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Sigatoka Disease In Banana – Causes, Symptoms, Preventive Measures And Management

By
Deepika M
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0
Sigatoka Disease in Banana – Causes, Symptoms, Preventive Measures and Management
Sigatoka Disease in Banana – Causes, Symptoms, Preventive Measures and Management

Banana is one of the most important fruit crops grown widely in almost all parts of India. India stands 1st in the production of banana worldwide with an estimation of about 33 million metric tons in the year 2021. In India, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Karnataka are the major banana growing states. However, sigatoka leaf spot is a significant problem for banana farmers in India. Sigatoka leaf spot is a fungal disease that affects banana plants and can cause significant yield loss if not managed properly.  

The disease can reduce the yield of banana by up to 50%, resulting in significant economic losses for farmers. It can also impact the quality of the fruit, making it unsuitable for both domestic and export markets. The disease spreads very quickly under favourable conditions and hence its early detection, monitoring and management is crucial to reduce yield loss and protect fruit quality. 

Types of Sigatoka Leaf Spot in Banana 

Types of Sigatoka leaf spot commonly affecting banana plantation includes; 

  • Yellow Sigatoka leaf spot (Mycosphaerella musicola) 
  • Black Sigatoka leaf spot (Mycosphaerella fijiensis) 

Among the two species of fungus causing Sigatoka leaf spot in banana, yellow sigatoka leaf spot cause serious threat to the banana production while black sigatoka leaf spot is not much prevalent in India. 

Identify the factors causing Sigatoka Leaf spot in Banana 

  • Environment conditions – High humidity and temperature between 25 – 30°C, rainfall, prolonged leaf wetness as surface moisture helps in quicker spread of disease 
  • Susceptible varieties – Cultivation of banana varieties that are susceptible to sigatoka leaf spot like Cavendish and Robusta  
  • Plant nutrition – Plants that are deficient in key nutrients such as potassium are high susceptible 
  • Field conditions – Poor drainage, presence of infected leaves and plant debris 

Symptoms of Sigatoka Leaf spot in Banana 

Symptom of Sigatoka Leaf spot in Banana
Symptom of Sigatoka Leaf spot in Banana
  • Initially, light yellow or brownish green streaks appear near the tip or margin of leaf lamina and also on the midrib of the leaves 
  • Later, these streaks enlarge in size and become spindle shaped spots on foliage with light greyish center surrounded by yellow halo that runs parallel to the veins 
  • Gradually the leaves dry leading to defoliation of affected leaves 
  • Under favourable conditions, the disease spreads to entire leaves and becomes severe after the emergence of fruit bunch 
  • The fruits in the infected plants appear undersized and may ripen prematurely, ultimately reducing the yield. 

Preventive Measures 

  • Grow varieties that are less susceptible to the disease 
  • Planting should be taken up in well drained soils and maintain proper drainage 
  • Avoid waterlogging because it can cause the roots to rot and weaken the plant further favouring fungal infection 
  • Avoid planting suckers with close spacing 
  • Prune the suckers periodically to avoid overcrowding in the field and maintain only one or two healthy suckers  
  • Periodically remove and destroy affected leaves to avoid further spreading of fungus 
  • Do not use pruning tools on infected plants without disinfecting them 
  • Follow balanced application of fertilizers 
  • Keep the fields free from weeds and other crop debris 
  • Irrigation provided under the plant canopy is advised to avoid wetting of leaves and creating high humidity 

Management of Sigatoka Leaf Spot in Banana 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Multiplex Bio-Jodi  Pseudomonas fluorescence & Bacillus subtilis  Foliar: 5 – 10 gm/lit water 
Anant Dr.Bacto’s Dermus  Trichoderma viride  Foliar: 2.5 gm/lit water 
T.Stanes Sting Bio Fungicide  Bacillus subtilis  10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
SAAF Fungicide  Mancozeb 63% + Carbendazim 12% WP  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
Indofil M45 Fungicide or  Mancozeb 75% WP  0.8 – 1.1 gm/lit water 
Dithane 45 Fungicide  2 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Blitox Fungicide or  Copper Oxychloride 50 % WP  1 – 2 gm/lit water 
Blue Copper Fungicide 
TATA Ishaan Fungicide or  Chlorothalonil 75% WP  2.5 gm/lit water 
Jatayu Fungicide 
Cuman L Fungicide  Ziram 27% SC  1 – 2 ml/lit water 
Zerox Fungicide  Propiconazole 25% EC  1 ml/lit water 
Cabrio Top fungicide  Metiram 55% + Pyraclostrobin 5% WG  1.2 – 1.4 gm/lit water 
Taqat Fungicide  Hexaconazole 5% + Captan 70% WP  2 gm/lit water 
Katyayani Tebusul Fungicide  Tebuconazole 10% + Sulphur 65% WG  2.5 gm/lit water 
Protocol Fungicide  Propineb 70% WP  5 gm/lit water 

 

NOTE:  

  • Use sticking and spreading agent like Anshul Stick Max Adjuvant at 1 ml/lit of spray solution when applying chemical fungicides for effective use efficiency and better management. 
  • In the case of organic cultivation of banana plantations, use of biological agents mentioned in the table along with Neem oil at 5 ml/lit water which may help in preventing and managing sigatoka leaf spot disease in banana. 
  • Time of application: Fungicides can be sprayed at an interval of 15 – 20 days.  

Conclusion: 

Sigatoka leaf spot disease is a fungal disease that poses a significant threat to the banana plants throughout the country. The fungus infects the banana leaves and causes spots, later leading to the drying and defoliation of leaves, affecting the fruit quality and thus reducing the yield. Effective management of Sigatoka disease requires a combination of cultural and chemical control methods, including the use of resistant varieties, effective fungicide applications and maintaining field sanitation. It is crucial to implement these preventive measures and management strategies consistently to protect the banana crop from this devastating disease. 

Discover the best practices for planting and packaging bananas.CLICK HERE

Integrated Approach For Management Of Leaf Miners In Crops

By
Deepika M
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0
Integrated Approach for Management of Leaf Miners in Crops
Integrated Approach for Management of Leaf Miners in Crops

Leaf miner is one of the serious pests that attack a wide range of crops including vegetables, fruits, ornamentals and cause economic yield loss. Larva is the attacking stage of the pest that causes damage to leaf tissues, reducing photosynthesis and ultimately reducing the yield and quality of crops. They are typically small maggots that range in colour from yellow to green or brown. They have piercing and sucking type of mouthpart that allows them to scrape and feed on the plant’s tissue. The feeding activity of the larvae creates distinctive trails or tunnels on the surface of the leaf, which can vary in shape and size depending on the species of leaf miner. 

Leaf miner infestation can cause significant damage to crops affecting their growth and yield. Effective management of leaf miners requires timely detection and a combination of several control measures to reduce their impact on the crop. 

Different Species of Leaf miner: 

  • Liriomyza spp. – This genus of leaf miner is one of the most destructive and widely distributed. They attack a wide range of crops, including beans, peas, tomatoes and ornamental plants. Liriomyza huidobrensis, Liriomyza trifolii and Liriomyza sativae are some of the most common species
  • Chromatomyia horticola. – This is a major pest of many vegetable crops like beans, peas and potato  
  • Tuta absoluta – It is a major pest of tomato crop causing extensive damage and reducing yield due to larval feeding on leaves, stems and fruits of tomato plants 
  • Phyllocnistis citrella – This is citrus leaf miner that infests citrus plants 
  • Pegomya hyoscyami – This is Spinach leaf miners which infests on Spinach and Radishes 

Host crops: 

Leaf miners infest a wide range of plants, including vegetables, fruits and ornamentals. Tomato, potato, okra, citrus, spinach, pepper, peas, beans, beets, cucurbits and crucifereous vegetables are the commonly affected crops. 

Symptoms of Leaf miner infestation in crops: 

  • Larva feeds on the internal tissues of the leaves by creating shallow tunnels or trails that appear as discolored or brown patches on the leaf surface 
  • Leaves curl due to the mining activity of larva in the lower or upper surface of the leaves 
  • Infested leaves may appear pale or yellow and in severe cases, they may turn brown and wither 
  • Leaves of the affected plant becomes distorted or shriveled 
  • Severe leaf miner infestations can cause stunted growth of the affected plant, leading to reduced yields and poor-quality produce 
  • Causes drying and pre-mature dropping of affected leaves 
  • The feeding activity of the larva can weaken the plant, making it more susceptible to other pests and diseases like citrus canker due to secondary source of infection. 

Favourable conditions for Leaf miner incidence: 

Warm temperature, high humidity, presence of host crops, monoculture cropping, presence of plant debris, excessive use of pesticides can favour leaf miner infestation.  

Preventive Measures: 

  • Maintain field sanitation by removal and destruction of the infested leaves and crop debris 
  • Using sticky traps help to detect leaf miner activity early and allow for timely intervention 
  • Release of biological control agents such as parasitic wasps and predatory insects can be used to control leaf miner populations 
  • Spraying neem oil on the leaf surface 
  • Optimum use of fertilizers  
  • Avoid water stress conditions in the field because it can weaken the plants 
  • Crop rotation with non-host crops 
  • Reflective mulch 
  • Regularly monitor the crops for any signs of leaf miner infestation in weekly interval 

Integrated Management of Leaf miner in crops: 

Product Name  Technical Name  Dosage   Crops 
Mechanical Management   
Tapas yellow sticky trap  11 cm x 28 cm  4 – 6/acre  Vegetables and ornamentals  
Barrix magic sticker chromatic trap blue sheet  Chromatic trap  8 sheets/acre  All crops 
Tapas Pinworm lure (For Tuta absoluta)  Pheromone trap  8 – 10 traps/acre  Tomato, Potato 
Biological Management   
Terra might  Herbal formulation  3 – 7 ml/lit water  Cotton, Chilly, Groundnut, Potato, vegetables, flowers, cereal, pulses, oilseeds crops 
Eco neem plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  1.6 – 2.4 ml/lit water  Cotton, Chilli, Soyabean, Fruit Crops, Bulb Crops, Root Crops, Leafy Vegetables, Cereals, Field Crops 
Sun Bio beviguard    Beauveria bassiana / brongniartii    5 ml/lit water  Field crops, vegetable crops, fruit crops, plantation crops and ornamental crops  
Nanobee Agrokill Insecticide  Nano Colloidal Micelles 100% (Fatty Acid based Plant Extracts)  3 ml/lit water  All crops 
Chemical Management   
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.7 – 2.0 ml/lit water  Tomato, watermelon 
Ekalux Insecticide  Quinalphos 25 % EC  2 ml/lit water  Cotton, groundnut, vegetables, sorghum, plantation and fruits crops 
Confidor Insecticide   Imidacloprid 17.8% SL  0.75 to 1 ml/lit water  Onion, vegetables especially Brassica crops  
Police insecticide  Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG  0.2 – 0.6 gm/lit water  Cotton, Paddy, Vegetables,  Groundnut, Mango,  Citrus 
Delegate Insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7% SC  0.9 ml/lit water  Cotton, Pepper, Beans 

 
Sivanto Bayer Insecticide  Flupyradifurone 17.09% SL  2 ml/lit water  Horticultural crops 
Decis 2.8 EC Insecticide  Deltamethrin 2.8% EC  1.5 – 2 ml/lit water  Groundnut 
Anshul Ikon Insecticide or  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.5 gm/lit water  Cotton, Chilli, Okra 

 
Katyayani Acepro Insecticide 
Keefun Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water  Cabbage, Okra, Cotton, Chilli, Mango 
Caldan 50 SP Insecticide  Cartap Hydrochloride 50% SP  1.3 – 1.5 gm/lit water  Tomato 

(NOTE: Presence of eggs and larvae in leaf, pupae in soil and adult on plants are needed to be killed in integrated methods for effective control of leaf miners. Insecticides with translaminar or systemic mode of action can be used to control leaf miner. Please check the product label before use to know the right time of application) 

Conclusion: 

Leaf miner can cause reduced plant growth, reduced yield and premature leaf drop which can affect the overall productivity of the crop.  Integrated management of leaf miners in crops involves a combination of preventive and management measures that can effectively control leaf miner infestations and minimize crop damage. Preventive and biological control measures can be used to detect and control infestations at an early stage. In severe cases, chemical control may be necessary, but it should only be used as a last resort and with caution to prevent harm to beneficial insects and pollinators.  

CLICK HERE to learn more about Leaf Miner in Watermelon

Harvesting Profits: How Summer Or Zaid Crops Can Boost Your Income

By
Deepika M
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0
Harvesting Profits: How Summer or Zaid Crops can Boost your Income
Harvesting Profits: How Summer or Zaid Crops can Boost your Income

India, being a country with diverse climatic conditions, has several seasons of farming. The planting time for the crops varies depending on the type of crop, seasons, region, and climate. In India, crops are commonly classified into three seasons of planting which are Kharif, Rabi, and Zaid.  Kharif season, also known as the monsoon season typically starts in June and ends in September. Rabi season or winter season runs from October to March. Zaid or Summer cropping season runs from March to June. The different seasons of farming in India provide an opportunity for farmers to diversify their crops and income sources, contributing to the overall agricultural growth of the country.  

The total area under cultivation of summer or zaid crops has increased progressively 2.7 times from 29.71 lakh hectares in the year 2017 – 18 to 80.46 lakh hectares in 2020 – 21. By following proper management techniques and investing in the right crops, farmers can increase their yield and profit margins during the summer season. 

Zaid or Summer Cropping Season: 

Zaid crops are the crops grown during the summer season from March to June. They are short-duration crops mostly comprising hybrids. Crops that are adapted to the hot and dry weather conditions of summer are planted in this season. The crops that require warmer weather for vegetative growth and longer day length for reproductive growth such as cucumber, watermelon, muskmelon, bhendi, bitter gourd, brinjal, black gram, green gram, pumpkin, and tomato are usually grown during the zaid season. 

Explore why growing zaid crops can be a smart choice: 

Some of the features of crops grown in the zaid/summer season include: 

  • Summer crops have a short growing duration and can be harvested within 60 – 90 days after sowing. This allows farmers to grow multiple crops in a year, increasing their income. 
  • These crops can withstand hot and dry conditions of the summer season and are typically drought and heat-stress tolerant. 
  • Zaid crops require less water than kharif and rabi crops, thus making them suitable for cultivation in areas with limited water availability. 
  • Despite their short duration, zaid crops can give higher yields if proper management practices are followed.  
  • They can provide an additional source of income for farmers during the lean period between kharif and rabi seasons  
  • Zaid crops are less prone to pests and diseases, as the dry conditions of the summer season make it difficult for pests and diseases to thrive. 
  • Zaid crops such as watermelon and muskmelon have high market demand during the summer season, which can provide good returns for the farmers. 
  • The cultivation of summer crops helps to improve soil health. For instance, growing leguminous pulses and oilseeds can act as soil conditioners. 
  • Growing these crops helps in the diversification of agriculture by reducing the dependence on a single crop. This can help mitigate the risk of crop failure due to factors such as climate change, pests, and disease infestation.  
  • Farmers can compensate for the losses incurred due to heavy rainfall during the kharif and rabi seasons by the cultivation of summer crops. 
  • Many zaid crops such as watermelon, cucumber, muskmelon, pumpkin, and bitter gourd are rich in vitamins and minerals, thus making them a nutritional addition to the diet. 
  • Summer crops such as maize and soybean are used as animal feed.  

Maximize the yield of your summer crops by using these hybrid seeds:

Summer Crops  Hybrids/Varieties 
Brinjal  VNR 212 brinjal, Janak Brinjal, Parul brinjal, Fito purple brinjal, Mokta Moti brinjal, VNR 125 brinjal, Sungro gulshan brinjal, Harsh brinjal  
Pumpkin  Arjuna pumpkin,  IRIS hybrid vegetable seeds F1 hybrid pumpkin IHS-205, MAHY 1 pumpkin seeds, URJA US -101 – pumpkin F-1 hybrid seeds, Rudraksh F1 Parker Pumpkin, F1 Hybrid Pumpkin Lattu – 1066, URJA Amrit Pumpkin seeds 
Bittergourd  VNR Katahi bitter gourd, US-1315 bitter gourd, Abhishek bitter gourd, NS 1024 bitter gourd, Pragati 065 F1 bitter gourd, US 33 bitter gourd, Amanshri bitter gourd, Pan 1911 bitter gourd, US 6214 bitter gourd 
Watermelon  NS 295 watermelon, AFA 306 watermelon, Anmol yellow watermelon, Apoorva watermelon, URJA US-888 watermelon F1 Hybrid seeds, IRIS hybrid fruit seeds watermelon, Arun 0035 watermelon, Pakeeza watermelon, PAN 2053 Spl hybrid watermelon seeds 
Cucumber  Krish F1 hybrid cucumber, NS 404 cucumber seeds, Hiranya Sambar cucumber, Sania cucumber, Zoya cucumber, Mini Angel cucumber, Malini cucumber, PAN Madhuri hybrid cucumber green 
Muskmelon  Madhuraja Muskmelon, Urja Kajri Muskmelon, Mridula Muskmelon, Urja US-111 Muskmelon, Sanvi Muskmelon, MH 38 Muskmelon, Rudraksh Arjun Muskmelon, FB Misthan  F1 Hybrid Muskmelon 
Bhendi  Raadhika bhendi, Navya bhendi, Kumkum bhendi, Singham bhendi, NS 862 bhendi, NS 7774 bhendi, Samrat bhendi, PAN 2127 hybrid bhendi, Venus plus bhendi 
Tomato  Saaho tomato, Abhilash tomato, NS 4266 tomato, Heemshikhar tomato, Heemsohna tomato, To – 3150 tomato, JK Desi tomato seeds, US 440 tomato, Polyana tomato, Lakshmi tomato 
Maize/Corn  Pioneer Agro Corn seeds, Rise-303 shine hybrid maize seeds, Rise-202 Shine Hybrid Maize seeds,  
Chilli  Armour chilli F1, Royal bullet chilli, US 341 chilli, Yashaswini chilli, Sarpan – 102 byadgi chilli, HPH 5531 chilli, NS 1101 chilli, Navtej MHCP-319 chilli, Devsena 88 chilli 
Bottle gourd  Haruna bottle gourd, PAN 1719 hybrid bottle gourd, Kaveri bottle gourd, Manya bottle gourd, Indam bottle gourd, PAN bottle gourd 16000, IRIS hybrid vegetable seeds F1 hybrid bottle gourd mumtaj round. 

Conclusion: 

Summer crops play a vital role in ensuring food security and supporting the livelihoods of farmers in many regions. While challenges such as water scarcity and high temperatures may make summer crop cultivation more difficult. Choosing the right crops, seeds, and cultivation techniques can help increase yield and maximize profits. Zaid or summer season crops, such as watermelon, cucumber, and muskmelon can provide farmers with an opportunity to diversify their income and adopt sustainable farming practices. Additionally, buying the right variety or hybrid seeds can help ensure optimal yield and make summer crop growth profitable. 

Plant Viruses And Disease Management

By
Deepika M
-
0
Plant viruses and Disease Management
Plant viruses and Disease Management

Viruses are obligate parasites that require a living host for their growth and multiplication. Viruses enter plant cells through wounds usually made mechanically or by vectors. Viral diseases are a significant cause of crop loss in India, affecting crops such as rice, wheat, maize, sugarcane, tomato and potato, among others. Infections caused by various viruses cause an average yield loss of about 70 – 80%. The extent of loss may also range 90 – 100% depending upon various factors like severity of disease, source of infection, duration of infection and environmental conditions.  

Symptoms of viral diseases in plants can vary depending on the virus and the host plant. However, some of the most common symptoms include stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, mottling or streaking of leaves, necrosis, distorted leaves or flowers, wilting and reduced yield. Therefore, prevention and control of viral diseases in plants is crucial for maintaining plant health and crop yield.     

Transmission of Plant viruses:  

Plant viruses are transmitted through various sources from an infected plant to a healthy plant; 

Vegetative Propagation

Vegetative parts such as tubers, bulbs, cuttings or rhizomes of the infected plants when used as mother plants for propagation will serve as source of viral infection. The new plant raised will also be infected by the viral disease. 

Seeds

Seeds can be a source of spreading viral infection in plants. Seeds can be affected by viruses through contaminated soil or water. Virus infected seed can transmit virus to plants through seed. This can result in a new generation of infected plants, which can then spread the virus to other plants through various means, such as insect vectors, contaminated soil, water etc. 

Mechanical transmission

Mechanical transmission of virus occurs when the virus is physically transmitted from one plant to another by rubbing of sap of infected plants over healthy plants or through contact with contaminated tools and equipments or through human handling during intercultural practices. 

Pollen transmission

When a pollinator visits an infected plant and collects pollen, the virus can be transferred to other plants as the pollinator moves from one plant to another. The virus can also be transferred through wind, which can spread the infected pollen over longer distances.   

Insect transmission

Plant viruses can also be spread through insect transmission, and this is known as vector transmission. Insects such as aphids, whiteflies, leaf hoppers and thrips are common vectors for many plant viruses. Other than this, nematodes and mites also act as vectors for viral infection.  

Major Viral Diseases in Plants: 

  1. Tobacco Mosaic Virus:

Host range – Tobacco, Potato, Brinjal, Pepper, Cucumber 

Transmitted by – Sap, contaminated farm equipments, soil debris, hands of farm labours 

Symptoms – Mottling pattern of light and dark green patches on the leaf lamina, stunted growth, development of blisters/irregular crumbled swellings on leaves, small and misshapen infected leaves. 

  1. Cauliflower Mosaic Virus (CaMV)

Host range – Tomato, Melons, Squash, Beet, Spinach, Broccoli, Cabbage  

Vector – Aphids 

Symptoms – Mosaic patterns on affected leaves, young leaves become twisted leading to stunted growth. 

  1. Sugarcane Mosaic Virus

Host range – Sugarcane 

Vector – Aphids; Transmitted by – Infected canes used as seed/sett 

Symptoms – Yellowish/Chlorotic stripes with alternate normal green portion of the leaf, stunted growth. 

  1. Maize Mosaic Virus

Host range – Maize 

Vector – Leaf hopper 

Symptoms – Chlorotic stripes and spots on leaf, leaf sheath, stalks & husks, moderate to severe rosette formation on new growth. 

  1. Cucumber Mosaic virus (CMV)

Host range – Cucumbers, Tomato, Pepper, Squash, Melons, Beans, Peas, Spinach, Beetroot, Lettuce, Radish 

Vector – Aphids 

Symptoms – Mosaic patterns, stunted growth, distortion of leaves, yellowing of veins, necrotic spots or streaks on infected leaves. 

  1. Groundnut Bud Necrosis

Host range – Groundnut, Tomato, Green gram 

Vector – Thrips 

Symptoms – Mottling or chlorotic spots on leaves, necrosis of terminal bud, distortion of lamina, reduction in leaflet size, reduced flowering, production of abnormally small and wrinkled seeds. 

  1. Leaf Curl Virus

    Tomato leaf curl virus
    Tomato leaf curl virus

Host range – Tobacco, Cotton, Papaya, Guava, Chilli, Tomato  

Vector – Whitefly 

Symptoms – Stunted growth due to reduced nodes and internodes size, curling of leaf margins upward and downward, thickening of veins, crinkling and distortion of leaves. 

  1. Vein Clearing / Yellow vein Mosaic

Host range – Bhendi 

Vector – Whitefly 

Symptoms – Yellowing of veins in the leaf blade, reduced size of younger leaves and stunted growth, flowering and fruiting are restricted, if formed are small and hard. 

  1. Rice Tungro Virus

Host range – Paddy 

Vector – Leaf hopper 

Symptoms – Stunted growth, yellow to orange discoloration of leaves, interveinal chlorosis, reduced tillering with poor root system. 

  1. Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus

    Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus
    Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus

Host range – Tomato 

Vector – Thrips 

Symptoms – Appearance of streaks on leaves, stems and fruits. Leaves have small, dark, circular spots and may have bronzed appearance. Numerous concentric circular markings on fruits. Ripe fruits show alternate red and yellow markings. 

  1. Papaya ringspot mosaic virus

    Papaya ring spot virus
    Papaya ring spot virus

Host range – Papaya, Guava 

Vector – Aphids 

Symptoms – Vein clearing, leaf margin roll downwards and inwards, mottling patterns, dark green blisters, fruits having circular concentric rings on them, stunted growth. 

  1. Sterility Mosaic 

Host range – Red gram 

Vector – Eriophyid mite 

Symptoms – Bushy and pale green appearance of affected plants, excessive vegetative growth, mosaic pattern on leaves, reduction in leaf size, stunted growth, complete or partial termination of flowering leading to sterility. 

  1. Bunchy Top Virus

Host range – Banana 

Vector – Aphids; Transmitted by – Infected suckers (Primary source of infection) 

Symptoms – Stunted plant growth, reduction in leaf size, leaf marginal chlorosis and curling, leaves crowded at the top giving “bunchy top” appearance and smaller branch size.  

  1. Potato Leafroll Virus

Host range – Potato, Tomato, Capsicum 

Vector – Aphids 

Symptoms – Stunted growth, chlorotic spots, mottling patterns, leaves roll upwards, upright orientation of leaves. 

  1. Citrus Tristeza Virus

Host range – Citrus 

Vector – Aphids 

Symptoms – Development of deficiency symptoms on leaves, dieback of twigs, decay of roots, reduced fruit set. 

  1. Grassy Stunt Virus

Host range – Paddy 

Vector – Brown Plant Hopper 

Symptoms – Stunted plant growth with excessive tillering, pale green leaves with rusty spots, grassy and rosette appearance of plants. 

  1. Ragged Stunt Virus

Host range – Paddy 

Vector – Brown Plant Hopper 

Symptoms – Dark green leaves with spiky or serrated edges, leaf edges are twisted into spirals giving ragged appearance, stunted plant growth, delayed flowering, incomplete panicle emergence. 

  1. Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus

Host range – Black gram, Green gram, Moth bean, Soybean, Cow pea 

Vector – Whitefly 

Symptoms – Stunted growth, yellowing, presence of mosaic patterns, delayed maturity, reduced flower and pod formation if produced pods would be small and distorted. 

Preventive Measures to Control Plant Viral Diseases: 

  • Use disease resistant plant varieties 
  • Use certified virus free planting materials such as seeds or cuttings 
  • Adopt crop rotation of host crops with non-host crops. This can help break the cycle of viral infections in the soil and reduce the risk of virus buildup 
  • Cultivate trap crops to avoid disease causing insect vectors i.e., marigold in bhendi and cowpea in cucurbits field to control whitefly 
  • Practice proper sanitation practices by removing and destroying infected plants and plant debris, cleaning and disinfecting equipment, to prevent spread of viral diseases 
  • Isolate the plants that are known to be infected with viral diseases 
  • Control the disease-causing insect vectors by using appropriate insecticides 

Management of White fly, Aphids, Thrips, Leafhoppers: 

Product name  Technical name  Dosage  Crops 
Mechanical Management   
Barrix Magic Sticker Chromatic Trap Yellow Sheet  Chromatic trap  10 sheets/acre  All crops 
Biological Management   
Eco neem plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  2.5 ml/lit water  Cotton, Chilli, Soyabean, Fruit Crops, Bulb Crops, Root Crops, Leafy Vegetables, Cereals, Field Crops 
Amruth Alestra Bio Insecticide  Verticillium lecanii  2 ml/lit water  Papaya, Guava, Chilli, Cotton, Cereals, Pulses, Sugarcane, Fruits, Vegetables 
Viro Raze Bio Viricide  Plant extracts  2 ml/lit water  Vegetables, Fruits, Pulses, Cereals 
Geolife No Virus  5 ml/ lit water  Vegetables, Fruits & Pulses 
Chemical Management   
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  2.0 ml/lit water  Chilli, Melons, Tomato, Cotton 
Actara Insecticide (or)  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.5 gm/lit water  Vegetables, Rice, Cotton 
Anant Insecticide 
Katyayani Acepro Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.5 gm/lit water   Cotton, Rice, Chilli, Okra 
Confidor Insecticide  Imidacloprid 17.8% SL  0.75 ml/lit water  Cotton, Rice, Chilli, Sugarcane, Tomato, Okra, Groundnut 
Alika Insecticide 

 

 Thiamethoxam 12.6% + Lambda-cyhalothrin 9.5% ZC  0.5 ml/lit water  Rice, Potato, Brinjal, Maize 
Polytrin C 44 EC Insecticide  Profenofos 40% + Cypermethrin 4% EC  2 ml/lit water  Tomato, Cucurbits and Cotton 
Police Insecticide  Fipronil 40% + Imidacloprid 40% WG  0.2 gm/lit water  Cotton, Paddy, Vegetables, Sugarcane, Groundnut, Citrus 
Pegasus insecticide  Diafenthiuron 50% WP  1 gm/lit water  Cabbage, Kale, Broccoli, Cauliflower, French beans, Black beans 
Starthene Insecticide  Acephate 75 % SP  2.5 gm/lit water  Cotton, Paddy, Vegetables 

 

Management of Mites: 

Product name  Technical name  Dosage 
Biological Management 
Amruth Almite Bio Insecticide  Paecilomycis fumosoroseus  2 ml per lit water 
Perfomite Insecticide  Phyto-extracts – 30%, Enzyme extracts – 5%, Chitin Dissolvers  2 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Intrepid Insecticide  Chlorfenapyr 10% SC  1.5 ml/lit water 
Oberon Insecticide  Spiromesifen 22.9% SC  0.3 ml/lit water 
Maiden Insecticide  Hexythiazox 5.45% EC  1 ml/lit water 

 

Conclusion: 

Plant viruses can have a significant impact on crop production and can cause a range of symptoms that vary depending on the host plant, virus strain and environmental factors. Plant viruses can be transmitted through vectors such as insects or through mechanical means, leading to significant economic loss of yield. Effective management strategies can help prevent the spread of plant viruses and reduce their impact on crops. Using virus-free planting materials, practicing good sanitation practices, controlling vectors through the use of insecticides and implementing crop rotation can help prevent the spread of viruses. 

Good Agricultural Practices For Maximizing Muskmelon Harvest

By
Deepika M
-
0
Good Agricultural Practices for Maximizing Muskmelon Harvest
Good Agricultural Practices for Maximizing Muskmelon Harvest

Muskmelon (Cucumis melo L) is a fruit crop widely cultivated by farmers in India particularly during summer season. It is a warm season crop known for its unique flavour and taste. The fruit is known for its high-water content and has cooling effect on the body. They are rich in rich in Vitamin A and C. Immature fruits are used as vegetables and their seeds are edible. It is used for making desserts. In India, Muskmelon is mainly grown in Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Madhya Pradesh. India is the 3rd largest producer of muskmelon in the world after China and Turkey.  

Season and Climate:  

Muskmelon is mostly grown from November to February. The optimum temperature for seed germination is 23 – 25°C and optimum temperature required for its growth and fruit development is around 20 – 32°C. High temperature and low humidity at fruit ripening stage will enhance the sweetness and aroma of the fruit. Warm nights will hasten the fruit’s maturity. Muskmelons are tolerant to drought but susceptible to frost. High humid conditions will promote the occurrence and spread of diseases like downy mildew, anthracnose and insects like fruitfly.  

Varieties: 

Varieties/Hybrids  Features 
Madhuraja Muskmelon 
  • Madhuras type fruit 
  • Maturity: 55 to 60 days (5 to 7 days earlier than madhuras) 
  • Fruit weight – 1.0 to 1.25 kgs 
  • Good flesh color and aroma 
  • Mild netted fruits with medium cavity 
  • 12 to 15% TSS 
Urja Kajri Muskmelon 
  • Flesh is orange in color; tolerant to BRIX13 
  • Ready to harvest in 60 to 65 days 
  • Average weight 1.2 to 1.5kg 
  • Approximate seeds count – 100 
Mridula Muskmelon 
  • This variety is prolific and early 
  • Round fruit with light yellow skin 
  • Average fruit weight: 1.5 – 2 kg 
  • Fruit harvesting: 40 days after flowering 
  • Flesh is white, tender & very sweet with aroma & unique taste 
Urja US-111 Muskmelon 
  • Flesh is orange in color; tolerant to BRIX13 
  • Ready in 60 to 65 days 
  • Average weight 1.2 to 1.5kg 
  • Approx seeds count – 50 
NS 910 Muskmelon  
  • Relative days to maturity (DS) – Green: 60-65 
  • Fruit size (kg): 1.5-2.0 
  • Fruit shape: Oval 
  • Netting on fruit: Good 
  • Flesh colour: Deep salmon 
  • Flesh texture: good 
  • Seed cavity: small 
  • TSS %: 13-14 
Sanvi Muskmelon 
  • Shape: Globe shaped with smooth, golden-yellow skin 
  • Weight: About 1-1.5 kg 
  • Its orange flesh is crispy with brix of 14-16% 
  • Early maturing, easy to cultivate and set fruit and can be harvested 70-75 days after sowing 
  • Season – Late Kharif, Early summer 
MH 38 Muskmelon 
  • Fruit is medium sized, round, slightly ribbed with orange skin & closely netted 
  • Fruit flesh is thick, deep orange & sweet with good aroma 
  • Fruit weight: 1.8 to 2.0 kg 
  • Moderately tolerant to downy and powdery mildew diseases 
  • Sugar content TSS: 12⁰ Brix 
  • Harvesting: Starts from 70-80 days from sowing 
Rudraksh Arjun Muskmelon 
  • Orange sweet flesh 
  • Sugar content: 13 – 15 % 
  • Hard net outer skin 
  • Shape/Size: Round 
  • Weight: 1.5 – 2.5KG 
  • Maturity: 65 – 70 DAYS 
  • Yield: Approximately 20 – 25 tons/acre 
FB Misthan  F1 Hybrid Muskmelon 
  • Fruit flesh: Dense netting with orange flesh with aroma and sweet in taste 
  • TSS: 12 – 15% 
  • Fruit weight: 1 – 2 kg 
  • Days to first harvest: 70-75 Days for Maturity After Transplanting 
  • Good tolerance against fusarium & diseases caused by virus, Good for Long Transport 

Soil requirement: 

A well-drained sandy loam soil rich in organic matter is ideal for muskmelon cultivation. pH of the soil may range from 6.5 – 7.5. Muskmelon is slightly tolerant to soil acidity but cannot tolerate soils with high salt concentration. Lighter soils enhance the maturity of fruit, thus early harvest. In case of heavy soils, there exists good vine growth, but the maturity of the crop/fruit gets delayed.  

Seed rate:

400 – 600 gm/acre 

Methods of Sowing and Planting: 

  • Sowing is done in between October to November in Southern and Central part of India. Muskmelon is usually direct seeded and transplanted. To get better germination, seeds should be soaked in water for 12 – 24 hours before sowing. Muskmelon seeds are sown in pits and raised beds while in riverbed cultivation, they are sown in trenches. Before sowing, treat the seeds with Trichoderma viride at 1.25 gm/lit water or Pseudomonas fluorescence at 5 – 10 ml per 50 ml of water or Metalaxyl 4% + Manconzeb 64% WP at 1-1.5 gm/ liter of water. 
  • Early crop raised from seedling grown in polythene bags matures 15 to 20 days earlier compared to direct seeded crops.  
Direct Sowing  Seedling establishment 
Pit  Raised bed  Polybags  Protrays 
* Pits of about 60 cm wide, 60 cm long and 45 cm deep are to be dug out. Pits should be spaced at about 1.5 – 2 m apart. Fill them with FYM or well-decomposed compost.  

* Sow 5 – 6 seeds in each pit with a depth of 1 – 1.5 cm. Cover the seeds with soil. 

* After establishment, only 2 or 3 plants in each pit will be allowed to grow while rest others will be uprooted. 

 * Prepare beds of 3 – 4 meter wide.  

* Sow 2 seeds/hill on both sides of the beds at 60 cm distance between hills. 

 * The polythene bags of 15cm x 10cm size punched at base should be filled with equal proportion of soil:FYM or soil:FYM:silt (in case the soil is sandy).  

* Seeds should not be sown deeper than 1.5 cm.  

 * Seedlings can be raised in protrays under protected conditions.  

* Protrays having 98 cells can be used. 

* 1 – 2 seeds can be sown per cell. 

 

 

 

Field Preparation: 

Main field should be ploughed to fine tilth and long channels are to be formed at 2.5 m apart. 

Spacing: 

Place the seedlings about 2-3 feet apart in rows that are 5-6 feet apart. 

Transplanting: 

Transplant the seedlings of 20 – 30 days old with at least 2 – 3 true leaves. Seedling is transplanted at the edges of furrows or lower half height of the ridge, so that sufficient irrigation or moisture is available to plants. Irrigation is done immediately after transplanting.  

Manures and Fertilizers: 

Farmyard manure and neem cake can be applied at the time of land preparation. Half dose of N, full dose of P & K can be applied as basal while remaining N can be applied at the time of earthing up at 4 weeks after sowing. Application of micronutrients promotes plant growth, increases fruit yield, flesh and thickness of rind. 

General dose of fertilizer recommendation for muskmelon is 32:24:12 kg/acre. 

Nutrient  Fertilizer  Dosage (per acre) 
Organic  FYM  8 ton 
Neem cake  40 kg 
Tapas Pushti All Plant Nutrient Mix   2 – 3 ml/lit 
Biofertilizer  Azospirillum   Seed treatment: 10 ml of Sun Bio Azos + cold jaggery solution (for per kg seed). 

Soil application: 1 lit Sun Bio Azos with 50 – 100 kg of FYM/compost. 

Drip: 5 – 10 ml/lit of water 
Phosphobacteria (Sun Bio Phosi)  Soil application: 10ml Sun Bio Phosi + 50 – 100 kg manure  

Fertigation: 1- 2 lit 
N  Urea (or)  70 kg 
Ammonium sulphate  156 kg 
P  Single Super Phosphate (or)  150 kg 
Double Super Phosphate  75 kg 
K  Muriate of Potash (or)  20 kg 
Sulphate of Potash   24 kg 
Micronutrient  

 

 Gassin Pierre Green Label Magnesium 

(Mg 2%, S 5%) 

 2-3 ml/lit water 
Boron 20  1 gm/lit water 

Irrigation: 

Muskmelon requires frequent but light irrigation especially during the early stages of crop growth. For direct sown crop, 1st irrigation can be delayed if the soil has sufficient moisture. For transplanted crop, irrigation is done immediately after transplanting. Subsequent irrigation can be given at weekly intervals. Irrigation can be done when it is absolutely necessary at the time of fruit maturity i.e., when withering is seen on the veins in the morning. Excessive irrigation at fruit maturity must be stopped, if not it will decrease sweetness of the fruit. A total of 7–11 irrigations may be required for the whole crop season depending on the soil type and growing season. 

‘Drip irrigation’ is recommended for better quality of fruit, minimizing disease and weed infestation and for water conservation.   

Intercultural operations: 

Weeding: 

  • To control weeds, flooding of field should never be allowed. If possible, drip irrigation can be installed 
  • During early growth stages, the field should be kept free from weeds 
  • Weeding and earthing up should be done when N is applied as top dressing 
  • During initial stages of vine growth, light hoeing is recommended. 

Mulching:

Mulching can be done with straw mulches, so that fruits do not come in contact with water. 

Pruning:

Remove the secondary shoots up to 7th node on main stem to improve plant growth and fruit set. Pruning helps to improve yield and fruit quality. 

Use of Plant Growth Regulators (PGR):  

Stages of Application: Vegetative, flowering and fruit development stage (Also refer to the product label before application) 

Product name  Content  Dosage  Benefits 
Isabion Bio stimulant  Amino acids and nutrients  Foliar: 2ml/litre water 
  • Promotes root growth and vigorous development of the buds, induces a greater flowering 
  • Helps in pollination and good early fruit set. 
  • Improves the quantity and quality of the harvest 
Hoshi Sumitomo  Gibberellic Acid 0.001% L  1.25 ml/lit water 
  • Reduces flower and fruit drop 
  • Stimulates flower production, enlarges fruit, and boosts crop yields 
Katyayani Alpha Naphthyl Acetic Acid  Alpha Naphthyl Acetic Acid 4.5% SL    1 – 1.5 ml/4.5 lit water 
  • Induces flowering 
  • prevents shedding of flower buds and unripe fruits 
  • Helps in enlarging fruit size, increasing and improving the quality and yield of fruits 

Plant protection: 

Management of Pests in Muskmelon:

Product name  Technical content  Dosage 
Fruitfly 
Tapas fruit fly trap  Pheromone lure  6 – 8 per acre 
Coragen Insecticide  Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% SC  0.3 ml/lit 
Aphids and Thrips 
T.Stanes Nimbecidine  Azardiractin 300 PPM  6 ml/lit water 
Polytrin C 44 EC Insecticide  40% (Profenofos) + 4% (Cypermethrin) EC  2 ml/lit water 
Sivanto Bayer Insecticide  Flupyradifurone 17.09% SL
  		 2 ml/lit water 
Leaf miner 
Econeem Plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  1.5 – 2.5 ml/lit water 
Voliam Targo  45 gm/l Chlorantraniliprole + 18 gm/l Abamectin  1 ml/lit water 
Benevia Insecticide    Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.7 to 2.0 ml/lit water 

Management of Diseases in Muskmelon:

Product name  Technical content  Dosage 
Downy mildew 
Anant Dr.Bacto’s Fluro (Bio fungicide)  Based on Pseudomonas fluorescence  2.5 ml/lit water 
Flick Super Insecticide  Dimethomorph 12 % + Pyraclostrobin 6.7 % WG  3 gm/lit water 
Zampro Fungicide  Ametoctradin 27% + Dimethomorph 20.27% SC  1.6 – 2 ml/lit water 
Anthracnose 
Econeem Plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  1.5 – 2.5 ml/lit water 
Bavistin Fungicide  Carbendazim 50% WP  0.6 gm/lit water 
Kocide Fungicide  Copper hydroxide 53.8% DF  2 gm/lit water 
Wilt 
Econeem Plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  1.5 – 2.5 ml/lit water 
Roko Fungicide  Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP  0.5 gm/lit water 
Powdery mildew 
Vanproz V-Kure Fungicide Plus Bactericide  Eugenol, Thymol, potassium salts, cationic surface agent, sodium salts & preservatives  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
Flick Super Insecticide  Dimethomorph 12 % + Pyraclostrobin 6.7 % WG  3 gm/lit water 
Merivon fungicide  Fluxapyroxad 250 G/L + Pyraclostrobin 250 G/L SC  0.4 – 0.5 ml/lit 

Harvesting: 

  • Half-slip stage: Fruits are not fully ready for table use, but are good for distant market use. Slight pressure is required to harvest fruit from the stem 
  • Full –slip stage: Fruits are completely ready for table use and also best for local market. Pressure is not required to separate fruit from the stem  
  • Musky flavour: On ripening, the fruits produce a pleasant musky flavour 
  • Change in colour: At the fruit ripening stage, the rind becomes soft, fruit skin colour changes from green to yellow 
  • Full netting: On the fruit surface, a net-like structure is developed. 

Storage: 

Muskmelon are perishable fruits and can be stored in room temperature only for 2 – 4 days. They can be stored in cold store at 2-4°C and 85 – 90% relative humidity for 2 – 3 weeks.  

Blooming Success: Strategies For Managing Mango Flowers To Boost Yields

By
Deepika M
-
0
Blooming Success: Strategies for Managing Mango Flowers to Boost Yields
Blooming Success: Strategies for Managing Mango Flowers to Boost Yields

Mango (Mangifera indica) is one the most important tropical fruit in India. India is the largest producer of mangoes in the world, accounting to about 21 million metric tons in the year 2022. Mango flowering is a critical stage as it directly affects the yield of the fruit. Flowering in mango is highly dependent on the variety and environmental conditions. Thus, proper management strategies taken during mango flowering stage can improve the potential number of fruit production.  

Mango Flower initiation:  

Mango trees typically begin to flower after 5–8 years of growth when they reach maturity. Mango flowering season generally starts from December to February. However, depending upon the time of flower initiation, fruit development starts from January to May. Cooler temperatures (15-20°C during daytime and 10-15°C during night hours) with bright sunshine are an important requirement for the mango flower initiation. High humidity, frost or rain during the flowering period affects the flower formation. Cloudy weather during flowering favours the spread of mango hoppers and diseases, hampering mango growth and flowering.  

How does flowering affects fruit production in mango? 

Mango flowers are small, yellowish or pinkish red coloured, clustered together in panicles, which hang down from the branches. They are hermaphrodite flowers but cross-pollination by pollinators contributes to maximum fruit set. Common pollinators include bees, wasps, moths, butterflies, flies, beetles and ants.  

The number of flowers produced, and the duration of flowering stage can directly affect the yield of fruits. However, flowering is influenced by several factors such as temperature, humidity, sunlight, pest and disease incidence and availability of water and nutrients. These factors affect the timing and intensity of the flowering. If the above factors are not optimal during flowering stage, it will result in fewer or smaller fruits. Not all flowers produced will set fruit. Proper pollination is essential for the fruit to set and develop fully. Even after adequate pollination, only a few proportions of flowers set fruits because of massive drop of flowers and fruits due to several factors such as weather conditions and pest infestations. This ultimately affects the yield and quality of fruits. The timing, duration, and intensity of flowering can significantly affect fruit production in mango trees. 

Know how effective management of flowering can increase yield in mango: 

1. Intercultural operation:

Pruning mango trees can induce flowering. Lack of pruning leads to dense growth of mango canopy, preventing light from penetrating the interior portions of tree and thus reducing the flowering and yield. Pruning the tips of shoots may initiate flowers. The best time to prune is after harvest, usually during October to December. Tip pruning which is done 10 cm above the last internode may improve flowering. Girdling is a method used for inducing fruit bud formation in mango. It involves removal of strip of bark from the trunk of mango tree. This enhances flowering, fruit set and fruit size by increasing foliar carbohydrates and plant hormones in above parts of the girdle by blocking the downward translocation of metabolites through phloem. Fruit set is increased when girdling is done at the time of inflorescence emergence. Care should be taken regarding the depth of the girdling. Excessive girdling depth could harm the tree.  

2. Plant growth Regulators (PGRs):

PGRs can be used to control flowering and increase yields by influencing the physiological processes that regulate plant growth and development. Paclobutrazol is a common plant growth regulator used in mango trees which helps in reducing vegetative growth and promotes flowering. Ethephon and NAA also help in inducing flowering, preventing shedding of flower buds and fruit ripening. They help in enlarging fruit size, increasing and improving the quality and yield of fruits.

Product name  Technical content  Dosage  Application time 
Cultar plant growth regulator  Paclobutrazol 23% SC  For trees < 10 years age: 8 ml per tree dissolved in water 

For trees > 10 years age: 16 ml per tree dissolved in water 

(Apply to the root zone in both cases) 

 

 Three months before flowering and after applying two irrigations may be required   
Taboli  Plant growth regulator  Paclobutrazol 40%, Paclobutrazol (PBZ) 
Ethrel Growth Regulator  Ethephon 39% SL  Foliar: 1 – 2.5 ml/lit water 
  • First spray in mid-October or early November total 5 spray at fortnightly interval (For breaking alternate bearings) 
  • Commencing from early November total 5 sprays at weekly interval (Induce flowering) 
Katyayani NAA  Alpha Naphthyl Acetic Acid 4.5% SL   Foliar: 0.2 – 0.3 ml/lit water   Spray when tender fruits are of pea size 

(NOTE: PGRs must be carefully managed to avoid negative effects on plant growth and development, such as excessive branching, reduced fruit size, or delayed flowering. Check the dosage and time of application before use)

3. Nutrient Management:

Nutrient management plays a crucial role in inducing flowering in mango trees. Nitrogen is essential for the growth and development of plants. However, excessive nitrogen can delay mango flowering by promoting vegetative growth instead of flowering initiation. This can also cause imbalance in other nutrients like P and K which are important for flowering. Over-use of nitrogen increases susceptibility to pest infestation due to increase of vegetative growth. Optimum amount of N should be used to manage flowering. Phosphorus is essential for flower initiation and fruit set in mango trees. Apply phosphorus fertilizer during the pre-flowering stage to promote flower initiation. Adequate potassium levels can enhance flowering in mango trees and increase the number of flowers and fruit. Potassium helps in the transport of nutrients and water to the fruit, which is essential for its growth and size. It also helps in increasing resistance in plants against moisture stress, heat, frost and against disease. 

Application of micro-nutrients gives better results by improving flowering, quality of fruits and controls dropping of fruits. 

Time of application: 2 – 3 sprays at an interval of 25–30 days between the sprays starting from flower initiation  

Product name  Nutrient  Dosage  Features 
Shamrock Overseas Limited NPK 13:00:45  Potassium Nitrate – KNO3 

 

 Foliar: 5gm/lit water 
  • Increases fruit development 
  • Reduces fruit drop 
  • Increases fruit size, shelf life and quality 
Multiplex Multimax  Mix of Zn, Mn, Fe, Cu, B, Mo  Foliar: 3 gm/lit water 

Fertigation: 10 – 15 gm/lit water 

 Helps in fruit setting and increases yield 
Multiplex Chamak 

(or)  

 Ca & B 

 

 Foliar: 3 g/lit water  Helps in pollination, improves flower & fruit setting, resulting in quality produce and higher yield 
Green CalBo Micro nutrient  Foliar: 2 ml/lit water  Enhances flower & fruit setting & checks fruit dropping 
Multiplex Multi Mag  Mg 

 

 Foliar: 3 – 4 g/lit water  Helps in more synthesis of chlorophyll which in turn increases the yield 
Anshul Maxbor (or)  B 

 

 Foliar: 1 gm/lit water  Helps to control flower shedding 
Allbor-Boron 20% 
Anshul Phalmax  Bio-organics and traces of micronutrients  Foliar: 2 ml/lit water  Induces more flowering and helps in fruit setting 
Bioprime Prime Verdant  Botanical Extracts-12% & Aqueous Base-88% 

 

 Spray/Drenching: 5 – 8 ml/lit water 
  • Reduces and flower and fruit drop, increases fruit setting 
  • Helps against climatic fluctuations and reduces flower or fruit droppings. 

 

4. Pest and Disease Management:

During flower and fruit formation, there is a high chance of pest and disease infestation leading to risk of losing flowers and premature fruits. Mango hoppers, flower gall midge, mealy bug and leaf webber are the major pest attacking the mango flowers. Mango Powdery mildew, mango malformation and anthracnose are the diseases affecting mango flowers leading to reduced fruit development.

Check the symptoms and management of the pests and diseases in mango flowers to increase the fruit yield – Diseases and Pest Management in Mango flowers  

5. Pollination:

Mango flower has both male and female reproductive parts in the same flower. However, mango flowers are relatively small and do not produce a large amount of nectar or pollen. Therefore, they are heavily dependent on pollinators such as flies, wasps and other insects, to transfer pollen between flowers. Without pollination, mango flowers may not produce fruit, or the fruit may be small or misshapen. Cross-pollination increases the yield in mango. It is important to note that pesticides and fungicides should not be sprayed during Full Bloom stage since pollination by insects will get affected at this time leading to reduced yield.

6. Weather conditions:

Optimal weather conditions during flowering can lead to a higher rate of successful fruit set and increased yields. For example, Excessive wind speed causes massive drop of flowers and fruits. Thus, it is essential to provide wind protection to mango orchards by planting windbreaks/shelterbelts.

7. Water Management:

Sufficient amount of water is required for mango trees especially during the growing season. Inadequate or excessive watering can lead to reduced yield and quality of fruit. Proper water management can also help to prevent disease and pests, which thrive in moist environments.  In hot and dry climates, irrigation can help to increase humidity levels and reduce temperature fluctuations, providing a more favorable environment for mango growth. Excessive irrigation may reduce soil temperature, which in turn leads to reduced plant growth and development. On the other hand, inadequate watering can lead to a rise in soil temperatures, damaging the plant roots and leading to reduced yields. Thus, effective water management is essential to ensure healthy plant growth and fruit production.

Conclusion: 

Managing mango flowers for higher yields involves a combination of strategies aimed at optimizing plant growth, managing pests and diseases, and ensuring optimal environmental conditions for flower development and pollination. Following these management practices can increase flower and fruit production, leading to higher yields and improved fruit quality.  

Cotton Disease Management: The Key To Higher Yields And Bigger Profits

By
Deepika M
-
0
Cotton Disease Management: The Key to Higher Yields and Bigger Profits
Cotton Disease Management: The Key to Higher Yields and Bigger Profits

Cotton (Gossypium sp) is one of the most important fibre and cash crop in India. It is vulnerable to infections by pathogens like fungi, bacteria and viruses. All parts of the plants are infected and crop losses are common in the crop. Cotton diseases can significantly reduce crop yield and cotton quality leading to reduced profits for farmers.  

The severity of yield loss depends on the type of disease, the timing of infection, and the environmental conditions. The estimated average yield loss due to cotton diseases in India ranges from 10% to 15%. However, in severe outbreaks, yield losses can be as high as 50% or more. Effective disease management can help minimize crop losses and improve yield. 

The Major Diseases of Cotton having significant impact on cotton yield are as follows;

  1. Fusarium Wilt of Cotton:

Scientific name of causal agent: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. vasinfectum 

Stage of occurrence: Affects at all stages of the crop 

Fusarium Wilt of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Initially the symptoms appear as yellowing and browning of cotyledons and the base of petiole shows brown ring 
  • It is followed by wilting and drying of the affected seedlings 
  • Affected plant’s leaves loses turgidity, gradually turns brown, droops and finally drops off 
  • Tap roots are usually stunted with a smaller number of lateral roots. 
  • Vascular tissues show browning or blackening symptom and black streaks or stripes may extend upwards to the branches and downwards to the roots 
  • Affected plants become stunted with fewer bolls which are very small and opens before attaining maturity 

Favourable conditions for Fusarium wilt infection in cotton: 

Soil temperature of about 20 – 30°C, warm and dry weather followed by rain, high dosage of nitrogen and phosphatic fertilizers, black soils with high alkaline reactions, and wounds caused by nematode and grubs of ash weevil are favourable conditions for fusarium wilt infestation in cotton. 

  1. Verticillium wilt of Cotton:

    Symptom of Verticillium wilt in cotton
    Verticillium wilt in cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Verticillium dahliae 

Stage of occurrence: Square and boll formation stage 

Verticillium Wilt of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Early infection leads to stunted growth of the plant 
  • ‘Bronzing of veins’ followed by yellowing of leaves and interveinal chlorosis 
  • It is followed by yellowing of leaves and interveinal chlorosis 
  • Affected leaves dry up giving scorched appearance 
  • Drying of leaf margins and areas between the leaves gives “Tiger stripe” or “Tiger claw” appearance 
  • Branches remain barren due to falling of affected leaves 
  • When infected stems and roots are split open, pinkish appearance of woody tissue can be seen 
  • Affected plants may produce smaller bolls with immature lint 

Favourable conditions for Verticillium wilt infection in cotton: 

High nitrogen fertilization, heavy soil with alkaline reaction, low soil temperature (15-20°C), excessive soil moisture or poor drainage in soils, lack of crop rotation and presence of host crops like tomato, brinjal, chilli, bhendi can create favourable conditions for verticillium wilt infection. 

Management of Fusarium wilt and Verticillium wilt disease in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per acre or per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Nanobee 7 Star Bio Fertilizer Beneficial Lyophilized Microbes Consortia: 1.5 %  Mix 25-50 gm/lit of water and keep it in shade for 3-5 hr. Then mix it in 200 lit of water 
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  Drenching/Spraying: 0.5 – 1 ml/lit water 
Ridomil Gold Fungicide Metalaxyl 4% + Manconzeb 64% 

 

 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% w/w  Foliar spray: 1 gm/lit water  

Drenching: 2 – 4 gm/lit water 
Dithane M45 fungicide Mancozeb 75% WP  Spraying: 2 – 2.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Root rot of Cotton:

    Root rot in cotton
    Root rot in cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Rhizoctonia bataticola 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling to vegetative stage 

Root Rot of Cotton Symptoms: 

3 types of symptoms caused by the pathogen – Seedling disease, sore shin and root rot   

Seedling stage:  

  • Germinated seedling affected by the fungus shows black lesions on hypocotyl 
  • Causes girdling of stem and death of affected seedling 

Sore shin stage: 

  • Dark reddish-brown canker appears on stem near soil surface, later turning black 
  • Drying of leaves and entire plant due to plant breakage at the collar region 

Root rot: 

  • Bark of affected plant shreds and may extend above ground level 
  • Dark brown sclerotia appears on the wood or on the shredded bark 
  • Entire root system becomes rotted, plants dry and can be easily pulled out 

Favourable conditions for root rot infection in cotton: 

Heavy rainfall followed by dry weather, high soil temperature of about 35 – 39°C, presence of host crop like vegetables, growing cotton after cultivation of oilseeds and legumes, wound caused by nematodes and ash weevil grubs increases root rot disease incidence. 

Management of root rot disease in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per acre or per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Nanobee 7 Star Bio Fertilizer Beneficial Lyophilized Microbes Consortia: 1.5 %  Mix 25-50gm/lit of water and kept it in shade for 3-5 hr. Then mix it in 200 lit of water 
Multiplex Nisarga Trichoderma viride 1.5% WP   1 – 2 kg Multiplex Nisarga + 100 kg FYM 
Ecomonas Bio Pesticide Pseudomonas fluorescens  Drenching:10 gm/lit water 

Soil application: 10 – 15 gm/lit 
Anand Dr Bacto’s Herz Spores and conidia of Mycoparasitic Fungi  10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Vitavax powder 75% Fungicide Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS  Seed treatment: 3 gm/kg seed 
Dhanustin Fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP  Drenching: 0.5 – 0.75 gm/lit water 
Sprint Fungicide Mancozeb 50% + Carbendazim 25% WS  Drenching: 2.5 to 3 gm/lit water 
Katyayani Samartha Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP  Spraying: 1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Areolate mildew / Grey Mildew of Cotton:

Scientific name of causal agent: Ramularia areola  

Stage of occurrence: Seedling to Reproductive stage  

Symptoms of Areolate or Grey mildew in cotton: 

  • Irregular to angular pale translucent lesions appear on the lower surface of affected leaf 
  • Light green or yellow green specks appear on the upper leaf surface 
  • Whitish grey powdery growth appears on the lower surface, later coalesce and cover the entire leaf surface 
  • Under severe infection, white/grey powdery growth may occur on the upper leaf surface 
  • Affected chilli leaves dry up from margin, curl inward, turn yellow and fall off prematurely. 

Favourable conditions for Grey / Areolate mildew infection in cotton: 

Wet humid conditions, Low temperature (20 – 30°C), close planting, very early or very late sowing of cotton, intermittent rains and excessive application of nitrogenous fertilizers may increase grey mildew infection in cotton field. 

Management of Grey mildew in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Amruth Abacil Liquid Bacillus subtilis 2% A.S  1 ml/lit water 
Chemical Fungicide 
Amistar Top Fungicide Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC  Foliar: 1 ml/lit water 
Taqat Fungicide Hexaconazole 5% + Captan 70% WP  Foliar: 2 gm/lit water 
CM 75 Fungicide Carbendazim 13%+Mancozeb 63%  Foliar: 1.5 gm/lit water 
Bavistin Fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP  Foliar: 0.5 ml/lit water 
Ergon Fungicide Ergon 44.3% SC  Foliar: 0.6 ml/lit water 

 

  1. Anthracnose of Cotton:

    Symptom of anthracnose on cotton boll
    Symptom of anthracnose on cotton boll

Scientific name of causal agent: Colletotrichum gossypii 

Stage of occurrence: All growth stages 

Anthracnose of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • This disease affects all parts of the cotton plant 
  • Small reddish circular spots appear on the cotyledon and primary leaves of seedlings 
  • Causes seedlings to wilt and dry 
  • In affected mature plants, stem splitting and shredding of bark can be seen 
  • “Boll spotting” is the most cotton symptom 
  • Sunken, circular, reddish-brown spots appear on the bolls and the infected boll stops to grow, burst and dry up.  

Favourable conditions for Anthracnose infection in cotton: 

Prolonged rainfall during the boll formation stage, presence of crop debris, weed hosts and close planting may be favourable for anthracnose infection in cotton. 

Management of Anthracnose in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Terra Fungikill Herbal formulation    2 ml/lit water 
Sonkul Sun Bio Monus Pseudomonas fluorescens  5 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Borogold Fungicide Combination of Nano Silver Particles & Peroxy Acid  Spraying; 1.5 gm/lit water 
Turf fungicide Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP  Drenching/Spraying: 1.8 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Taqat Fungicide Hexaconazole 5% + Captan 70% WP  Drenching: 2 gm/lit water 
Splash Fungicide Chlorothalonil 75% WP    Spray: 2 ml/lit water 
Dhanustin Fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP  Drenching/Spraying: 0.5 – 0.8 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Alternaria leaf blight of Cotton:

Alternaria leaf blight on cotton
Alternaria leaf blight on cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Alternaria macrospora 

Stage of occurrence: Vegetative and Reproductive stage 

Alternaria leaf blight of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Small, brown, irregular or round spots appear on the leaves 
  • Central lesion of each spot may be surrounded by concentric rings 
  • These spots coalesce together, and form blighted areas 
  • Affected cotton leaves become brittle and fall 
  • In case of severe infection, spots may appear on bracts and bolls. 

Favourable conditions for Alternaria leaf blight infection in cotton: 

High humidity, temperature of about 25 – 28°C, intermittent rainfall, wet foliage, dense planting and presence of crop residues due to lack of field sanitation create favourable conditions for Alternaria leaf blight infection in cotton. 

Management of Alternaria leaf blight in cotton: 

Method of Application of Chemicals – Spraying 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Sanjeevni Bio fungicide Trichoderma Viride  Seed treatment: 8 – 10 gm/50 ml (per kg seed) 

Soil drenching: 5 – 10 kg/lit 
Ecomonas Bio Pesticide Pseudomonas fluorescens  Foliar: 8 – 10 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management  
Tilt fungicide Propiconazole 25 % EC  1 ml/lit water 
Bavistin Fungicide Carbendazim 50% WP  0.5 ml/lit water 
Avtar fungicide Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4%  1 gm/lit water 
Amristar 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 
Priaxor Fungicide Pyraclostrobin 333gm/ltr + Fluxapyroxad 167 gm/ltr SC  0.6 ml/lit water 
Nativo Fungicide Tebuconazole + Trifloxystrobin 75 WG (50% +25% w/w)  0.2 – 0.5 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Bacterial blight of Cotton: 

Scientific name of causal agent: Xanthomonas campestris pv.malvacearum 

Stage of occurrence: Seedling to harvest 

Bacterial blight of Cotton Symtoms:

5 common phases of symptoms are noticed. 

  • Seedling blight: Water soaked, irregular or circular lesions appear on the cotyledons, which may spread to petiole and stem causing withering and death of seedlings 
  • Angular leaf spot: Small, dark green, water-soaked lesions develop on the under surface of leaves and become angular when restricted by veinlets and veins. Later, the lesions turn to reddish brown colour and becomes visible on both sides of the leaf 
  • Vein blight/Vein necrosis/Black vein: Blackening of veins and veinlets gives ‘blighting appearance’. The presence of bacterial oozes on the lower side of the leaf. Affected leaves show crinkling appearance, withering and are twisted inward. 
  • Black arm: Black lesions are developed on stem and branches, causing premature drooping of leaves, cracking of stem and gummosis, leading to die back 
  • Boll rot: Dark black, sunken and irregular spots appear on the bolls. It leads to premature bursting of bolls. The spread of bacterium inside the bolls causes yellow staining of lint. 

Favourable conditions for Bacterial blight infection in cotton: 

Optimum soil temperature of 28°C, relative humidity of 85%, early sowing, high atmospheric temperature of 30 – 40°C, delayed thinning, late irrigation, poor tillage, K-deficiency in soil and rains followed by bright sunshine are highly favourable parameters for bacterial blight infection. 

Management of Bacterial blight in cotton: 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Biological Management 
Spot Bio Fungicide Pseudomonas fluorescens  10 ml/lit water 
Biofix Kito Star Fatty acids and stabilizers  1 – 2 ml/lit water 
V-Kure Eugenol, Thymol, potassium salts, cationic surface agent, sodium salts & preservatives  1.5 – 2 gm/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Turf fungicide Carbendazim 12 % + Mancozeb 63 % WP  Foliar: 1.8 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Vitavax powder 75% Fungicide Carboxin 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS  Seed treatment: 3 gm/kg seed 
Dithane M45 fungicide Mancozeb 75% WP  Spraying: 2 – 2.5 gm/lit water 
Avtar Fungicide  Zineb 68% + Hexaconazole 4% WP  Foliar: 1 gm/lit water 

 

  1. Sudden Wilt or Para Wilt of Cotton:

  • Exact cause of this physiological disorder is still unknown 

Stage of occurrence: Flowering and fruit filling stage 

Sudden wilt disease or Para Wilt of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Premature death of top leaves, followed by collapse of the plant 
  • Within few hours of heavy rainfall or soil saturation, wilting of leaves can be seen 
  • If sunshine is brighter and hot, leaves may immediately dry 
  • Wilted plants shed all the leaves and are left only with small immature fruits 
  • Under cloudy weather, leaves turn yellow and die with no or little wilting 

Favourable conditions for Para wilt infection in cotton: 

Excessive water or sudden rainfall, poor soil drainage, bright sunshine or hot air temperature may create conditions favourable for para wilt incidence 

Management of Para wilt or Sudden wilt in cotton:  

The exact cause of this disorder is still unknown. Preventive measures can be taken to minimize the para wilt incidence to some extent. Some of the measures include growing wilt tolerant varieties, accurate management of irrigation, reducing waterlogging conditions by providing adequate drainage and maintaining optimum vegetative growth by avoid using excessive of FYM and fertilizers. 

  1. Leaf curl disease of Cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Cotton leaf curl virus 

Stage of occurrence: All stages 

Vector: Whitefly 

Leaf curl disease of Cotton Symptoms: 

  • ‘Upward and downward curling’ of leaves and thickening of veins 
  • Enation can be noticed on the underside of the leaves 
  • In severe cases, all the leaves curl and the plant growth is retarded 
  • Leads to reduced boll bearing capacity 

Favourable conditions for Leaf curl virus infection in cotton: 

Primary source of spread is Whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). Presence of alternate hosts like chilli, bhendi, tomato, warm temperature, late planting can be favourable for leaf curl virus infection.  

Management of Leaf curl virus in cotton: 

Spread of leaf curl virus disease can be managed by controlling the vector whitefly, which spreads the virus. The following chemicals can be used to control whitefly in cotton. 

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
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 ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Lancer Gold Insecticide Acephate 50 % + Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP  0.4 ml/lit water  
Pager Insecticide Diafenthi

uron 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 
Kaitaku Insecticide Acetamiprid 20 % SP  0.1 – 0.2 ml/lit 

 

  1. Tobacco streak virus in Cotton

    Tobacco streak virus in cotton
    Tobacco streak virus in cotton

Scientific name of causal agent: Tobacco streak virus 

Stage of occurrence: All stages 

Vector: Thrips (Thrips tabaci) 

Tobacco streak virus in Cotton Symptoms: 

  • Ring like purplish necrotic spots appear on the leaves 
  • Chlorotic streaks develop on the leaves 
  • Stunted growth  

Favourable conditions for Tobacco streak virus infection in cotton: 

Presence of weed hosts, high temperature (25 – 30°C), infected plant debris may create favourable conditions for tobacco streak virus disease spread in cotton crop. 

Management of Tobacco streak virus in cotton: 

Spread of Tobacco streak virus disease can be managed by controlling thrips, which spread the virus. The following chemicals can be used to control thrips in cotton. 

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit water) 
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 
Summit Insecticide Spinetoram 11.7 % SC  0.5- 1ml/lit water 
Admire Insecticide Imidacloprid 70% WG  0.3 gm/lit water 
Karate Insecticide Lambdacyhalothrin 5% EC  1.5 ml/lit water 
Nurelle D Insecticide Chlorpyriphos 50% + Cypermethrin 5% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Katyayani Thioxam Thiamethoxam 25% WG  0.4 gm/lit water  
Shinzen Plus Insecticide Fipronil 5 % SC  3 gm/lit water 
Osheen Insecticide Dinotefuran 20 % SG  0.6 – 0.8 gm/lit water 
Marshal Insecticide Carbosulfan 25% EC  2.5 ml/lit water 

 

(Note: Refer to the product label to find the right time of Application and more details of the product) 

Discover effective strategies in our guide to enhance your cotton crop’s health and yield. Click here to read Management Of Insect Pests In Cotton.

Management Of Thrips And Mites In Chilli Crop 

By
Deepika M
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0
Management of Thrips and Mites in Chilli Crop 
Management of Thrips and Mites in Chilli Crop 

Thrips and Mites are common pests that can cause significant damage to chilli crops. Managing these pests is important to protect the yield and quality of the crop. They infest the chilli crop from the seedling stage to the reproductive stage. Among different species of mites, yellow mites cause more destruction to the crop. Both the adult and nymph stage of thrips and mites causes damage to the chilli crop by sucking the sap from leaves, shoots, buds and fruits. They cause ‘leaf curl’ symptoms in the affected plants. 

Mites thrive in hot and dry weather conditions and can cause severe damage during the flowering and fruiting stages of the crop. While thrips infestations are most severe during the early stages of crop growth and the damage can lead to a reduction in the number of fruits per plant and the size of the fruit. Thrips and mites infestation can cause yield losses ranging from 20% to 50% in chilli and may also reach 60 – 90% in case of severe infestation. Thrips and Mites also act as vectors for the spread of ‘Leaf curl virus’ in chilli. If these pests are not controlled at the earliest stage, their infestation can destroy the whole crop.  

Thrips in Chilli crop:

Scientific name of thrips: Scirtothrips dorsalis 

Symptoms of Thrips infestation in Chilli:

  • They suck the sap from the leaf juices and cause crinkling and curling up of leaves 
  • They are found mainly on the underside of the leaves 
  • Infested leaves have elongated petioles  
  • They lacerate the leaf surface and cause a “Silvery or bronze appearance” 
  • Affected flower buds become brittle and later drops. 
  • The early stage of infestation will lead to stunted growth  
  • In case of severe infestation, flower production and fruit set will be arrested 
  • Thrips feed on developing fruit, leaving behind small light brown scars on the surface 

Preventive Measures to control Thrips in chilli:

  • Grow resistant varieties 
  • Practicing intercrop with maize/sorghum gives shade to the chilli crop thereby reducing the growth of thrips 
  • Avoid  growing chilli after sorghum cultivation because it can create conditions susceptible to thrips infestation 
  • Avoid mixed cropping of chilli and onion to reduce thrips infestation 
  • To check the multiplication of thrips, sprinkle water over the seedlings 
  • Remove heavily infested chilli plants from the field  
  • Installing blue and yellow sticky traps can help in mass trapping of thrips. Spray neem oil to limit the damage to the crop 
  • Planting trap crops like marigolds and sunflowers and removing them, once they are completely infested, can reduce the damage to some extent. 

ETL: 6 thrips/leaf or 10% affected crop 

Management of Thrips in Chilli:

Product Name  Technical Content  Dosage (per lit water) 
Mechanical Management 
Barrix Magic Sticker Chromatic Trap Blue sheet  Chromatic Trap  8-10 sheets/acre 
Tapas Yellow Sticky Trap  22 cm x 28 cm  6 –8/ acre 
Biological Management 
Kaybee Thrips Raze Insecticide  Botanical Extracts  1-2 ml/ lit water 
Eco neem plus  Azadiractin 10000 PPM  3 ml/lit water 
Control TRM Bio-pesticide  Organic blend of botanical extracts and alkaloids  1.5 – 2ml/lit water 
Chemical Management 
Actara Insecticide  Thiamethoxam 25 % WG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Delegate Insecticide  Spinetoram 11.7% SC  0.9 ml/lit water 
Alanto Insecticide    Thiacloprid 21.7% SC  1 – 2 ml/lit water 
Benevia Insecticide  Cyantraniliprole 10.26% OD  1.7 to 2.0 ml/lit water 
Exponus Insecticide  Broflanilide 300 G/L SC  0.2 ml/lit water 
Tracer Insecticide  Spinosad 44.03% SC  0.3 – 0.4 ml/lit water 
EM 1 Insecticide  Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG  0.4 gm/lit water 
Takaf Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 47% + Bifenthrin 9.4% SC  1.25 – 1.5ml/lit water 
Katyayani Imd-178  Imidacloprid 17.8 % SL  0.5 ml/lit water 
Movento Insecticide  Spirotetramat 15.31% OD  2 ml/lit water 
Prime Gold Insecticide  Acetamiprid 20% SP  0.1 – 0.2 gm/lit water 
Shinzen Plus Insecticide  Fipronil 5% SC  1.6 – 2 ml/lit water 
Godrej Gracia Insecticide  Fluxametamide 10% EC  1 ml/lit water or 160 ml/acre 
Dhanuka Decide Insecticide  Etofenprox 6% + Diafenthiuron 25% WG  2.5 ml/lit water 

 

To know more about thrips click here – How to Manage Black Thrips in Chilli for More Profits? 

Note: Do not spray Tracer insecticide (Spinosad) if the crop is infested with both mites and thrips at a time 

Mites in Chilli crop:

The scientific name of the yellow mite: is Polyphagotarsonemus latus 

Symptoms of mite infestation in chilli:

  • Downward curling and crinkling appearance of chilli leaves 
  • Leaves become brittle and blister patches appear on the undersurface of the leaves 
  • Affected leaves show an inverted boat-shaped appearance 
  • In a few cases, the petiole of the infested leaves become elongated and this is often referred to as the “rat tail” symptom 
  • In certain cases, affected leaves show a dark green appearance 
  • Drying of growth tips, shedding of buds and defoliation of leaves occurs in case of severe infestation 
  • This leads to stunted growth and death of the plant 

Preventive Measures to control mites in chilli:

  • Grow mite-tolerant varieties  
  • Chilli crop can be bordered by 3 – 4 rows of maize 
  • Maintain field sanitation by removing and destroying crop residues and weeds 
  • Avoid water stress and water logging conditions  
  • Timely pruning of infested leaves or removal of plants with symptoms 
  • Adopt overhead irrigation with sprinklers 
  • Reduce excessive use of chemicals  
  • Adopt crop rotation with non-host crops like legumes and cucurbits 
  • Regular monitoring of the crop to detect the infestation early 
  • Spray neem seed kernel extract or neem oil at 10-day interval 
  • Use natural predators like predatory mites, Amblyseius ovalis 

ETL: 5-10 mites/leaf 

Management of Mites in Chilli:

Product name  Technical content  Dosage (per lit of water) 
Biological Management 
Econeem Biopesticide  Azadiractin 3000 PPM  2.5– 3 ml/lit water 
R Mite Bio Acaricide  Plant extracts  1 – 2 ml/ lit water 
Terra Might  Herbal Formulation  3 – 7 ml/lit water 
Greenpeace Neemol (10000 PPM) Bio Neem Oil Insecticide  Neem Oil extracts (Azardiractin)  1 – 2 ml/lit water 
Neem – Azadirachtin 1500 PPM (0.15%) EC – Pesticide  Azadiractin 1500 PPM (0.15%) EC  2-2.5 ml/lit 
Chemical management 
Oberon Insecticide  Spiromesifen 240 SC (22.9 % w/w)  0.3 ml/lit water 
Maiden Insecticide  Hexythiazox 5.45% EC  0.8 – 1 ml/lit water  
EMA Gold Insecticide  Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG  0.5 gm/lit water 
Shoku Insecticide  Diafenthiuron 50% WP  0.8 -1.2 ml/lit water 
Godrej Hanabi  Pyridaben 20% w/w WP  1 gm/lit water 
Sedna Insecticide  Fenpyroximate 5 % SC  1 – 1.5 ml/lit water 
Flotis Insecticide  Buprofezin 25 SC  0.5 -1.2 ml/lit water 
Intrepid Insecticide  Chlorfenapyr 10% SC  1.5 – 2 ml/lit water 
Kunoichi Miticide  Cyenopyrafen 30% SC  0.5 – 0.6 ml/lit water 
Keefun Insecticide  Tolfenpyrad 15% EC  2 ml/lit water 
Omite Insecticide  Propargite 57% EC  3 ml/lit water  
Meothrin Insecticide  Fenpropathrin 30% EC  0.5ml/lit water 
Magister Insecticide  Fenazaquin 10% EC  2 ml/lit water 

 

Conclusion:

Thrips and Mites are significant pests in chilli crops. Effective management of these pests is important for maintaining the yield and quality of chilli, reducing the risk of disease spread, and minimizing the economic impact of pest damage. Adoption of integrated pest management practices can help to manage their population and minimize the yield loss caused by these pests in chilli crops. 

NOTE:

  • Economic Threshold Level (ETL) – It is the population density at which the control measures need to be determined to prevent the increasing pest population 
  • By checking the ETL level in the field, the above-mentioned pest management approaches can be taken up to control the pest, reduce the risk of infestation and minimize crop loss in the future.

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF)

By
Deepika M
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0
‘Apple Cluster’ for J&K’s Shopian district Approved by Central Government
‘Apple Cluster’ for J&K’s Shopian district Approved by Central Government

Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) was set up by the Department of Fisheries (DOF), Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Government of India in the year 2018 -19 which envisages on creation of Fisheries infrastructure facility both in marine and inland fisheries sector and augment the fish production to achieve the target of 15 million tonnes by 2020 set under the Blue Revolution.   

The main reasons behind developing FIDF scheme are; 

  • Limited availability of funds through normal budgetary process 
  • Lack of visible credit funding in fisheries sector 
  • To bridge the large gaps in fisheries infrastructure 

Scheme Overview:

  • Scheme Name: Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF) 
  • Scheme Implemented year: 2018 – 19 
  • Scheme Fund allocated: 7522.48 Crore 
  • Type of Government Scheme: Government of India 
  • Type of Sector Scheme: Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying 
  • Website to apply: https://www.fidf.in/ 
  • Helpline No: 1800-425-1660 (Toll free) 

Features of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):

Category  Remarks 
Implementing Agency  National Fisheries Development Board (NFDB), Hyderabad 
Employment Opportunities  >9.40 lakh fishers/fishermen/fisher folks and other entrepreneurs in fishing and allied activities 
Target  Aims to achieve 8 – 9% sustainable growth in fish production achieve a target of 20 million tonnes by 2022 – 23 
Nodal Loaning Agencies 
  • NABARD 
  • National Cooperatives Development Corporation (NCDC) 
  • All Scheduled Banks 
Lending Period  5 years (Started from 2018 – 19 to 2022 – 23) 
Eligible Entities (EEs) 
  • State Government/Union Territories 
  • State Owned Corporations/State Government Undertakings/Government Sponsored Supported Organisations 
  • Fisheries Cooperative Federations 
  • Panchayat raj Institutions/Self Help groups (SHGs)/NGOs 
  • Cooperatives, Collective Groups of fish farmers, Fish Produce Groups 
  • SCs/STs/Marginal Farmers. Women & Entrepreneurs 
  • Private Companies/Entrepreneurs 
  • Physically Disabled 
Quantum of Loan  80% of unit cost as loan amount on bankable projects 
Interest Subvention  Upto 3% per annum for all Eligible Entities (EEs) for development of identified fisheries-based on infrastructure facilities 
Lending Rate of Interest  Not less than 5% per annum for all Eligible Entities (EEs) for the development of identified fisheries-based infrastructure facilities 
Maximum Repayment Period  12 years (Including Moratorium of 2 years) 
Estimated Fund Size  

(Rs. 7522.48 Crore) 

 Rs. 5266.40 crore by Nodal Loaning Entities (NLEs) 
Rs. 1346.6 crore through beneficiary’s contribution 
Rs. 939.48 crore from Government of India 

 

Objectives of Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):

  • To Create and Modernize capture and culture fisheries infrastructure 
  • Creation of Marine Aquaculture Infrastructure 
  • Creation and modernization of Inland Fisheries Infrastructure 
  • To bring down post-harvest losses and improve domestic marketing facilities through infrastructure support 
  • To bridge the gap between resources and facilitate completion of ongoing infrastructure projects 

Latest News about the scheme:

Department of fisheries accorded approvals to 110 proposals in total of which a total outlay of Rs. 5285.45 crore is allocated for creation of various fisheries infrastructure.  

How to Apply:

Beneficiaries can directly apply online through FIDH portal for all types of entities, online processing and approval of FIDF applications. 

The following steps will guide you on how to register in FIDF Scheme: 

  1. Type www.fidf.in in the browser address bar and click enter 
  2. You will then get FIDF portal. Then, Click on Apply/Login given on the top right corner of the page. On clicking, the login page will be loaded 
  3. Click on ‘Register’ given on top right corner of the page if you are a new user 
  4. Fill in the details mentioned in the form which includes your basic details and Login credentials and finally click on Register 
  5. Then, enter your username and password and click on login option 
  6. Fill the details given in the application which includes Detailed Project Report (DPR) with Cost Estimates, Layout drawings, Quotations machineries, equipment, Land Details, Economics, Bank Details, etc.  
  7. Submit the application by attaching the relevant documents pertaining to the activity selected 
  8. Hardcopies of DPR has to be sent to: Joint Secretary (Fisheries), Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi-110001. 
  9. Another DPR Copy has to be sent to: The Chief Executive, National Fisheries Development Board, Department of Fisheries, Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying, Pillar:235, PVNR Expressway, Hyderabad-500052. 

(NOTE: – NFDB will scrutinize the submitted applications and will recommend to Central Approval and Monitoring Committee (CAMC) for approval. CAMC will accord approval for grant of interest subvention and recommend such proposals for bank loans. Banks will sanction loan according to the Bank norms I.e., upto 3% interest subvention) 

Documents Required for Fisheries and Aquaculture Infrastructure Development Fund (FIDF):

  • Detailed Project Proposal (DPR) 
  • Land Document (Own/Lease for 10 years) 
  • Declaration form for not availing similar subsidy/assistance for any activity of entrepreneur model or sub-activities there under from any government scheme or government agency 
  • Copy of Aadhaar card of individual (Self – attested) 
  • Copy of bank account details on the name of the applicant (Self – attested) 
  • Detailed cost estimates 
  • Engineering drawings and layout 
  • Quotations for all the machinery and equipment 

Conclusion:

FIDF aims to provide concessional finance to the State Governments/Union Territories, State entities, cooperatives, individual entrepreneurs for the development of fisheries infrastructure facilities both in inland and marine fisheries sector. The infrastructure facilities will be funded under the FIDF which will broadly cover development of fishing harbours/fish landing centres, fish seed farms, fish feed mills, cage culture in reservoirs, mariculture activities, introduction of deep-sea fishing vessels, disease diagnostic setting up and aquatic quarantine facilities, creation of cold chain infrastructure facilities such as ice plants, cold storage, fish transport facilities, fish processing units, fish processing units, fish markets. The fund can benefit over 4 million marine and inland fishers especially women, SHGs, weaker sections, due to accessibility of modern infrastructure and added value of produce. 

MIDH: Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture

By
Deepika M
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0
midh scheme-mission for integrated development of horticulture
midh scheme-mission for integrated development of horticulture

Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) scheme is implemented in the year 2014. The Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH) main objective is the holistic development of the horticulture sector in the country covering fruits, vegetables, root & tuber crops, mushrooms, aromatic plants, spices, flowers, coconut, cashew, cocoa and bamboo. It is a Central Government Sponsored scheme implemented under Green Revolution – Krishonnati Yojana. 

Scheme Overview:

  • Scheme Name: Mission for Integrated Development of Agriculture (MIDH) 
  • Scheme Implemented date: 01.04.2014 
  • Scheme Fund allocated: As per Annual Budget 
  • Type of Government Scheme: Centrally Sponsored scheme 
  • Sector Scheme: Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare 
  • Website to apply: https://midh.gov.in/ 
  • Helpline No: NA 
  • Scheme Type: National Scheme
  • Covered States: The MIDH 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.

MIDH scheme Features:

Various Sub-Schemes under the Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture:

S.No  Sub-Scheme  Target Groups/Area of operation  Year of Starting 
1  Coconut Development Board (CDB)  All States and UTs where Coconut is grown  1981 
2  National Horticulture Board (NHB)  All States and UTs focusing on commercial horticulture  1984 
3  Horticulture Mission for North East & Himalayan States (HMNEH)  All States in NE and Himalayan region  2001 – 02 
4  National Horticulture Mission (NHM)  All States and UTs excepting states in NE and Himalayan region  2005 – 06 
5  Central Institute for Horticulture (CIH)  NE states focusing on HRD and Capacity building  2006 – 07 
6  National Bamboo Mission (NBM)  All states and UTs  2006 – 07 

 

Funding Pattern for Integrated Development of Horticulture:

Category  Remarks 
Financial Assistance  35% of the project costs in general areas and 50% in case of hilly and scheduled areas per beneficiary is available for setting up post-harvest management infrastructure  
Funding Pattern  60:40 for Central and State; 90:10 for Himalayan and North Eastern States. In case of NHB, CDB, CIH, NBM, Govt. Of India (GOI) contributes 100%. 

 

Benefits for integrated development of Horticulture:

  • Promotes holistic growth of horticulture sector, including bamboo and coconut through area based regionally differentiated strategies, which includes research, technology promotion, extension, post-harvest management, processing and marketing   
  • Encourage farmers to form farmer groups like FIGs/FPOs and FPCs to bring economy of scale and scope   
  • Enhance horticulture production, increase farmer’s income and strengthen nutritional security   
  • Improve productivity of horticultural produce by giving quality germplasm, planting material and water use efficiency through micro irrigation  
  • Provides employment opportunities for rural youth in horticulture and post-harvest management, especially in the cold chain sector  
  • Grants technical advice and administrative support to State Governments/ State Horticulture Missions (SHMs) for the Saffron Mission and other horticulture related activities  

Latest News about the MIDH scheme:

Outlay of Plan component of MIDH has been fixed at Rs. 1900 crore and Non Plan component of MIDH has been fixed at Rs. 14.38 crore for the financial year 2022 –23.   

Challenges for integrated development of Horticulture:

The Horticulture sector is still facing a lot of challenges in various aspects like high post-harvest loss and gaps in post-harvest management and supply chain infrastructure. 

How to Apply:

A farmer or an entrepreneur as a beneficiary should register their details either through online in HORTNET portal or submit the application to DHSO office through HO’s along with required documents.  

The following steps will guide on how you can register as beneficiary in HORTNET portal: 

  1. Open https://hortnet.gov.in/ link in your browser. This will open the main page of the HORTNET portal 
  2. Then, click on the State name and select your state to get the SHM home page 
  3. Next click on ‘Department User’s Login’ option to get next form to login to the system 
  4. Click on ‘New User Registration’ option  
  5. Fill the basic details i.e., Name, contact details, Address, Role and login credentials asked in the form to register 
  6. Then use your new login ID and password to login. This will then open Farmer Registration form 
  7. In the MIDH online application form, fill in the details mentioned (Applicant, Address, Land, Bank, and Component details) and click on submit 
  8. Upon successful submission of the form, you will receive your application acknowledgement which contains your Unique-ID 
  9. This unique Registration No. / Beneficiary No. generated will be required to track the status of your application 
  10. You can take printout of the acknowledgement form by clicking on <print> option given 
  11. Then, you can see your ‘FARMER ID Card’ format that includes your basic details, land and contact details 
  12. You can also file a grievance online by providing the Registration No. / Beneficiary No. An email and SMS alert will be sent to the concerned officer upon your filed grievance 
  13. You can track the filed grievance using your Unique-ID 

Documents Required for MIDH scheme:

  • Bank Passbook 
  • Identity Proof (Aadhaar Card / PAN Card) 
  • Passport size photo 
  • Ration card 
  • Income certificate 
  • Residence certificate 
  • Land documents 

Conclusion:

MIDH scheme aims to enhance horticulture production, augment farmers’ income and strengthen nutritional security; improve productivity by way of quality germplasm, planting material and water use efficiency through Micro irrigation.  

Explore our article on the Soil Health Card Scheme to understand its benefits, how it works, and its impact on improving soil health for better farming.

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