Bacterial blight is a major disease that affects moong or green gram plant and results in significant yield losses across the globe. The bacterial blight disease is caused by the bacteria Xanthomonas axonopodis pv. vigna. It causes yellowing, wilting, and water soaking in the infected leaves, and later the leaves die due to bacterium action.
The heat, humidity, and heavy rainfall, particularly in the monsoon season, promote the development and spread of bacterial diseases like blight. Here are some control measures that can be used to protect the moong crop from bacterial blight disease.
1. Use of resistant varieties: One of the ways to control the bacterial blight disease is by planting resistant varieties of moong. Several resistant moong varieties are available in the market, such as Pusa 105, Pusa Vishal, ML 365, and ML 886.
2. Crop rotation: Crop rotation is the process of planting different crops in alternating years. This helps to control the growth and spread of bacteria and fungi, reducing the threat of diseases like bacterial blight. In rotation, the host plant, like moong, should be avoided in the same field for two consecutive years.
3. Seed treatment: Before planting, the seeds should be treated with fungicide. This protects them from early infection and reduces the chances of infection from other germinating seeds.
4. Cultural practices: Cultural practices such as plowing the fields, weed control, and timely irrigation help to maintain good crop health and reduce the spread of the disease.
5. Sanitation: A crucial aspect of managing bacterial blight is the sanitation of the infected fields. The infected plants should be removed and disposed of properly to prevent the spread of the disease.
6. Application of copper-based fungicides: Copper-based fungicides such as bordeaux mixture and copper oxychloride can be used to manage bacterial blight disease, starting from the early stages of disease infection.
In conclusion, bacterial blight disease causes significant damage to moong crops, leading to severe yield losses and economic damages. However, adoption of the above preventive measures can help in managing the disease, reduce crop losses, and ensure higher yields.