Viral diseases of Chilli
Leaf curl
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Leaves curl towards midrib and become deformed.
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Stunted plant growth due to shortened internodes and leaves greatly reduced in size.
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Flower buds abcise before attaining full size and anthers do not contain pollen grains.
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The virus is generally transmitted by whitefly. So control measures of whitefly in this regard would be helpful.
Mosaic Viruses
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Light green and dark green patches on the leaves.
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Stunted plant growth during early stages.
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Yellowing, chlorotic ring spots on leaves and fruits.
Management:
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Control measures are not known for the majority of viral diseases.
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Hence, mechanical, cultural methods are mostly recommended.
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The infected plants should be uprooted and burnt or buried to avoid further infection.
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Avoid monoculture of chilli crop.
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Selection of healthy and disease – free seed.
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Suitable insecticidal sprays reduce the incidence of viral diseases since the majority of viral diseases are transmitted by insect vectors.
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Soaking seeds in a solution containing 150 g Trisodium orthriphosphate per litre of water for 30 minutes inhibits seed – borne inoculum.
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Treated seed should be washed with fresh water and dried before sowing.
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Nursery beds should be covered with nylon net or straw to protect the seedlings from a viral infection.
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Raise 2-3 rows of maize or sorghum as border crop to restrict the spread of aphid vectors.
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Apply Carbofuran 3G @ 4-5 Kg/acre in the main field to control sucking complex and insect vectors selectively.
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If it is not possible to spray the crop with systemic insecticides. Dimethoate 2ml of Acephate 1g per litre of water.
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Collect and destroy infected virus plants as soon as they are noticed.
Source-
- TamilNadu Agritech Portal
