After a rainfall, eggplants near the ground surface may develop water-soaked, round spots that are 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 may appear on the affected areas, and the fruits often fall off easily. This condition is commonly referred to as "falling eggs" or "water rot," and it's also known as eggplant oozing disease. The pathogen thrives in temperatures between 28°C and 30°C, with relative humidity above 85%. It tends to occur more frequently in continuous cropping systems or after heavy rains. Therefore, after rainfall, it's crucial to enhance field management and apply timely treatments to prevent the spread of the disease.
First, ensure proper drainage by removing standing water from the field and immediately irrigate with well water to lower soil temperature. Keep the soil loose through regular cultivation to reduce moisture levels, improve the microclimate, and minimize the risk of infection.
Second, harvest mature or nearly mature eggplants promptly to avoid bacterial infestation following rain and to reduce potential losses caused by disease.
Third, remove infected fruits and leaves as soon as possible, dispose of them properly by taking them out of the field and burying them deeply to prevent re-infection.
Fourth, increase the application of phosphorus and potassium fertilizers while reducing nitrogen fertilizer use to strengthen the plant’s resistance to diseases.
Fifth, chemical control is essential. At the early stages of the disease, spray the entire plant with solutions such as 58% metalaxyl-MnZn at 400 times dilution, 72.2% Prochloraz at 700 times, or 72% DuPont Kocide at 800 times. Focus on the fruit during spraying, and repeat every 7–10 days for 2–3 consecutive applications. It's especially important to apply the treatment immediately after rainfall to contain the outbreak effectively.
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