Early monsoon triggers outbreak of fungal infection in crops
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Bengaluru: The early onset of the monsoon and subsequent heavy rain in several parts of the state has brought more misery than relief for farmers as it has triggered an outbreak of fungal infections across several crops.
Experts warn the damage, now running into several crores, has severely impacted both commercial and subsistence farming across several districts.
A field survey conducted by experts from University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, and researchers from agricultural colleges across Karnataka identified fungal infections in a wide range of crops, including ginger, sugarcane, maize, cotton, cereals, pulses, mulberry, arecanut, coffee, and coconut.
"The disease was initially confined to a few patches in Kodagu but has now spread to neighbouring districts such as Hassan, Mysuru, and Chikkamagaluru, especially in farms where ginger and coconut are grown together," said a researcher from Bagalkot horticulture university.
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Dr Jagadish SL of the Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (RHREC), Bengaluru, linked it to the onset of the monsoon in May.
"Unlike previous years, monsoon began unusually early, and many districts saw heavy or intermittent rain for nearly two months," he said. "The wet conditions, combined with overcast skies and a drop in temperatures resulted in excessive soil moisture and weakened plant immunity — ideal for fungal growth.
The university will conduct more in-depth research to evolve methods to contain this outbreak."
Researchers say the most aggressive fungal species identified so far is Pyricularia, commonly associated with blast disease in paddy.
It spreads rapidly and thrives in wet, humid conditions, making rice fields especially vulnerable. Other identified fungi include Phyllosticta and Colletotrichum, which affect several other crops. Samples have been sent to Indian Institute of Rice Research in Hyderabad to confirm the pathogens.
The impact is not limited to the southern parts of the state. Northern Karnataka, where sugarcane and maize is cultivated across 6.5 lakh hectares and 15 lakh hectares respectively, also reported cases of fungal infections.
The agriculture department says red rot disease in sugarcane has become increasingly common in recent weeks due to fungal infections.
Karnataka Planters Association (KPA) also raised concerns over fruit rot disease in coffee and arecanut plantations in Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru. Phytophthora fungus was identified in major arecanut-growing regions of central and southern Karnataka, raising alarms about long-term impact on one of the state's most profitable crops.
With rain continuing, agricultural experts warn that farmers could increasingly rely on fungicides, adding to expenses and causing additional burden on the agrarian community.
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Early monsoon triggers outbreak of fungal infection in crops
1 2 3 4 5 Bengaluru: The early onset of the monsoon and subsequent heavy rain in several parts of the state has brought more misery than relief for farmers as it has triggered an outbreak of fungal infections across several crops. Experts warn the damage, now running into several crores, has severely impacted both commercial and subsistence farming across several districts. A field survey conducted by experts from University of Horticultural Sciences, Bagalkot, and researchers from agricultural colleges across Karnataka identified fungal infections in a wide range of crops, including ginger, sugarcane, maize, cotton, cereals, pulses, mulberry, arecanut, coffee, and coconut. "The disease was initially confined to a few patches in Kodagu but has now spread to neighbouring districts such as Hassan, Mysuru, and Chikkamagaluru, especially in farms where ginger and coconut are grown together," said a researcher from Bagalkot horticulture university. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru Dr Jagadish SL of the Regional Horticultural Research and Extension Centre (RHREC), Bengaluru, linked it to the onset of the monsoon in May. "Unlike previous years, monsoon began unusually early, and many districts saw heavy or intermittent rain for nearly two months," he said. "The wet conditions, combined with overcast skies and a drop in temperatures resulted in excessive soil moisture and weakened plant immunity — ideal for fungal growth. The university will conduct more in-depth research to evolve methods to contain this outbreak." Researchers say the most aggressive fungal species identified so far is Pyricularia, commonly associated with blast disease in paddy. It spreads rapidly and thrives in wet, humid conditions, making rice fields especially vulnerable. Other identified fungi include Phyllosticta and Colletotrichum, which affect several other crops. Samples have been sent to Indian Institute of Rice Research in Hyderabad to confirm the pathogens. The impact is not limited to the southern parts of the state. Northern Karnataka, where sugarcane and maize is cultivated across 6.5 lakh hectares and 15 lakh hectares respectively, also reported cases of fungal infections. The agriculture department says red rot disease in sugarcane has become increasingly common in recent weeks due to fungal infections. Karnataka Planters Association (KPA) also raised concerns over fruit rot disease in coffee and arecanut plantations in Kodagu and Chikkamagaluru. Phytophthora fungus was identified in major arecanut-growing regions of central and southern Karnataka, raising alarms about long-term impact on one of the state's most profitable crops. With rain continuing, agricultural experts warn that farmers could increasingly rely on fungicides, adding to expenses and causing additional burden on the agrarian community.
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