Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of chilli plants. It can be caused by several fungal pathogens, such as Fusarium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia. The disease is prevalent in warm and humid conditions and can lead to significant yield losses in chilli production. Control of root rot is necessary to ensure healthy and productive plants.
Here are some measures that can be taken to control root rot in chilli:
1. Prevention: Prevention is the best way to control root rot. The first step is to choose healthy seedlings, free from any disease, and plant them in well-drained soil. Overwatering should be avoided, and soil moisture levels should be maintained by adding mulch or using drip irrigation.
2. Soil sterilization: Soil sterilization is another effective way to control root rot. It can be achieved by solarization or chemical fumigation. Solarization involves covering the soil with a transparent plastic sheet to trap heat and kill the pathogens. Chemical fumigation involves using soil fumigants to kill the pathogens in the soil.
3. Biological control: Biological control involves using beneficial microbes that can suppress or compete with the pathogenic fungi. Biocontrol agents such as Trichoderma, Bacillus subtilis, and Pseudomonas fluorescens have been found to be effective against root rot in chilli.
4. Cultural practices: Cultural practices such as crop rotation, proper sanitation, and removal of infected plants can help control root rot. Crop rotation helps break the disease cycle by planting chilli in a different location after the current crop. Proper sanitation involves removing any diseased plant parts and cleaning farm equipment to prevent the spread of the disease.
5. Chemical control: Chemical control involves the use of fungicides. Fungicides such as metalaxyl, carbendazim, and thiophanate-methyl have been found to be effective against root rot in chilli. However, their use should be limited, and the instructions on the label should be followed.
In conclusion, root rot presents a significant threat to chilli production. However, with proper prevention, the use of biological and chemical control, and good cultural practices, the disease can be successfully controlled. It is always advisable to seek professional advice from plant pathologists or horticulturists before implementing any control measures.