Coriander (Coriandrum sativum)
General Information
- Common Name: Coriander
- Botanical Name: Coriandrum sativum
- Family: Apiaceae / Umbelliferae
- Origin: Mediterranean region
- Type: Annual herb
- Part Used: Leaves (herb), Seeds (spice)
- Fruit Type: Schizocarp
- Importance: Leading seed spice crop of India. One of the most heavily consumed herb plants globally
Area & Production
- Leading State in Area & Production: Rajasthan
- Other major producers: Madhya Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu
Botanical Characteristics
- Stem: Erect, glabrous, branched
- Leaves: Lower leaves broad; upper leaves feathery
- Flowers: White or light pink, in umbels
- Fruit: Schizocarp splitting into two mericarps (commonly referred to as “seeds”)
Climate & Soil Requirements
|
Parameter |
Details |
|
Climate |
Cool, dry climate suitable for growth |
|
Temperature |
20–25°C optimal |
|
Soil |
Well-drained loamy or sandy loam soils |
|
pH |
6.0 to 8.0 |
|
Rainfall |
75–100 cm (well-distributed) |
Propagation & Sowing
|
Factor |
Rainfed |
Irrigated |
Leaf Purpose |
|
Seed Rate |
25–30 kg/ha |
12–15 kg/ha |
40–42 kg/ha |
|
Sowing Time |
October–November |
October–December |
August–September |
|
Spacing |
30 cm × 10 cm |
30 cm × 10 cm |
Closer spacing |
|
Sowing Method |
Broadcast or Line sowing |
Line sowing preferred |
Broadcast |
|
Seed Treatment |
Fungicide + warm water soaking |
Same as above |
Not required |
Varieties of Coriander
|
Variety Name |
Features |
|
Sindhu |
High yielding |
|
Swathi |
Suitable for irrigated conditions |
|
Merrocan |
High aroma, exotic export type |
|
Karan |
Small-seeded variety |
|
Others |
CO-1, CO-2, Rajendra Swati |
Irrigation Schedule
- Rainfed: No irrigation required post-sowing
- Irrigated: 3–4 irrigations at critical stages (flowering and seed setting)
Harvesting & Yield
|
Parameter |
Description |
|
Harvesting Time |
90–110 days after sowing |
|
Harvest Indicator |
Fruits turn brown, leaves dry partially |
|
Drying |
Sun-dry to reduce moisture to <13% |
|
Yield (Grain) |
5–7 q/ha |
|
Yield (Leaf purpose) |
100–125 q/ha (green leaves) |
Major Pests and Diseases
|
Problem |
Causal Agent / Pest |
Control Measure |
|
Powdery Mildew |
Erysiphe polygoni |
Sulfur spray (0.2%) |
|
Wilt |
Fusarium oxysporum |
Soil drenching + crop rotation |
|
Aphids |
Myzus persicae |
Neem oil or Dimethoate 0.03% |
|
Cutworms |
Agrotis ipsilon |
Light trap + Chlorpyrifos spray |
Quick Facts for Exam
- Kingdom: Plantae
- Family: Apiaceae
- Fruit: Schizocarp
- Seed rate:
- 25–30 kg/ha (Rainfed)
- 12–15 kg/ha (Irrigated)
- 40–42 kg/ha (Leaf purpose)
- Moisture % in dry seed: <13%
- Top Producer State: Rajasthan
- Yield: 5–7 q/ha (grain); up to 125 q/ha (leaves)
- Variety with small seeds: Karan
