Leek mold, also known as white spot disease, is a common fungal infection that typically appears during the winter and spring seasons. The disease usually starts to become noticeable 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 significant drop in yield, with losses ranging from 20 to 30 percent. In addition, infected leaves often develop an unpleasant musty odor, which greatly affects the 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 surface of the leaves. These spots are more prominent on the upper side than the lower one and tend to develop from the tip of the leaf downward. As the spots grow, they become oval or fusiform in shape. When humidity is high, a thin layer of mildew forms on the lesion surface. Over time, the lesions merge into larger patches, eventually causing the affected parts of the leaf to dry out and turn black. In some cases, the leaves may not show 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 usually semi-circular or V-shaped and can extend down the leaf for 2 to 3 centimeters. The affected leaves then turn yellow-brown. Under high humidity, a gray-brown or gray-green fuzzy mold may form on the surface.
To manage this disease effectively, several preventive and control measures can be taken. First, it is recommended to use disease-resistant varieties such as Huang Miao, Ke Mold No. 1, Zhonghe No. 2, and other similar strains. Second, farmers should employ non-drip wet films and ensure proper ventilation to reduce humidity inside the greenhouse. Controlling temperature and maintaining good air circulation can help prevent the spread of the disease. Third, any infected leaves should be promptly removed, buried, or burned to avoid further contamination. Fourth, during the early stages of infection, fungicides like 50% carbendazim WP diluted at 500 times, 70% thiophanate-methyl at 800 times, or 50% acetamiprid WP at 1500 times can be applied. Each acre requires about 40 to 50 kg of solution, and spraying should be done every 5 to 7 days, repeating the process 2 to 3 times. It's important to alternate between different chemicals to prevent resistance. On cloudy days, using smoke suppressants like chlorothalonil or sulfur-based products can be more effective. By implementing these strategies, farmers can significantly reduce the impact of leek mold and maintain healthy crops throughout the growing season.
Curing Box,Uv Curing Box,Light Curing Box,Uv Light Curing Box,Curing Chamber
Rolence Enterprise Inc. , https://www.rolencedent.com