Control Methods and Technical Key Points for Garlic Viral Disease

The garlic planting area in Eryuan County is over 30,000 mu, with an output value exceeding 100 million yuan. In recent years, due to continuous planting, viral disease has occurred widespread, leading to variety degeneration, decreased yield and quality, and seriously affecting the income of garlic farmers.

1. Disease symptoms

In the early stage of the disease, yellow striped markings appear along the leaf veins, plants become dwarfed, new leaves do not extend properly and are distorted. When the disease occurs after bolting, the parts below the flower bud of the garlic scape gradually lose green color and turn white. Plants have few fibrous roots, and in severe cases the garlic bulbs become smaller and hardened.

2. Environmental conditions for disease occurrence

Mainly the garlic seed carries the virus, and during the seedling stage it is transmitted by the green peach aphid (Myzus persicae). The disease is especially severe in dry years.

3. Control methods

1. Select disease-free plants in fields reserved for seed production.

2. Remove diseased plants during the seedling stage.

3. Spray pesticides during the seedling stage and before bolting to control aphids. Large-scale coordinated control produces better results.

4. Introduce seed from disease-free areas to ensure the supply of virus-free garlic seed.

5. In the early stage of the disease, spray 20% Virus Ling wettable powder, 1.5% Zhi Bing Ling emulsifiable concentrate at 1000 times dilution, and No. 1 antiviral agent aqueous solution at 300 times dilution. Apply once every 10 days or so, for 2 to 3 consecutive applications.