Sheath blight is one of the most serious diseases that can affect paddy or jhona crops. This disease is caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia Solani Kühn. The disease is easily identifiable by oval or diamond-shaped lesions with a brown center and a light-brown margin, appearing on the leaf sheath or stem of the paddy plant. A fully developed lesion can measure up to 10 cm in length and can damage the plant’s growth and yield significantly.
Here are some measures farmers can take to control sheath blight attacks on their paddy crops:
1. Crop rotation: Crop rotation is an essential cultural practice that can break the disease cycle. It is recommended that farmers rotate their crops with non-rice crops like pulses, vegetables, or legumes.
2. Selection of resistant varieties: Farmers should always opt for paddy varieties that are resistant to sheath blight. They should seek advice from local extension officers and agro-dealers.
3. Early planting of paddy: Early planting of paddy can help reduce the incidence of sheath blight. This is because plants that are planted early tend to mature before the disease reaches its peak.
4. Sanitation: Farmers should be careful to remove all the infected plant debris from their fields and destroy them. This will help to stop the spread of the fungus.
5. Application of fungicides: The use of fungicides is also an essential measure that farmers can take to control sheath blight attacks. The fungicides should be applied as soon as the symptoms of the disease appear. Farmers should carefully follow the manufacturer’s recommendations when applying fungicides.
6. Irrigation management: Water management is an essential factor in the development and spread of sheath blight. Farmers should ensure that they provide enough water to their crops without creating an environment conducive to the growth of the fungus.
In conclusion, sheath blight is a disease that can lead to severe damage to paddy crops, and farmers must take adequate measures to control its spread. Crop rotation, selection of resistant varieties, early planting of paddy, sanitation, application of fungicides, and irrigation management are some measures that farmers can take to control sheath blight attacks successfully.