Sure, here’s an article about controlling fungal disease in guava plants:
Guava plants are among the most popular fruit trees in tropical and subtropical regions around the world. While guava is generally easy to grow and produces abundant harvests, it is also prone to several types of fungal diseases that can severely damage or even kill the plant. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the common fungal diseases that affect guava and how to prevent or control them.
Anthracnose
Anthracnose is a fungal disease that causes dark, sunken lesions on the leaves, stems, and fruits of guava plants. The lesions can eventually turn into circular or irregularly shaped spots that may be covered with pink or orange spores. Anthracnose can cause premature fruit drop, reduce the yield, and weaken the plant’s health. To control anthracnose, avoid overhead watering, remove the infected plant material, and apply copper fungicides to the plant’s foliage and fruits.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease characterized by a white or grayish coating on the leaves, flowers, and fruits of guava plants. The fungal spores spread easily in humid conditions and can cause the leaves to curl, yellow, or drop prematurely. Powdery mildew is more common in shaded or poorly ventilated areas and can be prevented by pruning the branches to allow air and sunlight to penetrate the canopy. Once powdery mildew has appeared, it can be controlled by spraying the plant with sulfur or potassium bicarbonate fungicides.
Fruit Rot
Fruit rot is a fungal disease that affects the fruits of guava plants, especially when they are ripe or overripe. The disease causes the fruits to develop brown or black spots, become soft and mushy, and emit an unpleasant odor. Fruit rot can be prevented by harvesting the fruits before they are fully ripened, avoiding physical damage to the fruits, and storing them in a cool and dry place. To control fruit rot, apply fungicides containing captan, carbendazim, or thiophanate-methyl to the fruits and the plant’s canopy.
Root Rot
Root rot is a fungal disease that affects the roots of guava plants, especially in waterlogged or poorly drained soil. The disease causes the roots to become soft, brown, and mushy, which hinders the plant’s ability to absorb water and nutrients. Root rot can be prevented by improving the soil drainage, avoiding overwatering or underwatering the plant, and planting the guava tree in a raised bed or a container. Once root rot has occurred, it can be difficult to control, and the affected plant may need to be removed and replaced with a healthy one.
In conclusion, fungal diseases can pose a serious threat to the health and productivity of guava plants. However, by following the preventive and control measures outlined above, guava growers can minimize the likelihood and severity of fungal infections and ensure a bountiful and healthy harvest. Maintaining good cultural practices, such as proper watering, fertilization, and pruning, can also enhance the plant’s resilience to fungal diseases.