History of Technology in India, Vol. I: From Antiquity to c. 1200 A.D. v1.c24.s4.12

v1.c24.s4.12

Varāhamihira (*Bṛhatsaṃhitā* 54. 14-15) deals with the question of the diseases (*roga*) of trees in a matter-of-fact manner, without importing any of the notions associated with the science of ayurveda. He lists four such diseases : searing of leaves (*pāṇḍu patratā*), arrest of the growth of leaves (*avṛddhi*), drying of the branches (*śakhāsoṣa*) and excessive exudation of the sap (*rasaśruti*) and attributes them to cold, wind and sun (sitavatatapa). The remedy recommended is to clear the afflicted part first with the help of a weapon23 and then to plaster them with Vidanga and ghee and sprinkle them with water mixed with milk.