A Detailed Guide to the Control of Common Diseases of Chinese Kale

Chinese kale (Brassica oleracea var. alboglabra) is a specialty vegetable with a long history of cultivation in China, and to date dozens of varieties have been developed, with a flavor widely loved by everyone. However, when growing Chinese kale, a host of diseases always troubles fellow growers. So which diseases are relatively common in Chinese kale? Below, Qinnongwang takes everyone through them.

1. Black rot

Black rot is one of the common diseases of Chinese kale, and at present basically no variety can escape it. Its onset is mainly concentrated in the leaf area, then spreads to the root and stem area. The cause is mostly the presence of certain wounds on the leaves or pathogens in the soil, which enter the interior of the leaves as Chinese kale absorbs water. At first, irregular spots appear, which then discolor and rot. Once discovered, it is recommended to use 3% zhongshengmycin wettable powder at 600 times dilution for control.

2. Soft rot

It has an extremely great impact on Chinese kale; if not paid attention to in the early stage, plant death will occur in the later stage. The onset site is concentrated in the root and stem area. In the early stage, water-soaked circular rings appear at the root and stem area, after which the plant's nutrient transport is hindered; the whole plant takes on a yellowed state, and some even lean to one side, finally with the roots rotting and giving off a foul odor; in the most serious cases they die directly. Once discovered, decide whether to remove the plant depending on the situation, then spray 72% streptomycin sulfate at 3000—4000 times dilution, and be sure to spray more on the affected areas.

3. Downy mildew

Downy mildew appears most frequently during the seedling stage of Chinese kale, is most obvious on the leaves, and is also a relatively easy disease to spot. In the early stage it appears on the leaves in the form of small round spots, induced once humidity increases. The round spots slowly turn grayish-white, then react with the humidity in the air to produce mold spots and spread, seriously affecting fruit yield. When downy mildew appears, it can easily break out over a large area, so early prevention is very important; in the rainy season or after onset, 72.2% propamocarb aqueous solution at 600—800 times dilution can be used.

4. Aphids

Among this type of parasite, aphids are the most harmful and the hardest to spot, so everyone must pay attention. When aphids first appear their numbers are not large; they multiply later on. Aphids attach to the shaded side of leaves and then suck the leaf nutrients. When leaves are found growing deformed or turning yellow and drying up, check whether there are aphids on the underside. For aphids, 50% menaphos EC at 1000—1500 times dilution has a good control effect on them.

Because of the morphology of Chinese kale, many of its diseases require closer inspection to be seen. During daily field management, everyone can carry out selective spot checks, and the soil moisture must also be kept well, to avoid dampness inducing a series of diseases.