Controlling Sheath Blight Attack on Paddy Crop
Sheath blight is a fungal disease caused by Rhizoctonia solani that affects paddy (jhona) crop. It can cause significant yield losses if left uncontrolled. The disease can infect the plants at any growth stage, but it is more severe during the reproductive phase. Here are some of the effective ways to control sheath blight attack on paddy crop.
Cultural Practices
Cultural practices play a vital role in controlling sheath blight on paddy crop. The following practices can help manage the disease:
1. Crop rotation: Avoid growing paddy continuously in the same field. Rotate it with other crops like maize, soybean or wheat to break the disease cycle.
2. Sanitation: Remove and destroy infected plant parts and debris from the field to reduce the inoculum load.
3. Proper spacing: Maintain recommended spacing between plants and rows to ensure adequate light and air circulation that can minimize disease development.
4. Irrigation: Avoid frequent and excessive irrigation, especially during the evening or night, which can create conditions conducive to disease development.
Chemical Control
Chemical control can also be used to manage sheath blight. Fungicides like tebuconazole, azoxystrobin, propiconazole, and trifloxystrobin have shown effective control of the disease. They can be applied as foliar sprays or soil drenches at the recommended doses and intervals. However, repeated use of fungicides can lead to the development of fungicide resistance in the pathogen, so alternate use of different active ingredients is recommended.
Biological Control
Biological control is an eco-friendly and sustainable method of managing sheath blight. The use of antagonistic fungi and bacteria, such as Trichoderma spp., Pseudomonas spp., Bacillus spp., etc., can inhibit the growth of R. solani, thereby reducing disease severity. They can be applied as seed treatments, foliar sprays or soil amendments.
Conclusion
Sheath blight is a significant disease of paddy crop that requires proper management for optimal yield. A combination of cultural practices, chemical control, and biological control can provide an integrated approach to manage the disease effectively. Farmers should also regularly scout their fields to detect any signs of the disease and take appropriate measures to prevent its spread.