Introduction:

Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia), also known as bitter melon, is a beloved crop known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. However, this unique vegetable is susceptible to a range of diseases that can severely impact yield and quality. Effective disease management is crucial for ensuring a healthy harvest and maintaining the crop's economic viability. In this blog, we will explore the common diseases that affect bitter gourd, their symptoms, and the best practices for managing and preventing these diseases. By implementing these strategies, farmers can safeguard their crops and achieve successful cultivation of bitter gourd.

Downy mildew: Pseudoperonospora cubensis

Symptoms:

Symptoms resembling mosaic viz, pale green areas separated by dark green areas appear on upper surface of leaf.

During wet season, the corresponding lower surface is covered with faint purplish fungal growth.

The entire leaf dries up quickly.

Management:

Use of bed system with wide spacing with good drainage and air movement and exposure to sun help to check the disease development.

Spray with Moncozeb 0.2 % or Chlorothalonil 0.2% or Difolaton 0.2% or Ridomil MZ 72 0.1%

Seed treatment with Apron SD 35 @ 2 g./kg. followed by spraying with Mancozeb 0.2% is effective in reducing the disease.

Powdery mildew: Erysiphe cichoracearum

Symptoms:

Powdery mildew is especially prevalent in hot dry conditions.

White or brown mealy growth will be found on upper and lower surfaces and stems.

Under severe infestations, the plant will be weakened and stunted.

Management:

The disease can be controlled by spraying Wettable sulphur 0.1%.

Summary

Downy mildew and powdery mildew are fungal threats to cauliflower. Downy mildew shows up as mosaic patterns on leaves and thrives in wet weather. To combat it, prioritize raised beds with good drainage and air circulation. Fungicides like Mancozeb or a combination of seed treatment and Mancozeb sprays can also be used. Powdery mildew, on the other hand, prefers hot and dry conditions. It appears as a white or brown powdery growth. A fungicide spray with Wettable Sulphur is effective against this disease.