How to Identify and Manage Ukhatha Disease of Lentil Crop

Agricultural scientists have indicated that initially, the outbreak of powdery mildew disease spreads across small patches of the field. Its onset results in the drying of leaves and subsequent wilting of seedlings. Infected plants exhibit reduced branching. Among lentil crops, Fusarium wilt is the most destructive soil-borne disease. This disease causes up to a 50-55% loss in crop yield for farmers. It affects the germination and vegetative growth of lentils at temperatures ranging from 23-26 degrees Celsius. The damage caused by this disease can be mitigated through resistant or partially resistant varieties, timely sowing, biological control, and chemical seed treatments.

Symptoms of Fusarium Wilt:

In mature lentil plants, symptoms of this disease are more apparent during flowering or pod formation. Infected plants show wilting of leaves. There is an increase in yellowing of leaves, eventually leading to the complete wilting of the plant. Affected plants have fewer branches. The condition significantly affects pod formation and often leads to incomplete seed development, resulting in a reduced yield.

How Fusarium Wilt Affects Crops: After harvest, the roots or residues of infected plants remain in the soil, harboring fungi and bacteria. The pathogen Fusarium remains viable in the soil for many years, causing disease outbreaks in lentil crops.

Prevention of Fusarium Wilt: To reduce the severity of Fusarium wilt, treat 3 grams of Thiram or a mixture of 1.5 grams of Thiram and 1.5 grams of Carbendazim per kilogram of seeds before sowing. Opt for sowing resistant varieties such as J.L.-3. Improving soil health through the stabilization of organic nitrogen and carbon sequestration helps in reducing soil-borne diseases. Farmers should be vigilant in identifying the symptoms of this destructive disease in lentil crops and take timely measures to control it.