Seedling wilt is one of the most common problems groundnut growers face right after sowing, when young plants die before they even get a chance to establish. Here's everything you need to know about seedling wilt in groundnut and the top solutions to treat and prevent it.
Symptoms of Seedling Wilt in Groundnut
- Young plants suddenly droop soon after germination
- Stem turns brown or shrivels near the soil line
- Base of the seedling may show visible rot
- Affected seedlings die before they properly establish
- Visible gaps appear in the field where seedlings have died
What Causes Seedling Wilt in Groundnut
- Soil-borne fungi such as Fusarium and Rhizoctonia species
- Weak, damaged, or poor-quality seed
- Fields with a history of the disease
- Soil that stays waterlogged after sowing
- Rough handling of seed during shelling or storage
Prevention of Seedling Wilt in Groundnut
- Use certified, healthy, undamaged seed
- Avoid sowing in fields with poor drainage
- Avoid fields with a known history of the disease
- Handle seed gently during shelling and storage
- Treat seed with a bio-fungicide before sowing rather than waiting for symptoms
Solutions to Treat Seedling Wilt in Groundnut
1. Trichoderma viride 1.5% WP
Trichoderma viride is a beneficial fungus that colonises the root zone and seed surface, competing with and breaking down the cell walls of the soil-borne fungi responsible for seedling wilt. It works best when applied early, either as a seed treatment before sowing or mixed into the soil at planting, giving young roots a protective shield from the start.
| Product Name | Dosage |
|---|---|
| Katyayani Tyson | Seed treatment: 8-10 g/kg seed in 50 ml water |
| Multiplex Nisarga | Seed treatment: 20 g (or 2-3 ml) per kg seed |
| T.Stanes Bio Cure F Liquid | Seed treatment: 5 g/ml per kg seed |
2. Trichoderma viridae 2%
This is a stronger, more concentrated version of the same beneficial fungus. It settles around the seed and roots, growing faster than the harmful fungi and starving them out, so it protects the young plant the same way but at a smaller dose.
| Product Name | Dosage |
|---|---|
| EBS Trichoderma Viride Bio Fungicide | Seed treatment: 10 ml/kg seed (or 1-2 litre/acre) |
Note: These bio-fungicides work best as a preventive seed or soil treatment rather than after wilting has already started. Avoid mixing them directly with chemical fungicides, and keep the soil moderately moist after application to help the beneficial fungus establish.
Disclaimer: Always confirm current label registration, approved dosage, water volume, and pre-harvest interval (PHI) for your state before using any product, since labels are periodically revised by regulatory authorities.
This guide is a general advisory. Do your own research and verification before using any product. Always confirm suitability for your crop stage, region, and field conditions before making any purchase, spray, or crop-management decision.
