Review Article
Year: 2018 | Month: May | Volume: 8 | Issue: 5 | Pages: 315-336
Pomegranate the Cash Crop of India: A Comprehensive Review on Agricultural Practices and Diseases
Khushboo Jain1, Neetin Desai2
1Research Scholar, Department of Biosciences, ITM University, Uparwara, New Raipur (Chhattisgarh), India.
2Director, Amity Institute of Biotechnology, Amity University Mumbai, Pune Expressway Bhatan, Post – Somathne, Panvel, Mumbai, Maharashtra – 410206, India.
Corresponding Author: Khushboo Jain
ABSTRACT
Pomegranate (Punica granatum) is most adapted subtropical fruit crop, which was introduced in India during 15th century from the Mediterranean region. India is largest grower, producer and exporter of pomegranate from last decade. Among eight major pomegranate growing states, Maharashtra is the largest producer, occupies 70.2% of total area in the country with average productivity of 13.24 MT. In recent years, there is decline in production in Maharashtra due to a disease like anthracnose caused by Colletotrichum sp. Colletotrichum causes the infection on all plant parts as sub circular or angular black lesions results in stem deformation, defoliation during shoot development, death of inflorescences, necrotic lesions on leaves. The productivity has decreased though the land coverage has increased in last decade. Under unfavorable climatic conditions this disease has caused yield loss of up to 100%. This review sheds light on the production, agricultural practices, crop biology and diseases of pomegranate causing crop losses. It highlights the epidemiology, symptoms and management strategies for common diseases in pomegranate. It has been observed that, due to monoculture practices and change in environment, the disease like anthracnose causes tremendous losses. Therefore, it warrants urgent consideration for developing new agricultural practices and effective methods to eradicate the disease.
Key words: Pomegranate, Anthracnose, Colletotrichum sp., Disease management