The Latest Control Methods for Fig Root Rot

In the past, figs were mainly grown by individuals on a small scale. In recent years, with the promotion of the internet and market expansion, figs have gained a unique taste and become more popular. Now they are planted and promoted on a large scale in various regions of the country. Among the common diseases of figs, root rot is relatively serious, directly destroying the root system and, in severe cases, killing the entire plant. Therefore, I plan to focus on explaining the control methods for root rot.

1. Causes of the Disease

After heavy rainfall in the rainy season, if drainage is not timely, low-lying areas accumulate water. After waterlogging, the root system cannot breathe and does not get enough oxygen, so it stops growing and root rot occurs, giving pathogens an opportunity to invade. Alternatively, newly grown roots are weak in growth vigor and have no disease resistance, making them easy to invade and damage. In summer, high temperatures cause the plant to lose nutrients and its resistance declines, making it easy for pathogens to invade. In winter, they mainly overwinter in the root soil and cause damage year after year.

2. Symptoms and Signs

At first, it harms young figs, first infecting part of the root hairs, then the entire root system, and finally spreading to damage the main root. The affected root system appears dark brown or black and rotted. When the root system is damaged, the aboveground part of the plant does not show much change. When the main root is damaged, the plant leaves begin to turn yellow, wither, and fall off, and the fruit shows separation of flesh. In severe cases, the entire plant dies.

3. Control Measures

In winter, clean the orchard, promptly pull out diseased plants, take them out of the field, and burn them in a centralized manner or bury them deeply to prevent pathogens from overwintering and continuing to cause damage the following year. For lightly damaged root systems, prune and earth up, clear ditches, and prevent blockage.

In the early stage of the disease, spray 40% carbendazim wettable powder, twice a week, for three consecutive applications. Spread quicklime or pour lime solution for disinfection on fig seedbeds and planting pits. Before carrying out cuttings of fig plants, soak in carbendazim for two hours. Soak the base of the branches and spikes in the medicinal solution for disinfection, and then carry out cutting. During the seedling stage, spray with 40% formalin. After young planted seedlings become infected, use corresponding agents such as tolclofos-methyl, copper methyl arsenate, and Bacillus subtilis, etc., add naphthalene acetic acid-type chemicals to prepare a solution, and apply root drenching to fig plants once a week for several consecutive weeks; the root system can basically be cured.

There are many fig diseases, but the common and more harmful disease must be root rot. The above main content is about the causes and control methods of fig root rot. I hope this can be of some help to everyone.