KOCHI: Incessant rain has caused an outbreak of rot disease in plantations in the Idukki district, which has become a threat to the cardamom farmers.The plantations, especially in the Nedumkandam region, faced a loss of 7.8 percent during 2011-12 owing to the disease,” the Spices Board authorities have said.“Fungal diseases are common during the monsoon.But the severity of the diseases this time, is more than usual, though not alarming,” they added.Unlike the previous years, there is heavy and continuous rainfall in cardamom plantation areas.Therefore, the relative humidity in the cardamom tracts is high, which has become conducive for the multiplication of fungal pathogens causing rotting of capsules and pseudostems, the authorities said.The disease has been detected in cardamom growing tracts in Udumbanchola, Karithodu, Pethotty, Nameri, Pulianmala, Anniyartholu, Vallakadavu, Anavilasam and Vandanmedu.The Spices Board has launched control measures to prevent rot(azhukkal) and clump rot disease in cardamom plantation in the Idukki district.They said that field officers of the Spices Board had been deployed to conduct meetings and campaign in the affected areas to assist farmers and prevent the further spread of the diseases.“The officers educate farmers on preparation and application of fungicide bordeaux mixture.Drenching of 0.2 per cent Carbendazim, another fungicide, has been recommended by the officers for the controlling clump rot disease,” they said.“The farmers are being advised to take Phyto-sanitary measures like trashing and cleaning the affected plants and plant parts and dispose them from the fields.Fungicide application is also strongly recommended,” the authorities said.
Comments
0 comment