AUDIO SCRIPT FOR DAMPING OFF DISEASE IN TOBACCO NURSERY
“Namaste team.
Today, I will explain how to recognize damping-off disease in tobacco nurseries, what immediate action should be taken, why the recommendation is effective, and a common mistake that should be avoided.
Damping-off is one of the most serious nursery diseases in tobacco and is caused by the soil-borne fungus Pythium aphanidermatum. It can rapidly destroy large patches of seedlings if not managed properly.
HOW TO RECOGNIZE THE DISEASE
In the nursery, look for patches where young seedlings suddenly wilt, collapse, and die. In post-emergence damping-off, small water-soaked lesions develop on the stem at or just below the soil surface. These lesions quickly girdle the stem, causing soft wet rot. As a result, the seedling topples over and dies. You may also notice brown watery soft rot and circular patches of dead seedlings spreading across the nursery bed.
Under favorable conditions such as high humidity, excessive soil moisture, cloudy weather, temperatures below 24 degrees Celsius, overcrowded seedlings and frequent irrigation, the disease can spread very rapidly and destroy an entire seedbed within three to four days.
RECOMMENDED ACTION
As soon as symptoms are observed, regulate irrigation to prevent excess moisture and ensure proper drainage in the nursery. Apply Bordeaux mixture at 0.4% or Blitox at 0.2% using a rose can. Additionally, spray Ridomil 72 WP at 20 grams per 10 litres of water or Fenamidone plus Mancozeb at 30 grams per 10 litres of water at 20 and 30 days after germination.
WHY THIS RECOMMENDATION IS APPROPRIATE
The damping-off pathogen thrives in wet and humid conditions. Improving drainage and reducing excess moisture create an unfavourable environment for fungal development. Fungicidal applications protect healthy seedlings and suppress the pathogen, preventing further spread and reducing nursery losses
ONE COMMON MISTAKE TO AVOID
Do not over-irrigate the nursery or maintain overcrowded seedbeds. Excess moisture and high seedling density greatly increase disease incidence. Also, avoid spraying Ridomil before 20 days after germination or using it more than twice, as this is not recommended.
Remember, early detection and timely intervention are the keys to protecting tobacco seedlings from damping-off disease.
Thank you.”
Knowledge links
[Agro Knowledge Home](./Agro Knowledge Home.md)
- [Nursery Management in Tobacco](./Nursery Management in Tobacco.md)