Amaranth MAESTRO

A. LAND PREPARATION
Land preparation should be done three to four weeks before planting, which involves plowing, turning, or digging the soil. The purpose of land preparation is to improve soil structure, enhance soil aeration, decompose weeds, and facilitate bed formation. One week later, temporary beds should be constructed, with a width of 150 cm - 200 cm, height of 20-30 cm, and spacing between beds of 40-50 cm. The beds should be sprinkled with basal fertilizers such as organic fertilizer and dolomite. The recommended dosage is 2 kg of dolomite and 27 kg of organic fertilizer per bed measuring 1.5x18 m (1m2 = 1 kg). The application of organic fertilizer and dolomite should be done one week before planting. They should be evenly spread on the beds, followed by soil cultivation and watering.

B. SEEDING

Direct seeding without seedling preparation is recommended. Mix the seeds with dry sand and evenly distribute them on the beds. Cover the seeds with organic fertilizer or fine soil. Subsequently, water the beds slowly until they are moist.

C. PLANTING

Weeding should be done once until harvest, or as needed based on the condition of the land. Regular watering should be carried out twice a day, in the morning and afternoon, during dry conditions. Chemical spraying should be conducted when the plants are affected by pests or diseases.

D. MAINTENANCE

Fertilization should be done twice:

Fertilization I: at 7 days after seeding (DAS) using urea (spread evenly) at a rate of 1 kg per bed (1.5 x 18 m).

Fertilization II: at 15 DAS using a mixture of urea and Phonska (2:1), broadcasted at a rate of 1 kg per gulud for 1.5 m x 18 m. The fertilizers should be spread directly on the beds. After fertilization, water the plants to prevent leaf burn.

E. PEST AND DISEASE CONTROL A. Pests: The common pest that attacks spinach plants is leaf-devouring caterpillars. Mechanical control involves maintaining proper sanitation in the field, while chemical control can be achieved using insecticides containing active ingredients such as Deltamethrin or Cypermethrin, such as Decis, at a dosage of 10 ml per 15 liters of water.

F. HARVESTING: 

Plant required to grow to 18 - 25 days after seeding. To harvest the plant, pull the plants to the root and tie them, some of Indonesia area prefer to cut the plant thoroughly. After cutting the plant, collect to make a bigger tied package (1 package - 100 - 150 package)

B. Diseases:

1. Damping-off disease (Phythium sp.) often affects plants in the seedbed, characterized by yellow-brown to black stems and leaves, followed by rotting. It can be controlled chemically using fungicides containing active ingredients such as Mancozeb, such as Dithane, at a dosage of 10-20 g per 15 liters of water, or Preficure N.

2. Powdery mildew, characterized by white-brown spots on the leaves, is more prevalent during the rainy season or under high humidity. Chemical control can be achieved using fungicides containing active ingredients such as Mancozeb, such as Dithane. The dosage is 1-2 tablespoons per 15 liters of water (10-20 g/15L). Mechanical control involves removing infected leaves and raising the beds to prevent waterlogging.

3. Anthracnose, characterized by yellow-brown to black leaves, can be controlled chemically using fungicides containing active ingredients such as propineb, for example, Antrachol, at a dosage of 10-20 g per 15 liters of water. Mechanical control involves removing infected plants, maintaining proper sanitation in the field, and implementing standard drainage and bed construction.

Diseases:

1. Damping-off disease (Phythium sp.) often affects plants in the seedbed, characterized by yellow-brown to black stems and leaves, followed by rotting. It can be controlled chemically using fungicides containing active ingredients such as Mancozeb, such as Dithane, at a dosage of 10-20 g per 15 liters of water, or Preficure N.

2. Powdery mildew, characterized by white-brown spots on the leaves, is more prevalent during the rainy season or under high humidity. Chemical control can be achieved using fungicides containing active ingredients such as Mancozeb, such as Dithane. The dosage is 1-2 tablespoons per 15 liters of water (10-20 g/15L). Mechanical control involves removing infected leaves and raising the beds to prevent waterlogging.

3. Anthracnose, characterized by yellow-brown to black leaves, can be controlled chemically using fungicides containing active ingredients such as propineb, for example, Antrachol, at a dosage of 10-20 g per 15 liters of water. Mechanical control involves removing infected plants, maintaining proper sanitation in the field, and implementing standard drainage and bed construction.