In recent years, the occurrence and damage caused by gray mold in greenhouse-grown courgettes have become increasingly severe. According to field surveys, this disease can significantly reduce yield and, in extreme cases, lead to total crop loss. The pathogen affects various parts of the plant, including flowers, fruits, stems, and leaves.
The infection typically starts through withered female flowers. In the early stages, the petals appear water-soaked or discolored, then gradually soften and rot, forming a brown, fuzzy layer. This leads to petal wilting and falling off. As the infection progresses, it spreads to young fruits, causing them to soften and develop a thick layer of gray mold. If infected tissues fall onto leaves or stems, they can trigger secondary infections on these parts as well.
On the leaves, irregular, large spots appear, often with a brown ring in the center. When humidity is high, a visible gray mold layer can be observed. On the stems, gray lesions develop, and within a week, the stems may become weak and break.
To manage this disease effectively, it's crucial to maintain good hygiene practices. Regularly remove and dispose of infected plant parts such as diseased leaves, flowers, and fruits. Clean the greenhouse film to improve light penetration, which helps promote healthy plant growth and enhance resistance to disease.
Controlling temperature and humidity inside the greenhouse is also essential. Using drip irrigation or plastic mulch can help regulate moisture levels. Watering should be done at appropriate times, ensuring that the greenhouse remains warm in the morning to inhibit pathogen spore development and allow dew to evaporate. Ventilation should be increased in the afternoon to lower humidity, while maintaining a slightly higher temperature at night to prevent condensation on plant surfaces.
When using 2,4-D for flower thinning, it's important to avoid creating wounds that could allow bacterial entry. Adding fungicides like carbendazim to the solution during flowering can help prevent bacterial infection. Additionally, agricultural activities should be carried out carefully to minimize plant injuries and slow down disease spread.
In chemical control, it's advisable to use minimal spraying to avoid increasing humidity. Instead, consider applying pesticides in the form of aerosols or dusts. Rotating different types of fungicides can help prevent the development of resistant strains of the pathogen. By combining these strategies, growers can better manage gray mold and protect their courgette crops.
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