Sunflower grown in parts of the district has been affected by fungus attack and an immediate action by farmers has resulted in prevention to other plants, particularly in and around Inampuliyur near Tiruchi.
A few farmers in and around Inampuliyur have switched over to sunflower this season, taking into consideration the poor availability of irrigation waters, with the Kattalai Mettu channel in their village wearing a bone-dry look.
Farmers had raised the crop this season to ensure maximum utilisation of the available and limited water. “Sunflower needs irrigation facility only once in 10 days and the duration of the crop is 90 days,” says A. Nagarajan, one of the farmers who had raised the crop on two acres of land in the village.
Although the crop registered normal growth free from any pest attack, it was attacked by fungus at its roots last week, affecting the normal yield.
Farmers anticipated that the normal yield of 1.5 tonnes an acre might fall to 1.25 tonnes. “The crop is due for harvest within a fortnight’s time but the fungus has caused extensive damage to the roots of the plant, resulting in the withering away of the flower,” say the farmer.
R. Senthamizhselvan, a consultant in agriculture, said the affected plants should be removed and destroyed off the fields. Pointing out that the air-borne and root-borne fungus would spread to other plants, he suggested that fungicide should be applied around the soil where the weak plants had spread roots.
A few fields in Musiri, Thottiyam and Thuraiyur had also been affected by the fungus.
Cropping patternThey said that although it had been attacked by fungus, timely prevention of its spread had ensured a good harvest.
They anticipated a revenue of Rs. 30,000 an acre within 90 days. Vellakoivil was the main market area for sunflower, they added.
