Description:

• Rainy conditions and high relative humidity are favourable for the occurrence of this disease.

Damage Symptoms:

• Young papaya seedlings are more susceptible to this disease than older plants.

• The leaves turn yellow, followed by wilting and drooping.

• Water-soaked spots appear on the stem at ground level, which later enlarge.

• The roots turn black, become soft, and rot.

• The diseased area turns black and rots.

• Eventually, the plant topples over and dies.

Preventive Measures:

• Raise seedlings in the nursery and transplant them into the field six months before the start of the rains to minimize risk.

• Practice crop rotation.

Control Measures:

• Apply carbendazim or copper oxychloride.

• Remove diseased seedlings and burn them.