AgroScience Today, Volume 7, Issue 2 : 1205-1209
POPULAR ARTICLES

OPEN ACCESS | Published on : 28-Feb-2026

Coriander Seed Wasp - A Hidden Enemy in Seed Production

  • Anjitha George
  • Senior Scientist (Entomology), ICAR-National institute of Seed Science and Technology, Regional station, GKVK Campus, Karnataka, India.
  • Gopalareddy Krishnappa
  • Senior Scientist (Seed Science & Technology), ICAR-National institute of Seed Science and Technology, Regional station, GKVK Campus, Karnataka, India.
  • Bhavana K
  • Young Professional-1, ICAR-National institute of Seed Science and Technology, Regional station, GKVK Campus, Karnataka, India.
  • Bhojaraja Naik K
  • Senior Scientist (Genetics & Plant Breeding), ICAR-National institute of Seed Science and Technology, Regional station, GKVK Campus, Karnataka, India.
  • Vanishree G
  • Senior Scientist (Genetics & Plant Breeding), ICAR-National institute of Seed Science and Technology, Regional station, GKVK Campus, Karnataka, India.
  • Mamrutha H M
  • Senior Scientist (Plant Physiology), ICAR-National institute of Seed Science and Technology, Regional station, GKVK Campus, Karnataka, India.
  • Manjanagouda SS
  • Scientist (Agronomy), ICAR-National institute of Seed Science and Technology, Regional station, GKVK Campus, Karnataka, India.

Abstract

Coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.) is an economically important spice crop cultivated worldwide for its aromatic seeds, which are extensively used in culinary, medicinal, and industrial applications. The production of high-quality coriander seed is often constrained by several insect pests, among which the coriander seed wasp (Systole sp.) is considered one of the most destructive. Adult females oviposit inside developing seeds, and the emerging larvae feed internally on seed tissues, leading to hollow and damaged seeds. Such infestation results in reduced seed weight, poor germination, and considerable losses in seed yield and quality. The impact of this pest is particularly severe in seed production systems where high seed viability and genetic purity are critical. Therefore, a clear understanding of the biology, damage symptoms, and management strategies of the coriander seed wasp is essential for safeguarding coriander crops and ensuring the production of high-quality seeds for the spice and seed industries.

Keywords

Coriander, Seed Wasp, Hidden Enemy, Seed Production

References

  • Bhalla, S., Gupta, K., Kapur, M. L., Singh, C., Kumar, N., Meenakshi, M., et al. (2009). Detection of insect pests in indigenous germplasm. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences, 79(2), 129–134.

    Mittal, V. P., & Butani, P. G. (1984). Pests of seed spices. In K. L. Chadha & P. Rothinan (Eds.), Advances in horticulture, plantation and spice crops (Part 2, Vol. 10, pp. 825–855). Malhotra Publishing House.