Sure, here is an article on Blight control in Bengal gram:
Bengal gram, also known as chana or chickpea, is an important pulse crop in India. It is widely grown in both rain-fed and irrigated areas and is a valuable source of protein for millions of people. However, the crop is susceptible to various diseases, including blight, which can cause significant yield losses. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of blight in Bengal gram and methods for its control.
What is blight in Bengal gram?
Blight is a fungal disease caused by the pathogen Ascochyta rabiei. The disease affects all parts of the plant, including leaves, stems, and pods. It usually appears during the reproductive stage of the crop, and if left untreated, it can cause up to 50% yield losses.
Symptoms of blight in Bengal gram
The symptoms of blight in Bengal gram are easily recognizable. The first sign of infection is the appearance of brown circular or irregular-shaped spots on the leaves. These spots may enlarge and merge together, causing the leaves to dry up and die prematurely. The stems and pods may also develop dark lesions, and the seeds may have a chalky appearance. In severe cases, the entire plant may wilt and die.
Control of blight in Bengal gram
Blight can be controlled through various methods, including cultural, chemical, and biological measures.
Cultural measures:
1. Crop rotation: Avoid growing Bengal gram in the same field for more than two years to reduce the build-up of the pathogen.
2. Timely sowing: Sow the crop early in the season to avoid infection during the reproductive stage.
3. Proper spacing: Maintain a distance of about 20-25 cm between plants to ensure proper air circulation and reduce humidity.
4. Weed control: Keep the field free of weeds, as they can harbor the pathogen.
Chemical measures:
1. Fungicides: Apply fungicides such as carbendazim, tebuconazole, or propiconazole at the first sign of infection to prevent the disease from spreading.
2. Seed treatment: Treat the seeds with a fungicide before sowing to protect them from the pathogen.
Biological measures:
1. Biocontrol agents: Use biocontrol agents such as Bacillus subtilis or Trichoderma viride to control the pathogen.
2. Resistant varieties: Grow resistant varieties of Bengal gram that are less susceptible to blight.
In conclusion, blight is a serious disease that can cause significant yield losses in Bengal gram. However, with proper management practices such as crop rotation, timely sowing, proper spacing, and weed control, along with the use of chemical and biological measures, the disease can be effectively controlled. It is essential for farmers to monitor their crops regularly and take appropriate action at the first sign of infection to minimize losses.