Scientist warns of 'SPFD' disorder, advises farmers

Other contributing factors include prolonged waterlogging, inadequate oxygen supply to plant roots, and chemical changes in the soil. She warned that if left unchecked, the disorder could result in yield losses ranging from 30 to 50 percent. 

Metro India News | siddipet

Agricultural scientist Dr. Pallavi from the Agricultural Telangana Farmers' Knowledge Centre (Rythu Vignana Kendram), Siddipet, has identified the presence of the 'Spectral Photon Flux Density (SPFD) disorder’ in paddy nurseries and main fields during inspections conducted across several villages in the district. Following field visits to assess the crop condition, she observed that the disorder is affecting paddy cultivation in multiple locations and cautioned farmers to take timely preventive measures. According to Dr. Pallavi, the problem primarily arises due to continuous cultivation of paddy in the same fields during both the kharif and summer seasons over several years.

Other contributing factors include prolonged waterlogging, inadequate oxygen supply to plant roots, and chemical changes in the soil. She warned that if left unchecked, the disorder could result in yield losses ranging from 30 to 50 percent. Dr. Pallavi mentioned that affected paddy plants typically appear in patches, with leaves turning yellow and plant growth becoming stunted. Other symptoms include excessively soft soil in which feet sink deeply, the release of gas bubbles from the soil, foul odour, and blackened, decaying roots.

Many paddy fields transplanted during this period are reportedly showing symptoms of the disorder. To prevent the problem, Dr. Pallavi advised farmers to incorporate around 12 cartloads of red soil or tank silt while preparing nursery beds and to raise the beds above the normal ground level. She also recommended proper land levelling to prevent water stagnation. If symptoms appear, farmers should immediately drain excess water from the field, allow the soil to dry for some time, and then irrigate only as required.

She further advised against the use of ammonium sulphate fertilizers in affected fields. As part of the recommended management practices, she suggested applying 100–150 grams of Sprint (Carbendazim + Mancozeb) mixed with 25 kilograms of urea per acre, or spraying Contaf Plus or Hexaconazole at the rate of 2 millilitres per litre of water. Timely adoption of these measures, she said, can substantially reduce the impact of the disorder and help protect the paddy crop.