Nutmeg Leaf Blight: Causes, Symptoms & Monsoon Control

by Sama Sadhik July 21, 2026

by Sama Sadhik July 21, 2026 2 minutes read

Expert Source

Joseph John Therottil
Address: Asst. Director, District Agricultural Farm, Malikkayam
E-mail: johnt139@gmail.com

Leaf Blight in Nutmeg

Nutmeg tree leaves showing monsoon leaf blight symptoms with water-soaked spots near veins

Question: Leaf blight is being seen more frequently on nutmeg. …fruits and stems. How to control?

The fungus that causes the disease is more active during the monsoon. Water-soaked spots appear on the leaves near the veins. Gradually, it enlarges and spreads to the entire leaf.

Affected young fruits rot downwards from the stalk. Green leaves fall off. When the fruits are affected, they become misshapen. When the disease worsens, the branches also start to dry up.

Nutmeg Leaf Blight Control Measures

Control Measures: Prune and destroy the affected parts of the plant.

A one-percent Bordeaux mixture (20 g/liter) or Copper Oxychloride (3 g/liter) can be sprayed once a month.
Mix 10 liters of water with Pseudomonas (90 ml), Vettin powder (10 ml), or Coraesus (60 ml) and spray 5 ml of the mixture per liter of water.
After the disease is cured, spraying Bordeaux mixture continuously will ensure the plants have good health.

FAQ

What are the first symptoms of leaf blight in nutmeg?

In nutmeg, water-soaked spots appear on the leaves near the veins. These spots gradually enlarge and spread to the entire leaf. Green leaves may fall off, young fruits can rot downwards from the stalk, and affected fruits may become misshapen as the disease progresses.

Why does nutmeg leaf blight become more active during monsoon?

The fungus that causes nutmeg leaf blight is more active during the monsoon. Moist conditions favor disease spread, so symptoms can become more visible on leaves, fruits, and branches during rainy periods. Regular monitoring and timely control measures are important in this season.

How can farmers control leaf blight in nutmeg?

Control begins with pruning and destroying affected plant parts. A one-percent Bordeaux mixture at 20 g/liter or Copper Oxychloride at 3 g/liter can be sprayed once a month. The article also mentions a mix using Pseudomonas, Vettin powder, or Coraesus in water for spraying.

Can Bordeaux mixture help nutmeg plants recover after leaf blight?

Yes. The article states that after the disease is cured, spraying Bordeaux mixture continuously will ensure the plants have good health. It also recommends a one-percent Bordeaux mixture, or Copper Oxychloride, as part of the monthly spray control measures for nutmeg leaf blight.

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Sama Sadhik

Agriculturist at The Farming Times and researcher specializing in sustainable farming practices, focused on eco-friendly agriculture and resilient farming systems. Based in Thiruvalla, Kerala.