ABSTRACT
Cardamom is affected by a number of diseases caused by various pathogenic fungi, bacteria and nematodes, in main plantations as well as in nurseries. As many as 25 fungal, bacterial and nematodal diseases have been reported till date. Based on severity, spread and extent of damage, these are grouped as major and minor diseases occurring in the main plantations and in nurseries. Among them, four major diseases in plantations and two major diseases in nurseries seriously affect the plant and cause considerable crop damage. Major diseases such as the rots, leaf blights and nematode infestation are often wide spread and lead to crop losses while minor diseases generally affect the foliage and occur in minor proportions. Diseases alone can cause up to 50 per cent crop loss if not managed properly.
