MEDICINAL AND AROMATIC CROPS (2+1)

Plant Protection

• Crop losses can be heavy due to pests and diseases.
  


• Mainly bugs and root grubs, attack the plant particularly during summer.
  


• Infested plants show yellowing and stunted growth.
  


• Application of systemic insecticides like nuvacron or dimecron will control the pests. Adults and nymphs of Helopeltis theivora severely feeds on the foliage which can be controlled by 0.25% neem kernel suspension.
  


• Rotting of leaves and vines during monsoon season is caused by Colletotrichum glorosporiodes and necrotic lesions and blights on the leaves during summer is caused by Colletotrichum and Cercospora spp.
  


• These diseases can be controlled by spraying of 1% Bordeaux mixture repeatedly.
  


• A virus like disease characterized by yellowing and crinkling of leaves, stunted growth and production of spikes of smaller size and inferior quality was also recently reported.