Crops Care

Leaf blight is a known disease of maize crops in Bangladesh. This disease is more common in Rabi crops. The attack of this disease is more at high relative humidity and temperature of 18-27 degree Celsius. The disease spreads rapidly through wind and rain water. The germs of this disease can survive in the affected area for a long time.

Cause of disease

Heliminthosporium turcicum, Heliminthosporium maydis is caused by two types of fungi. However, Heliminthosporium turcicum fungus attack is more in Bangladesh.

Symptoms

• The fungus first attacks the lower leaves of the plant. Long gray spots appear on the leaves. Later it spreads to the upper leaves of the plant. Affected leaves rot and dry up. 
• If the incidence of the disease is high, most of the leaves of the plant wither and the plant dies. This disease spreads rapidly in favorable environment so proper measures should be taken at the beginning of the attack.

Suppression Management

• Germ-free and disease-resistant seeds should be sown
• Weeds should be controlled
• Fertilizer should be given in the right amount
• Infected trees should be removed and burnt
• If there are signs of infestation, spray with 1 ml of "Blastguard 28 SC" per liter of water.