for the growth of the plant. In addition the dense weight of the soil prevents it from erosion.

Noni tree can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, cutting from stem and tissue culture. Special precautions have to be adopted while selecting seed as the method of propagation since seeds takes longer duration for germination (seed dormancy). A proper seed treatment and heat is required for uniform germination of seed. The noni seedlings can be transplanted from 6 months onwards in an intercropping land. The tree is capable of yielding up to 40-50 yrs. It begins to give its commercial production from third year onwards.

For commercial production a good quality planting material and technology is required. Here tissue culture plants are on advantageous position. These plants are disease free and selected from elite mother group.

Noni plants are affected by various diseases such as root ring, southern blight, algal parasites and some more the cause of which are still unknown. These diseases belong to the minor categories and are relatively un important.