Archive for May 2002
World Cup: Down memory lane 1990 — Italy
The 1990 World Cup witnessed the lowest goals-per-game average, a deluge of sendings-off and arguably the worst final ever seen. Just 115 goals were scored from 52 games at an average of 2.21 per game. There were 16 red cards and 164 bookings at an average of 3.46 per match, another record. In addition penalty shootouts were routine — four in total — including both semifinals.
Argentina advanced at the expense of Italy and West Germany beat England. Appropriately it was a penalty, by Andreas Brehme for the Germans, that decided a sorry final which included two sendings off for the Argentines. It was West Germany’s third World Cup win. Argentina’s performance was typical of the tournament. It reached the final despite winning only two games and scoring five goals in total. Maradona finished the final in tears.
Cameroon, with the veteran Roger Milla inspired, reached the quarterfinals, while the unheralded Toto Schillaci hit six goals for Italy to finish top scorer. Adding to everyone’s woes were the hooligans. Some 300 were expelled by the Italian police with England fans prominent in several ugly brawls which nonetheless weren’t as bad as had been feared before the finals.
Legends:
Lothar Matthaus, Germany (born 1961): Captain and midfield general behind West Germany’s success at Italia 90. The archetypal German footballer, had power, pace and skill with a ruthless eye for goal. Scored brilliant individual goal against Yugoslavia and added three more as West Germany deservedly lifted the trophy in 1990.
England fans will remember his sporting arm around the shoulder of Chris Waddle after the latter’s penalty miss gave West Germany victory in a thrilling semifinal shootout. Was also in the West Germany side that reached the 1986 final — his goal saw off Morocco in the second round — and was captain again at USA 94.
Enjoyed great success with Bayern Munich and Inter Milan, though his return to Bayern Munich was marred by off-field clashes with teammates and officials. He retired shortly after Germany’s poor showing in Euro2000.
Jurgen Klinsmann, Germany (born 1964): Blonde striker who proved West Germany’s key attacker throughout the 1990s. Strong, both in the air and on the ground, with searing pace and immense courage. Earned reputation for diving early in his career, but won over many of his English critics during a hugely successful short spell with Tottenham in 1994-95.
Flicked in a clinical winner in grudge match against Holland in 1990, and was constant menace throughout for opposing defences. Scored five goals in as many games for Germany at USA 94, and inherited captaincy from Lothar Matthaus.
Roger Milla, Cameroon (born 1952): At the age of 38, he had a stunning impact on the 1990 finals in Italy, catching the eye as much for his celebratory tangos with the corner flag as for his goal scoring exploits. Having made about 80 appearances for his country, Milla was persuaded out of retirement for Italia ’90 and promptly helped Cameroon become the first African country to reach the quarterfinals. He changed his name to Milla from Miller because he thought it sound more African.
Milla’s opportunism saw him score four times, twice against Romania and Colombia respectively, in the process becoming the oldest player to score in the World Cup finals. Incredibly, he bettered that feat in the 1994 finals when, aged 42, he came on as a substitute to score against Russia in a 6-1 defeat.
Top scorers: Salvatore Schillaci (Ita) 6; Thomas Skuhravy (Cze) 5; Gary Lineker (Eng) 4; Michel (Spa) 4; Roger Milla (Cam) 4; Lothar Matthaus (WGer) 4.
Trivia:
— Chile was banned after goalkeeper Robert Rojas pretended he had been struck by a flare thrown from the crowd during a qualifying match against Brazil in 1990. Chile, who needed to win 2-0 to qualify, were losing 1-0 with 20 minutes left when the incident occurred, and Chile’s players refused to play on.
— As in 1982, holder Argentina was beaten in its opening game. This time it lost 1-0 to Cameroon when goalkeeper Nery Pumpido fumbled a leaping header from Omam Biyick. The Africans also had two men sent off.
— Cameroon’s Russian coach Valeri Nepomniaschi was unable to communicate with his team without use of an interpreter. It didn’t stop the Africans marching into the quarterfinals.
— United Arab Emirates’ Khaleel Mubarak became the 50th player to be sent off in World Cup finals when given his marching orders in the 4-1 defeat to Yugoslavia.
— Cameroon’s Roger Milla, at 38, was the surprise find of the tournament, but even he needed a helping hand in the second round from Colombia’s madcap goalkeeper Rene Higuita. In George Best mode, Higuita tried to dribble over the half-way line but lost the ball to Milla who rolled the ball gleefully into the empty net.
— Blubbing Paul Gascoigne was England’s star as it marched into the semifinals. There an ill-timed tackle against West Germany meant he was out of the final — if England reached it — and Gazza burst into tears at the prospect.
— Another sobbing superstar was the hero of 1986, Diego Maradona. He led an ultra-negative Argentina side into the final despite scoring only five goals and winning two games. When it had two players sent off in losing the final to West Germany, Maradona sobbed unashamedly.
— Toto Schillaci followed in the footsteps of Paolo Rossi in 1982 when he emerged as Italy’s unexpected goal hero. The feisty little Sicilian was the last player named in the Italian squad, but finished top scorer with six strikes.
— The finals produced the the lowest goals-per-game average ever — just 2.21; 16 red cards and 164 bookings at an average of 3.4 per match, another record.
— Penalty shootouts peppered the finals — there were four in total, with both semifinals decided this way for the first time.
The winning squad: West Germany: Goalkeepers: Raimond Aumann, Bodo Illgner, Andreas Kop. Defenders: Klaus Augenthaler, Thomas Berthold, AndreasBrehme, Guido Buchwald, Jurgen Kohler, Hans Pflugler, Stefan Reuter, Paul Stainer. Midfielders: Uwe Bein, Pierre Littbarski, Lothar Matthaus (capt.), Thomas Hassler, Gunther Hermann, Andreas Moller, Olaf Thon. Forwards: Jurgen Klinsmann, Franck Mill, Karlheinz Riedle, Rudi Voller. Coach: Franz Beckenbauer.
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World Cup: Down memory lane 1978 — Argentina
Despite a threatened boycott by several nations in protest at the Videla military regime, all the qualifiers assembled in Argentina for the 1978 finals. The same format as 1974 was adopted – two group phases and no knockout stages – and controversy surrounded Argentina’s passage into the final.
The Argentines, for which the long-haired Mario Kempes was a revelation up front, romped to a highly dubious 6-0 win over Peru in its final match of the second phase to oust Brazilian goal difference.
Holder West Germany failed to beat Holland and Italy and was eliminated when Berti Vogts’ own goal gave Austria a 3-2victory. Holland thrashed the Austrians 5-1 to reach the final for the second successive year, but, crucially, it was without its master Johan Cruyff, who had stayed at home.
Once again the Dutch were beaten, to delight of the77,260 crowd in Buenos Aires. Argentina took the lead through Kempes after 37 minutes before subsitute Dirk Nanninga equalised late on.
In extra time, Kempes restored Argentina’s lead and Daniel Bertoni made it 3-1, leaving captain Daniel Passarela to lift Argentina’s first World Cup.
Legends:
Mario Kempes, Argentina (born 1954): The Valencia striker was the only overseas-based player to be chosen by Argentine coach Cesar Luis Menotti. Flowing locks and a dashing, long-legged style marked him out on the pitch, together with his eye for goal and ability to rise to the big occasion.
Known as a free-kick specialist, but it was his ability to pierce defences with the ball at his feet that did most to lead Argentina to glory on home soil in 1978.
Scored twice in the 3-1 win against Holland in the final. His second effort was typical, surging past three defenders to beat the goalkeeper. Kempes then went on another mazy run to set up the third for teammate Daniel Bertoni.
His six goals made him the top scorer in the tournament, and he went on to register 20 goals in 43 international appearances.
Ossie Ardiles, Argentina (born 1952): Gutsy little midfield playmaker whose intelligent passing and ball skills were crucial to Argentina’s success. Won 42 caps for his country and was a roaring success as a player with Tottenham Hotspurs together with international teammate Ricky Villa.
Made 238 league appearances for Spurs, helping them to FA Cup and UEFA Cup wins in a team that included current England coach Glenn Hoddle.
Had a spell with Paris Saint-Germain in 1982-83 following the Falklands War. Enjoyed little success as a manager, with unsuccessful spells in the early 1990s at Newcastle, West Bromwich Albion and Spurs, where a cavalier attitude towards attack saw his team gifting goals from all angles.
Ruud Krol, Netherlands (born 1949): A fleet-footed full-back in Holland’s 1974 side, he graduated to captain four years later in Argentina in a more withdrawn sweeper role.
Like so many Dutch stars, he learned his craft and the philosophy of total football with Ajax, his transition into the national squad a natural progression.
Imposing physically, he mopped up many an imposing attack before turning defence into attack in an instant with a measured pass or a dash forward.
In the 1978 final against Argentina, he so nearly inspired the Dutch to the title that their wonderful football deserved. In the dying seconds of normal time, with the score at 1-1, Krol played Rob Rensenbrink clean through on goal.
Rensenbrink hit the post, and Holland’s chance had gone. Won 83 international caps.
Top scorers: Mario Kempes (Arg) 6; Teofilo Cubillas (Per) 5; Robbie Rensenbrink (Hol) 5; Leopoldo Luque (Arg) 4; Hans Krankl (Aut) 4.
Trivia:
— Holland was without the star of the 1974 final, Johan Cruyff, who refused to travel to Argentina fearing security reasons following the 1976 military coup.
— Scotland had enjoyed a very successful tour of South America the year before, and according to manager Ally MacLeod, was capable of beating the world. Once again it was Britain’s only representative.
— Two countries were making their debuts in the finals – Iran and Tunisia.
— For the fourth consecutive tournament, the opening match ended in a 0-0 draw when Argentina met Hungary in Group one in Buenos Aires. The match was marred when two Hungarians, AndrasTorocsik and Tibor Nyilasi were sent off.
— In another Group one match Italy beat France 2-1. Bernard Lacombe of France recorded the second fastest World Cup goal when he scored after 36 seconds.
— France beat Hungary 3-1, but only after the referee had threatened to make it forfeit the match for not wearing the correct kit. Police fetched the kit of the local second division side and, they had to wear it.
— In Group Two Tunisia became the first African country to record a World Cup finals victory when it beat Mexico 3-1 after being 0-1 down.
— Scotland suffered a shock in its first game, losing 3-1 to outsiders Peru. After the game a dope test on winger Willie Johnston proved positive and Scotland sent him home in disgrace.
— Welsh referee Clive Thomas became notorious after controversially blowing for full-time just as Brazil’s Zico headed in a goal direct from a corner against Sweden. Thomas, who had awarded the corner, disallowed the goal and the match finished 1-1.
— Argentina became the third host nation in four World Cup finals to win the trophy.
The winning squad: Goalkeepers: Hector Baley, Ubaldo Matildo Fillol, RicardoLavolpe. Defenders: Luis Galvan, Daniel Killer, Jorge Olguin, Ruben Pagnanini, Daniel Passarella (capt), Alberto Tarantini. Midfielders: Norberto Alonso, Ossie Ardiles, Americo Gallego, Ruben Galvan, Omaro Larrosa, Daniel Valencia. Forwards: Daniel Bertoni, Rene Houseman, Mario Kempes, Lepoldo Luque, Oscar Ortiz. Coach: Cesar Luis Menotti.
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Legends: Dino Zoff
Posted on: May 14, 2002
- In: Lazio
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Legends: Dino Zoff
Goalkeepers, it is said, last longer than field players. Even then to be in a World Cup team at the age of 40 has to be something extraordinary. Dino Zoff was that age when he captained Italy to Cup triumph in the 1982 edition in Spain. His international debut came only at 26 years in the 1968 European Championship quarterfinal against Bulgaria. He retained his place in the semifinal against Russia and the final against Yugoslavia to see Italy win. Still in the 1970 World Cup Albertosi replaced him. Disappointment notwithstanding, Zoff lasted the distance and ended up with a spectacular record. Considered too old after the 1974 World Cup and certainly in the 1978 edition, Zoff proved his best was still to come as he became the second goalkeeper to lead a World Cup winning team after Juventus predecessor Combi in 1934.
Zoff spent much of his career in Napoli and Juventus. In fact Juventus had paid Napoli a record ΰ500,000 for the goalkeeper because such was Zoff’s reputation. The Juventus management realised that having him in the team meant six points already in the kitty even before the start of the league! Fittingly the Italian great during his five seasons with the club did not miss a match and what is more let in on an average only one goal every three games.
For his country Zoff was capped a record 112 times and when he came in to the 1974 World Cup he had come up with another unique distinction: not having conceded a goal in 1,147 minutes, that is 13 games from September 1972 to June 1974. It was Santon, the centre-forward of Haiti, of all nations, who became the first man to beat Zoff. Italy won that match but overall it was a bad World Cup for the country, going out in the Group stage despite Zoff’s superb run under the bar.
Four years later in Argentina, Zoff was again eager to parade his prowess and so was Italy to come into the focus as a favourite, particularly after it beat the host and the ultimate winner Argentina in the Group stage. As it happened Holland was to spoil Zoff’s and Italy’s party. Two sensational efforts, one each by Brandts and Haan brooked no answer from Zoff as Italy went out.
For the third place or the bronze match, Italy went down to Brazil and Zoff’s cup of woe was complete.
Such was the resilience and commitment of the man that Zoff was ready for 1982, a World Cup that was to bring up his greatest moment in what was his last appearance on the world stage. Zoff was now heading for his 100th international and that was an added inspiration.
Zoff came in for severe test from Brazilian players like Socrates, Zico and Falcao and Italy survived, winning 3-2 and in the process a semifinal place was assured. As it happened Italy went on to march into the final against Germany and here was the 40-year-old man ever keen to leave on a high note.
The veteran of two World Cups was a picture of confidence as he prepared to face the bombardments of players like Rummennigge and Dremler.
Paul Breitner was to surprise him but Italy had enough firepower, in particular with a wizard like Rossi, who had a great competition, to earn dividends.
And the team went on to win the Cup and Zoff, the most resilient of them all, got his Cup of joy. Like others Zoff remained in touch with the game as Manager of Lazio before taking on the mantle of coach for Italy in December 1999__ S.R. Suryanarayan.
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Imported Poodle Bitch Is The Best
Posted on: May 13, 2002
- In: Ajax
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Imported poodle bitch is the best
UDHAGAMANDALAM
MAY 12.
If Friday’s German Shepherd Dogs Show was good and Saturday’s 51st and 52nd Championship Dog Shows of the Madras Canine Club were better the 88th and 89th All Breeds Championship Dog Shows of the South of India Kennel Club organised at the same venue today provided a fitting finale to a “weekend with the dogs”.
In the 88th show, the prize for the best exhibit was annexed by an imported poodle (standard) bitch, After Glow Sugar Cube, owned by Keith Mullan of Bangalore.
The second best in show was a boxer CH. Aryanoush’s Pistaccio Nut owned by Kathir Narayanan of Chennai.
The cup for the third best in show was won by a bred in India German Shepherd Dog Ajax owned by S. Lawrence Mohan of Ooty.
A bred in India Cocker Spaniel Dog Jasper’s Adam owned by Javinder Singh of Bangalore was adjudged the fourth best in show.
In the 89th Show the Cocker Spaniel Jasper’s Adam lifted the prize for the best in show.
The trophy for the second best in show went to an imported fox terrier dog CH. Amicus Shieldmann’s Winscore owned by A.J.C.M De Silva of Sri Lanka.
The third best was a bred in india retriever golden bitch Weinerwald Nuttin Hunny owned by Padmini Sinha of Chennai.
The Fourth best was an imported retriever Labrador CH.Brookland Sterling Finish owned by S.Pathy of Coimbatore.
The judges were Ms. G.J.Fottrell of Ireland and Mr. M.N.M.Cama of Mumbai. They also gave away the prizes.
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World Cup: Down memory lane 1954 — Switzerland
Switzerland, neutral during the War, hosted the 1954 World Cup which saw West Germany back in the fold and Ferenc Puskas-inspired Hungary, which had handed England a historic 6-3 defeat at Wembley prior to the finals, installed as strong favourite. The 1950 group format was abandoned, with a return to the group system followed by knockout quarterfinals and semifinals.
The Hungarians demolished a tactically-weakened German side 8-3 in the opening round, adding to a 9-0 demolition of South Korea. In the quarterfinals its match with Brazil turned ugly. The Battle of Berne, as the match was later labelled, saw two Brazilians and a Hungarian sent off and continued fighting in the dressing rooms after the match, which Hungary won 4-2.
In the final it was to face West Germany again, surely a formality. It was not to be. Hungary was soon 2-0 ahead through Puskas and Zoltan Czibor and seemingly cruising to victory, but it reckoned without the determination of the West Germans who were level within ten minutes. The German winner came five minutes from the end when Helmut Rahn scored his second goal to clinch its first World Cup triumph.
Legends:
Nandor Hidegkuti, Hungary (1922): Deep-lying centre-forward who played behind Puskas and Kocsis in the era of the Magic Magyars. Captured the world’s attention with three goals against England at Wembley in Hungary’s famous 6-3 win in 1953, and all-told scored 39 goals in 68 internationals. The high point of his career came when he was over 30 and was known as the Old Man because of his bald patch. He had been a contested choice when first capped in 1945 and it was only in 1952 that he won a regular place. He won a gold medal in the Helsinki Olympics and two years later was the brain in the Hungarian side that everyone expected to win the World Cup. Hidegkuti scored twice in the 8-3 group win over Germany, one in the shameful quarterfinal against Brazil, despite having his shorts torn off in the process of shooting, and a brilliant diving header against Uruguay in a classic semifinal. Coached in Italy, Hungary and Poland when his playing days were over.
Sandor Kocsis, Hungary (1929-1979): Prolific goal-scoring inside-forward of Hungary’s great 1950’s side. Scored 75 goals in 68 internationals, including 11in the 1954 World Cup. Imaginative, good with both feet but, above all, sensational in the air. Known as Golden Head, scored seven hat-tricks for Hungary, including four goals in the 1954 WorldCup group game against Germany. Had to spearhead the attack when Puskas was injured in the1954 World Cup, scoring three against South Korea, four against Germany, two against Brazil in the infamous Battle of Berne quarterfinal, and two headers in extra-time against Uruguay in the semifinals. At the end of the Hungarian uprising in 1956 he was on Honved’s South American tour and like many of his teammates decided not to return. He joined Young Fellows of Switzerland before moving to Barcelona where he played in the 1962 European Cup final it lost 2-3 to Benfica of Portugal, sharing the goals with his old Hungarian teammate Zoltan Czibor. Modest and the most popular member of the great Hungarian side.
Ferenc Puskas, Hungary: (1927): Supreme scorer for Hungary with 83 goals in 84 internationals and when most people thought his great days were behind him he embarked on another dazzling career in his 30s for Real Madrid. Short and stocky, he could not shoot with his right foot and headed the ball only when he had to …but his left foot was something different. Incredible ball control allied to a quick, alert mind made him exploit openings before opponents had even seen them. The power of his left foot became a legend. A likeable personality off the field, the galloping majoras he became known was not always a favourite with the Hungarian fans because of his sometime unsportsmanlike behaviour. Even blamed for Hungary’s 1954 World Cup final defeat to Germany because he insisted on playing when he knew he was not fit, having been injured by Liebrich in the group game against Germany.
Top scorers: Sandor Kocsis (Hun) 11; Max Morlock (Frg) 6; Josef Hugi (Swi) 6; Erich Probst (Aut) 5; Ferenc Puskas (Hun) 4; Nandor Hidegkuti (Hun) 4; Hans Schafer (Frg) 4; Ottmar Walter (Frg) 4; Helmut Rahn (Frg) 4; Carlos Borges (Uru) 4; Ernst Stojaspal (Aut) 4; Robert Ballaman (Swi) 4.
Trivia:
— This was the first tournament to be televised.
— Four groups of four teams was the playing format used and FIFA decided for the first time to seed the top two in each group. They were never to meet and therefore each country only played two matches instead of the normal three.
— Scotland’s first World Cup game ended with a 0-1 defeat by Austria in Group Three.
— Hungary registered the highest goals total in a World Cup match when it beat South Korea 9-0 in Zurich. Sandor Kocsis scored three and later hit four goals in an 8-3 demolition of West Germany.
— West Germany deliberately fielded a weaker team in the 8-3 group stages loss to Hungary, saving its strongest team for the play-off against Turkey. The plan obviously worked as it won 7-2.
— Switzerland caused a sensation almost as great as England’s defeat against the USA four years earlier when it eliminated Italy 4-1 in Basle.
— Hungary’s violent 4-2 quarterfinal win over Brazil was the first time in the World Cup that both sides had scored from the penalty spot, Mihaly Lantos for Hungary and Djalma Santos for Brazil.
— Before the final against West Germany, Hungary was unbeaten for four years, spanning 32 matches, of which it had won 28, scoring 15 goals in total.
— West Germany recorded the highest goals tally for a winning team scoring 25 in its six matches. It also conceded the most — 14, another record.
— Top scorer was Kocsis of Hungary with 11, who became the first player to score over ten in the tournament.
The winning squad: West Germany: Goalkeepers: Heinz Kwiatkowski, Anton Turek. Defenders: Hans Bauer, Werner Kohlmeyer, Bernhard Klode, Fritz Laband, Werner Liebrich, Karl Mai, Paul Mebus, Josef Posipal. Midfielders: Horst Eckel, Maximilian Morlock, Alfred Paff, Fritz Walter (capt). Forwards: Richard Hermann, Helmut Rahn, Hans Schaeffer, Ottmar Walter. Coach: Josef Herberger.
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Raffarin faces tough task choosing Cabinet
By Vaiju Naravane
Paris
May 7.
France’s new Prime Minister, 53-year-old Jean-Pierre Raffarin, a close Chirac ally from a minor right-wing party professing free market policies, ran into heavy weather while finalising the composition of his new Cabinet today.
The announcement of the new Cabinet was repeatedly delayed because of tough behind-the-scenes bargaining by several would-be Ministers. The Government has less than 35 days before France goes to the polls again to elect a new legislature. Mr. Raffarin, working closely with the President, Jacques Chirac, is expected to adopt a flurry of new populist measures in order to seduce the public just prior to the June 9 and 16 legislative poll.
Mr. Chirac, who was elected on May 5 with over 80 per cent of the votes, has declared that the Government will focus on “action” to respond to demands spelled out by discontented electors. He is expected to announce tough new security measures, including the creation of detention centres for young offenders and an increase in the number of policemen and judges.
In an attempt to woo the business community, pensioners and the poor, the Government plans to lower corporate and income tax. Mr. Raffarin is also expected to relax legislation on the 35-hour work week introduced by the outgoing socialist government.
There were several long faces among close Chirac aides who were keen on cabinet posts but were politely told there was no place for them.
Others were sulking because their first choice was not granted. These included the new Minister for Security, Nicolas Sarkozy, an ambitious right-wing politician who had his eye on the Prime Minister’s post. Philippe Douste Blazy, the Mayor of Toulouse, declined the Ministry of Education saying he would accept the post of Prime Minister and nothing else. Dominique Galouzeau de Villepin who ran Mr. Chirac’s office had hoped to get the new Ministry of Security and the Interior. He is likely to get the Foreign Affairs portfolio. Francis Mer, the former director of the steel giant Arcelor, was offered the post of Economy Minister but reportedly turned it down. The sensitive portfolio of Defence is to go to a woman, Ms. Michele Alliot-Marie and has caused the former Interior Minister, Jean Louis Debre, to go into a monumental sulk.
The person pulling the strings behind the scenes is Mr. Chirac’s eminence grise, former Prime Minister and Mayor of Bordeaux, Alain Juppe. Mr. Juppe, who was Prime Minister from 1995 to 1997, hopes to be the right-wing candidate for President in 2007.
Dominique Galouzeau de Villepin, an old India hand, is tipped to become the new Foreign Minister.
Mr. de Villepin served in New Delhi in the Eighties as counsellor and was the French Embassy spokesman in Washington from 1984-89. The distinctly pro-India policies adopted by France in the past five years are largely credited to Mr. de Villepin.Another former India hand is expected to be recalled by the Government.
Maurice Gourdault-Montagne, who was in New Delhi in the mid-1980s and later served as head of the Prime Minister, Alain Juppe’s cabinet between 1995 and 1997, is expected to return to France from his current post as Ambassador to Japan to take up a senior administrative position.
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Fastest Growing Alternative To Teak
Posted on: May 2, 2002
Fastest growing alternative to teak
Mangium survives various terrains and soil conditions, including degraded areas such as bushes, grasslands, open areas and even compact ground.
MANGIUM (Acacia mangium) is one amongst the three fastest growing useful hardwood trees. This native of Australia is also known as Brown Sal, is a major re-forestation tree in Malaysia with more than 80 per cent of new plantation.
A hardy tree, Mangium survives various terrains and soil conditions, including degraded areas such as bushes, grasslands, open areas and even compact grounds. In a project near Ramanathapuram, good progress has been achieved under drought conditions, in dune formed sandy area with high winds. Within a year the eight hectares of plantation has out-grown tress planted much earlier and have already formed thick canopy providing shade and acting as windbreakers now.
Saplings raised with seeds, naturally crossbred and hybridised, produces disease resistant quality timber trees. The tree is usually planted for windbreakers, erosion control, in agro forestry and for pollution control.
Planting is done during monsoon the pit size should be 50 x 50 x 50 cms filled with red soil, river sand, FYM, at the ratio of 1:2:1. Plants planted at 1.5m between plants and 2.5m between rows at 2650 plants/Ha with 10 per cent on mortality, 30 per cent thinning in 2nd year, 20 per cent thinning in 5th year, 25 per cent in 1st harvest in the 10th year 20 cuft round logs/ trees at Rs. 150/cuft and 15 per cent in the final harvest in the 15th year 30 cuft round logs/ tree at Rs. 200/cuft.
Irrigation care should be taken during the first two years of planting. Drip irrigation yields best results in the long run.
Diseases and prevention: The two most common diseases which affect the tree are root rot and heart rots. They are effectively controlled with the usage of 1 per cent bordeaux mixture, Rhizobium, Phosphobacteria and VAM.
Caterpillars and grasshoppers occasionally cause problems. They can be controlled by usual methods. Regular pruning of branches makes it grow straight.. It can be grown with other shade resistant medicinal plants (Gymnema Sylvestre) black pepper, for interim returns.
T. Shashi Kumar
Chennai
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My Soccer World 