HOW TO CONTROL CHILLI LEAF CURL DISEASE

HOW TO CONTROL CHILLI LEAF CURL DISEASE

Chilli leaf curl disease (Chil-CV) is a DNA virus from the genus Begomovirus. Chil-CV causes severe disease especially in pepper (Capsicum sp) but also affects other crops like Tomato.

This infection mostly found in Tropical and Subtropical country. Chil-CV is transmitted by the insect vector silver leaf whitefly (Bemisia tabaci). DNA of Chil-CV plays a large role in symptom development.

SYMPTOMS:-

1.      The main symptoms are an upward curling, puckering and bunching of leaves.

2.      The leaves are also reduced in size.

3.      This virus can cause significant yield losses.

4.      In the case of mixed infections or pest like thrips or mite, loses may be as severe as 90-100%.

MANAGEMENT OF DISEASE:-

1.      Over watering can cause peppers leaves to curl due to the roots inability to access enough oxygen and nutrition from the soil.

2.      Over watering will also usually cause yellowing leaves and stunted plant growth.

3.       In order to avoid curling leaves always allow the top soil to dry out 2-3 inches.

4.      Always use pots with drainage hole.

5.      Allow water to complete drain out after watering.

6.      To avoid this infection soak seeds in a solution containing Tri-sodium-orthiro phosphate .it inhibits seed borne inoculums.

7.      The treated seed should be washed with fresh water and dried before sowing.

8.      Nursery bed should be covered with nylon net or straw to protect the seedlings from viral infection.

9.      Always spray insecticidal soap or neem oil when new growth occurs on plant.

10.  When you spray, cover top and bottom of all the leaves and branches thoroughly until the soap runs off the tissues.

11.  If infection occurs beyond your control than you may use pesticide like Imidacloprid or Malathion or Methyl- demeton as per recommendation written on level.

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