Know the cause and prevention measures of blight disease in potato crop
Potato crop: For the farmers of Jharkhand’s Hazaribagh area, growing potatoes is a significant source of revenue. However, blight has been a danger to the potato production in recent years. Farmers suffer significant losses as a result of this disease’s quick spread and complete crop destruction. Many farmers have been impacted by this illness this year as well.
Blight disease: what is it?
A fungus called blight disease damages the potato crop from the leaves to the roots. This illness has the potential to spread from one area to another if treatment is delayed.
Blight disease comes in two varieties:
Blight in its early stages: Small black granules first show up on the leaves. The whole leaf is progressively destroyed as these granules come together.
Late-stage Blight: The topmost leaves of the plants are where this sickness begins. First, the top leaves begin to dry out, and then the virus slowly moves to the roots.
Reasons for Blight
Fungal infection: The fungus grows in the crop’s surrounding soil and damp conditions.
Weather: Blight is encouraged by persistent wetness and temperature swings.
Bad seeds: The primary causes of this disease’s spread are likewise untreated seeds and contaminated soil.
Signs of Blight
Early Blight: The leaves begin to develop black-brown granules, which eventually spread and obliterate the whole leaf.
Drying of the top leaves is known as late blight.
Eventually, the virus spreads to the roots after gradually affecting the whole plant.
Steps to avoid blight
Dr. Satya Prakash Vishwakarma, an agricultural expert, made several crucial recommendations to stop blight disease:
1. Seed treatment: Prior to planting, seeds need to get a fungicide treatment.
This aids in the early prevention of the illness.
2. Crop care: Monitor the crop on a regular basis.
As soon as the disease’s initial symptoms arise, start treatment.
3. Crop disease management: The contaminated plants should be removed from the field right away.Maintain the field’s cleanliness and airflow.
4. Spraying: Apply a 0.5% foliar spray of Natiyon to avoid blight disease.
As the illness worsens, apply fungicide.
5. Implement crop rotation: Implement the practice of switching up your crops annually.
This lessens the likelihood that fungus may develop in the soil.
A few recommendations for farmers
To prevent and cure blight disease, periodically seek help from agricultural specialists. During cultivation, take extra care to keep everything clean. Make sure the field’s drainage is set up correctly. Apply the proper ratio of chemical and biological therapies.
