Fusarium wilt or Fangle disease is a devastating condition in cotton crops. It is caused by a soilborne fungus which causes wilting and yellowing of plants, leading to reduced yields and loss of revenue. As a cotton farmer, it is essential to adopt measures that prevent and control Fusarium wilt. Here are some strategies that can help you manage Fangle disease in cotton:
Plant resistant cotton varieties:
Planting Fusarium wilt-resistant cotton varieties is a smart way to control Fangle disease. You can ask your local agricultural extension service for a list of cotton varieties that perform well in your area and have resistance to this disease. By planting resistant varieties, you can reduce the likelihood of a severe infestation and maintain healthy crops.
Grow crops rotationally:
Rotating your cotton crops with non-host plants like corn or grain sorghum can help reduce soilborne fungal spores, and it also reduces the disease build-up in the soil. Ideally, you should avoid planting cotton on the same field for more than one to two years because the fungus can survive in the soil for several years, even in the absence of a cotton host.
Practice good sanitation:
Good sanitation practices help prevent the spread of the fungus. Discard infected plant debris by burning or burying them deep in the soil to reduce the likelihood of survival of the fungus. Moreover, you should not use the same equipment for infected and uninfected fields to stop spreading fungal spores.
Apply fungicides:
Fungicides help control Fangle disease by reducing the fungus’s population in the soil. You must use them according to labeled instructions and apply them to the soil or at the base of the plants before the onset of the disease.
Monitor your crops regularly:
Regular monitoring is critical to controlling Fangle disease. Scout your fields regularly to detect the early signs of Fusarium wilt. Early detection can reduce damage to the crops and help you respond more quickly with remedial measures such as applying fungicides or removing and destroying infected plants.
In conclusion, controlling Fangle disease in cotton crops requires a systematic approach that includes resistant varieties, crop rotation, good sanitation practices, fungicides application, and regular crop monitoring. By adopting these strategies, you can minimize the impact of Fangle disease, maintain crop yields, and protect your investments.