Economic Importance of Farmer Friendly Weed Amaranthus Spinosus L. In Non Irrigated Agronomic Pattern of Satara District.

Abstract

Amaranthus spinosus L. is a member of family Amaranthaceae is widely distributed throughout the tropics and warm temperate regions of Asia from Japan to Indonesia to India, the Pacific islands and Australia as a weed in cultivated as well as uncultivated lands. In Indian traditional system of medicine and AyurvedaAmaranthus spinosusL.is used as digestible, laxative, diuretic, stomachic, antipyretic, improves the appetite, biliousness, blooddiseases, burning sensation, leprosy, bronchitis, piles andleucorrhoea. Its extract is used for its antiinflammatory properties, effect on hematology, immunomodulatory activity, anthelmintic properties, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic and spermatogenic. (Mishra et al, 2012). In Maharashtra it is commonly known as "Kate Math" or "Deth" as it is utilized as leaf vegetable when young and tender stem vegetable at time of flowering. In Satara district it is commonly known as "Dhesa" where whole stem along with roots is used as vegetable. It is most common food throughout Satara district in non irrigated and low rainfall zones. It is also a common vegetable in Narayangaon and other suburban cities of Pune district where Amaranthus spinosusL. is used as stem vegetable on sacred occasions called "Mahal".