Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.), is a major cash crop grown in Sikkim Himalaya region. The crop is found to be affected by many pests (insects and diseases); which hinders the production, productivity as well as quality of the produce. Based on symptoms in this crop, similar to nematode infestation, soil and root samples were collected from the rhizosphere of different large cardamom fields and analyzed for presence of nematodes. Laboratory analysis revealed the association of six nematode species with large cardamom viz., Meloidogyne incognita, Helicotylenchus spp., Hoplolaimus sp., Tylenchorhynchus annulatus, Pratylenchus sp. and Macroposthonia spp., of which Meloidogyne incognita and Pratylenchus sp. were recorded in roots also and the percentage of occurance was 59.09. Apart from Meloidogyne incognita, all other five nematode species were recorded for the first time in large cardamom. Helicotylenchus spp. was the dominant genera among the six genera with 50% occurrence, 61.56 % relative abundance and 60 nematodes per 200 cc soil.

Among the extreme weather events, hailstorm in recent past caused significant damage of large cardamom crop in Sikkim. In high altitude area of Sikkim, hailstorms generally occurrs in the month of March and April and caused severe damage to large cardamom plantations. In this paper, a detailed account of incidence of hailstorm damage and strategies to minimize its effects on large cardamom plantations are discussed. Frequency distribution of hailstorm showed that during last eight years hailstorm in Pangthang area of Sikkim occurred between 1427 to 1532 hrs and it continued for around 37 minutes on average. However, in Kabi area of North Sikkim hailstorm generally occurs during 1621 to 1628 hrs and it continues for around 21.25 minutes. Hailstorms varied in size from 0.5 to 1.0 cm in diameter. Damage caused by the hailstorms on plant tissue depends mainly on its size, duration of the storm event and the condition of the plant tissue when the injury occurs. Large cardamom being a broad leaved plant, the lamina tears parallel to the veins. Physical damage to floral parts of large cardamom plants due to hailstorm occurred at the flowering stage and depending on the extent of damage the yield of the plant was also affected in the subsequent crop season. Frequent hail episodes are identified and measures to minimize the damage of large cardamom plantations are discussed. The information generated in this study was found to be very useful in minimizing large cardamom crop loss through operational agromet services launched by the India Meteorological Department/Ministry of Earth Sciences in collaboration with the Agromet Field Units (AMFUs) located at Gangtok and ICAR-NOFRI, Tadong through Krishi Vigyan Kendra-East Sikkim, Ranipool.

Ginger is grown extensively throughout India due to its high value and ginger is used for wide range of purposes like in confectionery, traditional medicine for stomach ache, food additives and pickles. The major ginger-producing states include Kerala, Assam, Gujarat, Orissa, Sikkim, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh and Mizoram. It is one of the main cash crops in Himalayan state of Sikkim. In Northeast India, especially in Sikkim, ginger serves as a source of income for small and marginal farmers. It is cultivated in a varying degree of altitude, but the elevation of 1500 above msl is found to be more suitable. Ginger is a tropical plant, and warm, humid climate is the most ideal for ginger cultivation; it grows best in rich soil and shady places. Sikkim has its own indigenous cultivars of ginger, and the prominent varieties that are being cultivated in Sikkim are Bhaise, Gorubathane, Majhaule, Tange, Patle and Jorethang. November to January after 8–9 months of sowing is the optimum time for harvesting ginger; however, this follows the market demand dynamics in Sikkim. Under organic conditions, farmers normally get a yield of 90–100 q/ha depending on ginger cultivation practices. Progressive farmers by adopting improved method of ginger cultivation get on an average of Rs. 150,000 per hectare (benefit-cost ratio varied from 3.50 to 3.80).

Insect and Mammalian Pests of Large Cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxburgh) in Sikkim Himalaya Large cardamom is an important cash crop of Sikkim and Darjeeling district of West Bengal. About 3863 MT of large cardamom are produced annually from an area of 26,459 ha in Sikkim region. Insect pests are one of the constraints of large cardamom production. Surveillance was carried out in the major large cardamom growing tracts during 2010 - 12 and incidences of major pests were recorded. Minor insect pests, mammalian pests and new pests in large cardamom ecosystem were documented. Entomopathogens of leaf caterpillar (Artona chorista) were identified...

A field experiment was conducted during 2012-14 at research farm of ICRI, RRS, Kabi to find out the effect of soil application of Zn, Mn and Mg on growth and nutrient content of large cardamom. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design comprising of eight treatments viz ZnSO 4 (5 kg/ ha) , ZnSO4 (10 kg/ha), MnSO 4 (10 kg/ha), MnSO 4 (5 kg/ha), MgSO4 (10 kg/ha), MgSO 4 (5 kg/ha), ZnSO4 + MnSO 4 + MgSO 4 (10 kg/ha) and control. Soil application of ZnSO4 + MnSO 4 + MgSO 4 (10 kg/ha) resulted in significantly higher number of immature tillers (2.99 and 3.19) and mature tillers (2.86 and 3.11) during both September 2013 and March 2014 and vegetative buds (2.56). Nutrient status in soil with ZnSO4 + MnSO 4 + MgSO 4 (10 kg/ha) proved its superiority and its effect was statistically non-significant on available Fe and B in soil. Significantly higher Mg (0.45%) and Mn (487.37 ppm) content in leaf was recorded with ZnSO4 + MnSO 4 + MgSO 4 (10 kg/ha) and significantly higher Zn (54.41 ppm) content in leaf was recorded with ZnSO 4 @10 kg/ha.

Spices used by tribe as herbal ethno medicine to treat several common diseases such as fever, indigestion, diarrhea, dysentery, vomiting, asthma, heart diseases, headache, boils, leucoderma, bold disorders, piles and insect bites etc. were documented. High level of commercial use as ethnomedicinal practices adversely affect the physical, social and economic welfare of the tribal community of Sikkim. A survey (December 2012 to December 2013) reported data on fourteen spices belonging to twelve families identified from this region. Brief information about the scientific names with family, common names (English), plant part used, way of application of plant parts and their uses against diseases have been presented. Present study reveals that some species are important in primary healthcare system of tribal communities. This paper deals with the biodiversity of spices and their ethnomedicinal uses by the tribal communality for conservation and utilisation in Sikkim.

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.), a member of the family, Zingiberaceae under the order Scitaminae is the main cash crop cultivated in the sub-Himalayan state of Sikkim and Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Capsules used as spice. In domestic markets only two grades viz., chhota dana (small capsules) and bada dana (bold capsules) are available, without any specification. Bureau of Indian Standards (BSI) has standardized quality specifications for large cardamom. However, the size specification and bulk density for different grades is not standardized yet. Some traders export large cardamom to the International market (Pakistan, Bangladesh, UAE) in different grades prepared by trial and error methods. Hundred samples (one kg each) were collected from different planters in Sikkim and Darjeeling districts during 2011 to 2013 and maximum width of 100 capsules selected at random from each sample was measured using Vernier Callipers. Based on the percent distribution of capsules width, four sieves of mesh (circular) sizes viz., 1.2 cm, 1.3 cm, 1.4 cm and 1.5 cm corresponding to frequency distribution of capsules were made. In order to test the performance of sieves towards grading the capsules, 200 kg of dried were taken on for the study. Percentage of capsule retained on respective sieves as well as bulk density was determined. The graded samples were compared with the grades traded / exported by the traders in Gangtok (Sikkim), Siliguri (West Bengal) and it was found that these sieved samples correspond to the samples graded arbitraily by the traders / exporters. Scientific bases for these grades are presented in this paper.

Field experiment was conducted during 2011-14 at Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Regional Research Station, Spices Board research farm at Kabi, North Sikkim in rainfed conditions. Significantly higher number of immature tillers (4.93), mature tillers (2.68) and vegetative buds (3.22) were recorded in the treatment having trenches across slope duly filled with biomass as compared to control followed by surface mulching during September 2013. No significant differences were observed among the treatments with number of immature and mature tillers during March 2014. Among the soil moisture conservation practices surface mulching recorded significantly higher values of soil moisture viz 15.60, 14.69, 13.03, 14.57 and 15.90 per cent on 30 November, 31 December, 31 January, 28 February and 31 March respectively. Surface mulching conserved higher soil moisture as compared to control.

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is an important cash crop of Sikkim and Darjeeling district of West Bengal. Insect pests are one of the main constraints of production of this crop. Surveillance and monitoring for insect pests was carried out in the farm of Indian Cardamom Research Institute, Spices Board, Pangthang during 2011-12 and 2012-13. Three new species of insects viz., Melolontha sp. nr. furcicauda Anccy (Scarabidae : Melolonthinae), Anomala dimidiate (Hope) (Scarabidae : Rutelinae), Bhahmina sp. (Scarabidae : Melolonthinae) were collected by installing different coloured light traps. The coleopteran beetles were identified from Department of Entomology, University of Agricultural Sciences, Bangalore - 560 065, India. This forms the first record of these three insects in large cardamom ecosystem from Sikkim region.

Aphids (Hemiptera: Apihidoidea) pest problems were well known worldwide.A total 823 species in 222 genera and 18 sub families of the family Aphididae were known from the Indian sub continent.In Eastern Himalayas and North East India, 464 species in 147 genera in 15 sub families of aphids were known to be available.Sikkim belonged to NE India.From Sikkim, 26 important Aphids were reported so far.Three species of aphids were known to be associated with Alder (Alnus nepalensis) in North East India.Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) was an important cash crop of Eastern Himalayan region.It was sciophytes i.e., the plant grew under shade.The crop grew somewhat wild in nature and damage due to insect pests was common.It was infested by various pests and diseases causing considerable amount of monetary loss.Surveillance was conducted in alder -large cardamom ecosystem in four different districts of Sikkim during 2011 to 2013.Mollitrichosiphum spp reported for the first time from Sikkim region.An observation about aphid species associated with alder tree in large cardamom ecosystem in Sikkim was presented.

Experiments were conducted in large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) nursery using bioagents and chemicals to produce healthy planting materials free from blight caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. The results indicated that selection of apparently disease free mother plants and treating the rhizome and pseudostem (planting unit) with carbendazim+mancozeb (0.3%) or copper oxychloride (0.3%) would help in reducing the disease incidence in the nursery. Since Sikkim is an organic state, use of copper oxychloride can be recommended.

The pathogen causing blight and severe devastation of large cardamom in Sikkim and Darjeeling Hills was isolated and identified as Colletotrichum gloeosporioides (Penz.) Sacc. {perfect state Glomerella cingulata (Stoneman) Spauld. & Schrenk}. We propose the name, Colletotrichum blight for the disease.

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) belongs to family Zingibereaceae and order Scitaminae is the most suitable cash crop for the hilly terrain of the state of Sikkim. Likewise a large section of farmers in North Sikkim and most parts of Sikkim are engaged in large cardamom cultivation. For years cardamom has been the single most crucial cash crop to these stakeholders. However recent times have shown a steep decline in the land holdings, as well as productivity under large cardamom. Although not evident apparently, it has drastically affected the livelihood of a large section of the rural population. In Dzongu, North Sikkim where Indian cardamom Research institute in collaboration with ICAR has launched the National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) component -III, from 2007. The project has been able to experience and identify certain aspects which need closer attention and evaluation, if large cardamom as a cash crop or simply as a horticultural crop is to be cultivated in the State of Sikkim towards sustainable source of livelihood. The NAIP initiated, with the objective of development of improved farming systems in large cardamom plantation in Dzongu, North Sikkim.

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of various microbial inoculants on large cardamom suckers. The study demonstrated the beneficial effect of microbial inoculants, viz., Azospirillum, Pseudomonas fluorescens, Trichoderma harzianum, phosphate solubilizing bacteria (PSB) and Arbuscular Mycorrhizal Fungi (AMF) on plant growth. Application of farm yard manure (FYM) + Azospirillum + P. fluorescens + T. harzianum + AMF recorded significantly higher number of tillers and plant height as compared to other treatments. Hence, using the above microbial inoculants may facilitate better establishment and growth for planting material in the nursey.

The National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) Components-III project livelihood improvement and empowerment of rural poor through sustainable farming system in North East India has been implemented in Dzongu, North District of Sikkim. An Ethnic tribe known as Lepchas is the main inhabitants of the area. Other few communities like Bhutia and Nepali speaking also are among them. Farming is considered as primary profession, where maize, millets, wheat are the staple crops. Large cardamom is main cash crops of the area and main source for the monetary requirement of farmers. The main cultivar of large cardamom cultivated in the area is Dzongu golsey. The NAIP project was initiated in 2007, with the objective of development of improved farming systems in large cardamom plantation in Dzongu, North Sikkim. North Sikkim contribute major portion of large cardamom from the state of Sikkim. The product from North Sikkim has high demand in National and International market as Mangan variety. The area, production and productivity under large cardamom have declined over the years. The major reasons for decline are menace of Colletotrichum blight, Chirke, foorkey, pest incidence, lack of improper planting materials, lack of irrigation and phytosanitary measures. To overcome this problem National Agricultural Innovation Project (NAIP) intervention has given emphasis on establishment of large cardamom sucker multiplication nursery for area expansion through gap filling and replantation.

Surveys conducted in 17 locations in North East India indicated that the incidence of Phoma leaf spot disease of large cardamom (Amomum subulatum.) caused by P. hedericola ranged from 5% to 15%. Six fungicides were evaluated in vitro against the pathogen and carbendazim 50WP was significantly effective at allconcentrations (0.05% - 0.15%) tested followed by carbendazim + mancozeb 75WP (0.1% - 0.4%).

Manifestations of cold temperature damage on large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) was monitored at Pangthang (2160 m MSL), East Sikkim during the winter seasons (October–March) of 2006–10. Damage to plant tissues, mainly leaves, occurred during prolonged cold wave conditions (below 6oC) that prevailed during December–February. Tiny pin prick like water soaked lesions appeared on the lamina, coalescing to form a large patch that died and turned pale brownish and served as infection court for fungal pathogens. Extreme frosting on leaves was more common in exposed areas without shade trees.

Large cardamom (Amomum subulatum Roxb.) is one of the main cash crop grown in Sikkim. It is the lifeline of the people since it constitutes major share of the economy of the state. A large chunk of agrarian community depends on its cultivation. The present study was conducted during 2011–12 at Dzongu areas of North Sikkim. A list of the large cardamom growing villages was prepared and 5 villages were selected randomly. Avillage wise list of the large cardamom tribal farmers of the selected 5 village was prepared and 25 farmers from each village were randomly selected. Thus, the total sample consisted of 125 tribal farmers spread over five selected villages. For the purpose of present study, eleven recommended production technology package of practices about large cardamom production technology viz., improved varieties, planting material, sucker treatment, field preparation, planting time, method of planting, recommended dose of manuring, irrigation management, method of weed control, plant protection(bioagents) and improved curing system were selected. Majority of the respondents were found in medium awareness and high adoption category in practices like method of field preparation and planting method.

Commercially available biological control agents (Trichoderma harzianum, T. viride, Pseudomonas fluorescens and Bacillus subtilis), aqueous extracts of plant species (Artemisia vulgaris and Schima wallichi) and four fungicides were screened in vitro at Tadong (Sikkim), against Pestalotiopsis sp. infecting large cardamom (Amomum subulatum). B. subtilis showed significantly high inhibition (62.6%) of the pathogen followed by T. viride (50.9%). Inhibition of mycelial growth of Pestalotiopsis sp. by combined aqueous extract of A. vulgaris and S. wallichi varied from 12.2% to 74.5% and was significantly higher at 15% concentration. Inhibition of the pathogen increased with increase in concentration of the extract. The growth inhibition of the pathogen increased with increase in concentration of all fungicides tested. Carbendazim 50WP was significantly effective at all concentrations tested (0.05%-0.15%). The study indicated the potential of using biocontrol agents and botanicals for eco-friendly management of Pestalotiopsis sp. infecting large cardamom and fungicides in case the incidence is severe.