Pests and Diseases of Echeveria '锦绣' and Their Control
As a star variety in the world of succulents, Echeveria '锦绣' is deeply loved by gardening enthusiasts for its fluffy leaves and bright flower spikes. However, this seemingly robust plant often faces sudden attacks of pests and diseases during maintenance, especially the damage caused by black rhinoceros beetles often catches growers off guard. This article will systematically analyze the key protective points in the maintenance of Echeveria '锦绣' from pest characteristics to control strategies.
Deadly Pest: Ecological Characteristics of Black Rhinoceros Beetle
Morphological Characteristics of Pest
The black rhinoceros beetle, a representative species of the scarabaeidae family, has an adult body length of 8-12mm, completely black with a metallic sheen, and its rostrum-shaped mouthparts are a typical identifying feature. Larvae are C-shaped, semi-transparent, and often hidden in the soil.
Harm Cycle Spectrum
This pest can occur in 3-4 generations throughout the year, with the peak period of adult emergence in April to May overlapping with the spring growth period of Echeveria '锦绣'. Larvae disrupt nutrient transport by eating new roots, while adults gather to damage the tender stems, causing ring-shaped bite marks on the plant.
Three-dimensional Control System Construction Plan
Physical Barrier Strategy
In early spring, setting up a 40-mesh anti-insect net, combined with yellow sticky traps, can capture over 85% of adult beetles. Implementing the vibration capture method every morning, taking advantage of their tendency to play dead, can collect fallen individuals, achieving a control efficiency of up to 70%.
Biological Control Matrix
Introducing the green muscardine fungus (Metarhizium anisopliae) and white muscardine fungus complex bacterin, mixed into the cultivation matrix at a ratio of 1:100, to continuously control underground larvae. Releasing ladybirds, lacewings, and other natural enemies to build ecological balance.
Chemical Control Nodes
Alternating the use of 20% thiamethoxam suspension (2000-fold solution) and 5% lambda-cyhalothrin microemulsion during critical periods, focusing on spraying the back of leaves and stem bases. After applying the pesticide, cover with diatomaceous earth to form a physical barrier layer.
Disease Warning and Disposal Procedures
Leaf Disease Identification
Leaf spot disease initially appears as 2-3mm brown circular spots, with concentric patterns developing as the condition progresses. Rust disease is characterized by orange-yellow aeciospore piles, often spreading from the lower leaves upwards, with the transmission speed accelerating significantly when humidity is over 75%.
Medication Application Plan
In the early stage of the disease, use a compound preparation of 25% myclobutanil emulsion (1500-fold) + 80% mancozeb (600-fold), and spray continuously three times at 7-day intervals. For severe cases, cut off the affected parts and pour benalaxazole root drench.
By establishing a pest monitoring and early warning system, combining high-temperature disinfection of the cultivation matrix (60°C for 3 hours) and rain season shelter measures, the incidence of pests and diseases can be reduced by over 80%. It is recommended to use systemic insecticides for preventive treatment every quarter, while also maintaining a 10°C temperature difference between day and night to enhance plant resistance. With scientific maintenance, Echeveria '锦绣' can achieve healthy growth free from pests and diseases throughout the year.