Green gram, also known as mung bean, is a pulse crop that is widely grown in tropical and subtropical regions of the world. However, its production is severely impacted by bacterial blight disease which is caused by Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli. The disease can cause severe yield losses and affect the quality of the crop. The following article discusses the management and control of bacterial blight disease in green gram.
Cultural practices: Cultural practices play an important role in the management of bacterial blight disease in green gram. Crop rotation, proper crop spacing, and timely irrigation are crucial to reduce the severity of the disease. Additionally, the use of pathogen-free seeds, removal of diseased plant debris, and avoiding overhead irrigation can help to prevent the spread of the disease.
Chemical control: The use of chemical pesticides can be effective in controlling bacterial blight disease in green gram. Copper-based fungicides such as Bordeaux mixture and copper oxychloride can be used as foliar sprays to control the disease. However, it is important to follow the recommended dosage and application frequency to avoid toxicity issues.
Biological control: Biological control is an effective and eco-friendly method to control bacterial blight disease in green gram. Several biocontrol agents such as Bacillus subtilis, Trichoderma harzianum, and Pseudomonas fluorescens have been reported to have antagonistic activity against Xanthomonas campestris pv. phaseoli. These biocontrol agents can be used as seed treatments or foliar sprays to control the disease.
Genetic resistance: Development of disease-resistant varieties is an important strategy for the management of bacterial blight disease in green gram. Several green gram varieties with varying levels of resistance to bacterial blight disease have been developed using conventional breeding and molecular approaches. These varieties can provide long-term sustainable control of the disease.
In conclusion, bacterial blight disease in green gram can be effectively managed using a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, biological control, and genetic resistance. Integrated disease management practices that combine multiple strategies can provide effective and sustainable control of the disease and improve the productivity of the crop.