Studies on incidence of insect-pests on turmeric & mng. of major crops Studies on incidence of insect - pests on turmeric and management of major insect - pest

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.) is one of the most important spices crop of the country. Turmeric is also known as "Haridra" in Sanskrit and "Haldi" in Hindi. Turmeric, the sacred spice of Asian countries is the rhizome of a herbaceous perennial crop which is native to the genus Curcuma longa.Turmeric, the golden spice of life, is one of the most essential spices which is used as an important gradient in culinary all over the world. It is a multipurpose crop valued for its medicinal properties, colouring pigment and spicy flavour. The members of Curcuma are strong erect herbs with rhizome bearing habit. Leaves are large, lanceolate/oblong with short or no petioles.Turmeric is a tropical crop that needs a warm and humid climate with an optimum temperature of 20-30 0C for normal growth and satisfactory production. It thrives best on sandy loam or alluvial, loose, friable and fertile soil rich in organic matter and having a pH range of 5.0 to 7.5. Alkaline soils are not suitable for its cultivation. The crop cannot withstand water logging.