Yellow mosaic is a viral disease that affects green gram plants. It leads to yellowing of leaves, stunted growth, and reduced yield. The virus is transmitted by whiteflies, which feed on the plant sap and spread the disease from infected plants to healthy ones. If left unchecked, yellow mosaic can cause extensive damage to the crop. Hence, it’s important to take appropriate measures to control the disease. In this article, we’ll discuss how to manage yellow mosaic in green gram.
1. Use disease-free seeds
It’s essential to use disease-free seeds for planting green gram. The seeds should be obtained from a reliable source that follows proper seed production and storage methods. Also, inspect the seedlings regularly for any visible symptoms of yellow mosaic.
2. Use resistant varieties
Some green gram varieties are resistant to yellow mosaic. These varieties have been developed through crop breeding programs and have the ability to withstand the disease. So, it’s advisable to choose resistant varieties for cultivation.
3. Practice crop rotation
Crop rotation is a good way to control yellow mosaic. Green gram should not be planted in the same field for consecutive seasons. Instead, it should be rotated with non-leguminous crops like rice or maize. This helps to break the cycle of disease transmission and reduces the disease pressure on the crop.
4. Manage whiteflies
Whiteflies are the primary agents of yellow mosaic transmission. Therefore, managing whiteflies is crucial to control the disease. This can be done by removing weeds, which serve as breeding ground for whiteflies. Also, use yellow sticky traps to attract and trap them, hence reducing their population. Systemic insecticides can also be used to control whiteflies, but care should be taken to follow the instructions for their safe use.
5. Adopt cultural practices
Several cultural practices can be adopted to manage yellow mosaic. Intercropping with marigold or cowpea can provide a barrier effect against whiteflies. Also, timely weeding and thinning can improve plant vigor and promote better disease resistance.
6. Spray antiviral agents
Antiviral agents like salicylic acid or aspirin can be sprayed to induce systemic resistance against yellow mosaic. However, their effectiveness may vary from one infection to another.
In conclusion, yellow mosaic can be a serious threat to green gram production, but its effects can be mitigated by adopting appropriate control measures. Using disease-free seeds, resistant varieties, crop rotation, managing whiteflies, and cultural practices can help to significantly reduce the disease’s impact. It’s also essential to maintain good plant hygiene and keep the field clean to prevent disease buildup. By implementing these measures, farmers can ensure a healthy and productive green gram crop.