Konkan Sreemanthi
Released by Dr BSKKV, Dapoli. High-yielding female variety with bold nut (about 14 g) and thick mace (about 2.1 g). About 9 kg nutmeg and 2 kg mace per tree at full bearing — the highest per-tree yield among the Dapoli releases.
Quick facts
- Crop
- Nutmeg (Jaiphal)
- Type
- Grafted plant (improved variety)
- Season
- All seasons
- Maturity period
- First harvest about year 6–7
- Seed rate
- About 50–60 grafted plants per acre at 8 × 8 m spacing; keep one male tree for every 10–12 females
- Expected yield
- About 9 kg nutmeg + 2 kg mace per tree at full bearing
- Suitable soil
- Deep, well-drained clay loam, laterite or coastal soil
- Release
- Dr BSKKV, Dapoli, Maharashtra — high-yield female selection
About this variety
Konkan Sreemanthi is a high-yielding female nutmeg variety released by Dr Balasaheb Sawant Konkan Krishi Vidyapeeth (BSKKV), Dapoli, Maharashtra. It produces bold nuts weighing about 14 g and thick mace weighing about 2.1 g — heavier than the average Indian nutmeg. At full bearing it gives about 9 kg nutmeg and 2 kg mace per tree, making it the highest-yielding variety among the Dapoli releases on a per-tree basis. Like all standard nutmeg varieties except Konkan Sugandha, it is a female variety and requires male trees nearby for pollination.
Key characteristics
Sowing & cultivation
- Sowing timeRainy season (June–December)
- Seed rateAbout 50–60 grafted plants per acre at 8 × 8 m spacing; keep one male tree for every 10–12 females
- SpacingAbout 8 × 8 m
- Sowing methodOne grafted plant per prepared pit (60 × 60 × 60 cm), filled with topsoil and cattle manure, then shaded and watered in
- IrrigationEvery 5–7 days in summer; drip or basin irrigation
- FertilizerYoung tree: 20:20:60 g N:P₂O₅:K₂O + 15 kg FYM/year; bearing tree: about 300:300:960 g + 50 kg FYM (TNAU schedule)
- HarvestingFruits picked when outer husk splits; bold nut and thick mace separated, dried and graded
Soil & climate
Soil
- Suitable soil
- Deep, well-drained clay loam, laterite or coastal soil
- Irrigation
- Free drainage essential
Climate
- Maturity
- About 20–30°C mean
- Irrigation
- About 2,000–3,500 mm (Konkan coast)
- Climate
- Warm, humid tropical Konkan coastal climate; partial shade for young plants.
Yield & maturity
Maturity period
First harvest about year 6–7
Expected yield
About 9 kg nutmeg + 2 kg mace per tree at full bearing
Actual yield depends on sowing time, soil, irrigation, weather, seed quality and crop management.
Pest & disease considerations
Major pests
- Loranthus (parasitic plant)
Management notes
- Standard nutmeg management: shade, drainage, regular watering, Loranthus removal.
- Keep one confirmed male tree for every 10–12 female grafts for pollination.
- Prune to improve air circulation and reduce fruit rot risk.
Advantages & considerations
Why farmers may choose it
- Highest per-tree yield among Dapoli varieties — about 9 kg nutmeg + 2 kg mace
- Bold nut (about 14 g) commands a premium in trade
- Thick mace (about 2.1 g) — heavier than the average
- Adapted for Konkan coastal conditions
Things to consider
- Female variety — needs male trees for pollination
- Disease resistance not specifically documented
- Available mainly from BSKKV Dapoli
- Less field data than the IISR varieties; regional focus on Konkan
Suitable regions
Released for the Konkan coastal belt of Maharashtra. May suit similar warm, humid tropical zones.
- Maharashtra
Frequently asked questions
How does Konkan Sreemanthi compare to IISR Keralashree?
Konkan Sreemanthi gives about 9 kg nutmeg + 2 kg mace per tree with a bold 14 g nut. IISR Keralashree produced about 7,560 kg nuts/ha at 360 grafts/ha by year 10 (about 21 kg/tree). Keralashree has more published data and wider testing. Sreemanthi is adapted for the Konkan coast; Keralashree has been tested across Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Both are female varieties.
Sourced from: Dr BSKKV Dapoli — Spice crops research, TNAU Agritech Portal — Nutmeg. editorial policy.