Yellow vein mosaic (YVM) is a viral disease that affects the growth and yield of bhindi, also known as okra. The disease is caused by a whitefly-transmitted virus, which results in the appearance of yellow vein-like symptoms on the leaves of the plant. The infected plants produce fewer fruits, which are often deformed and have a reduced market value. Here are some effective measures that can be taken to control yellow vein mosaic in bhindi:
1. Cultural practices: Intercropping bhindi with crops like maize or marigold can reduce the population of whiteflies, the vectors of the disease. Applying organic manure and maintaining proper soil moisture can help to enhance the resistance of the plants to the virus.
2. Chemical control: Insecticides like imidacloprid and thiamethoxam can control the whitefly population and thus reduce the spread of the virus. Herbicides can also be used to control weeds, which serve as alternate hosts for the whiteflies.
3. Vector management: Controlling the whitefly population is essential to prevent the spread of the disease. Sticky traps with attractants like pheromones can be used to monitor and trap the whiteflies. Use of yellow sticky traps placed 2-3 feet above the plant canopy is an effective method to trap and kill the whiteflies.
4. Resistant varieties: Several bhindi varieties with resistance to yellow vein mosaic are available in the market. Planting resistant varieties can be an effective strategy to reduce the incidence of the disease.
In conclusion, yellow vein mosaic is a serious disease that can cause significant damage to bhindi crops. Taking effective measures to control the disease is essential to maintain the yield and quality of the crop. By using a combination of cultural practices, chemical control, vector management, and resistant varieties, farmers can significantly reduce the incidence of the disease and increase the profitability of their bhindi cultivation.