Bitter gourd crops are susceptible to various diseases that can severely impact their yield. Here’s a look at some of the major diseases affecting bitter gourd:
Powdery Mildew - This disease causes white or light brown spots to appear on the surface of leaves and stems. Powdery mildew can lead to smaller fruit sizes and reduced crop yield.
Downy Mildew - Downy mildew affects crops during both rainy and warm conditions. It manifests as angular spots on the leaves with a fuzzy, mold-like growth on the underside.
Fruit Rot: - Fruit rot is characterized by fungal growth on the fruits, leading them to decay and develop a cotton-like web. This disease can severely damage the crop and reduce overall yield.
Mosaic Virus - This virus causes mottling and curling of new leaves. Affected plants become stunted and fail to produce any fruit, significantly impacting the harvest.