Latest Summary of Common Chicory Diseases and Control Methods
In China, chicory is mainly a medicinal plant, though many people also use it as a vegetable for eating. In fact, whether for medicinal or culinary use, its history in China is very long. Chicory is now grown over a very wide area in China, and its cultivation technique is also fairly simple. During cultivation, the incidence of pests and diseases is not high, but it can still suffer certain damage. So what are the common pests and diseases of chicory? What are the control methods? Let's take a look together!
1. Common Diseases
Downy Mildew
The main season for downy mildew is spring and autumn each year. Downy mildew mainly damages the leaves of chicory. In the early stage of the disease, the leaves at the base of the plant are affected first, and then it gradually spreads upward. After the disease occurs, many light yellow spots of irregular shape appear on the diseased leaves. The spots then gradually expand and extend, merging with each other, causing the entire leaf to turn yellow and wither. When field humidity is relatively high, a mold layer also forms on the underside of the spots, gradually extending over the leaf. In severe cases, all the leaves turn yellow-brown and die completely, causing a yield loss of more than half.
Rot Disease
Rot disease is one of the most common diseases of chicory. It usually begins in the middle and late stages of chicory growth, and in severe cases it can cause a total crop failure of chicory. Like downy mildew, rot disease mainly starts from the leaves or stems at the base of the plant. Pale yellow water-soaked lesions form on the diseased part, then gradually spread upward and along the leaf stalks. When humidity is too high, the lesions gradually soften and rot, and then spiderweb-like fungal threads appear at the base. When humidity is low, the plant shrivels and dies, and sometimes it is accompanied by a foul odor.
2. Control Methods
Downy Mildew
First, we should strengthen field management, control the planting density well, and it is best to use raised-bed cultivation. When watering, pay attention to the watering method; do not use flood irrigation, to prevent excessive water and excessive humidity from creating conditions for downy mildew. Then, on rainy days, pay attention to rain protection to avoid water accumulation in the field, and drain promptly when there is too much water. Also, regularly spray dust formulations such as chlorothalonil for control, about once every half a month. After the disease occurs, use Anke wettable powder diluted with water for control, and ensure the spray is thorough and even to prevent missed spraying.
Rot Disease
Rot disease is mainly prevented. When controlling rot disease, first choose good seeds, and try to choose seeds that are free of pests and diseases or have high disease resistance. Then, before sowing, use carbendazim and other agents for seed dressing and disinfection, control the sowing time and sow at the right time, strengthen management, and fertilize reasonably. In summer, shade protection is also needed, and pay attention to drainage during the rainy season. If diseased plants are found, pull them out promptly, and then use powders such as thiophanate-methyl for spraying control, mainly spraying the base of the plant.
The above is a brief introduction to the common diseases of chicory and their control methods. Chicory is also usually harmed by pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Therefore, when controlling diseases, everyone should also strengthen pest control to avoid some unnecessary losses. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!