New and emerging trends in phytopathology of medicinally bioactive geographical indicator of Kashmir: Saffron (Crocus sativus L.)

Saffron (Crocus sativus L.) is an important geographical indicator (GI) tagged cash crop from the Kashmir valley of India, making it a global brand. This spice crop, valued for its dried stigma with a characteristic odor and coloration, is most sought after for its diverse pharmacological activities (anti-tumor, anti-cancer, anti-aging, and their use in cosmeceuticals and pharmaceuticals). Saffron is used against diseases of the central nervous system, age-related diseases, ocular diseases and neuro-degenerative diseases. India contributes 5% of global saffron production and 90% of this produce comes from Jammu and Kashmir. However, the yield of 2.0 to 2.5 kg/ha is very low compared to the global average of 3.4 kg/ha. This has been attributed mainly to the loss of genetic yield potential due to vegetative propagation, primitive cultivation practices, dependence on natural climatic conditions, and stress caused by abiotic and biotic factors. Among the biotic factors, corm rot is the most severe disease, causing a drastic reduction in yields due to the compounding effect of the causal pathogens over the years. The current review has highlighted some of the biological control measures that have been adopted in recent years for the management of this disease. Many new diseases reported in the last 20 years have also been highlighted. The paper presents some of the futuristic trends in saffron research.