What are the methods for controlling pests and diseases of the miniature pomegranate (dwarf pomegranate)?

I. Pests

1. Japanese wax scale (Ceroplastes japonicus)

One of the common pests. In the nymph stage, it attaches itself to leaves or new branches, sucks the sap, and secretes a slime that is toxic to the plant. This can lead to sooty mold, causing leaves and fruit to drop, and in severe cases can cause death. Generally, chemical agents can be used for control. Other antagonistic organisms can also be used to suppress it, and so on.

2. Pomegranate stem window moth

One of the common pests. It can be found in most pomegranate-growing areas of our country. It damages the new shoots or branches of the tree, affecting the tree's growth, and greatly harms the fruit, reducing its yield and quality, and can cause the plant to die. If an infested branch is found, it must be removed immediately to prevent the larvae from continuing to grow and harming the whole tree.

3. Fruit borer

The larvae of this pest damage the fruit, causing needle-sized spotted holes on the fruit. As the insect grows, the fruit is further eaten away, seriously affecting the health of the fruit. In mid-May, parathion can be sprayed on the tree disk, which can effectively inhibit the growth and reproduction of this pest. When diseased fruit is found, it should be picked off promptly and disposed of by deep burying or other methods.

II. Diseases

1. Black spot disease

This disease causes lesions on the branches, fruit and flowers of the plant. This disease seriously affects the plant's form, causing the branches to crack, become rough and hard, and even expose the xylem. For trees, after the disease is found, the lesions need to be removed promptly with a small knife, and the wounds disinfected with carbendazim. For flowers and fruit, thiophanate-methyl can be sprayed to effectively prevent the occurrence of the disease.

2. Brown spot disease

This disease seriously harms the leaves and fruit of the tree, causing the fruit and leaves to drop. When first infected, brown spots appear, and if found they need to be removed promptly to prevent the disease from spreading further. Before budding, Bordeaux mixture can be sprayed to control this disease.