Leaf Spot Disease Control in Arecanut: MP Capt. Brijesh Chowta Appreciates Scientific Approach

Under the Central Government’s Mission for Integrated Development of Horticulture (MIDH), a scientific initiative led by the Central Plantation Crops Research Institute (CPCRI) is being implemented to control the widespread leaf spot disease affecting arecanut crops in Dakshina Kannada district.

As part of this initiative, a field demonstration has been established at Guthigaru village in Sullia. Member of Parliament Capt. Brijesh Chowta visited the arecanut plantation of farmer Subrahmanya Prasad and reviewed the progress of nutrient-based and scientific methods adopted to control the disease. He expressed appreciation for the efforts and the positive developments observed on the ground.

Recognizing leaf spot disease as a major challenge for arecanut growers in the region, MP Chowta has been actively promoting sustainable and scientific solutions. During the visit, he held discussions with CPCRI Kasaragod Director Dr. Balachandra Hebbar, CAMPCO President S.R. Sathishchandra, agricultural scientists, and officials from the horticulture department.

The study, guided by CPCRI Vittal Regional Station, is being carried out across approximately 6 acres, including 1.5 acres of Subrahmanya Prasad’s plantation. Since June, regular monitoring, data collection, and field demonstrations have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of nutrient management and other scientific interventions.

To better understand the spread of the disease, an automatic weather station has been installed at the plantation. Leaf spot disease is known to spread rapidly through wind under high moisture and rainfall conditions. The weather station helps track rainfall, humidity, and temperature, enabling researchers to study the relationship between climatic factors and disease spread.

Agricultural experts have also been making regular visits to guide farmers on preventive measures and best practices to control the disease effectively.

MP Chowta visited the site on Wednesday to assess the progress of the ongoing scientific study and interacted with scientists, experts from CPCRI and ICAR, and local farmers to gather insights.

Others present during the visit included CPCRI Vittal’s Rajesh, National Rubber Board Member Muliya Keshava Bhat, Sullia Mandal President Venkat Valalambe, leader Venkat Dambekodi Guthigaru Cooperative Society President Jayaprakash Mogra, officials from the horticulture department, agricultural scientists, arecanut growers, and local residents.