Fungal infections are emerging earlier and spreading faster across Indian farms this season, driven by erratic rainfall, high humidity, and rising night temperatures. Extension officers in multiple states have reported increased cases of leaf spot, blight, wilt, and powdery mildew in cereals, vegetables, pulses, and fruit crops. What matters now is timely identification and correct treatment. Delays of even a few days can reduce yield sharply and increase input costs. This briefing explains how farmers should respond immediately, what treatments work today, and where mistakes are still being made in the field.
Why Fungal Diseases Are Increasing This Season
Fungal pathogens thrive under specific weather conditions, many of which are becoming more common.
Key contributing factors:
Prolonged leaf wetness due to unseasonal rain or heavy dew
High humidity combined with moderate temperatures
Dense crop canopy and poor air circulation
Repeated monocropping and untreated seed use
In states like Maharashtra, Punjab, Karnataka, and West Bengal, agricultural advisories have flagged higher-than-normal fungal pressure in paddy, wheat, tomato, chilli, onion, and pulses.
Early Identification: The Most Critical Step
Treating fungal infection late is costly and often ineffective. Farmers must act at the first visible symptoms.
Common warning signs:
White or grey powdery coating on leaves
Yellow or brown circular spots with dark margins
Sudden wilting despite adequate soil moisture
Black, rust-coloured, or fuzzy growth on stems or fruits
Field tip: Inspect crops early in the morning. Fungal symptoms are more visible when humidity is high and sunlight is low.
Chemical Control: Use Fungicides Correctly, Not Randomly
Fungicides remain the fastest way to stop active fungal spread, but misuse is still widespread.
Best practices that matter today:
Match the fungicide to the disease (contact vs systemic)
Rotate active ingredients to prevent resistance
Follow label dose strictly; higher dose does not mean better control
Spray during dry weather with no rain forecast for 6–8 hours
Common fungicide categories used in India:
Contact fungicides (e.g., mancozeb, copper oxychloride) for early-stage prevention
Systemic fungicides (e.g., propiconazole, carbendazim, tebuconazole) for active infection
Combination fungicides for severe or spreading outbreaks
Always consult the local agriculture officer or Krishi Vigyan Kendra before spraying new molecules.
Biological and Organic Options: Useful but Time-Sensitive
Biological control works best when disease pressure is low or moderate. It is not a rescue solution for advanced infections.
Effective options include:
Trichoderma-based soil and seed treatments
Pseudomonas and Bacillus formulations for foliar spray
Neem-based products for early-stage suppression
Key point: These methods require repeated application and proper field hygiene. They are most effective when integrated with chemical control, not used alone during outbreaks.
Crop-Specific Treatment Strategy Matters
One-size-fits-all spraying is a common mistake.
Examples:
Paddy: Blast and sheath blight respond better to systemic fungicides at tillering and panicle initiation stages
Vegetables: Alternaria and downy mildew need shorter spray intervals due to fast crop growth
Fruit crops: Pruning infected branches is essential before chemical treatment
Ignoring crop stage and disease biology often leads to partial control and repeated infection cycles.
Prevention Is Cheaper Than Cure
Farmers who invest in prevention consistently report lower disease losses.
High-impact preventive steps:
Use certified, treated seed
Maintain proper plant spacing
Avoid overhead irrigation late in the day
Remove and destroy infected plant debris
Follow crop rotation, especially in pulses and vegetables
These practices reduce fungal load in the field and cut fungicide costs over time.
Mistakes Farmers Must Avoid This Season
Field surveys show repeated errors:
Spraying after disease has covered most of the crop
Mixing multiple fungicides without guidance
Using the same fungicide repeatedly across seasons
Skipping protective gear during spraying
These practices increase resistance, reduce effectiveness, and pose health risks.
Bottom Line
Fungal infections are no longer a seasonal problem—they are a year-round risk under current climate conditions. The solution is not more spraying, but smarter, timely, and targeted action. Early detection, correct fungicide choice, disciplined application, and basic field hygiene are what protect yields today. Farmers who act quickly and follow science-backed practices will limit losses. Those who delay or spray blindly will pay more and harvest less.
