Efficacy of natural inputs against Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini causing wilt in cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.)

Abstract

Wilt caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini is a major constraint limiting cumin productivity in arid and semi-arid regions of India. A field experiment was conducted during Rabi 2022-23 and 2023-24 to evaluate selected natural inputs for sustainable management of cumin wilt under open field conditions. The experiment was laid out in a randomized block design with six treatments and four replications using cultivar GC 4. Treatments comprised seed soaking with Beejamrutha (300 ml kg⁻¹ seed), soil drenching (10%; 1000 L ha⁻¹) with cow urine, Panchgavya, Neemastra and Jeevamrutha, along with an untreated control. Wilt incidence was recorded at 35, 50 and 60 days after sowing (DAS), and disease progression was quantified through Area Under Disease Progress Curve (AUDPC). Across years, Neemastra significantly reduced pooled wilt incidence (24.79%) compared with control (44.27%), followed by Jeevamrutha (27.78%). Neemastra recorded the lowest AUDPC values (692.19 and 812.51 during 2022–23 and 2023–24, respectively), indicating effective suppression of disease development. Seed yield was significantly higher under Neemastra (4.71 and 4.53 q ha⁻¹) and Jeevamrutha (4.33 and 4.25 q ha⁻¹) compared to control (2.38 and 2.27 q ha⁻¹). However, treatments did not significantly influence volatile oil content or 1000-seed weight. The results indicate that neem-based and fermented organic formulations can effectively reduce wilt incidence and enhance seed yield without affecting quality parameters, suggesting their potential integration into sustainable wilt management strategies for cumin cultivation.