Leek mold, also known as white spot disease, is a prevalent fungal infection that typically occurs during the winter and spring seasons. The disease usually begins to appear in early December and gradually worsens as the leeks grow. It can persist until the end of April in the following year. This condition often leads to a yield loss of 20 to 30 percent, significantly affecting farmers' income. In addition, infected leaves often develop a musty odor, which reduces the overall quality of the crop.
The disease primarily affects the leaves of the leek plant. At the initial stage, small white or light gray-brown spots appear on the leaf surface, mainly on the upper side and spreading downward from the tip. As the lesions grow, they become elongated or oval in shape. When humidity is high, a thin layer of mildew develops on the surface of the affected areas. Over time, these spots merge into larger patches, eventually causing the entire leaf to dry out and turn black. In some cases, the leaves may not show visible white spots but instead rot at the cut ends. These areas initially appear water-soaked, turning light green with a brown ring pattern. The lesions are often semi-circular or V-shaped and can extend down the leaf for 2 to 3 centimeters, eventually turning yellow-brown. Under high humidity, a gray-brown or gray-green fuzzy mold may form on the lesions.
To manage this disease effectively, several preventive and control measures can be implemented. First, it's important to choose resistant leek varieties such as Huang Miao, Ke Mold No. 1, Zhonghe No. 2, and other similar cultivars known for their resistance to the pathogen. Second, using non-drip plastic films and ensuring proper ventilation within greenhouses can help reduce humidity levels and prevent excessive temperatures inside. Third, promptly removing and disposing of infected leaves by either burying or burning them is crucial to prevent further spread of the disease. Lastly, early intervention with fungicides is recommended. Spraying solutions like 50% carbendazim wettable powder diluted at 500 times, 70% thiophanate-methyl at 800 times, or 50% acetamiprid wettable powder at 1500 times can be effective. Each acre requires about 40 to 50 kg of solution, applied every 5 to 7 days for 2 to 3 treatments. It's important to alternate between different fungicides to avoid resistance. On cloudy days, using chlorothalonil or sulfur-based smoke agents can be more effective in controlling the disease. By combining these strategies, farmers can significantly reduce the impact of leek mold and maintain healthy, high-quality crops.
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