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Coriander seed production | AG0621 |
William Elder, Kerang
January, 1999 |  |
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This Agriculture Note describes the production of coriander seed. Coriander (Coriandrum sativum) is an annual herb of the carrot family (Apiaceae), and is used extensively in Asian, Mediterranean and eastern cuisine.
The green leaves and crushed seeds provide a spicy flavour in soups, curries, breads, cakes and other dishes such as fish and poultry. Seeds are also used to flavour tobacco and the essential oil is used in perfumes, cosmetics and soaps.
There are two basic varieties; the small seeded type is used largely for essential oil production and the large seeded type is produced for ground and whole seed.
Coriander is a winter growing crop that has good potential as an export commodity. It acts as a break crop in cereal rotations. Coriander is strongly photosensitive, with flowering triggered by increasing day-length.
Coriander has been reported to yield in excess of 2 tonnes per hectare with irrigation. It can be a lucrative crop in southern Australia, with prices for quality whole seed of around $1200 per tonne delivered (1997/98 prices).
Sowing
On heavy clay soils, raised beds are desirable because coriander is susceptible to waterlogging. Coriander competes poorly with weeds during early growth, so a weed-free seed bed is required. Good seed bed preparation (similar to that required by canola) is essential to reduce weed populations. Coriander does not compete well with weeds, so the less weeds present at sowing, the better.
Trials conducted at the Tragowel Plains Research and Demonstration Block, near Pyramid Hill indicate the best sowing time in that environment is early June. There is evidence to suggest that sowing as early as mid-April or early May will still yield well. Later sowing is not currently recommended. Overseas research indicates that late sowing (eg late August) does not allow the plant enough time to produce sufficient biomass to obtain reasonable yields. If it is sown late, the plant tends to begin flowering before the stems are large enough to support the developing seed pods.
Crops are usually established with low sowing rates (6-8 kg seed/ha), but can be sown heavier, up to 15 kg seed/ha.
Figure 1. Coriander on raised beds:Tragowel Plains R & D Block 1997
Fertiliser
The optimum requirements for coriander of major plant nutrients have not yet been determined.
Overseas literature has suggested that for each tonne of coriander seed, the following nutrients are removed:
- N - 33 kg
- P - 23 kg
- K - 24 kg
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These figures are similar to wheat.
Crops grown at the Tragowel Plains Research and Demonstration Block have yielded between 0.5 and 1.2 t/ha with small applications of 10 kg P/ha and 18 kg N/ha + 20 kg P/ha, respectively. Clearly, higher rates of fertiliser are required for top yields. Given that up to 2 t/ha is not an unreasonable target yield and where water is not a limiting factor, 60 to 70 kg/ha of N and 40 to 60 kg/ha of P is recommended at sowing to reduce the risk of nutrient limited growth. Yield responses to P fertiliser will vary according to the level of available P in the soil prior to sowing. Soils low in potassium will benefit from applications of K fertiliser up to 50 kg K/ha.
Crop growth and weed control
Seeds can take 5 weeks or more to germinate and emerge. Weed control in these early weeks is very important. Pre-emergent broadleaf control is recommended. Post-emergent methods of control of broadleaf weeds should be approached with care. Coriander seedlings can be slightly damaged, even at low rates, but they are able to recover well. The only chemical currently registered in Victoria for control of broadleaf weeds in coriander is linuron available as “Linuron DF” (DuPont), “Afalon” (AgrEvo) or “Linurex” (Farmoz). Grasses and volunteer cereals will also need to be controlled. Please check with your local chemical supplier for the best product and the right advice for your circumstances.
Diseases
Coriander can be attacked by a seed-borne disease known as bacterial blight. Chemical control is still being researched, so the best defence is to buy certified, clean seed from reputable seed suppliers. Coriander can be affected by fungal diseases common to many broadleaf crops including Alternaria spp. and Septoria spp. These diseases are particularly prevalent in warm and humid weather. Monitor the crop regularly and contact your local chemical supplier for advice on the most appropriate control.
Insects
Coriander tends to repel most sucking and leaf-eating insects because of the strongly aromatic oils it contains. Red-legged Earth Mite (RLEM) can cause leaf damage in the earliest stages of growth. RLEM should be monitored during the first two months of the crop and your local chemical reseller should be contacted for advice on control measures.
Figure 2. Light golden brown whole seed denotes high quality.
Harvest
Mature, harvest-ready fruit has a light golden brown colour (Figure 2). Darker coloured seeds are less acceptable to the market, particularly as seed. Variation in colour is less important for crushing processors, but the price is usually about 40-50% less. Harvest of whole seed requires a slow drum speed and much gentler threshing compared to cereals and grain legumes. Coriander seed splits easily and buyers prefer very low levels of split seed. Careful handling of whole seed is essential at all stages of harvest, cleaning and bagging.
Prices
Prices have fluctuated over the past few years. Prices of around $800/t were received for the 1995 crop. The average price for the premium seed market in 1997 was $1200 per tonne. Price is closely related to market consumption and quality. Prospective growers should consider growing on a contract basis because of limited demand. They should also try to co-ordinate production with existing coriander growers.
Contacts & organisations
Contact the Kerang office of DPI for more information on growing coriander.
Ph (03) 5452 1266
Fax (03) 5452 2952
The advice provided in this publication is intended as a source of information only. Always read the label before using any of the products mentioned. The State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability for any error, loss or other consequence which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication.
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