Prevention and treatment of sesame leaf blight
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Sesame seedling blight is a widespread disease affecting sesame cultivation across the country. Caused by the fungus *Corynebacterium graminicola*, this pathogen not only impacts sesame but also affects other crops like soybeans and mung beans. The disease can significantly reduce yield and quality, making early detection and management essential.
Symptoms of the disease typically appear on young plants, starting with wilting of the stems and leaves. Early signs include brown spots on the leaves, which may turn pale brown over time. In some cases, the lesions are small and inconspicuous, but they often show faint ring-like patterns and a brown moldy layer—characteristic of the pathogen’s conidia. On the stems, lesions appear as elongated, spindle-shaped or bar-shaped areas with a sunken center. Lesions on the pods may appear red-brown or purple and slightly concave, further indicating infection.
The pathogen survives the winter in infected seeds and plant residues, with mycelia capable of remaining viable for over two years. Even after one year, a significant percentage of conidia can still remain active. Wind and rain play a major role in spreading the spores, leading to initial infections and subsequent re-infections throughout the growing season. The optimal temperature for bacterial growth is between 27°C and 30°C. High humidity and weak plant growth increase the likelihood and severity of the disease.
To manage this disease, several agricultural practices are recommended. First, it's important to remove and destroy all diseased plant debris, plowing it into the soil to reduce pathogen survival. Avoid planting sesame in low-lying areas prone to waterlogging. Use only certified disease-free seeds and maintain proper field drainage to lower humidity levels. Crop rotation and improved soil fertility through organic manure and balanced use of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers can also enhance plant resistance.
In terms of chemical control, preventive spraying is crucial. At the early stages of infection, you can apply 40% carbendazim gel suspension diluted at 700 times, or 25% carbendazim wettable powder at 500 times. Alternatively, 70% mancozeb wettable powder at 600 times or 70% thifluzamide wettable powder at 700 times can be used. These treatments should ideally be applied before flowering and during the pre-heading stage for maximum effectiveness. Regular monitoring and timely intervention are key to reducing losses caused by this destructive disease.