How to prevent and treat garlic pests and diseases
Garlic is prone to various diseases and pests that can significantly affect its growth and yield. Understanding these issues and implementing proper control measures is essential for successful cultivation.
**1. Leaf Blight**
Leaf blight is a fungal disease caused by pathogens that overwinter in infected plant debris. High humidity, excessive nitrogen fertilizer, and weak, overly lush plants increase the risk of infection. The disease typically begins at the tip of the leaf, starting with small white spots that gradually expand into dark, powdery patches. As the infection progresses, the leaves turn yellow, dry out, and eventually fall off. In severe cases, the entire garlic plant may become stunted or fail to develop properly.
To manage leaf blight:
- Improve field management by ensuring good air circulation and avoiding excessive nitrogen.
- Remove and destroy infected plant material after harvest.
- Apply fungicides such as 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder diluted at 600 times or 70% mancozeb wettable powder at 500 times during early stages of infection.
**2. Gray Mold**
Gray mold is another fungal disease that commonly affects garlic, especially during the later growth stages. It starts as water-soaked lesions on the leaves, which then develop into oval or fusiform-shaped spots with a grayish-white fuzzy layer. Affected tissues become dry and easily tear. The pathogen survives in the soil or on infected plant parts, and once garlic is infected, it can lead to rotting of the stems and underground bulbs.
Control methods include:
- Practicing good field management, such as proper spacing and drainage to prevent waterlogging.
- Increasing phosphorus and potassium fertilization to enhance plant resistance.
- Spraying 70% mancozeb wettable powder at 500 times dilution or 50% sulfonate wettable powder at 1500–2000 times during the early stages of infection.
**Common Pests**
In addition to diseases, garlic is also vulnerable to pests such as root nematodes, onion thrips, and leaf miners. These pests can damage roots, leaves, and stems, reducing overall plant health.
To control pests:
- Use well-decomposed organic manure as a base fertilizer, and avoid direct contact between seeds and fertilizers.
- In areas with serious root nematode infestations, apply 90% trichlorfon crystals (750 grams) dissolved in 50 kg of water and mix with 750 kg of manure.
- For root and flea infestations, spray a 1000-fold solution of 90% trichlorfon at the base of the plants.
- For onion thrips and leaf miners, use appropriate insecticides according to label instructions.
By maintaining good agricultural practices and timely intervention, garlic growers can effectively reduce the impact of diseases and pests, leading to healthier crops and better yields.
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