Pecan tree blight is a significant disease affecting hickory trees in Lin'an and Chun'an counties of Zhejiang Province. This condition primarily impacts the branches and shoots, causing them to wither, weaken the tree's vitality, and ultimately reduce yield. The symptoms typically appear in the fall, with no visible lesions initially. Instead, 1- to 2-year-old shoots and buds may shrink and wither. Occasionally, dark brown spots or lesions are observed on twigs. Infected large branches show signs of shriveling, with the bark turning brown and necrotic. In later stages, small black spots—spore disks of the pathogen—appear on the diseased branches.
The disease can be mistaken for damage caused by small caterpillars, especially when dead branches reappear in the summer. The causal agent is a fungus belonging to the genus *Melanconium* (scientific name: *Melanconium oblongum*), which is a subgenus of the fungal group. The spores develop within the cortex and eventually emerge. Conidia are initially colorless, becoming dark, oval, and single, with blunt ends and slight curvature. Their size ranges from (10.6–16.5) µm × 3.3 µm.
The disease occurs mainly in late August through October, after pecan harvest, with some cases appearing in winter. Dead branches from freezing do not lead to new infections in the early growth period of hickory trees. However, old, diseased branches from previous years persist, and during summer, small caterpillars may feed on the branches, leading to confusion with other pests.
Mycelia and conidia overwinter on dead branches, spreading via wind and rain to infect wounds. Spore capture experiments indicate that pathogenic spores are active between April and May and again in September. The pathogen, being a weak parasite, may invade actively growing branches or remain latent until the tree’s resistance decreases in the fall, allowing the infection to become active.
Control methods include improving tree management, applying fertilizers to enhance tree vigor, removing and burning dead branches in winter and spring, and spraying 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder diluted 800 times in May, repeating every 10–15 days for optimal results.
Another common issue is two-hickory brown spot, a leaf disease prevalent in hickory-growing areas. It begins as small brown spots that expand into larger lesions, eventually forming black dots and mold layers. The pathogen belongs to the genus *Cercospora* (*Cercospora juglandis*). It overwinters on infected leaves and spreads via wind and rain, starting in early June and peaking in July and August. Control involves enhancing tree care, removing fallen leaves, and applying fungicides like Bordeaux mixture or thiophanate-methyl.
Hickory seedling root rot is another concern, often caused by waterlogged soil and pathogens such as *Fusarium*. Preventive measures include proper drainage, liming trenches, and treating the soil with carbendazim or thiophanate-methyl.
Insect pests like the hickory locust (*Kurisakia sinocarye*) and various flea species also pose threats. These pests feed on sap or leaves, reducing tree health and yield. Control strategies range from chemical treatments and biological control agents to manual removal and cultural practices.
Overall, effective pest and disease management requires a combination of monitoring, timely intervention, and maintaining healthy tree conditions. Regular inspections, proper pruning, and targeted pesticide use are essential for long-term success in hickory cultivation.
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