In recent years, the occurrence of "chicken claw" symptoms in vegetables has been on the rise. This condition is characterized by severe curling of vegetable leaves, especially the most affected ones, which eventually lose their ability to photosynthesize and fall off. As a result, vegetable yields have dropped significantly, and the overall quality has also declined. Some farmers were puzzled about what was causing this "chicken claw" phenomenon. However, the real culprit behind it is the tea yellow aphid.
The tea yellow aphid, also known as *Empoasca vitis*, is a destructive pest that feeds on a wide range of plants. It is not limited to tea plants but is an omnivorous insect that can damage over 30 plant families and more than 70 species, including many common vegetables such as potatoes, eggplants, peppers, tomatoes, cucumbers, and beans.
Symptoms of infestation include damage to young leaves, tender stems, flowers, and developing fruits. The aphids particularly target new growth, leading to curled, thin, and twisted leaves. Affected leaves often become thick, stiff, and discolored, turning yellowish-brown. Flower buds may fail to open or become deformed and drop off. In fruiting vegetables like eggplants, the skin may crack, while tomatoes may develop split shoulders. Beans and melons may show rough, stiff skin or stunted growth.
The tea yellow aphid typically appears from late May to early June, with peak activity between late June and mid-September. The worst infestations usually occur from July to September, making early detection crucial.
To manage this pest, several preventive measures are recommended:
1. **Field sanitation** is essential. Farmers should remove weeds and debris from the field, level the soil, and destroy overwintering sites to reduce the population of aphids.
2. **Early application of insecticides** is key. Options include 24% Wan Ling at 800 times dilution, 20% insecticide EC at 1000 times, or 73% Kotel EC at 2000 times. It's important to rotate or combine different pesticides to prevent resistance development.
3. **Targeted spraying** is necessary. Since the aphids prefer tender parts of the plant, focus on the upper leaves, especially the undersides. Ensure thorough coverage of both leaf surfaces and also spray the middle and lower leaves to catch any migrating pests.
Additionally, it's important to differentiate between viral diseases and tea yellow aphid infestations. Both can cause similar symptoms, such as leaf curling and deformation, leading farmers to mistakenly refer to the condition as "lobular disease." However, viral infections typically present with chlorotic veins, mottled patterns, and distorted leaves, along with other signs like necrotic streaks or stunted growth.
Therefore, when observing "lobular leaf" symptoms, farmers should carefully assess the type of damage and take appropriate action—whether it’s managing a viral infection or controlling the tea yellow aphid. Accurate diagnosis is vital for effective pest management.
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