What to do about powdery mildew on honeysuckle? The latest control methods are here
Honeysuckle is a perennial twining shrub of the genus Lonicera in the family Caprifoliaceae. Its buds or nearly opened flowers are used as medicine, and its leaves and branches can also be used as medicine. It has the effects of clearing heat and detoxifying. It is now cultivated in many cities and counties from south to north in China. Powdery mildew is a common disease on honeysuckle and occurs widely in all cultivation areas nationwide, causing serious damage. Now let us take a look at what to do about powdery mildew on honeysuckle!
Symptoms of powdery mildew on honeysuckle
Powdery mildew on honeysuckle mainly damages leaves, and sometimes also harms stems and flowers. The spots on leaves are initially small white dots, then expand into white powdery patches. In the later stage, the entire leaf is covered with a white powdery layer. In severe cases, the leaves turn yellow and become deformed, or even fall off. The spots on stems are brown, irregular in shape, and covered with white powder. Flowers become twisted and in severe cases fall off.
Patterns of powdery mildew on honeysuckle
The pathogen of powdery mildew on honeysuckle is the ascomycete fungus Arthrocladiella lonicerae. The pathogen overwinters as perithecia on diseased plant residues. The following year, the perithecia release ascospores for primary infection. After disease onset, the diseased parts produce conidia for secondary infection. Warm and dry conditions or shading between plants make the disease prone to occur. Excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer and alternating dry and wet conditions lead to severe disease.
What to do about powdery mildew on honeysuckle?
1. Resistant varieties: Select disease-resistant honeysuckle varieties according to local conditions, and spray Hushu Jiangjun in the field at the appropriate time for sterilization and disinfection to reduce sources of the pathogen.
2. Strengthen management: Plant at a reasonable density, pay attention to ventilation and air permeability, fertilize scientifically, increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers, and improve plant disease resistance. Before honeysuckle buds appear, spray Huaduo Zhuangdiling at the appropriate time to promote strong buds, plump petals, vivid flower color, rich fragrance, and a longer flowering period. Irrigate at the appropriate time, drain promptly after rain, and prevent moisture retention.
3. Chemical control: In the early stage of disease onset, spray 50% colloidal sulfur 100 g mixed with 20 kg of water, or 15% triadimefon wettable powder at 2000 times dilution. At the same time, spray Xingao Zhimo at 800 times dilution to improve the utilization rate of the effective ingredients of the pesticide and consolidate the control effect.