ICAR-CPCRI Issues Advisory to Combat Arecanut Fruit Rot Amid Heavy Rain

The ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) Kasaragod has released an advisory to control the spread of arecanut fruit rot, also known as koleroga, which has become more prevalent due to continuous rainfall in certain areas. Farmers who were unable to spray their crops in July are now facing a higher risk of infection, making it crucial to implement control measures whenever there is a break in the rain.

To prevent the disease and its spread, CPCRI recommends the following steps:

1. Spraying Fungicides: Farmers should spray a 1% Bordeaux mixture or Mandipropamid 23.4% SC (1ml per litre) on all arecanut bunches, regardless of whether fruit rot is currently visible. In areas where fruit rot is severe, it is advised to spray both the crown and bud regions to protect the trees from further damage.
2. Proper Preparation: The Bordeaux mixture should be prepared fresh, with a neutral pH of 7. Farmers are advised not to mix any other fungicides, pesticides, or nutrients with this spray. A sticker-cum-spreader (1ml per litre) should be added to ensure proper mist spraying of the fungicide.
3. Garden Management: It is important to create proper drainage in the garden to avoid water stagnation, which can exacerbate the disease. Additionally, all fallen diseased nuts should be removed from the garden to prevent further contamination.
4. Soil Treatment: In September, apply dolomite or lime at 1kg per palm, based on soil test values. After two to three weeks, apply the recommended manures and fertilizers: 150g urea, 130g rock phosphate, 160g muriate of potash, and 12kg FYM per tree.

By following these steps, farmers can help protect their arecanut crops from the damaging effects of koleroga during this rainy season.

Ad