Turmeric plants turn yellow early, growers are worried

(Baonghean.vn) - According to the people of Tan Ky (Nghe An), many turmeric areas have a disease that causes the plants to turn yellow too early, while in reality it will take nearly 2 months for the plants to 'ripen' naturally.

Many turmeric areas are suffering from dry yellowing phenomenon. Photo: Lam Giang

In recent years, farmers in Tan Ky district have expanded their turmeric cultivation area. Because turmeric is easy to grow, requires little investment, and is less susceptible to pests and diseases than other crops; turmeric tubers and processed turmeric products are purchased in large quantities by traders. At peak times, fresh turmeric tubers cost 16,000 VND/kg, and turmeric essence costs 500,000 VND/kg...

Turmeric is grown mainly in the communes of Ky Tan, Nghia Dung, Nghia Phuc, Dong Van... According to local people, many turmeric areas have a disease on the leaves and stems, causing the turmeric plants to turn yellow too early, while in reality it will take nearly 2 months for the plants to "ripen" naturally.

According to the inspection results of the Plant Protection and Cultivation Station of Tan Ky district, most of the turmeric growing areas have symptoms of small spots initially appearing, then gradually spreading into round spots, with ash-gray spots in the middle and yellow edges around them. Many large spots cause the entire leaf blade to turn yellow and dry. Similar symptoms also appear on the turmeric stem and flowers, causing the entire turmeric plant to turn yellow and dry.

An easily observable characteristic is that the above phenomenon occurs more frequently on high-yield hybrid turmeric; local turmeric varieties are less affected. According to initial observations and assessments, experts believe that the above phenomenon may be caused by a fungal disease.

In the same field, local turmeric varieties are less susceptible to disease than high-yield hybrid turmeric varieties. Photo: Phan Giang

Waiting for samples to be analyzed to find the exact cause will take a long time. Therefore, to prevent widespread spread and reduce the risk of damage to turmeric growers, the professional agency continues to monitor developments and consult on long-term solutions so that farmers can feel secure in production./.

Lam Giang