Sitamarhi Chili Wilt: Smart Scientific Crop Protection

• Chili crops in Sitamarhi are severely affected by Fusarium wilt disease, leading to significant economic losses for farmers.
• Fusarium wilt, a soil-borne fungal disease, causes leaves to droop, plants to wilt, and eventually dry out, especially during fruiting.
• Scientists recommend using resistant chili varieties like Arka Lohit, Pusa Jwala, Pant C-2, and Jawahar-218 to combat the disease.
• Biological agents such as Trichoderma viride and Trichoderma harzianum, along with neem extract and garlic oil, are effective and eco-friendly management options.
• Integrated disease management includes seed treatment with fungicides (Carbendazim, Captan, Thiram) and root dipping before transplanting to protect plants.

Why It Matters: Farmers can protect chili crops from wilt disease, preventing economic loss.