Common Diseases and Control Methods of Fluffy Needles
As a variety beloved by succulent enthusiasts, fluffy needles are renowned for their unique hairy leaves and easy maintenance. However, in high-temperature and high-humidity environments, fluffy needles are highly susceptible to fungal disease attacks. This article systematically sorts out the identification characteristics, causes, and control systems of three typical diseases, and illustrates the treatment process with pictures.
Complete Process of Control for Fluffy Needle Black Rot Disease
Symptom Identification and Infection Mechanism
Initially, the basal leaves show water-soaked black spots, which develop into a black rot band around the stem as the condition progresses. The disease is caused by Fusarium oxysporum, and its transmission speed increases by 300% in moist soil at temperatures between 28-32°C.
Comprehensive Control Plan
A three-level prevention and control system is adopted: ① Maintain a 50% particle soil ratio in the prevention stage; ② Apply benzoxazole fungicide at the early stage of infection; ③ In severe cases, retain the top 5cm of healthy stem, and re-cut after soaking in carbendazim suspension.
Systematic Management of Fluffy Needle Rust Disease
Disease Development Characteristics
The leaves show rust-colored patches and accompanying matting of the fluff, which is essentially the colonization of rust fungi. Monitoring data shows that the infection rate can reach 82% when humidity is maintained above 75% for three consecutive days.
Environmental Control Strategy
Install a dual-fan convection system to maintain an air velocity of over 0.3m/s. Use siphon watering to keep the leaf surface continuously dry. Diseased plants need to be treated with mancozeb spray, twice a week for three weeks.
Solution for Fluffy Needle Powdery Mildew
Symptom Evolution Process
Initially, a frosty mildew layer appears on the back of the leaves, in the middle stage, brown necrotic spots form, and in the late stage, the leaves curl and deform. Laboratory tests show that excessive nitrogen fertilizer can increase the incidence rate by 4.7 times.
Biological Control Technology
It is recommended to use Bacillus subtilis biological preparations, diluted at a ratio of 1:200 and sprayed on the leaf surface. Combined with potassium dihydrogen phosphate foliar fertilizer, it can enhance the epidermal cell's resistance to penetration.
By establishing a disease early warning system, combining environmental control with biological control, the survival rate of fluffy needles can be increased to over 95%. It is recommended to conduct matrix EC value testing monthly and use smart temperature and humidity monitoring equipment for scientific and meticulous management.