•March is critical for wheat in Madhya Pradesh; sudden weather changes increase Loose Smut risk.
•Loose Smut, caused by Pseudomonas fluorescens, turns wheat grains into black fungal powder, spreading through air.
•The disease activates during flowering, potentially reducing production by 20-30% if uncontrolled.
•Sanjay Singh, Senior Agriculture Officer, Sidhi, recommends seed treatment as the most effective prevention.
•Other methods include using Pseudomonas fluorescens in fields, spraying Copper Oxychloride/Mancozeb, regular monitoring, and selecting disease-resistant varieties.
