Leaf curl viral disease is one of the most serious diseases that can affect chilli crops and cause serious damage to the yield. The disease is caused by a virus that attacks the leaves of the plant, causing them to curl upwards and become yellow in color. The good news is that there are several ways to control this disease and protect your chili crop.
1. Use disease-free seeds: This is the first and foremost step in preventing leaf curl viral disease in chilli crop. Always use certified, disease-free seeds to ensure that your crop is not affected by any viral diseases, especially the leaf curl viral disease.
2. Crop management: Proper crop management is essential to prevent the disease from spreading. It includes regular monitoring of the crop, removing any infected plants immediately, and maintaining proper spacing to ensure good air circulation.
3. Use of resistant varieties: Plant resistant varieties of chili which are less susceptible to the disease. Always select pepper varieties that are specifically bred or developed for resistance to leaf curl viral diseases.
4. Use Pest Control: It’s important to keep pests and insects in check, as they can exacerbate viral disease. Using pest control measures such as insecticides and pesticides will ensure that your crop is not attacked by pests that can transmit the virus.
5. Application of Grower donates: Application of grower donates like Bordeaux mixture and copper oxychloride prevent the spread of the virus and should be applied at 10-12 days interval. It is also important to follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer for appropriate use and dosage.
In conclusion, Leaf curl viral disease can be a significant threat to your chili crop, but following these steps can help to prevent it from spreading. It’s always better to take preventive measures than to try to control the disease once it has taken hold. So, always keep a vigilant eye on your crops, use disease-free seeds, implement proper crop management, plant resistant varieties, keep pests in check, and use grower donates to manage and control the disease effectively.