DISEASES IN BUCKWHEAT

INTRODUCTION
Buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum, is an herbaceous annual plant in the family Polygonaceae grown for
its seeds which can be utilized in a manner similar to wheat or oats. The buckwheat plant is a fast growing, spindly, broad leaf plant with small heart-shaped leaves and hollow stems. The plant produces many small white or pink flowers which, when pollinated, quickly produce seeds. The seeds are triangular in shape and change from light green in color, to red-brown. The seed consists of a true seed (groat) which is surrounded by a thick hull. Buckwheat plants can grow between 40 and 120 cm (15.7- 47.2 in) in height and survive for just one growing season. Buckwheat may also be referred to as qiaomei or ogal and was likely first domesticated from a wild ancestor in China.

Uses
Buckwheat can be used in the production of many foods in place of wheat e.g., pancakes, cakes and biscuits. It is also commonly used in breakfast cereals or it may also be blended into flour. The grain may also be used as fodder for animals. Buckwheat is an excellent cover crop, taking only 4–5 weeks from seed to flower and can protect against soil erosion and invasion by weeds.

Common Pests and Diseases

Diseases

Symptoms
Flowers small, green, sterile; only a few plants are usually affected in a field

Cause
Mycoplasma

Comments
Spread by aster leafhoppers

Management
No preventative treatment; does not affect buckwheat yields

Symptoms
Failure of seedling to emerge; light brown, seedlings with light brown to redwater-soaked roots and stems; collapse of plants; plant dry up and die

Cause
Fungus

Comments
Occurs more often in cold temperatures when growth of seedlings is slow and in moist soil Management
Treat seeds with fungicide prior to planting

Symptoms
Light blotches on leaves; small necrotic areas on foliage near seed fill stage

Cause
Fungus

Comments
Disease favors warm, wet conditions

Management
No treatment possible; infections do not worsen and has no effect on yield

Symptoms
Small brown spots on stems; stems turn pale in color and become dehydrated; seeds fall off easily; stems eventually collapse

Cause
Fungus

Management
The collapsed plants are hard to spot in a field and the disease may not be discovered Pests

Symptoms
Small soft bodied insects on underside of leaves and/or stems of plant; usually green or yellow in color, but may be pink, brown, red or black depending on species and host plant; if aphid infestation is heavy it may cause leaves to yellow and/or distorted, necrotic spots on leaves and/or stunted shoots; aphids secrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew which encourages the growth of sooty mold on the plants

Cause
Insects

Comments
Distinguishing features include the presence of cornicles (tubular structures) which project backwards from the body of the aphid; will generally not move very quickly when disturbed

Management
If aphid population is limited to just a few leaves or shoots then the infestation can be pruned out to provide control; check transplants for aphids before planting; use tolerant varieties if available; reflective mulches such as silver colored plastic can deter aphids from feeding on plants; sturdy plants can be sprayed with a strong jet of water to knock aphids from leaves; insecticides are generally only required to treat aphids if the infestation is very high – plants generally tolerate low and medium level infestation; insecticidal soaps or oils such as neem or canola oil are usually the best method of control; always check the labels of the products for specific usage guidelines prior to use

Symptoms
Stems of seedlings may be severed at soil line; larvae causing the damage are usually active at night and hide during the day in the soil at the base of the plants or in plant debris of toppled plant; larvae are 2.5–5.0 cm (1–2 in) in length; larvae may exhibit a variety of patterns and coloration but will usually curl up into a C-shape when disturbed

Cause
Insects

Comments
Cutworms have a wide host range and attack vegetables including asparagus, bean, cabbage and other crucifers, carrot, celery, corn, lettuce, pea, pepper, potato and tomato

Management
Remove all plant residue from soil after harvest or at least two weeks before planting, this is especially important if the previous crop was another host such as alfalfa, beans or a leguminous cover crop; plastic or foil collars fitted around plant stems to cover the bottom 3 inches above the soil line and extending a couple of inches into the soil can prevent larvae severing plants; hand-pick larvae after dark; spread diatomaceous earth around the base of the plants (this creates a sharp barrier that will cut the insects if they try and crawl over it); apply appropriate insecticides to infested areas of garden or field if not growing organically.

Writer: KAPIL NEUPANE (Student, Bsc. Ag IAAS Paklihawa Campus)

लेखक

कृषि सूचना

यो खबर पढेर तपाईलाई कस्तो महसुस भयो ?

खुसी

0 0 %

दुःख

0 0 %

उत्साहीत

0 0 %

निन्द्रा लाग्यो

0 0 %

रिस उठ्यो

0 0 %

अचम्म

0 0 %

सम्बन्धित खबर:

Cereal Crops Production And Management In Nepal LOWER PRODUCTIVITY OF MAIZE IN NEPAL AND ITS PROBLEM SOLVING PROCESSES Organic rice farming in Nepal and its benefits Nutritional Facts and Health Benefits of Mustard