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Vol. 22No. 2

February 2009

SPICEINDIA

A JOURNAL DEVOTEDTO THE PROMOTION OFINDIAN SPICE INDUSTRY

IN FEBRUARY ISSUE

SPICES BOARDMinistry of Commerce & Industry

Government of IndiaSugandha Bhavan

P.B. No. 2277Palarivattom P.O.Cochin - 682 025

No. 2Vol. XXII FEBRUARY-2009

Chairman : V.J. Kurian I.A.S.Chief Editor : Dr. P.S. Sreekantan Thampi

Deputy Director (Publicity)Editor : S. PalanichamyPublisher : Smt. K. Lekshmikutty

(Secretary)

Editorial Advisory CommitteeS. Kannan

Director (Marketing)Dr. J. Thomas

Director (Research)R. CHANDRASEKHAR

Director (Development)SPICE INDIA

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INDIAN CARDAMOM RESEARCH INSTITUTE-LOOKING FORWARD

Dr. J. Thomas 4CARDAMOM REPLANTATION PROGRAMMELAUNCHED IN KARNATAKA 11FUSARIUM DISEASES, A THREAT TO SMALLCARDAMOM PLANTATIONS

A.K. Vijayan, Joseph Thomas andJ. Thomas 12

INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENTIN CARDAMOM

S.S. Chandraskar, S. Varadarasan,M.A. Ansar Ali, B. Gopakumar andJ. Thomas 16

CARDAMOM - HARVEST AND POSTHARVEST PRACTICES

K.M. Kuruvilla, K.Reji and J. Thomas 21The Lingering - Tang of MANDU

Hugh & Colleen Gantzer 28HIGH YIELDING VARIETIES IN BLACK PEPPER(Piper nigrum L.)

SREEKRISHNA BHAT.S, DHANAPAL,K. AND I.R.NOOLVI 31

TOP WORKING IN NUTMEG THROUGHTOP BUDDING

J. REMA, P.A. MATHEW &B. KRISHNAMOORTHY 35

KARNATAKA CARDAMOM PLANTERS-GET YOUR SOIL TEST DONE ATICRI DONIGAL

I.R. Noolvi and Sreekrishna Bhat 37VIRAL DISEASES OF CARDAMOMAND THEIR MANAGEMENT

K. Dhanapal , Joseph ThomasSreekrishna Bhat and J. Thomas 38

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FORIMPORTANT SPICES-MARCH 2009 41SPICES STATISTICS-JANUARY 2009 45

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INDIAN CARDAMOMRESEARCH INSTITUTE

-Looking ForwardDr. J. Thomas

DirectorSpices Board

Indian Cardamom Research InstituteMyladumpara ñ 685553

E-mail ñ dirres_spices@yahoo.com

The Spices Board(erstwhile CardamomBoard) established

Indian Cardamom ResearchInstitute at Myladumpara inIdukki district of Kerala in 1978.The objective of the institutewas to take up need basedadaptive research programmesfor developing appropriatetechnologies for increasingproduction and productivity ofcardamom. Subsequently in1980, two regional stations wereopened at Sakleshpur(Karnataka) andThadiankudisai (Tamil Nadu)to formulate location specificstrategies in the respective areasof the cardamom tract in theWestern Ghats. The researchand development centre oflarge cardamom started atPangthng, Sikkim during 1983was brought under ICRI in 1987as one of its regional stations. Inthe course of time the institutehas diversified its activities onother spices such as vanilla,

black pepper, ginger, turmeric,chilly, culinary herbs and treespices (variety of clove andnutmeg). Besides, the institutealso takes up responsibility fortransferring technologies tofarming community impartingtechnical guidance and trainingand also in the production andsupply of quality plantingmaterial with an objective toincrease production andproductivity of cardamom,These programmes areimplemented through theresearch departments such asCrop Improvement,Biotechnology, Agronomy andSoil Science, Plant Pathology,Entomology, Post harvesttechnology and Transfer oftechnology.

The multidisciplinaryresearch activities undertakenat ICRI helped to bridge the gapbetween overage andachievable maximumproductivity and also couldbreak the yield barriers /

production constraints. Aglance at comparativeproduction scenario ofcardamom prior to 2000 and inthe millennium years willillustrate the role of researchand development programmes.During 1990 India’s productionwas only 4750 metric tonnesand it has gone up to 9330metric tonnes by 1999. In themillennium year (2000) theproduction touched 10,480metric tonnes and there after itwas on the increasing trendexcept for one or two cropseasons (2004-05 and 2005 – 06 )due to adverse weatherconditions. However it wasabove the production realizedbefore 2000. In the recent yearsthe production andproductivity increasedsubstantially in spite of the factthat the area under cardamomreduced drastically from 1.05lakh hectare (1987-88) to 73,100hectares (2005-06). Theincreased trend in the

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productivity from 195 kg / ha(2000-01) to 238 kg / ha (2005-06) clearly illustrates thesignificant role of research anddevelopment.

The production gains andquality up gradation ofcardamom could be assured toadequate and sustainedresearch efforts inmultidisciplinary directions ofplant improvement, nutrientscheduling, agronomicpractices, effective managementof pests and diseases anddevelopment of adequatetechnology for processing,storage and productdiversification.

ICRI Contributions tocardamom industry

Improved CardamomVarieties - ICRI has contributedsubstantially to the cause of

cardamoms (small and large)and also other spices. ICRI hasthe largest germplasmrepository of small cardamomat Myladumpara and itsregional stations. Since 2000germplasm conservationsconducted with the financialsupport of ICAR (NATP-PB) inthe National parks, Reserveforests, and Plantations hasresulted with the collection ofover 230 accessions and over 25landraces / elite clones. Themagnitude of variability hasbeen assessed and are beingconserved for utilization. Inaddition to clones released forKerala (ICRI-1&2), Karnataka(ICRI-3) and Tamil Nadu (ICRI-4), a hybrid in cardamom ICRI-5 and a selection ICRI-6 werereleased for the cardamomtracts of Kerala. Considering theadaptability of cardamom, high

yielding location specific cloneshave been identified for variousregions of the cardamom tract.Among them, MHC-18(Wayanad), MHC-10 and TDK-87 (Tamil Nadu), SKP-170 &SKP-187 (Karnataka) are veryprominent. Besides highlypromising hybrids developed atMyladumpara like MHC-23 &MHC-24 developed atMyladumpara are in variousstatges of testing.

Identifications of resistant /tolerant varieties in cardamomwere another area of concern.Research thrust has beenfocused on developing tolerantlines against biotitic (Azhukal &Katte diseases and Thrips andbiotitic (drought) stress. In thisregard, germplasm surveyshave been undertaken to ‘hotspots’ / problematic areas of thecardamom tract. The collected‘escapes’ / tolerant lines arebeing screened for furtherinvestigations. The mutationstudies (Physical) under takento develop ‘Katte’ tolerant linesin Karnataka have resulted afew tolerant lines and are beingdemonstrated in the farmer’sfield in the hot spot areas of‘Katte’ infection.

Integrated NutrientManagement

Integrated NutrientManagement strategiesinvolving organic farmingtechnologies have been

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strengthened in cardamom forachieving sustainableproduction. Even throughfertilizer schedules for differentzones of the cardamom tracthave been recommended, thecurrent approach is to refine thetechnology through thediagnosis of the nutritionalrequirement. Surveysconducted on the ‘micronutrient states showed that Zincand Boron are deficient incardamom soils. Foliarapplication of Zinc sulphate @500 ppm and soil applicationBoron in the form of commercialgrade Borax at the rate of 7.5 Kg/ hectare is recommended totackle the deficiency problems.Beneficial effect of limingcardamom soils in altering thesoil pH for better growth andyield of cardamom has beendemonstrated.

Studies on the effect of Biofertilizers revealed thatapplication of Azospirillum andPhosphobactria @ 50 grams eachper plant along withrecommended dose offertilizers and FYMsignificantly increased thecardamom yield. In Karnataka,application of 75:37.5:150 kgNPK per hectare per year +Phosphobacterium @ 50 grams +5 kg FYM per plant gave thehighest cardamom yield whencompared to fertilizerapplication withoutbiofertilizers. Highest dry

weight of capsules wasrecorded with the application ofinorganic nitrogen 100 per cent+Azospirillum 50 grams + 5kgFYM (447.5 kg ha – 1). Furtherthe role of FYM in increasing theyield of cardamom incombination with biofertilizer,Azorpirillum has beenascertained. Adoption ofintegrated nutrientmanagement involving organicand biofertilzer consortiumwith VAM, Azosprillum andPhosphobacteria are beingadvocated in the nutritionmanagement of cardamom..

Cardamom is a shadelooking crop, cultivated as purecrop under tree’s canopy.Emphasis has been given tocardamom – based croppingsystems to increases unit area income and the plantation as asustainable one. Introduction ofcrops like black pepper, thipali,mali mulaku, coffee, areca nut etcin the initial years of cardamomgrowth has been recommended.The use of rubber as a shade treethe cardamom in the fringeareas of the cardamom tract isalso feasible to generatesustainable income from theplantations.

Integrated DiseaseManagement

As many as 25 differenttypes of fungal diseases havebeen reported in soil and amongthese ‘Azukal’ or Capsule rot and

Clump rot are the major ones.Recently wide spreadoccurrence of Fusarium diseaseshas been identified. Integrateddiseases management strategiesusing plant sanitation andfungicides and of eco friendlysystems involving the use of bioagents and beneficial microorganisms such as Trichodermaand Pseudomonas are beingrecommended. The need forimplementation of effectivereplanting schedule coupledwith practice of mono croppingis advocated for ‘Katte’eradication.

The efforts of the instituteon the use of bio – agents suchas Trichoderma, Bacillus sp,Pseudomonas etc for diseasesmanagement in cardamombecame popular. Twoindigenous strains ofTrichoderma viz. ICRI isolate T12(Trichodrama haszianum) andT14 (T.viride) isolated from thecardamom soils are found veryeffective in the management ofcardamom diseases. VAMinoculation at the seedling stagesignificantly enhanced growthand vigor of the seedlings.

Integrated Pest Management

An integrated PestManagement packagedeveloped was refined toaddress the pest problems veryeffectively reducing thepesticide load considerably inplantations .This was achieved

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through appropriatecombination of cultural,mechanical and chemicalmeasures and its application inthe right time. A total of seveninsecticide sprays a year willcontrol both thrips and borer inKerala region. For Karnatakaonly four rounds are sufficient(January, March, May andSeptember / October). ForTamil Nadu five rounds arerequired. Phosalone, being aless toxic insecticide to bees(Pollinators) may be preferred forspraying during peak flowering.To safeguard honeybees, themajor pollinator of cardamom,insecticides may be applied in theafternoon hours.

A few commonly andlocally available plants such asVitex negundo, Lantana camara,Spathodea companulata andChrysanthemum possessinsecticidal properties. Essentialoils of caraway, oreganum andthyme are found to havenematicidal activity against theroot knot nematodes Meloidogneincognita and Meloidogynejavanica at concentration of 125u/1 in vitro and 100 u /kg insoil. The white fly populationcan be maintained at a very lowlevel by the parasitoids, Encarsiaseptentrionalis and E. dialeurodisand predators, Malladabonninensis, mites etc

Large cardamom

ICRI undertakes research

on Large cardamom (Amomumsubulatum Roxb.) popularlyknown as ‘Bada Elachi’,which isextensively cultivated in the sub– Himalayan tracts of NorthEastern Hills of India. Researchthrust was given on theproduction, protection and postharvest processing aspects ofthe crop. Germplasminventorisations carried out atvarious centers including theborder areas of India-Bhutanand Nepal have resulted is thecollection of many variants andallied taxa like Amomumdealbutum, Amomum kingsii,Costus specious, Hedychium spsetc. Evaluation of thegermplasm accessions hasresulted in the identification ofa few elite clones such as SBLC-5, SBLC-47, and SBLC-50 etc.Out of these, SBLC-5 and SBLC-50 were released for large scalecollection under the name ICRI-Sikkim-1 and ICRI-Sikkim-2.These selections exhibit an yieldpotential of 748 and 834 kg/harespectively. Further may highyielding clones having an yieldpotential of above 1000 kg/haare in the pipeline for releaseand among these SCC-72,SCC-75and SCC-81 are theprominent ones.

Performance evaluation oftissue culture derived plants Visa Vis open pollinated seedlingsof large cardamom revealedthat tissue culture plants areuniform and are superior to

open pollinated seedlings.

Sikkim state was declaredas an organic one in the country.Formulation of sustainable agrotechniques with specialemphasis on organic farming,development of effective andeconomically viable strategiesfor Integrated NutrientManagement (INM), IntegratedPest Management (IPM) as wellas post harvest technology wereaddressed well.

ICRI designed improvedPost harvest system for curinglarge cardamom was resulted inproducing export qualityproduct fetching substantialhigher renumeration to farmers.

1. Cardamom Production -Challenges in India

1.1. High cost of Production

Cost of production andproductivity are two importantfactors, which determine thecompetitiveness of thecommodity in the market. Nowthe productivity of cardamomin India has reached to the tuneof 238 Kg. /hectare (that wasnever realized before) but thecost of cultivation also increasedalong with it. Guatemalaproduces 28,000 tonnesannually from around 67,000hectare with an edge over Indiain production and productivity.In India the labour componentinvolved in production is veryhigh and the cost of labour

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exceeds more than 50 per centof total expenditure. The cost ofcultivation in Guatemala isreported to be around Rs. 1.05lakhs/hectares for the initialthree years after planting whichis about one third of cost ofcultivation recorded in India.The non-availability of skilledlaborers for harvesting and post– harvest handling reduces theproductivity in terms ofcompetitiveness in the globalmarket.

1.2. Sustainability ofproductivity in the plantation

In cardamom plantationsyield variation becomes aregular phenomenon and thishas to be circumvented withappropriate technologies. Highproduction technologies areavailable in the researchinstitutions working oncardamom and implementationof these technologies wouldenhance the crop yield.Presently cardamom harvest iscompleted with six to eightrounds of picking under highmanagement system. Numberof pickings has to be reducedwithout affecting the total yieldlevel and quality of produce.The employment of unskilledworkers contributes the qualitydeterioration. In Guatemala,cardamom harvest is completedwith three to four rounds in acrop season without reducingthe total yield and quality. This

adds to the advantage ofGuatemala to reduce about sixtyper cent of the expenditureearmarked for harvest and postharvest handling. Emphasis hasto be given to isolate varietieshaving synchronized flowering/ fruiting to maintain the yieldlevel constantly and at the sametime reducing the cost of theharvest.

1.3. Indiscriminate use ofpesticides

Cardamom is susceptible toan array of pests and diseases.Infestation of pests and diseasecauses significant crop loss inplantation. A large numberfungicides and insecticides areused indiscriminately in theplantation for theirmanagement. Suchindiscriminate use may lead topesticide residual problems inthe commodity. The importingcountries will reject in theconsignment if the residuallevel above the situated leveland this in turn adversely affectthe export performance ofIndian cardamom. Japan wasthe steady and reliable marketfor cardamom and the countryhas been importing around30 – 40 per cent of the totalexport of India. Recentlyinsecticides such as Triazophosand Profenphos were detected inthe consignment exported fromIndia. The importing countriesare very stringent about the

quality aspects including thetoxicity level of insecticides. Itis therefore research on IPMshould be intensified on aholistic perspective includingan identification andmultiplication of local isolatesof bio-agents for themanagement of pest anddisease of cardamom. Pesticideresidue content above thepermitted limit may causechallenge in the domestic tradealso in the future. Necessarysteps have to be taken tomaintain the tolerance level ofthe pesticide residues as per thestipulation of the importingcountries. Planters shouldconsult Institutions like ICRI,ICAR, SAU’s, etc for latesttechnology developed in thelines of IPM research.

1.4. Organic cardamom

The demand for organicfood is increasing rapidly in theworld over particularly in thedeveloped countries. Theorganically derived commodityfetches 20 to 50 per cent higherprice compared to one obtainedfrom conventional farming.Cardamom is not presentlyamenable to organic system ofcultivation due to its inherentpests and disease problems.Application of inorganicfertilizers augments the cropyield substantially. In the eventof changing consumerpreference towards organic

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cardamom, suitable varieties/organic productiontechnologies are to bedeveloped for sustainableproduction of organiccardamom. The niche marketsfor organic cardamom fororganic cardamom are to beexploited.

2. Steps for MitigatingChallenges

Cardamom Industry inIndia encountered with manyconstraints, which adverselyaffect the production. Thefuture of the industry in thecountry depends on the costeffectiveness in production,quality up gradation andproduct diversification.ICRI hasidentified a few priority themesto address these issues andresearch on these lines areinitiated.

2.1 Location specific varietiesand hybrids

The varietal improvementprogrammes undertaken invarious research institutionsresulted in the releases of over10 clones and hybrid havingyield potential as well asresistance/ tolerance of disease.Further, in recent years, a fewimproved ‘land races’ incardamom have been located byfarmers. Among them ‘Njallanigreen gold’ identified by ShriSebastian Joseph, Njallani is theruling cardamom variety

cultivated in the cardamomtract of Kerala, Besides,Panikulangara, Valley green bold,Vander cardamom, Palakudi,Elarani I and Elarani – II,Kalarikkal white cardamom andPNS Vaigal are also gettingpopular. The performance ofthese improved clones andlandraces are location specificand this necessitates the needfor developing varieties withwider adaptability. Productionof hybrids using the improvedclones / landraces suited torespective agro ecologicalconditions and theirexploitation for yield and otherdesirable traits will contributeto substantial increase inproduction.

2.2 Cost effectiveness

Cost of production andproductivity per unit areadetermine the competitivenessof commodity in the market.The productivity of cardamomin India is about 238 kg/hectarewith a production of about12000 metric tonnes undermoderate management. On theother hand Guatemalaproduces around 28,000 metrictonnes under low managementpractices even at highproductivity (about 315 kg/hectares) level compared toIndia. The cost of cultivation inIndia is around Rs. 2.0 to 2.5lakhs per hectare per yearwhere as in Guatemala cost of

cultivation in Guatemala isreported to be around Rs. 1.05lakhs/hectares for the initialthree years after planting whichis about one third of cost ofcultivation recorded in India.The labour component involvedin production is very high adthe cost of labour exceeds morethan 60 per cent of totalexpenditure. The non-availability of skilled laborersfor harvesting and post –harvest handling reduces theproductivity in terms of qualityand quantity will make thecommodity cost effective.Mechanization of harvestingand other field operations willreduce the cost of cultivationand research on this has to beintensified.

2.3 Sustainability ofproductivity in the plantations.

In cardamom plantationsyield variation becomes aregular phenomenon due tomay factors. It includesproduction technologies relatedto INM, IPM, Harvest and Postharvest operations and agroecological condition underwhich the crop is grown oncomparison of the cardamomscenario in India andGuatemala, it is very evidentthat agro ecological conditionssuch as soil, weather conditionssuch as rain fall distribution,total rainfall, number of rainydays, temperature etc are very

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favorable to achieve maximumproduction in Guatemala. Onthe technology front, thoughIndia has an edge overGuatemala but it is far behindin terms of cost effectivenessdue to high cost of production.Emphasis has to given todevelop varieties havingsynchronized flowering /fruiting, resistance / toleranceto abiotic and stress to maintainthe yield level constantly and atthe same time reducing the costof harvest.

2.4. Good AgriculturalPractices of Quality SpiceProduction (GAP)

For the effectivedissemination of technologiesSpices Board has designed atraining programme on GoodAgricultural Practices for QualitySpice Production to theunemployed youths. Thisprogramme is parallel to theextension services of the Board.Techniques for the qualityplanting material production,integrated nutrient, pest anddisease management,preparation and use of organicinputs and post harvestoperation including the valueaddition of spices will betrained After completion of thetraining, trainees can continueto engage in the agriculturalbased activities for theproduction of good qualityspice and also act as resource

person to spice growers who areinterested in sourcing theirexpertise. Scientist – Farmerinterface is another mode ortechnology transmissionundertaken by the Institute.Mobile Agri-clinic is also madeavailable to provide advisoryservices to farmers. Trainingprogramme is also offered tofarmers and extension officersfor on – farm production of bioagents and on its effectiveusage. Demonstration of highproduction technology with theintegrated management ofnutrient, pest and diseases isbeing undertaken in thefarmer’s field. Farmer’s cellfunctioning at ICRI willcoordinate the extension andadvisory services and alsodistribute the plantingmaterials, bioagents and otherinputs required by the farmer.

2.5. Product diversificationdevelopment

Product diversification anddevelopment is another area,which can contributesubstantially to increase theconsumption at the national/international level. Presentlycardamom finds a place in thepreparation of food, sausagesand bakery products etc. It is animportant ingredient in garammasalas, combination of spice ofmany vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes and also intooth pastes, chewing gum, ice

cream. Though cardamom hasbeen used in many ways, itsmedicinal applications are notfully exploited. Blending withtea, wide range of uses in small

2.6. Ecosystem Conservation.

Cardamom is shade lovingplant pruning of shade trees isvery essential for tillering andgrowth performance. However,excessive shade regulation isvery much detrimentalparticularly when irrigation isnot done during summer. Inorder to exploit the yieldpotential of improved varieties/ Landraces of cardamom overregulation of shade is practicedin the plantation limiting theshade level to the tune of 20 to30 percent. This causes variationin the weather conditionsresulting in the outbreak ofpests and diseases in theplantations.

In order to overcome illeffects of the excess shaderegulation, forest ecosystemshould be conserved for thelong-term sustainability ofcardamom and weathercondition in the eco-system.Afforestation is to be carried outwith suitable tree species. Thetraditional wisdom ofmaintaining 50 per cent shadehas to be reintroduced in everyplantation, required even at thecost of reduction inproductivity.

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CARDAMOM REPLANTATION PROGRAMMELAUNCHED IN KARNATAKA

Shri. Jairam Ramesh,Hon’ble Union Ministerof State for Commerce

and Power launched theCardamom ReplantationProgramme in Karnataka on22nd January 2009 bydistributing the cardamomreplanting subsidy cheques tothe beneficiary farmers. Duringthe interaction with farmers theMinister informed that Rs.120crore has been earmarked in the11th Plan for replantingcardamom in Kerala, TamilNadu and Karnataka and Rs.37crore will be spent forreplanting cardamom in 15,000hectares in Karnataka. He alsotold that 60 per cent of growerswho have availed of thissubsidy were small growers

and 33 per cent subsidy will begiven to growers having fourhectares and 25 per cent will begranted to growers who havemore than four hectares of land.

The Minister asked theKarnataka cardamom growers

to increase the cardamomproduction since the productionlevel in Karnataka is 35 kg to40 kg per acre while the same ismore than 120 kg in Kerala andTamil Nadu. He also said that ae-auction center for Karnatakawill be considered only whenthe cardamom productionreached 3000 tonnes in the nextthree years. The Ministerinteracted with therepresentatives of KarnatakaPlanters’ Association andKarnataka Growers’ Federation.

Shri. H.Vishwanath,Member, Spices Board, Shri.Ajoy Thippaiah Chairman,Karnataka Planters’ Association,and Shri.Mohan Kumar, GeneralSecretary, Karnataka Growers’Federation were spoke on theoccasion . Shri. H.S.Srinivasa,Joint Director, Spices Board,Sakleshpur welcomed thegathering.

The Minister giving away the subsidy cheque to Shri. K.K.Gopala,a cardamom grower in Somwerpet, Kodagu District.

Shri. Jairam Ramesh, Hon’ble Union Minister of State for Commerceand Power, speaking at the launching of Cardamom ReplantationProgramme in Karnataka

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FUSARIUM DISEASES,A THREAT TO SMALL

CARDAMOM PLANTATIONSA.K. Vijayan, Joseph Thomas and J. Thomas

Spices BoardIndian Cardamom Research Institute,

Myladumpara, Kailasanadu P.O.,Idukki, Kerala

Small cardamom is affectedby a number of fungaldiseases. Diseases such as

the capsule rot (azhukal) causedby Phytophthora meadii and therhizome rot caused by Pythiumvexans and Rhizoctonia solani arecomparatively severe and affectthe crop production. In recentstudies carried out in manycardamom plantations inIdukki districts of Keralashowed that Fusariumoxysporum, the well known wiltfungus is becoming a majorpathogen to small cardamom.The wide spread “foliaryellowing and plant decline”noticed in several cardamomplantations of Idukki Districtwas reported to be caused bythis fungal wilt pathogen.

Fusarium diseases in smallcardamom

The major diseasescaused by Fusarium oxysporumin small cardamom are root tiprot and leaf yellowing,

pseudostem rot, panicle blightand rhizome rot. These diseasesare often severe and widespread and lead to crop losses.

1. Root tip rot and leafyellowing

Root tip rot and leafyellowing occur wide spread inseveral cardamom plantationsin Idukki district of Kerala. Thedisease makes its appearanceafter the monsoon rains andbecomes severe during summermonths. The symptoms areyellowing of the foliageresulting in leaf drying. Usually,the symptoms starts from theolder basal leaves onwards andreaches towards the middleportion of the tillers. Theyounger most leaves will begreen in colour. The earlieraffected basal leaves becomefully yellow and soon dry off.Characteristic visible symptomsare seen in the root system also.The root tip portions of affectedplant show symptoms of decay,proceeding slowly towards the

plant base. Such roots showshriveling and an off white togrey colour at the root tips. Ifsufficient moisture is present inthe soil, the affected portionsshow decay. During dryweather, these portions becomeshriveled.

2. Pseudostem rot

It is a characteristicinfection seen on thepseudostem (tillers) in smallcardamom. The symptoms ofthis disease develop in the formof dark brownish, round or ovalnecrotic patches on thepseudostems, and at the base ofthe petioles. These portionselongate and the infectionspread towards leaf sheaths. Ata later stage, the pseudostem atthe lesion portion splits off ortears resulting in the breakingand falling of tillers. Due to thisit is also called stem lodgingdisease. The infection is seenusually on any portion of thematured tillers. In severe cases,many tillers fall off, the leaves

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dry and give a burntappearance.

3. Panicle blight

A type of blight diseaseresulting in the drying of flowerbuds, young capsules andpanicle tips is noticed in severalcardamom plantations inIdukki district over the past fewyears. The disease is observedafter the south west monsoonseason or sometimesimmediately after the monsoonrains are over. In severe cases,even the mature capsules dryoff. The symptoms are socharacteristic that the dryingstarts from the panicle tiponwards and proceed towardsthe base of the panicle (Fig.3).The dried portions sometimesshow slight pinkish to purplecolour.

4. Rhizome rot

Rhizome rot commonlyknown as clump rot is a widespread disease in Kerala,Karnataka and in heavy rainfallareas of Tamil Nadu. It is causedby the fungal pathogens viz.,Pythium vexans or Rhizoctoniasolani. However, rhizome rotcaused by Fusarium oxysporumSchlecht which is a soil bornefungal pathogen, affects thecardamom plants during postmonsoon period when the soilmoisture is comparativelylower or limiting.. The diseaseis characterized bydevelopment of rots on

rhizomes which spreadstowards upwards to the tillersand downwards to the rootsystem of the plant (Fig.4). Theaffected plants also show foliaryellowing.

Fusarium disease managementin cardamom plantations

1.Chemical control

Field control trials usingsystemic chemical fungicidesshowed that Fusariumoxysporum disease infections insmall cardamom can be broughtunder control with the use ofchemical fungicides viz.,Carbendazin (0.2 per cent),Hexaconazole(0.2 per cent) orThiophanate methyl (0.2 percent) as spraying and soildrenching. The phytosanitaryoperations should be carried outon top priority to reduce thepathogen inoculum load in thecardamom plantations. Threerounds of applications ofchemical fungicides may begiven at monthly intervalsstarting from August.

2. Use of bio control agents

Microbial antagonists areincreasingly being used for themanagement of soil borne plantpathogens such as Fusariumoxysporum. The fungal bioagentTrichoderma harzianum is apotential antagonist formanagement of root rot and leafyellowing of small cardamom.Use of bioagents such as

Trichoderma harzianum as basalapplication and Pseudomonasfluorescens as spray and soildrenching was very effective incontrolling the disease in thefield. This offers an additionaladvantage for the organicallymanaged cardamom plotswhere the use of fungicide isexcluded. Use of consortium ofmicrobial antagonistsalongwith vermicompost is anew approach for biologicalcontrol of Fusarium diseases ofsmall cardamom in plantations.

Integrated Management forFusarium disease

The planters may adoptthe following tips for themanagement of Fusariumdiseases and foliar yellowing incardamom plantations.

The cause of cardamomplant yellowing in therespective cases may beobserved and the controlmeasures may be appliedaccordingly. Leaf yellowingmay be due to root rot causedby Fusarium oxysporum, foliarfungal infections such as leafrust or chenthal, root damagecaused by root grub, nematodeinfestation, whitefly attack anddue to nutrient deficiency.

As most of the roots aredamaged the uptake ofnutrients is obstructed and theplants show yellowing in thecase of root rot caused byFusarium oxysporum.

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Phytosanitation by pruning dryleaves, uprooting and removalof diseased tillers, panicles andrhizomes may be carried out.Destroy them by burning ordeep burying. Thephytosanitary operationsshould be on top priority toreduce the pathogen inoculumload in the cardamomplantations.

Subsequently soildrenching and spraying shouldbe carried out thrice at monthlyintervals using chemicalfungicides such as carbendazin(0.2 per cent), Thiophanatemethyl (0.2 per cent) orhexaconazole (0.2 per cent) inthe plantations for managementof Fusarium diseases.Threerounds of applications may begiven during August,

September and Octobermonths.

Root rot affectedplantations may be given foliarsprays with 1-2 per cent DAPdepending on the age of theplant.

Apply biocontrol agentssuch as 1 per cent Trichodermaharzianum (109cfu/ml) as basalapplication and 1 per centPseudomonas fluroscens (109cfu/ml) as spray and soil drenchingafter 10 days of fungicidalapplication. Repeat theapplication of biocontrol agents(twice) in the cardamomplantations.

Nematode infestation alsocauses yellowing and plantdecline. For controlling thenematode and root grub, applycarbofuran (Furadan)60-80

grams per plant alongwith 300-500 grams neem cake. Drenchthe plant base with 0.2 per centchloropyrifos (200ml in 100litresof water) for the control of rootgrubs. Apply EPN (EntomoPathogenic Nematode) at therate of 1,00,000 ijs(infectivejuveniles) per plant as aneffective biocontrol method.

If whitefly infestation isnoticed, install yellow stickytraps in the plantations for themanagement of adult whiteflies. Also spray an emulsifiedmixture of neem oil 500 ml with500 ml sandovit in 100 liters ofwater on the lower surface ofleaves for management ofwhitefly nymphs.

Cardamom suckers forplanting should be collectedfrom disease free plantations.

A view of planters attending the seminar.

REGIONAL SEMINAR ON CHILLI

Shri.Prahlad Joshi, M.P. Dharwad is seeninaugurating the Chilly seminar by pouring waterto a chilli plant

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INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENTIN CARDAMOM

S.S. Chandraskar, S. Varadarasan,M.A. Ansar Ali, B. Gopakumar and J. Thomas

Spices BoardIndian Cardamom Research Institute,

Mylaldumpara 685 553Idukki District Kerala

Proper identification ofpests and their naturalenemies is necessary to

take-up effective pestmanagement measures that arecost effective as well as eco-friendly. There are fewpersistent pests and fewoccasional ones in cardamom.The pest management becomesefficient when it is undertakenat the correct time, at the rightstage and with the best method.Control measures also varywith the agro-climaticconditions, especially withreference to rainfall, humidityand temperature. So, a thoroughknowledge on time ofoccurrence of pests is requiredto take-up timely and need-based management.

i. Cardamom thrips:

The colonization of thripson cardamom could easily beidentified by its damagesymptom (scab) on capsules.Thrips are microscopic insectsand can be seen on unopenedleaves, leaf sheaths, flowerbracts and flower tube. Theadults (black) and young ones

(white) feed on surface tissuesof panicles and capsules. Injuryto panicles result in its stuntedgrowth, and the injury ontender capsules develop asscabby growth. Such capsuleshave less number of seeds andfetch a low price in the market.

In small cardamom, thripspopulation will be high duringsummer months (pre-monsoonperiod – January to May) due toits higher multiplication rate.With the onset of monsoon,thrips population graduallydeclines and becomes minimalduring peak rainy period (June& July). Thrips populationagain builds-up during post-monsoon period (August –December), but comparativelylesser than in the pre-monsoonperiod.

Accordingly, the frequencyof insecticide applicationshould be higher (once in 30-days) during summer,coinciding with higherpopulation, and once in 45-daysafter rainy period coincidingwith lesser population.

ii. Borer:

Borer damage oncardamom is a serious problemin Kerala, Karnataka and TamilNadu. The damage is caused byearly to mature larvae of borer,and can easily be recognized bythe excretory frass materialcoming out through the borehole. It bores panicles, tillersand capsules of cardamom andcause severe crop loss. Theborer infested tillers exhibit“dead heart symptom”.

The borer infests cardamomshoot, panicle or capsules. Theadult emergence has to bemonitored for taking-up propermanagement measures. Thiscan be achieved by keeping theborer infested shoots in closedcontainer. The larva infestingthe shoot becomes pupa andlater emerges as orangecoloured moth with black spots.The adults, after a period of fivedays, start laying eggs. The eggsare to be destroyed before theyhatch or before the mature larvebore into shoot. Once the larvagoes inside the shoot, it is verydifficult to control the pest.

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iii. Cardamom root grubs:

Root grub problem is severein less-shaded areas. Adults ofthe pest are small beetles (fourto six mm. length) with shinymetallic blue, green or greenishbrown colour. They are seen oncardamom leaves duringmorning and evening hours butdo not feed on cardamom. Thebeetles feed on leaves of jack,mango, guava, dadeps, etc.Grubs (larvae) are (C-shaped)short and stout, feed on rootsand become mature in 45-60days. Grubs have two periodsof occurrence, the first duringApril – July and the secondduring August – January.Pupation takes place in anearthern cocoon. The pestcompletes life cycle in 65 – 102days during first generation and73 – 111 days during secondgeneration.

iv. Root knot nematode:

Root knot nematodes,which can be seen only undermicroscope, infect cardamomroots. Common symptoms ofattack are narrowing andthickening of leaves, reductionof inter-nodal length andconsequent appearance ofrosette leaves. Knots develop onroots and may block uptake ofnutrients.

v. Cardamom whitefly

The adult fly is a small softbodied insect with two pairs of

white wings. The oval-shaped,small, young ones (nymphs) areseen sucking plant juice fromthe under surface of leaves. Thisleads to severe yellowing ofleaves, and thus affects thevitality of plant. The life cycleis completed within two-threeweeks.

vi. Red spider mite:

This is a minor pest, whichis small and red in colour, occurduring summer months. Themites spin webs on the undersurface of the leaves and liveinside the webs. They puncturethe plant cells with their styletsand suck the cellular material.This results in the formation ofcharacteristic white blotches onthe leaves. Mites take 15 to 20days to complete its life cycle.

vii. Other minor pests:

Other minor pests ofcardamom are hairycaterpillars, shoot fly, lace wingbug, mid rib caterpillar,cardamom aphid andcutworms.

Holistic approach:

When compiling all theoperations to be adopted for themanagement of pests ofcardamom, the package willhave the following units/methods, under Integrated PestManagement.

Cultural method (Table. 1)

i. Removal of dried leaves of

cardamom in January –February and again in May,September-October (ifnecessary) to reduce thrips androot grub.

ii. Regulation of shade,judiciously to avoid openpatches which may lead to rootgrub problem.

Mechanical method (Table. 2)

i. Collection of root grub beetlesduring March – April andAugust – October using insectnet to reduce beetle population.

ii. Removal of hairy caterpillarsfound on the tree trunksmanually and destroying them.

Behavioural method (Table. 3)

i. In case of whitefly infestation,fix yellow sticky traps(rectangular metal sheets orplastic sheets of yellow colourcoated with castor oil or greasefixed three feet above ground incardamom field) to attract thewhite fly adults and getdestroyed.

Chemical method (Table. 1)

The need-based insecticideschedule for management ofimportant pests is given is table1 which involves a total of sevenrounds per year under rain-fedcondition.

Biological method

A lot of natural enemies areavailable in cardamom fields.They infect/parasite/ predateon egg, larvae/nymphs, adults

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1. Cultural controla.Prune dried leaves in January end (before first spray), and also in September.b.Trash dried panicles, shoot and leaves in May end. These operations clear the dried parts ofplants and facilitate spray fluid falling on panicles and young shoots.

2. Trap cropShoot borer larva prefers to feed on castor capsules than on cardamom; if castor is grown on openarea /boundary, borer may infest castor inflorescence/ capsule and they may be destroyed bycrushing castor capsules infested with shoot borer larva.

3. CHEMICAL CONTROL

Table 1: INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT UNDER DIFFERENT CONDITION(foliar pests) Tentative schedule

4.Biological control : If fresh borer is seen on the tiller, inject Bacillus thuringiensis (@2 ml/litersof water) 5-10 ml through bore hole.

5. Mechanical control: Removal of hairy caterpillars found on the tree trunks manually anddestroying them.

KERALA – RAINFEDCONDTION I spray:(Feb. 1st week)

Quinalphos or Phenthoate @200 ml (or) 150ml /100 literswater.

II spray (Mar.2nd week)Profenophos or Monocrotophos@ 150 ml (or) 200ml / 100 literswater.

III spray (Apr.3rd week)Chlorpyriphos or phosalone @200 ml/ 100 liters water.

IV spray (May 4th week)Acephate (150 gm) in 100 literswater.

V spray (July end) Quinalphosor Phenthoate @ 200 ml (or)150ml /100 liters water.

VI spray (Sep. / Oct.)Profenophos (OR)Monocrotophos @ 150 ml (or)200ml /100 liters water.

VII spray (December)Methylparathion @ 100 ml / 100liters water.

KERALA – IRRIGATEDCONDTIOIN

I spray (Feb.1st week)Quinalphos OR Phenthoate @ 200ml (or) 150ml /100 liters water.

II spray (Mar.1st week)Profenophos @ 150 ml/100 liters water.

III spray (Apr.1st week)Chlorpyriphos or Phosalone @200 ml/ 100 liters water.

IV spray (May 1st week)Acephate 200 gm in 100 literswater.

V spray (June 1st week)Monocrotophos 200ml /100 liters water

VI spray (Jul. end / August)Quinalphos or Phenthoate @ 200ml(or) 150ml /100 liters water.

VII spray (September)Profenophos @ 150 ml/100 liters water.

VIII spray (early November)Monocrotophos 200 ml/100 liters water

IX spray (Dec.3rd week)Methylparathion 100 ml /100 liters water.

TAMIL NADU – LOWERPULNEYS

I spray (Dec.-Jan.)Monocrotophos @ 200ml orQuinalphos @200ml in 100 litersof water.

II spray (Mar.- Apr.)Chlorpyriphos @200ml in100 liters of water.

III spray (May-Jun.) Profenofos@ 150ml in 100 liters of water.

IV spray (Aug.) Quinalphos @200ml orMonocrotophos@ 200ml in100 liters of water.

V spray (Oct.) Methylparathion@ 100ml in100 liters of water.

KARNATAKA

I spray –Jan. Quinalphos @200ml in 100 liters of water

II spray -Ma. Chlorpyriphos@200ml /100 liters of water.

III spray -May Phasalone @200ml/in 100 liters of water.

IV spray - Sep.-Oct.Profenophos @ 150ml orMethyl parathion @ 100mlin 100 liters of water.

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Mechanical control:Collection and destruction of adult with insect net.Chemical control:Insecticide sprayed for thrips / shoot borer can also reducegrubs by direct killing of adults as well as deterring thebeetles from egg laying.Biological control:Spray of fungus suspension (Beauveria bassiana @ 108 spores/ml) on adult beetle.Chemical control:Chlorpyriphos 20 EC 0.04% a.i. (200 ml in 100 lit. water;2-5 lit. drenching at plant base).Phorate 10G 20-40 gms /clump (to be applied within 4-6 inches around the clump).Biological control:Soil application of Metarhizium anisopliae (@ 108 spores /gm)25gms/plant mixed with compost.Local strain of EPN (Heterorhabditis indica) application @1,00,000 nematodes (ijs) / plant.

Table 2: INTEGRATED MANAGEMENT OF CARDAMOM ROOT GRUB

Stage of pest & Period of occurrence Method of control

Adult beetleMarch – April & August – September

Grub

April/May & September/October

Sometimes, because of indiscriminate use of insecticides flare up of minor pest like whitefly may benoticed. The management strategy is given below:

Table. 3 MANAGEMENT OF CARDAMOM WHITEFLY

Reason for white fly outbreak

1.White fly is only a minor pest incardamom.(Fig. 1)

2. It may become a major pest onlyunder the followingcircumstances:

a. When insecticides are used morethan the recommended level.

b. When insecticides are sprayed athigher concentration.

c. When only one or two moleculesof insecticides are sprayedthroughout the year.

d. when spray is done by mixingtwo or three different insecticides.

e. When beneficial organisms /natural enemies are destroyed dueto excessive use of insecticides.

Key to Keep away white fly1. Use only recommended insecticides andrestrict number of sprays on need-basis.2. Use only recommended concentration ofthe insecticides.3. Do not use mixtures of two or moreinsecticides4. Do not use synthetic pyrethroidsconsistently.Ecofriendly method of managing cardamomwhitefly

If white fly becomes a major problem, do notresort for chemical insecticide use, and do thefollowing1. Identify the stage of the whitefly.2. If it is only adult whitefly, install yellowsticky trap.3. If it is adult fly and nymphs, install yellowsticky traps and also spray neem oil and soapsolution on the under surface of leaf.

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and keep the pest level undercheck. When the chemicalinsecticides are used on need-basis, the natural enemypopulation can also bemaintained and augmented.

If fresh borer is seen on thetiller, inject Bacillus thuringiensis(@2 ml/lit. of water) 5-10 mlthrough bore hole, withoutmonitoring adult emergence(Table. 1).

E n t o m o p a t h o g e n i cnematodes (EPN) are insectinfecting nematodes, availablein all cardamom soil. Itspopulation in soil is muchbelow its infectivity level. So, itmust be multiplied and appliedfor the management of

cardamom root grubs. ICRI hasproved EPN application as avery effective managementstrategy for the management ofcardamom root grubs @ 4cadavers per plants or @1,00,000ijs per plants (Table. 2).

Application of 300-500 mlneem oil in 100 liters water(alongwith sticking agent)effectively manages young ones(nymphs) of cardamomwhitefly (Table. 3)

Trap crops (Table. 1)

Planting of castor as trapcrop is effective for attractingshoot borer, since it feed oncastor capsules. Later removeand destroy the inflorescence /

capsule of castor, once they areinfested with larvae of shootborer.

Root grub beetles prefer tofeed on jack leaves duringevening / night hours. Regulatejack to have lower canopy andspray Beauveria bassiana fungusto control the beetles.

This Integrated PestManagement package is veryeffective for the managementof pests of cardamom (Table. 1,2). Excessive use of insecticidesleads to outbreak of minorpests like whitefly, etc. whichcan be managed effectivelyadapting package given inTable. 3

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CARDAMOM - HARVEST ANDPOST HARVEST PRACTICES

K.M. Kuruvilla, K.Reji and J. ThomasSpices Board

Indian Cardamom Research Institute,Kailasanadu P.O., Myladumpara ñ 685 553

Idukki Dt.

Indian cardamom occupiesan enviable position in theglobal spices market due to

its unique flavour and aroma.Cardamom possesses highmoisture content at the time ofharvest (>80 per cent) like otherspice crops. During processing,the moisture content of thefreshly harvested capsules isreduced from 80 to 10-12 percent without loosing qualitytraits such as colour, aroma andvolatile oil content etc. Whilegiving importance toproduction and productivity,emphasis should also be givento the quality of the produce asthe consumers are highlyconcerned about the quality.Quality of the produce can beachieved through timelyharvest and adoption ofscientific post harvestoperations. Application ofrecommended pesticides at thesafe dose and at the correct stageusing appropriate method ofapplication ensures negligiblepoisons contamination. At farmlevel, cardamom should beharvested at correct maturitystage without physical damage

followed by the employment ofproper processing techniquesinvolving various unitoperations such as washing,drying, cleaning grading andpackaging till marketing of theproduce.

Cardamom plantsgenerally start bearing from 18-24 months after plantingdepending upon the type ofplanting materials used.Flowers are borne on paniclesarise directly from the base ofthe pseudo-stem (tillers).Panicles appear from Decemberonwards and the floweringcontinuous normally for aprotracted period of about six toeight months. The climate andvarietal differences influencethe time and duration offlowering. It takes nearly 30days from bud to flower andbear fruits immediately underfavourable conditions. A flowertakes 120-135 days to form aripened fruit depending up onthe environmental conditions.The fruits are small trilocularcapsules having varyingshapes, round, oval and

angular. Capsule contains 15 to20 black coloured seeds atmaturity. Lack of synchronisedflowering necessitates severalrounds of harvest in cardamom.Capsules are picked at aninterval of 25 to 30 days inKerala and Tamil Nadu and inKarnataka 20 to 25 days intervalis adopted depending upon theenvironmental conditions. Byand large, harvesting startsfrom July-August andcontinues till January-Februaryin Kerala and Tamil Nadu,whereas in Karnataka itcommences in August andcontinues till December –January. However, underirrigated condition withjudicious managementsupplemented by favourableconditions, crop is harvestedthrough out the year.

Stage of harvest

The harvesting is a labourintensive operation that needsthe constant attention of thefarmers. Harvesting of capsulesin the correct maturity stage willimprove the quality of theproduce. Ripened fruits or

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physiologically ripened(Karikai) alone are to beharvested to get better literweight, colour and prescribedmarket demanded quality.Small immature capsules bringabout uneven shrivelled andundesirable colour afterprocessing. Faulty picking ofimmature capsules alone couldlead to a realisable crop losseven up to 40 per cent. Studieson stage of harvesting onrecovery percent in Malabartype of cardamom revealed thathighest dry weight of 285 gramscould be obtained from one kgof wet (green) capsules whenpicked at ripened (fruit) stagefollowed by 240 grams and 140grams when picked atphysiologically mature andimmature stages, respectively.In a random market samplestudy conducted, it was noticedthat the extent of immaturecapsule was as high as 42 percent, followed 34 per cent byfully ripened capsules and therest 24 per cent byphysiologically maturecapsules. A little care on thestage of harvest by the farmercould help him to get bettermarket price realisation.

Harvesting of capsulesshould be carried out when theseeds inside the capsules havebecome brownish to black incolour. Two types of picking arepracticed in cardamom andthey are ‘light picking’ and

‘hard picking’. When lightpicking is done, great care is tobe exercised in harvesting onlythe green matured capsules.This process will naturally giveless quantity crop per eachround harvest. While doinghard picking immature capsulesare also removed. This processreduces curing percentage butincreases picking average,secures green coloured capsulesand also reduces the chances offruit drop. It will be ideal toharvest physiologicallymatured to fully ripened stageso as to allow the capsules forthe proper seed developmentand to obtain higher recovery.However, over ripening shouldbe avoided as it results in lossof capsules due to rodents andsquirrels in the field andsplitting at the time of dryingwhich in turn fetches lowmarket value. Percentage of dryrecovery is highest (24 per cent)in the fully ripened capsulesfollowed by the one harvestedat physiological maturity (20per cent) and in immature stage(14 per cent). Studies onphysiological maturity andchlorophyll content indicatedthat harvesting at “touch anddrop” stage increases yield byabout 13per cent with marginalincrease in litre weight. Thechlorophyll content (greenness)starts declining when thecapsules reach an age of 100days from flowering while dry

matter accumulation continuestill harvest (touch and dropstage). The post ripening lossof green colour was significantand steep in Malabar typesindicating that picking intervalhas to be closer in suchcultivars.

Immediately afterharvesting capsules are to bewashed in water as the dirt andsoil attached to soil affect itsquality. Draining of water isessential to get good qualitycardamom. Farmers treat theharvested capsules treated withtwo per cent washing soda(Sodium bi carbonate) for 10minutes for obtaining bettercolour and to prevent growth ofmould. However, this practiseis to be discouraged as theproduct colour may fade fasteron storage and an avoidablechemical could be kept at bayfrom a natural product.Heaping of capsules afterharvest may be avoided as itaffects the quality of theprocessed produce.

Curing

Cardamom curing may bedefined as the process in whichmoisture of freshly harvestedcapsules is reduced from 80-85per cent to 10-12 per cent atoptimum temperature. Themoisture content of the capsuleshusk is around 80 per cent andthis has to be removedcompletely during the process

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of drying. Drying is the mostimportant unit operation thatdetermines the colour andaroma of the end product. Apartfrom quality in terms of colour,flavour components such as 1-8cineole, terpenyl acetate,linalool etc., are also governed.There are two types of dryingnamely natural (Sun-drying)and artificial (firewood,electricity, kerosene, liquidpetroleum gas)

Natural (sun drying)

In this method theharvested capsules are directlydried under sun it requires five-six days or more depending onavailability of sunlight.Uniform drying of capsules isnot possible in this method asthe cardamom harvestcommensurate with rainyseason in the cardamom tract.The quality of capsules in termsof its colour is adverselyaffected due to loss of greennessin the processed cardamom.Further the frequent turning ofcapsules leads to splitting anddeterioration of the quality.Capsules dried under thismethod are not preferred forexport. This method is mainlypracticed in Karnataka.Karnataka is one of the leadingstates engaged in theproduction of bleachedcardamom. Recent studiesrevealed that black colouredblanket kept on the capsulesspread under the sun

augmented the drying processand also provides green colourto the produce.

Bleaching of cardamomleads to loss of volatile oils.Bleached cardamom is greenishwhite or golden yellow incolour. Bleaching can be doneeither on dried cardamomcapsules or with raw capsules.Bleaching powder, powderedsulphur, potassiummetabisulphite, hydrogenperoxide and sodium silicateare the agents commonly usedfor bleaching cardamom.

Artificial drying

Artificial drier are furthercategorized into conventional(flue pipes dryers) and othertypes depending up on thesource of fuel employed forcardamom processing.

Conventional curing

Conventional curing ofcardamom regulatestemperature, humidity andaeration inside the curingchamber and this may influencethe quality constituents ofcardamom capsules. It is themost commonly adoptedmethod of cardamom curing inthe plantations.

In majority of theplantations in Idukki district ofKerala, conventional curingchamber with firewood as fuelare used. The heat is generatedfrom an external furnace and

conducted in the chamber bymeans of flues. A hot airchamber may be a ventilatedbuilding with walls of bricks orstones and with a tiled roof. Aceiling may be provided at theroof and it has definiteadvantage. Racks of convenientlength and height (below 2m)may be arranged in tiers 20 to25 cm apart to permit easymanipulation of trays. Racksholding rectangular trays are tobe fitted to the side walls foraccommodating largequantities of cardamomcapsules. The trays consist ofordinary reaper frames withwire mesh. Flue pipes made ofgalvanized iron sheets areprovided in the furnace fromone end to the other from thefurnace to chimney pipe toexpel the smoke through theroof.

Drying should be carefullycontrolled and should not be toorapid. The harvested capsulesare spread in a single layer ontrays. After keeping cardamomtrays in the racks curing roomis closed and heating is done byburning firewood in thefurnace. The hot air passesthrough the pipes placed a fewcentimetres above the floorenhances the room temperatureto 45 -55 0C and this temperaturestatus should be maintained forthree to four hours. At this stagethe capsules sweat and with theenhanced temperature, give off

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moisture. The ventilators areopened for sweeping out watervapour from the drying fruits.Exhaust fans can also be usedfor the speedy removal ofmoisture. After the completeremoval of water vapour,ventilators are closed and thetemperature inside the chamberis maintained at 40-45 0C forabout 18 to 24 hours Thetemperature is again raised to50 0C for another one or twohour for completing the curingprocess. After about 9 to 12hours, the bottom and the toptrays are rotated to enable themto receive uniform heatingduring the curing. It may take24 to 28 hours to complete thecuring process. When cured,cardamoms should be hard andaromatic. During the curingprocess cardamom should notbe exposed to strong light as itbleaches them.

A hot air chamber withinside dimensions of 4.5 m x 4.5m and a ceiling at a height ofabout 2.5 m is sufficient toprocess 2000 kg of cardamomper year. A tray 26 x 20 cmcontains 3.6 to 5.5 kg greencardamom. Half cubic yard ofgood hard fire wood is neededto dry about 450 kg greencardamom.

Electrical drier

Different types of electricaldryers are available in theplantations and among them a

dryer with dimension of 90 cmlong and 84 cm width iscommon. Aluminium trays (24)having a size of 81 cm lengthand 40 cm breadth can be piledone over the other with a gapof 2 cm between the two trays.Raw capsules (fresh) are to bespread uniformly throughoutthe drier by fans. It takes about10-12 h on drying 50 kg freshcapsules by maintaining atemperature ranging from 45-50oC. The processed cardamomwill have the medium greencolour. The wide uses ofelectrical driers in thecardamom tract are still underquestion due to frequent powerfailures. Further splitting ofcardamom capsules are alsohigh compared to theconventional system.

Considering theenvironmental degradation dueto tree felling for fuel source,many types of dryers have beendeveloped in recent years forprocessing cardamomprocessing. In recent years,kerosene / diesel and liquidpetroleum gas (LPG) useddryers are available in thecardamom tract. IndianCardamom Research Instituteof Spices Board is also engagedin developing andstandardization of newtechnologies for cardamomprocessing with least quantityof firewood and alternativesource of fuel which are cost

effective and eco-friendly forcardamom processors.Feasibility of using LPG as analternate fuel for cardamom hasbeen investigated. LPG wasused with the help of twocanteen type burners placed inthe furnace of conventionalcuring house. The flue pipe wasmodified to promote directtransfer of hot air to the lowerchamber of the curing house. Itis feasible to use LPG for curingcardamom and quality andrecovery was found good. It hasan advantage in maintainingthe temperature and humidityat desirable levels. However,cardamom processing withLPG in the existingconventional curing house maytake more time compared tofirewood used curing system.

Improved Driers

Further improved curingsystems using LPG, keroseneand diesel as fuel source havealso been encountered in theplantations .Performance ofsystems such as Kardi (diesel+LPG) and Zindry (diesel andfirewood) were evaluated andcompared conventional typeswith regard to their efficiency interms of curing time duration,cost of drying, out turn ofquality produce etc. Resultsrevealed that differentperformance of curing systemsdiffered with regard to thecuring time, cost of drying etc.

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On comparison, LPG andconventional chambers hadrelatively more time tocomplete the cardamomprocessing. Improved typessuch as Kardi and Zindry couldmaintain relatively hightemperature inside the systems,which enables to complete thecuring process with less timeduration. These systems had anadvantage to provide highpercentage of good qualityproduce with respect to colourand less percentage of splits inthe processed samples.

Besides colour, many otherfactors decide the qualityconstituents responsible forflavour and aroma. Moisturecontent, volatile oil, oleoresin,chlorophyll, total ash and acidinsoluble ash contents weredetermined in the cardamomsamples obtained under variousmethods of processing. Allthese parameters varied underdifferent systems used forprocessing the cardamomsamples. Moisture plays a vitalrole in the preservation ofquality of produce on storage.Improved types like Kardi andZindry had an advantage overother systems in maintaininglow moisture levels. The Kardiand Zindry systems favouredrelatively high percentage ofoleoresin but low values ofvolatile oil. It may be due to thefact that high temperaturemaintained in these systems

would have led to the loss offlavour components dissolvedin the soil. A perusal of the totalchlorophyll content in theprocessed samples indicatedhigh temperature maintained inthe Zindry type drier did notaffect the total chlorophyllcontent of the sample.

Moisture content

Moisture content of thecommercial cardamom samplesavailable in the market rangesfrom 7 to 20 per cent dependingon the regions and mode ofcuring. High moisture contentsleads to quality deterioration.The moisture content above 10per cent is detrimental to theretention of chlorophyll andgreen colour. In general 8 to 10per cent moisture is ideal for theretention of green colour and itis also depend on the type ofcuring employed.

Grading and packing

Cardamom capsules haveto be polished after drying.Polishing is generally done byrubbing against the hardsurface. In recent years it is donewith help of machine which canbe operated either manually orwith electric motor. Sincecardamom is a high value spicecrop all care should be given forefficient processing andgrading. The quality of produceis related to moisture level,clearness, appearance, colour,extraneous matter etc. Quality

specifications are restricted toattributes of physical nature andinclude colour, size, litreweight, freedom frommicrobial, insect and pestcontamination. Sieves ofdifferent mesh sizes such as 6,7, 7.5 and 8mm are availablewhich are operated manually.Motorized machines like Carpolcan also be used for polishingas well as grading of capsules.After sieving the capsules theyare grouped in different grades.Agmark grades and Indianspecifications or standards areon the basis of important qualityfactors like colour, weight pervolume (litre), size andpercentage of empties,malformed, shrivelled andimmature capsules .About 22separate specifications havebeen laid out for differentqualities / types of cardamomssuch as Alleppy green, Coorgegreen, Bleached, Half bleached,Bleached white, Mixedcardamom and cardamomseeds. After grading,cardamom capsules need tostore over a period of time.Incidence of pests duringstorage impairs the quality ofproduce and therefore adequatestrategies need to be evolved tominimise storage infestation.For efficient retention of greencolour during storage, it isnecessary that cardamomshould be dried down to amoisture content of 10-12 per

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cent. Use of 300 gauge blackpolythene lined gunny bagsimproves the storage efficiency.It is advisable to keep these bagsin wooden boxes, whichprevent damage of capsules byrodents.

Futuristic Approach

Cardamom is beingprocessed in the conventionalcuring chambers in majority ofplantations. However, with theintroduction of improved drierslike Kardi and Zindry the useof conventional curing chamberis in the declining trend. Nonavailability of adequatefirewood for processing, lack ofskilled workers and realisationof low price for the commodityprocessed in the conventionallycuring chamber compared tothe improved driers are amongthe few factors which warrantsthe employment of improveddriers.

Recently efforts are beinginitiated to modify theconventional curing house tobecome more efficient and costeffective for processingcardamom. The conventionalcuring chamber comprises of alower chamber and an upperchamber. The lower chamber isoccupied with the flue pipesattached to the furnace. Thefresh cardamom capsules areplaced on the upper chamberwhich is ventilated and made ofbricks invariably. The hot air

liberated from the flue pipespasses through the capsulesplaced on the upper chamber orracks through the conventionalprinciple. The system ismodified limiting the room tothe half size giving provision forlimiting the hot air in highintensity with the RCC ceilingof the perforated floor made toseparate the lower and upperchamber. The hot air confinedto a small area in the lowerchamber is allowed to passthrough a small hole speciallymade for releasing the hot air tothe tank (300 kg capacity)placed on the upper chamber Atank fabricated at a size of 5x1.5feet made of iron poles and withwire mesh at bottom will besufficient to store 300kg freshcapsules for processing. Anexhaust fan is used to blow thehot air directly to the tankplaced two to three feet abovethe open space in which exhaustfan is fitted. Fresh capsules areloaded in the tank. Theperforated bottom (made ofwire mesh) permits the flow ofhot air released from the lowerchamber. The use of exhaust fanaugments hot air flow leadingto uniform drying of capsules.Care should be taken to avoidloss of heat energy through anyother means for which chamberneed to be properly insulated.The moisture liberated from thecapsules should be releasedthrough the ventilators withoutsettling down. Unlike in the

conventional curing chamber,the ventilators are kept openedfor the speedy removal ofmoisture from the capsules. It isestimated that for processingabout 300 kilogram capsules theexhaust fan requires anelectricity of 380 W , tentativelyseven to eight units as against30 to 40 units required foroperating 1.5 HP motor used inthe improved driers. Throughthis modified technologycardamom can be processedwith 18-20 hours withoutloosing the quality (colour) bysaving the fuel source to thetune of30-40 per cent. Thelabour requirement is alsominimal due to obviousreasons. The cost of drying maycome around Rs. 2 /- per kg.The conventional system can bemodified with an investment ofRs.25,000 – Rs. 30,000. Thistechnology is found to beeconomically viable and beingpracticed in many plantations.This can be treated as hybridtechnology which encompassesboth conventional as well as theimproved technologydeveloped by entrepreneursrecently. This technology needsto be further validated withmore scientific interventions.

Radio Frequency (RF)Technology

The Society for AppliedMicrowave ElectronicEngineering and Research(SAMEER), Mumbai has

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developed RF technology fordrying agriculturecommodities. The principle isbased on the heating propertyof radio frequency waves onselected material having polarstructure. Moisture present inthe cardamom capsules couldalso be removed by employingthe technology. A preliminarycollaborative study is initiatedby ICRI with SAMEER fortesting the feasibility of thetechnology for curingcardamom.

Conclusion

Post harvest processing of

cardamom capsules determinesthe colour of the capsule apartfrom value added productssuch as volatile oil, oleoresincontent etc. The factors such astemperature, humidity andaeration in the curing chamberinfluence the quality of theproduce. The cardamomindustry owes a lot to manyenterprising individuals andfirms who have workedtirelessly to revolutionisecardamom curing so that betterquality cardamom areproduced by the farmers. Thesedryers have reduced the fuel

consumption by 40% and madethe curing processes moreoperational friendly. Recentinnovations of convertingconventional curing houses tofuel efficient curing chambers isgaining acceptance due to itssimplicity, user friendliness andcost effectiveness.

Like Radio Frequency (RF)technology, efforts should bemade to utilise other the non-conventional source of energylike solar, wind etc so that theAlleppy Green Cardamom getsgreener and sweeter.

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The LingeringTang of

MANDUHugh & Colleen Gantzer

©

The beautiful Roopamati’s pavilion

History scrolled throughour minds as we droveout of Indore.

Scrub lands gave way torock-strewn, sub-montaneslopes. The rugged topographycould have influenced the

Turkish Tughlaks to appointthe Afghani Ghuris to rule thisterritory as their governors.Governor Dilawar Khan Ghori,sensing the declining powers ofhis overlords, declared himselfindependent of distant Delhi.When his son, Alp Khan,

ascended the throne in 1405, hewent further, changed his nameto Hoshang Shah, and shiftedhis capital to Mandu.

The great era of the plateaufortress had begun.

But Mandu is not so mucha fort as it is a very exclusivepleasure resort particularlybeautiful just after the monsoon.Silver streams cascade off thedark escarpment, the vegetationis lush and green and thevillage, which spreads allthrough Mandu, gives it a veryhumane character. Thefortifications are restricted tothe perimeter of this vastcomplex which is about sevenkm east to west and more thanseven km north to south. Insidethese frowning battlements,however, Mandu soon becamea place where great Islamicemperors unwound with theirconcubines and courtiers andwhere Ghiyath-ud-Din, theruler and pampered son of thefounder of Mandu, had aseraglio of 15,000 women.

One would have imaginedthat Ghiyath-ud-Din wouldhave been pre-occupied withhis in-house obligations,warding off attacks by hisDesperate Housewives, but hewas, clearly, made of sternerstuff. He found time to build theunique Hindola Mahal: theSwing Palace. It got its namefrom the fact that its massive,arched, walls slope inwards likethe supports of a gigantic swing.It was, probably, an audience

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hall with fretted stone screenswhich are works of art. It is easyto imagine the king holdingcourt, surrounded by hisglittering nobles: a powerfulpotentate in every sense of theterm!

We strolled down the mainroad of Mandu and to the stonestairs of the Jahaz Mahal: the so-called Ship Palace. It’s amassive, sprawling, structurewith squat towers, arches,pavilions and terraces. It thrustsout into a lake and, apparently,was meant to resemble a shipsailing. Clearly, the architectswere not seamen! Nevertheless,the Jahaz Mahal still managesto capture an air of festivity in arather traditional, heavy-handed, sort of way. Today,water-courses still curl withstylised formality, cupolas riselike the conical crowns ofturbans, and where the tinkling

The Jhaz Mahal or ship palace laughter of women once filledthe corridors, mynahs trillbefore they take wing.

Both the Jahaz Mahal andthe Hindola Mahal were createdby the sybaritic Ghiyath-ud-Din. His father, Hoshang Shah,however, took a more serious

view of life; and of death. Histomb, some way down the roadfrom the Jahaz Mahal, is asombre, hulking, structure withmassive, fortress-like walls andcrowned with a heavy dome. Itradiates implacable power andmight but very little grace as ifits occupant had no time forsuch frivolities. In fact our guideasked us to enter with ourshoes. This, apparently, was theemperor’s expressed wish toindicate how little he thought ofhis own worldly majesty andglory! There is a belief that oneof the principal architects of theTaj had come to this tomb toseek inspiration for the designof that immortal memorial tolove. But though his visit has,apparently, been recorded onthe right jamb of the door to thistomb, the good Ustad Ahmedprobably decided that the Tajshould express the other end ofthe aesthetic spectrum!

The Hindola or swing mahal

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Hoshang Shah’s mostmajestic monument, however,rises deeper in the village: theimpressive Jami–Masjid. Theemperor did not live to see itcompleted. Nevertheless, evenin its present form, it ispowerful. Covering an area of97.4 meter square it has uniqueacoustic properties. The voice ofeven the most decrepit mullahcan be heard, clearly, even at thefar corners of the colonnadedprayer hall. This has, probably,been achieved by the manysmall domes on top of the halland it might provide a fruitfulresearch subject for a soundengineer.

The best view of the

A Colonnade in Mandu’s Jami Masjid

mosque can be had from theAshrafi Mahal, across the roadfrom the mosque. It was startedas a school by another greatruler of Mandu, MahmudKhalji. Then he decided to raiseit to a seven-storey tower tocommemorate his victory overthe Rana of Mewa in Rajasthan.The revised project, however,ran short of funds. Curiously,the Rana also celebrated hisvictory in that battle: he decidedto raise his famous Tower ofVictory in Chittor and, happily,was able to complete it. ‘Victory’is, clearly, a very flexible term:there are folk across the borderwho still believe that they wonthe Kargil war!

It is at this spot, at the baseof the steps of the AshrafiMahal, that we encountered theseller of Mandu’s special spice:if it can be called that. It is thegourd-like product of themassive baobab trees. The fruitof these elephantine trees, withmassive, bulbous trunks, werereputed to have been broughtfrom Africa, food for the slavesbeing driven to Mandu. It is saidto create water in the moth ofthose who chew its pulp. In allprobability it causes salivationgiving the illusion of water. Abystander assured us that theseeds are a good substitute forthe tang of tamarind. Added ayoung boy, standing near him“It also gives hausala!” and then,seeing a puzzled expression onour faces, he translated“Courage! Courage!” Wewalked on, suitably instructedbut we didn’t risk tasting it:troubled tummies are a travelwriter’s doom!

Finally, we visited thePalace of Baz Bahadur and thepavilion of his beloved,Rupamati. In fact the so-called‘Rupamati’s Pavilion’ wasreally a look-out post forvigilant sentries. As for BazBahadur: when the Mughalsinvaded his territories in 1561,the timid king fled leavingRupamati behind.

Clearly this bahadur hadn’timbibed the baobab’s fortifying,lingering, tang of hausala!

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HIGH YIELDING VARIETIESIN BLACK PEPPER(Piper nigrum L.)

SREEKRISHNA BHAT.S, DHANAPAL, K. AND I.R.NOOLVISpices Board, Indian Cardamom Research Institute,

Post Donigal, Sakleshpur ñ 573 134,Karnataka, India.

Black Pepper, known asthe King of Spices, is themost important and

most widely used spice in theworld. The Black pepper ofcommerce is the mature driedberry of pepper vine, Pipernigrum L., a native of WesternGhats of India, which belongsto the family Piperaceae. Thisspice with its characteristicpungency and flavour is aningredient in many foodpreparations. Pepper is a spiceas well as a medicine, a surecure for cold and fever and acomponent of manytraditional/Ayurvedic drugs.India is the largest producer ofblack pepper, growing in about1.98 lakhs hectares with anannual production of 60-65thousands tons. Currentlypepper is grown in twenty sixcountries. Brazil, Vietnam,Thailand, Madagascar and Sri

Lanka are the other pepperproducing countries.

Cultivation in India

In India, black peppercultivation is mainly confined tothe states of Kerala, Karnatakaand Tamil Nadu. Kerala is themajor producer with more than90 per cent of productionfollowed by Karnataka andTamil Nadu. It is also cultivatedin certain pockets of other statesviz., Andhra Pradesh,Pondicherry, West Bengal,Orissa, Maharashtra, Goa,Andaman & Nicobar Islandsand in North Eastern States. InKerala it is cultivated in almostall the homesteads. It is mainlycultivated on a plantation scalein districts of Idukki, Wynadand Cannanore. In Karnataka,main cultivated areas areconfined to districts ofDakshina Kannada, Uttara

Kannada, Kodagu, Hassan,Shimoga and Chikmagalurareas; cultivation is mainly asinter crop in arecanut and coffeeestates.

Bridging the yield gapsinvolves: Use of elite, improvedvarieties and adoption of HighProduction Technologies.

Cultivars

The traditional peppergrowing tracts have their ownpopular traditional cultivars/races named after the locality orbased on plant characters oreven a person who popularizedthe particular cultivar. Thereare over 60 cultivars of pepperpopular among the farmers.The most important is cv.Karimunda because of its regularbearing, stability of yield,suitability for intercroppingunder varying soil and climaticconditions. The other important

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Panniyur-1, Karimunda, Kalluvally,Kuthiravally, Kottanadan,Aimpiriyan, Narayakodi.

Panniyur-1, Karimunda,Kottanadan, Aimpiriyan, Kalluvally,Neelamundi, Kuthiravally

Panniyur-1,Panniyur-5, Karimunda,Kottanadan, Kalluvally, Aimpiriyan,Kuthiravally.

Panniyur-1,Panniyur-5, Karimunda,Kottanadan, Kalluvally, Aimpiriyan,Kuthiravally.

Panniyur-1,Uddagare, Malligesara,Karimunda, Karimalligesara,Kottanadan, Aimpiriyan,Kuthiravally,

Table 1. Cultivar/varieties suitable for different agro-ecologicalregion

Coastal and midlandarea where pepper isgrown as homesteadcrop

Hilly regions ofWestern ghats

In high altitudes(intercrop in coffee &cardamom plantation

In areca gardens in theplains as a mixed crop

Malnad areas ofKarnataka

Agro-ecological region Variety/Cultivars

cultivars are Kottanadan,Narayakodi, Aimpiriyan,

Kuthiravally, Balankotta,Kalluvally (Kerala) and

1. Panniyur-1 Uthirankotta X 1242 11.8 3.5 Suited to most pepper regions,(1971) Cheriyankanikadan Not suited to heavily shaded areas

and high elevations.

2. Panniyur-2 Open pollinated pro- 2570 10.9 3.4 Shade tolerant(1989) geny of Balankotta

3. Panniyur-3 Uthirankotta X 1953 12.7 3.1 Late maturing, suited to all pepper(1989) Cheriyankanikadan growing regions.

4. Panniyur-4 Clonal selection from 1277 9.2 2.1 Reported to perform well under a(1989) Kuthiravally variety of conditions, stable yielder.

5. Panniyur-5 Open pollinated pro- 1098 12.3 3.8 Tolerant to nursery diseases and shade.(1993) geny of Perumkodi

Malligesara and Uddagere(Karnataka) Karimunda,Panniyur, Chumala (TamilNadu). Cultivars/varietiessuitable for different agro-ecological regions are given inTable 1.

Improved varieties:

Systematic researchefforts in the last three decades,resulted in the release superiorlines of black pepper varietiesby hybridization/openpollination/clonal selection.Twelve improved varieties inblack pepper have beenreleased (Table 2). 7 varietiesviz., Panniyur – 1,2 3,4,5,6 and 7yielding between 1.27 and 2.57tonnes/ha have been releasedby Kerala Agricultural

Table 2 : Improved varieties of pepper and their salient features.

Sl. Name &Year Pedigree Yield Kg/ Oleoresin Essential Important charactersNo. of release ha (%) al oil

(dry) (%)

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Sl. Name &Year Pedigree Yield Kg/ Oleoresin Essential Important charactersNo. of release ha (%) al oil

(dry) (%)

6. Panniyur-6 Clonal selection from 2127 8.3 1.3 More number of spikes per unit area,(1999) Karimunda close setting of berries with attractive

bold green colour.

7. Panniyur-7 Open pollinated seedling 1410 10.6 1.5 Tolerates adverse climatic conditions.(1999) progeny of Kalluvally The vine is vigorous, hardy and a

regular bearer.

8. Subhakara Clonal selection from 2352 12.4 6.0 Suited to all pepper growing regions,(1990) Karimunda high quality.

9. Sreekara Clonal selection from 2677 13.0 7.0 Suited to all pepper growing regions,(1990) Karimunda high quality.

10. Panchami Clonal selection from 2828 12.5 3.4 Late maturing type, suited to all(1991) Aimpiriyan pepper growing regions.

11. Pournami Clonal selection from 2333 13.8 3.4 Tolerant to root knot nematode.(1991) Ottaplackal

12 PLD-2 Clonal selection from 2475 15.5 3.4 Suited to all pepper growing regions,(1995) Kottanadan high quality

University, Panniyur, Kerala.The Indian Institute of SpicesResearch have released fourvarieties viz;, Sreekara,Subhakara, Panchami andPournami with an yield rangingfrom 2.3 to 2.8 tonnes/ha. theCentral Plantation CropsResearch Institute, RegionalStation, Palode released avariety PLD-2 with a yieldpotential of 2.4 tonnes/hectareAmong the pepper varietiesPanniyr-1, Panniyur-3,Panniyur-7 are hybrids havingbold berries. Panniyur-2 andPanniyur-5 grow well in mixedcropping system. The yield of

ATTENTIONSPICE INDIA - READERS

Kindly note that the registration details printed on the backcover of the Spice India journals are pertaining to the SpiceIndia’s registration and its validity period only.

It is not in any way connected with the subscription numberand expiry date of the journals. This note is being publishedbecause of receipt enquiries from our readers in this regard.

Editor

Panniyur-5 is stable even underdrought. Of the four improvedvarieties released by IISR,Subhakara and Panchamigrows well under all conditions.

Pournami is a nematodetolerant line. PLD-2 is a highquality variety with 15.5 percent oleoresin.

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TOP WORKINGIN NUTMEGTHROUGH

TOP BUDDING

Nutmeg, Myristicafragrans Houtt. is adioecious crop which

produces two distinctlydifferent spices, namely nutmegand mace. Nutmeg is cultivatedin Kerala, Tamil Nadu,Karnataka, Maharastra and insmall quantity in Andamansand Nicobar Islands. Nutmeg isthe dried kernel of the seed andmace is the dried arilsurrounding the seed. Besidesnutmeg and mace, the crop isalso valued for the oil, and

oleoresin present both in the nutand mace and for the nutmegbutter.

Nutmeg is commonlypropagated through the seeds.This is not an ideal method forcommercial multiplicationbecause of its dioeciouslynature. Identification of sex ofnutmeg at the seedling stage isnot feasible with the availabletechniques and if seeds are usedfor propagation the sex of thetree can be identified only after

six-seven years when theybegin to flower. The male andfemale trees are produced in theratio 1:1 which means thatabout 50 per cent of the treespropagated by seedlings turnout to be male. Male trees areessential in a nutmegpopulation for pollination. Onemale tree is sufficient for every10-15 female trees forpollination and the rest of themale trees available would beunproductive. Theseunproductive trees available inthe plantation can be madeproductive by converting themto female trees by top working.Top working could alsorejuvenate the low yieldingfemale trees. A simpletechnique standardized atIndian Institute of SpicesResearch, Calicut, forconverting unproductive maleand low yielding female treesby top budding is describedhere.

J. REMA,P.A. MATHEW &

B. KRISHNAMOORTHYIndian Institute ofSpices Research,

Calicut, Kerala

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Preparation of old trees forbudding

Male trees sufficient forpollination of female trees areleft in the nutmeg garden at therate of one male tree for everyten female trees. Care should betaken to see that the male treesleft for pollination areuniformly distributed in thegarden for effective pollination.Male trees of nutmeg arebeheaded leaving the first tierof branches on the tree duringApril - May after leaving a fewbranches below, just before themonsoon season and the cutend is smeared with Bordeauxmixture paste to prevent fungalinfection and decay. Thedecapitated trees are irrigatedregularly till the onset ofmonsoon. New shoots developfrom the main trunk within 45-60 days. The newly emergedshoots are ready for buddingwhen they attain about 4.5 to 5.0cm girth diameter or little morethan the diameter of a pencil.Budding can be done on two orthree newly emerged strongshoots.

Scion bud preparation

Brown dormant buds fromorthotropic shoots (directshoots turning from green tobrown) of high yielding female

trees of nutmeg collected on thesame day of budding are usedfor budding. Patch or flapbudding could be used forbudding. A peeling test on theshoot has to be done beforebudding. If the bud peels orseparates easily from the wood,budding can be done. The outerbark along with the bud about1½ inch long is removed fromthe scion by giving straight cutsboth horizontally and verticallyjust before budding.

Preparation of rootstock

Budding has to be done onthe new shoot developed on thedecapitated trees above the firstjorket. The stock also should beactive and the bark has to peeloff easily. Though budding canbe done through out the yearbudding during August toSeptember is ideal. Care shouldbe taken to place the barkcorrectly with the bud upwards.Also take precaution to preventbud from drying, injury or fromcontamination.

Remove the outer bark alittle more than the size of thebark to be inserted at theinternodal region by givingthree cuts two vertically andone horizontally on therootstock and lift the bark as aflap. The bud is inserted under

the flap and is secured tightlywith a polythene strip. Patchbudding can also be done andcovered with a polythene stripenclosing the bud. Thepolythene strip is removed after22 – 27 days after budding bywhich the union would havetaken place and the flap isremoved exposing the bud.After successful union the topportion of the shoot of the stockplant is cut two-three inchesabove the bud. Bordeaux pasteis applied on the cut surface.This forces the bud to grow. Ifany other bud other than thebudded one develops removethem immediately.

If budding fails re buddingcan be done on a different shoot.This technique ensures 50-60per cent success.

Top working can be usedfor

1. Converting unproductivemale trees to female.

2. Converting low productivefemale/bisexual trees tohigh yielders.

3. For budding with trees withcertain identified/specificcharacters.

4. In situ budding for raisingplantations.

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KARNATAKA CARDAMOM PLANTERS-GET YOUR SOIL TEST DONE

AT ICRI DONIGAL I.R. Noolvi and Sreekrishna BhatICRI, Regional station, Sakaleshpur

SOIL TESTING is mostimportant aspect inAgriculture. It provides

precise information about thefertility of the soil for makingfertilizer recommendation. Neededquantities are applied of the rightkind at a minimum cost. Balancedapplication of nutrient will ensurea better economic return to theplanting community.

METHOD OF COLLECTION OFSOIL SAMPLE:

Only 5 to 10 grams soil is usedfor each soil to test. So care has tobe taken to collect representativesoil samples. Otherwise, precisionin analysis and interpretation willhave no value. While collecting thesamples, the following points haveto be taken care.

1. Sample should be collectedfrom field once in three-fouryears and it should be duringFebruary-April.

2. Total area should be dividedinto different slops such asgentle, medium, steep andswampy area. Each categoryshould be again divided intoapproximately plots of fiveacres and if there are certainpockets where plants are verypoor in growth, those packetsshould be sampled separately.

3. Soil sample should be takenfrom root zone in the row,leaving 30 cm from the plantbase.

4. The selected site should becleaned from weeds, dryleaves and other mulchmaterials.

5. With the help of a spade(mammatty) soil can be cut inan angle from both sides whichwill form a ‘V’ shape pit at adepth of 15 cm and the cut soilshould be removed.

6. With the help of knife, soilshould be scrapped from thesides of ‘V’ shaped pit in a thinlayer along the cuttings in fulldepth.

7. From each plot around 10samples may be collecteddiagonally and all thesesamples should be gathered into one in a big polythene sheet.Then mix it well, remove plantmaterials and spread the soil ina square shape in thin layer.Then make four quarters bydrying diagonal and discordany opposite two quarters andagain mix the remaining twoquarters. Do the same processuntil your sample become 500grams.

8. The soil should be packed in

polythene or cloth bag aftershade drying for one to twodays and tide properly.Planters name and address andfield number may be given ina small piece of paper and keptinside the pack. For each fiveacre of land one sample shouldbe send to ICRI DONIGAL assoon as the soil is collected.

PRECAUTIONS WHILECOLLECTING THE SOILSAMPLES:

1. Avoid contaminations bykeeping soil samples away fromstored fertilizers.2. Avoid areas recently fertilized,old trenches, marshy spots, neartrees, compost pits etc.3. Avoid taking samples betweenrows.

All planting community ofcardamom growing area inKarnataka are requested to contactICRI, RRS, Sakaleshpur foranalyzing their samples at free ofcost so that fertilizer use efficiencycan be achieved and reduce the coston fertilizers.The address is given below:Scientist in charge,ICRI, RRS, SakaleshpurDonigal Post- 573 134Phone: 08173-244281E Mail- sbicriskp@gmail.com

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VIRAL DISEASES OF CARDAMOMAND THEIR MANAGEMENT

K. Dhanapal , Joseph Thomas*Sreekrishna Bhat and J. Thomas*

ICRI,Regional Research Station,Saklespur, Karnataka-573 134

* - Indian Cardamom Research Institute,Myladumpara, Kerala-685 553

The productivity ofcardamom is limited byseveral soil borne fungal

diseases. These diseases can becontrolled by plant sanitationmethods coupled with fungicideand bioagent application. But thiscrop is also affected by threedifferent types of viral diseaseswhich cause plant damage andcrop loss. These viral diseases are(1) Katte or Mosoic (2) “KokkeKandu” or Hooked Tiller diseaseand (3) Niligri Necrosis. NiligiriNecrosis has been reported fromNiligriri (Uthagamandalam)region of Tamilnadu and fewplantations in Kerela. This diseasehas been disappeared fromplantations followed by systemiccontrol measures. The spread ofkatte is limited in Kerala regionfollowed by systemic rouguing

Symptoms of Katte

Visible symptoms appear onthe youngest leaf in the form ofchlorotic flecks which developinto pale green discontinuousstripes. These stripes of alternatelight green areas are arrangedparallel to the veins from themidrib to leaf margin. Leavesemerging after infection showcharacteristic mosoic pattern.Mosoic type of mottling is seen

on the leave sheaths andpseudostem also. The disease issystemic and spread to all tillersof infected clump. In advancestage of infection, reduced leavesand short slender tillers areproduced. Panicles will be shorterand they produce only fewcapsules. Infected plants neverdie but continuous to serve asinoculum for further spread ofthe disease. When the grown upplant is infected with Katte virusand clearly expressed thesymptom, the plant continuous togrow and give yield on a reducedrate for three-five years.

The Causal agent and itstransmission

Katte disease has beenreported as a viral disease causedby Cardamom Mosoic Virus (CarMV) which belongs to potyvirusegroup (Poato Virus –Y group).The virus particle is extremelysmall: they are flexuous rodshaped infectious nucleoproteins,which can easily pass from on cellto another. The virus is systemicin infected plants and causesmosoic symptoms on leaves andtillers. The disease spread only byplanting of infected rhizomes. Itis not transmitted through seeds,but this disease is transmitted by

the banana aphid Pentalonianigronervosa f.caladii which feedon infected and healthy plants.The virus carrying aphids(viruliferous aphid) transmit thedisease within a very short timeto healthy plants in a non-persistent manner to semi-persistent manner. Even a singleviruliferous aphid can transmitthe disease by feeding in infectedand then for 10 minutes feedingon healthy plants. There is noincubation period for the viruswithin the insect vector’s body,but there is an incubation periodfor the virus within the host plantwhich varies 20-114 days. Mosoicaffected plant contains activeviral particles in all plant partsexcept in mature seeds. Differentstrains of Katte virus which causevariations in the type of mosoicsymptoms have been reported.These strains cause mild to severmosoic symptoms and result incrop loss.

Occurrence of Katte disease inplantations of Karnataka andTamilnadu

A random survey wascarried out in sample plot of 37numbers of cardamomplantations of Karnataka where

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the incidence and spread of thesediseases were reported in a severestage. These include sevenplantations in Mudigere area, fivein Hanbal area, 17 in Saklespurand Hongedehalla area and eightplantations in Somwarpet area.Most of the plantations were in aneglected condition and theincidence of Katte disease rangedfrom 10 - 99 per cent. It wasnoticed that in all these areas,there was no proper managementof plantations; manuring,irrigation and weeding. Plantprotection operations such astrashing the plants, spraying offungicides and insecticides arelacking in this area. The Katteinfected plants were not removedand destroyed. Since the affectedplants remaining in the field itself,the spread of the disease wasfaster due to aphid activity. Thisis resulted in a situation wherethe infection level has reachedalmost 95 – 100 percent. It isinterestingly recorded that thekatte incidence totally absent inICRI,RRS,Farm, Sakleshpur. Themain reason is regular monthlysurvey and rouguing areundertaken for eradication of thisdisease. In Tamilnadu region, theincidence of Katte was recordedin Adalur , Pandrimalai and fewareas in Anamalai hills.

Cardamom vein clearing diseaseor “ kokke kandu” or hookedtiller

This is distributed inalmost all areas of cardamomgrowing tracts iof Karnatakaonly. Symptoms appear ascontinuous or discontinuousintraveinal clearing, rosetting of

leaves, loosening of leaf sheath,shredding of leaves, mottling ontillers. Shoot tip often bent orhook shaped. Youngest leafentangles in older leaves. Asadvance stage of this diseasestunting of tillers, decline in planthealth and yield,short panicles,poor bearing, partial sterility ofseeds are also observed. Arandom survey was carried outin sample plot of 37 numbers ofcardamom plantations ofKarnataka where the incidenceand spread of these diseases werereported in a severe stage. Theincidence of Kokke Kandudisease was also reported to behigher,but in the present survey,it was seen only in twoplantations in the sample study.It is interestingly observed thatthis incidence is totally absent inICRI,RRS,Farm, Sakleshpur. Themain reason is regular monthlysurvey and rouguing undertakenfor eradication of this disease.Planters can follow this practicefor controlling viral diseases.

Cardamom necrosis (Nilgirinecrosis)

This disease was firstreported from Nilgiris ofTamilnadu. At present thisdisease is restricted to some areasMunnar, Suryanelli (Kerala),Nilgiris, Anamalai(Tamilnadu)Biligiri Rangan hills(Karnataka).The symptomappears as elongated disruptedparallel lines or spots of white toyellowish shades alternates withgreen tissues). Some of these mayturn into reddish brown in color.In advance of this disease severestunting of tillers, distortion and

shredding of leaves, reduction ofsize in leaf, panicles and capsuleswill be noticed Plants stopyielding and perish slowly.

Management of viral diseases incardamom plantation

All cardamom cultivars aresusceptible to the disease.Affected plants cannot be curedby any chemical treatments.Hence indirect methods are to beadopted to manage the disease.

The following are the importantsteps to control the spread of viraldiseases

Take-up regular survey inplantations to trace katteaffected plantsRogue the affected plants:remove them as soon as theyare tracedRepeat tracing and removalof affected plants in threemonthsUse healthy disease freeseedlings for new plantingAvoid rhizome plantingusing clumps taken fromkatte affected plantationsAvoid transportation ofinfected materialsAvoiding raising nurserynear diseased areasDestruction of collateral hostplants of the ZingiberaceaefamilyPlanting of virus resistant/genetically transformedplantsVector control throughspraying of suitableinsecticides.Proper management of

plantations; manuring, irrigationand weeding should beundertaken.

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II Pestmanagement

NURSERY

Regular watering may be given to bed/polybag/ sucker nurserybased on necessity.

To control damping off/seedling rot diseases in nursery, soildrenching with 0.2 per cent copper oxychloride or 0.2 per centmancozeb may be taken up.

As bio-control measure, trichoderma or Pseudomonas or Bacillusspecies may be applied in the soil.

For controlling leaf rot disease, spray 0.3 per cent mancozeb and forcontrolling leaf spots, spray 0.25 per cent difoltalan or 0.2 per centbavistin after noticing early symptoms.

MAIN FIELD

Continue irrigation based on necessity wherever irrigation facility isavailable.

Light pruning may be done by way of removing only the hangingdry leaves and sheath. This will facilitate better pest control even atlow spray volume of pesticide.

For Integrated Pest Management prune dry leaves without removinggreen leaf sheath.

Apply monocrotophos @ 200 ml per 100 liters of water (spray maycoincide shoot borer moth emergence).

Keep constant vigil for any katte virus/kokke kandu affected plantsto uproot and destroy, if found.

For controlling leaf rust and chenthal & leaf spots, spray 0.25 percent Mancozeb or Companion (two to three rounds – 30 days interval).

If symptoms of stem lodging are noticed, spray 0.2 per cent Bavistinon pseudo stem.

Root rot and leaf yellowing can be controlled by foliar spray and soildrenching with 0.2 per cent Bavistin or Carbendazim + Mancozeb.

CALENDAR OF OPERATIONS FORIMPORTANT SPICES - MARCH 2009

Timely planning and execution of farm operations based on agro-climatic conditions of the areais important for successful farming for higher productivity and sustainability. To facilitate thiscalendar of operations in respect of important spice crops for March is given below.

Name of the crop/Type of operation Details of the operations

CARDAMOMI Agronomic measures

III Diseasemanagement

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PEPPERI Agronomicmeasurers

If symptoms of capsule brown spot (Anthracnose) is noticed, spraywith 0.2 per cent Bavistin.

Continue harvesting with a gap of 25-30 days depending upon thematurity of the capsules.

Harvest only the matured capsules for getting better out turn.

Always store the cured cardamom capsules at 10 per cent moisture in300 guage black polythene lined gunny bags inside wooden box toretain green colour and quality.

Nursery

Regular watering may be done in the sucker nursery with availablewater resources depending on moisture status in the soil.Dried or powdered cattle manure/organic manure/topsoil may beapplied in the nurseries for healthy growth of suckers if not appliedso far.Disease/pests infested suckers may be removed and destroyed.One round weeding may be attended followed by forking of soil atplant base and then plant base should be covered with top soil andthen mulched.

Plantation:Large cardamom plants may be irrigated at regular intervals withavailable water resources, depending on rainfall and moisture statusin the soil.Chirke and Foorkey infected plants may be destroyed by uprooting/burial at regular intervals in the pits.Regular inspections may be carried out to observe caterpillar/shootborer/shoot fly incidence if any and may be hand picked and destroyedmechanically.Application of cattle manure/compost/organic manures will help ingetting sustained production, improving productivity and quality ofthe crop.One round weeding followed by mulching may be carried out toconserve soil moisture if it is not done earlier.All the aged/diseased/unproductive cardamom plants may beuprooted and destroyed and the cardamom field may be kept readyfor marking lines, opening pits, so that timely replantation/gap fillingoperations can be taken soon after getting the rains.Arrangements may be made for getting good shade tree saplings forplanting in the open/poor shaded areas.

Nursery

If preparation of pepper cuttings for propagation was not done lastmonth, carry out the same as detailed below.

LARGECARDAMOM

IV Harvest andpost harvestoperations

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II Post harvestoperations

VANILLA

Runner shoots already marked and coiled on wooden pegs removed.Then cut them into bits with two-three nodes by rejecting the overmatured and immature portion of the vines.

Plant these cuttings in polythene bags of 6”x4” filled with top soil,sand and farm yard manure in 3:1:1 proportion. Provide adequateholes in the polybags in the lower half of the bags.

Arrange the polybags inside a pandal and irrigate regularly.

Main field

Wherever irrigation facilities are available, start irrigating the plantsonce in a week by hose irrigation or daily by drip irrigation.

Continue harvesting by observing the right maturity indicated by thecolour change in one or two berries in a spike from green to orange orred.

Always ensure threshing of pepper either by manual method or usingmechanical pepper thresher hygienically.

For drying use only clean floor made of concrete, clean bamboo matsor polythene sheets to get quality final produce.

Irrigation to be continued based on weather condition and necessity.

Always ensure adequate mulch material at the base preferably withpartially or fully decomposed organic debris.

Tying of vines with the standard to be continued based on necessity.

Pollinate the flowers manually with the help of skilled labourersbetween 6.00 a.m. to 1.00 p.m. on the day of opening of the flower.

Look out for any vanilla vines exhibiting viral symptoms and removesuch vines immediately and destroy.

Irrigation to be continued based on necessityand soil type.

Collection of egg masses/early instar larvae of caterpillars found ingroups may be done manually and destroy them.

Erect pheromone traps for monitoring pod borers 6” above crop level@ 5 per hectare. Change the pheromone cards once in 15 days for betterresults.

Spray Need Seed Kernel Extract (NSKE) five per cent or Bacillusthuringiansis var kurstaki (bio control agent) @ 500 grams/hectares forcontrol of early instar larvae of pod borers.

Harvest the ripe chilli fruits and dry in clean concrete floor, polythenesheets or cement yards with intermittent turnings.

The optimum moisture content of dried produce is 10 per cent for safestorage without any mould problem.

CHILLII Agronomic measures

II Pestmanagement

III Harvest andpost harvestoperations

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Wherever possible use mechanical chilli drier or solar poly housedriers to avoid any contamination likely to arise on open drying.

Harvesting of umbels may be done when they become fully maturedand turn into yellowish green colour.

Threshing, drying, processing and packing may be done under cleanand hygienic condition.

Cleaning and grading of the produce is beneficial to fetch good prices.

Storage may be done in the godowns free of rodent, insects, etc. toprotect the produce from contamination.

Harvesting of umbels may be done when they become fully maturedand turn into yellowish green colour.

Threshing, drying, processing and packing be done under clean andhygienic condition.

Cleaning and grading of the produce is beneficial to fetch good prices.

Harvesting of umbels may be done when they become fully maturedand turn into yellowish green colour.

Threshing, drying, processing and packing may be done under cleanand hygienic condition.

Cleaning and grading of the produce is beneficial to fetch good prices.

Harvesting may be done in the early morning hours to preventshattering of seeds.

Threshing, drying, processing and packing may be done underhygienic condition.

Cleaning and grading of the produces may be done to fetch goodprices.

Storage may be done in the godowns free of rodent, insects etc. toprotect the produce from contamination.

Crop may be harvested, threshed, dried and packed.

Produce may be cleaned and graded to fetch good prices.

Cleaned and graded produce may be stored for favourable marketand to fetch good prices.

Crop may be harvested, threshed, dried and packed. Produce maybe cleaned and graded to fetch good prices.

After harvest, the crop may be dried under partial shade to retainthe green colour and its aroma.

Cleaned and graded produce may be stored for favourable marketand to fetch good prices.

Irrigation may be given at 15-20 days interval.

FENNEL(Khariftransplanted)

FENNEL(Rabitransplanted)

FENNEL(Rabi drilled)

CUMIN

FENUGREEK

CORIANDER

CELERY

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MONTHLY AVERAGE PRICES OF SPICES FOR JANUARY 2009SPICE CENTRE GRADE PRICERS/KG

SPICES SOURCESAverage FOB export price -December 2008Prices are collected from secondary sources like Agricultural Produce Market committees, KiranaMerchants Association, India Pepper and Spice Trade Association, Licensed Cardamom Auctioneers etc.

Black Pepper Kochi Ungarbled 114.96Garbled 120.35

Cardamom small Vandanmettu bulk 470.57(Auction)

Bodinayakanur bulk 458.19Saklaspur 414.39Sirsi 389.17Maharashtra 489.02

Cardamom (L) Siliguri Badadana 149.35Chotadana 126.90

Chillies Virudhnagar 51.75Ginger (Dry) Kochi Best 98.00

Medium 90.00Turmeric Kochi Alleppey Finger 46.50

Bombay Rajpuri Finger 72.00Bombay Duggirala 41.88

Coriander Indori 54.50Kanpuri 61.00

Cumin Bombay 4% 100.34Fennel Bombay - 60.63Fennugreek Bombay - 30.88Mustard Chennai - 36.21Garlic Bombay - 11.00Celery Bombay - 52.75Clove Cochin - 280.00Nutmeg(with shell) Cochin - 142.88Nutmeg(without shell) 245.58Mace Cochin - 470.77Cassia Chennai - 69.83Vanilla* 830.00

PERIOD JANUARY 2009 JANUARY 2008Quantity sold Average price Quantity sold Average price

(Kg) (Rs./Kg) (Kg) (Rs/Kg)First week 2,16,592 445.40 1,32,287 574.49Second week 2,91,316 446.20 1,22,221 597.46Third week 39,431 429.91 43,630 606.79Fourth week 2,63,635 480.15 1,17,987 614.79Total 8,10,974 456.23 4,16,125 596.05

Source: Auction reports received from Licensed Cardamom Auctioneers

ALL INDIA CARDAMOM AUCTION SALES AND PRICESFOR JANUARY 2009 COMPARED WITH JANUARY 2008

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Black Pepper U.S.A MG-1 2.87 140.14

White Pepper U.S.A Muntok 4.54 221.69

Cardamom(Small) Saudi Arabia India Asta Extra Bold 13.22 645.53

Chillies U.S.A India S4 2.32 113.29

Chinese Small 1.94 94.73

Ginger(Dry) U.S.A Chinese Sliced 1.92 93.75

Turmeric U.S.A AFT 5..50 Curcumin 1.87 91.31

Coriander U.S.A Canadian 1.52 74.22

Cumin U.S.A Indian 2.69 131.35

Fennel Egyptian fancy 1.65 80.57

Fennugreek U.S.A Ind/Turkey 1.15 56.15

Clove U.S.A Mad/Zan/Com 4.72 230.48

AVERAGE INTERNATIONALSPOT PRICES FOR JANUARY 2009

AVERAGE IMPORT PRICE OF VANILLA IN TO USA

GRADE/ORIGIN MARKET NOVEMBER’ 08 US $/KG

Madagascar USA 23.97Indonesia USA 16.79India USA 16.30Uganda USA 21.53

Exchange Rate 1 US $ = Rs. 48.83

SOURCE: 1.A.A. SAYIA & CO.INC.HOBOKEN

SPICE MARKET GRADE (USD/KG) (RS/KG)

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REGISTEREDNo. KL/EKM/105/2009-2011RNI No. 44664/88Date of publication : 19th of every month

SPICE INDIAEnglish Monthly, February 2009Price per copy Rs. 5/-