Season-

In India, coriander is typically cultivated during two main seasons: June to July and October to November.

States of Cultivation-

Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan, Assam, West Bengal, Odisha, Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Tamil Nadu.

Coriander thrives in temperatures ranging from (10°C to 29°C). It is sensitive to heat, and when exposed to higher temperatures, it tends to bolt, producing flowers and seeds prematurely. Coriander requires a moderate amount of rainfall, typically between 75 and 100 mm, for optimal growth.

Coriander grows best in silt or loamy soils, but it can also adapt to other soil types. However, in rainfed areas, clay soil is ideal for its cultivation. Coriander is sensitive to waterlogged conditions, so it is essential to plant it in well-drained soil to prevent root rot and ensure healthy growth. Soil pH should be between 6-8.

Seed Rate-

On average, about 8 to 10 kilograms of coriander seeds are sufficient for planting one acre of land.

Seed Treatment-

For quicker germination, coriander seeds should be lightly crushed and split into two parts before sowing. Additionally, soaking the seeds in water for 8-12 hours helps speed up the process. To protect the crop from diseases like wilt, root rot, and damping-off, treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride or Pseudomonas fluorescens at a rate of 4 grams per kilogram of seeds before sowing.

For rainfed coriander crops, a pre-sowing seed hardening treatment is recommended. This involves soaking the seeds in a solution of Potassium Dihydrogen Phosphate at a concentration of 10 grams per liter of water for 16 hours. This treatment helps improve the crop’s resilience to stress conditions.

To prepare the soil for coriander cultivation, it’s important to loosen it by digging or turning it over. For larger fields, plowing the land 2–4 times after rainfall helps to break up the soil and create an ideal seedbed for planting.

Enrich the soil by incorporating compost or aged animal manure to improve its fertility. Additionally, applying 40 quintals per acre of well-decomposed cow dung before the final plowing can provide essential nutrients for the coriander crop.

Coriander can be propagated directly by seeds via broadcasting method or by Pora Method.

Spacing-

Maintain a row-to-row spacing of 30 cm and a plant-to-plant distance of 15 cm when planting coriander to ensure adequate space for growth and proper air circulation.

Depth-

The planting depth for coriander seeds should not exceed 3 cm to ensure proper germination and seedling emergence.

Irrigation for coriander should be managed based on the moisture content of the soil. The first irrigation should be applied immediately after sowing the seeds, followed by subsequent irrigations at intervals of 10 to 12 days, depending on soil moisture levels.

Fertilizer Requirement (kg/acre)

Nutrient Requirement (kg/acre)

Apply 40 kg of Nitrogen per acre in the form of 90 kg of urea, split into three applications. Use half of the urea at sowing, then apply the rest in two equal portions after the first and second cuttings of the leaves. If cultivating for seed production, reduce Nitrogen to 30 kg/acre (65 kg of urea) and apply it in two stages: half at sowing, and the remaining at flower initiation.

For faster growth, spray Triacontanol hormone (20 ml in 10 liters of water) 15-20 days after germination. Additionally, apply N:P:K (19:19:19) fertilizer at 75 g per 15 liters of water 20 days after sowing to promote robust growth. To boost yield, spray Brassinolide (50 ml per acre in 150 liters of water) 40-50 days after sowing, followed by a second spray 10 days later. Also, spraying Mono Ammonium Phosphate (12:61:00) at 45 g per 15 liters of water during the leaf and branch development stage improves plant growth and increases yield.

Manual weeding at 15 and 30 days after sowing (DAS) plays a crucial role in promoting better coriander growth and improving yield. By removing weeds at these stages, you help the crop access more nutrients, water, and sunlight, leading to healthier development and increased productivity.

For effective weed control in coriander, pre-emergence herbicides like Oxadiargyl at 30 gm/acre and Pendimethalin 30 EC at 500ml/acre are commonly used, along with manual weeding at 45 DAS to ensure optimal crop growth and yield.

1. Nitrogen-

Symptoms-

• When Plants experience nitrogen deficiency older leaves turn yellow in color.
• Plants will grow slowly.
• Leaves will be small as compare to healthier one.

Curative Measures-

Provide nitrogen rich fertilizer like ammonium nitrate, urea or organic manure to increase nitrogen content in soil.

2. Iron-

Symptoms-

• Iron deficiency in coriander plants leads to chlorosis, a condition where the leaves turn yellow while the veins remain green.
• Stunted growth of the plants.
• Reduce overall vigor of the plants, potentially affecting yield and quality.

Curative Measures-

• Apply iron chelates
• Lower the soil pH if it’s too alkaline by using sulfur or acidifying fertilizers.
• Ensure proper drainage to avoid water-logging conditions.
• Avoid over-fertilization with phosphorus, which can limit iron availability.

3. Magnesium-

Symptoms-

• Magnesium deficiency leads to interveinal yellowing, which means the areas between the leaf veins turn yellow, while the veins themselves remain green.
• Growth retardation.
• Chlorosis, which starts in older leaves and progresses to younger leaves.
• Early leaf fall.

Curative Measures-

• Foliar application of Epsom Salt @20-30gm/10L of water.
• If the soil is acidic, apply dolomite lime to correct both magnesium deficiency and raise the soil pH.

4. Zinc-

Symptoms-

• The plants may exhibit stunted growth, with shorter stems and smaller leaves.
• The leaves may appear distorted, with puckering or uneven edges.
• The younger leaves may yellow, while the mature leaves may show pitting on their upper surfaces.
• Plants may mature more slowly.

Curative Measures-

• For optimal coriander growth, use soil enriched with zinc, as it helps in better nutrient absorption, boosts plant metabolism, and improves overall yield.
• Applying a foliar spray containing 400 ppm zinc and 200 ppm iron can yield the best results for coriander growth.
• Avoid overwatering.

5. Sulfur-

Symptoms-

• The young leaves turn pale or yellow in color.
• Plants show reduced growth both in height and leaves size. The overall growth of coriander is slower, and the plants may look weak or undersized.
• Stems of coriander plants may appear thinner than normal or can be more brittle or weak, leading to breakage or lodging.
• Leaves may become smaller, less fragrant and less green impacting the flavor and quality of coriander leaves used in cooking.

Curative Measures-

• Avoid over-fertilization.
• Apply sulfur containing fertilizers such as Ammonium sulfate, Gypsum, Elemental sulfur, Potassium sulfate.

6. Phosphorus-

Symptoms-

• Plant growth is stunted.
• The leaves develop a purple to red tint.

Curative Measures-

• Apply phosphorus rich fertilizers such as Rock Phosphate, Super Phosphate.
• Use balanced NPK fertilizers.
• Maintain soil pH between 6-7.5
• Incorporate organic matter, such as well-decomposed compost or manure, into the soil. This improves soil structure and helps retain phosphorus in the root zone.
• Avoid waterlogging conditions,, Ensure proper drainage in the soil.

1. Blue Spot-

Caused by- Blue spot in coriander is caused by various factors such as fungal infections, cold stress, Nutrient deficiency, water stress or overwatering.

Symptoms-

• Blue spot symptoms are only visible on upper surface of leaves in coriander.
• In addition to blue spots, surrounding areas of the leaf may show signs of yellowing or browning, particularly as the condition worsens or if it is associated with a fungal disease like downy mildew.
• Wilting or curling of the leaves along with the blue spots, especially if water stress or fungal infection is involved can be seen.

Management-

• Avoid overhead irrigation.
• Apply organic fungicides like neem oil, copper-based fungicides, or sulfur-based fungicides to treat early infections.
• Prune and dispose of infected leaves to prevent the spread of the fungus.
• If fungal infections are a recurring problem, practice crop rotation by planting coriander in different areas of your garden each season.

2. Tip Burn-

Caused by- Tip burn is caused due to calcium deficiency

Symptoms-

• The tips of the leaves turn brown or scorched. This discoloration may start as a light brown color and darken over time as the condition worsens.
• The edges of the affected leaves, particularly the tips, may become dry and brittle.
• In some cases, the area near the tip burn may start to show yellowing (chlorosis). The yellowing often surrounds the browned or burned tip, indicating nutrient stress or environmental damage.

Curative Measures-

• Ensure regular watering.
• Apply calcium rich fertilizer to the soil.
• Avoid applying too much nitrogen to the soil, which can interfere calcium uptake.

3. Premature Flowering-

Caused by- Premature flowering occurs when plants starts to produce flowers and seeds earlier than expected.

Symptoms-

• The central part of the plant starts to elongate and produces a tall, thick flower stalk.
• The leaves near the top of the plant become smaller, thinner and more feathery.
• The plant stops producing new large healthy leaves.
• The leaves become more bitter and loose their characteristic fresh flavor.

Curative Measures-

Once coriander started premature flowering its difficult to reverse the process. However, we can take some steps to slow down the process such as;

• Remove the flower stalks as soon as they appear to encourage the plant to focus on leaf growth rather than seed production.
• If the plant is exposed to high temperatures, use shade cloth or plant coriander in a partially shaded area to reduce heat stress.
• Water the plants regularly.

4. Tip Browning-

Caused by- Tip browning in coriander is caused due to several factors such as water stress, Nutrient deficiency, Heat Stress, Pest or disease attack, Salt buildup in soil.

Symptoms-

• The tips of the coriander leaves start turning brown or dry out, which can affect both young and older leaves.
• The edges of the leaves may curl or wrinkle due to water stress or nutrient deficiencies.
• In some cases, the leaves may first turn yellow before browning occurs, indicating nutrient issues like potassium deficiency or overwatering.
• The plant may show reduced growth, particularly if root damage or nutrient deficiencies are causing the browning.

Curative Measures-

• Water coriander regularly, but ensure the soil drains well. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to touch. Avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil.
• Use a balanced fertilizer or one high in nitrogen to promote healthy, green growth. Apply organic matter like compost to enrich the soil with essential nutrients.
• Plant coriander in partial shade if temperatures are high or provide shade cloth to reduce heat stress.
• Inspect your plants regularly for pests. Use organic insecticides, neem oil, or introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs to control aphids naturally.

1. Whitefly-

Stage of attack- Seedling and Early Vegetative Stage

Symptoms-

• Whiteflies feed on plant sap, which depletes essential nutrients and leads to yellowing or chlorosis of the leaves. This is often one of the earliest signs of an infestation.
• As whiteflies suck sap from the leaves, the damage can cause leaves to curl, wrinkle, or become deformed. The tender growth is usually more affected.
• Whiteflies excrete a sugary, sticky substance called honeydew as they feed. This honeydew can coat the leaves and stems of coriander plants.
• Due to the loss of nutrients from whitefly feeding, coriander plants may experience stunted growth, becoming weak and less productive.
• Infestations can reduce coriander yield, as the plants become too weak to produce robust foliage or seeds.

Management-

• Maintain proper plant spacing.
• Using silver or aluminum reflective mulches can deter whiteflies, as they are less likely to land on the plants when the reflection confuses them.
• Water coriander plants in the early morning or late afternoon, avoiding over-irrigation, which can create a favorable environment for pests.
• Rotate coriander with non-host crops to break the whitefly life cycle.
• Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitic wasps which naturally feed on whiteflies.
• Set up yellow sticky traps to attract whitefly.

2. Aphids-

Stage of attack- Early Vegetative & Flowering Stage

Symptoms-

• Yellowing of coriander leaves.
• Leaves starts curling, crinkling or distorting.
• Aphids excrete a sugary, sticky substance called honeydew, which coats the leaves and stems of the coriander plant. This sticky residue is a clear sign of an aphid infestation.
• In severe infestations, aphid feeding can cause coriander plants to wilt and droop, especially if the plant is losing too much sap and is unable to maintain proper hydration.
• During the flowering stage, aphids may infest flower heads, leading to deformed flowers and poor seed set. This can greatly reduce the yield and quality of coriander seeds.

Management-

• Use tolerant varieties if available.
• In most cases, using insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil provides the best results for controlling aphids.

3. Cutworms-

Stage of attack- Seedling & Early Vegetative Stage

Symptoms-

• The most characteristic sign of cutworm damage is seedlings being cut off at or just above the soil line. The larvae chew through the stems, causing the plant to collapse.
• Cutworms also feed on the leaves, leaving irregular holes or edges that appear chewed. This is more common when they attack slightly older plants.
• If the stems are damaged, the coriander plants may begin to wilt and die, even if the damage isn’t immediately visible.

Management-

• Regularly check coriander plants, especially in the early growing stages, for signs of cutworm damage.
• Keeping the field clean and free from weeds, plant residues, and debris reduces places for cutworms to hide and breed.
• Encourage beneficial insects like ground beetles, birds, and parasitic wasps, which are natural enemies of cutworms.
• Application of Carbaryl 50%WP @1-2gm/L of water.
• Rotate coriander with non-host crops in subsequent growing seasons to disrupt the cutworm life cycle and reduce populations in the soil.

4. Thrips-

Stage of attack- Early vegetative and flowering stage

Symptoms-

• Twisted or distorted leaves and buds.
• Dark fecal residue on the plant’s leaves.
• Restricted or slowed plant growth.
• Leaves may turn pale, yellowish, or bronze due to cell damage and nutrient loss caused by thrips.
• If thrips attack during the flowering stage, they can cause buds and flowers to become distorted or fail to open, reducing seed production.
• The combination of leaf damage and nutrient loss can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other pests and diseases.

Management-

• Maintain a clean environment around your coriander plant by frequently clearing away dead leaves and debris from the soil.
• Use yellow sticky traps near your coriander plants to help capture adult thrips.
• Plant marigolds, petunias, or chrysanthemums next to your coriander to discourage thrips from infesting the area.
• Rotate coriander with non-host crops to disrupt the life cycle of thrips and reduce their populations.
• Introduce beneficial insects like predatory mites (e.g., Amblyseius) and ladybugs, which feed on thrips.
• Use row covers or fine mesh netting to physically block thrips from reaching your plants.
• Apply neem oil as a foliar spray. It can deter thrips and disrupt their life cycle.

5. Mites-

Stage of attack- Early Vegetative and flowering stage

Symptoms-

• Mites feed by piercing the leaf surface and sucking out plant sap, causing tiny yellow or white spots (stippling) that give the leaves a speckled or mottled appearance.
• Prolonged mite feeding can lead to leaves turning yellow, bronze, or even brown as the plant tissue becomes damaged and nutrient flow is disrupted.
• Leaves may begin to curl, wrinkle, or become misshapen as a result of mite activity.
• Spider mites, a common type of mite, produce fine webbing on the undersides of leaves, between stems, or around plant tips. This webbing can sometimes be visible in heavy infestations.
• Heavily infested coriander plants may shed leaves prematurely as a stress response to significant mite damage.
• Infested plants may show signs of slowed or stunted growth, especially if the mites attack during the early vegetative stage.

Management-

• Maintain proper watering.
• Clean and remove any dead leaves from the environment.
• Inspect your plants frequently, especially the undersides of leaves where mites tend to hide. Early detection is crucial to prevent heavy infestations.
• Predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis, Amblyseius swirskii) and insects like ladybugs and lacewing larvae are natural enemies of spider mites and can help control their population.

6. Armyworm-

Stage of attack- Early Vegetative Stage

Symptoms-

• Armyworms feed on the leaves, causing irregular, ragged holes. In severe infestations, they can consume entire sections of the leaves, leaving only the veins behind.
• In addition to feeding on leaves, armyworms can chew on the stems of young plants, causing the plants to weaken or collapse.
• In severe cases, armyworms may eat through the leaves to the point where only the leaf veins remain, giving the leaves a skeleton-like appearance.
• Armyworms may also feed on flowers, buds, or developing seeds, reducing seed production and affecting overall yield.
• Plants heavily damaged by armyworms may show signs of wilting or stress due to the loss of foliage and stem damage.

Management-

• Check your coriander plants regularly for signs of armyworms, especially in the early morning or late evening when they are most active. Look for leaf damage, frass (droppings), and caterpillars.
• If the infestation is small, manually remove armyworms from the plants and dispose of them. This is an effective method for small-scale gardens.
• Rotate coriander with non-host crops to break the lifecycle of armyworms and reduce infestations.
• Introduce natural predators of armyworms, such as parasitic wasps, predatory beetles, or lacewings, which help control their populations.

1. Downy Mildew-

Causal Organism- Sclerospora garminicola

Symptoms-

• The upper surface of the leaf shows yellow spots, appearing in the spaces between the veins.
• These yellow spots spread across the leaf, except for the veins, and eventually turn brown.
• A fuzzy growth appears on the underside of the leaf, ranging in color from white to purple, depending on the mildew species.

Favorable Conditions-

Wet, humid conditions, cool temperature, high relative humidity, favors the growth of this disease.

Management-

• Immediately cut off any diseased leaves and dispose of them properly.
• Avoid overhead irrigation.
• Apply copper based fungicide to treat downy mildew.

2. Powdery Mildew-

Causal Organism- Erysiphe polygoni

Symptoms-

• It starts as small, white, powdery spots on young stems, leaves, and buds, gradually expanding and merging to cover the entire leaf surface.
• The size of affected leaves is reduced, and they become distorted. Premature sterility is common, and in extreme cases, the umbels dry up.
• Infected plants may not produce seeds because of this disease.

Favorable Conditions-

High relative humidity, high soil temperature  favors the growth of this fungal disease.

Management-

• Remove the infected plants from the field and maintain field sanitation.
• Ensure adequate spacing between plants to allow airflow, which reduces humidity and the chances of mildew developing.
• Avoid overhead irrigation.
• Planting mildew-resistant coriander varieties can help reduce the risk of infection.
• Apply neem oil, which has natural antifungal properties, to the plants. Neem oil is effective in both preventing and treating powdery mildew.
• Use sulfur or copper based fungicide .

3. Fusarium Wilt-

Causal Organism- Fusarium oxysporum

Symptoms-

• The disease is easily identified in the field by the drooping of the plant’s tips, which is followed by the withering and drying of the leaves, ultimately leading to the plant’s death.
• Discoloration of the root’s vascular system is noticeable. Partial wilting is also evident, and in these partially wilted plants, growth becomes stunted.

Favorable Conditions-

Warm temperature upto 24-30^oC, Poor drained soil, High organic matter in the soil favors the growth of this fungus.

Management-

Unfortunately, once a plant is infected with Fusarium wilt, there is no treatment. Preventative measures like practicing good soil hygiene and avoiding over-watering can help reduce the chances of infection. Immediately remove and dispose of any infected plants in a sealed bag. Seeds should be treated with 2 grams of Carbendazim or 2 grams of Thiram per kilogram of seed before sowing.

4. Bacterial Leaf Spot-

Causal Organism- Pseudomonas syringae

Symptoms-

• Initially, small dark spots appear on the leaves, which may be water-soaked or greasy in appearance.
• As the infection progresses, the spots enlarge, turning brown to black, and may have a yellow halo around them.
• The spots are often irregular in shape, and multiple spots may merge to form larger, blotchy lesions.
• Affected leaves may turn yellow, wilt, or become distorted as the infection spreads.
• Severe infection can cause leaves to dry up, die, and drop off prematurely, reducing the overall yield.

Favorable Conditions-

High temperature with high humidity, excess moisture, Poor drainage system and frequent overhead irrigation favors the growth of this disease.

Management-

• Remove infected plants from the field and destroy them.
• Use disease free seeds
• Rotate crops with non-host crops like cereals, legumes for at least 2-3 years to break the lifecycle of the pathogen.
• Avoid overhead irrigation, instead use drip irrigation.
• Ensure proper drainage to prevent waterlogging conditions.
• Use copper based products such as Copper oxychloride or Hydroxide.

5. Stem Rot-

Causal Organism- Sclerotinia sclerotiorum

Symptoms-

Infected seeds do not germinate, and newly germinating seeds die quickly before they emerge. Seedlings that do emerge develop water-soaked, reddish lesions around the stem near the collar, causing them to collapse.

Favorable Conditions-

Relatively high soil temperature and moisture favors the growth of this pathogen.

Management-

• Use disease free seeds
• Rotate coriander with non-host crops (like cereals or legumes) for 2-3 years to disrupt the life cycle of the bacteria.
• Space plants adequately to enhance airflow, reducing humidity around the plants and minimizing disease incidence.
• Regularly remove and destroy infected plant debris and weeds that can harbor pathogens.
• Avoid overhead irrigation.
• Apply balanced fertilizers to promote healthy plant growth and improve resistance to diseases.

6. Stem Gall-

Causal Organism- Protomyces macrosporus

Symptoms-

• The disease manifests as tumor-like growths on the leaf veins, leaf stalks, peduncles, stems, and fruits. Infected veins cause the leaves to appear swollen and droopy. At first, the tumors have a glossy surface, but they eventually break open and develop a rough texture.
• Severely affected plants may die, particularly when there is excessive soil moisture and shaded conditions. In such environments, the stems do not harden properly and remain tender, resulting in a greater number of tumors.

Favorable Conditions-

• The disease is soilborne, with the inoculum in the soil serving as the primary source of infection. The pathogen can persist in the soil as resting spores for several years.
• High temperature and high soil moisture.

Management-

• To prevent disease, treat the seeds with a mixture of 4 grams of Thiram and 2 grams of Bavistin per kilogram of seeds before sowing.
• When symptoms begin to appear, spray a 0.1% solution of Carbendazim. Repeat the spray every 20 days until the disease is fully controlled.

Harvesting-

The crop will be ready for harvest in approximately 40-45 days, depending on the variety and growing season. Final harvesting should be done when the fruits are fully ripe and begin changing from green to brown.

The plants are cut or pulled and arranged in small stacks in the field to wither for 2–3 days. After this drying period, the fruits are threshed from the plants by either beating them with sticks or rubbing them by hand.

The harvested produce is winnowed, cleaned, and then dried in partial shade.

Yield-

Average yield of coriander is upto 2.5-3 tonn/acre, yield depends on type of variety used, climatic conditions, agronomy practices.