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Cardamom rhizome/root rot (Pythium, Rhizoctonia)

Rhizome rot of small cardamom is a complex caused by Pythium vexans, Rhizoctonia solani and Fusarium oxysporum and is responsible for around 30% crop loss in the Cardamom Hills. ICAR-IISR has released the resistant variety IISR Avinash (RR-1) from Cardamom Research Centre, Appangala, averaging 643 kg/ha dry yield.

Identification and biology

  • Pathogens: Pythium vexans, Rhizoctonia solani, Fusarium oxysporum
  • Crop Loss: ~30% yield loss
  • Resistant Variety: IISR Avinash (RR-1); avg 643 kg/ha dry yield
  • Biocontrol: Trichoderma harzianum @ 1 kg/plant; Arka Microbial Consortium

Management

Integrated management combines drainage improvement, soil drenching with copper oxychloride 0.2%, and basal application of Trichoderma harzianum @ 1 kg/plant on coffee husk substrate. ICAR-IIHR Arka Microbial Consortium is also recommended.

See also: Cardamom Small, Cardamom Leaf Blight, Cardamom Shade Management, Cardamom Stem Borer, Cardamom Curing Grading.

References

  1. Management of Phytophthora and Rhizome Rot using Arka Microbial Consortium. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/370063414
  2. IISR Avinash - rhizome rot resistant cardamom variety. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/264348817