Chilli is considered one of the most valuable and consumed crops across the world. Capsicum frutescens is the botanical name of chilli, and it is a member of the nightshade family, Solanaceae. It is used as a spice in most countries, because of that it is often called a wonder spice. Chilli is native to South America and introduced in Asia by the Portuguese around the 15th century. Different cultivars of chilli are produced worldwide that are used as vegetables, pickles, spices, and condiments. The popularity of Indian chilli is not only limited to the nation’s boundaries, its colour and pungency levels make it a commercially viable crop throughout the world. With a cultivated area of around 6.83 lakh ha and 17.02 lakh tons of production, India leads the world in chilli production. The other major chilli-producing countries are Thailand, China, and Ethiopia.

Common tomato pests

Chilli crop is generally grown in tropical and subtropical regions, however, warm and humid conditions are most suitable for its growth. Temperature plays an important role in the production, it should be in the range of 20-30° C, furthermore, if the temperature drops below 15° C, then it can impact the crop yield. At the time of fruit formation, prolonged soil moisture is necessary for better production.

Powdery Mildew (Leveilulla taurica)

Chilli crop is susceptible to various diseases and amongst them, powdery mildew is one of the serious threats to chilli production. The main cause of this disease is Leveilulla taurica fungus. Due to severe defoliation, it becomes one of the major restricting factors in fruit growth. The infection reduces the photosynthetic activity and transforms the physiological structure of the plant that gradually leads to a decline in yield.

Symptoms

During the initial stage, white powdery coating starts to develop on the lower surface of the leaves and yellow patches appear on the upper side correspondingly. After some time, the affected area turns brown and converts the entire surface into yellowish colour. In most severe cases, infected leaves become dry and shed from the plant. Powdery mildew also affects branches and fruits, consequently, the growth of young fruits stops and they fall from the plant prematurely.

Crop Loss

Powdery mildew is one of the destructive diseases of chilli crop, that damages the plant fruits, quality and reduce the total production. As per a recent report, the estimated crop loss due to this fungal disease was around 40%. The quality of Indian chilli is one of the finest in the world, this makes our country the largest exporter of this crop. Any factor that affects the crop yield directly impacts the export volumes of the nation as well as the domestic demand.

Crop Protection

Dhanuka Agritech Limited’s innovative fungicide ‘Nissodium’ is the comprehensive solution to protect chilli crops from the attack of powdery mildew. Nissodium is manufactured with a unique 5 % EW (emulsion in water) that checks the disease-causing fungal growth and provides protection for a longer duration.

Mode of Action & Dose

Nissodium works on an effective five-action formula, which provides better control of disease in dense canopies as well. The preventive and curative action breaks the resistance formed by fungus and reduces the chances of reproducing it further. Nissodium is an environment-friendly fungicide and causes no phytotoxicity on most of the crops if used at 120 ml per acre.

Nissodium works on an effective five-action formula, which provides better control of disease in dense canopies as well. The preventive and curative action breaks the resistance formed by fungus and reduces the chances of reproducing it further. Nissodium is an environment-friendly fungicide and causes no phytotoxicity on most of the crops if used at 120 ml per acre.

Learn more about chilli crop and its various diseases.