Phalsa

     Phalsa (Grewia subinaequalis), a subtropical fruit, is native to India. It is commercially grown in Punjab, Haryana, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Bihar. Its cultivation is favoured around big cities where fruits find a ready and quick sale. It has a poor keeping quality. It is also grown as an intercrop with mango, aonla, bael and ber. Phalsa is bushy plant which can grow into a tree if left unpruned. It is very hardy, and tolerant to drought. It bears many small berry-like fruits of deep reddish-brown colour. Ripe fruits are sub-acidic in taste and a rich source of vitamins (A and C) and minerals (phosphorus and iron). Its medicinal qualities are known since vedic times. The fruits are somewhat astringent and have a cooling effect. They help cure inflammation, heart and blood disorders, fever and constipation.

Climate and soil

        Phalsa being a hardy plant, can withstand drought and can be grown under adverse climatic conditions. It requires distinct winter and summer for better yield and fruit quality. The plants can tolerate even a temperature of 45°C and freezing temperature for a few days. High temperature helps in ripening of fruits. Rains at the time of flowering affect fruit set and crop yield.

Phalsa can be grown on a wide variety of soils even on moderately sodic soils. It grows well in well-drained, loamy soils. The plant is sensitive to water-logging which makes it chlorotic.Iron chlorosis is a common problem in calcareous soils.

Varieties

       There is no improved variety of phalsa. Some local selections—Local and Sharbati—are popular. Two distinct types Tall and Dwarf have been recognized. Dwarf type is commonly grown. It is quite productive.

Propagation

        Phalsa is commercially raised through seeds since there is no variability. Propagation by cuttings (hard wood) and layers is also possible with the help of growth-regulators (IBA 2,500–3,000ppm.). Freshly extracted seeds can be stored up to 3 months at ordinary storage and up to 6 months under cold storage. Seeds can be better stored in polythene bags than glass jars.

The seeds are sown in well-prepared nursery beds, 6cm apart and in rows 30cm apart. July–August is ideal time for sowing. Seeds germinate in 2 weeks. The seedlings are ready for transplanting in January–February.