This year, many regions that traditionally grow grain and cotton have seen a shift in crop patterns. Due to low income from cotton farming last year, a significant number of cotton fields have been replanted with rice or even lotus roots, especially in townships with good water access near urban areas. For instance, in Changxingpu Village, Qidong Farm, Hanchuan City, Hubei Province, there were over 1,200 acres of cotton fields. This year, 600 acres have been converted into lotus root cultivation, while the remaining area has also seen a notable reduction in cotton planting.
Farmers who grow lotus roots, often under contracts with large Anhui-based companies, are increasingly concerned about pest damage, particularly from the golden worm (also known as the lotus root borer) and Spodoptera litura. These pests not only reduce yield but also lower the quality of the lotus roots, which is crucial for market value.
The golden worm primarily attacks the roots and rhizomes of the lotus plant, causing blackened roots, dark spots, yellowing leaves, and stunted growth. Spodoptera litura, on the other hand, targets the leaves, flowers, and young rhizomes. The golden worm emerges once a year between April and May, with larvae damaging the soil from July to August. Spodoptera litura, however, can breed multiple generations during this period, leading to rapid population surges and severe infestations.
The adult golden worm is a green-brown metallic beetle, about 6 mm in length. It lays eggs in clusters of 20–30, covered in a white, transparent gel-like substance. The larvae are 9–11 mm long, white in color, and have swollen thoraxes and abdomens, giving them a cocoon-like appearance. This is why they are called "mantles."
To manage the golden worm, farmers should implement agricultural practices such as crop rotation and weed removal. Chemical control measures are also essential. Before the budding stage, apply 0.4–1 kg of terrin granules per mu, or 70 ml of 40% chlorpyrifos EC per mu. Alternatively, use 50% phoxim granules or 3% carbofuran granules at 2.5–3 kg per mu mixed with 30 kg of fine soil. Spread the mixture on the field surface and incorporate it into the soil. Farmers can choose the most suitable product based on local conditions.
Additionally, applying 50 kg of lime per acre during planting helps deter pests. When adults appear, 100–150 grams of 90% trichlorfon crystals per acre can be mixed with fine soil and applied early in the morning.
For Spodoptera litura, early intervention is key. Farmers should manually remove egg clusters and capture newly hatched larvae to prevent further spread. During the larval development stage, chemical sprays such as 50% phoxim emulsion diluted 500 times, 80% dichlorvos emulsion diluted 800–1000 times, or 2.5% kungfu emulsifiable concentrate diluted 4000 times can be used. Other options include 2.5% A-dimensional saline dispersible granules (10 g per mu in 15 kg water), 1% methylamino avermectin benzoate (10 kg per mu in 15 kg water), or 5% A-dimensional saline dispersible granules (5 g per mu in 15 kg water). These treatments should be applied before the third instar stage for maximum effectiveness.
By combining cultural, mechanical, and chemical methods, farmers can better protect their lotus root crops and ensure sustainable production.
Frozen Bonito Tuna Skipjack Products
Frozen Bonito Tuna Skipjack Products,Flash Frozen Tuna,Cooking Frozen Tuna,Freezing Fresh Tuna
Zhoushan City Shuangying Aquatic Products Co., Ltd.  , https://www.shuangying-aquatic.com