Parwal fungus is the biggest disease

In the world, apart from India, Parwal is cultivated in China, Russia, Thailand, Poland, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Egypt and Myanmar. In India, Parwal is cultivated in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Assam, West Bengal, Orissa, Madhya Pradesh, Madras, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Kerala and Tamil Nadu. In Uttar Pradesh, Parwal is cultivated on commercial level in Jaunpur, Faizabad, Gonda, Varanasi, Ghazipur, Ballia and Deoria districts, whereas in Bihar, Parwal is cultivated commercially in Patna, Vaishali, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Champaran, Sitamarhi, Begusarai, Khagaria, It occurs in Munger and Bhagalpur.

 In Bihar, it is cultivated in the plains and Diara areas. During the rainy season, fruit, leaf and root rot diseases are more common in Parwal, the main reason for this is the high humidity in the environment. This disease occurs on a large scale in all the major Parwal growing areas of the country. The severity of this disease is seen in almost all Parwal producing areas. 

This disease is not only seen in the crops standing in the field, apart from this, this disease is also seen when the fruits are plucked. Wet dark colored spots are formed on the fruits, these spots grow and rot the fruit and these rotten fruits start smelling, the fruits which are close to the ground are more diseased. Cotton-like fungus is visible on rotten fruits.

Causes of root and stem rot in Parwal

Fungal pathogen: More than one pathogen is responsible for root and vine rot in Parwal. Phytophthora melonis causes rotting of fruits, leaves and roots of Parwal (Trichosanthes dioica). Apart from this, Rhizoctonia solani, various species of Fusarium and various species of Pythium are also the main causes behind root and vine rot in Parwal. There are reasons. These pathogens thrive in hot and humid conditions, making the crop vulnerable, especially during the rainy season.

Also read: Farmers can earn good money in a short amount of time by growing parwal

Poor drainage: Waterlogged soils or inadequate drainage systems create ideal environments for fungus growth. Excess moisture around the roots and vines promotes the development of rot. 

Contaminated soil and planting material: Using contaminated soil or infected planting material can introduce pathogens into the crop. Proper soil sterilization and use of disease-free seedlings are essential preventive measures.

Effect of rotting on Parwal

Reduction in yield: Root and vine rot can significantly reduce crop yield. Infected plants may produce small, deformed fruits, or in severe cases, fail to produce harvestable produce.

Economic loss: For farmers, lower yields mean lower income. The costs of inputs such as seeds, fertilizers and labor are not compensated, leading to financial losses.

Crop Quality: The quality of Parwal can be compromised even if the crop survives. Rotten vines and roots affect the taste and texture of the vegetable, making it unmarketable.

How to manage root and stem rot disease in Parwal?

Effective management of root and vine rot in Parwal involves a combination of preventive and curative measures. To solve this problem, some solutions are as follows:

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Crop rotation and site selection

Implement crop rotation system to break the disease cycle. Avoid planting Parval in the same soil for consecutive seasons. Choose well-drained, elevated planting sites to reduce the risk of waterlogging.

Preparing the soil

Before planting, make sure the soil is properly prepared. Incorporate organic matter such as compost to improve soil structure and drainage. Use soil solarization, a technique where plastic sheets are used to trap heat and kill soil-borne pathogens before planting.

Seed selection and treatment

Use disease-free planting material from reputable sources. Treat the planting material with fungicide before transplanting to reduce the chance of fungal infection.

Proper water management

Irrigate the crop carefully, avoiding excessive moisture around the roots and vines. Use drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the root zone, reducing fungal contact.

Also read: All information regarding drip irrigation

Use of fungicide

Use fungicides as a preventive measure, especially during the early stages of plant growth. To control this, fruits should not be allowed to come in contact with the ground. For this, straw or reeds should be spread on the ground. Spraying fungicide containing Ridomil and Mancozeb mixed with Ridomil M Gold, 2 grams per liter of water and thoroughly wetting the soil around Parwal with this solution reduces the severity of the disease. 

It is worth noting that Parwal fruits should be harvested only after 10 days of spraying the medicine. All pluckable fruits should be plucked before spraying the medicine. The schedule for spraying the medicine should be decided only after the weather forecast, because if it rains immediately after spraying the medicine, the expected benefits will not be achieved. Consult agricultural experts for guidance on proper fungicide and application schedule.

Controlling the organic matter

Use beneficial microorganisms such as various species of Trichoderma that help suppress pathogenic fungi.

Cleanliness

Practice good field sanitation by removing and destroying infected plant debris. This prevents the formation of pathogens in the soil. Disinfect tools and equipment to prevent the spread of disease.

Fungus resistant varieties of parwal

If available, choose Parwal varieties that are resistant to root and vine rot. Resistant varieties can reduce the risk of infection to a great extent.

Also read: 3 new types of parwal developed in this state

Nutrient management

Maintain balanced levels of nutrients in the soil. Plants lacking nutrients are more susceptible to diseases. Regularly monitor and adjust fertilizer application based on soil testing.

Training and education of farmers

Train farmers in disease identification and management techniques. Establish local support networks and extension services for timely advice and assistance.

Weather monitoring

Keep an eye on weather conditions, especially during the rainy season. Apply preventive measures when conditions are favorable for fungal growth. To conclude, root and vine rot in Parwal can be challenging for farmers, but with the right management strategies, its impact can be minimized. Preventive measures such as crop rotation, soil preparation and proper water management are important. 

Additionally, the use of disease resistant varieties and biological control methods can further increase crop resilience. By taking a holistic approach to disease management and staying informed about best practices, farmers can protect their Parval crops and ensure a safer and more profitable harvest.