What problems and pests affect water chestnut and how do I manage them?

Common problems in water chestnut include leaf-feeding beetles and caterpillars that damage the floating foliage, aphids, leaf spots and other foliar diseases, and water-quality issues if the pond water becomes stagnant or polluted. Managing water depth, keeping the pond reasonably clean, and removing badly affected vines help. Labour for repeated hand harvesting is a practical constraint rather than a pest. Where a pesticide is needed, be very careful, the crop is in water and the nuts are eaten, so use only products approved for the crop, follow the label and PHI strictly, and avoid contaminating the water and any fish. Confirm the locally recommended management and any approved sprays for singhara with your KVK before treating.