Market
13 January 2026
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Source:Team Potato Bazzar / TOI
CROP ALERT: Late Blight Threat Looms Over Punjab & Bihar Amid Fog
CROP ALERT: Late Blight Threat Looms Over Punjab & Bihar Amid Fog
CROP ALERT: Late Blight Threat Looms Over Punjab & Bihar Amid Fog
Agricultural scientists have issued a "Red Alert" for potato farmers in the Indo-Gangetic plains today, citing the dense fog and high humidity prevailing over the last 48 hours. The weather conditions are highly conducive to Late Blight (Jhulsa Rog), a fungal disease capable of destroying standing crops within days.
On January 12, scientists at CSA University (Kanpur) and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) advised farmers to inspect fields immediately for "water-soaked spots" on leaves. Dr. Keshav Arya of CSA University warned that the temperature range of 10°C–22°C with 85% humidity is the trigger zone for the pathogen Phytophthora infestans.
In Bihar’s Purnia and Katihar districts, early signs of the disease have already been spotted, raising fears of a yield reduction of up to 20% if left unchecked.
Expert Recommendations for Disease Management
Potato specialist Dr. Ajay Yadav noted that late blight is particularly aggressive toward standing crops. To combat this, he recommends a proactive chemical approach:
Preventive Spray: Farmers should use a solution of Cymoxanil and Mancozeb (2.5 grams per litre of water).
Alternative Treatment: A mixture of Azoxystrobin and Tebuconazole (1 gram per litre of water) is also highly effective.
Addressing the 'Many Leaf Complex'
Scientists also identified a secondary threat: small dot-like spots on leaves often mistaken for simple nutrient deficiencies. This condition, known as the Many Leaf Complex (caused by Alternaria), can be controlled by spraying Chlorothalonil (2.5 grams per litre). Experts suggest mixing this with a multi-micronutrient cocktail containing iron, copper, zinc, calcium, molybdenum, and boron to bolster plant immunity.
A single kilogram of this mixture is sufficient for one acre, typically requiring 8 to 10 spray tanks (15-litre capacity) for thorough coverage.
QUICK FACTS
Regions at Risk: Punjab (Doaba), West UP, North Bihar.
Disease: Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans).
Action: Spray Mancozeb/Cymoxanil immediately.
Agricultural scientists have issued a "Red Alert" for potato farmers in the Indo-Gangetic plains today, citing the dense fog and high humidity prevailing over the last 48 hours. The weather conditions are highly conducive to Late Blight (Jhulsa Rog), a fungal disease capable of destroying standing crops within days.
On January 12, scientists at CSA University (Kanpur) and Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) advised farmers to inspect fields immediately for "water-soaked spots" on leaves. Dr. Keshav Arya of CSA University warned that the temperature range of 10°C–22°C with 85% humidity is the trigger zone for the pathogen Phytophthora infestans.
In Bihar’s Purnia and Katihar districts, early signs of the disease have already been spotted, raising fears of a yield reduction of up to 20% if left unchecked.
Expert Recommendations for Disease Management
Potato specialist Dr. Ajay Yadav noted that late blight is particularly aggressive toward standing crops. To combat this, he recommends a proactive chemical approach:
Preventive Spray: Farmers should use a solution of Cymoxanil and Mancozeb (2.5 grams per litre of water).
Alternative Treatment: A mixture of Azoxystrobin and Tebuconazole (1 gram per litre of water) is also highly effective.
Addressing the 'Many Leaf Complex'
Scientists also identified a secondary threat: small dot-like spots on leaves often mistaken for simple nutrient deficiencies. This condition, known as the Many Leaf Complex (caused by Alternaria), can be controlled by spraying Chlorothalonil (2.5 grams per litre). Experts suggest mixing this with a multi-micronutrient cocktail containing iron, copper, zinc, calcium, molybdenum, and boron to bolster plant immunity.
A single kilogram of this mixture is sufficient for one acre, typically requiring 8 to 10 spray tanks (15-litre capacity) for thorough coverage.
QUICK FACTS
Regions at Risk: Punjab (Doaba), West UP, North Bihar.
Disease: Late Blight (Phytophthora infestans).
Action: Spray Mancozeb/Cymoxanil immediately.
#LateBlight #CropDisease