Loose Smut Threatens Wheat: Black Powder Replaces Grains, Farmers Warned!

• Loose Smut disease poses a severe threat to wheat crops, turning grains into black powder and reducing yield by 20-30%.
• Farmers in Lakhimpur Kheri, Uttar Pradesh, are concerned as sudden weather changes increase disease incidence.
• The fungus, active during the flowering stage, spreads via spores and is exacerbated by old, untreated seeds.
• Prevention includes seed treatment with 2g Bavistin or 1g Tebuconazole per kg of seed, and maintaining field moisture.
• Agricultural scientist Pradeep Bisen advises March irrigation and spraying Lambdacyhalothrin 4.9% CS (6-7 tanks per acre).