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LATEST NEWS UPDATES | Heavy use of chemical fertilizers destroys pepper vines: study -EM Manoj

Heavy use of chemical fertilizers destroys pepper vines: study -EM Manoj

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published Published on Sep 25, 2014   modified Modified on Sep 25, 2014
-The Hindu

Kalpetta (Kerala): A study conducted by scientists of Kerala Agricultural University (KAU) found that heavy and unscientific application of chemical fertilizers without regular application of lime was the major reason for the spread of yellowing disease in pepper vines.

The study was led by K.M. Sreekumar, Associate Professor, Department of Entomology, Agriculture College, Padnnakkad.

Sugandhi project

It was conducted under the four-year Sugandhi project, organised jointly by the Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, KAU and the Agriculture Department, to analyse the soil-based problems and find the cause-effect relationship, especially the post-monsoon yellowing disease.

Many pepper gardens begin to show yellowing after the monsoon. The majority recover by the next monsoon, but the symptoms recur for 2 to 3 years, affecting the entire pepper vines garden," Dr. Sreekumar said. It was found that the soil PH was near-neutral in healthier gardens. Studies showed that such plots were formed with higher level of beneficial micro flora, thanks to the regular application of lime or dolomite, and the low presence of pathogenic micro flora.

Plant growth

With the application of dolomite, the availability of both calcium and magnesium were ensured, resulting in higher plant growth and dark green colour.

Application of potassium results in higher bolder grains with more weight, said P. Jayaraj, soil scientist, KAU.

Thirty-four pepper gardens with severe yellowing disease and 25 plants each were supplied with nutrients in a balanced manner by the application of dolomite, Trichoderma, enriched neem cake, Pseudomonas bacteria, micro nutrient mixture and organic manure, he said .

By the end of the second year, yellowing had reduced to a good extent. Moreover, the productivity of the vines had improved, he added. This showed that the yellowing problem was caused by imbalance and deficiency of nutrients rather than nematodes or mealy bugs as was earlier thought, Dr. Srekumar said.


The Hindu, 24 September, 2014, http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/heavy-use-of-chemical-fertilizers-destroys-pepper-vines-study/article6440352.ece


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