As a farmer or gardener, you may have come across Little leaf disease in Brinjal. This disease is caused by a phytoplasma and it affects both the plants and the fruits. It was first reported in India and has since spread to other parts of the world.
Symptoms
The symptoms of Little leaf disease include stunted growth and small leaves. The leaves may also be deformed and have a yellowish color. The flowers may fail to develop or fall off before maturity. The fruits are small and may not develop at all. In severe cases, the plant may die.
Control measures
1. Crop rotation: Crop rotation is an effective way of controlling Little leaf disease. Rotate the affected crop with a non-susceptible crop like maize or beans.
2. Sanitation: Practice good sanitation by removing and destroying infected plants and fruits. This will help reduce the spread of the disease.
3. Use of disease-free seeds: Use certified and disease-free seeds for planting to avoid introducing the disease into your farm.
4. Insect control: Use insecticides to control the vectors (leafhoppers or whiteflies) that spread the disease. Consult with your agricultural extension team on the recommended insecticides to use.
5. Multilocation trials: Participate in multilocation trials to identify disease-resistant Brinjal varieties. Planting resistant varieties can help reduce the incidence of Little leaf disease.
6. Cultural practices: Practice good cultural practices like weeding, pruning, and maintaining adequate soil moisture and fertility. This will help to keep the plants healthy and minimize the risk of Little leaf disease.
In conclusion, Little leaf disease is a serious problem that affects Brinjal production. However, with proper control measures, it can be managed effectively. By implementing the above control measures, you can reduce the incidence of the disease in your farm and improve your Brinjal yields.