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Rose: Planting And Package Of Practices

By
Mahalakshmi S
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Rose: Planting And Package Of Practices
Rose: Planting And Package Of Practices

The rose is one of the first fragrant flowers that man has cultivated, and it holds a special place among flower harvests. It is a perennial crop that yields profitably for three to four successive years of planting. Its several varieties provide magnificent blooms in wonderful colours, shapes and sizes. From ancient times, roses have been grown for their essential oils in France, Cyprus, Greece, India, Iran, Italy, Morocco, United States and Bulgaria. Many species can be found growing naturally in India, primarily in the Himalayan mountains. Karnataka, Maharashtra, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi and Chandigarh are the main rose-producing states, although little amount of rose planting can be seen in Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and West Bengal. It is primarily used as a cut flower, in garden decorations and in the creation of products like gulkand, pankhuri, rose water and rose oil. This article will provide you with detailed information on the package of practices of roses.

Rose Crop at a Glance

Botanical Name: Rosa hybrida (There are more than 360 species under genus Rosa)

Common Name: Rose (English), Gulab (Hindi), Gulabi (Telugu and Kannada), Golapa (Bengali), Golap (Odia)

Crop Season: Rose is a perennial crop that can be cultivated all year round. In the midst of a humid summer and a lot of rain, planting might be postponed. The optimum time to grow roses in plains is between September and October when the rains have stopped. Depending on the climate, rose planting can be done in hills between October to November or February to March, although the earlier season is more ideal.

Crop type: Horticulture/Floriculture

Varieties/Hybrids: Sent Rose, Five star, Ruby, Ruby red, Arka Parimal, Parimala are suitable for open field condition whereas, Tajmahal, Rath ki Rani, Eiffel Tower, Chicago Peace, Avalanche are suitable as cut flowers in polyhouses.

Soil Requirements

Proper soil preparation is the secret to success in rose planting. But, as long as the soil has adequate drainage, any soil is suitable for growing roses. For productive cultivation of rose crops, medium loamy soil with enough organic matter and a pH between 6.0 and 7.5 is optimal. Up to a depth of 50 cm, the soil should have a fine tilth and strong drainage capabilities. The soil should have spent at least a week in the sun and be free of any gravel, stones, brick fragments, or other foreign materials.

Climatic Requirements

Temperature plays a major role in rose cultivation. Planting of rose should be adjusted in such a way that the plants get exposed to 20 to 25°C temperature during the day and 15 to 18°C temperature during the night. Winter brings cold temperatures, which improves the quality of flowers. A light period of less than 12 hours results in fewer blooms and flowers of worse quality. When it comes to illnesses and pests that impact development and flowering, humidity is a significant factor. Higher atmospheric humidity causes water drops to collect on rose leaves, which, if they do so for an extended length of time, can result in a variety of fungal infections.

Land Preparation for Rose

The rose farm should be well pulverized and 10 to 12 t/ha of FYM should be added to the soil. Plots/beds that are 1 to 1.5 metres broad and 30 to 40 metres long should be made after preparing the land for rose cultivation. If the soil is light and has good drainage, rose planting can be done without building beds. Before it starts to rain, pits need to be excavated so that the earth can settle. Prepare pits that are 20 to 30 cm wide, 30 cm deep.

Rose Planting

The planting distance is determined by the area and variety of roses. 60 cm x 30 cm spacing can be adopted for production of cut flowers. Typically, in open field conditions row to row spacing of 2 meters and plant to plant spacing of 1 meter is recommended.

Propagation of Rose

The rose is commercially reproduced by cuttings or budding, whilst polyanthus, climbers, and ramblers are often propagated through hard wood cutting and miniatures are propagated through softwood cutting. Similarly, T- budding is a common technique of propagation for hybrids and floribundas. In commercial scale rose seeds are not used for propagation of roses.

Irrigation and After Care

The newly planted roses need to be watered often at first. Following that, they may receive one watering every five days in the summer and one every 10 days in the winter. Sandier soil can require more regular irrigation. On the other side, the watering interval might need to be extended if the soil is dense and moisture-retentive. In order to protect the roots of the plants, it is important to avoid water to stand in plant beds or close to their bases for an extended period of time. Drip method of irrigation is highly suitable for rose farming.

Manures and Fertilizers

Using organic manures is strongly advised for higher-quality flowers with longer shelf lives. Before planting, fill each pit hole with 100g of SSP and 5kg of FYM. Moreover, it is advised to add 100-200 gm of urea, SSP and MOP to each plant after every pruning. For better-quality flowers, the same fertilizer mixture should also be administered throughout the summer (April–May) and at the flowering stage.

Intercultivation Practices for Rose

Weeding

Rose cultivation is severely hampered by weeds. Weeds serve as habitats for several illnesses and pests in addition to consuming water and nutrients. The manual approach works well when used correctly and often. Yet, the chemical technique is affordable, practical and effective in getting rid of weeds with just one or two applications. The herbicides 2,4-D and Nitrofen are advised for use in rose planting.

Pruning

Pruning is the practice of removing undesirable and unproductive parts of a plant in order to increase the plant’s vigour and productivity. It is usually performed in the month of October to November. Applying Bordeaux paste to the cut ends soon after pruning is advised to protect the plants from infections.

Crop Protection for Rose plant

Pests

Aphids (Macrosiphum rosae)

The incidence of aphids on foliage and flower buds is higher in the months of January and February. They are tiny and have a green tint to their black colour. Both the nymph and the adult ingest the sap from young branches, buds and flowers. They eat the cell sap, stain the leaves and have an impact on flower buds, causing them to fall and lose their attractiveness. Spraying Chloropyriphos + Cypermethrin at the rate of 2 ml/litre or Diafenthiuron at the rate of 1 gm/litre  water, will successfully manage this.

Thrips (Rhipiphorothrips cruentatus)

Adults are dark brown or black in colour, whereas nymphs are reddish. Both nymphs and adults infest flowers and leaves as a result of which, flower buds fail to open and develop abnormally and leaves become sickly, crinkled and deformed. After removing flowers, especially delicate ones, spray the foliage with carbaryl (3 g/l), Spraying Chloropyriphos + Cypermethrin at the rate of 2 ml/litre water or Acetamaprid at the rate of 0.5 gm/litre water.

Scales (Lindingaspis rossi)

The stem is entirely covered in red scales. Both nymphs and adults ingest sap, which causes plants to dry out and die. Effective methods include cutting and burning the infected branches, rubbing off scales with cotton dipped in kerosene, diesel, or methylated spirit and in extreme cases foliar spraying with Imidacloprid at the rate of 0.75-1 ml/litre water or Acetamaprid at the rate of 0.5 g/litre water twice at pruning, and during March to April.

Disease

Dieback (Diplodia rosarum)

In rose cultivation, this severe disease manifests itself after pruning. Pruned shoots begin to dry out and turn black from the top down. The stems deteriorate and turn black. There is a brown line and black patches at the intersection of healthy and dry branches. The infected plant parts should be dehisced and burned, and the cut ends should be painted with Chaubattia paste (4 parts Copper Carbonate + 4 parts Red lead + 5 parts linseed oil) or Bordeaux paste. Moreover, the best fertilizer dosage should be used and appropriate drainage should be made possible.

Black Spot (Diplocarpon rosae)

This illness manifests itself in the moist months. On either side of the leaf, a noticeable, round black spot (less than 1 cm in diameter) with fringed borders appears; the leaves get chlorotic, dry up, and drop early. Spraying fungicides Captan (0.2%) or Carbendazim (0.5-0.75 g/liter of water) at intervals of every two weeks will effectively control it.

Powdery Mildew (Sphaerotheca pannosa)

On the surfaces of young leaves, shoots and buds, the symptom manifests as a powdery material that is grayish-white in colour. It usually occurs in areas with low temperatures and high humidity. In severe circumstances, spray 0.3% wettable sulphur or dust sulphur at the rate of 25 kg/ha.

Harvesting and Grading

From the first year on, flowers begin to bloom whilst, second to tenth year is considered to be economically viable yield. When the flower buds are halfway open, flowers are gathered. They are gathered with long stalks at the tight bud stage for cut blooms. The length of the flower stem determines how the blooms are ranked. Depending on the cultivar, it ranges from 40 to 110 cm and is packaged 20 to a bunch.

Yield

The rose crop typically yields around 7.5 t/ha (loose flowers) and 300 to 350 flowers per square meter (cut flowers).

Tomato: Planting And Package Of Practices

By
Mahalakshmi S
-
0
Tomato: Planting And Package Of Practices
Tomato: Planting And Package Of Practices

The tomato holds a prominent place on the list of protective foods due to its abundance in vitamins, essential amino acids and healthy organic acids like citric, formic and acetic acids. Fruit’s eye-catching red colour comes from lycopene, while its appealing yellow colour comes from carotenoids which are highly sensitive to temperature. Moreover, the unusual flavour is due to the presence of ethanol, acetaldehyde, and several other volatile flavoring agents. In this article, we will discuss in detail about the package of practices of tomato. 

Tomato Crop at a Glance

Botanical Name: Solanum lycopersicum

Common Name: Tomato (English), Tamatar (Hindi and Punjabi), Takkali (Tamil and Malayalam), Tameto pandu (Telugu), Tomato hannu (Kannada), Toamater (Bengali), Bilati Baigana (Odia).

Crop Season: Kharif and Rabi

Crop type: Horticulture

Varieties/Hybrids: Pusa Early Dwarf, Sioux, Pusa Uphar, Pusa Ruby, Pusa Sadhabahar, Pant Bahar, Arka Samrat etc.

Package of Practices for Tomato 

Soil Requirements

Tomato planting can be done in a range of soil types, from sandy to heavy soils. For productive cultivation of tomato crops, well-drained and somewhat fertile loam with a moderate ability to retain moisture is optimal. Waterlogging is quite dangerous to tomatoes. Soils that drain well are essential. The ideal pH range is between 6 and 7. Liming is advised if the soil is acidic, with a pH of 5.0 or lower.

Climatic Requirements

For successful tomato planting, it is crucial to maintain the ideal temperature range of 21 to 24 degrees Celsius. Fruit set, colour and nutritional content are influenced by temperature and light intensity. 20 to 25˚C is the ideal soil temperature for seed germination. Temperatures between 15 and 20˚C during the night are optimal for fruit set. Low humidity, dry winds, and a high temperature (38˚C) all have a negative impact on the fruit set. At the ripe stage, the tomato contains the red pigment lycopene and the yellow pigment carotene. Lycopene generation is prevented or reduced at extremely high temperatures.

Sowing and Land Preparations for Tomato

Nursery Management

Tomato being a transplanted crop a raised bed measuring 225 square meters is sufficient to raise the seedlings required for one hectare area. A raised seed bed with 3 kg of well-decomposed FYM per square meter and additional application of 0.5 kg of N, P, and K fertilizer per bed is generally recommended for better growth of seedlings.

Seed Rate and Spacing

Tomato seeds are very light in weight. So, about 400 to 500 g of seeds are sufficient to raise a nursery and transplant in one hectare. Row to row spacing of 60 to 120 cm and plant to plant distance of 45 to 75 cm are used for indeterminate types and hybrids. For determinate types, a spacing of 45 to 60 cm x 30 to 40 cm is used.

Main field preparation

The land used for tomato cultivation should be well pulverized with one to two deep ploughings and two to four harrowing and broad bed furrows or ridges and furrows are made in the field depending on farmers requirement.

Transplanting

In general, 20 to 30 days old seedlings are used for tomato planting on raised beds or the slope of the ridge.  

Irrigation Schedule

Furrow irrigation is the most popular method followed in tomato farming. The frequency of irrigation is influenced by the soil and climatic variables. Crop grown throughout the summer should be watered every 3 to 4 days. Water stress during the blooming stage will have a negative impact on production and fruiting. Fruits crack when there has been a prolonged drought followed by extensive watering.

Manures and Fertilizers

The recommended amount of manure and fertilizer for tomatoes varies from state to state and relies on the type of soil, variety’s growth habits and production. In addition to 15-20 tonnes of FYM, N – 100-125 kg, P – 50-60 kg and K – 50-60 kg are also advised for one acre in tomato cultivation. When final ploughing is completed, FYM should be applied into the soil. You can provide a basal dosage of 1/3 N, Full P and K either just before transplantation or five to ten days after transplantation. 2/3 of the remaining N is administered 20 and 45 days later in equal splits.

Intercultivation Practices for Tomato

Weeding

Weeding, hoeing and earthing up should be done on a regular basis to keep the field weed-free. Pre-emergence application of Stomp Xtra (Pendimethalin 38.7% CS) at 600 – 700 ml per acre or BACF Quash (Oxyfluorfen 23.5% EC) at 200 ml per acre were some excellent choices to control initial weed flush. Mulching with plastic or straw is also efficient in controlling weeds and controlling soil temperature.

Training and Pruning

To avoid lodging and fruit loss due to soil contact, all indeterminate types are trained with wires, strings or stacks. While, indeterminate cultivars are also typically pruned to enhance fruit size, shape and quality.

Crop Protection for Tomato plant

Pests

1. Tomato fruit borer

Scientific Name: Helicoverpa armigera or Spodoptera litura

Symptoms

The tomato farms are severely affected by the fruit borer, impacting tomato planting significantly. The larvae eat through fruit and damage flowers. Many entrance holes and widespread rotting in the fruit are typical signs of infestation.When the tomato fruits are maturing, young caterpillars of both insects burrow into them. When feeding, the Helicoverpa larva stays partially on the fruit hole, however the Spodoptera caterpillar may be seen staying entirely within the fruit. Most of the time, excrement plugs the bore holes.

Management

  • During the last ploughing, it is recommended to apply 100kg/acre of neem cake to the tomato farm. 
  • Neem oil (1500-3000 ppm) at 5 ml/lit water should be sprayed during the early stages of an infestation to kill eggs.
  • Use of Fame Insecticide (flubendiamide) at 0.3 ml/lit water or Coragen Insecticide (Chlorantraniliprole) at 0.3 ml/lit water or Tracer Insecticide (Spinosad) at 0.4 ml/lit water is advised when the severity of the infestation rises.

2. Serpentine leaf miner

Scientific Name: Liriomyza trifolii

Symptoms

The symptoms of serpentine leaf miner include 

  • Leaves with serpentine veins
  • In extreme cases, leaf drop may occur 

Management

At early stages of an infestation mined leaves should be gathered and destroyed. With increasing severity, spray 5% GreenPeace Neemol Bio Neem Oil Insecticide (Neem Seed Kernel Extract) and in extreme situations it is advised to use Benevia Insecticide (cyantraniliprole) at 1.7-2 ml/lit water.

3. Pinworm

Scientific Name: Tuta absoluta

Symptoms

In order to mine through leaves, newly born larvae first spin a superficial web covering. Next, when they tunnel through leaves, they make slender straight or serpentine mines. At mine entrances, a single pile of frass (insect faeces) is dumped. Blotch mines are created by older instars near to their leaf fold. Most harm occurs when larvae penetrate fruit near the stem, mining just below the fruit surface or in the core. Liquid content oozes out from the pinholes when infested fruit is pressed with fingers. 

Management

To eliminate pinworm pupae, deep ploughing is advised. In order to gauge the extent of the infestation, it is crucial to set about 10 to 15 Tapas yellow sticky traps per acre. It is also advised to spray Coragen Insecticide (Chlorantraniliprole), Fame Insecticide (Flubendiamide) or Benevia Insecticide (Cyantraniliprole) at a rate of 60 ml per acre as the infestation becomes more severe.

4. Thrips

Scientific Name: Thrips tabaci

Symptoms

The infested leaves curling upward, crumbling and shedding. Both the nymphs and the adults consume the tomato’s blossoms, leaves and stem while sucking the sap, which results in the vegetative and reproductive organs being malformed.

Management

To control the infestation below ETL, systemic insecticides like Admire Insecticide (imidacloprid) can be applied to the tomato farm at a dosage of 0.4 gm per litre of water.

5. Mites

Symptoms

The infested leaves curl downwards. Both the nymphs and the adults consume the tomato’s blossoms, leaves, and stem while sucking the sap, which results in the vegetative and reproductive organs being malformed.

Management

The infestation can be controlled by spraying phosalone 3 ml/l, diafenthiuron 1.5 gm/lit water or Intrepid Insecticide (chlorfenapyr) 2 ml/lit water.

6. Root Knot Nematode

Symptoms

There may be a delay in growth and chlorotic leaves. Root gall will be observed on the roots. Even if plants  survive, fruiting is greatly reduced.

Management

To promote healthy tomato planting, it is advisable to practice crop rotation by incorporating non-host crops. During transplantation, only seedlings with roots free of galls should be chosen. Soil solarization can prevent this infestation. Application of neem cake at the rate of 200 kg/acre during the land preparation is also found to reduce the nematode infestation. In severe cases, application of carbofuran 3G granules at the rate of 1kg per hectare is recommended.  

Diseases

1. Septoria leaf spot

Scientific Name: Septoria lycopersici

Symptoms

On leaves, there are small, uneven patches with a black border and a grey centre. Spots usually begin on lower leaves and gradually move up the leaves with time. Spots congregate, causing complete defoliation of the damaged leaves. Sometimes, flowers and stems are attacked. Fruits are seldom infected.

Management

Remove infected crop debris and apply Indofil Z78 Fungicide (zineb) or Indofil M45 Fungicide (mancozeb) at the rate of 0.2 per cent.

2. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TSWV)

Symptoms

A typical sign of TSWV infection is stunting. The leaves of several infected hosts develop chlorotic or necrotic rings. As a mature tomato’s usual red skin develops concentric circular markings, it turns pale red or yellow in certain regions.

Management

Since thrips is the vector, remove infested crops and use systemic insecticides like Admire Insecticide (imidacloprid) at the rate of 0.4g per litre of water to control them. 

Physiological Disorders

1. Blossom end rot

Symptoms

A black patch forms and engulfs 1/2 to 2/3 of the fruit. Subsequently, the tissues contract, resulting in dark grey to black skin. It could cause a secondary fungal infection, rendering it unsafe for ingestion.

Management

Early transplanting of seedlings in the month of April instead of June is highly recommended and if the disorder occurs foliar spray of Multiplex Chlorocal (calcium chloride) is advised.

2. Fruit cracking

Symptoms

Fruit cracking is a result of a boron deficiency in the soil. It mostly manifests in two ways: concentric cracking during the mature green stage and radial cracking during the ripe stage.

Management

It is advised to apply 10–15 kg of borax to the soil per hectare or foliar spray of water soluble Linnfield Boron 20% Micronutrient Fertilizer (boron) at the rate of 0.3-0.5 gm/lit water. 

Harvesting and Grading

Fruiting starts within 70 days of tomato planting which are often picked by hand with a little twist that keeps the plant’s stalk attached. The maturity of the crop depends on its intended use. Fruit that is mature and in the green stage can be picked for distant markets, and fruit that is hard ripe can be harvested for local markets. Fruits are graded and stored in wooden boxes or bamboo baskets after being harvested. The Bureau of Indian Standards has four grades: Super A, Super, Fancy and Commercial.

Yield

Depending on a number of variables, an open pollinated tomato cultivation will typically yield 250–300 quintals per hectare. Upto 500 quintals per hectare can be produced by hybrids.

Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY Scheme)

By
Mahalakshmi S
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0
pradhan mantri krishi sinchayee yojana
pmksy yojana

Water plays a major role in agriculture. About 80% of water consumption in India is used for irrigation in agriculture. Indian farmers are still dependent on rainfall for irrigating their lands which makes them vulnerable to crop failure and other risks. Keeping this in mind, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare implemented Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana scheme (PMKSY) in 2015. The scheme aims to provide a comprehensive solution to improve farm productivity and ensure better utilization of water resources. The important element of PM Krishi Sinchayee Yojana scheme is micro level irrigation solution, as it ensures the efficient use of water on the farm level. 

Scheme Overview

  • Scheme Name: Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana  
  • Scheme Implemented: 2015 
  • Scheme Fund Allocated: 93,068 crore (Central Assistance – 37,454) 
  • Type of Government Scheme: Centrally Sponsored Scheme 
  • Sector / Sponsored Scheme: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare 
  • Website to apply: https://pmksy.gov.in/ 
  • Helpline No: NA 
  • Scheme Type: National Scheme
  • Covered States: The Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana PMKSY covers all states across India, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.

Components of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

  1. Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP): The aim of this component is to provide financial assistance to states for completing ongoing irrigation projects, such as dams, barrages, canals and wells. 
  2. Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP): HKKP component aims to improve water use efficiency at the farm level by providing end-to-end solutions for water conservation and management, including micro-irrigation, watershed development and rainwater harvesting. 
  3. Watershed Development Component (WDC): Watershed component in PMKSY aims to increase soil moisture levels and groundwater recharge by implementing measures such as contour bunding, earthen bunding, land leveling and vegetative measures. 

(Note: Per drop more crop component, which was a component of PMKSY earlier, is now  implemented separately) 

Features of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

CATEGORY  REMARKS 
Duration   Extended till 2026 (Earlier it was till 2020) 
Beneficiaries  Farmers 
Eligibility Criteria for PMKSY 
  • Any class/division farmer 
  • Farmers who own the land will get maximum benefit from scheme 
  • Individuals belonging to Self Help Organizations (SHOs), group of farmers producers, trust cooperative societies 
  • Farmers who work on the rented/leased land are also eligible 

 
Committees Involved  National Steering Committee (NSC): 

  • Headed by Prime Minister 
  • Provide policy direction to program framework 

National Executive Committee (NEC): 

  • Headed by Vice Chairman of NITI Aayog 
  • Oversees the programme implementation at national level and addresses the administrational issues. 
States covered  All States and UTs including Northeastern States are covered  
PMKSY – HKKP is applicable only for the areas having 
  • Ground water development stage < 60% 
  • Average rainfall more than 750mm 
  • Shallow ground water levels less than 15m bgl (below ground level) 
Target from 2021- 2026  
  • Har Khet Ko Pani (HKKP) – Creation of 4.5 lakh hectare of irrigation potential. 
  • Accelerated Irrigation Benefit Programme (AIBP) – To cover cultivable command area of 30.23 lakh hectare 

 

Objectives of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

  • To expand cultivable land in the country and achieve convergence of investments in irrigation at the field level. 
  • To promote sustainable water management practices and reduce water wastage in agriculture. 
  • To improve access to irrigation for all farmers, including small and marginal farmers. 
  • To enhance the adoption of precision irrigation techniques and other water-saving technologies. 
  • Improving on-farm water use efficiency to reduce the consumption of water in agriculture. 
  • To provide end-to-end solutions for water conservation, management and irrigation infrastructure development. 

Challenges of Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana

  • Climate change can have a significant impact on the success of PMKSY Yojana. Changes in rainfall patterns and water availability can affect the effectiveness of irrigation infrastructure, making it difficult to ensure sustainable use of water resources. 

How to Apply for PMKSY Scheme?

Step 1: Visit the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana official website, i.e. https://pmksy.gov.in/ 

Step 2: Click on the ‘Login’ button on the Homepage 

Step 3: Enter the credentials and login into your account  

Step 4: After successfully logging in, click on the ‘User’ option and select ‘Create User’ from the drop-down menu of user. 

Step 5: The portal will redirect you to ‘New User Registration Form’ 

Step 6: Fill all the asked information carefully and after completing click on the ‘Submit’ button. 

Documents Required For PM KSY

  • Aadhar Card 
  • Address Proof 
  • Agricultural land papers 
  • Bank Passbook 
  • Passport size photograph 
  • Domicile certificate of state 
  • Caste certificate 

Conclusion

Therefore, Prime Minister Krishi Sinchayee Yojana can bring significant benefits to farmers and agriculture as whole by ensuring the efficient use of water resources.

Want to explore how the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana (PKVY) is transforming organic farming? Click here for more details.

Formation And Promotion Of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

By
Mahalakshmi S
-
0
Formation And Promotion Of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)
Formation And Promotion Of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

The “Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)” scheme was launched in 2020 by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer Welfare with the core objective of creating a supportive ecosystem for the formation of 10,000 new FPOs in India over a period of five years, from 2019-20 to 2023-24. The agricultural sector plays a crucial role in India’s economic development and the majority of farmers in the country are small and marginal. The scheme aims to improve the income and economic strength of these farmers by providing them with access to better technology, credit, input and markets through FPOs. Produce clusters will be used to help develop and promote the FPOs, utilizing economies of scale to increase member’s access to the market. The budgetary allocation for the project is Rs. 6865 crores and nine implementing organizations will be used by the government to carry it out.

Scheme Overview: 

Scheme Name: Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs)

Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 6865 Crore

FY (Fiscal Year) 2019-20 to 2023-24: Rs. 4496 Crore

LFY (Last Fiscal Year) 2024-25 to 2027-28: Rs. 2369 Crore

Type of Government Scheme: Central Sector Scheme

Website to apply: https://pmkisan.gov.in/FPOApplication/

Helpline No.: 011-23381092

Features:

Feature Details
Minimum no. of members in FPO Plain Area-300, North-east Area – 100
Financial Assistance to FPOs Up to Rs. 18.00 lakh for each FPO during a three-year period
Credit guarantee facility Available up to Rs. 2 crores of project loans per FPO
Equity Grant for FPO Rs. 2,000 per farmer member of FPO – maximum limit: Rs. 15 Lakh
FPOs will be promoted under One District One Product cluster
Initial training to FPOs Provided by Cluster Based Business Organization (CBBOs) for 5 years

 

Latest news about the scheme:

As per recent news from various sources, including from the official website of the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, it has been reported that a total of 4028 FPOs as of 30-11-2022 have been registered under the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) scheme. The scheme, which was launched in 2020, aims to create a supportive ecosystem for the formation of 10,000 new FPOs in five years. The registration of over 4000 FPOs is a significant achievement, as it will help small, marginal, and landless farmers to access better technology, credit, inputs, and markets. 

Benefits:

  • A maximum of Rs. 18.00 lakh in financial support over a three-year period per FPO
  • Up to Rs. 2 crores in project loans are eligible for the credit guarantee facility per FPO
  • A maximum equity award of Rs. 2,000 can be given to each farmer member of an FPO up to a total of Rs. 15 lakh
  • The “One District One Product” cluster will encourage FPOs, assuring greater resource use and improved market access for members
  • FPOs receive their initial training from Cluster Based Business Organizations (CBBOs) for a period of five years, which helps them run their operations more effectively and create connections with the market
  • Increased productivity and cost-effectiveness in production
  • Youth employment opportunities in rural areas, supporting inclusive and sustainable economic growth

Drawback:

This scheme may not be useful if a farmer belongs to a certain segment that does not have the necessary skills to form an FPO or lacks the resources to meet the eligibility criteria.

How to Apply?

  • Step 1: Open  https://pmkisan.gov.in/FPOApplication website
  • Step 2: Choose “New Registration” on the home page.
  • Step 3: Provide the necessary information regarding the concerned person and information about FPO.
  • Step 4: Submit the application after uploading the required documents

After submission, the application will be verified by the concerned authorities, and if approved, the FPO will be registered under the scheme. It is essential to note that only eligible farmers, including small, marginal and landless farmers, are eligible to apply for the scheme.

Documents Required:

  • Aadhaar card
  • PAN card
  • Bank account details
  • Land records or lease agreement
  • Certificate of registration of FPO

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the Formation and Promotion of 10,000 Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) scheme is a commendable effort by the central government towards the betterment of Indian agriculture. The scheme offers a comprehensive package of financial assistance, credit guarantees, equity grants and training to FPOs, which will help small, marginal and landless farmers access better technology, credit, input and markets. By promoting FPOs under “One District One Product” clusters, the scheme aims to improve market access for members, enhance cost-effective production and productivity and create enormous job opportunities for rural youths in villages. The scheme’s successful implementation will enable Indian farmers to achieve global outreach and establish Atma Nirbhar Bharat. Therefore, it is a significant step towards converting Krishi into Atma Nirbhar Krishi and transforming agriculture into a sustainable enterprise through FPOs.

Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization – SMAM scheme

By
Mahalakshmi S
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0
Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization SMAM Scheme
SMAM scheme

Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization (SMAM) scheme was launched by Ministry of Agriculture and Farmer’s Welfare to empower the farmers in India. The Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization scheme was introduced to promote the use of appropriate agricultural machinery and equipment, including drone technology to increase agricultural productivity and efficiency. The main objective of the SMAM Subsidy is to make farm machinery affordable and accessible for small and marginal farmers. 

Scheme Overview

  • Scheme Name: Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization 
  • Scheme Implemented: 2021 
  • Scheme Fund Allocated: 1050 crore  
  • Type of Government Scheme: Central sector scheme 
  • Sector / Sponsored Scheme: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare 
  • Website to apply: https://agrimachinery.nic.in/ 
  • Helpline No: 011-23604908
  • Scheme Type: National Scheme
  • Covered States: The SMAM Scheme covers all states across India, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.

Features of SMAM

CATEGORY  REMARKS 
Implementing Agencies  Farm Machinery Training and Testing Institute (FMTTI), Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) Institutions, Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVKs), Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs) and State Agricultural Universities (SAUs) 
Financial Assistance 
Purchase of drones by Government Institutes & Organizations   SMAM Yojana provides 100% of the cost of agriculture drone up to Rs. 10 lakhs per drone (maximum) 
To FPOs for its demonstrations on farmer’s fields  Provides Financial assistance up to 75% for agriculture drone 
A contingency expenditure is provided to implementing agencies 
  • For hiring – Rs. 6000/ha 
  • For purchasing – Rs. 3000/ha 
On rental basis to farmers by Custom Hiring Centers (CHC) under Cooperative Society of Farmers, FPOs and Rural entrepreneurs  Grants up to 40% (maximum of Rs. 4.00 lakhs) 
To agriculture graduates establishing Custom Hiring Centers  Financial assistance up to 50% of the cost (maximum of Rs. 5.00 lakhs per drone) 
For individual purchase 
  • Small and Marginal, Scheduled Caste/Scheduled Tribe, Women and North Eastern State Farmers – 50% of cost up to a maximum of 5.00 lakhs 
  • Others – 40% of cost up to maximum of 4.00 lakhs 

 

Latest News about the scheme

  • Recently, the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) was released by the Department of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare (DA&FW) for safe and effective operation of drones for nutrient and pesticide application.  
  • The protocols for SMAM scheme registration requirements of pesticides for drone application have been prescribed by the Central Insecticides Board & Registration Committee. 

Objectives of Sub-Mission on Agricultural Mechanization

  • To promote the adoption of drone technology in agriculture. 
  • To give financial assistance to farmers for procuring farm machinery and implements. 
  • Creating hubs for hi-value and hi-tech value farm equipment. 
  • To provide both on-field and off-field training and demonstrations for boosting farm mechanization. 

Benefits of SMAM

  • The Submission on Agricultural Mechanization scheme provides financial assistance to farmers and other stakeholders to purchase drones and other agricultural machinery and equipment. 
  • It also provides training and capacity building to farmers on the use of drones and other technologies. 
  • Using drone technology in agriculture mechanization provides significant benefits to farmers, including increased efficiency, improved accuracy, reduced costs, increased crop yields and environmental benefits. 

Challenges of Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization

  • Many farmers are not aware of the benefits of using modern equipment and techniques in agriculture and they are still dependent on manual labor and are resistant to change.  

How to apply?

Step 1: Visit the official website of Digital Platform for Farm Mechanization and Technology i.e. https://agrimachinery.nic.in/  

Step 2: On the Homepage, Click on the ‘Direct Benefit Transfer in Agriculture Mechanization’ option 

Step 3: After choosing that, click on the Registration button from the dashboard 

Step 4: Select farmers from the drop-down menu of Registration 

Step 6: Enter your State and Aadhar number and register yourself as farmer 

Step 7: Fill all the asked information carefully and after completing click on the ‘Submit’ button 

Alternatively, farmers can also apply for the Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization scheme through the Common Service Centers (CSCs) set up by the government. These centers provide a range of services, including online application services for various government schemes, including the SMAM Yojana. 

Documents Required for Sub-Mission on Agriculture Mechanization

  • Identity Proof 
  • Passport size photograph 
  • Photocopy of the field  
  • Bank Passbook 
  • Caste Certificate 
  • Residential Certificate 

Conclusion

Therefore, drone technology in agriculture mechanization is a promising development that can bring significant benefits to farmers and the agricultural industry as a whole. As technology continues to improve and becomes more accessible, it will be important to address the challenges and limitations in order to fully realize its potential. 

For more government initiatives supporting agricultural technology, check out the Kisan Drone Yojana

Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana for Farmers

By
Mahalakshmi S
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0
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana - PMKSY
Pradhan Mantri Kisan Sampada Yojana

Ministry of Food Processing Industries (MoFPI) introduced Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) scheme. PMKSY is a comprehensive program launched by the Indian government to modernize the agriculture sector and promote food processing and preservation. The scheme aims to benefit farmers, consumers and the food processing industry as a whole. The objective of the SAMPADA scheme is to create employment opportunities in rural areas, double the farmer’s income, modernize processing, reduce agriculture produce waste and to enhance the export of processed foods.  

Scheme Overview

  • Scheme Name: Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana 
  • Scheme Implemented: 2016 as SAMPADA (Scheme for Agro-Marine Processing & Development of Agro Processing Clusters) and Renamed as PMKSY in 2017. 
  • Scheme Fund Allocated: Rs. 4600 crores 
  • Type of Government Scheme: Central Sector Scheme 
  • Sponsored / Sector Scheme: Ministry of Food Processing Industries 
  • Website to apply: https://www.mofpi.gov.in/ 
  • Helpline No: NA 
  • Scheme Type: National Scheme
  • Covered States: The PMKSY Scheme covers all states across India, including Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Goa, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Odisha, Punjab, Rajasthan, Sikkim, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Tripura, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and West Bengal.

Features of PMKSY

CATEGORY  REMARKS 
Aim  To modernize processing, decrease agriculture waste and supplement agriculture. 
Scheme Extended Period  2021-22 to 2025-26 
Capital Subsidy  Provided in the form of grants in aids ranging from 35% to 75% of the eligible project cost to investors under various components 
Beneficiaries  Indian Farmers 
Pattern of Assistance  Ministry will provide subsidy @ 50% of the cost for Transportation of crops from Production Cluster and Hiring of storage facilities for crops (max 3 months) 
Minimum quantity to be procured, transported & stored per Entity (one / more crops) 
  • Individual farmers/Group of farmers – 9MT 
  • FPO/FPC/Co-operative society – 100MT 
  • Food Processors/Exporters/Licensed Commission Agents – 500MT 
  • Retailers/State Marketing/Co-operative Federation – 1000MT 

 

Latest News about the Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

  • 18,06,027 farmers have been assisted so far since the introduction of PMKSY. Out of 4,026 project proposals, 1,002 proposals have been approved by state governments and entrepreneurs under various sub-schemes of PMKSY from 2017-18 to 2022-23. 
  • Gross value added in the food processing sector has increased from Rs. 1.79 lakh crore in in the year 2016-17 to Rs. 2.37 lakh crore in the year 2020-21, at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate of 7.27%. 

Components of PMKSY scheme

  • Operation Green 
  • Food Safety and Quality Assurance Infrastructure   
  • Human Resources and Institutions – Research & Development (R&D) 
  • Expansion of Food Processing & Preservation Capacities 
  • Integrated Cold Chain and Value Addition Infrastructure 
  • Infrastructure for Agro-Processing Clusters 

Benefits of Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

  • The SAMPADA scheme provides good returns to farmers and also helps in boosting the growth of the food processing sector. 
  • The PM-KSY scheme will create employment opportunities in the food processing sector, particularly in the rural areas, by promoting food processing industries. 
  • The PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana helps in setting up of quality assurance mechanisms, such as food testing laboratories and quality certification, to ensure the safety and quality of processed food products. 
  • The Kisan Sampada scheme will enhance the competitiveness of the food processing sector and help in increasing exports of processed food products. 

Drawbacks of PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana

Many farmers and food processing units are not aware of the SAMPADA scheme, and as a result, they are not able to take advantage of its benefits. Increasing awareness and encouraging participation are critical to the success of the scheme.  

How to Apply?

Step 1: Visit the official of Ministry of Food Processing Industries i.e. https://www.mofpi.gov.in/ 

Step 2: Click on “Schemes” tab and select Pradhan Mantri Kisan SAMPADA Yojana from drop-down menu. 

Step 3: After clicking on Schemes tab, click on the “Apply Online” option. 

Step 4: Fill the required details mentioned in the application form 

Step 5: Upload all the necessary documents such as identity proof, address proof and bank account details. 

Step 6: After completing the application form, Submit it online. 

Documents Required

  • Identity Proof 
  • Age Proof 
  • Income Certificate 
  • Caste Certificate 
  • Ration Card 
  • Passport size photograph 
  • Mobile Number 

Conclusion

Therefore, the PM Kisan SAMPADA Yojana (PMKSY) is a significant initiative that has the potential to transform the agricultural and food processing sector in India. By promoting value addition and reducing wastage, the scheme can increase farmers’ incomes, create job opportunities and improve the availability and quality of processed food for consumers. 

For more government initiatives supporting sustainable farming, explore the Paramparagat Krishi Vikas Yojana – PKVY Scheme.

Forage Crops And Its Importance In Agriculture

By
Deepika M
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0
Forage Crops and its Importance in Agriculture
Forage Crops and its Importance in Agriculture

Forage crops, also known as fodder crops, are specifically grown to provide food for livestock. These crops are typically grown for their leaves and stems which are used as animal feed. They are normally fed by the livestock animals by grazing or in the form of harvested hay or silage. The timing of both grazing events and the cutting for hay or silage are critical to ensuring that the quality and quantity of conserved fodder are optimized. These crops are grown for their high protein content, digestibility and palatability, which are essential for the health and productivity of livestock. Properly fed animals are less prone to diseases and infections and their milk and meat production can increase significantly.

They can be grown as a monocrop or as mixed crop along with wheat or legumes or as cover crop depending on the intended use. Forage crops are an essential component of agriculture, providing a reliable and cost-effective source of animal feed. They are also important for sustainable agriculture, as they can help improve soil health and reduce erosion. Additionally, many forage crops have other uses, such as in biofuels, food or fiber production.  

Commonly cultivated fodder/forage crops 

  • Legumes: Cowpea, Lucerne 
  • Cereal fodder: Fodder maize, Fodder sorghum, Pearl millet 
  • Grass fodder: Napier, Guinea grass, Para grass, Blue buffel grass 
  • Tree fodder: Sesbania, Gliricidia 

Types of Forage Crops 

Fodder/Forage crops can be classified into two main categories: Annual and Perennial. 

  • Annual Forage crops: These crops are grown for a single growing season and are generally sown in the summer or monsoon season. Fodder maize, fodder sorghum and millets fall under this category. 
  • Perennial Forage crops: Unlike annual crops, perennial forage crops can persist for several years, regrowing after each harvest, thus making them a more sustainable and long-term source of feed for livestock. Lucerne and grasses fall under this category.  

Importance of Forage crops in Agriculture 

  • Forage crops provide nutrients and high-quality feed for livestock, supporting the health and productivity of animals. Increased productivity of milk and meat contributes to agricultural production. 
  • They help to improve soil fertility and structure, reduce soil erosion and enhance water retention capacity. 
  • Many forage crops are drought-tolerant and can continue to grow even in the absence of rainfall, making them ideal for areas with limited water resources. 
  • They can be used as part of a crop rotation system, which helps to break disease cycles and reduce soil-borne pests. 
  • They provide a valuable source of income for farmers by selling them as hay or silage which can be stored and sold throughout the year. 
  • Forage crops play an important role in carbon sequestration. These crops have deep and extensive root systems that can penetrate into the soil and store carbon. It contributes to soil organic matter, thus reducing the need for synthetic fertilizers. 
  • These crops help to improve biodiversity by providing a diverse range of habitats for beneficial insects, birds and soil microorganisms. 
  • Forage crops are an important component of sustainable agriculture, helping to promote biodiversity, reduce chemical inputs and maintain soil health over the long term 

Buy these fast-selling forage crop’s seeds from BigHaat 

Product Name  Features of the product 
Sugargraze Forage 
  • They are high yielding, nutritious, suitable for single cut 
  • High Brix content (16-18 %), high protein content (11-13%) and high metabolizable energy 
  • Plants are tall, thick, juicy stems with soft internodes 
  • Good sustainability and Palatability 
  • Suitable for Silage 
  • High dry matter content 
  • Drought Tolerant 
Nutrifeed Forage 
  • High biomass yield, Suitable for Multi-cutting. 
  • Drought tolerant 
  • There is no risk of prussic acid poisoning and is suitable for early feeding 
  • High protein and nutrient value (12-16% crude protein) 
  • High palatability 
  • It has high metabolizable energy 
  • Tolerant to most pests and diseases 
  • High digestibility renders less feed quantity per animal and less forage is for cultivation 
Fat Boy (Multi-cut Forage Sorghum) 
  • Suitable for multi-cutting 
  • Fast growth with excellent re-growth 
  • Good for green fodder and dry kutti 
  • Juicy and soft fodder  
  • Plant height ranges from 4-5.5 feet 
Honey Pot (BMR Sweet Sorghum) Forage 
  • It is a BMR sweet sorghum 
  • High brix value  
  • They are good for green fodder and silage 
  • It is juicy and soft fodder 
Max-Pro (Lucerne) Forage 
  • It is a perennial Lucerne 
  • Gives upto 30 cuts with high yield 
  • Maximum digestible protein and more palatable 
  • Tolerance to root rot and no endophytes 
Makkhan Grass-Forage 
  • High nutritious with 14-18% crude protein, highly palatable and succulent multi cut annual grass 
  • It can be used as fresh as well as hay 
  • Improves milk production and quality, especially milk solids 
  • Its dry matter digestibility is very high – 65% 

 

NOTE: To know more about the fodder’s cultivation practices, seed rate, harvesting and cutting timings and more details, check the product’s description. 

Conclusion 

Forage crops play a vital role in sustainable agriculture by providing a source of high-quality livestock feed, improving soil health, increasing biodiversity and supporting the long-term productivity of farming systems. Forage crops can be an important tool for producers, provided the right crop is selected, right management practice is taken to ensure that the crop is fully utilized in its most productive and nutritious phases of growth. Forage crops are vulnerable to pests and diseases which must be managed to minimize their impact on productivity. Proper harvesting and cutting can improve forage quality, yield and nutritional value, while also promoting regrowth and sustainable forage production. Government of India has launched several initiatives to promote the cultivation of high-quality fodder crops, such as the National Livestock Mission and Rastriya Krishi Vikas Yojana.  

An Ultimate Guide To Watermelon Diseases: Causes, Symptoms And Control Measures

By
Deepika M
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0
An Ultimate Guide to Watermelon Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Control Measures
An Ultimate Guide to Watermelon Diseases: Causes, Symptoms, and Control Measures

Watermelon is an important fruit crop in India widely grown in summer season and has the potential to provide significant economic benefits to farmers. They are easy to grow, require relatively little maintenance and have short growing season. However, the crop is vulnerable to a number of fungal, bacterial and viral diseases that can cause significant yield losses and reduce the quality of the fruit. It can be difficult to control watermelon diseases once they are established in the field. Early detection and prompt management using appropriate fungicides or bactericides can help to limit the spread of disease and minimize crop losses.  

Common types of Watermelon Diseases 

Disease type  Diseases  Stage of occurrence 
Fungal Diseases  Downy mildew  Vegetative stage 
Powdery mildew  Vegetative, fruiting stage 
Anthracnose  Vegetative, fruiting stage 
Alternaria leaf spot  Vegetative stage 
Fusarium wilt  Vegetative, fruiting stage 
Gummy stem blight  Vegetative, fruiting stage 
Bacterial Diseases  Bacterial wilt  Vegetative stage 
Bacterial Fruit Blotch  Vegetative, fruiting stage 
Viral Diseases  Bud necrosis disease  Vegetative stage 
Cucumber mosaic virus  Vegetative, fruiting stage 

 

Fungal Diseases in Watermelon

  1. Downy Mildew in Watermelon

Downy mildew in watermelon is caused by the fungal pathogen Pseudoperonospora cubensis. 

Causes:  

Presence of infected plant debris and weed hosts cause the primary spread of the disease. Wind and rain splash causes the spread of spores to the healthy plants. High soil moisture, cool, wet and humid conditions and temperature (15 – 23°C) favours disease incidence. 

Symptoms of Downy Mildew in Watermelon:  

  • Yellowish angular spots appear on the upper surface of the leaves. The yellowing often starts at the edges of the leaves and then spreads towards the center. 
  • As the disease progresses, a white or grayish powdery fungal growth appears on the underside of the leaves when the leaves are wet.  
  • These spots later turn brown to black (necrosis). Later, the leaves may wilt and die. 
  • It can cause stunted growth of the plants. Affected plants may appear smaller than usual, with fewer fruits. 
  • In case of severe infection, the fruits produced may be smaller, misshapen or have bitter taste. 

Management of Downy Mildew in Watermelon:  

Product name   Technical content  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Downy Raze  Plant extracts  2.5 ml/lit water 
Anant Dr Bacto’s Fluro  Pseudomonas fluorescence   2.5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Ridomil Gold    Metalaxyl 4% + Manconzeb 64% WP  1 – 1.5 gm/lit water 
Melody Duo Fungicide  Iprovalicarb + Propineb 5.5% +61.25% WP  3 – 4 gm/lit water 
Cabrio Top Fungicide    Metiram 55% + Pyraclostrobin 5% WG  1.2 – 1.4 gm/lit water 
Zampro Fungicide  Ametoctradin 27% + Dimethomorph 20.27% SC  1.6 – 2 ml/lit water 
Moximate Fungicide  Cymoxanil 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP  2 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Powdery Mildew in Watermelon

Powdery mildew is a common and destructive disease caused by the fungal pathogen Erysiphe cichoracearum / Sphaerotheca fuliginea. 

Causes: 

Fungal spores overwintering in dormant buds, plant debris or weeds causes disease development. Wind currents spread the disease. Rainfall, morning dew, dry weather conditions favours disease incidence.   

Symptoms of Powdery Mildew in Watermelon: 

  • White, powdery spots or patches on the leaves, stems and young growing parts of the plant. Later, it may spread rapidly and cover the entire leaf surface.  
  • The white powdery spots may gradually turn yellow or brown and become necrotic. 
  • The affected leaves may curl or become distorted and the fruit may stop growing or become deformed. 
  • Leads to premature defoliation and death of affected areas. 

Management of Powdery Mildew in Watermelon: 

Product name   Technical content  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Anant Dr Bacto’s Fluro  Pseudomonas fluorescence   2.5 ml/lit water 
V-Kure   Eugenol, Thymol, potassium salts, cationic surface agent, sodium salts & preservatives  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
Samrudhi Agro Pogon  Botanical extracts    1.5 – 2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Sarthak Fungicide  Kresoxim – Methyl 15 % + Chlorothalonil 56 % WG  1 – 2 gm/lit water 
Katyayani Azoxy Fungicide  Azoxystrobin 23% SC  1 – 1.5 ml/lit water 
Dhanustin Fungicide  Carbendazim 50% WP  0.5 – 0.8 gm/lit water 
Contaf Fungicide  Hexaconazole 5 % EC  2 ml/lit water 
Flick Super Fungicide  Dimethomorph 12 % + Pyraclostrobin 6.7 % WG  3 gm/lit water 
Merivon Fungicide  Fluxapyroxad 250 G/L + Pyraclostrobin 250 G/L SC  0.4 ml/lit water 

 

  1. Anthracnose in Watermelon

Anthracnose is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Colletotrichum orbiculare / Colletotrichum lagenarium affects all parts of the plant and reduces fruit quality. 

Causes: 

Fungal spores over wintering in the soil causes disease development. Temperature (24 – 30°C), high humidity, leaf wetness favours anthracnose incidence in watermelon plants.  

Symptoms of Anthracnose in Watermelon:

  • Small, circular or irregularly shaped spots appear on leaves, stems and fruit that are dark brown or black in color. 
  • The spots may have a water-soaked appearance and may be surrounded by a yellow halo. 
  • In severe cases, the affected leaves drop prematurely. 
  • Lesions on the stem girdle the vascular tissues and causes wilting of wines. 
  • Infected fruit may show sunken lesions, cracks and rot. 

Management of Anthracnose in Watermelon: 

Product name   Technical content  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Fungo Raze  Botanical extracts  1 –2 ml/lit water 
Terra Fungikill  Herbal formulation    2 ml/lit water 
Sonkul Sun Bio Monus  Pseudomonas fluorescens  5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Kocide Insecticide  Copper Hydroxide 53.8% DF  2 gm/lit water 
Taqat Fungicide  Hexaconazole 5% + Captan 70% WP  2 gm/lit water 
Indofil M45 Fungicide  Mancozeb 75% WP  0.8 – 1 gm/lit water 
Turf Fungicide  Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP  1.5 gm/lit water 
Splash Fungicide  Chlorothalonil 75% WP     2 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Alternaria Leaf Spot / Alternaria Blight in Watermelon: 

Alternaria leaf spot is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Alternaria cucumerina. 

Causes: 

Fungus overwintering in the soil debris causes primary spread of the disease. Weakened plants due to lack of proper fertilization, warm weather, continuous wet conditions favours disease development.  

Symptoms of Alternaria Leaf Spot in Watermelon: 

  • Small, circular or irregularly shaped spots appear on leaves that are initially water-soaked, then turn brown or black as they dry out. 
  • The spots may have a yellow halo and may merge to form larger lesions. 
  • The infected leaves may become distorted, wilt, and eventually die. 
  • Affected fruits may have lesions on the surface that are sunken, brown, and dry. 
  • In severe cases, the disease can cause complete defoliation of vines and reduce fruit quality and yield.  

Management of Alternaria Leaf Spot in Watermelon: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage  
Biological Management 
Anand dr Bacto’s Dermus  Trichoderma viride  2.5 ml/lit water 
Ecomonas Bio Fungicide  Pseudomonas fluorescens   8 – 10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management  
Tilt Fungicide  Propiconazole 25 % EC  1 ml/lit water 
Avtar fungicide  Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% WP  1 gm/lit water 
Amistar Top Fungicide  Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC  1 ml/lit water 
Dithane M45 Fungicide  Mancozeb 75% WP  2 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Tata Ishaan Fungicide  Chlorothalonil 75% WP  2.5 gm/lit water 
Nativo Fungicide  Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin 75 WG (50% +25% )  0.2 – 0.5 gm/lit water 
Indofil Z78 Fungicide  Zineb 75% WP  2 – 2.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Fusarium Wilt in Watermelon

Fusarium Wilt is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Fusarium oxysporum that can cause severe yield loss, if not managed at right time. 

Causes: 

Infected soil, wounds in roots and infected seeds causes fungal spread. Secondary spread occurs through wind, tools or equipments. High soil temperature and soil moisture favours disease infection.  

Symptoms of Fusarium Wilt in Watermelon: 

  • Stunted growth of the plant and yellowing of leaves, especially older leaves. 
  • Leaves may wilt and become brittle, eventually die. 
  • Vascular tissue (xylem) of the stem and roots may show brown discoloration and the stems may develop cracks. 
  • In severe cases, the plant may die. 
  • Wilting symptoms during maturity stage can cause premature fruit drops, reduced yield and quality. 

Management of Fusarium Wilt in Watermelon:  

Product name  Technical content  Dosage  
Biological Management 
Amruth Almonas Bio Fungicide  Pseudomonas sp  2ml/lit water 
Terra Fungikill  Herbal formulation    2 ml/lit water 
Ecoderma Bio Fungicide  Trichoderma viride  Seed treatment: 10 gm/lit water 

Soil application: 2 – 3 kg Ecoderma +150 – 200 kg FYM 
Chemical management  
Benmain Fungicide  Carbendazim 50% DF  Soil drenching: 2 gm/lit water 
Amistar Fungicide  Azoxystrobin 23% SC  Spraying: 0.5 – 1 ml/lit water 
Ridomil Gold Fungicide  Metalaxyl 4% + Manconzeb 64% WP 

 

 Soil application: 1 – 1.5 gm/lit water 
Taqat Fungicide  Hexaconazole 5% + Captan 70% WP  Drenching: 2 gm/lit water 
Roko Fungicide  Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP  Foliar spray: 1 gm/lit water  

Drenching: 3 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Gummy Stem Blight in Watermelon

Gummy stem blight is a serious fungal disease caused by the pathogen Didymella bryoniae. 

Causes: 

Humidity (>85%), rainfall, longer period of leaf wetness, overhead irrigation and infected seeds/transplant materials may cause disease development. The optimum temperature for the disease incidence is about 24°C. Presence of wounds, feeding activity of cucumber beetle and aphids, along with powdery mildew incidence may induce development of gummy stem blight infection. 

Symptoms of Gummy Stem Blight in Watermelon: 

  • Brown to black, circular water-soaked lesions appear on stems which later become dry and wilt 
  • Irregular tan to brown blotches appears on the leaves which may lead to wilting and blight of foliage. 
  • The development of a gummy, reddish brown substance on the surface of the lesions, which gives the disease its name. 
  • Premature senescence and defoliation of the plants. 

Management of Gummy Stem Blight in Watermelon: 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Multiplex Bio-Jodi  Pseudomonas fluorescence & Bacillus subtilis  5 – 10 gm/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Amistar Fungicide  Azoxystrobin 23%SC  0.5 – 1 ml/lit water 
Custodia Fungicide  Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% SC  1.5 ml/lit water 
Master Fungicide  Metalaxyl 8% + Mancozeb 64% WP  1.5 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Krilaxyl 35% WS Power Fungicide  Metalaxyl 35% WS  Seed treatment: 6 – 7 gm/kg seed 
Splash Fungicide  Chlorothalonil 75% WP    2 gm/lit water 

 

Bacterial Diseases in Watermelon

  1. Bacterial wilt in Watermelon

Bacterial wilt is a destructive disease caused by the bacterium Erwinia tracheiphila.  

Vector – Cucumber beetle 

Causes: 

The bacterium responsible for bacterial wilt is transmitted by the striped or spotted cucumber beetle, which feeds on the leaves of the plant and then transfers the bacteria to the stem. Presence of plant debris or alternate host, wounds in root system, high temperature, high humidity and soil moisture and alkaline pH of soil favours disease incidence. Heavy soils that can retain soil moisture for long duration are highly vulnerable to the disease.  

Symptoms of Bacterial Wilt in Watermelon: 

  • Sudden wilting of leaves which later turn dull green but remain attached to the stem. 
  • Wilting of the entire plant, which progresses from the point of bacterial entry through vascular tissue towards the main stem.  
  • Death of the plant within a few days of infection. 
  • Sticky or slimy exudates on the surface of the stem near the soil line. 
  • Collapse of the stem when the plant is cut at or above the soil line.  

Management of Bacterial Wilt in Watermelon: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage  
Biological Management 
Ajay Biotech Biosan  Pongamia Pinnata Extract  2-3gm/lit water 
V-Kure  Eugenol, Thymol, potassium salts, cationic surface agent, sodium salts & preservatives  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Dhanuka Kasu B Fungicide  Kasugamacyin 3% SL  2 – 2.5 ml/lit water 
Blitox Fungicide  Copper Oxychloride 50% WP  2 – 3 gm/lit water 
Conika Fungicide  Kasugamycin 5% + Copper Oxychloride 45% WP  2 gm/lit water 
Ridomil Gold Fungicide  Metalaxyl 4% + Manconzeb 64% WP  1.5 gm/lit water 

 

Management of Vector – Cucumber Beetle that transmit Bacterial Wilt:  

Product name  Technical content  Dosage  
Biological Management 
Econeem Azadirachtin 3000 PPM  Azadirachtin 0.3% EC  2.5 – 3 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Karate Insecticide  Lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC  1.5 – 1.65 ml/lit water 
Danitol Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 10% EC  1.5 – 2 ml/lit water 
Anshul Ikon Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Bacterial Fruit Blotch of Watermelon

Bacterial fruit blotch is a bacterial disease caused by the pathogen Acidovorax citrulli. 

Causes: 

Seeds from infected fruit, plant debris in the soil, presence of weed hosts causes bacterial fruit blotch infection. Infected seeds are the primary source of this disease spread. While over-head irrigation, mechanical transmission through workers’ hands and tools or equipment acts as secondary source of infection. High temperature (>32°C) and high humidity also favours disease incidence. 

Symptoms of Bacterial Fruit Blotch in Watermelon: 

  • Dark reddish-brown spots may develop along the leaf veins. 
  • Dark green to brown, water-soaked spots on the fruit, which can appear in a circular pattern or as a long streak. It can cause the development of distinctive cracks on the fruit surface. 
  • The flesh underneath the spots may become soft, watery and discolored. 
  • Infected fruit may develop a sour smell and ooze a sticky, tan-colored substance. 
  • Stunting and reduced yield of the plant. 

Management of Bacterial Fruit Blotch in Watermelon: 

Product name   Technical content  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Ecoderma Bio Fungicide  Trichoderma viride  Seed treatment: 10gm/lit water  
V-Kure  Eugenol, Thymol, potassium salts, cationic surface agent, sodium salts & preservatives  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
Geolife Geomycin  Consortium Plant Extracts  0.5 – 1 gm/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Blue Copper Fungicide  Copper Oxychloride 50% WP  2.5 gm/lit water 
Dhanuka Kasu B Fungicide  Kasugamacyin 3% SL  2 – 2.5 ml/lit water 
Borogold Fungicide  Combination of Nano Silver Particles & Peroxy Acid Forming complex  1.5 gm/lit water 
Conika Fungicide  Kasugamycin 5% + Copper Oxychloride 45% WP  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
Kocide Fungicide  Copper Hydroxide 53.8% DF  2 gm/lit water 
Crystocycline Bactericide Antibiotic  Streptomycin sulphate 90% + Tetracylin hydrocloride 10% SP  0.2 gm/lit water 

 

Viral Diseases in Watermelon

  1. Bud Necrosis Disease in Watermelon

Bud necrosis is caused by Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus (TOSPO virus) 

Vector – Thrips 

Causes: 

Main source of transmitting this virus in watermelon is thrips. Presence of alternate hosts, dense planting, hot and dry weather favors thrips population which increases the spread of the disease.  

Symptoms of Bud Necrosis Disease in Watermelon: 

  • Yellowing or bronzing of leaves, especially younger leaves. 
  • Small, dark brown or black spots or rings may develop on the leaves. 
  • The new growth or buds may become stunted and show brown or black necrotic spots and hence the disease name ‘Bud necrosis’. It results in decay of floral structures. 
  • The fruit surface may also showring spots and may become deformed or discolored. 
  • In severe cases, the plant may become stunted and eventually die. 

  1. Cucumber Mosaic Virus (CMV) in Watermelon

Vector – Aphids 

Causes:  

The virus is carried and transmitted through vector aphids. Other means of transmission include infected seeds and grafts, weeds, mechanical transmission through tools or equipments and farm workers hands. 

Symptoms of Cucumber Mosaic Virus in Watermelon:  

  • Leaves may curl downward and show mottled or streaked discoloration, usually with a yellow-green color. 
  • Leaves may also show puckering or distortion and may become brittle or necrotic. 
  • Veins of the affected leaves appear bushy due to shortening of internodes. 
  • The fruit may show a yellow or green mosaic pattern and may become deformed or small. 
  • The plant may become stunted or distorted, and in severe cases, may die. 
  • The virus can also reduce the overall yield and quality of the fruit. 

Management of Aphids and Thrips in Watermelon: 

Product name  Technical name  Dosage 
Mechanical Management 
Barrix Magic Sticker Chromatic trap yellow sheet  Chromatic trap  10 sheets/acre 
Biological Management 
Eco neem plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  2.5 ml/lit water 
Amruth Alestra Bio Insecticide  Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
Viro Raze Bio Viricide  Plant extracts  2 ml/lit water 
Geolife No Virus  5 ml/ lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  2.0 ml/lit water 
Anant Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Katyayani Acepro Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.5 gm/lit water  
Confidor Insecticide  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL  0.75 ml/lit water 
Alika Insecticide 

 

 Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda-cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Police Insecticide  Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG  0.2 gm/lit water 
Pegasus Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 50% WP  1 gm/lit water 
Starthene Insecticide  Acephate 75 % SP  2.5 gm/lit water 

 

NOTE:  

  • Refer to the product’s label before use to find the right time of application.  
  • Bio-fungicide and chemical fungicide are incompatible., therefore they should not be mixed together.  
  • It is advised to spray Bio-fungicides during early morning or evening hours when the temperature is relatively cool to get best results. 

Conclusion 

Watermelon is susceptible to several diseases caused by fungi, bacteria, and viruses. To manage these diseases, it is important to implement good cultural practices such as crop rotation, proper irrigation, fertilization and spacing of plants. In addition, maintaining proper field sanitation can be effective in preventing or controlling disease outbreaks since most of the diseases are spread through over wintering spores in crop debris. Right time and right dose of application of chemicals to control diseases and disease-causing vectors can help to reduce yield loss. By implementing these measures, you can protect your watermelon crop and achieve maximum yields.  

Discover how to safeguard your watermelon crop from these pests. CLICK HERE

10 Common Pests Of Watermelon You Need To Know About And How To Control Them

By
Deepika M
-
0
10 Common Pests of Watermelon you Need to Know About and How to Control Them
10 Common Pests of Watermelon you Need to Know About and How to Control Them

Watermelon, scientifically known as Citrullus lanatus, belongs to the family Cucurbitaceae which includes other plants such as cucumber, squash and pumpkin. The watermelon plant is a vine-like plant that is typically grown in warm, tropical or subtropical climates. The fruit is dominant during summer season especially due to its high-water content and delicious taste. Major watermelon producing states in India includes Uttar Pradesh, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and Orissa. Watermelon crops are susceptible to a variety of pests that can cause significant damage to the plants and reduce the overall yield of the crop.  

Common insect pests affecting watermelon crops are discussed here; 

  1. Red Pumpkin Beetle

Scientific name: Aulacophora foveicollis 

Pest stage of attack: Larva and adult 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling/Vegetative stage 

Identification of Symptoms

  • Complete destruction of seedling due to adult feeding 
  • Leaves show riddled holes or notches due to beetle infestation leading to complete defoliation 
  • Larvae feed on roots and stems causing rotting and withering  
  • The beetles may also feed on the fruits, causing scars or holes, which can lead to rotting or sunburned spots on the fruit 
  • The undersurface of the fruits touching the soil surface will have larval tunnels in the surface. 

Management of Red Pumpkin Beetle in Watermelon

Product Name  Technical content  Dosage 
Mechanical Management 
Barrix Magic Sticker Chromatic trap yellow sheet  Chromatic trap  10 sheets/acre 
Biological Management 
Multiplex Metarhizium Insecticide    Metarhizium anisopliae  10 gm/lit water 
Katyayani Neem Oil   Activated neem oil  5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Polytrin C 44 EC Insecticide  Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Tafgor Insecticide or   Dimethoate 30% SC  2 ml/lit water 
Rogor Insecticide  2 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Acepro Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.5 gm/lit water  
Ampligo Insecticide  Chlorantraniliprole (10 %) + Lambdacyhalothrin (5%) ZC  0.5 ml/lit water 

 

  1. Fruit fly

Scientific name: Bactrocera cucurbitae 

Pest stage of attack: Maggots 

Stage of occurrence: Fruiting stage 

Identification of Symptoms

  • The female fruit fly lays eggs under the skin of the fruit, which causes small puncture marks on the surface of the watermelon 
  • After the eggs hatch, the larvae burrow into the fruit and feed on the flesh, contaminating it with frass excreta, thus making it susceptible to secondary infections by fungi and bacteria 
  • The damage caused by the fruit flies can cause rotting and premature dropping of fruits 
  • Infected fruits become distorted and malformed. 

Management of Fruit fly in Watermelon

Product Name  Technical content  Dosage 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas fruit fly trap  Pheromone lure  6 – 8 per acre 
Entrap cucurbit fruit fly trap  Trap  5 – 7 traps/acre for low fruit fly infestation area 

7- 10 traps/acre for high fruit fly infestation area 
Biological Management 
Econeem Plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  3 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Coragen Insecticide  Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC  0.3 ml/lit 
Decis 2.8 EC Insecticide  Deltamethrin 2.8 EC  1.5 – 2 ml/lit water 
Polytrin C 44 EC Insecticide  Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Alika Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda-cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC  0.5 ml/lit water 
BACF Endtask Insecticide  Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WDG  0.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Thrips

Scientific name: Thrips tabaci 

Pest stage of attack: Larva and adult 

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative, flowering, fruiting stage  

Identification of Symptoms

  • Thrips feed on the leaf surface and suck the plant juice causing small, silvery white or stippling spots on the leaves 
  • Under severe infestation, the leaves turn yellow, wither and become deformed. This can lead to reduced plant growth and yield 
  • They may feed on the flowers of the plant, causing them to drop prematurely, which can reduce the number of fruit that the plant produces 
  • Thrips may also feed on the watermelon fruits causing scarred or distorted fruit. 

Management of Thrips in Watermelon

Product Name  Technical content  Dosage 
Mechanical Management     
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  22 cm x 28 cm  6 – 8/acre 
Biological Management     
Pesto Raze Bio-insecticide  Botanical Extracts  2 ml/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts    2 ml/lit water 
Econeem Plus  Azadiractin 10000 ppm  2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.7 – 2 ml/lit water 
Police Insecticide  Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Meothrin Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 30% EC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Caper Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25%WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Confidor Insecticide   Imidacloprid 17.8% SL   0.75 ml/lit water 
Lancer gold Insecticide  Acephate 50 % + Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP  2 gm/lit water 
Osheen Insecticide  Dinotefuran 20 % SG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Jump Insecticide  Fipronil 80% WG  0.3 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Aphids

Scientific name: Peach aphid – Myzus persicae; Melon aphid – Aphis gossypii 

Pest stage of attack: Nymph and adult 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling, Vegetative, flowering  

Vector: Watermelon Mosaic Virus 

Identification of Symptoms

  • Small, pear-shaped, soft bodies insects can be found on leaves or stems of the plant 
  • Aphids’ feeds on the tender shoots and under surface of the leaves by sucking the leaf sap causing curling and crinkling of the leaves 
  • They secrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew, which causes black sooty mould development that accumulates on the leaves and attracts other insects, such as ants 
  • This also reduces the photosynthetic activity leading to stunted growth. 

Management of Aphids in Watermelon

Product Name  Technical content  Dosage 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid  Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
Ecotin Insecticide  Azadirachtin 5% EC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Polytrin C 44 EC Insecticide 

 

 40% (Profenofos) + 4% (Cypermethrin) EC  2 ml/lit water 
Omite Insecticide  Propargite 57% EC  1.5 – 2.5 ml/lit water 
Keefun Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Alika Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda-cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Areva Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25% WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Tatamida SL Insecticide  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL  1 ml/lit water 
Osheen Insecticide  Dinotefuran 20 % SG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Ulala Insecticide  Flonicamid 50 WG  0.3 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Whitefly

Scientific name: Bemisia tabaci 

Pest stage of attack: Nymph and adult 

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative, flowering stage 

Vector: Watermelon leaf curl virus 

Identification of Symptoms

  • Feeding activity of nymph and adult may lead to yellowing, downward curling and drying of leaves 
  • They also cause sooty mould development due to honeydew secretion causing restricted photosynthesis 
  • It can cause the leaves to turn yellow (chlorotic spots) and fall off prematurely 
  • Affected leaves may become deformed.  

Management of Whitefly in Watermelon

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage 
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Amruth Alestra Liquid  Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water 
T.Stanes Nimbecidine  Azardiractin 300 PPM (EC formulation)  5-10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Tychi Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Oberon Insecticide  Spiromesifen 22.9 % SC   0.3 ml/lit water 
Pager Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 50% WP  1.2 gm/lit water 
Ulala Insecticide  Flonicamid 50 WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Actara Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Tatamida SL Insecticide  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL  1-2ml/lit water 
Kaitaku Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20 % SP  0.1 – 0.2 ml/lit 

 

  1. Leaf eating caterpillar

Scientific name: Diaphania indica 

Pest stage of attack: Larva 

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative stage 

Identification of Symptoms

  • Caterpillars feed on the young and tender leaves of watermelon plants, which can result in holes and ragged edges on the leaves 
  • They fold the leaves and scrape the epidermal layer of leaves causing skeletonization of the leaves, where only the veins of the leaf remain intact 
  • Under severe infestation, it can cause defoliation of leaves, thus reducing plant growth and vigor, resulting in smaller plants and fruit. 

Management of Leaf eating caterpillar in Watermelon

Product Name  Technical content  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Anshul Bio Finish (Bio Pesticide)  Plant extracts  3 – 5 ml/lit water 
Amruth Alnym Bio Pesticide  Azadirachtin 0.15% – 1500 ppm 
Chemical Management 
Coragen Insecticide  Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC  0.3 ml/lit water 
Jashn Super Insecticide  Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Zapac Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda Cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC  0.3 ml/lit water 
Plethora Insecticide  Novaluron 5.25% + Indoxacarb 4.5% w/w SC  2 ml/lit water 
Rilon Insecticide  Emamectin benzonate 5% SG  0.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Serpentine Leaf Miner

Scientific name: Liriomyza trifolli 

Pest stage of attack: Larva 

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative, flowering and fruiting stage 

Identification of Symptoms

  • Serpentine leaf miners create winding, snake-like tunnels on the leaves as they feed on the leaf tissue 
  • It can cause the infested leaves to turn yellow or brown 
  • Under severe infestation, these leaves dry and drop off from the plant 
  • It may lead to stunted growth of the plant and reduce the overall plant vigour 
  • The larva sometimes tunnels through the rind of the fruit, causing scars and reducing the fruit’s quality and marketability.  

Management of Serpentine Leaf Miner in Watermelon

Product Name  Technical Name  Dosage  
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre 
Barrix magic sticker chromatic trap blue sheet  Chromatic trap  8 sheets/acre 
Biological Management 
Terra might  Herbal formulation  3 – 7 ml/lit water 
Eco neem plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  1.6 – 2.4 ml/lit water 
Sun Bio beviguard  Beauveria bassiana / brongniartii    5 ml/lit water 
Nanobee Agrokill Insecticide  Nano Colloidal Micelles 100% (Fatty Acid based Plant Extracts)  3 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.7 – 2 ml/lit water 
Ekalux Insecticide  Quinalphos 25 % EC  2 ml/lit water 
Confidor Insecticide  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL  0.75 to 1 ml/lit water 
Police Insecticide  Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG  0.2 – 0.6 gm/lit water 
Sivanto Bayer Insecticide  Flupyradifurone 17.09% SL  2 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Acepro Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Red Spider Mite

Scientific name: Tetranychus urticae 

Pest stage of attack: Adult 

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative, flowering and fruiting stage 

Identification of Symptoms

  • Red spider mites using their long, needle like mouthpart, suck the chlorophyll content in the leaves and causes chlorosis  
  • They feed on the underside of leaves, which can result in stippling or small yellow or white dots on the upper surface of the leaves 
  • They often produce fine webbing on the leaf surface 
  • Affected leaves completely dry and drop off.  

Management of Red Spider Mite in Watermelon

Product name  Technical content  Dosage  
Biological Management 
Royal Clear Mite  100% derived from plant extracts  2 ml/lit water 
R Mite Bio Acaricide  Plant extracts  1 – 2 ml/ lit water 
PerfoMite  Phyto-extracts – 30%, Enzyme extracts – 5%, Chitin Dissolvers  2 ml / 1 lit water 
Chemical Management 
Oberon Insecticide  Spiromesifen 22.9% SC   0.3 ml /lit water 
Abacin Insecticide  Abamectin 1.9% EC  0.7 ml /lit water 
Maiden Insecticide  Hexythiazox 5.45% EC  1 ml /lit water 
Intrepid insecticide  Chlorfenapyr 10% SC  2 ml/lit water 
Danitol Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 10% EC  1.5 ml/lit water 
Movento Energy  Spirotetramat 11.01% + Imidacloprid 11.01% SC  0.5 – 1 ml/lit water 

 

  1. Cutworms

Scientific name: Agrotis spp, Peridroma saucia, Nephelodes minians, Spodoptera litura  

Pest stage of attack: Larva 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling stage  

Identification of Symptoms

  • Cutworms often feed on the stems of young watermelon plants, cutting them at or near the soil line. This can cause the plant to wilt or die 
  • They feed on the leaves, causing irregular holes or notches in the foliage 
  • They are nocturnal and may not be visible during the day, but emerge at night, by burrowing in the soil near the base of the plant. 

Management of Cutworms in Watermelon

Product name  Technical content  Dosage  
Mechanical Management 
Tapas Tobacco Caterpillar Lure  Pheromone lure  Funnel trap with Spodo-O-lure at 6/acre 
Biological Management 
Katyayani BT Bio Larvicide  Bacillus thuringiensis   10 ml/lit water 
Dr.Bacto’s Brave  Beauveria bassiana  2.5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Proclaim Insecticide or   Emamectin Benzonate 5% SG  0.4 gm/lit water 
Starclaim Insecticide  0.5 gm/lit water 
Tracer Insecticide  Spinosad 44.03% SC  0.3 ml/lit water 
Ampligo Insecticide 

 

 Chlorantraniliprole 10% + Lambda cyhalothrin 5% ZC  0.5 ml/lit water 
Hamla 550  Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Meothrin Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 30% EC  0.5 ml/lit water 

 

  1. Cucumber Beetle

Scientific name: Diabrotica spp 

Attacking stage of pest – Larva and adult 

Stage of occurrence – Vegetative, flowering and fruiting stage 

Vector – Bacterial wilt disease 

Identification of Symptoms

  • Larvae feed on the roots of the plants, causing wilting and stunting 
  • Adult cucumber beetles feed on the foliage of watermelon plants, causing defoliation and thus reduces photosynthesis. 
  • They feed on the surface of the watermelon fruit, leaving shallow, irregularly shaped scars on the rind. This type of cosmetic damage may not affect the quality of the fruit, but it can reduce its marketability. 

Management of Cucumber Beetle in Watermelon

Product name  Technical content  Dosage  
Biological Management 
Econeem Azadirachtin 3000 PPM  Azadirachtin 0.3% EC  2.5 – 3 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Karate Insecticide  Lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC  1.5 – 1.65 ml/lit water 
Danitol Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 10% EC  1.5 – 2 ml/lit water 
Anshul Ikon Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.5 gm/lit water 

NOTE:  

  • Refer to the product label to find the right time of application and more details of the product. 
  • It is advised to spray Bio-fungicides during early morning or evening hours when the temperature is relatively cool to get best results. 

Conclusion

Insect pests can affect watermelon plants at any stage of growth, from seedlings to mature plants and can cause damage to the leaves, stems and fruit. This can result in reduced plant growth, decreased fruit quality and size and in severe cases, even plant death. Effective pest management strategies, such as regular monitoring, good agronomic practices and the use of chemical and biological control methods, can help in controlling the pest damage, protect the yield and quality of watermelon crops. 

Effective Strategies For Managing Yellow Rust Disease In Wheat Crops

By
Deepika M
-
0
Effective Strategies for Managing Yellow Rust Disease in Wheat Crops
Effective Strategies for Managing Yellow Rust Disease in Wheat Crops

Wheat (Triticum aestivum) is one of the important staple crops of India which is cultivated in the Rabi season. It contributes to a significant share in total wheat production of over 109 million tons during the year 2021. Major wheat growing states in India includes Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat and Bihar.  

Yellow rust also known as Stripe rust in wheat is a serious disease in India, which is a threat to wheat-growing farmers. Yellow rust may cause around 50% of yield loss, but under severe conditions, it can cause 100% yield loss. The disease can reduce yield and grain quality, leading to economic losses for farmers.  

Causes of Yellow/Stripe Rust in Wheat 

Yellow or Stripe rust is caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis. It is a prevalent disease of wheat during winter or early spring months. The disease can infect all stages of wheat growth but is most damaging during the early stages of plant growth. 

  • Cool and damp weather conditions: Temperature of about 10-15°C, high humidity and intermittent rainfall or dew favours disease development 
  • Spread: The disease spreads through wind currents that causes airborne spores to travel long distances and infect healthy plants 
  • Lack of crop rotation: Growing the same type of wheat varieties for many years can increase disease severity 
  • Susceptible varieties: Growing varieties that are susceptible to wheat yellow rust influences disease spread

Symptoms of Yellow Rust in Wheat

Presence of yellow or orange pustules on the leaves
Presence of yellowish orange pustules on the leaves
  • Small, bright yellow to orange pustules or flecks of urediospores appears on the leaves, along the veins of the leaves  
  • As the disease progresses, the pustules may merge together and causes necrotic stripes on the leaves 
  • On mature leaves, the symptom appears as linear and stripe-like pattern 
  • At the end of the season, teliospores appears as secondary black spores among the stripe of the pustules 
  • On susceptible varieties, these pustules containing yellow to orange fungal spores erupt from the leaves 
  • The disease symptoms may also appear in leaf sheath, neck and glumes 
  • It also causes chlorosis or yellowing of leaves which affects the photosynthetic activity, resulting in stunted growth with weakened plants, reduced tillering, shrivelled grains with only few spikes and reduced grain weight

Preventive Measures 

  • Select varieties that are region specific and resistant to yellow rust and other diseases 
  • Early planting can help avoid the peak period of yellow rust infection. It allows wheat to mature before the disease spreads 
  • Good agronomic practices, such as proper planting density, appropriate irrigation and timely weed control, can help prevent yellow rust incidence 
  • Follow mixed cropping and crop rotation with suitable crops such as legumes, mustard, and barley to break the disease cycle by reducing the amount of inoculum in the soil 
  • Avoid excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizers 
  • Spray Barrix control, a microbiostat at 0.3 gm/lit of water that inhibits the growth of fungus causing yellow rust 
  • Regularly monitor the wheat field for any signs of the yellow rust infection so that early management strategies can be opted to reduce loss 
  • Remove and destroy crop residues after harvest

Management of Yellow Rust in Wheat: 

For effective management of yellow or stripe rust in wheat crops, combinations of both Triazoles and Strobilurin class fungicides can be sprayed to get best results.  

Use the following fungicides for controlling yellow rust in wheat crop; 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Katyayani All in 1 Organic Fungicide  Organic formulation  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
V-Kure  Thymol, Eugenol, potassium salts, cationic surface agent, sodium salts & preservatives  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 

 
Multiplex Bio-Jodi  Pseudomonas fluorescence & Bacillus subtilis  5 – 10 gm/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Tilt Fungicide or  Propiconazole 25 % EC  1 ml/acre water 
Zerox Fungicide 
Indofil M-45 Fungicide  Mancozeb 75% WP  1 gm/lit water 
Indofil Z78 Fungicide  Zineb 75% WP  2.5 gm/lit water 
Custodia Fungicide or  Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebuconazole 18.3% w/w SC  1 ml/lit water 
Sukoyaka Fungicide  1.5 ml/lit water 
Nativo Fungicide  Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin 75% WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Amistar Fungicide  Azoxystrobin 23%SC  1 ml/lit water 
Godiva Super Fungicide or  Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC  1 ml/lit water 
Amistar Top Fungicide  
Katyayani KTM  Thiophanate Methyl 70 % WP  1.2 – 3 gm/lit water 
Syngenta Glo-iT  Propiconazole 13.9% + Difenoconazole 13.9% EC   0.8 – 1.5 ml/lit water 

(NOTE: Check the product’s label before use to know the right time of spray application) 

Conclusion: 

Yellow or Stripe rust caused by the fungus Puccinia striiformis in wheat is a devastating disease in India that can reduce yield and grain quality. In recent years, there has been an increase in the incidence and severity of this disease. To manage the disease, farmers should regularly monitor the signs of disease incidence, take preventive measures, use fungicides judiciously and follow recommended application rates and schedules. Following these strategies can help to minimize the impact of yellow rust disease on wheat.  

Click Here to learn more about Wheat Planting Methods and Package of Practices Details

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