Stem Gall of Coriander: A Review

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an important highly nutritive crop belonging to family Apiaceae. To meet increasing global demand and consumption, coriander productivity must be enhanced. However, biotic stresses such as diseases have impeded coriander cultivation both in the tropics and subtropics. Of them, stem gall of coriander, incited by the fungus Protomyces macrosporus unger, is one of the most common, widespread and serious diseases throughout the world and causes significant yield losses. Symptomatology, biology, and etiology of stem gall and its control through fungicides, bio-product and bio-control have not been widely studied, and substantial information is still required on the inoculum potential, growth models and epidemiological parameters of stem gall, the influence of changing the climate, impact of extensive use of fungicides and disease resistance. These critical factors may influence the development and emergence of stem gall. Because of the increasing demands of coriander in the world, control of stem gall is gaining importance. The present review deals briefly with different aspects of stem gall disease with major emphasis on its ecology, pathology, epidemiology, and management. Some new approaches such as biological control, integrated management strategies, and some other aspects are also discussed.