Disease Management in Crops During the Rainy Season

The rainy season is a crucial time for crops. During this period, plants receive ample water, which promotes rapid growth. However, it is also a time when various diseases can affect crops, impacting their yield. Factors such as excess moisture in the soil, temperature changes, increased humidity in the air, and high levels of dampness create a favorable environment for diseases to thrive. Therefore, it is essential for farmers to adopt appropriate management practices to protect crops from diseases during the rainy season. In this post, we will discuss major diseases affecting crops during the rainy season and effective management strategies to help farmers keep their crops safe and productive.

Major Diseases Affecting Crops During Monsoon

Root Rot Disease

• This is a fungal disease. The likelihood of this disease increases with waterlogging in the field. Affected plants start showing signs of root rot. The stems near the soil surface also begin to decay and turn brown. The plant leaves gradually turn yellow. Eventually, the plant starts to dry out.

Control Methods for Root Rot Disease

• To protect crops from this disease, treat each kilogram of seed with 3 grams of Carbendazim 37.5% + Thiram 37.5% DS (Dhanuka Vitavax Power) before sowing.
• Once the disease appears in standing crops, use 300-600 grams of Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% (DeHaat Saabu) per acre.
• Apply 500 grams of Copper Oxychloride 50% WP (UPL Blitox) as drenching per acre, or use it during irrigation.
• To control this disease, spray a mixture of 30 grams of Ridomil Gold SL in 15 liters of water.

Powdery Mildew Disease

• This disease is also known as Powdery Mildew. In the initial stages of this disease, white spots begin to appear on the upper surface of the plant leaves. Gradually, these spots increase in size and cover the entire leaf with a white, powdery substance. As the disease progresses, white spots may also appear on the plant branches and fruits. This disease interferes with the process of photosynthesis, causing the affected leaves to gradually turn yellow. The affected leaves eventually dry out and fall off, hindering plant growth. This disease can lead to a significant reduction in crop yield and quality.

Control Methods for Powdery Mildew Disease

• To prevent the spread of this disease, remove and destroy the affected leaves.
• For controlling Powdery Mildew disease, use one of the following treatments:
• Apply 300 milliliters of Azoxystrobin 11% + Tebucanozole 18.3% SC (DeHaat Azytop) per acre.
• Apply 200 milliliters of Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC (DeHaat Synpact) per acre.
• Apply 300 grams of Tata Taqat (Captan 70% + Hexaconazole 5% WP) per acre.

Wilt Disease

• The main cause of Wilt Disease is the fungus Fusarium oxysporum. This disease can reduce crop yield by 10 to 12 percent. If the disease severity increases, the yield can decrease by 50 to 78 percent. Wilt Disease affects various crops including pigeon peas, chickpeas, pea, sugarcane, rice, lentil, tomato, eggplant, bottle gourd, mango, guava, and others. The fungus causing this disease can survive for up to 6 years without any nutrition or control. In the early stages of the disease, the lower leaves of the plant start to wilt and dry out. As the infection progresses, the entire plant wilts and dries up. If fruits have already developed on the plants, symptoms of the disease may also appear on the fruits, which may show brown-black spots.

Control Methods for Wilt Disease

• Implement crop rotation to protect crops from this disease. Remove and destroy infected plants from the field.
• Before sowing, treat 1 kilogram of seeds with 2 grams of Beauveria bassiana.
• Before planting, soak the roots of the plants in a solution of 2 grams of Carbendazim 50% (Dhanuka-Dhanustin) per liter of water.
• Apply 400 grams of Carbendazim 12% + Mancozeb 63% WP (DeHaat Saabu) per acre.
• For drenching, mix 400 grams of Thiophanate Methyl 70% WP in 200 liters of water and apply it per acre. This medicine is available in the market under the name "Roko".

What kinds of problems do you face with your crops during the rainy season, and what methods do you use to address these problems? Share your responses and experiences with us through comments. For more information on various crop diseases and pest damage and their management, follow the 'Agri Doctor' channel now. Also, don’t forget to like and share this post.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is disease management in crops?

A: Disease management in crops refers to the various strategies and techniques used to prevent, control, or reduce the impact of plant diseases on crop yield and quality. This includes using disease-resistant crop varieties, adopting crop rotation, focusing on cleanliness practices, and using fungicides or other chemical treatments when necessary.

Q: What diseases are common during the rainy season?

A: During the rainy season in India, crops are highly susceptible to diseases such as leaf spot, blight, rust, and powdery mildew. These diseases are caused by fungi that thrive in the warm and humid conditions of the rainy season. Effective disease management practices, such as timely use of fungicides and maintaining good crop hygiene, can help in preventing and controlling these diseases.

Q: What adverse effects does rainfall have on crops, and what are the preventive measures?

A: While rainfall is essential for crop growth, excessive rain can have adverse effects. Heavy rainfall can lead to waterlogging, soil erosion, and nutrient deficiencies, which can damage crops and reduce yield. Additionally, prolonged rain and high humidity can increase the incidence of fungal and bacterial diseases in crops.

Q: What is the purpose of disease management?

A: The purpose of disease management in agriculture is to prevent, reduce, or control the spread of plant diseases. Effective disease management helps in minimizing crop losses and maintaining the health and productivity of agricultural systems.