Pests and diseases

Pests and diseases

    Pests
    The two important pests affecting this crop are aphids and red spider mites which can easily be controlled by spraying 0.5-1.0% of Kelthane (1 ml/1). Cut-worms are also reported to damage this crop.

    Diseases
    No major disease has been reported to affect this crop. The only disease which affects the crop is the rotting of D.floribunda tuber pieces during storage in sand-beds. This can be controlled by treating the tubers with 0.3% benlate solution. Leaf spot disease, caused by Drechelera sorokiniana, is also reported to occur in D. composita, resulting in defoliation and death of the seedlings. The disease can be effectively controlled by spraying Benlate (0.1%). Besides, Cercospora, Remularia and late blight caused by Phytophthora infestans are reported from Tamil Nadu and can be controlled by Dithane Z-78 (0.3%) or any other copper fungicide. Collar rot of seedlings, which is a nursery disease, can be effectively controlled by spraying Brassicol (0.5%).

Last modified: Tuesday, 3 April 2012, 9:01 AM