The Kulitis Plant

Bureau of Plant Industry

Abstract

Pigweed (Amaranthus spp.; Amaranthaceae) is comprised of approximately 60 species having diverse morphological characteristics. Although several species are considered as weeds, amaranth is valued as a leaf vegetable, cereal and as an ornamental plant. It is an annual herbaceous fast-growing plant that is easily propagated in home gardens and agricultural lands. . The plant traces its origins in the American continent where it was considered as staple food together with maize and beans. Amaranth, which was first introduced as an ornamental plant in Europe in the 16th century, subsequently spread worldwide during the 17-19th century. It became an important grain and/or vegetable crop in India and China. At present, there are 4 species documented as cultivated vegetables in eastern Asia namely, A. cruentus, A. blitum, A. dubius, and A. tricolor. In the Philippines, a spiny relative amaranth (A. spinosus L.) locally known as uray or kulitis thrives in low-lying areas along sand bars and margins of streams. Most Filipinos grow Amaranth as a green leafy vegetable since it provides 2-3 times the nutrients of other vegetables. Amaranth contains vitamins (A, B6, C, riboflavin, folate, and K) and dietary nutrients (Ca, Fe, Mg, P, K, Zn, and Cu).

Furthermore, vegetable amaranths had been reported to have medicinal properties and are recommended for young children, lactating mothers and patients with fever, hemorrhage, anemia or kidney problems. High potassium content in leaves confers diuretic properties and helps maintain proper electrolyte and acid-base balance in the body. Its high fiber content helps in the removal of toxins and body wastes. Leaves of the wild A. spinosus L. are likewise used as medication against venereal diseases and as dressing on boils. Similarly, regular consumption of seeds or oil helps in reducing blood pressure and cholesterol levels, while improving antioxidant status and some immune parameters owing to their higher protein content. Kulitis is very common in the grassland and sometimes occurs in cornfields with saluyot. In Visayas, Amaranthus is also used as fodder for ducks.

Amaranths grow well in low-lying areas with fertile, well-drained soil, 25°C/15°C day/night temperature and about 6 mm/day rainfall. It is propagated either by direct seeding or transplanting. For direct seeding, seeds are either planted in rows 0.5-1.0 cm deep and 10-20 x 5 cm apart and covered with a layer of compost or rice hull while broadcasting is done at a seeding rate of 2-5 g/m2 (20-50 kg/ha). On the other hand, for transplanting the recommended seeding rate is 2 kg/ha. For better yield, application of inorganic and organic fertilizers and regular watering are needed after sowing or transplanting. Since kulitis seeds are small and slow growing, hand weeding should be done when necessary. Damage due to insect pests are regulated by using botanical pesticides, overhead irrigation or washing plants with a strong jet of water to knock off mites and destroy their webs. Amaranths are susceptible to damping-off disease caused by Pythium spp., and Rhizoctonia solani, and Choanephora rot caused by Choanephora cucurbitarium. To preclude crop loses, it is advisable to plant only certified disease-free seeds and maintain good field sanitation and proper plant distances. Depending on variety, kulitis can be harvested 20-45 days after sowing. In the market, it needs to be sprinkled with water or immersed in a basinful of water once uprooted.

There were no recorded information on area and volume of production of kulitis in Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) data base.