Saffron: Major Diseases and Their Management

Saffron is famous for its unique color, taste, and medicinal properties. It holds a special significance in Indian cuisine. Saffron is used in dishes and sweets like biryani, kheer, halwa, and laddoo. Additionally, saffron is mixed into tea and milk to enhance both the taste and aroma of these beverages. Saffron is not only used to enhance the flavor and color of food but also has significant health benefits. Saffron threads are carefully picked from purple flowers in the valleys of Kashmir (Pampore). Only three saffron threads are obtained from one flower. To obtain one kilogram of saffron, approximately 150,000 flowers are needed. Therefore, it is sold at very good prices. However, due to certain diseases affecting the plants, farmers growing saffron face significant losses. If you are also cultivating saffron, read this post carefully for detailed information on the symptoms and control of some major diseases that affect it.

Major Diseases Affecting Saffron Plants and Their Control Measures

Leaf Blight Disease

• This disease is also known as blight disease. Symptoms appear on the leaves about 20-25 days after planting the corms. Affected plants develop brown spots on the leaves and stems. In the early stages, the lower leaves of the plants start to dry out. As the disease progresses, the upper leaves also begin to dry out. Eventually, the plants dry up and die.

Control Methods for Leaf Blight Disease:

• To control this disease, use one of the following chemicals:
• Apply 100 ml of Kresoxim-methyl 44.3% SC (Tata Rallis - Ergon, Parijat Industries - Elona) per acre.
• Apply 400 grams of Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP (DeHaat - Saabu, UPL - Saaf) per acre.
• Apply 200 grams of Pyraclostrobin 20% WG (Mankind Agritech - Pyrabless, Global Crop Care - Line) per acre.

Corm Rot Disease

• This is a fungal disease. When it occurs, water-soaked lesions appear on the affected corms. Gradually, these spots turn brown and begin to sink in. The affected corms become soft and spongy, and start to rot. The leaves of the affected plants turn yellow and begin to wilt.

Control Methods for Corm Rot Disease:

• Treat the soil with 1 kg of Trichoderma viride (Dr. Bacto Dermas 4K, Microbax Trikowin) per acre.
• Treat 10 kg of corms with 100 ml of Azoxystrobin 2.5% + Thiophanate Methyl 11.25% + Thiomethoxam 25% FS (Swal Cascade).
• Treat each kilogram of corms with 2.5 grams of Trichoderma viride (Dr. Bacto Dermas 4K, Microbax Trikowin).
• Apply 1.5 kg of Copper Oxychloride 50% WP (Tata Blitox, Crystal Blue Copper) per acre.

Fusarium Wilt Disease

• The primary cause of this disease is a fungus that can survive in the soil for a long time. This disease can also occur if corms from infected plants are used for planting. Plants affected by this disease begin to wilt. As the infection worsens, the plant's leaves start turning yellow, and the plant begins to dry up. The stems of the plants turn yellow and start to crack. After some time, the plants collapse.

Control Methods for Fusarium Wilt Disease:

• To protect plants from this disease, adopt crop rotation.
• Destroy infected plants to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Treat 10 kilograms of corms with 250 grams of Tebuconazole 5.4% FS (Adama Orius FS).
• Treat each kilogram of corms with 4 grams of Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% WS (Dhanuka Vitavax Power, Swal Imivax).

Rust Disease

• Rust disease, also known as "rust," is a fungal disease. It typically starts towards the end of the summer season. The likelihood of this disease increases in environments with humidity and temperatures between 25.5 to 30.5 °C. During the rainy season, the disease can spread rapidly. Initially, affected leaves develop yellow to orange spots. As the disease progresses, the spots enlarge and turn brown. This disease causes the leaves to wilt and fall. It also hinders the growth of affected plants.

Control Methods for Rust Disease:

• Clean the garden by removing fallen leaves, twigs, and weeds growing in the soil.
• Collect and burn the infected fallen leaves.
• Prune the diseased plants.
• Apply 350 grams of Chlorothalonil 75% WP (brands like Tata Rallis Ishaan, Coromandel Jatayu, Syngenta Kavach) per acre.
• Use 1.5 kilograms of Copper Oxychloride 50% WP (brands like Tata Blitox, and Crystal Blue Copper) per acre.

Which disease is most prevalent in your saffron plants, and what inputs do you use to control these diseases? Please share your answers in the comments. For such agricultural information, you can also contact DeHaat's toll-free number 1800-1036-110 to consult with agri-experts. Additionally, by following the 'Agri Doctor' channel, you can gain more information on the proper care and protection of crops. Please like and share this post to spread this information to other farmers.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Where and how is saffron cultivated?

A: Saffron is primarily grown in the Kashmir Valley of India. It is a labor-intensive crop that requires specific climatic and soil conditions. The saffron crocus flowers bloom in the autumn, and the stigmas are hand-picked and dried to produce the spice.

Q: In which months is saffron cultivated?

A: In India, saffron cultivation takes place between May and August. The timing of corm planting may vary slightly depending on the region and weather conditions.

Q: How many times does saffron bloom in a year?

A: Saffron flowers bloom only once a year. The saffron flowers bloom for about two weeks in autumn, around October and November in India. Harvesting of saffron typically occurs during this period.