How to Treat Diseases in Dwarf Lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus)? Detailed Guide to Prevention and Control Methods
Dwarf lilyturf, also known as Maimendong or lilyturf (Ophiopogon japonicus), is a herbaceous plant commonly found in shady, damp hillsides, beside streams, and under forest canopies, and it has high prospects for landscaping, but during cultivation, various diseases can appear, so how do you treat diseases in dwarf lilyturf?
1. Root-knot nematode disease
When dwarf lilyturf suffers from root-knot nematode disease, root knots of varying sizes appear on the roots, and hairy roots also grow on them; the tips of the hairy roots are infected again by nematodes, forming small root knots once more, and the cycle repeats.
After cutting open a root knot, you can see a white, shiny spherical substance, which is the female adult.
Prevention and control methods
When planting, choose disease-free seedlings, and also make sure the roots of the seedlings do not carry pests.
When planting, do not rotate with tobacco or other plants; you can rotate with grass-family crops.
Treat the soil: before planting, mix 5% fenamiphos granules into the soil, blend with the soil, and then plant.
2. Black spot disease
When dwarf lilyturf develops black spot disease, the leaves first turn yellow and gradually spread toward the base of the leaf surface, then produce water-soaked lesions in green, white, yellow, and other colors, affecting leaf growth and appearance.
Once infected with black spot disease, the disease can persist into the following year, continuing to affect the plant's growth; it usually occurs easily during the rainy season.
Prevention and control methods
In winter, clean up and prune away dead plants and diseased leaves, then dispose of them.
During the disease period, spray with 1:1:200 Bordeaux mixture or 50% carbendazim 1000x solution, spraying once every 10 days, for about 3 sprays in total.
3. Mole cricket damage
Both the adults and nymphs of this pest can bite and feed on seedling roots, affecting the plant's growth.
Prevention and control methods
You can spread 3 kg of 5% phoxim granules or 5% isofenphos-methyl granules on the surface of the pot soil, and stop applying once the pests are seen to be dead; or use aromatic attractants to lure the insects and then kill them.