Publication

Abstract : The semi-arid regions are characterized by long periods of sunshine, deficient rainfall and unpredictable drought-like situations. In addition, climate change accelerates the intensity of these problems by creating scanty rainfall leading to an excess dependency on groundwater. Many crop diseases arise in such regions due to improper management of water resources and therefore its management becomes a highly essential tactic. Water resource management by choosing the proper method of irrigation helps in reducing the occurrence and intensity of many plant diseases. Drip irrigation is the most sought in semi arid regions as this minimizes water usage and the spread of soil-borne and foliar plant diseases. In addition, chemigation as an alternative to the foliar spray of fungicides and bactericides results in a uniform application with better efficacy avoiding the leaching of chemicals which can be done using drip and trickle irrigation methods. The application of micronutrients through drip irrigation helps manage diseases directly by the antagonistic effect on the pathogen or indirectly by augmenting the defense mechanism of plants or by inciting antagonist organisms in the rhizosphere. Application of fungal and bacterial biocontrol agents to plants helps plants under semi-arid areas to tolerate drought stress by improving the photosynthetic ability and production of a broad range of enzymes and metabolites. Recycled waste water used for irrigation has to be evaluated for the presence of plant pathogens before use to avoid detrimental effects on plant health.