Alappuzha’s Second Season Paddy Faces Threat from Leaf Blight

Fast Summary

• The Kerala Center for Pest Management (KCPM) issued an alert on bacterial leaf blight disease affecting paddy fields in Alappuzha district.
• The disease has been confirmed under five Krishi Bhavans: Karuvatta, nedumudi, Kainakary, Thakazhi, and Neelamperoor.
• It affects fields at 35-85 days after sowing during the second season of paddy cultivation and obstructs the upward movement of water and nutrients within plants. Leaf wilting is a visible symptom.
• Spreading mechanisms include rain, wind-borne contact between leaves, and contaminated water entering the fields; current weather conditions favor rapid transmission.
• Control measures advised by KCPM include:

– Green cow dung or bleaching powder placement near inlets to suppress initial infections (rate: 2 kg/acre).
– Chemical interventions using Bronopol/Bionol with wetting agents like Filwet or Teepol for early-stage cases; streptocycline paired with copper oxychloride for extensive infections.
– Organic farming alternatives such as sprays containing Pseudomonas fluorescens or Bacillus subtilis mixed with wetting agents were recommended.
– Potassium-silica nutrient mixtures can boost resistance; drying soil intermittently aids prevention but requires extra care in acidic soils.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The outbreak of bacterial leaf blight in Alappuzha district underlines the vulnerabilities of agricultural practices during monsoon-dependent cycles-a common challenge across India’s agrarian sector. While KCPM’s recommendations provide both chemical and organic solutions tailored to different farming approaches, effective implementation will likely depend on timely action by farmers supported through consistent monitoring from local Krishi Bhavans.

This situation also showcases the importance of proactive research institutions and state-level collaboration to minimize yield losses caused by climate-sensitive diseases like bacterial blight-especially relevant given India’s reliance on rice as a staple crop integral to food security.

Lastly,encouraging sustainable practices such as organic control methods might further strengthen long-term resilience against recurring outbreaks while addressing environmental concerns tied to excessive chemical usage.

Read More: Published August 06, 2025 | IST