Late Blight Disease

Source- This post on the Late Blight Disease has been created based on the article ” CPRI issues advisory as late blight disease threatens potato crops” published in the “Hindustan Times” on 17 July 2024.

Recently, CPRI issued an advisory related to late blight disease threatening potato crops.

About Late Blight Disease

1. Late blight is a fungal infection caused by Phytophthora infestans.

2.  It seriously threatens potato crops causing significant yield losses and reducing tuber quality.

3. Weather Conditions Favor Disease Spread: Cool and moist Weather conditions are ideal for the spread of late blight disease.

Advisory for Farmers

i) Proactive Management: Emphasis was placed on timely management to prevent disease outbreaks.

ii) Spray fungicide containing mancozeb chlorothalonil at 0.2% (2 kg in 1,000 litres of water per hectare) immediately if the crop is not yet showing symptoms. Apply fungicide every 10 days, depending on the disease’s intensity.

iii) Use fungicides like cymoxanil + mancozeb, fermion + mancozeb, or dimethomorph + mancozeb.

iv) Field Management Tips: It has been suggested to ensure good drainage in fields to prevent waterlogging.

vi) There is a need to remove weeds to reduce the risk of fungal infection.

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