Fungal attacks are common in gram crops and can cause significant damage to the crop leading to reduced yield. Fungal diseases like Ascochyta blight, fusarium wilt, and root rot can swiftly infect the crop under favorable conditions, leading to considerable losses.
Here are some tips on how to control fungal attacks in gram crops:
1. Early Diagnosis and Careful Monitoring: Regular field mapping, and identifying the symptoms of fungal diseases, can help in early diagnosis. Careful monitoring of fungal diseases like Ascochyta blight will enable the farmer to implement control measures. To control early-stage diseases, start with appropriate fungicide spraying. In some cases, crop rotations, along with chemical and non-chemical control measures, may work. Ensure plants are well-spaced for enough air circulation and light to reach all parts.
2. Crop Rotation: Crop rotation is an essential practice in controlling fungal diseases. A combination of crops like legumes, cereal, or oilseed crops is an appropriate rotation practice to avoid a repeated attack of fungal diseases. Crop rotation can be combined with soil fumigation to provide better protection.
3. Proper Hygiene: Crop hygiene is essential to prevent infection from spreading. Ensure all farm implements are clean and disinfected before use. Do not use farm tools or carry out farming activities in infected fields. Incorporate infected plants back into the soil rather than leaving them to decompose on the soil surface.
4. Chemical Control Methods: Agrochemicals can control fungal diseases effectively. Fungicides containing copper or sulfur can control most fungal infections. Fungicides like azoxystrobin and tebuconazole are effective against Ascochyta blight. Follow the recommended dosages, and ensure they are applied thoroughly to reach all parts of the plant. Consult with an expert on the right dose and application methods.
5. Biological control measures: Biocontrol agents like Trichoderma, Gliocladium, and Bacillus can inhibit fungal growth by producing enzymes that break down fungal cell walls and colonizing the rhizosphere. They can be applied through seed treatment, manual application, or soil incorporation.
6. Irrigation management: Overwatering or irregular watering practices can lead to root diseases like root rot. Plan irrigation schedules that provide sufficient moisture while avoiding waterlogging, which can cause fungal infections. Drip or furrow irrigation is best suited for controlling fungal in-ground crops.
In conclusion, implementing these control measures is necessary for keeping fungal attacks at bay. It is also critical to maintain crop health by nutrient and resource management to avoid creating environmental conditions for fungal growth. By taking appropriate prevention measures and timely management practices, farmers can avoid significant crop losses and guarantee a bountiful harvest.