Current Status and Emerging Trends in Diseases of Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.): Challenges and Management Strategies

Abstract

Cumin (Cuminum cyminum L.) is a high-value seed spice cultivated predominantly in arid and semi-arid regions, with India contributing nearly 70% of global production and trade. Despite its economic and nutraceutical importance, cumin productivity is severely constrained by biotic stresses, particularly diseases such as Fusarium wilt, Alternaria blight, and powdery mildew, whose incidence and severity have increased under intensive cultivation and changing climatic conditions. Fusarium wilt, caused by Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cumini, is the most destructive soil-borne disease, leading to chronic field infestation, severe plant mortality, and yield losses exceeding 60–80% in endemic areas. Alternaria blight, primarily caused by Alternaria burnsii and A. alternata, has emerged as a major foliar disease causing extensive canopy blight, seed discoloration, and quality deterioration, posing serious threats to export standards. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe polygoni) further exacerbates yield losses under humid and moderate temperature regimes during flowering and seed development. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the status, distribution, epidemiology, and pathogenic variability of major cumin diseases, with emphasis on recent advances in host resistance, biological control, chemical management, and integrated disease management (IDM). Sustainable disease mitigation requires a holistic IDM approach combining resistant cultivars, crop rotation, organic amendments, biocontrol agents, need-based fungicide use, and improved diagnostics. Continued research on pathogen diversity, resistance breeding, and climate-responsive management strategies is essential for resilient and profitable cumin production systems.