Common Diseases and Pests of the Lantern Tree and Their Control Methods
As a famous ornamental tree in gardens, the lantern tree is highly favored for its unique lantern-like fruits. However, during cultivation, diseases such as bacterial slime flux and pests like aphids often affect its healthy growth. This article systematically analyzes the main characteristics of diseases and pests and provides professional control solutions.
Control Techniques for Lantern Tree Bacterial Slime Flux
Typical Symptoms of Bacterial Slime Flux
In the early stages of the disease, dark brown swelling patches appear on the trunk, which develop into layered slime flux as the disease progresses. The yellowish胶-like substances secreted by the lesions form amber crystals after oxidation, directly affecting the plant's nutrient transport system.
Analysis of Multiple Pathogenic Factors
The disease has both physiological and infectious characteristics: frost damage in winter causing bark cracks, sunburn in summer, and mechanical pruning wounds are the main pathways for fungal invasion, with the grape Botryosphaeria being the primary pathogenic source.
Comprehensive Control Plan
Adopt the 'Scrape-Coat-Protection' three-step therapy: ① Use disinfected tools to thoroughly remove the胶-like substances; ② Alternate between methyl thiophanate and Bordeaux mixture; ③ Apply a liquid protective film after the wound heals. Painting the trunk white in winter can effectively prevent frost-induced slime flux.
Ecological Control of Aphids on Lantern Trees
Recognition Features of Pest Damage
Aphids gather on new tender shoots to absorb sap, causing leaves to curl and deform. The honeydew they secrete can easily trigger sooty mold, and the dual damage can reduce the light transmission rate of the tree canopy by 40%.
Biochemical Synergistic Management
Introduce ladybirds to establish ecological balance, releasing 15 adult ladybirds per square meter can effectively control the pest population density. Chemical control involves using systemic insecticides, applying a 10% imidacloprid solution at 2000 times dilution for targeted back-spraying on leaves, focusing on the gall areas.
Through regular inspections, scientific pruning, and balanced fertilization, the resistance of lantern trees to diseases and pests can be enhanced. It is recommended to establish a pest and disease monitoring record and implement preventive medication for different growth stages to achieve a dual effect of landscape beauty and ecological safety.