Sustainable management of wilt and root rot of cumin under field conditions

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is an economically important seed spice, widely cultivated in India, particularly in Gujarat and Rajasthan. It plays a vital role in India’s spice export market. However, its productivity is threatened by diseases such as wilt, blight, powdery mildew and more recently root rot. Root rot has been associated with multiple Fusarium species in Rajasthan and other pathogens in China, including Rhizoctonia spp. To address these issues, root rot-infected cumin plant samples were collected from research centers and farmers' fields across North Gujarat, and associated pathogens were isolated. A field experiment was conducted at the Seed Spices Research Station, SDAU, Jagudan, using a randomized block design across multiple Rabi seasons. The results showed that the most effective control of wilt and root rot was achieved with the application of 1 t/ha enriched FYM containing Trichoderma viride or T. harzianum 1.15 WP (2 × 10⁶ cfu/g) and Pseudomonas fluorescens 1.15 WP @ 2.5 kg/ha each, applied at sowing. FYM enrichment with bio-agents at 15 days before sowing.