Detailed Explanation of Major Tea Plant Pests in Early Summer Tea Season

I. Tea Geometrid

The second generation of tea geometrid will be more severe than the first generation, similar to last year. According to the field larval instar survey at the Jingshan tea forecasting site of this station, the optimal field control period for the second generation is predicted to be from June 2 to June 8. Pesticide options include 2.5% Kung Fu (25 ml per mu), 2.5% Decis (25 ml per mu), and Lvyu brand 0.5% matrine (No. 4) (50 ml per mu). The pre-harvest safety interval after spraying the above pesticides is 7 days.

II. Empoasca vitis

Empoasca vitis is classified as a moderate-to-severe occurrence year this year. The first peak damage period begins in early June and lasts until the early stage of high temperature and drought. The optimal control period is in early June. The specific timing should be when nymphs (capable of crawling) account for more than 80% of the total pest population in the field. Pesticide options include 10% imidacloprid (15-20 g per mu), sprayed by sweeping across the canopy surface. The post-spray safety interval is 10 days.

III. Tea weevil (Myllocerinus aurolineatus)

The tea weevil, also known as "flower hen", is one of the major pests in tea gardens in our district. This pest has a moderate occurrence this year. The optimal control period is predicted to be from May 30 to June 5. Pesticide options include 2.5% Uranus (60 ml per mu), sprayed by sweeping across the canopy surface. The post-spray safety interval is 10 days.

IV. Tea rust mite (Acaphylla theae)

The tea rust mite has a moderate occurrence this year. The damage level in normally plucked tea gardens is generally lighter than in young tea gardens and renovated/rejuvenated tea gardens. Tea gardens that did not use lime sulfur for garden closure in late autumn last year should pay particular attention to controlling this pest. The optimal control period is in early June. For tea gardens not being plucked, 1% miechongling (20 ml per mu) or 0.6% miechongling (30 ml per mu) can be used, sprayed by sweeping across the canopy surface.

V. Other Pests

The tea black tussock moth has a light occurrence this year. Most tea gardens do not need pesticide control. A small number of tea gardens with tall canopies and close to forest belts may have certain pest populations. The optimal control period for the second generation is predicted to be from June 10 to June 15. Pesticide options include 2.5% Uranus (20 ml per mu) plus 80% dichlorvos (50 ml per mu). The post-spray safety interval is 7 days.

The tea leaf roller has a light occurrence this year. For the few young tea gardens or renovated/rejuvenated tea gardens that need control, the optimal control period for the second generation is in early June. Pesticide options include 2.5% Decis or 2.5% Kung Fu (10-15 ml per mu).