Sure, here is an article on control of seedling blight in paddy.
Seedling blight is a common fungal disease that affects young rice seedlings and can cause significant yield loss in paddy rice. The disease can be caused by a variety of fungi, including Rhizoctonia solani, Pyricularia oryzae, and Fusarium oxysporum. In this article, we will discuss different methods for controlling seedling blight in paddy.
1. Seed treatment: The first step in controlling seedling blight is to treat the rice seeds with a fungicide. This can be done by soaking the seeds in a fungicide solution for a specified period before planting. There are different fungicides available for seed treatment, including carbendazim, thiram, metalaxyl, and mancozeb. These fungicides protect the seeds from fungal infections and improve seed germination.
2. Sanitation: Sanitation practices play a crucial role in managing seedling blight in paddy. It involves the removal and proper disposal of infected plant debris, weeds, and volunteer plants from the fields. Proper drainage and avoiding stagnant water also help to control the disease.
3. Crop rotation: Crop rotation is an effective method for controlling seedling blight in paddy. Planting crops that are not susceptible to the disease in the same field reduces the pathogen’s population. The most effective rotation crops for paddy are legumes, cereals, and oilseed crops.
4. Biological control: Biological control is an eco-friendly technique used to control seedling blight in paddy. It involves the use of beneficial microorganisms that colonize the rice plant’s root system and provide protection against fungal diseases. The most common microorganisms used for biological control of seedling blight are Bacillus spp., Pseudomonas spp., and Trichoderma spp.
5. Chemical control: Chemical control is often used as a last resort for controlling seedling blight in paddy. It involves spraying fungicides on the rice seedlings after they have germinated. However, this method should be used sparingly as repeated use of fungicides can lead to the development of fungal resistance.
In conclusion, seedling blight is a significant threat to paddy rice, and its control requires a comprehensive approach that combines different management practices. Farmers should adopt integrated disease management strategies that include seed treatment, sanitation, crop rotation, and biological control to minimize the disease’s impact and improve their crop yields.