Fungal diseases are a major concern for farmers worldwide, impacting the quality and yield of crops. Paddy crop is no exception and is prone to a fungal disease called bakani. Bakani is caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani, which affects the stem base of the rice plant, leading to a wilting and stunting of the plant. Here are some control measures that farmers can take to prevent or manage this disease.
1. Crop Rotation.
Crop rotation is the most common and effective method to control bakani. Farmers should avoid planting paddy crops in the same field for two consecutive years, as the fungus can survive in the soil for a long time. Crop rotation with legumes or vegetables can break the disease cycle and reduce the disease incidence.
2. Seed treatment.
Treat the paddy seeds with a fungicide before sowing. It protects the seed from fungal infections and prevents the spread of diseases. A mixture of neem oil, garlic oil, and cow urine has also shown to be effective in seed treatment.
3. Adopting resistant varieties.
Planting resistant or tolerant varieties is an effective preemptive measure against bakani. Farmers should select varieties with high resistance levels and excellent yield quality. The use of hybrid varieties also helps in reducing the incidence of bakani.
4. Weed management.
Weed management is another aspect of controlling bakani in paddy. Weeds serve as a host for the fungus, increasing the risk of disease infection. Proper land preparation, pre and post-emergence herbicides, and manual weeding all help to manage weeds. A well-drained field and proper irrigation practices can also limit the growth of weeds.
5. Fungicide application.
Fungicides such as carbendazim, mancozeb, and azoxystrobin can be applied to control bakani. These fungicides should be sprayed at the onset of the disease. Regular application during the cropping season can further prevent the spread of the disease.
In conclusion, preventing and controlling bakani in paddy crop can be challenging but adopting a proper integrated management approach can help. A combination of crop rotation, seed treatment, weed control, planting resistant varieties, and regular fungicide application can effectively control the disease, keeping the paddy crop healthy and productive.