Port Blair, Aug 7: Amid reports of an outbreak of Sigatoka Leaf Spot in TC Banana particularly in farmer’s fileds in Calicut and Shoal Bay, the Directorate of Agriculture said that the prevailing weather condition, heavy rains followed by sunshine and high humidity are conducive for the disease in TC Banana. In an official release, the Agriculture Department advised farmers to be vigilant and frequently visit their fields to reduce the loss of crops.
The signs and symptoms of the Sigatoka Leaf Spot disease include small pale yellow or greenish yellow lesions on the leaves about 1 to 10 mm long and 0.5 to 1 mm wide parallel to the leaf vein, darkening and expansion of streaks laterally to form more or less elliptical brown spots, drying up of the centre of each spot becoming light grey, but a narrow dark brown or black border persists giving the mature spot and eye spot appearance, infected plants have scorched appearance, petiole collapse and leaves hang down from pseudo stem, photosynthetic area is drastically reduced and in severe cases the fruit doesn’t mature at all and the size of the bunches and individual fingers is reduced, the fruit ripens prematurely and has an abnormal favour and smell.
Suggesting control and management measures, the Agriculture Department said that the disease can be managed by improved drainage, good weed control, removal of suckers and proper spacing, removal and destruction of infected leaves from plantation, foliar application of 1% Bordeaux mixture plus 2% linseed oil or D-M-45/D-Z-78@2.5 gm/ltr of water soon after the appearance of initial symptoms and application of Bavistin (60-70 mg) in capsule inserted in the rhizome.
Farmers who suspect such problems in their fields should follow the measures to check further spread of the disease and avoid crop loss. Further information can be obtained from the nearest Agriculture Sub-Depot, Zonal Agricultyre Office or call Kisan Call Centre (243434), the release added.
