CPCRI to host arecanut leaf spot management meet in Sullia on April 29

Mangaluru: An interaction programme will be organised by the ICAR-Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI), Kasaragod, at Guthigaru, Sullia on Wednesday, marking one year of the community-level demonstration project on managing leaf spot disease in arecanut gardens. MP Capt Brijesh Chowta will attend as the chief guest.Leaf spot disease has emerged as a major concern for arecanut growers in recent years. It is caused by a new strain of fungus, Colletotrichum kahawae (Cigarro), and is identified by brown lesions with yellow margins on leaves. These spots gradually enlarge and merge, resulting in drying of the entire frond. As the disease spreads rapidly through airborne spores, its management has become increasingly difficult. Favourable weather conditions, further intensified by climate change, have also contributed to its spread."Spraying alone is not the solution for managing the disease. Collective management practices and improving the overall health of the arecanut palms are equally important," said CPCRI director Dr K Balachandra Hebbar.Based on the recommendations of the National Scientific Committee constituted to address leaf spot and yellow leaf disease, CPCRI is implementing field demonstrations under the govt's MIDH scheme under the leadership of Dr Vinayaka Hegde.Demonstrations are being conducted in Nadugallu and Chanila in Sullia taluk, and Kadirudyavara in Belthangady taluk and in Sirsi and Siddapur taluks of Uttara Kannada district. In addition, the Keladi Shivappa Nayaka University of Agricultural and Horticultural Sciences, Shivamogga, is implementing similar demonstrations iacross six taluks of Shivamogga and Chikkamagaluru districts. The project focuses not only on fungicide spraying but also on improving palm health through scientific crop management practices. "Looking at the severity of the disease, I wondered whether my plantation would survive. I have adopted all the recommended practices, and now I feel hopeful about controlling the disease," said Nadugallu farmer Girish Gowda. Subramanya Prasad of Chanila, said that compared to last year, the disease symptoms reduced and a clearer picture would emerge during Sept-Oct.The interaction programme will be held at the Deen Dayal Raitha Sabhabhavan of Guthigaru Agricultural Credit Cooperative Society. The event is being organised in association with the Guthigaru Agricultural Credit Cooperative Society.
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