Detailed Explanation of the Key Points of Atractylodes macrocephala Pest and Disease Control Techniques

Atractylodes macrocephala, also known as fuzhuo and yuzhu, has a rhizome that can be used as medicine and has the effects of strengthening the spleen and replenishing qi, drying dampness and promoting diuresis, stopping sweating, and preventing miscarriage. It is cultivated on a large scale in Hunan, Jiangxi, Hubei, and Hebei. As its cultivation benefits grow better and better, the harm caused by pests and diseases is also becoming increasingly serious. Now let's take a look at the pest and disease control techniques for Atractylodes macrocephala.

1. Root rot

After Atractylodes macrocephala is infected, the roots turn yellowish brown, then become brown and shriveled, and in a short time spread to the entire root system. The pathogen can also infect through the top of the rhizome or other damaged parts. After the rhizome is infected, there are no obvious external symptoms in the early stage. In the later stage, the epidermis separates from the rotting fleshy part, leaving only woody fibers and debris, causing the aboveground plants to wither and die.

Control method: Practice rational crop rotation, apply sufficient base fertilizer to improve the disease resistance of the plants, and disinfect and sterilize the soil. When the disease occurs, a carbendazim solution can be used for irrigation.

2. White silk disease

This disease mainly harms the stem base and fruits. When the plant is infected, yellow-brown soft rot appears at the stem base, the leaves turn yellow and wither, and in severe cases they droop and die. When humidity is high, the mycelium spreads to the roots and produces sclerotia, and in severe cases causes the base of the plant to rot, resulting in the death of the aboveground stems and leaves. When the fruit is infected, soft rot occurs, and white silky mycelium and small sclerotia appear at the affected area.

Control method: Choose plots with higher terrain and a lower groundwater level for planting. When preparing the land, use lime to disinfect the soil. When the disease occurs, triadimefon can be mixed with soil and spread on the root and stem area.

3. Green leafhopper

The green leafhopper is distributed throughout the country. Its host range is relatively broad. Adults and nymphs gather on the leaves and continuously suck the leaf sap, causing small white spots to appear on the leaves. In severe cases, the leaves lose their green color, causing the plants to grow weakly.

Control method: After harvest, promptly clean the field and remove weeds and diseased plant residues. At the same time, avoid intercropping or relay intercropping with legumes and cruciferous plants. During the peak period of pest damage, fenvalerate emulsifiable concentrate can be sprayed for control.

4. Aphids

Aphids are a pest of many plants. They have strong reproductive capacity and can reproduce more than 10 generations per year. The eggs overwinter on the undersides of leaves, branches and stems, and rhizomes of the host plant. After temperatures warm up the following year, they begin to hatch in large numbers and gather on the young and tender parts of the plants, continuously sucking sap. Brown small spots appear at the damaged areas, seriously affecting the growth and development of the plants and leading to severe yield reduction.

Control method: Sow early at the appropriate time and choose insect-resistant varieties. During the bud stage, imidacloprid and pirimicarb can be sprayed for control.

The above is an introduction to the pest and disease control techniques for Atractylodes macrocephala. We hope it can help you. If you want to learn more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.