CULTIVATION PRACTICES FOR CARDAMOM Elettaria cardamomum Maton
Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<<
CULTIVATION PRACTICES FOR CARDAMOM
Elettaria cardamomum Maton
Published by
Spices Board Ministry of Commerce & Industry Government of India Cochin – 682 025
Copies - 6000 Copies January 2009
Printed at Niseema Printers & Publishers, Kochi - 18 2
<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Introduction Cardamom (Elettaria (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) cardamomum Maton) the ìQueen of Spicesî enjoys a unique position in the international spices market, as one of the most sought after spices. Cardamom is indigenous to the southern stretch of evergreen forests of Western Ghats. Till early seventies India was the main producer and exporter of this commodity. commodity. Now Guatemala has emerged as worldís worl dís largest producer, offering stiff competition to Indian cardamom in the international market. Tanzania, Sri Lanka, EL Salvador, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia and Papua New Guinea are the other cardamom growing countries. In India, cardamom is cultivated in the southern states of Kerala, Karnataka and Tami Tami Nadu. Kerala accounts for 60 per cent of the cultivation followed by Karnataka (32 per cent) and Tami Nadu (8 per cent). The total area under cardamom in India is estimated to be around 69,000 hectares (2007-08). Cardamom is used for flavouring various food preparations, confectionary,, beverages and liquors. It is also used for medicinal purpose, confectionary both in Allopathy and Ayurveda systems. In the Middle East countries, cardamom is mainly used for preparation of ëGahwaí (cardamom flavoured coffee). The cardamom of commerce is the dried fruit (capsule) of the plant, Elettaria cardamomum cardamomum Maton. The genus belongs to the natural order Scitamine, family Zingiberaceae Zingiberaceae under Monocotyledons. It is basically a psiophytic plant growing under shade in evergreen forests. It is propagated through seeds, suckers and tissue culture plantlets. Cardamom plants mature in about 20-22 months after planting. Economic yield starts from 3rd year of planting and it continues up to 8-12 years for high yielding varieties depending upon the level of management. The life span of a cardamom plant is 30 years or more, but each pseudostem is biannual in nature. Varieties Two varieties of cardamom plants are identified and they are Elettaria cardamomum Maton, cardamomum Maton, variety major comprised comprised of wild indigenous types of Sri Lanka and Elettaria cardamomum cardamomum Maton, variety, minor comprising comprising of cultivars like, Mysore Mysore,, Malabar and Vazhukka Vazhukka.. These types are grown in different tracts and are mostly identified on the nature of panicles, size of plants and other morphological characters. Cardamom varieties are highly location specific.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< A mature mature cardamom cardamom plant may measure measure two to four meters in height. It is a shallow rooted plant. Tiller production takes place throughout the year. However, peak period is form January to March. Flowers are borne on panicles, which emerge directly from the swollen base of the aerial shoot. It is a cross-pollinated plant and pollination occurs by external agents like honeybees. The panicles are erect in Cv , ëMy ëMysor soreí eí prostrat pros trate e in i n Cv ëMalabar ëMalabaríí and intermediate (pendent) in Cv ëVazhukkaí azhukkaí.. Panicles Pan icles may be b e branched bra nched or simple. The peak period of panicle emergence is from November to March. Flowering normally commences from February and extends to October; May August being the peak flowering period. After fruit set, about 90-120 days are required for the fruits to attain maturity. The capsules are globose or ovoid or narrowly ellipsoid to elongate in shape, trilocular, containing 15-20 seeds. On maturity, maturity, seeds turn dark brown to black in colour and capsule is pale green to dark green. Cultivar Malabar These cardamom plants have medium size and attain two to three meters height on maturity. The dorsal side of leaves may be pubescent or glabrous. The panicles are prostrate and the capsules are globose to oblong shaped. This type of cardamom plants is better suited to areas of 600 to 1200 meters elevation. ëMalabarí type is considered as relatively less susceptible to thrips. This type is mostly cultivated in Karnataka. It can thrive under low rainfall and short duration rainfall conditions. Malabar types are cultivated to a lesser extent in Kerala (Kannielam (Kannielam tract) and Tamil Nadu (Lower Pulney hills). Cultivar Mysore Plants belonging to this type are robust and attain three to four meters in height. The leaves are lanceolate or oblong to lanceolate and glabrous on both sides. The panicles are erect and the capsules are ovoid bold and dark green in colour. They are better adapted to altitudes ranging from 900 to 1200 meters from sea level and thrive well under assured, well-distributed rainfall conditions. This type is mostly cultivated in Kerala in certain pockets of Tamil Nadu and Karnataka. Cultivar Va Vazhukka zhukka This is considered to be a natural hybrid of Malabar and and Mysore Mysore types types and consequently, the plants belonging to this group exhibit various characteristics intermediate to these two types. The plants are robust like
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Cv. Mysore Cv. Mys ore.. Its leaves are deep green, oblong to lanceolate or ovate, panicles are semi-erect (pendent) and capsules are bold, globose or ovoid in shape. It is extensively cultivated in Kerala and Tamil Nadu at elevations ranging form 900 ñ 1200 meters above sea level. High yielding varieties and selections Various research institutions working on the crop improvement aspects of cardamom have released a number of elite location specific high yielding clones having an yield potential of above 450 kg per hectare (rainfed) and superior capsule characters. Prominent among them are detailed in Table 1. In addition to this, there are several high yielding clones selected by cardamom farmers. The most popular and widely cultivated farmer variety is ëNjallani green goldí which has very high yield potential and good quality characters. Others prominent selections are Palakkudy, Panikulangara -1, Vally green bold, Elarani, PNS Vaigai, cardamom vander, Kalarickal white cardamom etc. Climate and Soil The natural habitat of cardamom is the evergreen forests of Western Ghats. It is found to grow within an altitude ranging between 600 and 1200 meters above MSL. Though considerable variations both in the total rainfall pattern and its distributions are noticed in the cardamom tracts (9004000mm), a well distributed rainfall of 1500-2500mm with not less than 200mm summer showers and mean temperature of 15 to 250C would be ideal. Cardamom generally grows well in forest loamy soils that are acidic in nature, the preferable pH being 5.5-6.5. Cardamom soils are high in organic matter and nitrogen, low to medium in available phosphorous and medium to high in available potassium. Nursery Management In order to raise a cardamom plantation, suckers or seedlings of high yielding varieties suiting to the location are to be used. If virus free production of planting material could be ensured, vegetative propagation through suckers is the best method. However, vegetative propagation has the inherent inhere nt disadvantage of reducing the genetic base of cardamom. Sucker propagation is the accepted practice in Kerala and Tamilnadu. Traditionally, cardamom plantations were raised from seeds. It is still the common and advisable practice in Karnataka mainly because of the rampant virus disease infestation.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< Table 1: High yielding varieties and selections N o.
Selection/ Varieties
Cultivar Special distinguishing characteristics
Area of adaptability
Source
1
ICRI - 1
Malabar
South Idukki zone of Kerala, where the rainfall is well distributed
660
2
ICRI -2
Mysore
ICRI (Spices Board) Myladumpara Idukki, Kerala ñ 685 553 Do
3
ICRI -3
Malabar
Early maturing type, non-pubescent leaves, oblong bold, parrot green capsules.
600
4
ICRI ñ 4 (TDK-4)
Malabar
An early maturing variety adaptable to low rainfall area. Medium size panicle, globose bold parrot green capsules. Non pubescent leaves.
Regional Station, ICRI (Spices Board) Saklespur Karnataka Regional Station ICRI (Spice Board) Thadiankudise) Tamil Nadu 624 212
5
ICRI ñ 5
Malabar
ICRI (Spices Board) Idukki
2000
6
ICRI ñ 6
Malabar
Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu
ICRI
1900
7
PV -1
Malabar
Hybrid variety, early bearing, High yield, high oil content deep green a bold capsule, moderately talent to rot disease Regular yielder, high oil content, deep green long bold capsule, moderately tolerant to rot pathogens trips, borer and drought. An early maturing variety with slightly ribbed light green capsules. Short panicle, close racemes, narrowly ellipsoid to elongate capsules
All Cardamom growing tracts in Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu
Cardamom Res. Station, Kerala Agri, University Pampadumpara Kerala 685556
500
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An early maturing profusely flowering variety, medium sized panicle with globose, extra bold, dark green coloured capsules Performs well under irrigated conditions. Suititaabl Su blee fo for hi high gheer alt altitituude. It has medium long and parrot green capsules
Vandanmedu and Nellia l iampath thyy of Kerala and Anamalai and Meghamalai of Tami Nadu Cardamom growing tract of Karnataka
Adapted to Lowar Pulney hills of Tamil Nadu. Suitable for low rainfall area (1500 mm) and having similar agroecological conditions. Kerala and parts of Tamil Nadu
Yield Potential (Kg/ha)
766
460
<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom No.
Selection/ Varieties
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PV - 2
Cultivar Special distinguishing characteristics
Vazhukka High yielder, deep green l loong bold capsule, high dry recovery percent. 9 Mudigere -1 Malabar Compact plant, suitable for high density planting. Tolerant to hairy caterpillars and white grubs. Short panicle, oval bold, pale green capsules. Tolerant to thrips and shoot borer pubescent leaves 10 Mudigere Malabar Suited for cultivation in ñ2 valleys in Karnataka 11
IISR, Suvasini (CCS-1)
Malabar
An early maturing variety suitable for high density planting long panicle, oblong bold, parrot green capsules
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IISR Avinash (RR ñ 1)
Malabar
Resistant to rhizome rot disease, Suited Suited for hot spots of rhizome rot and leaf bilght diseases. High quality elongated capsules
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IISR Vijetha (NKE ñ 12)
Malabar
Tolerant to Katte disease
Area of adaptability
Kerala
Source
CRS Pambadumpara Idukki In the traditional Regional Res. cardamom Station, growing University Malanad of Agri. areas of Sciences Karnataka Mudigere, Karnataka 577 132 Suited for Regional Res. Karnataka Station, UAS, (Valley ar areas) Mudigere All Cardamom India Institute growing tracts of Spice of Karnataka Research, and Wynad Regional of Kerala Centre (ICAR) Appangala Appa ngala 571 201 Karnataka Kodagu, North IISR Wayanad, Way anad, Cardamom Cardam om Hassan and Research Chikmagalur Centre, Appangala Karnataka Kodagu, North IISSR Wayanad, Hassan Cardamom and Chikmagalur Research Center, Appangala Appa ngala Karnataka
Yield Potential (Kg/ha) 1200
275
475 (Rainfed) 400
850
650
Vegetative (sucker) propagation Vegetative multiplication ensures true to type plantlets from high yielding mother plants. Plants raised from rhizome show uniformity in growth and come to bearing earlier than the seedling-raised plants. However, sucker propagation carries the risk of viral disease spread and hence this method may be best avoided in the viral disease hot spots of cardamom tract.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< Sucker multiplication may be taken up from the first week of March to September depending upon the weather conditions. The site is selected in open gently slopping well-drained areas near water source. Trenches of 45 cm wide and 45cm deep and convenient length are taken across the slope along the contour at 1.8 meter apart. They are filled with equal quantity of humus rich topsoil, sand and composted cattle manure. Uproot a part of the high yielding disease free mother clump identified in the plantation. Care should be taken to identify and collect mother clumps only from areas totally free from viral diseases. Trim the roots and separate suckers so that the minimum planting unit consists of one grown up tiller with a growing young shoot. Plant them at a spacing of 100cm in filled up trenches making a small pit. Apply 50 grams of Mycorrhizae (AM) fungi before planting of the suckers in the pit. Provide sufficient mulch and stake each planting unit. Provide overhead pandal overhead pandal as as in the case of seedlings nursery and remove shading material with onset of monsoon. Provide irrigation irrigati on once in a fortnight and adopt necessary plant protection measures. Apply Apply fertilizers 25: 25: 50 grams per sucker NPK in two to three splits from two months after planting. Apply neemcake @ 100-150 grams per plant along with fertilizers. On an average 15 -20 good quality planting units (one grown up sucker with a growing young shoot) could be produced from a mother clump with in ten months of planting. Seedling nursery Primary nursery Select nursery sites on gentle sloppy area and preferably near to a perennial water source. Clean the area from all existing vegetation, stumps, roots, stones etc. In the cleared area, beds can be prepared having one meter width, 20 cm height and at required length, generally six meters. Jungle topsoil can be spread to a thickness of two to three cm on the beds. Fumigate Fumi gate the beds with two per cent formaline (10 liters per bed), which will help in eliminating soil borne pathogens, nematodes and other soil pests. Fumigation should be done in raised nursery beds before sowing. The beds should be made airtight by covering with polythene sheets and the fumigant is allowed to penetrate into the soil for two or three days. Later the treated beds should be kept open for another week before taking up sowing. Fully ripened bold capsules from high yielding and disease- free mother clumps of known source can be collected from second and third harvests for seed extraction. One kg of fresh capsules would give 350-400 fruits depending upon variety, seed size and number of seeds/capsule. Seeds after extraction should be washed using water to remove the mucilage. It is
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom then mixed with wood ash and dried in shade. 175-200 grams seed is required to raise quality seedlings required for one hectare. Seeds are to be sown as early as possible, preferably within 15 days after extraction since seeds looses its viability on storage. Sowing in September gives maximum germination under field conditions; winter and peak southwest monsoon period should be avoided. Even under ideal conditions, the germination is often less than 50 per cent only. Breaking of hard seed coat through seed treatment with acid or similar chemicals improves germination. Acid scarification with 25 per cent nitric acid for 10 minutes to break the seed coat will enhance germination. The seed is ready for sowing the next day. day. Sowing can be done in lines in rows at a distance of 10 cm. Seed rate is 30 to 50 grams grams per 6x1 meter size size bed. After sowing cover the bed with thin layer of fine soil and then with mulch material, such as potha as potha grass or grass or paddy straw. straw. Avoid Avoid the contact of mulch material with the soil by spreading the mulch over tree twigs laid across the bed. Water the beds to sufficient moisture conditions. Once sprouting is observed, remove the mulch and cover the bed with thinly sliced mulch material in between rows. To To protect the seedling from direct sunlight, provide overhead pandal overhead pandal . Germination commences 20 to 25 days after sowing and continues for further 30 to 40 days. Seedlings when reach four-six leaf stage (five-six months after sowing) is transplanted to secondary nursery Secondary Nursery There are two methods of raising seedling in secondary nursery: They are bed and polybag nurseries. Bed nursery: Prepare nursery: Prepare beds as in primary nursery. nursery. A layer layer of cattle manure and wood ash may be spread on the bed and mixed with soil. Seedling of three to four leaf stage from the primary nursery beds can be transplanted in the secondary nursery at a distance of 20 to 25cms. Mulching and watering of beds should be done immediately after transplanting. Over head pandal head pandal can be erected to protect seedlings from direct sunlight. Poly bag nursery: Black HM/HDP bags of size 20x20cm having minimum 100gsm thickness with three to four holes at the bottom can be used for this purpose. Fill the bags with potting mixture in the ratio of 3:1:1 of jungle topsoil, cow dung and sand. The bags may be arranged in rows of convenient length and breadth for easy management. One healthy and disease free seedling at three to four-leaf stage can be transplanted into each bag.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< Cardamom plants from secondary nursery/polybags can be transplanted to the main field during the last week of May after receipt of south west monsoon. Field Planting and Management For planting in a new area, ground should be cleared and if it is replanting area, old plants should be removed. Shade regulation, terracing and preparation of pits should be done during summer months. Shade regulation Shade regulation is one of the important practices that should be attended to during summer (March-April) in the new planting areas and during May-June after the receipt of summer showers in the existing plantation. If there is thick shade, chopping chopping off branches should be done to provide filtered light of 40 to 60 percent of the open area. Cut alternate side branches of tree in the lower one third to half portion of the total canopy height. Lopping should not be done on one side only. only. Cutting branches from all the sides ensures a balanced canopy. canopy. South-Western slopes should be provided with more shade than North-Eastern slopes. Shade trees should have small leaves, tap root system syste m and in summer, it should not shed leaves. If area is open due to tree fall, planting of quick growing tree spices like Karuna (Vernonia arborea arborea), ), Corangati ( Acrocarpus Acrocarpus fraxinifolius fraxinifolius), ), Chandana Viambu (Toona ciliata ciliata), ), Njaval (Syzygium cumini ), ), Jack tree ( Atrocarpus Atrocarpus hetrophyllus)) etc. should be taken up to protect the plants from direct sun hetrophyllus light. Field preparation Field operations are to be undertaken with the objective of preventing soil erosion and to conserve soil moisture. In sloppy areas, soil should be protected from soil erosion for which planting should be taken up in terraces. Terraces should be made at required distances on contours depending on the spacing adopted. Pits of 90x90x45 cm can be prepared before commencement of monsoon, about 1/3 of the pit should be filled with top soil and 1/3 should be filled with 1:3 mixture of organic manure and top soil. Planting Planting material of high yielding variety suitable for the areas may be selected for planting. They may be planted in the already prepared and filled pits and plants should be protected from wind by staking. For Mysore and Vazhukka Vazhukka cultivars, plants to plants distances can be 3x3 meters (1111plants per hectare). A spacing of 2.4x2.4meters (1736 plants/ha) is
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom recommended for Tamilnadu 1.8x1.8 meters spacing (3086 plants per hectare) is suitable suita ble for Cv. Malabar in in Karnataka. Immediately after planting, the plant base should be mulched well with available dried leaves to prevent soil erosion and conserve moisture. Planting should be done diagonally to the slope to reduce runoff. Weed management Weeds are potential competitors to cardamom for water and nutrients. At the initial stage of plant establishment, weed growth will be more. Two or three rounds of hand weeding at the plant base during May, September and December/January and slash weeding in the inter-space are advisable. Use of spade for weeding is to be avoided as it will loosen the soil and cause soil erosion. The weeded materials may be used for mulching. Irrigation Irrigation is required generally during summer months and also during periods of prolonged dry spells, if it coincides with the critical periods of plant growth where development of young tillers and panicles takes place. Water may be stored during rainy season through various water harvesting measures with out causing much damage to the environment. Irrigation can be done through different methods such as pot irrigation, hose irrigation, sprinkler irrigation, drip irrigation or micro-sprink micro-sprinkler/mist/fogg ler/mist/fogger er irrigation. Pot irrigation or hose irrigation can be done at weekly intervals at the rate of 2030 liters per plant depending upon the clump size. In case of sprinkler, irrigation with amount of water equivalent to 35 to 45 mm rain at fortnightly intervals is recommended under normal conditions. In case of drip or microsprinkler irrigation, water at the rate of five to six liters per clump per day can be given. Fogger/mist irrigation system is used largely to create a suitable microclimate within the plant eco-system to create favorable environment for growth, flowering and seed setting. The frequency of operation of the irrigation systems depends on the macroclimate in the plantation and hence has to be standardised for specific local weather situation. Irrigation is to be undertaken with utmost care to avoid excess wetness at the plant base for prolonged period to prevent occurrence of azukal /rot /rot diseases. Soil and water conservation Conservation of natural resources like soil and water is very important for sustainable production of the crop. cro p. All cultural operations should be aimed at causing least exposure of the soil to rain. Opening of rectangular silt pit (1.0x0.5x0.6 meter) in between four plants will help in soil and water conservation on gentle slopes. If slope is steep, construction of stone pitching
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< walls at 10-20 meters intervals across the slope and also making watercollecting trenches along drainage channels at selected intervals will be helpful in non-landslide prone areas. However However,, any mechanical/permanent soil conservation measures should be adopted based on scientific soil/ topography/rainfall based parameters under expert advice, as unscientific based structures may lead to land sliding. Forking and mulching As far as possible, the entire plantation and particularly the plant base are to be kept under mulch for reducing evaporation loss, suppress weed growth and to maintain optimum soil temperature. It is very essential to keep the plant base mulched (5-10 cm thick), except during periods of heavy monsoon (June to September). Through adopting the best soil management practices, the soils will remain loose and friable. However, in situations where soil has become compact and hard, forking the plant base to a distance up to 90cm and to a depth of 9-12 cm may be beneficial to enhance root proliferation, better infiltration of summer showers and for improving soil aeration. Forking could be done with the cessation of north east monsoon during November/December taking care to cause least damages to the root system. Trashing and pruning Trashing consists consists of removing old tillers, dead rhizome and dry leaves and leaf sheaths. This operation may be carried out once in a year at any time after the receipt of the pre-monsoon showers, in May. Pruning is the operation undertaken with sharp sickles for removing the dead and hanging leaves from the pseudo-stem. Care should be taken not to peel off the leaf sheath from the Pseudo-stem. This operation may be done during January and during September, which coincides with the peak thrips population. The resultant plant materials obtained through pruning can be used for mulching. Earthing up Whenever, the top soil covering the plant base is washed away and the rhizomes and roots are exposed, earthing-up of the plant base with top soil is recommended during November/December November/December,, before the withdrawal of north east monsoon. While carrying out this operation, care should be exercised to ensure that only top soil is used, and it is evenly and thinly spread at the base covering only half the bulb portion of the rhizome. This operation helps to keep the top 10 to 15 cm soil loose and friable enabling easy root penetration and water percolation.
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Lime application The cardamom soils are generally acidic in nature. However, soil test results indicate that in major areas of cardamom cultivation, the pH of the soils decreased to levels that need immediate corrections over a period of last 15 years. Application of lime/dolomite is essential if pH of the soil is <5.5. Though the quantity of lime is to be arrived at by assessing the lime requirement of the soil, for practical purpose, application of agricultural lime is recommended @ one kg per plant per year for soils with pH below 5.0. Lime is to be applied in one or two splits during May and September. Fertilizer shall be applied only after 15-20 days of lime application. Manures and fertiilser application Cardamom responds to both manuring and fertilizer application. A soil test based judicious manuring schedule is to be arrived at to achieve optimum production on sustainable basis. Soil sampling procedure is given in Annexure I. Long term manuring studies that is being carried out at ICRI, Myladumpara indicate that an integrated nutrient application is beneficial for sustainable production in cardamom. Application of Organic Manures Application of mature farmyard manure/ Compost @ 5-10Kg per plant plant may be made during May/June along with rock phosphate (180 grams per plant) and muriate of potash (90 grams/plant). The manures should be thoroughly mixed with surface soil after application. Under irrigated condition, cond ition, manuring can be done in two splits, one in May and the subsequent application during September. Organic manures such as neemcake (one kg per plant), bone meal (one kg per plant) or vermicompost (one kg per plant) have beneficial effect on root proliferation and plant growth and also helps to reduce nematode and root grub infestation. Schedule for the use of NPK fertilizers. fertilizers. a) Soil application Age of plants First year of planting
Second year of planting (Non-stabilized yield)
Rainfed areas (Kg/ha) Nitrogen -25 Phosphorus -25 Potassium -50 (2 sp split ap application) Nitrogen -40 Phosphorus -40 Potassium -80 (2 sp split ap application)
Irrigated areas (Kg/ha) Nitrogen -25 Phosphorus -25 Potassium -50 (2 sp split ap application) Nitrogen -60 Phosphorus -60 Potassium -80 (3split ap application)
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< Third year of planting (Stabilized yield)
Nitrogen -75 Phosphorus -75 Potassium -150 (2 sp split ap application)
Nitrogen -125 Phosphorus -125 Potassium -250 (3 sp split ap application)
Zinc (Zinc sulphate) shall be applied as foliar spray @ 250 g /100 litres twice a year. Under high production technology, where crop is harvested from 18 months onwards, fertilizer recommendation for full-grown plantation could be adopted from the second year onwards. Fertilisers would be applied in smaller doses in four or more splits after every harvest or combining both soil and foliar application of fertilsers. Whenever, the plant growth is affected due to root damage (root grub/fusarium disease/soil compactness), foliar application of DAP (two per cent) + MOP (two per cent ) could be adopted. Restrain fertilizer application on disease infected plants. Time and Method of application. i) Time of application: S application: So oil application
- May/June September/October December/January
Foliar application
- August/September October/November December/January
ii) Method of application: Soil application After removing the mulches around the plant base, the fertilizers may be applied in a circular band of width 15 cm, leaving 30 cm from the plant base and thoroughly mixed with the top five to seven cm of the surface soil with hand fork. The fertilizer-ap fertilizer-applied plied area may be covered again with mulches. Foliar application The spray solution, containing the fertilizer in the prescribed proportions, may be applied to the foliage of the plant covering both sides of the leaves. The plant should have sufficient turgidity at the time of foliar application lest it would wilt. A clear sky or even a cloudy condition may be considered suitable for undertaking foliar application. Avoid very dry/hot periods or noon hours for foliar spraying.
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Use of Micronutrients Micronutrient survey conducted by ICRI showed that zinc deficiency is widespread in cardamom soils and Boron deficiency is observed in certain areas. Application of Zinc to the foliage is found to enhance not only cardamom growth and yield but also the quality of the produce. Hence, it is recommended that Zinc may be applied as a foliar spray as Zinc Sulphate @ 250 grams/100 liters of water during April/May and Sept./Oct. Zinc should be applied ALONE and NOT to be mixed with any insecticide/fungicide/ fertilizer since zinc may precipitate and become unavailable to the plants. Soil application of boron in the commercial grade borax at the rate of 7.5 kg/ha is recommended in boron deficient areas. It may be applied in two doses along with NPK fertilizers. INTEGRATED INTEGRA TED PEST MANAGEMENT IN SMALL CARDAMOM Small cardamom is infested by several insects, mite and nematodes. Among the insect pests thrips, thrips, capsule/panicle/shoot borer, root grubs and root knot nematode are the major pests. Minor pests are white fly, fly, shoot fly, scale insects, early capsule borer (only in Karnataka), hairy caterpillar, lacewing bug, red spider mites, etc. Minor pests like white fly, shoot fly, scale insects and red spider mites may become major pests under wrong use of chemical pesticides. With integrated pest management (IPM) all the major and minor pests on foliage can be managed effectively (Table.1-3). An exclusive IPM is given for managing soil pests like root knot nematodes nematodes and root grubs (Table 4). Maintaining optimum shade (50 per cent) in cardamom plantation reduces /minimizes major and minor pests in cardamom. Major pests Cardamom thrips [Sciothrips [Sciothrips cardamomi (Ramk.)] (Ramk.)] Thrips is the most destructive and persistent pest of cardamom and found in all cardamom growing area. It colonise and breed in different parts parts of the plant such as unopened leaves, leaf sheaths, flower bracts and flower tubes. Adults and nymphs of the insect cause damage to panicle and capsules. Thrips lacerate the surface tissues with mandibles and suck the exuding plant sap. Injury to panicles result in its stunted growth, and the injury on tender capsules develop as scabby growth on capsules. Affected capsules appear malformed, shriveled and sometime with gaping slits. Such capsules have less number of seeds, seeds are underdeveloped and inferior in aroma. Affected capsules fetch a very low price in the market. Thrips infestation results in nearly 45-48 per cent crop loss.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< Adult insect is greyish brown, 1.25 to 1.5 mm long and with two pairs of fringed wings; females lay minute eggs below epidermis which hatch out into nymphs in 8-12 days. Nymphs grow by feeding on plant sap; after passing through three larval (nymph) and a non-feeding pupal stage they become adults, thus completing the life cycle in 27 to 33 days. Population of the pest is maximum in summer (February-May), minimum in rainy periods (JuneJuly) and low in August-December. August-December. Shoot/ Panicle/ Capsule borer [ Conogethes punctiferalis (Guen.)] punctiferalis (Guen.)] Infestation of borer on capsule, panicle and shoot is a serious problem on cardamom in Kerala, Tamilnadu Tamilnadu and Karnataka. The pest is the the larva of a lepidopteron, Conogethes (Dichocrocis) punctiferalis (Guen.). punctiferalis (Guen.). Adult is a medium sized orange yellow moth (22-24mm) with a number of black dots on its wings. The moths feed on nectar and do not cause direct damage to cardamom. A female moth lays about 20-35 eggs singly or in groups of two or three on leaf margin, leaf axils, panicles and racemes. Eggs hatch within five-six days. Emerging larvae bore into tender panicles or unopened leaf spindle or immature capsules. When panicle and racemes are attacked, portion ahead of the site of entry dries off. In case of the capsules, the larvae feed on the seed and the capsules become empty. empty. At a later stage the larvae bore into the shoots. They feed the central core of the pseudostem resulting in decaying of the central spindle and the characteristic dead heart symptom develops. A fully grown larva is 30-35 mm long with pale purple body and black head. After a prepupal period of two-four days, it becomes a brown pupa. Adult emerges in about 11-15 days from pupa through the bore hole. The life cycle is completed within 4168 days during summer and prolongs upto 123 days in post monsoon period. Pest infestation is pronounced in three season: January- February, MayJune and September-October. However, overlapping generation do occur in between. Insecticide sprays at late stages of the larvae which bore in pseudostem may not give adequate control of the pest. For an effective management, the insecticide has to be targeted on early stages of the larvae, which are usually present on panicles/ racemes within 15-20 days after adult emergence in the field. Injection of insecticide/Bacillus insecticide/Bacillus thuringiensis
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom (Biological insecticide) solution through the bore hole is also a method for controlling larvae in pseudostems. Early capsule borer (Jamides (Jamides alecto) alecto) It is a minor pest of cardamom in Karnataka Karn ataka regions and may be serious in a few pockets. Caterpillars of this insect bore and feed flower buds, flowers and capsules. A circular hole is made on immature capsule and the larva feeds the entire seed making it empty. The pest incidence is seen during June to September September.. Adult is a medium sized blue butterfly with metallic lusture on the upper surface. Larval period lasts for 18-20 days. Each larva feeds about 25-27 capsules to attain maturity. Pupation takes place in debris near the inflorescence. The life cycle is completed within 38-45 days. Root grub [Basilepta [Basilepta fulvicorne (Jacoby)] fulvicorne (Jacoby)] Root grub is a serious pest damaging the roots of cardamom. Nutrient uptake is reduced due to root damage leading to yellowing of leaves; the pest problem is severe in less shaded area. Adult of the pest is a small beetle four ñsix mm length shiny metallic blue, green or greenish brown colour. Females are bigger than males. They are seen on cardamom leaves during morning and evening hours but do not feed on cardamom. The beetles feed on leaves of jack Artocarpus (Artocarpus heterophylla,, mango (Mangifera heterophylla (Mangifera indica), indica), guava (Psidium (Psidium guajava), guajava), dadeps (Erthrypina lithosperma), lithosperma), etc. Beetles occur in MarchñApri MarchñAprill and August-Sept August-September. ember. Females lay about 124-393 eggs in batches of 12-63 on dry cardamom leaves or mulches. The minute creamy white grubs hatch out from eggs, fall on the ground, reach root zone and start feeding the roots. roots. Grubs have two periods of occurrence, the first during April-July and the second during September to January. Grubs (larvae) feed on roots, become mature in 45-60 days; they are short and stout, íCí shaped. Pupation takes place in an earthen cocoon. The pest completes life cycle in 65-102 days during first generation (March August) and 73-1 73-11 11 days during second generation (September-February). (September-February).
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< INTEGRATED INTEGRA TED MANAGEMENT OF CARDAMOM ROOT GRUB Stage of pest & Period of occurrence
Method of control
Adult beetle March ñ April & August ñ September
Mechanical control: Collection and destruction of adult with insectnet. Chemical control: control: Insecticide sprayed for thrips / shoot borer can also reduce grubs by direct killing of adults as well as deterring the beetles from egg laying. Biological control:Spray control:Spray of fungus suspension (Beauveria (Beauveria bassiana @ 108 spores/ml) on adult beetle.
Early stage GrubApril/May & September/October
Chemical control:Chlorpyriphos control:Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 0.04 per cent a.i. (200 ml in 100 liters of water; two-five liters drenching at plant base).Phorate 10G 20-40 grams per clump (to be applied within four-six inches around the clump). Biological control:Soil control:Soil application of Metarhizium anisopliae (@ anisopliae (@ 108 spores /gm) 25gms/plant mixed with compost.Local strain of EPN (Heterorhabditis indica) indica) application @ 1,00,000 nematodes (ijs) / plant.
Nematodes (Meloidogyne (Meloidogyne spp.) spp.) Root knot nematodes, (Meloidogyne (Meloidogyne spp) infest cardamom roots. Common symptoms of attack are narrowing of leaves, thickening of veins, reduction of internodes length and consequent appearance of rosette leaves. Roots branch heavily and galls appear on them. Plant growth becomes highly stunted.
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Egg, larva and adult are the different stages in the life cycle of the pest. Second stage larvae infect rootlets and induce formation of giant cells called galls. Larvae moult thrice and form adults. Female secretes a gelatinous matrix into which eggs are extruded. Frequent change of nursery beds will help to reduce nematode infection in nurseries. In case of infection in nurseries, application of carbofuran @ 80 grams per six square meter bed will control the pest. In plantation, carbofuran @ 60-80 grams per plant or 20-40 grams of phorate with 300500 grams of neem oil cake per plant in May-June and /or September bring down nematode infestation. Increasing the root biomass with application of compost/ vermicompost result in sustained management of the pest. Deficiency of micronutrient, zinc in the soil may also show symptoms of nematode infestation viz, viz, narrowing narrowing of leaves. Foliar spray of zinc sulphate at 500ppm (250grams /100 liters water) corrects the zinc deficiency and reduces nematode infestation. Minor pests Cardamom whitefly [Singhiella [Singhiella cardamomi ] Whitefly is considered a minor pest, but severe infestation is noticed in plantations where Synthetic Pyrethroids is used consistently or higher than the recommended concentration of insecticides are used or when more frequent insecticide spray than the recommended level or when mixing of two or more insecticides are done or when spraying with one or two insecticides of the same brand throughout the year. The adult fly is a small soft bodied insect about two mm long with two pairs of white wings. Female lays eggs on the lower surface of leaves; eggs are cylindrical, pale yellow when freshly laid and gradually turn brown. There are four nymphal stages. The first instar larva crawls on the leaf and finds out a feeding site in the lower surface of leaves and all the later stages are completed at that spot. The nymphs are elliptical and pale green to yellow. The nymph and adult suck sap from leaves and the leaf l eaf becomes yellow and subsequently dry leading to drastic reduction in yield. The nymphs and adult excrete sticky honey dew which drops on to lower leaves., black sooty mould develops on these, which interrupts photosynthesis of the leaves. Puparia, which adhere to the leaves after emergence of adults, appear as scaly patches on lower surface of affected leaves. The life cycle is completed within two-three week. The flies are attracted towards yellow colour. Yellow plastic sheets
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< coated with castor oil or grease will serve as sticky traps. By placing such yellow sticky traps (YST) between rows of cardamom plants, population of adults can be monitored as well as controlled. Nymphs can be effectively controlled by spraying a mixture of neem oil (500ml) and Triton (500 ml)/ soap solution in 100 liters of water on the lower surface of leaves. Hairy caterpillars They are a group of defoliator caterpillars on of cardamom and are polyphagous. Eight species of hairy caterpillars have been found to damage cardamom plants. Among them Eupterote undata, E. fabia, E. cardamomi, E. canairica, E. mollis and E. blanda are more destructive. They occur sporadically,, feeding shade tree leaves at early stages and cardamom leaves sporadically at later stage. Moths emerge in June-July and lay about 300-400 eggs on the under surface of leaves of shade trees. Eggs hatch in 15-25 days. Larval stages extend up to three months. When the north eastern monsoon ceases, caterpillars drop down to cardamom and start feeding on its leaves. Larvae make cocoons within which they pupate. Larvae can be collected and destroyed. Since they congregate on tree trunks during day time, mechanical control becomes easy easy.. Shoot fly [Formosina [Formosina flavipes] flavipes] The adult fly lays cigar-shaped white eggs in between leaf sheath and pseudostem on the top whorl. Emerging maggots (larvae) enter the pseudostem reach down the base by feeding the core tissue resulting in drying of the terminal leaf (Dead Heart Symptom). Infestation is more on plants in open area; the pest activity starts during November and is at its peak in March-April. The spray given for the major pests like thrips and borer also keeps down shoot fly infestation. Lace wing bug [Stephanitis [Stephanitis typicus] typicus] It is a polyphagous pest and seen as a group. Nymphs and adults are found on lower surface of leaves. They suck the cell sap from leaves, resulting in greyish yellow spots on leaves. Adult is a small dull coloured bug with transparent lace wings. Damage is very severe in summer months in certain isolated pockets in open areas. Red spider mites (Tetranychus (Tetranychus sp.) sp.) Red spider mite is a minor pest and occurs on cardamom in small numbers during summer months without causing serious damage. The mite becomes serious pest only in plantation where insecticide spray is too
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom frequent, with higher concentration or consistent spray of synthetic pyrethroids. Frequent spray of copper oxychloride also induces red spider mite resurgence. Excess application of nitrogen may attract mite infestation. The mites spin webs on the under surface of the leaves and live inside the webs. They are dark brown and actively moves about inside the web on the lower surface of leaf. They puncture the plant cells with their thei r cheliceral stylets and suck the cellular material, which reduces the chlorophyll content. This results in the formation of characteristic white blotches on the leaves and devitalization of plants. The affected leaves look dirty white; the under surface of the infested leaf with fine delicate silken thread, eggs and excreta looks ashy white and dusty. The affected leaves gradually dry up and in severe cases it leads to the death of the plants. The mites can also infest the tillers and panicles, if the leaves are already dried. Mite takes 15 to 20 days (egg to adult) to complete the life cycle. The adult lives for about 28 days. Spray Sulphur 80 per cent WP 200grams /100 liters of water water.. Repeat the spray1520 days, if the control is not satisfactory. Alternatively Phosalone 35EC @ 200ml/100 litres of water could also be used. The under surface of the leaves should be thoroughly covered while spraying pesticides for mite control Mid rib caterpillar ( Metapodistis polychrysa Meyrick): polychrysa Meyrick): Caterpillars of this insect feed on unopened leaves of cardamom. First instar larvae makes a hole almost at the middle of an unopened leaf, enter through the hole and feed on one half of the lamina as well as part of the mid rib from its point of entry. entry. The caterpillar is pale green and one cm long when fully grown. Large black dots are present dorsally on head and the last abdominal segment. Larval period lasts for 12-15 days. It pupates in a silken cocoon and after 15-18 days of pupal period blackñbrown moths emerge having two golden stripes on their wings. The insect completes its life cycle in 30-35 days. Cardamom aphid (Pentalonia (Pentalonia nigronervosa f. caladii van der Goot): The cardamom aphid is of concern not as a pest of the crop, but as a vector of the virus, which causes the serious disease ëKatteí in cardamom. Adul Ad ults ts ar are e da dark rk br brow own n in co colo lour. ur. Th They ey re repr prod oduc uce e by vi vivi vipar parous ous and parthenogenetic means. A female may give birth to 8-28 offsprings. The nymphs moult thrice and become adults in about 15 days. Population of the insect is high during January-February. They are also found on Colocasia sp., Aloca sp., Alocasia sia sp. sp. and Caladium sp. Cutworm ( Acrilasisa Acrilasisa plagiata M.) plagiata M.) Cutworms are commonly seen to feed during night on tender cardamom
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< leaves in nurseries. Infestation is noticed during January-March. The fullygrown caterpillar is dark brown with an orange red head and a hump-like projection dorsally on the eighth segment. It pupates in soil for a period of 17-18 days. INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT IN SMALL CARDAMOM Cultural control a.
Prune drie Prune dried d leav leaves es in in Janua January ry end end (bef (befor ore e first first spr spray) ay),, and and also also in in September.
b.
Tra rash sh dri dried ed pan panic icle les, s, sho shoot ot and and lea leave ves s in Ma May y end. end.
These operations clear the dried parts of plants and facilitate spray fluid falling on panicles and young shoots. shoots. Trap crop Shoot borer larva prefers to feed fe ed on castor capsules than on cardamom; if castor is grown on open area /boundary, borer may infest castor inflorescence/ capsule and they may be destroyed by crushing castor capsules infested with shoot borer larva. Biological control If fresh borer is seen on the tiller, inject Bacillus thuringiensis (@2 thuringiensis (@2 ml/l water) 5-10 ml through borehole. Behavioral control The early capsule borer Jamides alecto can alecto can be managed by clipping the inflorescence/flower parts of alternate hosts viz., Alpinia viz., Alpinia specio speciosa, sa, Alpini Alpinia a mutica, Amomum ghaticum, Amomum pterocarpum, Curcuma heilyherrensis, heilyherren sis, Hedydium ceranarium during ceranarium during offseason (December to May). Chemical control For Kerala Rain fed
Irrigated
First spray (February 1st week) Quinalphos (OR) Phenthoate @ 200 ml (or) 150ml /100 liters of water water..
First spray (February 1st week) Quinalphos (OR) Phenthoate @ 200 ml (or) 150ml /100 liters water water..
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Second spray (March 1st week)
<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Rain fed
Irrigated
Second spray (March 2nd week) Profenophos (OR)Monocrotophos @ 150 ml (or) 200ml / 100 liters water water..
Profenophos @ 150 ml/ 100 liters water water..
Third spray (April 3rd week)Chlorpyriphos (OR) Phosalone @200 ml/ 100 liters water water.. th
Fourth spray (May 4 week) Acephate (150 gm) in 100 liters. water water.. Fifth spray (July end) Quinalphos (OR) Phenthoate @ 200 ml (or) 150ml / 100 liters water water.. Sixth spray (Sep. / Oct.) Profenophos(OR) Monocrotophos @ 150 ml (or) 200ml / 100 liters. water water.. Seventh spray (December) Methylparathion @ 100 ml /100 liters water water..
Third spray (April 1st week) Chlorpyriphos(OR) Phosalone @ 200 ml/ 100 liters water water.. Fourth spray (May 1st week) Acephate 200 gm in 100 liters water. Fifth spray (June 1st week) Monocrotophos @ 200ml /100 liters water Sixth spray (July end / August) Quinalphos (OR) Phenthoate @ 200 ml(or) 150ml /100 liters Water Seventh spray (September) Profenophos @ 150 ml/100 liters water. Eighth spray (early November) Monocrotophos@200ml/ 100 liters. water Ninth spray (December 3rd week) Methylparathion 100 ml / 100 liters water.
For Tamil Tamil Nadu rainfed conditions (Lower Pulneys) Chemical control (T (Tentative entative schedule) First spray (December-January) Monocrotophos @200 ml (OR) Quinalphos @200 ml in 100 liters. of water. Second spray (March-April) Chlorpyriphos @200 ml in 100 liters of water. Third spray (May-June) Profenofos @ 150ml in 100 liters.of water. Fourth spray (August) Quinalphos @ 200ml (OR) Monocrotophos@ 200ml in 100 liters of water. Fifth spray (October) Methyl parathion@ 100ml in 100 liters of water.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< For Karnataka region Chemical control (Tentative Schedule) First spray ñJanuary Quinalphos @ 200ml in 100 liters of water Second spray -March Chlorpyriphos (or) Monocrotophos @200ml /100 liters of water water.. Third spray -May Phasalone @ 200ml/in 100 liters of water. Fourth spray -September-October Profenophos@ 150ml (or) Methyl parathion @100ml in 100 liters of water. TIPS ON PLANT PROTECTION Method of spraying For effective management of thrips and shoot borer, panicles and 1/3 portion of the plants from base of the clumps, covering panicles and young tillers, may be sprayed with insecticides. Approximately 400 to 900ml of spray solution is sufficient per clump (depending on the size of the clump). The first application of insecticide should coincide with the panicle initiation, and it may be either in February or March. The insecticide imposition has to be done only with high volume sprayer (manual or mechanized), and care should be taken to avoid spray run off. Insecticide spray can be avoided during heavy rain. A sticking agent @ 50ml/100 liters may be added during rainy period. Method of soil application of insecticides (root grubs & root knot nematodes) Application of Phorate 10G or carbofuran 3G may be done for the management of root grubs or root knot nematode subject to the condition that enough soil moisture is available either by rainfall or irrigation at the time of application. While applying above granules it may be spread upto 46î around the clump and covered with soil. Under poor soil moisture condition, Chlorpyriphos 20EC @ 0.04 per cent (2 to 5 liters per clump) may be drenched in soil around and inside the clump for root grub management.
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Why natural enemies (Biocontrol (Biocontrol agents) agents) needed? Being a valuable spice used domestically and exported, insecticide usage should be kept at barest minimum on cardamom not only to keep the residue below tolerance limits, but also to conserve con serve natural enemies of pests. Excessive use of insecticides kills not only pests but also the natural enemies of cardamom, which leads to out-break of minor pests like whiteflies, red-spider mites, etc. Certain stages of pests viz . late stages of shoot borer / hairy caterpillars can not be controlled by application of insecticides, which are controlled only by their natural enemies. Under such condition, the natural enemies should be conserved and augmented to have the natural regulation of pests of cardamom by their natural enemies. The honey bees Apis bees Apis cerana indica indica and Apis and Apis dorsata dorsata are are the major pollinators of cardamom flowers. Pollination occurs during foraging activity of the bees which is maximum between 7 to 11am. Honey bee visits almost every flower in a clump. Bee visits found to increase fruit set and four bee colonies per hectare is recommended for effective pollination in cardamom. Increase in fruit set in cardamom was observed due to pollination by honey bees; the number of seeds per capsule as well as the recovery percentage of dry capsule is also higher in beehive-installed plots. Hence, honeybee hives has to be installed; honeybees in tree holes or in natural holes in cardamom plantations have to be protected. Methods to conserve and augment natural enemies/pollinators: 1.
Insectici Insect icides des sho should uld be be used used judici judicious ously ly at reco recomm mmend ended ed rate rates s on needneedbasis (IPM), rather than on calendar basis.
2.
As for for as as possi possible ble dus dustt formu formulat lation ion of inse insecti cticid cides es may may be be avoid avoided ed for for pest management.
3.
In addi additio tion n to adop adoptio tion n of need need-ba -based sed inse insecti cticid cides, es, cul cultur tural, al, mech mechani anical cal and behavioral management strategies may also be followed.
4.
On the pre previo vious us even evening ing of inse insecti cticid cide e spray spray in the the fiel field, d, hon honeyb eybee ee hives may be closed with moist cloth and colony may be provided with sugar syrup. The hives can be opened on the next day of spray.
5.
Honeyb Hon eybee ee hive hives s havin having g infec infected ted lar larvae vae may be remo removed ved fro from m the the hive. hive.
6.
Periodica Period icall remov removal al of of old old honey honeycom comb b and and intro introduc ductio tion n of new honeycombs in appropriate seasons will avoid wax moth trouble.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< 7.
Maintenan Mainte nance ce of of op optim timum um sha shade de (abo (about ut 50 50 per per cent) cent) wit with h trees trees lik like e Vernonia which flower during January ñFebruary will encourage honeybees.
By integrating all the plant protection techniques with the timely and required plant protection measures, the pest problem in cardamom could be reduced economically to a great extent and also the natural enemy/ honey bee population could be conserved / augmented. DISEASES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT NURSERY DISEASES Incidence and spread of diseases often interfere with the successful raising of cardamom seedlings. The major diseases observed in the nursery are leaf spots, damping off or seedling rots and leaf rots. Two types of leaf spots occur in the nursery. These are: Primary nursery leaf spot (Phyllosticta (Phyllosticta elettariae) elettariae) Leaf spot caused by the fungus Phyllosticta elettariae is elettariae is a destructive disease especially in nurseries of Karnataka area. In other areas it is a minor disease. It appears mostly during February ñ April months with receipt of summer rains. Disease appears as small round or oval spots, which are dull, white in colour. These spots later become necrotic and leave a hole (shot hole) in the center. The spots may be surrounded by water soaked area. area . High intensity of disease is noticed in open nurseries exposed to direct sunlight. In such cases, numerous spots develop on the leaves and ultimately the leaves are more susceptible to leaf spot incidence. Seedlings develop tolerance as they grow old. Disease Management Prophylactic spraying with fungicides such as Indofil M 45 0.2 per cent may be given on the leaves. First spray is to be given during March-April depending on the receipt of summer showers and subsequent sprays at fortnightly intervals. Two to three rounds of spraying may be given. Clipping and destruction of severely affected leaves after spraying is to be done to arrest further spread to the remaining healthy leaves. In addition to fungicidal sprays, the following supplementary measures also may be followed.
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom a)
Sow the see seeds ds in Aug August ust-Se -Septe ptembe mberr, to ensu ensure re suff suffici icient ent grow growth th of seedlings, so that they may develop sufficient tolerance to the disease.
b)
Avoid expos Avoid exposure ure to direc directt sunlig sunlight ht from from top or sides sides.. Use Use coir coir geogeo-text textiles iles or agro shade nets or coconuts fronds for shade. When jungle leaves are used for thatching, sloppy roofing may be provided.
c)
Do not not rai raise se the the nur nurse sery ry con conti tinu nuou ousl sly y in th the e same same sit site. e.
Secondary nursery leaf spot (Cercospora (Cercospora zingiberi ) In grown up seedlings of the secondary nursery, another type of leaf spot is of common occurrence. Symptoms are yellowish to reddish brown coloured rectangular patches seen on the lamina. These will be almost parallel to the side veins. The mature lesions show a muddy red colour. The fungus Cercospora zingiberi causes the disease. Spraying of Indofil M 45 0.2 per cent can effectively control the disease. Nursery leaf rot This disease is seen in young seedlings of three to four months old. It is not wide spread in occurrence; but seen only in a few nurseries. The symptoms are development of water soaked lesions on the leaves, which later become necrotic patches leading to decay of affected areas. Usually the leaf tip and distal portions are damaged. In severe cases rotting extends to petiole and leaf sheaths also. It is caused by fungi such as Fusarium sp. Alternaria sp. Alternaria sp. etc. To control this disease avoid excessive watering of seedlings. Spray 0.2 per cent Indofil M-45, twice at 15 days interval after destroying the infected leaf portions. Damping off or seedling rot The disease appears usually in the nursery where seeds germinate (primary nursery) during rainy season when there is excessive soil moisture due to improper drainage. Leaves turn pale and their tips become yellow. Gradually, these symptoms spread over the entire leaf extending to leaf sheath resulting in wilting of seedlings. The collar portion decays and the entire seedlings die. Infection spreads in the nursery beds resulting in death of seedlings in small patches. In grown up seedlings, rotting extends form the collar region to the rhizomes resulting in their decay and ultimate death of the plant. The disease is caused by soil borne fungi such as Pythium vexans and Rhizoctonia
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< solanie. Fusarim oxysproum also causes causes similar seedling rot resulting in the wilting of the entire seedlings. The disease can be managed as follows: a)
In the the primar primary y nurser nursery y, practi practice ce thin thin sowin sowing g for avoi avoidin ding g overcr overcrowd owding ing of seedlings.
b)
Prov Pr ovid ide e adeq adequa uate te dra drain inag age e faci facili liti ties es..
c)
Remove affec Remove affected ted see seedli dlings ngs ear early ly and and main mainta tain in prop proper er phyt phytosa osanit nitary ary measure in nursery.
d)
Fumigate Fumiga te the the nurs nursery ery bed beds s by tre treati ating ng with with for formal malin in (for (formal maldeh dehyde yde 2 per cent at 1:50 dilution) for three days under polythene sheets at the rate 15 liters per square meter at least 15 days prior to sowing.
e)
When infec When infectio tion n is notic noticed, ed, dre drench nch the the nurse nursery ry beds beds with with Cop Copper per oxychloride 0.2per cent .
f)
Pretreatment of seeds with Trichoderma Trichoderma or Pseudomonas before sowing.
g)
Application of of Tricohderma Tricohderma @ @ 100 grams per square meter of bed.
Clump rot (Rhizome rot) This disease occurs in mature seedlings (6 to 18 months old) of the secondary nursery. It is seen during the monsoon season when soil moisture is excess due to improper drainage. Early symptoms on leaves appear as pale yellow colour, partial of leaf margins and withering of seedlings. Rotting or decay starts at the collar region and it spreads to rhizomes and roots. In severe cases, the collar region breaks off and the seedling collapse. The disease is caused by the soil-borne fungi Pythium vexans vexans and Rhizoctonia solani . Rotting of roots due to Fusarium sp. is also observed. The following steps are recommended for managing the disease a)
Uproot Upr oot and des destro troy y all all the the aff affect ected ed see seedli dlings ngs in a nur nurser sery y.
b)
Regulate Regula te irrig irrigati ation on of of nurse nursery ry beds beds.. Do not not use use exce excess ss wate waterr for for irrigation.
c)
Remove Rem ove mul mulch ch mate materia rials ls for for nurs nursery ery bed beds s and and rake rake the the soil soil gen gently tly..
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom d)
Drench the nur Drench nurser sery y beds beds with with Cop Copper per oxy oxychl chlori oride de (COC (COC)) (0.2% (0.2%)) at the rate three to five liters per square mater. Two to three rounds of COC may be drenched at 15 days interval.
DISEASE MANAGEMENT IN PLANTATION ëKatteí (Mosaic) Disease The disease is prevalent in all cardamom growing areas in India. It is one of the major diseases of cardamom. ëKatteí disease affects plants of all ages. The first visible symptoms appear on the youngest leaf of affected tillers as spindle shaped chlorotic flecks. Later, these flecks develop into slender discontinuous strips of pale green and dark green margin. As the disease advances, subsequent leaves show characteristic mosaic symptoms. The leaf sheaths and pseudostems also show mosaic pattern. Mature leaves formed before infection does not develop symptoms. The infection is systemic in nature natu re and gradually spreads to all tillers of affected plant. Immediately after infection, there is no growth reduction but within one to two years after infection, there is a gradual reduction in clump size. In advanced stages, the affected plants produce shorter and slender slend er tillers till ers with a few f ew shorter short er panicles panicles.. ëKatt ëKatteí eí affected plants do not die but the plants give very poor yield. The yield reduction has been found to be 70 per cent within three years after infection. The disease is systemic and it is caused by cardamom mosaic virus. Viral particles are present in all parts of affected plants excepts in mature seeds. The disease is not transmitted through seeds or by mechanical means either by contact or through cutting tools. The disease is transmitted by the common banana aphid Pentalonai nigronervosa Coq. Even a single aphid can pick up and transmit the virus within a few minutes without incubation period in the vector. All stages of the vector viz., the nymphs, winged and non-winged forms of adults can transmit the disease. Initial inoculums enter a non-diseased plantation through infected planting material. Once the disease enters a plantation the spread is internal through the vector. Disease incubation period (time required for symptom expression) in the plant varies from 35 to 120 days is different months. Usually during summer, delayed appearance appearance of symptoms is noticed. ëVector population is high from December to May. Management of ëKatteí disease As long as katte inoculum is present in the field, any formulation of
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< insecticides fails to prevent the disease spread. Diseased plants cannot be cured but the losses can be minimized by adopting the following measures; a)
Keep Kee p a con const stant ant sur survei veilla llance nce on the occ occurr urrenc ence e of of katte katte dis diseas ease. e.
b)
Plant Pl ant on only ly he healt althy hy ëk ëkatt atteí eí free seedli seedlings ngs for for raising raising plant plantations ations..
c)
Avoid rhi Avoid rhizom zome e plant planting ing usi using ng mate materia rials ls take taken n from from dis diseas ease e affec affected ted gardens.
d)
Prac Pr acti tice ce re regu gula larr rou rougi ging ng (u (upr proo oott and and de dest stro roy) y)
e)
Repeat tra Repeat tracin cing g of aff affect ected ed plan plants ts and and roug rouging ing at week week inte interva rvals ls for for at at least four consecutive months.
f)
Gap Ga p fil filll wit with h hea healt lthy hy di dise seas ase e fre free e mat mater eria ials ls..
g)
Destroy Destro y altern alternati ative ve host host plant plants s like like Amom Amomum, um, Alp Alpini inia, a, Curcu Curcuma, ma, Colocasia etc. if they show symptoms of katte.
Nilgiri necrosis disease It is a viral disease like ëkatteí. It was recently observed in Nilgiri area and subsequently in Valparai Valparai in Anamalai, lower Pulneys and Munnar areas. As compared compared to ëk ëkat atte teíí it is of limited occurrence. Diseased plants show alternate light green and whitish to yellowish streaks on the leaves in the form of mosaic. Later these stripes become necrotic with reddish brown colour followed by tearing of lamina. The leaves are crinkled with wavy margin. The reddish brown necrotic areas later dry off. Tillers show reduction in height. In advanced stages of infection, severe stunting of plants is seen. Tillers are narrow, panicles become shorter with few reduced capsules which often show symptoms of cracking. In extreme stage of disease no panicle is formed. Nilgiri necrosis is not transmitted through seed or mechanical means but the disease is easily carried through infected rhizomes. So far, no insect vector is known to transmit the disease. The method adopted for ìKatteî control can also be followed for managing Nilgiri necrosis disease. Kokke kandu disease (Cardamom vein clearing) Recently a new viral disease is found to be widely spreading in plantation of Karnataka state. In Kannada, it is called ëKokke kanduí which means hooked tiller. It is first observed in Hongedehalla which is the hot spot area of this disease. Later it spread to Sirsi and Somawarpet areas.
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Diseased plants shows symptoms on the tillers and leaves. Characteristic mottling develops on the foliage which later show sever vein clearing. Yellow Yellow stripes or steaks run parallel to the side veins. Leaves are arranged in a rosette manner at the tip of the tiller with much reduced internodes. The tiller height is also reduced. In advanced stages of infection, tillers are stunted and their tips form hook like structures after the younger most leaf roll gets hooked up in the leaf sheaths; Panicle length and number of capsules are much reduced. In extreme stages, no panicles and capsules are produced and the yield loss is almost 100 percent. The disease spreads rapidly to nearby areas and the infected plants decline in a short period of one to two years. No seed or sap transmission is noticed. The disease spreads easily through infected rhizomes as in a case of katte and NNV diseases. The banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa is nigronervosa is found to be its natural vector. It transmits disease in a non-persistant manner. There is no incubation period in the vector. About 30 to 40 days are recombined transmission transmissi on of ëkatteí and ëkokke kanduí by the aphid is observed in the same plant. The disease is caused by cardamom vein clearing virus. As it is a systemic viral disease, infected plants can never be cured. Plant sanitation is the only preventive measure. The methods recommended recommend ed for katte control can be followed for management of ëkokke kanduí disease also. Azhukal or capsule rot disease Azhukal (rotting) (rotting) is caused by the fungus Phytophthora nicotianae and P.meadii. The P.meadii. The disease starts with the onset of South-West monsoon in June and becomes severe during July-August months. It may continue to prevail upto November- December, if weather is favorable for development. Symptoms of rotting appear on all plant parts. First symptoms appear on the young leaves or on capsules in the form of water soaked lesions. In leaves, these areas enlarge, become necrotic and gradually the leaves shrivel and begin to shred. Finally, the affected leaves break at the base of the petiole and remain hanging. Rot affects the capsules of all ages. Affected immature capsules soon decay and fall off within three to five days and mature capsules get shriveled on drying. Infection on the panicle appears usually on panicle tip and proceeds downwards. Such portions later dry off or decay if moisture is in excess. In severe cases, infection spreads over to the rhizomes and tillers also. Decayed tillers break and fall off at the collar region. All the varieties are susceptible to the disease; howeverCv however Cv.. Malabar Malaba r is more severely affected due to this disease. The disease spreads through soil, water and wind.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< The predisposing factors favouring ëazhukalí ëazhukalí incidence, incidence, are heavy and continuous rainfall, excess soil moisture, thick shade, over crowding of plants and prevalence of inoculum in the soil. The disease can be managed by the following methods. a) Phytosanitat Phytosanitation ion i)
Tra rash shin ing g and and clea cleani ning ng the the pla plant nt bas base e are are to be car carri ried ed out out dur durin ing g May May before the onset of monsoon.
ii)) ii
Thic Th ick k shad shade e may may be reg regul ulat ated ed by by gent gentle le lop loppi ping ng of of tree tree bran branch ches es..
iii) ii i)
Prov Pr ovid ide e drai draina nage ge in in low low lyin lying g and and mars marshy hy are areas as..
iv)
Dest De stro roy y th the e ëa ëazh zhuk ukal alíí affec affected ted portion portions s and plant debris debris..
b) Fungicidal applications After completing the above mentioned plant sanitation measures, the plants may be sprayed with one of the following fungicides. i) Bordeaux mixture one per cent or ii) Aliette 80WP (0.2 per cent or 200 grams/100 liters of water) (Potassium Phosphonate) (0.5% - 5ml/liter of water). The first spray should be done during May-June before the onset of monsoon and subsequent spray may be done during July-August. A third spray may be given in the month of September if the monsoon is prolonged and disease is still persistent. Spray Bordeaux mixture on the entire portion of the plant at the rate 500 ml to one liter per plant. Drenching plant base with Copper Oxy Chloride (COC) (0.2 per cent) was found effective in reducing soil inoculum and further disease spread The fungicide Aliette (0.2 per cent) also can be sprayed on the leaves at the rate of 500-750 ml per plant. Clump rot or rhizome rot It is also a fungal disease occurring during the monsoon seasons. Symptoms of disease are yellowing of leaves and decay of tillers starting form the collar region. The decay extends to the rhizomes and roots also. Rotten rhizomes become soft, dark brown coloured and ultimately result in the total death of the plant. Affected tillers fall off by a slight disturbance. The disease is caused by soil-borne fungi such as Pythium vexans, Rhizoctonia solani and and Fusarium Fusarium sp. (in a few cases). In some cases, a pink colour develops at the collar region which later leads to rotting.
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom The disease can be managed by: by: a)
Plant sanit sanitati ation on as des descri cribed bed in the cas case e of of ëazh ëazhuka ukalí lí diseas disease e has to be followed to control this disease.
b)
The pla plant nt base base is to to be dre drench nched ed with with two to thre three e liter liters s of COC (0. (0.20 20 per cent). Repeat COC drenching at 30 days intervals for two to three times depending on the severity and extent of disease spread.
Bio-control of rot diseases Studies show that azhukal and rhizome rot can be controlled to some extent with the bio-agent Trichoderma. It is an antagonistic soil fungus acting against the rot pathogens. The fungus has green colour and grows abundantly on cowdung and organic crop residues such as coffee husk, tea waste, coir compost, sorghum grains, wheat whea t bran, rice bran etc. Trichoderma viride or T. harzianum specific to cardamom can be mass multiplied on carrier media and these can be applied to plant basins at the rate of one kg per 100 kg of cowdung during May, August ñ September and October months after phytosanitation. Usually one pre-monsoon during May and one post monsoon during (September - October) are recommended. While Trichoderma is applied in the soil no fungicide f ungicide should be drenched in the soil. However, Bordeaux mixture can be sprayed before the application appli cation of Trichoderma. If the soil is drenched with COC or other fungicides, Trichoderma should be applied only after 15 days. In severely diseased areas, first one or two rounds of fungicides can be applied. 15 days after this, Trichoderma can be used. Avoid mixing copper fungicides with Trichoderma. MINOR DISEASES Chenthal The disease is seen in almost all areas of cardamom cultivation. Initial symptoms appear as water soaked lesion on young leaves. Later these become yellowish to reddish brown with a pale yellow hallo. In severe cases, it leads to the withering of leaves and withering of psuedostems. The disease intensity is found to be severe in open areas where shade in inadequate. ë Chenthalí was reported to be caused by Corynebacterium sp. However latest studies showed that it is not a bacterial disease. It is caused by a fungus called Colleotrichum gloeosporioides.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< The intensity of the disease can be reduced by providing adequate shade in the plantations. Fungicides such as Bavistin (0.2per cent) or COC(0.2 per cent ) effectively control the disease. A minimum minimum of two rounds of spray at 30 days interval is required. Leaf blotch It is caused by the fungus Phaeodactyli Phaeodactylium um alpiniae, Symptoms develop as drank brown blotches on the leaves during monsoon season. Later, on the under side of these blotches, the fungal mycelium and spores develop as grey brown masses. The disease can be controlled by one to three thre e rounds of spraying with Bordeaux mixture one per cent or Mancozeb 0.2per cent. Leaf spots and leaf rusts Various types of leaf spots are found to affect the leaves. These are Sphaceloma Spha celoma leaf spot casued by Sphaceloma cardamomi, Cercospora leaf spot caused by Cercospora zingiberi and leaf rust caused by Phakospora elettariae. The Sphaceloma leaf spot is seen in main plantation as scattered spherical bloches on the leaves. These start as small spots measuring a few mm and later several spots coalese to from larger areas. The Cercospora leaf spots are found in the nursery and plantations in the form of rectangular muddy red stripes running along the veins. Leaf rust is often seen on mature leaves as whitish powdery pustules on the under surface of the leaves with corresponding yellow necrotic patches on the upper surface. Diseased leaves show a rusty appearance. The leaf spots can be reduced to some extent by spraying with fungicides such as Indofil M45 (0.2 per cent) or Bavistin (0.2 per cent). For leaf rust, fungicide Indofil M45 (Mancozeb) (0.2 per cent) spray may be given at 15 days intervals. Capsule brown spots Capsule brown spot also called as anthracnoses disease is caused by the fungus Colletorichum gloeosporioides Disease symptoms appear as small round reddish brown lesions on the pericarp of the capsule. On maturation, these spots become soft reddish sunken areas. On cured capsules also the spots retain their red colour. The disese can be controlled by spraying with 0.2 per cent Bavistin or 0.2 per cent Indofil M 45 (Mancozeb).
34
<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom Leaf blight Leaf blight or drying of leaves in patches is observed during October to February months. In areas covered by severe fog the severity is more. Brown dry areas of varying sizes develop on the lamina. It is caused by Phytophthora meadii . . It can be controlled by one or two rounds of spraying with one per cent Bordeaux mixture or 0.2 per cent Aliette or 0.5 per cent Akomin (Potassium Phosphonate). Pseudostem rot This disease is generally seen during the post- monsoon period and may last up to summer months. Round to oval shaped brown lesions develop on the pseudostem. These later elongate and as infection proceeds deeper layer of the pseudostem pseudostem gets discoloured. The Pseudostem breaks at this point. The disease is caused by Fusarium oxysporum. oxysporum. Spraying with 0.2 per cent Bavastin 0.2 per cent or Hexaconazole 0.2 per cent will control the disease. Root tip root This disease also occurs during post monsoon period. The severity is more during summer. The symptoms are development of rotting of the root tips followed by die back of roots. The lower leaves of affected tillers become yellowish and gradually dry off. Fusarium oxysporum is the causal agent. Spraying and soil drenching with 0.2 per cent Bavistin or Contaf 0.2 per cent (drenching only) are the recommended control measures and the applications may be repeated at 15 ñ 20 days intervals. Panicle wilt Drying symptoms appear on panicle panicle tips, leading to die back of the panicles. The disease is more prevalent during post monsoon period. It is caused by Fusarium Fusarium sp. sp. The suggested control measure is spraying with 0.2 per cent Bavistin. Application of consort Application consortium ium of bioage bioagents nts (T (Trichode richoderma rma and Psuedo Psuedomonas monas in a mixture) as spray and drenching before disease appearance is feasible in reducing disease incidence and spread. HARVESTING AND POST HARVESTING Good quality of the produce can be achieved through timely harvest and adoption of scientific post harvest operations. The flowering in cardamom starts after after one or two years after planting depending upon the type of planting materials employed in planting. Flowering in cardamom continues normally
35
Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< for a protracted period of six to eight months. It takes 120 ñ 135 days to form a ripened capsule under favourable environmental conditions. Lack of synchronised flowering necessasitates several rounds of harvest at an interval of 25 to 30 days. By and large, harvesting starts from June ñ July and continues till January ñ February in Kerala and Tamilnadu whereas in Karnataka it commences in August and continues till December ñ January. January. It is a laborious process in cardamom and accounts for nearly 60 per cent of cost of production Stage of Harvest : Harvesting : Harvesting of capsules at correct maturity stage is a pre-requisite improving the quality of the produce. Small immature capsules bring about uneven shrivelled and undesirable colour after processing. The capsules should be harvested when they attain physiological maturity (Karikai) to fully ripened stage as to allow the capsules for the proper seed development and to obtain higher recovery. However, However, over ripening should be avoided as it results in loss of capsules due to rodents and squirrels in the field and also splitting at the time of drying which in turn leads to fetch low premium in the market. Recovery is highest (24 per cent) in the fully ripened capsules followed by the one harvested at physiological maturity (20 per cent) and in immature stage (14 per cent). The oil content varies with the maturity of capsules. The low content of 1-8 cineole and high levels of α-terpenyl acetate is an index of aroma flavour in cardamom and it is high at physiologically mature stage. It will be ideal to harvest physiologically mature (seed colour turns brown to black) to fully ripened stage as to allow the capsules for the proper seed development de velopment and to obtain higher high er recovery. Post harvest Operations Cardamom capsules capsules should be harvested at correct maturity stage without physical damage and subjected to post harvest operations such as washing, curing, cleaning, grading, packing and storage. Capsules may be washed in water to remove the adhering soil and other dirts to get good quality commodity. Capsules should not be stored after harvest for longer duration as it adversely affects the quality of the end product. Curing Cardamom curing may be defined as the process in which moisture of freshly harvested capsules capsules is reduced from 80 percent to 10-12 per cent through indirect heating. Drying is the most important unit operation that determines the colour of the end products. Apart from quality in terms of colour,, flavour component such as 1-8 cineole, terpenyl acetate, linalool etc colour are also important.
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom The traditional firewood based curing house consists of wood burning surface, flue pipes and drying racks in chamber. The furnace is made up of fine bricks or thick iron plates to facilitate charging with wood logs. Drying should be carefully controlled and should not be too rapid, temperature, humidity and aeration may be checked at frequent intervals during the course of drying. The harvested capsules are spread in a single layer on trays. After keeping cardamom trays in the racks curing room is closed and heating is done by burning firewood in the furnace. The hot air passed through the pipes placed a few centimeters above the floor enhances the room temperature to 45 ñ 550C and this temperature status should be maintained for three to four hours initially. At this stage the capsules sweat and with the enhanced temperature, give off moisture. The ventilators are opened for sweeping out water vapour from the drying fruits. Exhaust fans can also be used for the speedy removal of moisture. After the complete removal of water vapour, ventilators are closed and the temperature inside the chamber should be maintained again at 45 -550C for about 18 to 24 hours. At frequent intervals (three-four hours) ventilator exhaust fan are to be opened to remove the excess moisture otherwise water vapour settles down on the capsules and it leads to cooking effect thereby looses the colour of the capsules. The temperature is again raised to 60 - 650C for another one or two hour for completing the curing process. The temperature is raised to hasten the cleaning process removing debris like stalks attached the capsules. Avoid Avoid raising temperature above 65o C inside the curing house to reduce splitting and loss of volatile oil. Efficient and largely automated cardamom dryers have been designed and manufactured by several private entrepreneurs using alternate source of fuel such as Kerosene, Liquid Petroleum Gas (LPG), and diesel cardamom or using combination of fuels. In the improved driers the alternate fuel source can be used either independently or in combination with the firewood. The entire slow curing process controlling the energy flow is fully automated. Improved systems are advantages in retaining high quality of produce with respect to colour and have substantially reduced curing duration (16-18 hours). Cardamom dried in the improved curing chambers often fetches premium price in auctions and in retail. In Karnataka harvested capsules are directly dried under sun. It requires five-six days or even more depending upon the availability of sunlight. Uniform drying of capsules is not possible as the crop harvest commensurate with rainy season in the cardamom tract. The dried cardamom will not retain its green colour and also deteriorate its quality due to splitting during frequent
37
Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< turning of capsules under sun drying. Black coloured blanket kept on the capsules spread under the sun will augment the drying process and also provides green colour to the cured produce. Cleaning, Grading, Packing and Storage Dried capsules have to be polished either manually or with the help of machines before marketing. Polishing is done by rubbing the dried capsule in hot state against the hard surface. Polishing machine are also available which can be operated either manually, or with electric motor. Motorized machines like Carpol can be used for polishing as well as grading of capsules having desired mesh. Agmark grades and Indian specifications or standards are on the basis of important quality factors like colour, weight per volume (liter), size and percentage of empties, malformed, shrivelled and immature capsules. After grading, cardamom capsules can be stored over long duration. For efficient retention of green colour during storage, cardamom should be dried down to a moisture level of 10-12 per cent. Use to 300 gauge black polythene lined gunny bags improves the storage efficiency. Store Stor e the commodity in wooden boxes at room temperature preferably kept in the curing house for better storage effectively. effectively. Annexure I SOIL TEST Spices Board has set up soil testing laboratories for testing cardamom growing soils and giving fertilizer recommendation. At present, the soil testing laboratories are functioning at the Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Myladumpara, Kerala and at the Regional Research Station, Saklespur, Karnataka. Why to test the soil?: Soil testing provides precise information about the fertility of the soil for making fertilizer recommendation. Needed quantities of fertilizers of the right kind can be applied at the minimum cost. Balanced application of nutrients will ensure a better economic return to the grower. How to collect a soil sample: Only sample: Only 5 to 10 grams soil is used for each soil test. So care has to be taken to collect representative soil samples. Otherwise, precision in analysis and interpretation will have no value. While collecting the samples, the following points have been taken note of: 1)
Sample sho Sample should uld be coll collect ected ed form form a field field onc once e in thr three ee to to four four yea years rs preferably during FebruaryñApril.
2)
Tota otall area area shoul should d be divi divided ded into dif differe ferent nt slope slopes s such such as as gentle gentle,, medium, steep and swampy area. Each category should be again
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<<< Cultiv ation Practice s for Cardamom divided into approximately plots of five acres and if there are certain pockets where plants are very poor in growth, those pockets should be sampled separately. 3)
Soil sample Soil samples s shoul should d be take taken n from from root root zone zone in in the row row,, leavin leaving g 30cm 30cm from plant base.
4)
The sel select ected ed site site sho should uld be clea cleaned ned fro from m weeds weeds,, dry dry leave leaves s and and other other mulch materials.
5)
With the With the help help of of spade spade (ma (mamma mmatty tty)) soil soil can can be be cut cut in an angl angle e from from both sides, which will from a V shape pit at a depth of 15cm, and the cut soil should be removed.
6)
With the With the help help of of a knif knife, e, soil soil sho should uld be scra scraped ped fro from m both both the the side sides s of V shaped pit in a thin layer along the cutting in full depth. Auger can also be used for soil sample collection.
7)
From each From each fivefive-acr acre e plot plot around around 10 10 sample samples s may may be coll collect ected ed diago diagonal nally ly and all these samples should be gathered into one in a big polythene sheet. Then mix it well, remove plant materials and spread the soil in a square shape in thin layer l ayer.. Then make four quarters by drawing diagonal lines and discard any opposite two quarters and again mix the remaining two quarters. Do the same processes until your sample become 500 grams.
8)
The soi soill shoul should d be pac packed ked in poly polythe thene ne or or cloth cloth bag af after ter sha shade de dryi drying ng for one to two days and tied properly. properly. Planterís name and address and field number may be given in a small piece of paper and kept inside the bag. For each five acres of land one sample should be send to the Research Station of Spices Board as soon as the soil is collected. Information proforma available with field offices of the Spices Board should be filled in and sent along with the samples collected.
Precautions
Avoid conta contaminatio mination n by keeping soil samples away from stored fertiliz fertilizer er.. Avoid areas recently fertilized, old trenches, marshy marshy spots, near trees, compost pits or other non-representative locations. Avoid taking samples between rows.
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Cultiv ation Practic es for Cardamom <<< Annexure II Preparation of Bordeaux mixture Dissolve 1 kg of copper sulphate in 10 liters of water. In another vessel, slake one kg of quicklime by adding small quantity of water preferably warm water. (One to 1.25 kg of lime can be taken if the lime is not of good quality) when slaking is over, add five liters of water and stir well to get a uniform suspension of lime. Transfer the limes suspension thus prepared through a sieve to quantity of lime solution kept separately. separately. Add 10 liters of the copper sulphate solution to the 90 liters of lime solution with constant stirring. To test the correctness of the mixture, dip a brightened iron knife for a minute in the mixture. If the knife remains bright, the mixture is correctly prepared. If the knife turns rusty brown or if its brightness is lost, add more lime suspension, correctly prepared Bordeaux mixture will turn red litmus to blue and turmeric powder to orange red in colour. Precautions 2.
For dis dissol solvin ving g coppe copperr sulph sulphate ate or Bord Bordeau eaux x mixtu mixture, re, use cop copper per,, wooden or earthenware or plastic pots or drums.
3.
Use fresh quicklime,
4.
Bordeaux Bordea ux mixt mixture ure sho should uld be pass passed ed throu through gh a siev sieve e befor before e trans transfer ferrin ring g to the sprayers.
5.
Spr pray aying ing of Bor Borde deaux aux mi mixt xture ure sh shou ould ld be be done done on on the the same same day day of of preparation.
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PESTS OF CARDAMOM
Thrips affected capsules Thrips affected panicle (left) & healthy panicle (right)
Adult moth of borer
Early stage borer larvae damage the panicle/raceme
PESTS OF CARDAMOM
Early stage borer larvae damage the capsule
Late stage borer larvae damage the shoot
Dead heart symptom caused by borer larvae
Late stage borer larvae
Root grub eggs, larval stages, pupa in earthern cocoon, male & female beetle
Healthy roots
Roots damaged by root grubs
PESTS OF CARDAMOM
Yellow Sticky Trap in cardamom plantation
Trapped whitefly in the Yellow Sticky Trap
