Garlic is a popular spice for its unique flavor and medicinal properties. However, garlic cultivation faces several challenges from different pests and diseases, requiring farmers to apply effective management strategies. Garlic plants are prone to fungal infections and pests that can cause substantial damage to the crop. In this article, we will discuss some of the ways that farmers can protect their garlic crop from fungal infections and pest infestation.
Use of Fungicides:
Fungal infections such as Fusarium wilt can be prevented by applying fungicides to the soil before planting. The fungicide application should be done before the garlic bulb sprouts to prevent the disease-causing fungi from attacking the plant. Fungicides such as Metalaxyl, Thiophanate-methyl, and Propamocarb are effective in controlling soil-borne diseases.
Sanitation:
Cleaning the field is essential in preventing fungal infections and pest infestation. Farmers should remove all plant debris and weeds from the garlic field to reduce the risk of fungal spores surviving in the soil. Weeds can harbor pests and create favorable conditions for fungal diseases to thrive. Additionally, farmers should ensure that they disinfect equipment, such as pruning tools, to avoid spreading fungal spores from one field to another.
Crop rotation:
Crop rotation is an effective strategy to reduce soil-borne diseases. Farmers can grow garlic in the same field after three years to avoid garlic-specific pathogens building up. Growing crops like beans, peas, and soybeans in the field, which do not harbor fungal diseases, can help reduce the risk of infection.
Use of insecticides:
Garlic crops are highly susceptible to pests such as aphids and thrips. These pests suck on the garlic leaves, leading to stunted growth and reduced bulb size. Farmers can use insecticides to control pests’ populations before they multiply and cause significant damage. Imidacloprid and Lambda-Cyhalothrin are common insecticides used in garlic farming.
Use of Companion Plants:
Companion planting with garlic can help to deter pests and suppress fungal growth. Some of the recommended companion plants for garlic include alliums, such as chives and onions, and marigolds. These plants contain natural insecticides and fungicides that can help keep pests and fungal diseases at bay.
In conclusion, garlic farming requires adequate pest and disease management strategies to reduce yield loss. Farmers can use a combination of preventative and corrective measures such as crop rotation, sanitation, use of insecticides and fungicides, and companion planting to protect their crop. By implementing these strategies, farmers can produce healthy garlic bulbs and maximize their income.