Control Methods for Major Pests and Diseases in Chuanxiong (Ligusticum chuanxiong) Cultivation

1. Major diseases and control methods

Leaf blight Mostly occurs from May—August. When the disease develops, brown, irregular spots appear on the leaves, then spread to the entire leaf, causing the leaves of the whole plant to wither and die.

Control methods In the early stage of the disease, spray 65% zineb 500x solution, or 50% thiram 1000x solution, or 1:1:100 Bordeaux mixture for control. Once every 10 days, for 3—4 consecutive times.

Powdery mildew From late June to September, when temperatures are high and humidity is high, the disease becomes severe. It first affects the lower leaves, with gray-white powdery mildew appearing on the leaves and stems, then gradually spreads upward. In the later stage, small black spots appear on the diseased parts, and in severe cases the stems and leaves turn yellow and die.

Control methods ① After harvest, clean the field and burn the remaining diseased plants and leaves in a centralized manner; ② In the early stage of the disease, spray 25% triadimefon 1500x solution, or 50% thiophanate-methyl 1000x solution, once every 10 days, spraying 2—3 consecutive times.

Rhizome rot Occurs during the growing period and at harvest. The affected rhizome rots internally, turning yellow-brown, appearing water-soaked, with a peculiar odor, and becoming soft-rotted. After being affected during the growing period, the aboveground leaves gradually turn yellow and fall off.

Control methods ① Immediately after occurrence, pull out the diseased plants and burn them in a centralized manner to prevent spread; ② Pay attention to drainage, especially in the rainy season; excessive rain and poor drainage lead to severe disease; ③ During harvest and seed selection, remove diseased “Fuxiong” and already rotted “Lingzi”.

2. Major insect pests and control methods

Chuanxiong stem node moth The larvae bore into the stems, gnaw the node discs, and harm the Lingzi, making them unusable for planting, and in severe cases most of the crop is lost.

Control methods ① During the bud-raising and bud storage period, spray 80% trichlorfon 1000—1500x solution for control; ② Before planting, soak the Lingzi in 40% dimethoate 1000x solution for 3 hours before sowing.

Qizeng When found, carry out conventional control, especially in September—October when the seedlings are in the peak growth period, carry out timely control.