Ber
Ber
or Indian jujube (Ziziphus mauritiana) is indigenous to India. The
fruits are rich in vitamin C, A and B complex. The composition varies in
different varieties. Its leaves contain 5.6% digestible crude protein and 49.7%
total digestible nutrients, making it a nutritive fodder for animals. Haryana,
Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Maharashtra,
Andhra Pradesh and Tamil Nadu are major ber-growing states. Hisar, Rohtak,
Jind, Panipat, Mohindergarh and Gurgaon (Haryana), Bharatpur, Jaipur and
Jodhpur districts (Rajasthan), Sangrur and Patiala districts (Punjab),
Banaskantha and Sabarmati (Gujarat), Bijapur and Bellary (Karnataka), and
Tirunelveli, Ramanathapuram, Dharmapuri and Salem (Tamil Nadu) are ber-growing
areas in India.
Climate and Soil
Ber grows under varying conditions of climate all
over India even at elevations up to 1,000m above mean sea-level. It can
withstand extremely hot conditions but is susceptible to frost. The trees shed
leaves and enter into dormancy during summer. Under moderate climate of
south India, however, the trees continue to grow throughout the year. It is
extremely drought hardy owing to its deep root system and other xerophytic
characters. The tree prefers atmospheric dryness for development of good
quality fruits. High atmospheric humidity is distinctly disadvantageous.
Ber is not particularly exacting in its soil
requirement. It can grow on a wide variety of soils—sandy, clayey, saline and
alkali soils. Once established, it can withstand even 21mm hos/cm salinity in
soil.
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