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Early prevention of maize rough dwarf
Maize rough dwarf disease is a viral infection primarily transmitted by the small brown planthopper, *Laodelphax striatellus*. In recent years, the population of *Sphaerotheca fuliginea* has been increasing, and the occurrence of pesticide resistance has become more common. Taking into account the characteristics of *Smilax grisea* as a host plant and the prevalence of maize rough dwarf disease, an integrated management strategy has been implemented, focusing on "cutting off the source of the virus, controlling pests to prevent diseases, and applying comprehensive prevention and control measures."
Based on recent field surveys, it has been observed that there are significant differences in disease incidence between adjacent plots. All regions reported that varieties such as Yuqing 1, Linao 1, and Zhengdan 958 were heavily infected, with disease rates ranging from 5% to 10%. In contrast, the Nongda series varieties showed much lower infection levels, with diseased plant rates below 2%. This suggests that selecting disease-resistant varieties is a key factor in reducing the impact of the disease.
After the proper management of wheat harvest, early intervention in summer corn fields is essential to reduce adult populations. At the 3–4 leaf stage of summer corn, a comprehensive treatment against aphids and planthoppers should be applied. To ensure effectiveness, this should be repeated every seven days. Pesticides like imidacloprid can be used effectively. It is important to implement a unified schedule, standardized application methods, and consistent use of chemicals to enhance disease prevention efforts.
In addition, it is crucial to promptly remove infected plants from the field to prevent them from becoming a source of reinfection. For fields with severe infestations, timely destruction and crop rotation with legumes can help minimize economic losses and improve long-term sustainability. These combined practices not only reduce disease spread but also support healthier crop growth and better yield outcomes.