After a heavy rainfall, eggplants near the ground surface may develop water-soaked, round spots that gradually become slightly sunken. Within 2-3 days, these spots expand into yellow-brown to dark-brown lesions with a pitted appearance. When humidity is high, a white mold often appears on the affected areas, and the fruit may easily drop off. This condition is commonly referred to as "falling eggs" or "water rot," and it's also known as eggplant blight. The pathogen thrives in temperatures between 28°C and 30°C with relative humidity above 85%, especially in fields where eggplants are grown continuously or after rain. Therefore, after rainfall, it's crucial to enhance field management and apply timely treatments to prevent the spread of this disease.
To manage the issue effectively, first, ensure proper drainage by removing standing water from the field. Immediately flood the area with well water to lower soil temperature. Additionally, maintain loose soil conditions to reduce moisture levels and improve the overall microclimate, which can help minimize the risk of infection.
Second, harvest mature or nearly mature eggplants promptly to avoid bacterial infestation following rain, thus reducing potential losses due to disease. Third, remove all infected fruits and leaves from the plants and take them out of the field for deep burial. This prevents the bacteria from re-infecting other parts of the crop.
Fourth, increase the use of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers while carefully controlling nitrogen application. This helps strengthen the plant's natural resistance to diseases. Lastly, chemical control measures should be implemented at the early stages of the disease. Spraying with 58% metalaxyl-MnZn at a 400x dilution, 72.2% Prochloraz at 700x, or 72% DuPont Kocide at 800x can be effective. Apply these solutions thoroughly over the entire plant, focusing on the fruits. Repeat the treatment every 7-10 days for 2-3 consecutive times. It's especially important to spray the affected areas immediately after rainfall to prevent further damage.
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