Pest and Disease Control Methods and Technical Key Points for Elsholtzia stauntonii

1. Elsholtzia rust

This is one of the more common diseases in plants. It is caused by rust fungi and mainly harms the leaves, stems and fruits of the plant. However, it usually only causes localized infection; at the damaged sites, spores gather and gradually produce small blister spots or blister-like formations of various colors. In some cases it also causes rough bark, witches' brooms and the like on the branches, or it may cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. It is a very troublesome disease.

If Elsholtzia stauntonii is unfortunately infected, it will cause damage to localized areas of the leaves. The lesions initially appear round or oval, and pale yellow uredinia (summer spore pustules) form on them, eventually becoming exposed and appearing powdery. Then, after the lesions have turned other colors, they become telia (winter spore pustules).

Control methods: To achieve good control, first of all the field must be kept clean. We can collect the diseased plant residues and then pile them together and burn them. In addition, some chemical agents can be used for protection; at the early stage of disease onset, promptly spray appropriate medications so that they will not spread further.

2. Bagworm moth

This is a pest insect. It occurs on many kinds of plants and mainly, during the larval stage, eats leaves, tender twigs and young fruits. When its numbers are large, it can eat all the leaves of an entire plant, so it is a very fearsome pest. It generally overwinters as an old larva hidden in its bag-like case hanging on the branch tips, and becomes active again the following year.

When Elsholtzia stauntonii is affected, its plant leaves will also be severely damaged.

Control methods: First, we can use black light to trap and kill them, which is quite effective. Then, while they are still larvae, some chemicals can be sprayed for control; when spraying, be sure to spray the top of the plant canopy. In addition, if their numbers are not large, they can also be removed manually.