Purple discolouration in wheat not a disease, avoid spraying fungicides: PAU expert tells farmers
Farmers in Punjab have been advised not to panic over the appearance of purple discolouration in wheat crops, as agricultural scientists have clarified that the phenomenon is not a disease and does not require fungicide spraying. Experts from the Punjab Agricultural University (PAU) have issued this advisory after several farmers expressed concern over unusual purple pigmentation seen on wheat plants in recent weeks.
According to PAU plant pathology experts, the purple colour appearing on the glumes and peduncles of wheat plants is mainly due to above-normal temperatures recorded during February and March. The condition was also observed earlier in 2022 under similar weather patterns. Scientists emphasised that the discolouration is limited to the outer parts of the plant and does not affect the grain developing inside.
Dr. D. S. Bhuttar, Head of the Department of Plant Pathology at PAU, said that many farmers became worried after noticing the pigmentation and some even sprayed fungicides without consulting agricultural experts. However, surveys conducted by university scientists confirmed that the phenomenon is not caused by any pathogen. The developing grains remain healthy and unaffected despite the purple colour on the plant surface.
Experts believe that the pigmentation may be linked to the presence of melanin compounds, which can occur naturally in certain wheat varieties. Higher temperatures during the late winter and early spring months likely intensified the visible pigmentation.
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PAU scientists have urged farmers to avoid unnecessary fungicide sprays, as such measures increase production costs and may lead to chemical residues in the environment. Instead, they recommend need-based irrigation and spraying potassium nitrate to help the crop cope with heat stress and maintain yield. Farmers were also advised to follow scientific advisories and consult extension experts before applying any crop protection chemicals.
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