Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Nov 4: A new disease in which the raw arecanut ripens untimely is found in arecanut farms of coastal Karnataka.

This disease was found by the team of scientists from CPCRI who are studying the arecanut farm diseases since a month. Scientists say that this is the advanced stage of leaf scar disease. This disease will impact the yield severely.

Representational image

Arecanut farms spread over 70 hectares in Beltangady Elaneeru area are affected by this disease. In addition, to untimely ripening, the arecanut falls from the bunch. If the skin is removed, it can be seen that the arecanut has lost its quality.

According to scientists, there is no separate solution for this disease. All the actions that are taken to control leaf scar disease need to be employed in this also.

Team of CPCRI scientists is visiting farms at Markanja, Arantodu, SAmpaje of Sullia, Swarga of Puttur, Padre and Mulleria of Kasargod, Elaneeru in Beltangady, Samse, Kalasa, Sagara, Shringeri, Moodigere, Theerthahalli, Nittur, Sirsi and Siddapur where the arecanut farms are extensively damaged due to untimely ripening disease.

Chandrashekhar, senior assistant director of horticulture department of Beltangady said, “Untimely ripening of arecanut is noticed over 70 hectares of arecanut farm of Elaneeru area of Beltangady. Instructions are given to carry out community spraying. Direction is given to spray Poshkonazol pesticide also. Rs 3.20 lac that is given by government for control of disease will be utilised in Elaneeru area on priority basis.”