Certainly! Here is an article on the control of sheath blight in paddy (jhona) crop.
Sheath blight is a common fungal disease that affects paddy crops and is caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. This disease can cause substantial yield losses and damage to the quality of the grains, making it a significant challenge for farmers worldwide. Fortunately, there are several methods of controlling sheath blight in paddy crops.
Cultural practices: The first step in controlling sheath blight is to follow good cultural practices. These practices include maintaining proper drainage, preventing water stagnation, and ensuring proper crop nutrition. Farmers should avoid planting paddy in low-lying areas or fields with poor drainage. Rotation with non-rice crops like maize, wheat, or pigeonpea can also reduce the inoculum levels in soil.
Biological control: Another method of controlling sheath blight is to use biological control agents. Several species of fungi and bacteria have been identified as natural enemies of the fungus that causes sheath blight. For example, Bacillus subtilis, a bacterium, has been shown to be effective in reducing the incidence of sheath blight. Biofungicides like Trichoderma viride are also known to suppress the pathogen growth.
Chemical control: Chemical control is another effective method of controlling sheath blight. Fungicides such as tebuconazole, carbendazim, or propiconazole are applied as a foliar spray during the vegetative stage or a stem dip during transplanting. Timing is crucial, and the application should be done at the right time as per the recommended dose.
Integrated Pest Management (IPM): Farmer should follow IPM practices, which include cultural, biological, and chemical control methods. In IPM, a combination of approaches is used to control the diseases most effectively. As such, farmers should alternate between different cultural methods, use biocontrol agents, and apply fungicides as a last resort. This integrated approach minimizes the risk of developed resistance to pesticides as well.
In conclusion, sheath blight is a significant challenge for paddy farmers, but several methods exist to control its spread. Farmers should follow proper cultural practices, use biological control agents, and apply the right fungicides at the right time. The best approach is an integrated one, which takes advantage of all the available methods to control sheath blight. By doing this, farmers can enjoy healthy crops and high yields while keeping their farms sustainable, productive, and profitable.