Peony white feather disease prevention and treatment
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August 02 10:09:32, 2025
White Feather Disease is a widely recognized plant disease in our country, affecting a wide range of flowers and plants. It has been reported to infect 26 plant families and over 40 different species. Once infected, the overall health of the plant declines gradually, eventually leading to death. Early detection of the disease significantly improves the chances of successful control.
Symptoms of White Feather Disease include root damage. Initially, a white or off-white silky network appears on the roots, spreading to both lateral and main roots over time. The affected rhizome becomes covered with a tangled web of mycelium, and the soft tissues are gradually destroyed by mold. A cork-like layer forms around the xylem, and black, round sclerotia may sometimes be found in the diseased roots. Above the ground, the foliage turns gray or white.
A thin, gray-brown velvet-like layer, which is actually a mycelium film, may appear on the surface. In some cases, small black spots—resembling the ascospore cases of the pathogen—may also develop. At this stage, the above-ground parts of the plant begin to weaken and eventually die.
The pathogen responsible for White Feather Disease is *Rosellinia necatrix* (Hart.) Berl., a fungus belonging to the genus *Rosellinia*. It is classified under the phylum Streptomyces subcochlea. During the asexual phase, it is considered an imperfect fungus known as *Dematophora necatrix*. The mycelium produces round spores that separate from older sections, while conidia and follicular bracts form during this stage. These structures are often produced after the host has fully rotted. Sclerotia, which are black and nearly spherical, form in decaying wood and can reach up to 5 mm in diameter.
The infection cycle begins when the pathogen survives in the soil through germs, mycelia, or bacterial colonies. Under favorable conditions, the mycelium grows from the cords and invades the soft tissues of new roots. As the disease progresses, the fine roots soften, decay, and disappear, eventually spreading to the larger roots. Diseased roots can also transmit the disease through direct contact. Long-distance spread occurs via the movement of infected seedlings. The pathogen can affect a wide variety of tree species.
To manage White Feather Disease, several control measures can be implemented:
1. When selecting seedlings for planting, it is essential to use disease-free nursery stock and conduct strict inspections to ensure no infections are present. Before planting, infected seedlings can be treated with a 10% copper sulfate solution, 20% lime water, or a 70% thiophanate-methyl solution diluted 500 times for one hour. Alternatively, a 47°C warm water bath for 40 minutes or a 45°C warm water soak for one hour can help eliminate fungal hyphae on the roots.
2. Digging deep trenches (over 1 meter) around infected areas or outside the affected zone can help prevent the spread of the disease to surrounding plants.
3. Infected trees should be removed promptly, especially in areas where White Feather Disease is prevalent, such as those affected by peony diseases.
4. Proper management practices are crucial. Ensuring good drainage, applying fertilizers in balanced proportions (especially nitrogen and potassium), and practicing proper pruning can help strengthen the plant's resistance and reduce the risk of other pests and diseases.
5. In nurseries, crop rotation is recommended. After growing susceptible crops, it is advisable to avoid planting for 5 to 6 years before starting a new nursery cycle. This helps break the disease cycle and reduces the risk of reinfection.