Darbhanga: Makhana is an important cash crop of North Bihar, which is the main source of livelihood of thousands of farmers. Its use is very important from medicinal, nutritional and religious point of view. However, like other crops, Makhana is also affected by many diseases, which adversely affects its quality and yield.
1. Seed, root and stem rot disease
Giving special information on this, Professor Dr SK Singh, Head, Post Graduate Department of Plant Pathology, says that this disease is mainly caused by Fusarium, Pythium, Phytophthora, and Rhizoctonia fungi. Its symptoms include seed rot, root rot, and brown spots on the lower parts of the stem. Management requires destroying diseased plants, keeping pond water clean, and treating seeds with captan or thiram.
2. Leaf spot disease
This disease is caused by Cercospora and Phytophthora fungi. Its symptoms include large, irregularly shaped spots on leaves. For management, it is necessary to keep the pond clean, use balanced fertilizers, and spray Blitox-50.
3. Fruit rot disease
Symptoms of this disease include rotting of the fruit from inside and failure to develop. For management it is necessary to spray Carbendazim or Dithane M-45.
4. Blight disease
This disease is caused by Alternaria tenuis fungus. Its symptoms include a fungal layer on the leaves and scorched leaves. For management, it is necessary to spray copper oxychloride, dithane Z-78 or dithane M-45.
5. Hypertrophy
This disease is caused by Doassansiopsis euryale fungus. Its symptoms include abnormal growth of flowers and leaves. Management requires clean water, balanced nutrition, and removal of diseased parts.
6. Yellowing of leaves (bacterial disease)
This disease is caused by Xanthomonas bacteria. Its symptoms include yellowing of leaves and black spots on the stems. For management, it is necessary to cultivate Makhana in clean and clear water, treat the seeds, and spray streptocycline or agrimycin.
