What are the latest control methods for common pineapple pests and diseases?

Pineapple is the common name for the bromeliad, a popular tropical fruit in summer. It has high yields, stable market prices, and significant economic benefits. It attracts many people to grow it, but as planting area and density increase, it comes with a variety of pests and diseases that affect yield and quality. So what pests and diseases occur when growing pineapple? And how should they be controlled? Let's take a look at the detailed introduction from Qinnong Network.

1. Wilt disease

Wilt disease mainly harms the leaves. After onset, the leaves begin to soften and droop, and the leaf color changes from green to red. When the condition is severe, the base of the plant rots, ultimately causing the plant to die. This disease is mostly caused by mealybugs.

Control methods: When propagating, select strong-growing, disease-free seedlings. Before planting, disinfect the seedlings and soil, and also pay attention to mealybug control. When planting, soak the crowns in a 500-fold dimethoate solution, and plant after drying. When disease is found, promptly spray a 500-fold dimethoate solution. If a plant is severely diseased, promptly pull it out and take it out of the field to prevent it from spreading to other plants.

2. Black rot

Black rot is a disease caused by fungi. The pathogen spores overwinter in the soil or on plant residues, and when they break out they harm the fruit, mainly occurring on ripe fruit, especially during storage and transport. At onset, the external features are usually not obvious. When disease occurs, water-soaked lesions appear on the fruit, and as the disease spreads they become irregular dark brown large lesions, until they cover the entire fruit. When the fruit is cut open, water-soaked soft rot is found at the inner edges of the fruit, while the central part is dark brown, and in severe cases the internal tissue rots and turns black.

Control methods: After the fruit ripens, pay attention to the timing and method of harvesting. Do not top or harvest on rainy days, so as to prevent the pathogen from invading. Handle gently when harvesting, prevent exposure to the sun after harvesting, disinfect harvesting tools, or drip disinfectant solution at the cracks of the fruit.

3. Heart rot

Heart rot mainly harms the seedling stage. The cause of onset is heat generated by piling or excessive water accumulation. When disease occurs, the seedlings wilt, and in the later stage the seedlings rot at the heart and die.

Control methods: Avoid piling seedlings for long periods, especially during transport and planting. Under high-temperature conditions, heat accumulates and dissipates poorly, causing damage to the seedlings. In addition, watering during planting should be appropriate, so as to avoid excessive watering that causes water accumulation and makes them sick. During rainy weather, pay attention to drainage measures.

4. Pests

The main pineapple pests include crickets, white grubs, rhinoceros beetles, mealybugs, and pineapple long-leaf mites. They suck sap or gnaw on fruit and roots, affecting pineapple yield and quality, and in severe cases causing total crop failure.

Control methods: Agricultural control and chemical control can be used. When planting, pay attention to removing weeds to reduce pest sources, and when pests are found, spray pesticides for control.

The above are the common pineapple pest and disease control methods brought to you by Qinnong Network. We hope they can help you. For more related agricultural knowledge, please stay tuned to Qinnong Network.