Leaf curl disease poses a major threat to potato crops worldwide. Caused by the potato leaf roll virus, this disease affects the entire plant – including leaves, stems, and tubers. Infected plants become stunted, producing smaller and inferior quality tubers, with the potential for complete crop loss. In this article, we will discuss the measures necessary for the control of leaf curl disease in potato crops.
1. Crop rotation: One of the most important preventive measures is crop rotation. Cultivating a potato crop in the same field year after year can result in the buildup of the leaf roll virus in the soil, leading to high incidences of infection. Therefore, it is important to alternate the cultivation of potatoes with other crops such as tobacco, maize, wheat or legumes.
2. Use of resistant cultivars: Planting resistant cultivars of potato can reduce the incidence of leaf curl virus. It is important to select potato varieties that exhibit resistance to the virus and other diseases. These resistant cultivars are conventionally bred by breeders, but can also be genetically modified.
3. Early planting: Early planting is important in reducing the incidence of leaf curl virus. Early planting allows for potatoes to mature before the virus-carrying insect vectors, such as aphids, build up their population numbers. Therefore, early planting reduces the period that the crop is exposed to the virus.
4. Sanitation / Field hygiene: The leaf curl virus can also be transmitted to potato plants by aphids and through the use of contaminated tools or machinery. Cleaning tools and equipment frequently will help reduce the risk of infection. Additionally, farmers should control weeds and debris, which are known to harbor the virus.
5. Insecticide application: Spraying insecticides can help control the aphid population and reduce the incidence of leaf curl virus. However, farmers must be careful when using insecticides as they can also harm beneficial insects, such as bees, that can pollinate and benefit the crop.
In conclusion, Leaf curl disease in potato crops is a major concern for farmers and can lead to significant economic losses. By practicing good field hygiene and planting resistant potato cultivars early, growers can effectively control the spread of this disease. Additionally, periodically rotating crops, controlling weed and debris, and spraying insecticides when necessary, will reduce the risk of infection and save farmers time and money.