2024 Author: Gavin MacAdam | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 13:38
Dry rot of sunflower baskets is found in almost all regions where this crop is grown. This attack is especially harmful in years with hot and dry summers. Dry rot appears, as a rule, after flowering, when the seeds begin to fill and ripen. And its harmfulness lies mainly in the deterioration of the marketable and sowing properties of seeds - their fatty acid composition is noticeably deteriorating, and there is also a significant decrease in oil content. All seeds become bitter and shriveled
A few words about the disease
The external symptoms of dry rot of sunflower baskets are in many ways similar to the symptoms of gray and white rot. Most often, dry rot affects sunflower in the initial stages of its development. Slightly softened dark brown specks form on the developing baskets on the backs. At first, such spots are formed sectorally, and after some time, they often cover most of the baskets or even all of the entire baskets. As a result of the defeat of this ailment, the baskets quickly dry out and harden.
As for the inner parts of sunflower baskets, they are filled with a felt greyish-dirty bloom of fruiting and the mycelium of the fungus penetrating into the achenes - as a result, the seeds remain unripe, acquire a bitter taste, stick together and turn dark. Almost always, they are quite easily pulled out of the baskets. And by the time of ripening, the infected areas of the baskets fall off along with the seeds. By the way, the seed cells of the heavily affected baskets are easily separated from the tissue bases - as a rule, they are peeled off in rather solid areas.
The causative agent of the harmful disease is a pathogenic mucorous fungus from the genus Rhizopus with an excellently developed mycelium. This fungus forms quite abundant myceliums, consisting of sporangiespores, sporangia and sporangiophores. Globular sporangia usually appear at the tops of sporangiophores. And the unpretentiousness of the harmful fungus to a wide variety of external factors makes it possible for the pathogen to withstand even very low temperatures. In spring, overwintered mushrooms often become a source of re-infection.
Infection of sunflower baskets with dry rot occurs with mycelium and spores (more precisely, sporangiespores), carried by insects, birds and the wind. In hot and dry weather, as well as during prolonged drought, the most intensive development of the pathogen is noted, especially if the thermometer rises to thirty to thirty-five degrees. Moreover, if the inoculation of baskets occurs in the phase of brown and yellow ripeness, then up to 100 percent of the vegetation is often affected. As a rule, the first symptoms begin to appear already on the second or third day after infection. To a large extent, sunflower damage by machinery, insects or hail favors the development of this scourge. And the manifestations of the disease can intensify with frequent changes in rainy and dry weather.
The infection persists usually in infected seeds and in diseased plant debris (especially in the fallen off areas of sunflower baskets). Crop losses due to dry rot can reach thirty percent or more.
How to fight
The most effective protective measures against dry rot of sunflower baskets are strict observance of crop rotation and selection of relatively stable hybrids and varieties (completely resistant at present), as well as pre-sowing seed treatment with various fungicides. The preparations Vincit and Scarlet proved to be quite good at the same time.
In addition, it is necessary to actively fight insects. And all kinds of insecticides will help to make such a fight productive.
Recommended:
Sunflower Ash Rot
Ash, or coal rot, in addition to sunflower, can also affect corn, beans, peanuts, potatoes and sugar beets. This attack is especially harmful in seasons accompanied by temperatures over thirty degrees and a lack of moisture. Sunflower harvest due to ash rot is often reduced by 25%, and in years with hot and dry summers, losses can even reach 90%. And you can face this trouble in all areas of sunflower cultivation
DIY Paper Tube Baskets
Now, due to the forced stay at home due to quarantine measures, many have more free time. And this is a great opportunity to learn something new, find some fresh hobby. For example - try to weave from newspaper tubes. You can just make a beautiful basket or vase for Easter cake and colored eggs by the holiday of Bright Sunday. Or weave a beautiful box for storing various little things, a jewelry box and other needs
Dry Black Rot Of Gladioli
Dry black rot of gladioli, called sclerotinosis in science, is considered an extremely harmful disease - the harm from this ailment is comparable to the damage caused to beautiful flowers by the destructive fusarium. Most often, this trouble can be encountered in areas characterized by a cool and damp climate. Prolonged rains are especially favorable for the development of dry black rot. To cope with this ailment, it is important to identify it in time and begin a timely fight against it
Dry Rot Of Cabbage Crops
Dry rot of cabbage crops in science is called phomosis. Plants affected by this disease gradually turn pale and slow down their growth, and their lower leaves are painted in bluish or pinkish tones. Literally all types of cabbage are susceptible to phomosis: broccoli and Savoy, Peking, cauliflower, Brussels sprouts, kohlrabi and white cabbage. External signs of this disease can be seen on young plants, and on grown crops, as well as on the testes
Dry Phoma Rot Of Potatoes
Dry phoma rot of potatoes occurs wherever potatoes are grown, affecting both the tops and tubers with the same force. And this unfortunate attack manifests itself in the form of ulcers or numerous necrotic foci. There are several different forms of this disease, but they are all equally harmful and lead to a noticeable reduction in the volume of the long-awaited harvest
