Pongamia pinnata (L.): Composition and advantages in agriculture: A review

Abstract

Pongamia (Pongamia pinnata) is a multipurpose leguminous tree containing non-edible oil grows throughout the India. Pongamia cake has rich source of minerals, amino acids, also contains secondary metabolites. Pongamia oil contains fatty acids, Pongamia leaf contains nutrients. Pongamia pinnata has a high nutritious value with macro and micronutrients such as nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, copper and iron as an excellent fertilizer source in organic agriculture. Historically, this plant has long been used in India and neighboring regions as a source of traditional medicines (cough, cold, mental disorders, leprosy, diarrhea, ulcers etc.), as a fodder and feed, as a green leaf manure, as a timber, as a fish poison, as a soil binder, as a soil reclaimer, as a biofuel and also pollen source for mainly honey bees. Pongamia cake has a good soil nutrient source improves soil fertility. Oil extracted from the seeds of Pongamia is used in agriculture, pharmacy and as a biofuel. It has similar insecticidal properties as neem oil and acts against a number of pests and insects. Karanjin is the main active ingredient of Pongamia oil. It acts as an acaricide and insecticide while the cake (a byproduct after extracting oil) was found to be rich in all plant nutrients used as a source of plant nutrients.