Black Pepper (Piper nigrum)

Phyllody disease (Phytoplasma.Vector:Plant hoppers)

Symptoms

  • The affected vines exhibit varying stages of malformation of spikes. Some of the floral buds are transformed into narrow leaf like structures.
  • Such malformed spikes show leafy structures instead of floral buds, exhibiting Phyllody symptoms.
  • In advanced stages, the leaves become small and chlorotic, and the internodes are also shortened.
  • The affected fruiting laterals give a witches broom appearance. Severely affected vines become unproductive.
  • In severely affected vines the entire spike is converted into small branches which appear chlorotic and the vines decline rapidly.
  • The infected vine becomes unproductive within two to three years.

Management

  • Use phytoplasma free healthy planting material
  • Regular inspection and removal of infected plants; the removed plants may be burnt or buried deep in soil.
  • Insects such as aphids and mealybugs on the plant or standards should be controlled with insecticide spray.

രാസനിയന്ത്രണം

Sl.No Generic Name Trade Name Color code Dosage/litre Recommendation Remarks
Dosage/acre (200 L) Dosage/hectare (500 L)
1 Dimethoate 30 EC Nugor, Rogor, Tagor, Tara 909 Yellow 2 ml 400 ml 1000 ml Against vectors
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Extremely Toxic
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Highly Toxic
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Moderately Toxic
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Slightly Toxic