FB-ODC 3 is an annual-type moringa selection bred for pod quality and early bearing. Plants reach 8-10 feet in the first year and throw 6-10 primary branches. Pods are evenly fleshy with good girth, taste, flavour and aroma, and they hold their freshness after picking better than common types - which is what makes ODC 3 the preferred drumstick for organised trade and export.
Key characteristics
| Pod colour | Attractive dark green |
| Pod size | 2 to 2.5 feet long with 2 to 2.5 inch girth |
| Pod weight | 70-90 g with about 80% flesh |
| Pod quality | Evenly fleshy, good taste, flavour and aroma; long shelf life |
| Plant | 8-10 ft in a year with 6-10 primary branches |
| Yield | 25-30 tonnes per acre per year |
Agronomy
| First harvest | 8-9 months after transplanting |
| Seed rate | 1-1.5 kg per acre |
| Spacing | 3 m between trees, rows 3 m apart |
| Land preparation | Perennial cultivars - pits of 45 x 45 x 45 cm at 6 x 6 m spacing; annual cultivars - pits at 2.5 x 2.5 m. Fill each pit with soil mixed with 10-15 kg FYM or compost plus 100 g nitrogen, 200 g phosphorus and 50 g potassium before the onset of the monsoon. |
| Growing tips | Soak seed 24 hours and dry in the shade before planting for faster germination. Raise seedlings in a large container indoors in cold regions. Needs well-drained soil at pH 6-7. Flowering occurs once or twice a year. For fresh greens, harvest young seedlings, growing tips and young leaves. |
| Season | March to May and July to October |
Yield and maturity figures depend on season, region and cultural practice. Seed rate and spacing follow Indian agricultural practice and Farmson R&D trial data.
