ECO-FRIENDLY DISEASE MANAGEMENT STRATEGIES IN SPICE CROPS

Abstract

Disease problems are serious in spice crops and have been recognised as major production constrains. Phytophthora foot rot and slow decline in black pepper, capsule rot (Azhukal) and clump rot in cardamom , rizhome rot in ginger and turmeric and fusarial wilts in cumin and coriander are serious soil borne diseases that take a heavy losses. High degree of host resistance is not available in any of these crops. Chemical control though to some extent reduce the disease, it is not cost effective in many cases. Spices being export oriented even traces of pesticides residues would affect the trade. Besides, the agrochemicals applied are prone for leaching due to heavy rainfall. Many of these diseases being soil borne , the targetability of the fungicides to the pathogens which lie in pepper leaves of soil is a limiting factor. In view of these factors biocontrol programmes to manage these diseases have been intensified. Biocontrol becomes an important component of integrated disease management. This being eco friendly and slow in action compared to agrochemicals, it is essential to strictly adhere to culture practices that would reduce the disease incidence, in order to release optimum result.