What are the common diseases of chicory? With control methods

Chicory is mainly a medicinal plant in China, but many people also use it as a vegetable for food. In fact, whether for medicinal or culinary use, its history in China is very long. Chicory is now planted over a very wide area in China, and its cultivation techniques are relatively simple. During cultivation, the incidence of pests and diseases is not high, but it can still suffer some damage. So what are the common pests and diseases of chicory? What are the control methods? Let's take a look!

1. Common diseases

Downy mildew

The main onset season of downy mildew is spring and autumn each year. Downy mildew mainly damages the leaves of chicory. In the early stage of the disease, the leaves at the base of the plant are affected first, and then it gradually spreads upward. After onset, many irregular light yellow spots appear on the diseased leaves. The spots then gradually expand and merge with each other, causing the entire leaf to turn yellow and withered. When field humidity is relatively high, a mold layer also forms on the underside of the spots and gradually spreads across the leaf. In severe cases, all leaves turn yellowish brown and die completely, causing a yield reduction of more than half.

Rot disease

Rot disease is one of the most common diseases of chicory. It usually begins in the middle and late stages of chicory growth, and in severe cases it can cause a complete loss of harvest for the whole day. Like downy mildew, rot disease mainly starts from the leaves or stems at the base of the plant. Pale yellow water-soaked spots form on the diseased part, then gradually spread upward and to the leaf stalks. When humidity is too high, the diseased spots gradually soften and rot, and then spiderweb-like fungal threads appear at the base. When humidity is low, the plant shrinks and dies, and sometimes it is accompanied by a foul odor.

2. Control methods

Downy mildew

First, we should strengthen field management, control the planting density well, and it is best to use high-ridge cultivation. When watering, pay attention to the watering method and do not use flood irrigation, to prevent excessive water and high humidity from providing conditions for downy mildew. Then, on rainy days, pay attention to rain protection to avoid water accumulation in the field, and drain promptly when there is too much water. Also regularly spray dust agents such as chlorothalonil for control, about once every half month. After onset, use Anke wettable powder diluted with water for control, and ensure the spray is comprehensive and even to prevent missed spraying.

Rot disease

Rot disease should be primarily prevented. When controlling rot disease, first select good seeds, and try to choose seeds that are free of pests and diseases or have high disease resistance. Then before sowing, use carbendazim and other agents for seed dressing and disinfection, control the sowing time and sow at the proper time, strengthen management, and fertilize reasonably. In summer, shade work is also needed; in the rainy season, pay attention to drainage. If diseased plants are found, pull them out promptly, and then use powders such as thiophanate-methyl for spraying control, mainly spraying the base of the plants.

The above is a brief introduction to the common diseases of chicory and their control methods. Chicory is also usually harmed by pests such as aphids and whiteflies. Therefore, when controlling diseases, everyone should also strengthen pest control to avoid some unnecessary losses. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only, and I hope it can help everyone!