How To Control Gemini Virus or Leaf Curl Virus in Chilli Crops?

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.