What to Do About Root Rot in Honey Pomelo? Cause Analysis and Countermeasures
During the cultivation of honey pomelo plants, farmers often encounter the problem of root rot, which seriously affects the yield of honey pomelo and, in severe cases, causes plant death. So what causes root rot in honey pomelo? Follow along with the editor below to learn about the causes of root rot in honey pomelo and the countermeasures.
I. Causes of Root Rot in Honey Pomelo
1. Improper Fertilization
Long-term application of chemical fertilizers during fertilization causes a severe shortage of organic fertilizer in the soil, deprives beneficial microorganisms of their living environment, leads to an outbreak of harmful pathogens, and causes the root system to be attacked by fungi, resulting in root rot and tree death. In addition, the lack of organic fertilizer in the soil causes soil compaction and poor permeability, which also affects root growth and causes root rot.
2. Application of Unfermented Farmyard Manure
Applying large amounts of unfermented, undecomposed farmyard manure directly into the soil means the large quantities of pathogens, pests and salts it carries will cause serious damage to the root system, and in severe cases directly cause root rot and plant death. In addition, fertilization is mostly done by hole application or trench application, and because the trenches (holes) dug are few and small, root burn and death are also common phenomena.
3. Neglect of Soil Improvement
When the orchard is not tilled for a long time and weed control in spring and summer relies mostly on herbicides, this only eliminates the weeds but does not improve soil aeration, leaving the soil compacted for a long time. This causes the fruit tree roots to move toward the soil surface, making them neither drought-tolerant nor waterlogging-tolerant. After rain, the soil has poor permeability, which causes suffocation and massive leaf drop.
4. Poor Drainage
During long rainy and high-temperature seasons, fruit trees that have already suffered severe damage from improper fertilization, combined with being soaked in water for a long time, lose their original absorption function. Add to this long-term high-temperature evaporation, and this becomes an important cause of leaf drop, fruit drop and death of the fruit trees.
II. Countermeasures
1. Change the Fertilization Mindset
Advocate the application of farmyard manure, especially high-quality bio-organic fertilizer. When nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers are insufficient, nitro compound fertilizer can be used as a supplement. Farmyard manure must be fully composted and decomposed before use. In addition, chicken manure, pig manure, cow manure, etc. from farms contain relatively high levels of hormones, caustic soda and salt, so when applying them, they must be mixed with soil, and secondly, they should not be applied continuously in excessive amounts.
2. Improve Fertilization Methods
When using fermented farmyard manure, it must be crushed fine and spread evenly, then turned into the soil, to prevent root burn caused by overly concentrated trench fertilization. When applying bio-organic fertilizer and compound fertilizer, whether using ring-shaped or radial trenches, first, radial trenches should be dug more; second, ring-shaped trenches must be long; third, the depth must reach 30 cm.
3. Strengthen Soil Management
For soil management, persist in tilling the soil once every autumn. This not only maintains good soil permeability but also prevents roots from being drawn toward the surface layer. In spring and summer, use less herbicide; a micro-tiller can be chosen to loosen the soil and eliminate weeds in a timely manner, keeping the surface soil loose and well aerated. When heavy rain occurs, loosen the soil promptly after the rain to allow aeration, preventing root suffocation and massive leaf drop.
4. Strengthen Drainage
In the orchard, by tilling the orchard, build up the soil around the trunk by 15-20 cm to form a ridge shape, preventing water accumulation under the trees after heavy rain.
The above is an introduction to the causes of root rot in honey pomelo and the countermeasures. We hope it helps you. For more related knowledge, please stay tuned to us.