Alathur: Concern is rising among paddy growers in the Alathur region as bacterial leaf blight spreads across fields under the jurisdiction of the local Krishi Bhavan (agricultural office) here.

The disease was first noticed during a field visit conducted by the Plant Health Centre under the Krishi Bhavan. Low rainfall combined with intermittent sunlight, and overcast conditions have contributed to the outbreak. The Agriculture Officer has advised farmers to adopt preventive measures not only in the affected fields but also in neighbouring plots to prevent further spread.

Symptoms
The disease begins with small green spots on the outer leaves of paddy plants, which soon start to dry out and turn straw-coloured.In severe cases, bacterial growth accelerates under favourable conditions, allowing the disease to spread rapidly through soil, water, and wind.

Timely preventive action can significantly reduce the impact and limit the spread of the disease. In heavily affected fields, farmers are advised to uproot infected plants, thoroughly wash the soil and debris on the plant and place the cut portions of infected tissue in a container of water. With careful observation, white bacterial ooze resembling threads can be seen emerging from the infected tissue.

Control measures:

• Remove and destroy infected plants.
• To prevent infection in affected fields, apply 20 grams of bleaching powder per 100 square meters at multiple spots in the field. Ensure additional distribution in affected locations.
• After rainfall, when sunlight appears, the disease can intensify. As a preventive measure, dissolve 20 grams of fresh cow dung in 1 liter of water and collect the clear liquid to spray across the field. Alternatively, small bundles of cow dung can be placed at multiple spots in the field, or the cow dung can be placed inside a bag and positioned directly in the affected areas.
• In case of the disease becoming severe,  apply 30 to40 grams of K cycline per 100 liters of water, depending on the severity.
• To prevent bacterial leaf blight along with sheath rot, mix 30 grams of K cycline and 50 grams of Nativo in 100 liters of water and spray across the field.
• Apply Master Crop, a chemical pesticide, at a rate of 200 ml per 100 liters of water. Mix well with gum and spray evenly across the field.