Impact of frontline demonstrations on integrated foot rot management and productivity of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.)

Abstract

Foot rot of black pepper (Piper nigrum L.), caused by Phytophthora capsici Leonian, is a highly destructive disease that affects plants at all growth stages and is responsible for substantial plant mortality. As no completely resistant varieties are currently available, disease management relies largely on preventive measures. Although copper-based fungicides are permitted in organic production systems, their use should be minimized to meet the growing global demand for organic produce. To promote sustainable disease management, ICAR–Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Mangaluru, conducted 30 Frontline Demonstrations (FLDs) on integrated foot rot management in black pepper during 2019–20 to 2021–22 in Dakshina Kannada district. The demonstrated technology significantly reduced foot rot incidence to 9.80%, 9.10%, and 3.80% during the respective years, compared with 21.50%, 22.30%, and 11.30% under farmers’ practices. Consequently, the demonstrations achieved an average yield of 14.18 q ha⁻¹, representing a 40.54% increase over farmers’ practice (10.09 q ha⁻¹). The integrated management approach also improved economic returns, recording a gross return of ₹650,700 ha⁻¹, a net return of ₹492,244 ha⁻¹, and a benefit–cost ratio of 4.11, all of which were superior to those obtained under farmers’ practices. The average technology gap, extension gap, and technology index were 73.80 q ha⁻¹, 4.09 q ha⁻¹, and 83.87%, respectively. These findings demonstrate the effectiveness of scientifically validated integrated disease management technologies in reducing foot rot incidence, enhancing productivity, and improving the economic viability of black pepper cultivation.