Pepper cultivation risks a spread of fungal disease; DEA cautions farmers

The Department of Export Agriculture (DEA) emphasised that there is a risk of a fungal disease that spreads along the roots of the pepper cultivation in Sri Lanka. This was disclosed by the officials of the department in a discussion held at the Ministry of Plantation Industry under the patronage of the Agriculture and Plantation Industry Minister, Mahinda Amaraweera, last morning (12).

‘Quick wilt and slow wilt’ are these two diseases and the fungus occurs in the root system of the pepper vines. Due to the root rot, the leaves of the pepper vines wilt and eventually die because the vine does not get the proper water and nutrition.

The cause of this disease is the fungus Phytopthora Capsici. Apart from this, the reason for the spread of this disease is the damage caused by the stem-boring gull.

The effects of these three diseases are currently being reported from all areas related to pepper cultivation in the island. Due to the effect of this disease, about 200 acres of pepper cultivation has been completely destroyed. The Department of Export Agriculture emphasises that there is a risk of the disease spreading quickly due to the hot and dry weather. Anti-fungal containing 64 percent Mancozeb and 08 percent Metalaxin are recommended for controlling these diseases. For example, the fungicides Ribomil, Redoxil and Radon are suitable for controlling this condition.

This Maha Season, a high yield has been reported from pepper cultivation in our country. Pepper vines are heavy with pods everywhere. However, the Department of Export Agriculture emphasised that there is a risk of destruction of pepper pods due to root rot caused by this fungus that occurs around the pepper root system.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Plantation Industries requests the farmers to burn and destroy the diseased pepper vines as well as use the above mentioned chemicals to control this disease.

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