Pesticides - Sukku Asthira (சுக்கு அஸ்திரா)

As part of our Agriculture for Everybody blog series, we are going to see Sukku Asthira (சுக்கு அஸ்திரா) which is an organic pest repellent.

Required Ingredients

S.No.	Ingredient Name	Qty in Litres/Kgs
1	Sukku (Dry Ginger)	200 Grams
2	Cow's or Buffalo Milk	5 Litres
3	Water	202 Litres

Method of Preparation

1. Crush the Dry Ginger into a fine powder.
2. Add the Dry Ginger powder to 2 Litres of water.
3. Boil the water until the water becomes 1 Litre.
4. Allow the water to cool down to room temperature.
5. Boil the Milk well in a pot.
6. Allow the milk to cool down to room temperature.
7. Remove the layer (cream) at the top of the milk.
8. Finally, add the both the Dry Ginger water solution and the Milk solution to 200 Litres of water.

Method of Storage

1. The pesticide should be kept in the shade and covered with a wire mesh or plastic mosquito net to prevent houseflies from laying eggs and the formation of maggots (worms) in the solution.  This is applicable during the preparation as well as during the shelf life of the pesticide as well.

How long can we store the Pesticide?

1. The pesticide can be stored for 21 days.

How to use the Pesticide?

1. Spray System - The pesticide can be applied as a foliar spray.

When to use the Pesticide?

1. Generally, the ideal time for spraying is during 6 am to 8.30 am and between 4 pm and 6.30 pm.

Which pests are controlled by the Pesticide?

1. The pesticide is effective in controlling fungus.