Early monsoon posing a threat to the cardamom sector in Idukki

The early arrival of the monsoon poses a threat to the cardamom-growing areas in the hilly district of Idukki. According to cardamom farmers and planters, capsule rot and clump rot diseases in cardamom plants have been reported in plantations in the district. Experts indicate that the excess rainfall in June is the primary cause for the disease’s spread.

According to Spices Board sources, cardamom farmers and vendors have already flagged the occurrence of rot disease in cardamom plantations in various parts.

“Early arrival of the monsoon and continued rains are a triggering factor. The fungal diseases commonnly occurs during the monsoon, and the severity is a little higher this year. However, it has not emerged at an alarming level,” said sources.

Clump rot after heavy rain and wind

Stany Pothen, chairman, Cardamom Planters Federation, said that large-scale clump rot was reported in many cardamom plantations after the heavy rain and wind in the last week of May. “Many plantations that were badly hit by the monsoon onset have seen the cardamom plants developing signs of the disease. The disease may badly affect the cardamom production this season, and it is a concern among the farmers,” said Mr. Pothen.

Symptoms of capsule rot

Dr. K. Dhanapal, head of the department (crop protection), Indian Cardamom Research Institute at Mayiladumpara, said that capsule rot starts with the onset of the Southwest monsoon in June and becomes severe during July-August. It may continue to prevail until November or December if the weather is favourable for development. “Symptoms of rotting appear on all plant parts. First symptoms appear on the young leaves or on capsules in the form of water-soaked lesions. The predisposing factors favouring the disease incidence are heavy and continuous rainfall, excess soil moisture, thick shade, overcrowding of plants and prevalence of inoculum in the soil,” said the official.

“To avoid the infection of rot disease, regulate the shade onset of the monsoon (May-June), avoid close planting, and replant for senile plantations. During the summer months, it is important to follow minimum irrigation practices; trim the plants, cut, remove, and destroy any diseased ones. Remove mulch from the base and ensure proper drainage,” said the official.

“Spray Bordeaux mixture (1%) or fosetyl-Aluminium 80WP (0.2%) 200 g/100 litres of water. The first spray should be done before the onset of the monsoon, and subsequent sprays may be done during July-August. If the monsoon prolongs and the disease persists, we may administer a third spray in September,” said Dr. Dhanapal.

According to IMD data from the May 24 to 27 period, the district received 266.3 mm of rainfall, which is 620 per cent excess rainfall. The normal rainfall for the same period is 37 mm. “From June 1 to June 25 morning, the district received 456.8 mm, which is 24% less than the normal rain. The normal rain in this period is 600 mm,” said the data.