Pest and disease control for custard apple

- From around the end of January, custard apple trees will begin to sprout new shoots. This is the time when many types of pests and diseases "attack" and cause damage. To avoid affecting the growth, development, and yield of custard apple trees, specialized agencies and people are actively and proactively controlling pests and diseases.

Officials from the Chi Lang Commune Public Service Center (on the left) instruct residents on how to prevent and control pests and diseases affecting custard apple trees.

This year, the weather is forecast to be intensely hot, arriving earlier and lasting longer than the average of previous years. The current hot and humid weather creates favorable conditions for pests and diseases to develop and damage crops, including custard apple trees.

Mr. Linh Van Va, from Than Muoi village, Chi Lang commune, said: "My family has about 700 custard apple trees. At this time, some custard apple trees planted in the fields have been affected by stink bugs, aphids, and red spider mites, damaging them in groups of 2 to 3 trees. As soon as we discovered them, my family proactively took control measures."

It's not just Mr. Va's family; at this time, many custard apple growers in Chi Lang commune are also focusing on caring for their trees while regularly visiting their orchards and checking for pests and diseases.

Mr. Lo Duy Cuong, Director of the Chi Lang Commune Public Service Center, said: "During this period, custard apple trees begin to sprout, grow leaves, and flower. This is also the time when some insects appear, causing damage that affects the growth of the trees if not controlled in time. Therefore, the center sends specialized staff to regularly monitor and inspect the situation; issues periodic notices advising people to regularly check their orchards and report any pests or diseases to the commune's specialized agency immediately for appropriate treatment, preventing widespread outbreaks."

Not only in Chi Lang commune, but many custard apple orchards in Cai Kinh commune are also experiencing pest and disease damage.

Mr. Hoang Van Dan, Head of the Economic Department of Cai Kinh commune, said: Cai Kinh currently has the largest area of ​​custard apple cultivation in the entire province with over 828 hectares. Right after the Lunar New Year, people in the area proactively pruned the branches and are now moving on to the care and fertilization stage. Accordingly, the department is actively disseminating information and guiding people on techniques for caring for and controlling pests and diseases, ensuring that the custard apple trees grow and develop well.

According to statistics, the province currently has 4,543 hectares of custard apple trees. According to the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center's assessment, custard apple trees in the province are currently in the young shoot development stage, mainly affected by mealybugs, aphids, stink bugs, red mites, and anthracnose, causing localized damage at low densities and rates, with mild severity. With their experience in custard apple cultivation, farmers have proactively implemented effective pest control measures.

Mr. Ly Van Dao, Deputy Director of the Provincial Agricultural Extension Center, said: The Center has instructed specialized agencies at the commune level to strengthen the investigation and monitoring of pest and disease situations on crops; and to promote timely and effective control measures to the people. The Provincial Agricultural Extension Center also advises farmers to regularly inspect their orchards and closely monitor the development of pests and diseases, especially during the stages of new shoot growth, flowering, and fruit development. When pests and diseases are detected at low densities, they should be treated early to prevent widespread outbreaks. In addition, farmers need to pay attention to orchard hygiene, collecting and destroying infected branches, leaves, and fruits... When the density and rate of pests and diseases are high, it is necessary to use pesticides according to the "four correct principles," prioritizing biological pesticides to ensure safety for users and the environment.

Thanks to the proactive efforts of the local people and the active involvement of specialized agencies, the custard apple crop in the province is currently growing and developing well. The people and specialized agencies continue to closely monitor the pest and disease situation to proactively implement control measures.

Source: https://baolangson.vn/phong-tru-sau-benh-hai-na-5084635.html