These diseases destroy potato crop, know their identification and prevention
Potato Crop Diseases: Although potatoes are a crucial crop for farmers, their susceptibility to illnesses is increased by weather-related factors such as fog, temperature swings, and excessive humidity. Blight disease, which comes in two varieties—early blight and late blight—is the most prevalent of them. Both of these diseases significantly harm the potato crop. Farmers may increase their potato crop’s profitability if they take the greatest precautions against blight disease in a timely manner. Tell us how to recognize and treat these illnesses.
Late Blight
The illness may be identified by the way the potato leaves begin to dry out from the margins. Rubbing the dry portion with fingertips produces a cracking sound. The primary temperature range for the transmission of this illness is between 10°C and 19°C. Farmers refer to it as ‘Aafat.’.
Administration
Apply a protective mist once, towards the end of December.
Make a solution in 400–500 liters of water and spray any of the following at 10- to 15-day intervals:
75% soluble powder of mancozeb (2 kg per acre)
Zineb powder, 75% soluble (2 kg/ha).
Spray the following medications on the crop if it is infected:
Mancozeb 64% + Metalaxyl 8% (2.5 kg/ha)
Mancozeb 63% + Carbendazim 12% (1.75 kg/ha)
Early Blight
Disease identification: This disease is characterized by the formation of dark, circular spots on the leaves that eventually burn the leaves as they expand. Typically, this illness manifests around the second or third week of January.
Administration
Zineb powder, 75% soluble (2 kg/ha).
75% soluble powder of mancozeb (2 kg per acre)
50% soluble powder of copper oxychloride (2.5 kg per acre)
75% soluble powder of captan (2 kg per acre)
As soon as the disease’s symptoms start to show, start spraying.
Mix any of the following with 400–500 liters of water to create a spray.
Key points
Keep a close eye on the crop so that action may be done as soon as the first signs show up.
Make sure you have the right medications and the right amount for spraying.
When spraying, the weather should be calm and clear.
Advice for farmers
Contact the Kisan Call Center (toll-free number: 18001801551) with any questions or concerns. Additionally, get advice from your district’s Assistant Director of Plant Protection.
