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Li Shaokun: How to Effectively Prevent Maize Drought
In recent months, Dong Shuting, a renowned corn expert from Shandong University of Science and Technology and vice president of Shandong Agricultural University, conducted an on-site survey in southwestern Shandong Province. His findings revealed a significant outbreak of maize rough dwarf disease, primarily caused by the Laodelphax striatellus (small brown planthopper). Since May this year, the pest has been spreading rapidly in Jining City, leading to widespread infection among corn crops. The situation was particularly severe in areas where corn was intercropped before the 20th of the month.
The Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences recently sent experts to Shandong for on-site inspections and confirmed that the occurrence of rough dwarf disease is indeed alarming. If left unchecked, the disease can reduce yields by up to 50%, and in extreme cases, result in total crop failure. In response, the reporter spoke with Li Shaokun, a senior expert at the Ministry of Agriculture’s Maize Technology Department. He explained that specific prevention and control measures have already been implemented, with local authorities mobilizing efforts to manage the outbreak.
Over the past few years, the incidence of corn diseases in the Huang-Huai-Hai region has become increasingly serious. According to Li Shaokun, one of the most effective strategies is to shift from intercropping to direct sowing. This approach helps prevent the spread of pathogens, reduces disease incidence, and disrupts the peak transmission period of pests.
Laodelphax striatellus is a virus-carrying pest that typically resides on wheat and rice. When these crops are harvested, the planthoppers migrate to intercropped or early-planted corn. The rough dwarf disease is transmitted through these insects, with the virus overwintering in both winter wheat and the planthoppers themselves. The primary infection source is limited, and the transmission pathway is relatively simple. However, once infected, corn can be affected throughout its growth cycle, with the most vulnerable stage being the first five leaves. Infected plants show stunted internodes, dark green leaves, and characteristic white, dashed stripes along the leaf veins. In severe cases, the tassels may not develop properly, leading to poor pollination and low grain yield.
Li Shaokun noted that most currently promoted corn varieties are highly susceptible or even sensitive to the disease, with no resistant varieties available. Therefore, the main focus of prevention and control lies in avoiding the migration peaks of Laodelphax striatellus, interrupting the infection cycle, and managing pests through chemical methods.
Key measures include: first, closely monitoring the occurrence of small brown planthoppers in fields. Second, shifting from intercropping to direct sowing, delaying the planting date of summer corn to avoid the peak migration period of the pest. Since the 4th to 5th leaf stage is the most vulnerable, adjusting the sowing date is crucial to avoid overlap with the planthopper's migration. It is recommended to completely switch to direct seeding for summer corn, especially after wheat harvest. Third, chemical control is essential. In high-risk areas, insecticides such as 10% imidacloprid can be applied to adjacent wheat fields and weeds before or after corn planting. Spraying 10 grams per mu of 10% imidacloprid, or mixing it with 25% chlorpyrifos and 20 grams of rotenone, can help reduce planthopper populations.
If corn has already been planted and planthoppers are detected in field weeds, insecticides should be applied during the seedling stage. For example, 30 grams of 10% imidacloprid per acre, combined with 5% myclobutanil at 100 ml, can effectively kill the pests and reduce disease spread. A second application after seven days, repeated two to three times, can provide good control.
Additionally, using systemic pesticides for seed treatment, such as coating 100 kg of corn seeds with 125–150 g of 10% imidacloprid, or mixing with 100 ml of full gold plus 100 g of seed dressing, can protect seedlings for over a month, significantly reducing planthopper numbers and preventing virus spread.
Other strategies include removing diseased plants promptly, utilizing conditions where Laodelphax cannot survive on broadleaf plants, and planting soybeans or cotton around corn fields as a protective barrier.
Currently, neighboring provinces like Henan, Hebei, and Shaanxi have not reported any cases. This is partly due to the reduction in intercropping areas and the expansion of direct sowing in recent years. Authorities remain vigilant, as the situation could change quickly if preventive measures are not maintained.