Anthracnose is a common fungal disease that affects cotton crops, also known as Narma in some regions. Its symptoms include leaf blight, damping-off, seedling rot, stem canker, and boll rot. The disease can cause significant yield losses if not managed properly. Here are some control measures that farmers can implement to protect their cotton crops from anthracnose:
1. Crop rotation and field sanitation: It is beneficial to rotate crops to break the disease cycle as the fungus can survive in soil debris for extended periods. Farmers should also remove and destroy any infected plant debris or residues from the field as soon as possible.
2. Use of resistant varieties: Plant resistant cultivars that are less susceptible to anthracnose. Several varieties have been developed that exhibit resistance to the disease, and farmers should choose the most suitable cultivars for their region.
3. Seed treatment: Use of fungicides as seed treatment can prevent seedling rot and damping-off caused by the anthracnose fungus. Seed treatment should be done before planting and should follow recommended guidelines.
4. Fungicide spray: Apply fungicide sprays during early stages of the disease outbreak to limit its spread. The application should be done as per the recommendation of the agricultural extension worker or the company.
5. Proper irrigation and drainage: Excessive or insufficient irrigation can promote the disease’s spread; therefore, farmers should maintain a balanced and adequate water supply to the crop, depending on the soil conditions and the crop’s growth stage.
6. Monitoring and surveillance: Regular crop scouting should be done to detect any signs of the disease in the crop. Early detection helps to avoid further spread of the infection.
In conclusion, anthracnose is a serious threat to cotton crop production, and farmers should take preventative measures to control it. Crop rotation, sanitation, resistant cultivars, seed treatment, fungicide sprays, and proper irrigation and drainage are all crucial in protecting cotton crops from anthracnose. While these measures can help reduce the prevalence of the disease, early detection, and regular monitoring are equally important in saving the crop from significant losses.