Certainly, here is an article on controlling sheath blight in paddy:
Sheath blight is a common and devastating disease that affects paddy crops. It is caused by a fungus called Rhizoctonia solani and can cause significant yield losses if left untreated. The fungus attacks the sheaths surrounding the rice plant’s stems, causing them to wilt and turn brown. The disease spreads quickly in humid and warm environments, making it difficult to control.
Fortunately, there are several methods that farmers can use to control sheath blight and prevent its spread in their paddy crops. Here are some effective strategies for sheath blight control:
1. Crop Rotation
Crop rotation is an effective method to control sheath blight as it reduces the amount of fungal inoculum in the soil. Rotating paddy crops with non-host crops like soybean, groundnut, and wheat can be an effective way to keep the fungus at bay.
2. Soil Management
Proper soil management practices can also help prevent the spread of sheath blight in paddy fields. Farmers should ensure that their fields have good drainage to avoid waterlogging, as standing water can create ideal conditions for the fungus to infect the plants. Soil pH should also be maintained at a slightly acidic level of 6.0-6.5 for healthy paddy plants.
3. Use Resistant Varieties
Using resistant varieties of paddy is another effective control measure for Sheath blight. Resistant varieties do not eliminate the disease but help in limiting its spread and severity amongst the cultivars.
4. Fungicide Application
Fungicide application on paddy plantation after its appearance can minimize the effect of sheath blight disease at an early stage. Farmers must follow the instructions on the label and spray the fungicides at the appropriate time for successful control.
5. Harvest Management
Farmers must ensure proper sanitation and management practices during harvest. The paddy plants that display signs of infection should be removed and destroyed as soon as possible, to prevent them from contaminating other plants in the field.
In conclusion, the control measures for sheath blight in paddy involved a combination of practices like crop rotation, soil management, use of resistant varieties, fungicide application, and proper harvest management. The best control results come from a combination of the above strategies; Farmers should always aim for integrated disease management to avoid a high yield loss, and it is strongly encouraged to consult an agricultural expert before selecting and implementing any of the above control methods.