In order to raise a cardamom plantation, seedlings or suckers of high yielding varieties are to be used. The different steps involved in raising the nursery are given below:

1. Primary nursery

a. Size selection:

Select nursery sites on gentle slopy area and preferably near to a perennial water source. Clean the area from all excisting vegetation, stumps, roots, stones etc. In the cleared area, beds can be prepared with one meter width, 20 em height and required length, generally six meters. Jungle top soil can be spread to a thickness of 2 to 3 em on the beds. Fumigate the beds with 2% formaline (10 L per bed) which will help in eliminating tl:le pathogens, nematodes and other soil pests. Fumigation should be done in raised nursery beds before sowing. The beds should be made air tight by covering with polythene sheets andthe fumigant is allowed to penetrate into the soil for two or three days. Later the treated beds should qe kept open for another week before taking up sowing.

b. Seed collection:

Fully ripened bold capsules from high yielding and disease-free mother clumps of known sourc,e can be collected from second end third harvests for seed extraction. Seeds after extraction should be washed using water to remove the mucilage. It is then mixed with wood ash and dried in shade. Storage of seed is not advisable for longer period, because it is experimentally proved that 15 days of storage decreased germination for about 20% and 3 to 5 months storage decreased germination up to 94%. Therefore sowing of seeds after the extraction should not be delayed much. Sowing in September is the best for good germination. Sowing in winter and during south west monsoon should be avoided.

c. Seed treatment:

Cardamom is having a hard seed coat which will prevent good germination. Seed treatment with acid or similar chemicals improves the germination. Treatment with concentrated sulphuric or nitric acid for two minutes is sufficient to break the seed coat. Planters can get their seeds treated in the Research stations of Spices Board or they can do it by themselves. The technique involved is very simple. The seed is to be cleaned with water if it is covered with ash and dry them in shade. Take the seed in a glass jar and place the jar in cold water; Then slowly pour acid in the jar so as to drench the seed, stir gently for about two minutes and drain the acid using a strainer. Transfer the seed immediately to a large volume of water. Wash the seed free of acid in running water and later soak in water and keep overnight. The seed is ready for sowing on the next day.

d. Sowing:

Sowing can be done in lines in rows at a distance of 10 em. Seed rate is 30 to 50 gm per 6x1 m size bed. After sowing cover the bed with thin layer of fine soil and then with mulch material, such as pothagrass or paddy straw. Avoid the contact of mulch materials with trle soil by supporting twigs laid across the bed. Water the beds to sufficient moisture conditions. Once sprouting is oberved, remove the mulch and cover the bed with thinly sliced mulch materia!. To protect the seedlings from direct sunlight, provide overhead pandal. Germination commences 20 to 25 days after sowing and continues for further 30 to 40 days.

2. Secondary Nursery

There are two methods of raising seedlings in secondary nursery: They are bed and polybag nurseries.

a. Bed nursery:

Prepare beds as in primary nursery. A layer of cattle manure and wood ash may be spread on the bed and mixed with soil. Seedlings of three to four leaf stage from the primary nursery beds can be transplanted in the secondary nursery at a distance of 20 to 25 ems. Mulching and watering of beds should be done immediately after transplanting. Over head pandal can be erected to protect seedlings from direct sunlight.

b. Poly bag nursery:

Black HM/HDP bags of 20 x 20 cms size and thickness of 100 guage with 3 to 4 holes at the bottom can be used for this purpose. Fill the bags with potting mixture in the ratio of 3:1:1 jungle top soil, cowdung and sand. The bags may be arranged in rows of convenient length and breadth for easy management. Seedlings at three to four leaf stage can be transplanted into each bag (One seedling/bag). Adequate space in between the bags may be provided for better tillering. The advantages of raising seedling in polybags are:

1. Seedlings of uniform growth and tiilering can be obtained.
2. Nursery period can be reduced to five to six months after transplanting the seedlings as against 10 to 12 months in the secondary nursery.
3. Better establishment and growth of seedlings in the main field.

Cardamom plants from secondary nursery or polybags can be transplanted to the main field during the last week of May after receipt of pre-monsoon showers or the first week of June soon after commencement of south west monsoon.

3. Vegetative propagation

This method is simple, reliable and facilitates easy tnultiplication of selected types. Plants raised from rhizome come to bearing earlier than the seedlings raised from seeds by about an year. Vegetative propagation is advantageous in areas where viral diseases are not a problem.

Rhizome multiplication may be taken up from the first weck of March to the first fortnight of October. The site is selected in open gently slopping well drained areas near a source of water. Trenches of 45 cm width and 45 cm deep and convenient length are taken across the slope or along the contour at 1.8 m apart. They are filled with equal quantity of humus rich top soil, sand and cattle manure. Uproot a part of the high yielding disease free mother clump identified in the plantation. Trim the roots and separate suckers so that the minimum planting unit consists of one grown up tiller and a growing young shoot. Plant them at a spacing of 1.80m x 0.60 m in filled up trenches. Provide sufficient mulch and stake each planting unit. Provide overhead panda I as in the case of seedling nursery and remove shading material with onset of monsoon rains. Provide irrigation once in a fortnight and adopt necessary plant protection measure~. Apply fertilizers 100:50:200 kg/ha NPK in six splits at an interval of two months. Appiication of DAP ancrMOP for first two rounds enables better establishment and growth. Apply neem cake @ 100-150g per plant along with fertilisers. On an average 20 to 30 suckers/initial planting unit can be produced within one year of planting. Care should be taken to identify and collect mother clumps only from areas totally free from viral diseases.

Before taking up the planting, field should be made ready. For planting in a new area, ground should be cleared and if it is replanting area, aid plants should be removed. Shade regualtion, terracing and preparation of pits should be done during summer months.

a) Shade regulation:

Shade regulation is one of the important practices. It should be attended to during summer (March-April) in the new planting areas and during May-June after the receipt of summer showers in the existing plantation. If there is thick shade due to dense branches and bigger leaves, chopping off branches should be done to provide filte-red light of 40 to 60 percent of the open area. Cut alternate side branches of tree in the lower one third to half portion of the total canopy height. Lopping should not be done.on one side only. Cutting branches from all the sides ensures a balanced canopy. South-Western slopes should be provided with more shade than North"Eastern slopes. Shade trees should have small leaves, tap root system and in summer it should not shed leaves. If area is open due to tree fall, planting of tree species viz: Karuna (Vernonia arborea) Corangati, Chandana Viambu, Njaval tree etc. should be taken up immedediately to protect the plants from direct sun light. Too much shade or too much openness of area is not advisable for cardamom cultivation as it affects growth and yield.

b) Field preparation:

In areas having medium and steep slopes, soil preparation wi!! be different from that of gentle slopes. In slopy areas soil should be protected from soil loss (erosion) due to rains for which planting should be taken up in terraces. Terraces should be made across the slope at required distances depending on the spacing adopted. Almost 8 to 15 cm depth of top soil should be removed before making terraces and kept aside which can be used tor pit filling. Width of terraces should be 1.5 to 1.8 m. Pits of 90 x 90 x 45 cm can be prepared before commencement of monsoon, about 1/3 of the pit should be filled with top soil and 1/3 should be filled with 1:3 mixture of organic manure and top soil. In low rainfall areas, trenches of size 75 cm width and 30 cm depth may be taken and plants may be planted at a spacing of 1 to 1.5m.

c) Planting:

Planting material of high yielding variety suitable for the areas may be selected for planting. They may be planted in the already prepared and filled pits and plants should be protected from wind by staking. For Mysore and Vazhukka cultivars plant to plant distance can be 3x3 m or 2.4x 2.4 m when planted in high rainfall or irrigated areas. A spacing of 1.8 x 1.8 m or
1.2 x 1.8 m is suitable in Karnataka. Immediately after planting, the plant base should be mulched well with available dried leaves to protect soild from erosion and conservaiton of moisture. Planting should be done diagonally to the slope which will be helpful as a self protector of soil.

d) Weed control:

Weeds .are potential competitors in the consumption of water and nutrients which will depress the cardamom growth. At the intitial stage, if cardamon clump development is not enough, weed growth will be more. Two or three rounds of hand weeding at the plant base during May, September and December/January and slash weeding in other areas are advisable. Use of mammatty (spade) for weeding is to be avoided as it will loosen the soil and cause soil erosion. The weeded materials may be used for mulching.

e) Irrigation:

Judicious irrigation during summer months ensures increase in yield by at least 50%. Irrigation is required gererally from February to April but at times from January to May depending upon availability of rainfall. But in Tamil Nadu, where the South-West monsoon is not very effective, irrigation during MarchAugust is advisable. This is the period in which development of young tillers and panicles takes place. If piant suffers during this stage, yield will be reduced. Water may be stored during rainy season wherever possible by constructing check dams without causing much damage to the environment. This water can be used for irrigation. Irrigation can be done through different methods such as pot irrigation, hose irrigation, sprinkler irrigation and drip irrigation depending on the facilities available in the plantation. Pot irrigation or hose irrigation can be done at weekly intervals at the rate of 20-30L per clump depending upon the clump size. In case of sprinkler, irrigation with amount of water equivalent to 35 to 45 mm rain at fortnightly intervals is recommended under average conditions. In case of drip irrigation, water at the rate of 4-6 L per clump per day can be given.

f) Soil and water conservation:

Conservation of natural resources like soil and water is very important for production of the crop. Cultivation of agricultural cwps on slopy hills with intensive operation which loosen and expose the soil will increase the soil erosion by water. Planting in trenches across the slope, mulching of soil, diagonal pianting and opening of rectangular silt pit (1.8 x 0.5 x 0.6m) in between four plants will help in soil and water conservation in gentle slopes. if slope is steep, construction of stone pitching walls at 10-20 m intervals across the slope and also making water collecting trenches along the wall will be helpful.

g) Forking and Mulching:

Forking the plant base to a distance up to 90 cm and to a depth of 9-12 cm is found to enhance root proliferation and better growth of plants. As far as possible, the entire plantation and particularly the plant base are to be kept under mulch. It is very essential to keep the plant base mulched (5-10 em thick) except during June to September to reduce the iII-eHects of drought, for reducing evaporation loss and to maintain optimum temperature.

h) Trashing:

Trashing consists of removing old tillers and dry leaves and leaf sheaths. This operation may be carried out once in an year at any time one month after completion of the final harvest. These materials can also be used as mulch.

Why to test the soil? : Soil testing provides precise information about the fertility of the soil for making fertilizer recommendation. Needed quantities of fertilizers of the right kind can be applied at the minimum cost. Balanced application of nutrients will ensure a better economic return to the grower.

How to collect a soil sample?:

Only 5 to 10 g soil is used for each soil test. So care has to be taken to collect representative soil samples. Otherwise, precision in analysis and interpretation will have no value. While collecting the samples, the following points have to be taken note of:

1) Sample should be collected from a field once in 3 to 4 years
preferably during February-April.
2) Total area should be divided into different slopes such as gentle, medium, steep and swampy area. Each category should be again divided into approximately plots of five acres and if there are certain pockets where plants are very poor in growth, those pockets should be sampled separately.
3) Soil sample should be taken from root zone in the row, leaving 30 cm from the plant base.
4) The selected site should be cleaned from weeds, dry leaves and other mulch materials.
5) With the help of a spade (mammatty) soil can be cut in an angle from both sides which will form a V shape pit at a depth of 15 cm and the cut soil should be removed.

6)With the help of a knife, soil should be scraped from both the sides of V shaped pit in a thin layer along the cutting in full depth. Auger can also be used for soil sample collection.

7) From each five acre plot around 10 samples may be collected diagonally and all these samples should be gathered into one in a big polythene sheet. Then mix it well, remove plant materials and spread the soil in a square shape in thin layer. Then make four quarters by drawing diagonalline$ and discard any opposite two quarters and again mix the remaining two quarters. Do the same process until your sample become 500 g.

8) The soil should be packed in polythene or cloth bag after shade drying for 1 to 2 days and tied properly. Planter's name and address and field number may be given in a small piece of paper and kept inside the bag. For each five acres of land one sample should be sent to the Research Station of Spices Board as soon as the soil is collected. Information proforma available with field offices of the Spices Board should be filled in and set along with the samples collected.

* Avoid contamination by keepirrg soil samples away from stored fertilizer.
* Avoid areas recently fertilized, old trenches, marshy spots, rfear trees, compost pits or other non-representative locations.
* Avoid taking samples between rows.

OAP-Oi-Ammonium Phosphate: MOp. Muriate of Potash;

Planters may choose anyone of the schedules given under a), b) and C).

: Soil application

Foliar application

ii) Method of application:

Soil application

After removing the mulches arrond the plant base, the fertilisers may be applied in a circular band of width 15 cm, leaving 30 cm from the plant base and thoroughly mixed with the top 5 to 7 cm of the surlace soil with handfork. The fertiliser applied area may be covered again with mulches.

Foliar application
The spray solution, containing the fertilisers in the prescribed proportions. may be applied to the foliage of the plant covering both sides of the leaves, using Handsprayer or knapsak sprayer. The application should not be made in a rainy day. A clear sky or even a cloudy condition may be considered suitable for the application.

It may be noted that the number of split applications may be increased to more than 2 or 3 because smaller doses give better results.

Lime/Dolomite application
The results of field experiments on the effect of lime/dolomite showed that application of lime/dolomite does not have any significant effect on cardamom growth and yield. Moreover, corre lation analysis of foliar nutrient content with yield of cardamom indicated that enhanced uptake of Calcium and Magnesium beyond certain limit may cause declir,e in the cardamom production.

On the basis of these findings. it is now considered that application of lime/dolomite is not necessary for cardamom.
Use of Micronutrients
rv1icronutrient survey conducted recently showed that Zinc deficiency is widespread in cardamom soils and Boron deficiency is observed in certain areas. Application of Zinc to the foliage is found to enhance not only cardamom growth and yield but also
the quality of the produce. Hence it is recommended that Zinc,
may be applied as a foliar spray as Zinc Sulphate @ 250 gm/ 100 litres of water during Aprii/May and Sept/Oct. Approximately 1.5 kg Zinc Sulphate will be needed for one application per hectare. Zinc shou!d be applied ALONE and NOT mixed with any insecticide/fungidde/fertiliser.
SoH application of Boron in the form of commercial grade Borax at the rate of 7.5 kg/ha is recommended in Boron deficient areas. It may be applied in 2 doses along with NPK fertHisers.
The survey iesults aisn showed that Iron and Copper are not deficient in soils. The results of a field experiment indicated that Boron may havE: antagonistic effect ever Zinc if applied together on cardamom. Based on these informations, it is considered not adviseable to use multi-micronutrient formulations for cardamom.

Prophylactic spraying with fungicides such as Difolatan or Foltaf (Captafol) 0.2% orwithDithane M-45 (Mancozeb) or Indofil M';5 0.3% may ~e given on the leaves. First spray is to be given duriAg March-April depending on the receipt of summer showers and subseCjuent sprays attortnightly intervals. Two to three rounds of spraying may be given. Clipping and destruction of severly affected leaves after spraying is to be done to arrest further spread to the remaing healthy leaves.

In addition to fungicidal sprays, the following supplementary measures also may be followed.

a) Sow the seeds in August-September, to ensure sufficient growth of seedlings, so that they may develop sufficient tolerance to the disease.

b) Avoid exposure to direct sunlight from top or sides. Use coir mattings or agro shade or coconut fronds for shade. When jungle leaves are used for thatching, sloppy roofing may be provided. .
c) Do not raise the nursery continusly in the same site

2. Nursery leaf spot (Cercospora zingibefl)
In grown up seedlings of the secondary nursery, another type of leaf spot is of common occurence. Symptoms are yellowish to reddish brown coloured rectangular patches seen on the lamina. These will be almost parallel to the side veins. The mature lesions show a muddy red colour. Following heavy infection, the leaves dry off. The disease is caused by the fungus Cercospora zingiberi. The fungicides listed above can be used for controlling the disease.

3. Nursery leaf rot
This disease is seen in young seedlings of 3 to 4 months old. It is not wide spread in occurence; but seen only in a few nurseries. The symptorr.s are development of water soaked lesions on the leaves which later become necrotic patches leading to decay of affected areas. Usually the leaf tip and distal portions, are damaged. In severe cases rotting extends to petiole and leaf sheaths also. It is caused by fungi such as Fusarium sp. Alternaria sp. etc.

To control this disease avoid excessive watering of seedlings. Spray 0.3% Dithane M45 (Mancozeb) twice at 15 days interval after destroying the infected leaf portions.

4. Damping off or seedling rot

The disease appears usuaHy in the germination nursery (primary nursery) during rainy season when there is excessive soil moisture due to improper drainage.

Leaves turn pale and their tips become yellow. Gradually, these symptoms spread over the entire leaf extending to leaf sheath resulting in wilting of seedlings. The collar portion decays and the entire seedlings die. Infection spreads in the nursery beds resulting in death of seedlings in small patches. In giOwn up seedlings, rotting extends from the collar region to the rhizomes resulting in their decay and ultimate death of the plant. The disease is caused by soil borne fungi such as Pythium vexans and Rhizoctonia so/ani. Fusarium oxysproum also causes similar seedling rot resulting in the wilting of the entire seedlings.

a) In the primary nursery, practise thin sowing for avoiding over
crowding of seedlings.

b} Provide adequate diainage facilties

c) Remove aff9cte~ seedlings early and maintain proper phytosanitary measures in the nursery.

d) Fumigate the nursery beds by treating with formalin (formaldehyde 2% or 1 :50 dilution) for three days under polythene sheets at the rate of 15 litres per square meter at least 15 days prior to sowing.

e) When infection is noticed, drench the nursery beds with Cop
per oxychloride 0.3%.

5. Clump rot (Rhizome root)
This disease occurs in mature seedlings (6 to 18 months old) of the secondary nursery. It is seen during the monsoon season when soil moisture is in excess due to improper drainage.

Early symptoms on leaves appear as pale yellow colour, partial rolling of leaf margins and withering of seedlings. Rotting or decay starts at the collar region and it spreads to rhizomes and roots. In severe cases, the collar region breaks off and the seedling collapses. The disease. is caused by the soil-borne fungi Pythium vexans and Rhizoctonia so/ani. Rotting of roots due to Fusarium sp. is also observed.
The following steps are recommended for managing the disease:

a) Uproot and destroy all the affected seedlings in a nursery.
b) Regulate irrigation of nursery beds. Do not use excess water
for irrigation.

c) Remove mulch materials from nursery beds and rake the
soil gently.
d) Drench the nursery beds with Copper oxychloride (COC)
(0.3%) at the rate of 3 to 5 litres per square meter.

1. 'Kattp,' (Mosaic) Disease

The disease is prevalent:n all cardamom growing areas in India. It is one of the major diseases of cardamom.

'Katte' disease affects plants of all ages. The first visible symptom appear on the youngest leaf of affected tillers as spindle shaped chlorotic flecks. Later, these flecks develop into slender discontinuous strjpes of pale green and dark green areas, running parallel to the veins from the midrib of leaf margin. As the disease advances, subsequent leaves show charcteristic mosaic symptoms. The leaf sheaths and pseudostems also show mosaic pattern. Mature leaves formed before infection do not develop symptoms. The infection is systemic in nature and gradully spreads to all tillers of affected plant. Immediately after infection, there is no growth reduction but within one to' two years. after infection, there is a gradual reduction in clump size. In advanced stages, the affected plants produce shorter and slender tillers with a few shorter panicles: 'Katte' affected paints do not die but the plants give only poor yield. The yield reduction has been found to be 70 per cent within three years after infection.
The disease is systemic and it is caused by cardamom mosaic virus. Viral particles are present in all parts of affected plants except in mature seeds. The disease is not transmitted through seeds or by mechanical means either by contact or through cutting tools. The disease is transmitted by insect vectors. The common banana aphid Pentalonai nigronervosa Coq. spreads katte disease from infected to healthy plants by feeding. Even a single aphid can pick up and transmit the virus within a few minutes without incubation period in the vector. All stages of the vector viz., the nymphs, winged and non-winged forms of adults can transmit the disease.
Man acts as the main carrier of the disease over long distances by unknowingly transporting the diseased materials for planting. Once the disease enters a plantation the spread is internal through the vector. Disease incubation period (time required for symptom expression) in the plant varies from 35 to 120 days in different months. Usually during summer, delayed appearance of symptoms is noticed. Vector population is high from December to May.
Management of 'Katte' disease

As long as katte inoculum is present in the field, any formulation of insecticides fails to prevent the disease spread. Diseased plants cannot be cured but the losses can be minimised byadopting the foilowing measures:
a) Keep a constant surveillance on the occurrence of katte dis
ease. .

b) Use only healthy seedlings raised from 'katte' free plants.
c) Avoid rhizome planting using materials taken from disease
affected gardens.
d) Practice regular roguing (uproot and destroy).
e) Repeat tracing of affected plants and roguing at weekly in
tervals for at least 4 consecutive months

f)Replant the rogued areas with healthy disease free materi
als.

h) Do not raise nursery near katte affected areas. 2. Nilgiri necrosis disease

It is also another viral disease like 'katte'. It was recently observed in Nilgiri area and subsequently in Valparai in Anamalai, lower Pulneys and Munnar areas. As compared to 'katte' it is of limited occurrenCE::.Diseased plants show alternate light green and whitish to yellowish streaks on the leaves in the form of mosaic. Later these stripes become necrotic with reddish brown colour followed by tearing of lamina. The leaves are crinkled with wavy margin. The reddish brown necrotic areas later dry aff. Tillers show reduction in height. In advanced stages of infection, severe stunting of plants is seen. Tillers are narrow, very short and they produce small leaves which are brittle. Panicles become shorter with few ieduced capsules which often show symptoms of cracking. In extreme stages of disease no panicle is formed.
The disease is caused by a rod shaped virus. Like 'katte' it is a systemic disease. Nilgiri necrosis is not transmitted through seed or mechanical means but the disease is easily carried through infected rtlizomes. So far, 110 insect vector is known to transmit the disease. Plant sanitation by roguing C'f affected plants is the only method by which the disease can be controlled. The method adopted for "Katte" control can also be followed fOi man
aging Neelgiri necrosis disease.

3. Kokke kandu disease (Cardamom vein clearing)

Recently a new virai disease is found to be widely spreading in plantation of Karnataka state. In Kannada, it is called 'Kokke kandu' which means hooked tiller. It is first ooserved in Hongedehaila which is the hot spot area of this disease. Later, it spreaded to Sirsi and Somawarpet areas.
Diseased plants shows symptoms on the tillers and leaves, Characteristic mottling develops on the foiiage which later show severe vein clearing. Yellow stripes orsteaks run parallei to the side veins. Leaves are arranged in a rosette manner at the tip of the tiller with much reduced internodes. The tiller height is also reduced. In advanced stages of infection, tillers are stunted and their tips form hook like structures a~er: the younger most leaf roll gets hooked up in the leaf sheaths. Panicle length and number of capsules are much reduced. In extreme stages, no panicles and capsules are produced and the yield loss is almost 100 per
. cent.
\ The disease spreads rapidly to nearby areas and the infe~ted
plants decline in a short period of one to two years. No seed or sap transmission is noticed. The disease spreads easily through infected rhizomes as in the case of katte and NNV diseases. The banana aphid Pentalonia nigronervosa is found to be its natural vector. It transmits disease. in a non-persistant manner. There is no incubation period in the vector. About 30 to 40 days are required for the infected plants to show the symptoms. Sometimes combined transmission of 'katte' and 'kokke kandu' by the aphid is observed in the same plant. The disease is caused by cardamom vein, clearing virus.
As it is a systemic viral disease, infected plants can never be cured. Plant sanitation is the only preventive measure. The methods recommended for katte control can be followed for management of 'kokke kandu' disease also.

4. Azhukal or capsule rot disease
. Azhukal' disease is mostl)' prevalent in Idukki and Wynad districts of Kerala. In recent years, it has been noticed in isolated pockets in Anamalai area also. Azhukal (rotting) is caused by the fungus Phytophthora nicotianae and P. meadii. The disease starts with the onset of South-West monsoon in June and becomes severe during July-August months. It may continue to prevail upto November-December, if weather is favourable for disease development.

Symptoms of rotting appear on all plant parts. First symptoms appear on the young leaves o::>r on capsules in the form of water soaked lesions. In leaves, these areas enlarge, become necrotic and gradully the laaves shrivel and begin to shred. Finally, the affected leaves break at the base of the petiole and remain hanging. Rot affects the capsules of all ages. Affected immature capsules soon decay and fall off within 3 to 5 days and mature capsules get shrivelled on drying. Infection on the panicle appears usually on panicle tip and proceeds downwards. Such portions later dry off or decay if moisture is in excess. In severe cases, infection spreads over to the rhizomes and tillers also. Decayed tillers break and fal! off at the collar region. All the varieties are suscep~ible to the disease; however Malabar variety is more severely affected due to this disease. The disease spreads through soil, water and wind.

The predisposing factors favouring 'azhukal' incidence are heavy and continuous rainfall, excess soil moisture, thick shade, over crowding of plants and prevalance of inoculum in the soil. The disease can be managed by the following methods.
a) Phytosanitation

i)Trashing and cleaning the plant base are to be carried out during May before the onset of monsoon.
ii) Thick shade may be regulated by gentle lopping of tree
branches.

Hi) Provide draianage in low Iyin~ and marshy areas.
iv) Destroy the 'azhukal' affected portions and plant debris

b) Fungicidal applications
After completing the above mentioned plant sanitation measures, the plants may be sprayed with anyone of the following fungicides.

5. Clump rot or rhizome rot

It is also a fungal disease occuring during the monsoon seasons. Symptoms of disease are yellowing of leaves and decay
of tillers starting from the collar region. The decay extends to the
\
rhizomes and roots also. Rotten rhizomes become soft, dark
brown coloured and ultimately result in the total death of the piant. Affected tillers fall off by a slight disturbance. The disease is caused by soil-borne fungi such as Pythium vexans, Rhizoctonia so/ani and Fusarium sp. (in a few cases). In some cases, a pink colour develops at the collar ~egion which later leads to rotting.
The disease can be managed by :

a) Plant sanitation as described in the case of 'azhukal' dis
ease has to be followed to control this disease.

b) The plant base is to be drenched with two to three Htres of eoe (0.25%). Repeat eoe drenching at 30 days intervals for 2 to 3 times depending on the severity and extent of disease spread.
General recommendations

1. Plant protection measures are to be carried out on priority
basis.
2. Diseased areas should be taken first for trashing. and spray
ing with fungicides.
3. Spraying should be done to the diseased portions.
4. When the plants are wet during raining, foliar spray may not be effective. Practise soil drenching in suc~ situations.
5. Top preference may be given forfungicida! sprays during non
rainy days.

1. Chenthal

The disease is seen in almost all areas of cardamom cultivation. Initial symptoms appear as water soaked lesions on young leaves. Later these become yellowish to reddish brown with a pale yellow halo. In severe cases, it leads to the withering of leaves and withering of leaves and withering of psuedostems. The disease intensity is found to be severe in open areas where shade is inadequate. 'Chenthal' was reported to be caused by Corynebacterium sp. However latest studies showed that it is not a bacterial disease. It is caused by a fungus called Colletotrichum gJoeosporioides.

The intensjty of the disease can be reduced by providing adequate shade in the plantations. Fungicides such a~ Bavistin (0.2%), COC (0.3%) o} Cuman-L (0.2%) effectively control the disease. A mmimum of 2 rounds of spray at 30 days interval is required.
2. ~eaf blotch
It is caused by the fungus Phaeodactylium alpiniae. Symptoms develop as dark brown blotches on the leaves during mon~ soon season. Later, on the under side of these blotches, the fungal mycelium and spores develop as grey brown masses. The disease can be controlled by one to three rounds of spraying with Hinosan 0.3%, or Bordeaux mixture 1 % or Mancozeb (Dithane M-45) 0.3%.
3. Leaf spots and leaf rusts

The Cercospora leaf spots are found in the nursery and plantations in the form of rectangular muddy red stripes running along the veins.

Leaf rust is often seen on mature ieaves as whitish powdery pustules on the under surface of the leaves with corresponding yellow necrotic patches on the upper surface. Diseased leaves show a rusty appearance.

1. Shoot borer [Conogethes punctiferalis (Guen) ]
Moth of the pest is bright yellow with a number of black dots on its wings. Its caterpillars are pale purplish in colour and bore into the shoots and feed on its core resulting in the death and decay of the central spindle. Such tillers develop characteristic dead heart symptoms. Presence of larva in the shoot is indicated by the appearance of excreted frass material at the mouth of the bore hole. The damage is noticed throughout the year, but is high during December to May.
The pest can be effectively controlled by spraying insecticides within 15-20 days after the appearance of moths (adults) in the nursery. Emergence of moths can be monitored by rearing some larvae on shoot bits in plastic containers or polythene bags. Monocrotophos or Fenthion 0.075% is effective against this pest.

2. Root grubs [Basilepta fulvicorne(Jacoby)]
Damage is caused by the grubs of the insect. The grubs are small, 2 to 10 I)1m long, offwhite in colour and often assume a shape resemblihg 'C'. Grubs feed on cardamom roots in patches. This reduce the uptake of nutrients and leads to yellowing of leaves. Beetles are small greenish blue or blue or green and are found in large numbers during May to July and October to February. A female beetle lays 124-393 eggs in batches on dry grass, leaf sheath, mulch or dry cardamom leaves, during its life span of nearly 85 days. Grubs drop down and enter into the soil and start feeding on cardamom ,roots. Grub stage lasts for 45 to 60 days or 80 to 120 days depending on season Le., May to 'July or October to February respectively. They ma_ke earthern cells and become pupae inside the cell. Adults come out from these earthern cells as beetles.

6. Nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.)

Root knot nematodes (Meloidogyne spp.) are the most com
mon nematode species associated with cardamom plantations.
.
Common symptoms are necrosis of leaf tips and margins, nar
rowing of leaves, thickening of veins, reduction of internodal length and consequent appearance of leaves as rosette. Roots branch heavily and galls appear on them. Plant growth becomes highly stunted. ......
Eggs, larva and adult are the different stages in the life cycle of the pest. Second stage larvae infect rootlets and induce formation of giant cells called galls. Larvae moult thrice and form adults. Adult male is filiform, while female is pyriform. Female secretes a gelatinous matrix into which eggs are extruded.
Frequent change of nursery beds will help to reduce nematode infection in nurseries. In case of infection in primary nurseries, application of Carbofuran @ 80 gm. per 6 sq. metre bed and in secondary nurseries application of Carbofuran @ 200 gm. per 6 sq. metre bed will c:ontrol the pest. In plantation, Carbofuran @ 60-80 gm. per plant or 20-40 gm. of Phorate with 300-500 gm of nee moil cake per plant may be applied. Application may be repeated after 3 months.

6. Recommended tentative schedule of insecticide application for Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka is given below.
A) Kerala
February March April
May August September Oct. to Nov.