Cotton Leaf Curl Virus Control

Symptoms

Look for upward or downward curling of leaves with thickened, darkened veins seen on the underside. Small leaf like outgrowths called enations appear on the lower side of veins, and plants become stunted with cup shaped leaves and few bolls. Early infected plants are severely dwarfed and yield very little.

Damage

Cotton leaf curl virus is a serious viral disease spread by whitefly, especially damaging in north India. Early infection stunts plants and drastically cuts boll formation, causing heavy yield loss. Once a plant is infected there is no cure, so the disease is managed mainly by controlling the whitefly vector and growing resistant varieties.

Organic & cultural control

Grow resistant or tolerant varieties recommended for your region, which is the most effective measure. Manage the whitefly vector with yellow sticky traps and neem sprays. Remove and destroy infected plants and host weeds early. Avoid growing okra and other whitefly host crops near cotton, and follow timely synchronized sowing to escape peak whitefly.

Chemical control

There is no chemical that cures the virus, so management targets the whitefly vector. Use selective whitefly insecticides such as diafenthiuron, pyriproxyfen or flonicamid in rotation and avoid synthetic pyrethroids that flare up whitefly. Always read and follow the product label, observe the pre-harvest interval, and consult your KVK or a qualified agronomist before spraying.

Always follow the product label, the recommended pre-harvest interval, and your local KVK or agronomist. Pesticide approvals change, so verify before use.

Prevention

Choose resistant or tolerant varieties recommended for your area as the first line of defence. Sow on time and in a synchronized way across the area, keep fields and bunds weed free, and avoid nearby host crops. Monitor and control whitefly from early stages, and rogue out infected plants promptly to cut the source of spread.