Fungal attack in the gram crop is a common problem faced by farmers. The fungal attack leads to a decrease in crop yield, affecting farm productivity and profits. Fungi thrive in warm, high-humidity environments, and it’s the reason why the gram crop becomes vulnerable during the rainy season. Here are some tips on how to control fungal attack in gram crop:
1. Seed selection: Choose high-quality seeds that are free from fungal infections. Infected seeds have spots, discolorations, or deformities that can spread the infection across the entire crop.
2. Crop rotation: Fungi can survive in the soil and attack the crop year after year. Crop rotation helps in breaking the fungal cycle and reducing soil-borne fungal infections. Growing crops like legumes, oilseeds, or cereals can be rotated with gram crop to reduce the incidence of fungal attacks.
3. Proper irrigation: Over-irrigating the gram crop could lead to waterlogging and moisture retention which is ideal for fungi growth. Ensure that the field is well-drained and the crop is watered appropriately.
4. Fungicides: Fungicides are a preventive measure against fungal infections. Consult with crop consultants or extension officers to get a list of suitable fungicides that can be applied to the crop.
5. Use Biologicals: Biologicals are microorganisms that can colonize fungal pathogens, compete for space and nutrients, and help stop their proliferation. Biofungicides and biocontrol agents are examples of biologicals that can protect the gram crop against fungal attacks.
6. Keep the field clean: Keep the field clear by destroying crop debris, such as leaves and stems as it serves as a breeding ground for fungi. Avoid overcrowding the crop and manage weeds to prevent fungal attacks.
In conclusion, the above measures can help control fungal attack in the gram crop, but early detection and prevention is crucial for effective control. Regular monitoring of the crop for early signs of fungus and prompt action to mitigate fungal attack is the key to a successful gram crop harvest.