Some common diseases of papaya include blight and stem rot diseases, leaf curl, anthracnose, mosaic disease and millibug infestations.
Seedling blight can occur when the garden soil is damp, while stem rot disease is more likely to happen during the monsoon season. Stem rot disease is characterized by the presence of brown water and wet spots at the base of the plant, leading to wilting and eventual death of the affected plants.
Remedy:
To prevent these diseases, ensure that the seed bed soil remains dry and treat the fruit with 2-3 grams of fungicide per kilogram of seed. Dispose of suppressed seedlings by burying or burning them. For stem rot disease, apply 2 grams of Ridomir MZ-72 fungicide per liter of water through spraying.
Mosaic Disease
This is a viral disease that causes yellow spots to appear on the leaves of the papaya tree. The leaf blades curl and the plant growth is stunted. The disease is spread by the attack of the wasp.
Remedy:
Affected plants should be removed and buried or burned to prevent the spread of the disease. You can also suppress the insects that spread the disease by spraying a mixture of Novastar (plate_number_1) ml, Hemidor, Pimidor, or Edmyer 200 SL 01 ml per liter of water every 5-7 days.
Millibug insect
The millibug has become a pest of papaya. Its attack causes leaf and fore shoot mold disease. Infected leaves and fruits are coated with white powder. Severe infestations may lead to the death of the plant.
Remedy:
In case of an attack, collect and bury the affected leaves, fruits, or stems in the ground or destroy them by fire. For more severe attacks, spray with Edmire 200SL (0.25 ml) mixed with 5 grams of soap or water, 3-4 times every 5-7 days.
