Care in the first three years

Young imli trees need protection from frost, cattle and summer drought, and a little shaping, but once established they need very little care.

Frost. ICRAF warns that young trees are killed by the slightest frost, and the ICAR dryland researchers describe the tree as prone to frost. In the north, cover a young sapling loosely with a jute or straw hood on nights when IMD warns of frost or a cold wave, and remove it in the morning (practical guidance).

Shaping. ICRAF suggests pruning young trees so that 3–5 well-spaced branches form the main framework; after that, only dead or damaged wood needs removing. TNAU adds removing dried, diseased and criss-cross branches.

Weeds and mulch. Weed the basin during the rains and mulch it with straw or dry leaves, kept a hand's width from the stem (practical guidance).

A slow start is normal. ICRAF and PROSEA give seedling growth of about 60 cm a year and a young, non-fruiting phase of 4–5 years or longer.

Pests and diseases. ICRAF lists scale insects, mealybugs and borers that attack pods and seeds, and in India leaf spot, powdery mildew, sooty mould and stem and root rots. If you see white powder or a black coating on leaves, sticky leaves, holes in pods or a damaged trunk, take a sample or clear photos to your local Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) or forest department, and do not spray anything without their advice.