Tackling Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer: An Integrated Pest Management Guide

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May 17, 2023

Tackling Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer: An Integrated Pest Management Guide

The sugarcane top shoot borer, scientifically known as Scirpophaga excerptalis, is a notorious pest that poses a significant threat to sugarcane crops worldwide. Its larvae tunnel into the sugarcane stalks, feeding on the tender growing points and causing severe damage. If left unchecked, this pest can wreak havoc on your entire harvest, leading to a 21 to 37% reduction in cane yield and financial losses. This article will provide you with practical strategies to manage and control the top shoot borers population.

Adult moth of top shoot borer can be identified by its silvery white wings with feathery tips. Mature larvae are creamy white in color without stripes. Young plants are more susceptible to top shoot borer attack especially in humid environments.

Type of Infestation

The larvae of the top shoot borer infest the sugarcane plant by boring into the emerging leaves and stem, causing shot holes and dead heart symptoms.

Scientific Name: Scirpophaga excerptalis

Most Affected States Due to Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer

The exact distribution of top shoot borer in India is not well documented. However, they are major pests of sugarcane crops and are likely present in sugarcane-growing regions of the country.

Symptoms of Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer

Larvae are mainly found in the apical portion of canes, which borers into the growing point and sucks the sap from stem causing dead heart symptoms.
Dead hearts in grown up canes cannot be easily pulled out.
A parallel row of shot holes in the emerging leaves can be seen.
Red tunnels in the midrib of leaves can be observed.
Due to the growth of side shoots, the plant shows a bunchy top appearance.

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Control Measures

If you are worried about these sugarcane top shoot borer infestations, you should consider an integrated management strategy to control the pest population. Here are some effective measures that can help control sugarcane top shoot borers:

Cultural Measures

Grow resistant/tolerant sugarcane varieties like CO 419, CO 745, CO 6516, CO 859, CO 1158 and CO 7224.
Adopt paired row method of planting sugarcane.
Avoid applying excessive quantity of nitrogenous fertilizers.
Do not cultivate maize or sorghum as intercrops with sugarcane.

Physical Measures

Install Farmoguard Solar Light Trap in the sugarcane fields at the rate of one per acre to attract and kill adult top shoot borer moths.

Mechanical Measures

Collect and destroy the egg masses to reduce top shoot borer infestation.
Remove and destroy the dead hearts in the field.
Set up pheromone traps at the rate of 4-5 traps per acre for monitoring top shoot borers.

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Biological Measures

Encourage bio control agents like an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis, Telemonus beneficiens and larval parasitoid Goniozus indicus, Chelonus sp to keep the top shoot borer populations in check.
Release Ichneumonid parasitoid, Isotima javensis at the rate of 40 pairs per acre as prepupal parasitoid to control top shoot borers.
Biofix Agroneem contains neem seed kernel extract, which when sprayed on crops can disrupt the growth and development of top shoot borer. The recommended dosage is 1 to 1.5 ml per liter of water.
Anand Dr. Bacto’s Brave is an eco-friendly bio insecticide containing Beauveria bassiana which acts on the cuticle of susceptible insects and kills them by producing toxins. The recommended dosage is 2.5 ml per liter of water.

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Chemical Measures

In case of severe infestations, chemical control may be necessary. Apply the following commercial chemicals to control top shoot borer infestations.

Cover Insecticide is a broad-spectrum insecticide which activates the ryanodine receptor, leading to contraction and paralysis of top shoot borers. Technical content in it is Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC. The recommended dosage is 1 ml per liter of water.
Apply Furadan Insecticide, which contains carbofuran 3G granules on the soil at the rate of 26640 gm per acre in case of severe infestation.
Apply Phorate 10% CG at the rate of 12 kg per acre to effectively control top shoot borers.

Discover more : Pest Management in Sugarcane Crop using UAL Organic Based Products.

Sugarcane Woolly Aphid: The Complete Guide For Identification And Management

By

Mahalakshmi S

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May 17, 2023

0

Sugarcane Woolly Aphid: The Complete Guide For Identification And Management

Are you a sugarcane farmer concerned about the impact of woolly aphids on your crops? If so, you’re not alone. Woolly aphids are a significant threat to sugarcane crops, and their infestation can lead to reduced yield and quality. Woolly aphids infestations are particularly severe in tropical and subtropical regions. Do you know? This woolly aphid can cause loss of up to 26% in sugarcane yield and reduce sucrose content of sugarcane even up to 53 % if not managed properly. By following the strategies outlined in this article, you can detect and manage woolly aphids promptly, ensuring the sustainability and profitability of your sugarcane production.

They are small insects with nymphs yellow in color. You can characterize them by their white, thick and fluffy wax covering. Early rainy season and dry season with high humidity provides a conducive environment for woolly aphid infestation.

Type of Infestation

Sugarcane woolly aphids are a type of sap feeder, which feeds on the sap of sugarcane plants.

Scientific Name: Ceratovacuna lanigera

Most Affected States

Sugarcane woolly aphid are known to be a serious pest of Maharashtra and Karnataka. However, it is also affecting Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Uttaranchal and Bihar.

Symptoms of Sugarcane Woolly Aphids

Here are some indicators that can help you quickly identify a woolly aphid infestation in your sugarcane fields:

You can find both nymphs and adults sucking the cell sap on the lower surface of the sugarcane leaves.
Due to sap sucking, the leaves exhibit yellowing and drying from the tip along the margins.
Infested leaves become brittle and dry out completely.
Sooty mould growth can be observed on the infested leaves, which is the result of honey dew secreted by woolly aphids.

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Control Measures

Have you observed any of the above listed symptoms in your sugarcane fields? If yes, why wait any longer? It’s crucial to take action promptly.

Cultural Measures

Adopt paired or wider row method of planting sugarcane.
Do not use the infested canes as seed material for planting and avoid transporting them.
Detrash the canes in case of severe infestation.
Avoid ratooning crops to reduce woolly aphid infestation.
Avoid applying excessive dozes of nitrogenous fertilizers and provide proper drainage.

Mechanical Measures

Collect and destroy the infested canes
Tapas Yellow Sticky Traps at the rate of 6-8 traps per acre can be used for the effective control of sugarcane woolly aphids.

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Biological Measures

Encourage natural predators like Diapha aphidivora, Ishchiodon scutellaris, Episyrphus baleatus, Chrysopa sp, Coccinella septempunctata etc. to keep the wooly aphid population in check.
Also release Encarsia flavoscutellum, which is a potential parasitoid of sugarcane woolly aphids.
Katyayani Activated Neem Oil Biopesticide contains activated azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 5ml per liter water with a 12-day interval between each spray can effectively control sugarcane woolly aphids.
Amruth Alestra Liquid (Bio Insecticide) contains strains of naturally occurring entomopathogenic fungus Verticillium lecanii which comes in contact with the cuticle of the aphids and colonizes them. The recommended dosage is 2 ml per liter of water.
Amruth Almax Liquid is a biological insecticide containing naturally occurring entomo pathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana which comes in contact with the cuticle of the target insect and kills them. The recommended dosage is 2-3 ml per liter of water.

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Chemical Measures

Are you aware of commonly used insecticides for controlling sugarcane woolly aphids? Some commercial chemicals that can be used for woolly aphids are mentioned below,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Shamrock CP Gold Insecticide	Chlorpyriphos 20% EC	2 ml/lit of water
Starthene Insecticide	Acephate 75% SP	2 gm/lit of water
Admire Insecticide	Imidachloprid 70% WG	0.3 gm/lit of water
Tafgor Insecticide	Dimethoate 30% EC	2 ml/lit of water

Effective Management Of Sugarcane Leaf Hoppers – Read More

Fight Against Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer: Effective Management Strategies

By

Mahalakshmi S

-

May 17, 2023

0

Fight Against Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer: Effective Management Strategies

The sugarcane early shoot borer, Chilo infuscatellus is an insect pest that can cause significant damage to sugarcane crops by boring into the young shoots of the plant. Early shoot borer damages sugarcane crop mainly at growth and developmental phase. The estimates suggest that early shoot borers can cause yield loss to sugarcane crops from 22 to 33% if not managed properly. In this article, we will explore the different methods of integrated pest management that can be used to control the population of sugarcane early shoot borers.

Type of Infestation

The larvae of the early shoot borer infest the sugarcane plant by boring into the young shoots and cause damage to them.

Scientific Name: Chilo infuscatellus

Most Affected States

Early shoot borer is a major pest of sugarcane crops in India. The pest is found in almost all the sugarcane-growing states, but the major affected states are Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal, Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Punjab and Rajasthan.

Symptoms of Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer

The larva bores into the stem and feeds on the soft internal tissues causing dead heart symptoms.
Dead hearts in the early stage of plant growth can be easily pulled out.
Infested tissues emit foul odour.
A large number of bore holes can be seen at the base of the shoot just above the ground level.

Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer Control Measures

An integrated Pest Management measures includes cultural, mechanical, biological and chemical method which is often required to control sugarcane early shoot borer effectively.

Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer Cultural Measures

Grow resistant sugarcane varieties like CO 312, CO 421, CO 661, CO 917 and CO 853.
Plant sugarcane during December – January to escape from early shoot borer infestation.
Grow intercrops like daincha, onion, garlic and coriander to reduce early shoot borer incidence.
Provide adequate moisture to reduce early shoot borer multiplication.
Light earthing up of crops at the early stages also reduces the incidence.
Trash mulch along the ridges with thickness of about 10-15 cm on 3rd day of planting.

Mechanical Measures

Remove and destroy the dead hearts.
Set up pheromone traps at the rate of 4-5 traps per acre for monitoring early shoot borers

Biological Measures

Release an egg parasitoid, Trichogramma chilonis and larval parasitoid Sturmiopsis inferens to parasitize sugarcane early shoot borer population.
Apply Granulosis virus (GV) at 1.1 x 105 granules twice on 35 and 50 days after planting.
Biofix Agroneem contains neem seed kernel extract, which when sprayed on crops can disrupt the growth and development of target insects. The recommended dosage is 1 to 1.5 ml per liter of water.
Anand Dr. Bacto’s Brave is an eco-friendly bio insecticide containing Beauveria bassiana which acts on the cuticle of susceptible insects and kills them by producing toxins. The recommended dosage is 2.5 ml per liter of water.

Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer Chemical Measures

When the infestation is severe, chemical methods may be necessary. Some of the commonly used commercial chemicals for controlling sugarcane early shoot borers are,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Cover Insecticide	Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC	1 ml/lit of water
Fax SC Insecticide	Fipronil 5% SC	3 ml/lit of water
Tafaban Insecticide	Chlorophyriphos 20 %EC	2.5 ml/lit of water
Ekalux Insecticide	Quinalphos 25 % EC	2 ml/lit of water
Asataf Insecticide	Acephate 75% SP	1 gm/lit of water

DISCOVER MORE : Tackling Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer: An Integrated Pest Management Guide

Management Of Ragged Stunt Virus In Paddy

By

Deepika M

-

May 16, 2023

0

Ragged stunt virus affecting rice crops is seen mainly in tropical areas where the cultivation is throughout the year. It can affect the plants right from the seedling stage and grow with the plants.

Symptoms of Ragged Stunt Virus

The main symptom is the green leaves with spiky or rough edges. The leaves turn yellow, or yellowish brown close to the bottom. They also show spiralling, especially the leaves close to the base. The upper part of the plant still grows branches from the joints which is unusual. These affected plants fail to develop panicles.

Ragged Stunt Virus in Paddy Preventive Measures

Cultivate resistant varieties that can resist BPH – Brown Plant Hopper that will reduce the virus spreading.
Practice synchronised planting methods to reduce spreading.
Infected plants must be ploughed into the soil to reduce the spreading.

Some effective chemicals to control Ragged Stunt Virus in Paddy

Note: As the virus is spread by brown plant hopper, spraying the below insecticides will control the spread of the virus in the field.

Katyayani BPH Super Insecticide works on the nervous system of the insects and thereby controlling the virus spreading. The Pymetrozine 50% WG works on eliminating the vectors. All it takes is 120 gm for an acre of land or 0.6 gm per litre of water.
Lancer Gold Insecticide is a combination of two different insecticides working differently. The main constituents are Acephate 50% and Imidacloprid 1.8% SP. These are easy to dissolve in water and get absorbed by the plants via roots and leaves. The recommended dosage of this insecticide is 400 grams per acre or 2 gm per litre of water.
Odis Insecticide is also an effective control measure for BPH vectors. It contains Buprofezin 20% + Acephate 50% WP. It affects the nervous system of the insects, preventing nerve communication. The insects will no longer be able to shed their skin. Use 400 gm of the insecticide for an acre or 2 gm per litre of water.
Predator Insecticide is a premixed formula that is highly effective against insects. The main content of this insecticide is Chloropyriphos 50% EC. It can be a poison for the vectors by touch or by eating it. It also creates a fumigating effect after application. Use 300 – 320 ml of the product for 1 acre field or mix 1.5 ml in one litre of water and apply.

Conclusion

Each of these insecticides must be used at different dilution levels to be most effective. This must be done along with proper preventive measures and the usage of resistant varieties of rice.

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Management Of Sheath Blight In Paddy

By

Deepika M

-

May 16, 2023

0

A fungus named Rhizoctonia solani causes the sheath blight of paddy. It is a soilborne disease that can cause stunted growth and yield loss.

Symptoms of Sheath Blight

The symptoms appear as irregularly shaped or oval spots in greenish-grey colour. They are seen along the leaf sheath. They will gradually turn greyish-white with black-brown borders. The spots will also be enlarged as the disease progresses. Upper lesions can quickly merge, covering the entire tiller from water line to flag leaf. Large lesions on the leaf sheath can spread to healthy leaves as well.

Preventive Measures

Controlled use of nitrogenous fertilizers
Make adequate spacing between the plants
Prevent contamination through water from affected field to healthy field
Treat the seeds before sowing or dip the seedling in an antifungal solution.

Some effective chemicals to control Sheath Blight in Paddy

Folicur Fungicide is curative and can help enhance plant growth. It contains Tebuconazole 25.9% EC which has a prophylactic action to eradicate the fungus. It can inhibit the growth of fungal cell walls as well as their reproduction. Use 1 to 1.5 ml of the product in one litre of water.
Custodia is a broad-spectrum fungicide comprising Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC. It has dual modes of action for a better effect. While it can affect the fungus negatively, it is completely safe for the plants and in fact, promotes its growth. Use 300 ml per acre or 1 – 1.5 ml per litre of water for best results.
Bavistin Fungicide contains Carbendazim 50% WP that acts systemically to cure or prevent sheath blight disease. It acts against a wide range of pathogens and is suitable for different types of plants as well. It is easily absorbed and can act faster. Apply 100-200 gm per acre or 1 gm per litre of water.
Tata Ayaan is another fungicide effective for the prevention and cure of sheath blight of paddy. It consists of Kresoxim-methyl 40% + Hexaconazole 8% WG. It can affect the fungus while protecting the plant and promoting its growth. Mix 1 gm per litre of water and apply it to the plants.

Conclusion

Irrigation water is a common agent for spreading this disease so, you must be highly careful while watering the plants. Make sure that the water from infected areas does not reach the healthy field. Pre-treatment of soil and seeds is one of the most effective preventive measures.

The Fight Against Paddy Hispa: Best Practices For Management – Read More

Management Of False Smut In Paddy

By

Deepika M

-

May 16, 2023

0

False smut of paddy is caused by Ustilaginoidea virens, a fungus that causes widespread harm in the paddy field. It is mainly seen in humid areas and places where rainfall is high. In windy areas, the chances of the spread of the disease are higher.

Symptoms of False Smut in Paddy

The infection on the spikelets will be visible as fungal spore balls which appear smaller in size and orange in colour. It turns its colour to greenish-black as the infection grows. The disease cycle includes a primary infection and a secondary infection as well.

False Smut in Paddy Preventive Measures

Using certified seeds is a primary requirement to prevent this false smut disease.
Resistant varieties are a better choice.
Seed treatment must be done for 10 minutes at 52°C.
After harvesting, completely remove all kinds of debris and seeds from the field.

Some effective chemicals to control False Smut in Paddy

Amistar Top is a quickly absorbable fungicide made of Azoxystrobin 18.2% and Difenoconazole 11.4% SC. The product can be transported easily inside the plant and provides long-term effects to prevent or cure the disease. The recommended dosage is 200 ml per acre or 1 ml per litre of water.
Bcontrol is a fungicide made from Streptomyces hydroscopicus and shows natural antibiotic effects. It consists of Validamycin 3% L. It controls the fungi merely by coming in contact and acting systemically. It controls the disease by preventing fungal growth. The dosage required is 500 ml for an acre or 2.5 ml per litre of water.
Roko Fungicide contains Thiophanate methyl 70% WP which contains an S atom that has antifungal properties and can also boost plant growth. It can dissolve easily and is convenient for quick usage. Use 100 – 200 gm per acre or 0.5 gm per litre of water.
Custodia Fungicide contains Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC that has medicinal properties. It can be used for prevention and curing the disease on paddy. The fungicide is effective in different stages of fungal growth. The required amount to use is 300 ml per acre or 1 – 1.5 ml per litre of water.

Conclusion

Early usage of the fungicide is recommended to manage false smut disease of paddy. The pathogen can easily affect the plant at different stages, especially during the flowering stage. Also, make sure to use lesser or adequate amount of nitrogenous fertilisers which can promote the growth of fungus.

CLICK HERE : 11 Paddy Diseases: Understanding The Causes, Symptoms, And Treatment Options.

Management Of Grassy Stunt Virus In Paddy

By

Deepika M

-

May 16, 2023

0

Grassy stunt virus disease of paddy is commonly seen in fields where rice is grown continuously throughout the year. The disease is easily spread through vectors from one plant to the next.

Symptoms of Grassy Stunt Virus

The affected plants show rosette shape and grassy appearance. The plants grow straight as well. The leaves will turn yellow or yellow-green, which will gradually be small and thin. Even after infection, the plants grow fully but they will not produce panicles.

Preventive Measures

The primary measure to prevent grassy stunt viral infection is to plant the crops at an ideal distance from each other, at least 30 cm.
Any plants that are infested with brown plant hoppers must be eliminated as they act as a vector for this virus.
BPH-resistant plants must be chosen for crops.
Remove and bury the affected crop carefully to prevent the spreading of the virus.

Some effective chemicals to control Grassy Stunt Virus in Paddy

Note: As the virus is spread by brown plant hopper, spraying the below insecticides will control the spread of the virus in the field.

Lancer Gold Insecticide is a mix of two insecticides – Acephate 50% + Imidacloprid 1.8% SP. These are easily dissolvable and easier for the plants to absorb as well. They can eliminate sucking and chewing insects as they ingest the insecticide-absorbed plant parts. The recommended dosage is 400 grams per acre or 2 gm per litre of water.
Predator Insecticide is highly effective in removing the vectors by affecting their nervous system, leading to their death. On the applied areas, it creates a fumigant effect. The main content of this insecticide is Chloropyriphos 50% EC. The dosage required for the best results is 300 – 320 ml per acre or 1.5 ml per litre of water.
Katyayani BPH Super Insecticide contains Pymetrozine 50% WG. It works on the entire plant and helps control BPH in paddy. It works on the insect’s nervous system to render it immobile and eventually leading to its death. The dosage needed is 120 gm per acre or 0.6 gm per litre of water.
Odis Insecticide contains Buprofezin 20% + Acephate 50% WP. It is a contact insecticide working against BPH, available in a pre-mixed form. It affects nerve communication and also prevents them from shedding their skin. Just add 400 gm per acre or 2 gm per litre of water.

Conclusion

Apart from using resistant varieties, you must also ensure thorough ploughing of the field and removal of stubbles right after the previous harvest. This will help remove any kind of host or vector for the virus.

CLICK HERE : Paddy Gall Midge-An Integrated Pest Management Guide

Scale Up Your Sugarcane Yields: Best Management Practices For Scale Infestation

By

Mahalakshmi S

-

May 15, 2023

0

Scale Up Your Sugarcane Yields: Best Management Practices For Scale Infestation

Sugarcane scale insect is a notorious pest that attacks sugarcane plants, causing significant economic losses to farmers and sugarcane industry. These small insects feed on the sap of sugarcane plants and their infestations can weaken and stunt the growth of plants, reducing yields and affecting the quality of final product. Estimates suggest that sugarcane scale insect can cause 32.6% reduction in cane yield if not managed properly. This article will explore the symptoms of scale insects and various control measures to manage them.

Type of Infestation

Sugarcane scale insect is a sap sucking pest which feeds on sap of sugarcane plants. The pest is known to infest leaves, nodes and internodes of sugarcane plants and cause significant damage if left uncontrolled.

Scientific Name: Melanaspis glomerata

Most Affected States Due to Sugarcane Scale

Sugarcane scale insect is most commonly found in the states of Maharashtra, Gujarat, Andhra Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal and Uttar Pradesh.

Symptoms of Sugarcane Scale

The leaves of the infested canes show unhealthy pale green color and tip drying.
Severe infestation leads to yellowing of leaves.
Non opening of leaves occurs due to severe de-sapping.
An infested crop loses its vigour, experiences cane shriveling, stunted growth and significant reduction in internodal region.
Finally, the cane dries up and when such canes are slit open, they have a brownish-red appearance.
In severely affected canes, thick brown encrustations can be observed on both nodal and internodal regions.

Sugarcane Scale Control Measures

Effective management of sugarcane scale insect requires a combination of cultural, biological and chemical control measures.

Sugarcane Scale Cultural Measures

Grow resistant sugarcane varieties like CO 443, CO 453, CO 671, CO 691 and CO 692.
Choose setts for planting that are free from scale insects.
Keep the sugarcane fields free from weeds.
Avoid water stagnation in field for longer period.
Detrash the sugarcane crop on the 150th and 210th day of planting.
Avoid repeated ratoons to reduce the sugarcane scale infestation.

Biological Measures

Encourage predators like Chilocorus nigritus or Pharascymnus horni to control the population of sugarcane scale insects.
Also release parasitoids such as Anagyrus mayurensis, Cheiloneurus sp., and predatory mites like Sancassania nuda and Tyrophagus putrescentiae to feed on scale insects.
Greenpeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide contains azadirachtin which when used at the rate of 1-2ml per liter of water with 15 days interval between each spray can effectively control sugarcane scale insects.
Anshul Bio Finish is a broad-spectrum biopesticide containing natural plant extracts which can be sprayed to sugarcane crops for controlling scale insects. The recommended dosage is 3-5ml per liter of water. Spray the mixture at a regular interval of 10-12 days for better results.

Sugarcane Scale Chemical Measures

Sugarcane scales can be controlled using commercial insecticides. Some of the most commonly used insecticides for controlling sugarcane scales includes,

Product Name	Technical Content	Dosage
Rogor Insecticide	Dimethoate 30% EC	1 ml/lit of water
Keefun Insecticide	Tolfenpyrad 15% EC	1.5 ml/lit of water
Acepro Insecticide	Acetamiprid 20% SP	0.5 gm/lit of water
Confidor Insecticide	Imidacloprid 17.8% SL	1ml/lit of water

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Early Blight Disease In Tomatoes: How To Spot And Stop It In Its Tracks?

By

Deepika M

-

May 12, 2023

0

Early Blight Disease In Tomatoes: How To Spot And Stop It In Its Tracks?

Early blight is a common fungal disease that affects tomato plants. Since it affects the growth of plants early in the season, it is called ‘early blight’. It is caused by the fungus Alternaria solani and can be a significant problem in warm, humid environments. The fungus can also infect the potato crop. Alternaria solani can invade and infect any part of the host plant, such as leaves, stems and even fruits. The plant with infections yields poor quality fruits. Learn how to recognize the symptoms of early blight, what causes it, and most importantly, how to prevent and manage it in your fields in this article.

Early Blight in Tomato Symptoms

Circular, dark brown to black spots with dark concentric rings, typically 1 – 1.5 cm in diameter, can be observed on affected leaves.
The appearance of these spots is often compared to a “Bull’s eye”.
As the infection progresses, the spots may merge, causing the affected leaves to turn yellow and defoliate.
The disease initially affects older leaves and can later spread to the stems and fruits.
In severe cases, stem lesions may appear, causing the plant to wilt and die.
Just like on leaves, the disease may cause circular lesions with concentric rings on the fruits.
Later, these spots may enlarge and become dark and sunken.
Early blight symptom in tomato plant

How is it caused?

The fungus can overwinter on plant debris and soil and can also be introduced to a field through contaminated seeds or transplants.
It thrives in wet and humid conditions, so rainy weather or overhead irrigation can promote disease development.
Tomato plants that are deficient in nutrients can be more susceptible to early blight.

Preventive Measures

Adopt crop rotation with non-Solanaceae family crops such as legumes (e.g. beans, peas), brassicas (e.g. cauliflower, cabbage), or grains (e.g. wheat, barley) to reduce the buildup of fungal spores in the soil.
Avoid transplanting seedlings that show symptoms of early blight into the main field.
Plant tomatoes with adequate spacing to improve air circulation and reduce humidity around the plants.
Grow disease tolerant varieties like Indus 1030 tomato, Bangalore red tomato.
Ensure balanced nutrition for the crop to improve its ability to withstand the disease.
Remove and destroy the plant debris properly after harvest to prevent the spread of the disease.
Avoid doing any intercultural activities during moist days.
Keep the field weed-free as weeds can act as alternate hosts for the pathogen.
Avoid overhead irrigation which can promote fungal growth.

Management of Early blight disease in Tomato

Product name	Technical content	Dosage
Biological Management
Geolife Recover Nutri Fungicide	Natural extracts & antioxidants	1 gm/lit of water
Multiplex Bio Jodi Fungicide	Pseudomonas fluorescence & Bacillus subtilis	Spray: 5 – 10 gm/lit of water Soil Application: 5 kg of product + 100 kg of FYM per acre
Chemical Management
Acrobat Fungicide	Dimethomorph 50% WP	2 gm/lit of water
Cuman L Fungicide	Ziram 27% SC	2 ml/lit of water
Merivon Fungicide	Fluxapyroxad 250 G/L + Pyraclostrobin 250 G/L SC	0.5 ml/lit of water
Custodia Fungicide	Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC	1 ml/lit of water
Conika Fungicide	Kasugamycin 5% + Copper Oxychloride 45% WP	1.5 gm/lit of water
Kocide Fungicide	Copper Hydroxide 53.8% DF	2 gm/lit of water
Dhanuka M45 Fungicide	Mancozeb 75% WP	3 gm/lit of water

Note: Please follow the product’s label to know the right time of application.

Explore our comprehensive guide on tomato farming for more insights. CLICK HERE

Fostering Women-Led Innovation In Agriculture And Allied Sectors

By

Deepika M

-

May 12, 2023

0

Fostering Women-Led Innovation In Agriculture And Allied Sectors

The Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India collaborated with the National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE), Hyderabad, conducted a one-day event called ‘Awareness on Agripreneurship cum Exhibition for Farm Women’ at PAMETI, Ludhiana, PAU Campus, with the objective of creating awareness among farm women and women entrepreneurs regarding entrepreneurial opportunities in Agriculture & Allied Sectors and using digital media for upscaling and promoting their enterprise.

Overview

More than 350 farm women and women agripreneurs from all 23 districts of Punjab participated in the event.
An exhibition was displayed by around 20 women agripreneurs from different districts of Punjab, showcasing a variety of products like printed suits, handmade jewelry, Kantha dresses, hair oil, muffins, pickles, chutneys, soap, vermicompost, jute bags, amla products, moringa powder, candies, other millet products, planters, Phulkari dupatta, honey, painted suits, cocopeat, millets cookies, jam, squash, nursery products and more.
Exhibitors were educated on leveraging digital media platforms and government support at the state and central level to scale and promote their businesses.
Eminent subject matter experts gave presentations to create awareness among farm women and women entrepreneurs.
Shri S R Ingle, Joint Director (Extension) from the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare, Govt. of India, was the Chief Guest and emphasized the importance of G20 side and main events, and provided an overview of the G20 events organized by the Ministry.
Shri Ingle emphasized the importance of a sound marketing strategy and appropriate labeling of products to enhance their infrastructure. Additionally, he explained the potential benefits of the Agri Infrastructure Fund (AIF) scheme by the MoA&FW, Govt. of India, which can aid these women entrepreneurs in establishing and expanding their primary and secondary processing units.
Dr. Veenita Kumari, Deputy Director (Gender Studies) at MANAGE, Hyderabad, also conducted a session on digital marketing for branding and promoting their enterprise and provided information about the agripreneurship program for women, raising awareness among the attendees.
Few progressive women entrepreneurs shared their experiences on entrepreneurial journeys and motivated other women participants on the use of digital and social media for growing their enterprise.

Conclusion

The event “Awareness on Agripreneurship cum Exhibition for Farm Women” was a commendable initiative aimed at raising awareness among farm women and women entrepreneurs about entrepreneurial prospects in the Agriculture & Allied Sectors, as well as the use of digital media to scale up and promote their businesses. The event brought together women agripreneurs from different districts of Punjab to exhibit their products and learn about effective marketing strategies, digital marketing and various government schemes that can benefit their enterprises.

Type of Infestation

Most Affected States Due to Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer

Symptoms of Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Control Measures

Cultural Measures

Physical Measures

Mechanical Measures

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Biological Measures

Sugarcane Top Shoot Borer Chemical Measures

Type of Infestation

Most Affected States

Symptoms of Sugarcane Woolly Aphids

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Control Measures

Cultural Measures

Mechanical Measures

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Biological Measures

Sugarcane Woolly Aphids Chemical Measures

Type of Infestation

Most Affected States

Symptoms of Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer

Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer Control Measures

Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer Cultural Measures

Mechanical Measures

Biological Measures

Sugarcane Early Shoot Borer Chemical Measures

Symptoms of Ragged Stunt Virus

Ragged Stunt Virus in Paddy Preventive Measures

Some effective chemicals to control Ragged Stunt Virus in Paddy

Conclusion

Symptoms of Sheath Blight

Preventive Measures

Some effective chemicals to control Sheath Blight in Paddy

Conclusion

Symptoms of False Smut in Paddy

False Smut in Paddy Preventive Measures

Some effective chemicals to control False Smut in Paddy

Conclusion

Symptoms of Grassy Stunt Virus

Preventive Measures

Some effective chemicals to control Grassy Stunt Virus in Paddy

Conclusion

Type of Infestation

Most Affected States Due to Sugarcane Scale

Symptoms of Sugarcane Scale

Sugarcane Scale Control Measures

Sugarcane Scale Cultural Measures

Biological Measures

Sugarcane Scale Chemical Measures

Early Blight in Tomato Symptoms

How is it caused?

Preventive Measures

Management of Early blight disease in Tomato

Overview

Conclusion

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