In recent years, the area dedicated to bitter gourd cultivation has been increasing, and with it, the occurrence of diseases such as bitter gourd fruit rot has become more widespread and damaging. This disease poses a serious threat to both yield and quality, affecting farmers' income and the overall sustainability of bitter gourd farming.
The most common type of this disease is caused by *Phytophthora* species, which primarily affects the fruits, especially those that are mature or nearly mature. Infected areas appear water-soaked, and the surface becomes sticky with a white, mold-like coating. Once the fruit is infected, the lesion rapidly expands, leading to complete rotting and softening of the fruit. The disease progresses quickly under favorable conditions, making early detection and intervention crucial.
The disease cycle begins when the pathogen's mycelium, chlamydospores, and oospores survive the winter in the soil. In the following growing season, these structures produce spore sacs, which are then dispersed through wind, rain, irrigation water, and other means. The pathogen thrives in warm and humid environments, with an optimal temperature range of 25–28°C and relative humidity above 90%. These conditions promote rapid infection and disease spread in the field.
To effectively manage this disease, a comprehensive approach combining cultural, biological, and chemical methods is essential. First, proper irrigation practices should be adopted, such as avoiding overwatering and ensuring timely drainage after two rounds of watering. In heavily infested fields, crop rotation with non-cucurbit vegetables can significantly reduce the risk of disease. Second, harvesting should be done promptly to prevent over-ripening, which can increase susceptibility to infection. Third, chemical control measures are often necessary during the early stages of the disease. Recommended fungicides include 25% metalaxyl wettable powder diluted at 1:1000, 75% cymoxanil wettable powder at 1:800 to 1:1000, 77% copper oxychloride wettable powder at 1:600, and 58% metalaxyl-mancozeb wettable powder at 1:500. It's important to rotate these products to prevent resistance and achieve better control outcomes.
By integrating these strategies, farmers can effectively reduce the impact of bitter gourd fruit rot and ensure healthier crops and higher yields.
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