India holds a preeminent position in the world as the largest producer, exporter, and consumer of spices. The new economic policy, aimed at liberalizing various sectors, initiated by the Government of India in 1991 was a significant turning point for the spices sector as several spice commodities including cumin, benefitted from the policy shift. Considering the increasing global demand for cumin and India's dominant position in its cultivation and export, it is important to study the effects of trade liberalisation on export performance of cumin. In this study we analyze changes in production patterns, export trends and trade competitiveness. The findings shows that export value growth has overtaken export quantity, indicating enhanced profitability and improved global pricing and it suggests that trade liberalization has substantially enhanced cumin export performance by reducing trade barriers, increasing market access, and fostering competitiveness, allowing India to consolidate its dominant position in the global cumin trade.
The study carried out during Rabi and Summer 2023-24 at the College of Agriculture, Hassan, assessed twelve chilli genotypes for resistance to thrips under field and pot conditions. Thrips presence and leaf curl index (LCI) were measured at three crop stages, while biochemical parameters (total phenols and soluble sugars) were analysed in both healthy and infested leaves. Results showed notable differences among genotypes. Resistant types (2019/CHIVAR 6 and 2021/CHIVAR 14) consistently displayed lower thrips incidence (20-25% LCIs) and higher phenol and sugar levels. In contrast, susceptible types (Byadgi Kaddi and 2021/CHIVAR 13) showed higher thrips incidence (>65% LCI) and lower phenolic content. These findings suggest that phenolic compounds were key to biochemical resistance, while sugars may support defense metabolism indirectly. The resistant genotypes identified could serve as donors in breeding programs for thrips-resistant chilli varieties.
Black pepper (Piper nigrum L.) is a significant spice crop with considerable economic importance in India. This study presents a comprehensive analysis of the status of black pepper in India, analyzing growth and stability of black pepper cultivation across different states, assess trends in production, productivity, and trade, and evaluate the impact of these factors on India’s agricultural economy. By examining data from 2018-19 to 2022-23, through a detailed examination of statistical data and trends, the research provides a holistic view of the black pepper industry in India. Considering the Indian scenario, Karnataka, Kerala and Tamil Nadu are the leading producers of black pepper in the country. Black pepper production exhibited high instability, with an index of 14.01, and notable fluctuations were also found in export quantities (12.30) and import values (21.72). The findings reveal the challenges and opportunities within the sector, highlighting the key factors influencing production and trade.
Drying is a simple method of preservation and value addition of spices. The moisture content of the spices curtails during the drying, which decreases the biological and enzymatic activity and prolongs the shelf life. The drying method significantly influenced the flavour, chemical composition, appearance, colour, and functional properties of the bioactive compounds. Several new drying technologies are being tested to improve the physiochemical properties of the nutmeg and star anise. This article reviews different solo-drying techniques, such as sun drying, solar drying, infrared and microwave drying as well as hybrid drying such as microwave and infrared-assisted drying applied to nutmeg and star anise. Further, it discusses the impact of drying methods on chemical composition and functional properties. The advantages of novel hybrid drying techniques over conventional methods are also discussed. Further, this review identifies the research gaps and future directions for drying nutmeg and star anise.
Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a spice crop native to the eastern Mediterranean area and is now cultivated worldwide, especially in South Asia, North Africa, and Latin America. The most significant and destructive disease affecting cumin is blight caused by the pathogen Alternaria burnsii. This disease progresses after flowering, particularly during seed formation, and is exacerbated by cold, moist, and consistently gloomy weather. The pathogen grows to its maximum temperature of 28±1°C. The disease intensity has been found to range from 11.34 to 80.00 percent, depending on the climate. Symptoms of the disease manifest as small, isolated, whitish necrotic spots on aerial plant parts. These spots gradually enlarge and merge, causing the plant to turn purple, then brown, and ultimately black. Under ideal circumstances, the contagion quickly spreads to the plant's stem and flowers, killing the viable leaves and flowers, which are typically non-viable and may not appear withered. It is essential to investigate blight, focusing on its symptoms, signs, biology, status, epidemiology, cultural variation, morphological, pathogenic, and molecular variability. Developing effective disease management technologies and improved resistance screening techniques are necessary to recognize the changes in disease scenarios in climate fluctuations. This review updates current knowledge regarding the pathogen symptomology, status, variability, and source of resistance has been reviewed and updated, identifying management options and the genetic basis of resistance as future research priorities.
In the present study, endophytic colonization of moisture and temperature tolerant isolates of Trichoderma viz., T. asperellum (IISR NAIMCC 0049), T. erinaceum (IISR APT1), T. harzianum (IISR APT2), T. harzianum (IISR KL3), T. lixii (IISR KA15) and T. asperellum (IISR TN3) were studied under in vitro conditions. Single node stem cuttings of black pepper (variety IISR Thevam) grown in culture bottles were inoculated with the spore suspensions of Trichoderma. Root samples were collected from treated and untreated plants at 24h, 48h, 72h, 3rd, 5th, 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day after inoculation (DAI). During the early stages of colonization, pre-germinated conidia were abundantly observed on the root surface, subsequently, hyphae penetrated the root system. Among the six tested isolates, T. harzianum (APT2) exhibited the earliest intercellular colonization, initially observed in the cortical zone, progressively advancing to the vascular system, followed by intracellular colonization. Whereas the isolates, T. harzianum (KL3), T. erinaceum (APT1), and T. asperellum (TN3) exhibited endophytic colonization only from the 5th DAI. T. harzianum (APT2) also demonstrated the highest colonization frequency, while T. asperellum (TN3) showed the lowest. Findings of the study highlight the significant variation in root colonization capacities among moisture tolerant Trichoderma isolates. The endophytic association of these Trichoderma isolates may play a vital role in enhancing resistance to both biotic and abiotic stresses in black pepper.
The Eastern Ghat Highland Agroclimatic Zone, covering major part of Koraput and Nabarangpur, has a warm, humid climate and hilly terrain at 900–1400 m MSL, favorable for spice crops like ginger. However, due to traditional farming methods by tribal communities, productivity remains low at 4.9 t/ha. Hence, an experiment was conducted in Pottangi, Koraput, to improve ginger yield by addressing micronutrient deficiencies (S, Zn, B) identified by the AICRP in local soils. The study tested ten treatments involving organic, inorganic, and foliar applications of secondary and micronutrients in light-textured, acidic sandy loam soil with low S, B, Zn but high Fe, Mn, and Cu. The ginger variety "Suprava" was cultivated, and foliar sprays were taken up at 60 and 90 days after planting. Significant improvements in plant growth parameters, such as height, tiller count, and leaf number, were observed with the nutrient treatments compared to recommended dose fertilizer (RDF). The highest rhizome yield (14.3 t /ha) was obtained with Zn + S, followed by IISR micronutrient foliar spray, while the lowest yield was from inorganic RDF. Organic treatments yielded better than inorganic, and combined or sole applications of secondary and micronutrients, particularly foliar sprays, enhanced yield and quality metrics like TSS, fibre, phenol, and protein contents. Regression analysis indicated a 98% influence of N, P, K, S, Zn, and B uptake on yield, underscoring the importance of supplementing deficient nutrients to improve yield, quality, and soil health.
The use of mineral fertilizers for onion cultivation can degrade soil physical properties and microbial diversity, thereby adversely affecting crop productivity and nutritional quality of onion bulbs. To address this concern, a long-term field experiment was conducted with six treatments to evaluate the effects of varying proportions of mineral fertilizers and organic manures, combined with the plant growth-promoting microorganisms (PGPMs), on bulb yield attributes, nutritional quality, sensory characteristics, spicing superiority, and nutraceutical contents of onion bulbs. The results demonstrated that applying 100 per cent of the recommended dose of fertilizers (RDF) through organic manures, in combination with PGPMs inoculation, significantly improved plant growth parameters (ranging from 2.39% to 21.95%), bulb yield attributes (3.28% to 16.53%), physicochemical properties (7.30% to 53.08%), economic returns (7.64% to 18.69%), total mineral content (0.68% to 39.88%), and nutraceutical concentrations (21.47% to 75.32%). Moreover, this integrated approach enhanced crop resistance mechanisms against major diseases and insect infestations compared to the exclusive use of 100% RDF via mineral fertilizers. Overall, the study suggests that integrating organic manure-based RDF with PGPMs inoculation enhances onion productivity and nutritional quality. In conclusion, the combined use of organic manure and PGPMs significantly improved the nutritional density, organoleptic properties, and flavour qualities of onion bulbs, while also contributing to reduction of pathogen and insect pest infestations during cultivation.
Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum) is a vital crop and a symbol of national identity in Nepal, particularly serving as a primary source of livelihood for farmers in the eastern hill regions. In recent years, however, a noticeable decline in cardamom productivity has posed serious challenges to major growing districts. This study aims to assess farmers’ perceptions, knowledge, and management practices related to large cardamom decline in Sankhuwasabha district. A total of 84 cardamom farmers were selected using a simple random sampling technique for an in-person household survey. The results indicate that 72.6% of respondents are experiencing severe crop decline, with many plantations in critical condition. The issue has persisted for over five years. Most farmers attributed the decline primarily to pest and diseases. Alarmingly, 89.3% of growers anticipated complete orchard collapse within the next 2–3 years if the situation remains unaddressed. While farmers expressed frustration over the ineffectiveness of past interventions, 70.2% remained hopeful that improved management practices could reverse the trend. The decline has significantly affected 67.9% of orchards, though some have shown slower rates of deterioration. Notably, 76% of farmers lacked adequate awareness regarding the causes and control measures for the decline. Approximately 60% continue to follow traditional cultivation practices, with most relying on mechanical and cultural methods for disease and pest management. Limited technical knowledge and poor access to agricultural inputs were identified as major constraints to the adoption of effective management strategies.
This study aims to investigate the determinants of spices namely pepper, cinnamon and clove exports in India using panel data regression analysis, with a focus on the impact of distance, population size, exchange rate of the importing country and import value and volume of the spice imported by India. The secondary data was collected for a period of ten years (2012–2021) and analyzed among the five major spice export markets of India. Our findings suggest that total export volume, exchange rate, and distance between exporting and importing countries have a positive and significant effect on spice exports, while an importing country’s population size has a negative impact. Overall, the study provides insights into the factors that determine spice exports. Our finding may have implications for policymakers, setting export prices, and developing a refined strategy for spice exports from India.
Indian bay leaf or tejpat (Cinnamomum tamala (Buch.-Ham.) T. Nees & Eberm) is an important spice that has been used for flavouring of cuisines and as an ingredient in pharmaceutical and allied industries. At present, the leaves are largely harvested from the trees grown in the backyards or from the wild and dried under the sun or shade in most of the growing areas. However, as the cultivation of the crop is also extending in non-native regions of this crop including the Bay Islands, identification of region-specific method of drying was envisaged. In the present study, five drying methods viz. vacuum drying, sun drying, oven drying (45 °C and 55 °C) and air drying were compared to know their effect on quality parameters of tejpat under island conditions. Moisture content in the fresh samples was 49.89%, which was reduced to 4.54% (sun drying) to 6.78% (air drying). The dry recovery was found to be the highest in air drying. Oleoresin content was highest in the sun drying method, while essential oil content did not vary. Chlorophyll a, chlorophyll b and total chlorophyll content were found to be the highest in air dried samples, which remained on par with vacuum drying. Total carotenoids content was the highest in case of vacuum drying. RHS colour chart codes exhibited variations among the dried produce. Considering the better dry recovery, better retention of chlorophyll content and ease of operation, air drying could be recommended for farm level processing of tejpat under warm and humid areas. In the times of high rainfall and humidity, mechanical drying could be adopted to facilitate better drying.
The study analysed lemongrass using additive main effects and multiplicative interaction (AMMI), genotype +genotype-by-environment (GGE), and genotype-environment interaction biplot analysis. Stable lemongrass genotypes were identified using AMMI stability value (ASV), stability index, and yield relative to environment maximum (YREM) computation. To investigate the current study's stability and adaption patterns, a set of six advanced breeding clones and two control varieties, Krishna and CIM-Shikhar, were tested in triplicate over four years using a randomized complete block design (RCBD). The genotype x environment linear (G x E) component and genotype variance analysis were significant for herbage, oil, and citral content, respectively. The G x E interaction was found to be 19.12% (citral), 31.92% (herb), and 4.34% (oil) in the AMMI analysis of variance. Trait variation was found to be a stable factor in the performance of many genotypes; no genotype demonstrated high levels of stability across multiple characteristics. Stable clones with optimal performance were identified as clones 8 and 3 for citral content, clone 5 for herb yield, and clone 1 for oil yield, as indicated by the biplot of the mean yield and AMMI stability value. Clone 8 was found to be a stable clone for citral content, with a unity YREM based on estimations. Nevertheless, clones 7 and 6 were steady performers for both oil content and herb production, respectively. No clones demonstrated unity YREM for either characteristic.
Essential oils from aromatic crops can be extracted through various methods, such as hydro distillation, hydro-steam distillation and direct steam distillation. However, steam distillation, is the most popular one and widely used despite high investment in installation of units and limited evidence of financial feasibility of distillation units. The present study evaluated financial feasibility and economic viability of distillation units in Northern Karnataka focusing on essential oil production from scented geranium biomass using field-level steam-distillation units. The study estimated that, the cost of a 1.5-tonne capacity distillation unit was ₹ ₹6,56,309 with an annual operating cost of ₹ ₹18,91,199. The distillation unit in the study area processed 248.6 tonnes of herbage yearly, yielding 232.26 kg of essential oil which is sold at ₹9946 per kg generated gross returns of ₹₹23,10,053 and net returns of ₹4,18,854 with return per rupee of expenditure of ₹1.22. The estimated cost of production of one kg of scented geranium essential oil was ₹8,194 with net returns of ₹1,751 at prevailing market price of ₹9946/kg. The other financial parameters included a break-even output of 68 kg, a break-even time of 45.47 days, a pay-back period of 3.9 years, NPV of ₹16,74,031 and B:C ratio 1.22 at 12 per cent discount rate and IRR of 89 per cent affirmed the profitability of installation and operation of field level essential oil distillation units in the study area.
The effectiveness of breeding and hence rate of genetic gain in chilli relies on understanding the genetics of target traits. Skewness and kurtosis, the third- and fourth-degree statistics, respectively, provide powerful tools to detect and characterize epistasis and the number of genes controlling traits. This study analyzed the genetics of three quantitative traits—average fruit weight (AFW), fruits plant⁻¹ (FP), and green fruit yield plant⁻¹ (GFY) - in 10 multi-parent (MP)-derived populations. Symmetrical platykurtic distributions in most MP populations indicated the predominance of numerous non-epistatic genes governing AFW, FP, and GFY, suggesting slow genetic gains with mild selection but rapid gains under intense selection. On contrary, positively skewed distributions in three MP populations indicated complementary epistatic genes with decreasing effects on FP and GFY. Additionally, leptokurtic distributions in two MPs indicated fewer genes controlling AFW and GFY, suggesting even mild selection is likely to be effective to improve these traits.
Tinospora cordifolia, often known as "Guduchi" is a deciduous climber and is considered valuable in terms of its immense medicinal properties. This study evaluated 48 Tinospora cordifolia germplasm accessions collected from Tamil Nadu for their nutritional, qualitative, quantitative, and phytochemical properties. Significant variations were observed among the accessions. TC-22 exhibited the highest phenol content (122.73 mg/g) and flavonoid content (18.84 mg/g), while TC-30 recorded the highest tannin content (234.56 mg/g). TC-20 demonstrated superior protein (13.85%), carbohydrate (86.92 mg/g), and antioxidant activity (261.74%) levels. Additionally, TC-20 displayed elevated potassium (1.45%), calcium (0.35%), and iron (48.74%) levels, with the highest zinc content (15.67 μg/g) among accessions. TC-30 had the highest fat content (8.81%), while TC-22 recorded the maximum cardiac glycosides (2.27%). The study identified TC-35 as having the highest fiber content (13.22%) and energy value (99.66 Kcal/100g). Vitamin C (68.96 mg/100g) and vitamin A (0.44 mg/100g) were most abundant in TC-33. These findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical diversity of T. cordifolia germplasm, highlighting its potential for nutritional and therapeutic applications. Findings unmistakably demonstrated the significance of ecological condition variables in determining the quantitative and qualitative parameters of diverse accessions from the different places of Tamil Nadu.
To study the nature of gene action and its components, six genotypes of fenugreek were crossed in a half diallel mating design during Rabi 2017-18, resulting in fifteen one-way F1 hybrids which were evaluated in the experimental field of the Indira Gandhi Krishi Vishwavidyalaya, All India Coordinated Research Project on Spices, College of Agriculture and Research Station (CARS), Raigarh, Chhattisgarh with two checks during rabi season, 2018–19 in a randomized complete block design with three replications. Diallel analysis of indigenous landraces of fenugreek was conducted to identify and develop elite ‘pure lines’ for subsequent use in fenugreek breeding programmes. Crosses with high SCA effects were arranged in the order of their per se performance, general combining ability of the parents of these crosses and per cent superiority over standard check RMT 305 and Hisar Sonali. Best GCA effects and high mean performance parents were observed between high × high, high × low or low × low general combiners for different traits. The best recombinants were observed for IFHyb-4, IFHyb-11, IFHyb-7, and IFHyb-9 which were best for days to 50 % flowering, primary branches, secondary branches, and seed yield respectively, which belonged to high x low combining parents, indicating non additive x additive effects and additive x additive effects. This suggests that single plant selection would be desirable in their segregating generations. High heritability coupled with low genetic advance was recorded for days to 50 % flowering, secondary branches per plant, pod length, and seed yield (q/ha) which were regulated by non-additive gene action and presence of high genotype x environment interaction.
Bandwagons are waves that the breeders sail. This writing is based on the articles of Simmonds (1991) and Bernardo (2016) which point to different waves created by contemporary researches which influence breeders in their work. Seed spices are important group of crops of North and Northwestern India and this article chronicles the important phases through which seed spices breeding has undergone. While conventional methods of plant breeding have yielded results in seed spices, hybrid development is still taking off the ground, mutagenesis has proved its mettle and molecular breeding techniques are yet to make inroads in seed spices breeding. The author is of the view that not necessarily every bandwagon be adopted by seed spices breeders, but due diligence should be given if a new technique holds promise in helping a breeder. The author has chronicled his four decades of experience to guide new breed of breeders adopting spices breeding.
Herbaceous perennial Curcuma angustifolia Roxb. has been traditionally utilized in folk medicine for a variety of purposes. The objective of the current study was to assess the phytochemical, antimicrobial, and antioxidant qualities of Curcuma angustifolia plant rhizomes. Based on preliminary phytochemical investigations, the chemical classes found in the extracts included flavonoids, alkaloids, steroids, phenols, saponins, terpenoids, cardiac glycosides, and tannins. The findings suggested that the plant phytochemical qualities could be used to treat a variety of illnesses. With the agar-well diffusion method, the antimicrobial effectiveness of the plant extracts was evaluated against both clinical isolates and standard strains of certain bacteria. The extracts demonstrated an inhibitory impact on both gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria. Gram-positive bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus had the largest zone of inhibition, whereas gram-negative bacteria like Klebsiella pneumoniae had the lowest. The DPPH radical scavenging assay was used to assess the extracts antioxidant properties. Antioxidant activity increased with extract concentration. Since it has antibacterial and antioxidant qualities, it is useful for treating a range of illnesses, enhancing immunity, and combating harmful bacteria that infect humans.
Seed quality is crucial for the success of crop production, as it affects germination capacity, emergence potential, and seedling growth. This study investigated the impact of extended storage on the germination capacity, oleoresin and essential oil contents of black cumin seeds from three black cumin cultivars in Ethiopia viz. Aden, Dershaye, and Darbera. Seeds were stored for up to three years, and germination studies were conducted using a completely randomized design. Results showed that storage period significantly affected various germination parameters, with a decrease in germination percentage observed with increasing storage period. However, cultivar and the interaction between storage period and cultivar had no statistically significant effect on germination percentage. The study also provides valuable insights into the correlations between different germination indices. Additionally, as black cumin seeds age, their oleoresin and essential oil contents decrease across all three cultivars. Proper seed storage practices are essential in maintaining the germination potential of black cumin seeds, particularly over extended storage periods. Overall, this study provides insights into the impact of extended seed storage on black cumin seed quality and germination potential, highlighting the importance of proper seed management practices to support sustainable crop production.
The present study was undertaken to examine the growth and instability of area, production and productivity of ginger in the state with a special focus on Bidar district of Karnataka. The findings of the study have shown that both growth in area and yield of ginger in Karnataka were positive for study period. However, instability in area, production and productivity was found to be high in period II compared to period I. For overall period, the instability was categorized as high for area, production and yield of ginger in Karnataka. Further, analysis indicates that area is the contributing factor for output growth rather that yield and interaction effect. For several decades, about 70-80 per cent the area under ginger cultivation in the state is dominated by varieties Rio- de – janero, Himagiri and Humnabad local. This suggests that there is significant scope for varietal improvement of ginger. Also, anecdotal evidence indicates that there is significant crop loss due to soft rot disease, inadequate management practices, biotic and abiotic factors leading to high instability in production.
