Vegetable diseases are a common challenge for farmers, and effectively managing their occurrence and spread is essential for maintaining crop health. To do this, it's crucial to understand the nature of the pathogens and how they spread. Today, we'll explore some effective methods for using pesticides to control vegetable diseases, as shared by the Chinese Pesticide Network.
First, root diseases transmitted through the soil are among the most challenging issues for vegetable growers. These diseases often occur when infected seedlings or contaminated irrigation water are used. In recent years, crops like peppers, tomatoes, and cucumbers have been particularly affected. Prevention is key—farmers should focus on thorough soil disinfection before planting. It's also important to disinfect planting trays to prevent pathogen colonization. Some farmers mix biological agents with compost to kill harmful microbes, then add chitin or amino acids to promote root development and improve plant resilience.
When using bio-fertilizers in planting holes, care must be taken not to use antibiotics or copper-based products, as these can harm beneficial bacteria. Instead, farmers can use bacterial agents like *Pseudomonas* or *Trichoderma*, which help suppress disease naturally. If no biological fungicides are available, solutions such as lysine copper or *Zhongshengmycin* can be applied directly to the roots to prevent infection.
Second, stem diseases require careful management. Many diseases initially affect specific parts of the plant, such as black rot in pepper stems or oozing from cucumber stems. To manage these, farmers can scrape off the infected areas and apply a concentrated pesticide solution directly to the stem. Since stems absorb chemicals more slowly, the concentration can be increased. For example, 33.5% copper quinoline can be diluted at 750 times for foliar spray, but for stem application, it can be reduced to 200–300 times. Powdered formulations like thiophanate-methyl can be mixed into a paste for direct application.
In addition to treating the stems, foliar sprays are essential for preventing the spread of disease to other parts of the plant. This helps stop the disease from spreading further.
Third, airborne diseases such as gray mold and downy mildew are common in winter greenhouses. These diseases thrive in high humidity and spread easily through the air. Once spores enter the greenhouse, they can quickly multiply and cause widespread damage. Controlling these diseases after they appear is difficult, so prevention is critical.
Smoke agents offer an effective way to combat airborne diseases. They provide broad coverage without increasing humidity, making them ideal for enclosed spaces. However, smoke agents are better for prevention than treatment and may pose safety concerns if not used properly. Therefore, combining spraying with smoking is often recommended for optimal results.
For example, during the day, farmers can spray fungicides like procymidone or iprodione, while at night, they can use smoke agents like procymidone or dimethachlone. It's best to apply smoke agents on windless nights for 6–8 hours. Smoke agents can also reach areas that are hard to spray, such as walls, columns, and corners of the greenhouse, ensuring more comprehensive protection.
If you want to learn more about pest and disease management, visit the Chinese Pesticide Network for up-to-date information and expert advice. With proper knowledge and tools, farmers can significantly reduce the impact of diseases on their crops.
Flow Control Valve,Multifunctional flow control valve,Flow Control Valves
Chongqing Xingjida Import and Export Trade Co., Ltd. , https://www.xjdvalve.com