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Kang Kung
(Ipomea aquatica)
Kankun is a popular leafy vegetable. It is widely and commercially grown on the water remaining lowlands in many parts of the island.
Available Types
There are two types depending on the color of the plant stems, leaves and flowers
1.Purple type
The stem and flowers are purple in colour. Commercially grown in some areas in the country. Latex is relatively high.
2.Green type
Stem is green in colour. The flowers are white. Two species have been identified as indigenous and Thai. Both of these varieties are commercially cultivated. The milky nature of these varieties is relatively low and has become popular.
According to the growth pattern, there are two types;
- Vine type – Stem purple-green. Grows as a runner.
The flowers are purple.
- Shrub type – Stem green. The flowers are white. Grows as a shrub.
Climate requirements/ Areas suitable for cultivation
It can be grown in any area in the country when there is sufficient water except in upcountry areas. It is widely grown in the wet zone due to its higher water requirement.
Soil
The crop can be grown successfully in waterlogged marshy lands as well as in highland areas with frequent watering. Flowering occurs quickly if watering is neglected in highland cultivation. Kankun also thrives well in lakes, swamps and waterways in the dry zone. Slightly acidic soils pH between 6.00 – 7.00 is more suitable for cultivation.
Planting Materials
Stem cuttings and seeds can be used as planting materials Thai variety can be used for seed production and seed production takes place well at low temperatures during November, December and January.
20-30cm long stem cuttings are used for planting. Leaves should be removed from the stem before planting.
Planting materials should be taken from a healthy crop.(pest and disease free)
Time of cultivation
The crop can be grown at any time during the year in low lying areas where water is available. It is better to start cultivation during the rainy season as regular watering is required when cultivating in highlands
Field preparation and planting
Cultivation in low lying areas
Plough the land, collect water and allow weeds to decompose. Then arrange a few drains in the prepared land to drain off excess water when necessary. Crush the large soil particles and level the ground. Plant the cuttings at a spacing of 30×30 cm2. Cuttings can also be planted randomly. In water logged marshy lands, tip removed kankun cuttings can be broadcasted without preparing the land.
Cultivation in highlands
Plough the land and crush all the large soil particles and remove all the weeds from the field. Then prepare sunken beds in the prepared field and add excess water. Plant kankun cuttings with the spacing having 30x30cm2
Planting Materials
Stem cuttings and seeds can be used as planting materials Thai variety can be used for seed production and seed production takes place well at low temperatures during November, December and January.
20-30cm long stem cuttings are used for planting. Leaves should be removed from the stem before planting.
Planting materials should be taken from a healthy crop.(pest and disease free)
Fertilizer
Organic fertilizer
Well decomposed cattle manure, poultry manure or compost, 01 mt is added for1000 m2 of land.(1ton / 1000m2) before planting of kankun. Poultry manure is widely used by farmers as it reduces nematode attack and prevents weed spread.
Chemical fertilizers for 1000 m2
Fertilizer application | Urea Kg. | TSP Kg. | MOP Kg.
|
Basic fertilizer | 9.0 | 13.5 | 10.0 |
4 weeks after planting | 9.0
| – | – |
After each harvest | 4.5 | – | 1.5 |
Every 6 months | – | 6.5 | – |
Note 1: It is best to apply phosphorus and potassium as basic fertilizers after a soil test.
Water supply
Irrigation is practiced every 3-4 days. In dry weather, it is advisable to the crop more often without allowing them to wither.
Weed Control
Weeds growing with kankun should be removed from time to time and the field should be kept clean.
Pest Management
Leaf rolling and leaf eating catterpillars, worms aphids, thrips, mites and nematodes
If the attack is severe, cut, romove and destroy all the affected plant parts by burning
If it is necessary, apply recommended pesticides for tender new flushes
Disease Management
Brown spot disease – Application of K rich fertilizers, Remove and destroy affected plant parts
White rust disease – – Application of K rich fertilizers, Remove and destroy affected plant parts, avoid application of nitrogenous fertilizers, Follow crop rotation
Harvesting
The first harvest can be obtained at about 30 days when the crop is grown in uplands and when it is grown in low lands, the harvest can be obtained around 20 days of planting. After that it can be harvested once in 20 -25days.
Yield
2000kg can be obtained from 1000 m2 area. ( 2000 kgs/1000m2 )