Prevailing weather conditions conducive for incidence of disease on tuber crop
Scientists of the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU), Ludhiana, have pointed out that during the fourth week of December 2025, the temperature was ranging between 10-22 degrees Celsius coupled with a high nighttime relative humidity (>85%) and leaf wetness due to dew formation in the major potato belt of Punjab. The prevailing cloudy and foggy weather conditions are becoming conducive for late blight in the districts of Jalandhar, Hoshiarpur, Nawanshahr, Ropar and Kapurthala, they said.
The first symptoms of late blight appear as small, circular to irregular- shaped water-soaked spots. During cool, moist weather, these lesions expand rapidly into large, dark brown or black lesions, often appearing greasy.
The PAU experts said a pale green to yellow border often surrounds the lesions. The entire crop may be damaged if not controlled in time.
The scientists have advised the potato growers to monitor their fields regularly and opt for preventive sprays of contact fungicide like Indofil M-45/ Antracol/Kavach @ 500-700 grams per acre or in 250-350 litres of water before the appearance of late blight at seven days’ interval.
If the risk conditions persist, farmers could spray Curzate M-8/Melody Duo 66.75 WP/ Ridomil Gold/ Sectin 60 WG @ 700 grams or Revus 250 SC @ 250 ml or Equation Pro@ 200ml per acre at 10 days’ interval. They advised farmers no to use underdose or self-prepared tank mixtures as it might lead to the development of resistant strains of the pathogen.
For further information, farmers could contact: Dr Sandeep Jain, associate professor of plant pathology (9872322880), or Dr P S Sandhu, head, PAU Department of Plant Pathology (9855519676).
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