Management Of Sheath Blight In Paddy

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

Symptoms of Sheath Blight

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

Preventive Measures

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

Some effective chemicals to control Sheath Blight in Paddy

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

Conclusion

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

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