Farm scientists have warned homestead farmers of the spread of fungal diseases triggered by humid weather conditions with the onset of the monsoon.
Maintaining that seedling rot and damping off in plants are common, an agriculture officer suggested that those using growbags ensure proper drainage.
Watery conditions
Vegetables cultivated during the rainy season include okra, brinjal, vegetable cowpea, and bitter gourd, and they can survive extreme watery conditions.
Prophylactic action and use of trichoderma and other bio-agents can help boost plant health. Keeping surroundings clean and removing rotting matter can help prevent infections, scientists said.
Prophylactic sprays of bordeaux mixture of one per cent concentration and pseudomonas fluorescence sprays (20 grams diluted in one litre of water) alternatively over 10-day intervals have also been suggested. It is advisable to use trichoderma (100 gram per bag) during the wet season to get rid of soil-borne pathogens.
Rain shelters
Scientists have also suggested use of temporary rain shelters. While permanent water shelters are used by some people, it may be too costly, especially in some homestead farms, considering their small sizes.
The scientists’ suggestions for the rainy season come in the backdrop of the spread of terrace and backyard farming in urban areas.
