What are the common pest and disease control methods for pineapple?
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 Net.
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. In severe cases, 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, 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 orchard to prevent it from spreading to other plants.
2. Black rot
Black rot is a disease caused by fungi. The fungal spores overwinter in soil or plant debris, and then attack and harm the fruit, mainly occurring on ripe fruit, especially during storage and transport. At onset, external symptoms are usually not obvious. When the disease occurs, water-soaked lesions appear on the fruit, and as the disease spreads, they become large, irregular dark brown lesions, until they cover the entire fruit. When the fruit is cut open, water-soaked soft rot is found along the inner edges of the fruit, while the central part is dark brown. 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 remove the crown or harvest on rainy days, so as to prevent pathogens from invading. Handle gently during harvest. After harvest, prevent exposure to strong sunlight. Harvesting tools should be disinfected, or disinfectant can be dripped at cracks in the fruit.
3. Heart rot
Heart rot mainly harms the seedling stage. The cause is heat buildup from piling or excessive water accumulation. At onset, the seedlings wilt, and later the seedlings rot at the heart and die.
Control methods: Avoid piling seedlings for long periods, especially during transport and planting, because under high-temperature conditions they accumulate heat and dissipate it poorly, causing damage to the seedlings. In addition, watering during planting should be appropriate to avoid excessive watering that causes water accumulation and makes them susceptible to disease. During cloudy and 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 feed on sap or gnaw on fruit and roots, affecting pineapple yield and quality, and in severe cases causing total crop loss.
Control methods: Agricultural control and chemical control can be used. During planting, pay attention to clearing away debris to reduce pest sources. When pests are found, spray pesticides for control.
The above are the common pest and disease control methods for pineapple brought to you by Qinnong Net. We hope they can be helpful to you. For more related agricultural knowledge, please stay tuned to Qinnong Net.