Pest & Disease Control

Crop Protection & Care

No matter how healthy your soil is or how carefully you water, sooner or later you'll see insects or diseases on your crops. This is natural, but if left unchecked, pests can destroy weeks of hard work. The key is early detection and natural control so your plants stay safe without heavy chemical use.

🐛 Common Pests in Crops

Aphids (Harabhara keede)

Small green/black insects sucking plant sap.

Symptoms: curled leaves, sticky substance on leaves.

Caterpillars

Chew big holes in leaves, often hide under them.

Found on cabbage, cauliflower, brinjal.

Whiteflies

Tiny white insects flying off when you touch plants.

Spread viral diseases (like yellow leaf curl in tomato).

Mealybugs

White, cotton-like patches on stems and leaves.

🌱 Common Plant Diseases

Powdery Mildew

White powdery coating on leaves.

Common in beans, peas, cucurbits.

Blight

Brown or black patches on leaves (common in potato, tomato).

Root Rot

Roots turn black and mushy due to overwatering and fungi.

🌿 Natural Pest & Disease Control

1. Neem Spray (All-Rounder Solution)

Mix 5 ml neem oil + 1 liter water + few drops of soap.

Spray on both sides of leaves every 7–10 days.

Controls aphids, whiteflies, mealybugs, and fungal issues.

2. Garlic–Ginger–Chili Spray

Crush garlic, ginger, and chili. Soak overnight in water.

Filter and spray.

Strong smell repels caterpillars and chewing insects.

3. Baking Soda Spray (for Fungus)

Mix 1 teaspoon baking soda in 1 liter water.

Spray on leaves with white patches (powdery mildew).

4. Soap Water Spray

Mix mild soap with water.

Kills soft-bodied pests like aphids and mealybugs.

👥 Cultural Practices for Disease Prevention

Follow these practices to prevent problems:

  • Don't overcrowd plants → improves airflow, reduces fungus.
  • Remove yellow/diseased leaves immediately.
  • Water at the base of plants, not on leaves.
  • Rotate crops each season → prevents pest buildup.
  • Grow companion plants (marigold with tomato → repels nematodes and pests).

⚠️ Chemical Pesticides (Use with Caution)

Here's when and how to use them:

  • Chemicals like Malathion or Carbaryl are sometimes used in large fields.
  • Must be applied with safety gear.
  • Not recommended for small farmers or home gardens — unsafe for food and health.

👉 Tip:

Always try organic/natural methods first.

✍️ Practical Exercise for You

Try this simple activity:

  • Inspect 5–10 plants in your garden or field. Look under the leaves for pests.
  • Prepare a simple neem spray and apply it on affected plants.
  • Note the difference after 5–7 days — pests reduce, and plants look fresher.