Farmers level adoption of eco-friendly plant protection techniques for Seed Spice crop

Three years farmer's field demonstrations were conducted on seed spice crops using non chemical methods of pests

and diseases management. Cumin (Cuminum cyminum), coriander (Coriandrum sativum) and fennel (Feniculam valgare) crops were selected for this study in Ajmer, Rajasthan, India. Total 448 demonstrations were laid out over the period of three years on application of bio-agents/botanicals and was compared to local farmer's practices using chemicals for managing pests and diseases. The demonstrations included application of bioagents Trichoderma viride against Fusarium wilt (Fusarium oxysporum), root rot complex and entomopathogen Verticillium lecanii and neem oil for the control of aphids (Myzuspersicae, Apisgossypii & Hydaphis coriandri) and thrips (Thrips tabaci). Results of three year's demonstrations showed that average plant mortality due to wilt in cumin was less than 5% compared to 23.3% in non-demonstration plot. In case of aphids all three crops received lower aphids population of 15.0, 24.0, 16.0 aphids/umbel in demonstration plot as compared to 48.0.74.0, 63.0 aphids/umbel in cumin, coriander and fennel, respectively, under local practices.