Pecan tree blight
In the peanut-producing areas of Lin'an and Chun'an counties in Zhejiang Province, a disease known as pecan tree blight has been observed. This condition affects the branches and twigs of hickory trees, leading to branch dieback, reduced tree vigor, and lower yields.
Symptoms typically appear in the fall. Initially, there are no obvious lesions, but 1-2 year-old shoots and buds may shrivel and wither. Occasionally, dark brown tips or spots appear on twigs. Infected large branches show similar symptoms, with visible browning and necrosis under the bark. As the disease progresses, small black spots—spore disks of the pathogen—appear on the dead branches.
During the summer of the following year, the affected branches may be mistaken for damage caused by small caterpillars.
The pathogen responsible is a fungus belonging to the genus *Melancinum* (scientific name: *Melancinum oblongum*), which is a subgenus of fungi. The black spots on infected branches are spore disks that initially develop beneath the bark and later emerge. Most conidia are endogenous, colorless at first, then turning dark, oval, and single. They are blunt at both ends and slightly curved at one end, measuring (10.6–16.5) µm × 3.3 µm.
The disease usually begins in mid to late August, peaking in October and November after the pecan harvest. Some cases occur in winter. Dead branches from freezing do not lead to new infections in the early stages of hickory growth. Old, diseased branches from the previous year persist through the summer, where they are often mistaken for damage caused by small caterpillars.
The pathogen survives on dead branches during winter, spreading via wind and rain to infect wounds. Spores were detected between April and May and again in September. The pathogen appears to be a weak parasite that can remain dormant until the tree’s resistance decreases in autumn, allowing it to cause branch death.
Control methods include:
(1) Improving tree health through proper fertilization, such as using compound or specialized fertilizers.
(2) Removing and burning dead branches in winter and spring.
(3) Spraying 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder diluted 800 times in May, repeating every 10–15 days for optimal results.
Two types of hickory leaf spot diseases also affect the trees. One is a brown spot disease that causes brown lesions on leaves, which may merge into larger spots. Black dots and mold layers form on the lesions. The pathogen is a fungus (*Cercospora juglandis*), and control measures include pruning, removing fallen leaves, and spraying Bordeaux mixture or thiophanate-methyl.
Another issue is root rot in hickory seedlings, often due to waterlogged soil. Fungal pathogens like *Fusarium* can cause root decay, leading to plant death. Preventive measures include drainage, liming trenches, and applying fungicides.
Insect pests such as the hickory locust (*Kurisakia sinocarye*) and various flea species also threaten hickory trees. These pests feed on sap, reducing tree vigor and yield. Control strategies include insecticide injections, trapping, and biological control.
Additionally, hickory community moths and other lepidoptera species cause extensive defoliation. Their larvae feed on leaves, leading to premature fruit drop and branch death. Control methods involve spraying insecticides, using light traps, and manually removing larvae.
Other pests, such as longhorn beetles, bore into branches and trunks, weakening the tree and causing structural damage. Effective management includes removing infested branches, monitoring for signs of activity, and applying targeted treatments.
Overall, integrated pest management practices, including cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls, are essential for maintaining healthy hickory trees and ensuring sustainable production.
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