Potato Crops Face Major Threat from Blight, Frost in MP; Experts Offer Solutions

• Madhya Pradesh's severe cold (7-9°C) is damaging potato crops, especially in Sidhi district, increasing frost and blight risks.
• Frost damage occurs when dew freezes on leaves, causing them to burst and making plants susceptible to blight, halting growth.
• Early blight (fungal) causes round spots and shriveling, common in January; late blight thrives in 10-19°C and can destroy crops if it rains.
• Aphid pests also infest potato crops, sucking sap and reducing yield capacity.
• Experts advise ensuring sunlight, spraying sulfur, planting tall crops as windbreaks, light irrigation, or creating smoke to protect against cold and fungus.

Why It Matters: MP potato crops face severe blight and frost threats; timely expert-advised measures are crucial for protection.