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How to prevent autumn cowpea pests and diseases
Cowpea root rot is a soil-borne disease that primarily affects the main roots and the lower stem of the plant. It thrives in high temperature and humidity conditions, often occurring after heavy autumn rains or in fields with poor drainage, low-lying soil, and continuous cropping. This disease can significantly reduce yield and plant health.
To manage root rot, crop rotation is essential. Fields with severe infestations should be rotated with onions, garlic, or camphor trees for 3–4 years. Raised beds or narrow furrows are recommended to improve drainage, and ditches should be regularly cleared to reduce moisture. Infected plant residues must be removed and either burned or buried deeply to prevent re-infection. Chemical control options include using fungicides like carbendazim, mancozeb, thiophanate-methyl, or other similar products. For irrigation, a slightly higher concentration of the solution (250 grams per application) can be used, applied every 7–10 days for 4–5 times. When spraying, mix the solution according to standard ratios and apply it directly to the base of the stems, repeating the process every 7–10 days for three consecutive applications.
Cowpea rust typically appears during the late growth stage, affecting leaves, stems, petioles, and even the pods. It tends to spread rapidly in wet, rainy autumns. Continuous cropping, poor air circulation, and dense planting can worsen the condition. Early intervention is crucial. Sprays such as 25% triadimefon (diluted 2000 times), 5% versatrol EC (800 times), or 50% carbendazim (500 times) are effective. Apply these sprays every 7–10 days for 2–3 consecutive times, extending to 15 days if triadimefon is used.
Cowpea mycoplasma disease usually starts after the true leaves appear and reaches its peak before harvest. It mainly affects the leaves, causing yellowing and distortion. High temperatures and humidity promote its development, especially during hot and rainy periods. To control this, avoid over-crowding to improve ventilation and light exposure. Remove infected leaves promptly to reduce bacterial re-infection. In the early stages, use fungicides like chlorothalonil (75% wettable powder at 600 times dilution) or carbendazim (40% gel suspension at 800 times) to suppress the infection.
Cowpea virus disease is more common in the autumn season. Infected plants show yellow-green mottling on the leaves, which later becomes wavy and deformed. Severely affected plants grow slowly, remain short, and produce fewer flowers and pods. Prevention focuses on controlling aphids, especially in dry years, and maintaining good field management to enhance plant resistance. Eradication of pests early is key to preventing widespread infection.
Cowpea pod borers, also known as bean borers, are major pests that cause significant damage. They have 4–5 generations per year. Control measures include removing flowering and fallen crops, pruning damaged leaves, and burning infested materials. Chemical control is often necessary, following the principle of "treating flowers, not the whole field." The first spray should be applied during the early flowering stage, followed by 2–3 additional treatments every 7–10 days. Spraying is most effective when done before 8:00 AM, when petals are open. Use pyrethroid-based insecticides like decis, fastç, or others. Avoid spraying before harvest to prevent residue issues.
Soybean mealworms also affect cowpeas, often alongside pod borers. These larvae bore into pods, leaving waste inside and causing rot. Control measures for both pests can be implemented together, ensuring timely application of appropriate insecticides to protect the crop effectively.
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How to prevent autumn cowpea pests and diseases