In recent years, the excessive cultivation of heavy sorghum has led to an accumulation of harmful bacteria in the soil, which worsens the occurrence of plant diseases. In protected areas, where the multiple cropping index is high, crop rotation becomes difficult. Continuous planting of the same variety increases bacterial content in the soil, and the warm, humid microclimate within greenhouses creates ideal conditions for disease development, ultimately leading to more frequent outbreaks.
Improper farming techniques and irrational irrigation practices also contribute significantly to the spread of diseases. Field surveys have shown that flat-level cultivation tends to result in more severe disease occurrences compared to raised-bed methods. Similarly, fields with excessive flooding or frequent watering suffer from higher disease incidence.
Premature planting is another factor contributing to pepper plant death. In recent years, some farmers have started sowing too early, often planting as early as mid-July. This leads to exposure to strong sunlight, high temperatures, and high humidity, combined with overplanting, which results in severe yellowing and dying of plants.
Pathogen infections during the growing season are also a major cause of pepper plant death. Recent research in Shouguang City identified two main types of pathogens responsible for dead tree disease in peppers: bacterial and fungal infections.
Bacterial wilt, for example, starts with wilting from the top of the leaves, followed by leaf blight and rapid disease progression. The stem shows no obvious symptoms, but when cut open, the vascular tissue turns brown, and milky white exudate appears. On the other hand, fungal diseases include three main types: fusarium wilt, phytophthora blight, and sclerotinia rot. Fusarium wilt initially affects the lower leaves, causing root base rot and quick wilting. Phytophthora blight can occur throughout the growing season, especially during fruit setting, and spreads rapidly. Sclerotinia rot causes damage to stems and branches, producing white mycelium under high humidity and eventually forming black sclerotia, leading to plant death.
Among these, phytophthora blight is the most common, affecting about 70% of infected fields. It spreads quickly, especially after high-temperature watering, and can affect entire crops within hours. Seedlings, stems, leaves, and fruits are all susceptible, making it highly destructive. Root rot follows, accounting for around 20% of cases. Symptoms appear after fruiting, with brown lesions on the main roots and easily stripped bark, which prevents proper maturation. Early detection is challenging, and once visible, control becomes difficult. Bacterial wilt and blight have lower incidence rates, but blue mold, a bacterial disease, spreads rapidly and can cause sudden plant death, often leading to devastating losses.
To effectively prevent and manage pepper plant death, a comprehensive approach is necessary. Understanding the characteristics of these diseases is crucial. Most pathogens are soil-borne, infecting roots and spreading through water. Some can directly infect above-ground parts such as stems and leaves, making them highly invasive. Root rot and phytophthora blight can affect plants at all growth stages, from seedlings to mature plants.
In practice, some farmers use grafting or chemical fumigation to prevent plant death, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. After extensive research and field testing, experts have developed an integrated strategy to combat pepper plant death. This method covers the entire growth cycle, from underground to above ground, and includes prevention before planting, during growth, and after harvest.
The specific measures include:
1. **Clean seedbeds**: Even though many farmers now buy ready-made seedlings, many still grow their own. Maintaining clean seedbeds is essential. Use new soil whenever possible, and treat the soil with appropriate agents to eliminate pathogens.
2. **Medicated transplanting**: Apply Xiangnong 4 at a rate of 1000–1500 grams per acre during transplanting. Mix it with soil for better effectiveness.
3. **Irrigation management**: One month after transplanting, apply the agent diluted 600–800 times to the roots, and it can also be sprayed on the foliage.
4. **Regular spraying**: Use broad-spectrum fungicides like Dasheng-M45 or agricultural agent No. 4 diluted to 800 times. Spray every 7–10 days as a preventive measure.
Although the choice of variety plays a role in disease resistance, implementing these comprehensive strategies throughout the growing season can significantly reduce the risk of pepper plant death. With proper care and timely intervention, farmers can effectively manage and prevent this serious issue.
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