Leaf curl virus or geminivirus is a common microbe attacking crops such as chilli that cause major damage to the plants and their yield. They can be controlled via cultural practices and preventive measures. Here are some tips that can help you get some control over this virus and protect your crops.

Symptoms

Curling of the leaf margins towards the midrib is the most distinctive symptom. The leaves can be deformed and stem with shortened internodes leading to stunted growth. The flower buds could abscise or with no pollens.

Preventive Measures

Since this is a viral disease there are not many effective preventive measures. But some cultural practices and other mechanical methods are capable of keeping the virus away to an extent.

• Completely eliminate the affected plants by either burning or burying them deep under the soil.
• Do not do monoculture of chilli plants as it can escalate the infection.
• Use disease-free seeds and plant as much as possible and treat the seeds with fungicides before planting.
• Covering nursery beds using nylon can also reduce viral infections in the younger stage.

Chemical Control

• Tata Surplus Micronutrients Fertilizer contains all the necessary micronutrients to make the plant better resistant to infections. It promoted healthier growth of the plants and quality flowering and fruits as well. Mix 2 ml in one litre of water and apply 2-3 times at an interval of 25-30 days and 15 days.
• Sambrama Micronutrient Fertilizer comes with NPK in the required amount along with some secondary nutrients and micronutrients, mostly in chelated form. It comes in tablet form which you need to dissolve in 15 litres of water. Spray the mix on both sides of the leaves.
• Virimune is made of different plant extracts that help improve plant resistance, especially against leaf curl and yellow mosaic. The product naturally increases the immunity of the plant and makes it capable of resisting infections. It comes in liquid form. Add 3-4 ml of the liquid in one litre of water to spray it on the plants.

Conclusion

Viral infections such as leaf curl of chilli cannot be treated after infection. The only way is to make the plants resistant to such attacks. The best course is to provide all the necessary nutrients to improve natural immunity and thereby make the plants self-reliant.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Downy mildew is a type of fungal disease caused by water mould. This fungus can attack a variety of plants, specifically gourd crops. The affected plants could potentially cause economic loss to the farmers. Prevention is the key to controlling this disease as it can attack any part of the plant from flowers, leaves, fruits, etc.

Symptoms

• The upper surface of the leaves shows pale yellow or green coloured spots that later turn brown.
• Even though angular leaf spot is often mistaken to be this fungal disease, there is very little difference between these.
• Downy mildew is more prevalent in wet and humid conditions. It can spread by air, water splashes and even through human hands and gardening tools.

Preventive Measures

• Use resistant varieties of the plants wherever possible and buy the plants and seeds only from reputed nurseries.
• Scout the affected plants immediately and pack them in plastic bags and drop them in thrash. Do not use such plants in the compost pile.
• Remove moisture by allowing more air circulation. Timely pruning can make way for better air circulation.
• Do not water the plants from the top. Instead, use irrigation methods that water the roots rather than the leaves.

Chemical Control

• Melody Duo Fungicide contains Iprovalicarb and Propineb to prevent disease and promote healthy yield. It can act on several fungal strains and is compatible with young leaves and shoots to prevent spore formation by the fungus. Mix 3-4 gm in one litre of water.
• Curzate Fungicide contains the active ingredients cymoxanil and mancozeb that has the dual action of systemic and contact methods. It is effective even after three days of infection and eliminates the fungus. Dilute it 2 to 2.5 gm per litre of water and apply it at an interval of 5-7 days and 20 days for the third dose.
• Acrobat Complete Fungicide is made of Metiram and Dimethomorph affects the lipid membrane and cell wall of the fungi. You can dilute up to 4 gm in one litre of water depending on the severity of the infection.
• Folio Gold Fungicide is made of Metalaxyl and has a contact and systemic action. It prevents fungal buildup which is effective at a dilution of 1.5-2 ml per litre or 300- 400 ml per acre.

Conclusion

Always discard the affected plants after removal for effective prevention. We hope that this information will be helpful for you. To get all kinds of information related to such crops visit our website  https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll free number 1800 3000 2434.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Brinjal Shoot And Fruit Borer is a common pests affecting the fruits and causing damage to up to 30-50% of the fruits. The eggs of this pest will be white, larvae pink, pups look greyish and the adult pest appears black and brown with white dots. Here are some methods that you can use to manage these infestations.

Brinjal Shoot And Fruit Borer Symptoms

The most common symptom of brinjal shoot and fruit borer is withered terminal shoots and dried leaves. They make holes in the affected parts and the fruits will have excreta of the pests. The flower buds affected will be shed prematurely.

Brinjal Shoot And Fruit Borer Preventive Measures

• Removing the affected terminal leaves with boreholes is one of the most effective preventive measures to reduce infestation.
• Moreover, the removed leaves and fruits must be destroyed properly.
• You must also avoid continuous cultivation of brinjal.
• In the endemic areas, choose the long and narrow varieties.

Brinjal Shoot And Fruit Borer Chemical Control

• Solomon insecticide is an oil suspension containing Imidacloprid and Beta- Cyfluthrin that acts in systemic and contact methods on a wide variety of insects and affects their nervous system It shows antifeeding properties and is highly effective even in small doses. The recommended dosage is 0.35 to 0.4 ml in 1 liter of water.
• Cover insecticide contains anthranilic diamide which has a unique mode of action that works on the ryanodine receptors to cause muscle contraction and paralysis. It is more effective via ingestion than contact. This broad-spectrum insecticide shows longer effects and protects the plants. The dosage required is 0.4 ml per liter of water.
• Tracer insecticide is of the naturalyte class and the first of its kind. It contains Spinosad produced via fermentation of Saccharopolyspora spinosa and affects the acetylcholine receptor modulator of the pests. It is required in very less dosage at 0.35 – 0.4 ml per liter of water.
• Marshal insecticide works as a stomach poison and by contact with pests. It can ward off those sucking parasites and act on a wide variety of insects. The main ingredient here is Carbosulfan. The required dosage is 2 ml per liter of water and apply it every 5 days for better effects.

Conclusion

As effective as the insecticides are, it is better not to use them during the fruiting period and at the time of harvest. Its application can affect the quality of the yield. We hope that this information will be helpful to you. To get all kinds of information related to such crops visit our website  https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll-free number 1800 3000 2434.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Tuta absoluta is a highly damaging pest on tomato plants that affect their food production. It is also known as the South American tomato pinworm and tomato leafminer. In this growing concern regarding its infestation, it is necessary to identify the most effective measures to tackle this issue and improve crop production.

Tuta Absoluta in Tomato Symptoms

The pest causes the leaves to become abnormal in shape and get puncture marks on their surfaces. Appearances of blotch-shaped mines are also common. The infested fruits will get holes on their surfaces, causing loss and rejection in the market. In severe infestations, the overall yield will also be reduced.

Tuta Absoluta in Tomato Preventive Measures

• Make sure to thoroughly plough the land to reduce infestations.
• Crop rotation with resistance plants will be another effective method.
• Regularly remove the infested leaves so that they do not affect the other leaves and remove the pests promptly.

Chemical Control

• Benevia insecticide is an oil dispersion formula under the anthranilic diamide group. The active ingredient Cyazypyr active makes an effective foliar spray for the early stages of plant growth. This will ensure fewer infestations and proper development. It acts on the pests by contact and ingestion and will kill them within 3-6 days of contact. Dilute it at 2ml per litre of water.
• Vayego insecticide is an antifeedant effective on all stages of the pest from eggs to adult forms. It reduces fruit damage and improves yield. The active ingredient is Tetraniliprole which is an ideal choice for insecticide-resistant pests. The dilution ratio is 0.5 ml in one litre of water.
• Caldan SP insecticide is another option that is effective against all stages of pests. Being a part of the Nereistoxin analogue group, the insecticide acts through contact, systemic, as well as stomach methods. It controls the biting and chewing of pests. The recommended dosage is 2 gm of the powder mixed in one litre of water.
• Abacin insecticide shows a strong translaminar effect through contact and ingestion. This natural product is safe for mammals as it contains Abamectin. This is a broad-spectrum insecticide as well as a miticide. Use it after dilution of 1 ml in one litre of water.

Tuta Absoluta in Tomato Conclusion

Since it is difficult to find disease resistant tomato plants, regular care for the plants and effective use of insecticides are the only and best methods to control Tuta absoluta.We hope that this information will be helpful for you. To get all kinds of information related to such crops visit our website  https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll free number 1800 3000 2434.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Leafhopper or Indian cotton jassid is a common pest affecting several types of crops in India. Its nymph appears in translucent green colour with no wings and is seen between the veins under the leaf. The adult pests are green and wedged. Here is some more information about its infestation in cotton and how to control them.

Leaf Hopper in Cotton Symptoms

The tender leaves become yellowish and their margins will curl downwards. Severe infestation leads to reddening of the leaves or becoming bronze coloured, which is called hopper burning. The curled leaf margins will be crumbled and broken, leaving the leaves dry which affects the growth of the plants.

Leaf Hopper in Cotton Preventive Measures

• Choosing resistant varieties is the primary preventive measure.
• Crop rotation by choosing this species that can resist these pests will be the other way of reducing leafhopper infestations.
• The third method is to choose the most favourable growth period for the plant, especially April-May so that it can easily resist the infestation and does not majorly impact the growth.

Leaf Hopper in Cotton Chemical Control

• Regent insecticide helps promote healthy flowering as well as the maturity of the plants which will increase the yields. It helps the plants to be greener, increases the overall leaf surface areas and promotes height increase. The plants will develop better root systems and more tillers that are productive. The dosage is 1.5 ml in one litre of water and is sprayed onto the leaves.
• Lancer gold insecticide is a combination of two systemic insecticides in powdered form. The main ingredients here are Acephate 500 and Imidacloprid 1.8 % SP which are readily soluble in water and are easily absorbed by the plants. It is effective against many sucking and chewing insects. The pests are controlled by contact and are effective against many insects including leafhoppers. The dilution ratio is 2 gm in one litre of water.
• Alika insecticide is an effective insecticide with the dual action of contact and contact & systemic to eliminate the pests. The active ingredients here are Lambda-cyhalothrin and Thiamethoxam which can control the pests and improve the growth and development of the plants with better foliage and more branches. The recommended dosage is 0.5 ml per litre of water or use 80 ml per acre.

Conclusion

Leafhoppers in cotton can be controlled with early preventive measures and regular use of insecticides mentioned here. We hope that this information will be helpful for you. To get all kinds of information related to such crops visit our website  https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll free number 1800 3000 2434.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

One of the most common diseases of tomato crops in our country, spotted wilt, is caused by Tospovirus. It can affect the various parts of the plant and each part could show a different symptom as well. They can affect the growth of the plant, damage the produce or could be fatal as well.

Tomato Spotted Wilt Virus Symptoms

Tomato spotted wilt virus or Tospovirus infections on tomato leaves will cause them to look pale yellow or brownish with fungal spots and smaller in size. The fruits formed will be discoloured with yellow rings and differently shaped as well. All of these could lead to a huge loss for the farmers as it can affect the market price of the produce.

Preventive Measures and Chemical Control

• Using the Perfekt Herbal Crop Health Enhancer is an excellent way to prevent infection of Tospovirus in tomato plants. This is a pro-curative early disease control product made from various medicinal plant extracts. It prevents infections caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, etc and can also resist infestation by insects and pests. This integrated nutrition for plants is completely safe for the environment. Mix 1 ml of this liquid in one litre of water and spray it on the plants.
• Vanproz V-Bind Viricide is a mix of natural plant extracts that can be curative and preventive against various viral infections in plants. It is made of just plant extracts and essential oils. The active ingredients in this formula enter the affected plants and encapsulate the microbes and eliminate them. It can also undo the damage caused by the viruses inside the plant. Dilute 2-3 ml of the mix in one litre of water.
• Multiplex Magnum Mn contains the necessary form of manganese for the pants. It contains 12% manganese in its chelated forms that are readily available for plants. This nutrient helps translocate other nutrient ions. This is available in powdered form. Mix 0.5 g in one litre of water and spray it all on the leaves, both on the upper and lower surfaces.
• Multiplex Kranti Micronutrient Fertilizer is a complete plant food filled with primary, secondary and micronutrients to boost its immunity and promote growth. It makes the plants resistant to viral infections and combat environmental stress.

Conclusion

You need to use these products one after the other week for a few weeks to see remarkable differences. We hope that this information will be helpful for you. To get all kinds of information related crops visit our website  https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll free number 1800 3000 2434.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

Aphids are one of the most common problems for tomato plants. They grow fast and form colonies on tender leaves. They also pose a threat by having the ability to transmit viruses. The main difficulty here is their resistance to many insecticides.

Symptoms

The adult aphids as well as the nymphs suck the sap of younger plants and their succulent parts. The affected plants show twisted or curled leaves and swollen branches. When left untreated, they may even lead to uncontrolled infestation causing stunted growth of the plant. The affected leaves may turn yellow or brown. They secrete sugary substance called ‘honeydew‘ which attracts ants and promotes sooty mould growth. 

Preventive Measures

• Planting companion crops and trap crops are one of the most effective ways to control these aphids.
• Release natural predators such as ladybugs and green lacewings to control the aphid population. 
• Installing sticky traps in the field and maintaining the field weed-free are other popular methods to prevent aphid infestation.

Chemical Control

• Shamrock Overseas Limited Prime Gold Insecticide: It is a systemic insecticide containing Acetamiprid 20% SP and is effective against a wide spectrum of insects. It comes as a soluble powder which is diluted in water and sprayed on the crops. The dilution is 20-40 gm per acre.
• Marshal Insecticide: It is a contact insecticide which can also be a stomach poison for aphids. The active ingredient Carbosulfan 25% EC fights off chewing and sucking pests from the crops and promotes healthy growth of the plants. The recommended dosage for this liquid insecticide is 320-400 ml per acre. 
• Tatafen Insecticide: The 10% EC of Fenvalerate in this insecticide is effective against sucking pests via contact synthetic pyrethroid action. It works on a wide range of pests and is highly effective. The recommended dosage for this is 2.5 ml/liter or 500 ml per acre.

Conclusion

The damage caused by aphids on tomato plants is multilevel from affecting the leaves thus preventing proper photosynthesis to infesting fruits making them unfit for markets. Proper management of these pests with these insecticides along with proper prevention measures are essential. Only the combined efforts can be fruitful as they could be resistant to many insecticides.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

The semi-loopers in cruciferous plants are identified as plump greenish larvae that damage the winter crops, mostly in northwest India. The young pests are more damaging to the crops. Here are some ways to control them.

Symptoms of Semi loopers in Crucifers

Semiloopers in cruciferous plants, scrap and feed on the tender leaves. Such infested feeding sites are identifiable by the sticky wet faecal matter of the pests.

Preventive Measures of Semi loopers in Crucifers

• Using light traps can attract and kill adult worms easily.
• Hand-picking and getting rid of caterpillars is another method of elimination.
• Spraying endosulfan or malathion could also be done.
• You may also choose Trichogramma wasps to remove these worms as they can remove the eggs.
• Spraying natural insecticides such as Bacillus thuringiensis can eliminate the young caterpillars.
• The final way is to remove the plant debris after each harvest.

Chemical Control of Semi loopers in Crucifers

• Ekalux Insecticide is an insecticide effective against a wide range of pests. It contains Quinalphos 25 % EC and is recommended for sucking pests that affect various crops. The dilution ratio of this product is 2 ml per litre of water or 400 ml per acre.
• Alika Insecticide is another broad-spectrum insecticide made of 141 g/L Thiamethoxam and 106 g/L Lambda-cyhalothrin. Use it at a dilution of 0.5 ml per litre or 80 ml per acre for green and luscious crucifer crops.
• Cover Insecticide is part of the anthranilic diamide group that acts on the ryanodine receptors of the insects and works both as a contact and ingestion method. The product affects the muscle contraction of the insects to kill them eventually. It contains Chlorantraniliprole 18.5% W/W SC that protects for a longer time by building up on the leaf to prevent further infestation. Using this at a dilution of 60 ml per care will help you grow a higher yield.
• Decis 2.8 Ec is a synthetic pyrenoid insecticide and one of the most effective products against pests. It has a composition of Deltamethrin 2.8 EC (2.8% w/w) with a photostable and non-systemic action. It affects the nerve transmission of the pests and gets rid of them. You can dilute it at a ratio of 1.5 to 2 ml per litre of water.

Conclusion

You have a wider range of products to choose from to manage the semi-loopers. When coupled with effective preventive measures, you can be on top of them. We hope that this information will be helpful to you. To get all kinds of information related to crops visit our website  https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll-free number 1800 3000 2434.

CLICK HERE : Management of Diamondback Moth in Crucifers.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing 
herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.

The leaf eating caterpillars of cruciferous plants are identified as light green velvety worms. They have a yellowish line down their back as well. These leaf-eating caterpillars can grow up to 3 cm in length. They can grow faster under sunny days and mostly feed on the lower side of the leaves. They often feed on the head leaving the produce completely unfit for marketing thus rendering loss to the farmers.

Symptoms of Leaf Eating Caterpillars in Crucifers

Small and large irregular holes are common symptoms. Later they can defoliate the entire plant and leave just the midribs of the leaves leaving just the skeleton of the plant. Later on, it may feed on flowers and other parts to make the plant stunted.

Preventive Measures of Leaf Eating Caterpillars in Crucifers

• Plough the ground thoroughly and expose the eggs and larvae to sunshine.
• Try to avoid water logging in the ground and prevent water stress on the plants.
• Choose weed-free crops
• Grow castor on the borders to trap the pests.
• Basil is another natural repellant for this kind of pest.
• Installing pheromone traps can attract male pests.

Chemical control of Leaf Eating Caterpillars in Crucifers

• Jashn Super Insecticide: This ready-to-use product containing Cypermethrin 4% E.C and Profenofos 40% is an excellent larvicide and ovicide. It can successfully eliminate the tougher bollworms. The ratio for dilution is 2 ml per litre of water.
• Proclaim Insecticide: This multipurpose insecticide is from the Avermectin group and contains Emamectin Benzoate 5% SGz. It is available in granular form and shows translaminar action within 2 hours of application. The dilution ratio is 0.5 to 0.8gm/litre of water.
• Tafaban Insecticide: is a quick-acting animal ectoparasiticide that is effectively used against termites and other pests. It contains Fenvalerate 10 % EC that acts as a contact synthetic pyrethroid insecticide. You may use it after a dilution of 2.5 ml/litre or 500 ml/acre.
• Rilon Insecticide contains Emamectin Benzoate 5% SG which is produced by Streptomyces avermitilis, a bacteria. It is highly potent with a translaminar action. The molecules that accumulate inside the leaves kill the pests that feed on them through muscle contraction. This is so powerful that you need just 0.5 gm in one litre of water.

Conclusion

There are several options including these natural-based products to control these caterpillars. You can have the control measures to be more effective when both the chemical and preventing measures are taken together. We hope that this information will be helpful for you. To get all kinds of information related to crops visit our website  https://kisanvedika.bighaat.com/ or give a missed call on our toll free number 1800 3000 2434.

Note: The information contained herein is for informational purposes only. Nothing herein shall be construed to be financial or legal advice. Pesticides are a considerable risk of loss in crops and viewers are advised to do their own research before making any decisions.