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Yellow-Orange Powder on Paddy Ears? Turmeric Disease Alert: Save Your Crop Now!
- •Farmers should be alert to yellow and orange powder on paddy ears, indicating a fungal infection called Turmeric disease, which spreads rapidly in high humidity.
- •Progressive farmer Ranjod Singh states that Turmeric disease turns paddy grains into yellow powder-like balls, reducing weight and quality.
- •The disease starts with small, light yellow balls that turn orange and then black powder, affecting grain formation and leaving many ears hollow.
- •Ranjod Singh warns that Turmeric disease can spread throughout the field, potentially affecting 30 to 40 percent of the yield if not controlled.
- •Prevention includes avoiding waterlogging, removing infected ears, and spraying Copper Oxychloride 50% WP or Tebuconazole.
Key Questions Answered
The yellow-orange powder is a fungal infection known as Turmeric disease, or false smut, which spreads rapidly during increased humidity and sudden weather changes. In this condition, paddy grains turn into yellow powder-like balls instead of rice, significantly reducing grain weight, crop quality, and overall yield by about 30 to 40 percent.
Farmers can control Turmeric disease by spraying Copper Oxychloride 50% WP or Tebuconazole mixed with water. It is advised to spray during the morning or evening hours, ensuring the solution thoroughly reaches the ears and the entire plant.
To prevent and manage Turmeric disease, farmers should avoid excessive water accumulation, maintain proper moisture balance, and refrain from using excessive nitrogenous fertilizers. Additionally, any infected ears should be cut off and destroyed outside the field to stop the disease from spreading further.
