Research on comprehensive management solutions for cinnamon leaf blight disease

(QNO) - On May 17, the Department of Science and Technology of Quang Nam organized the acceptance of the scientific project "Research on solutions for comprehensive management of cinnamon leaf blight disease in Quang Nam province and neighboring areas". The project will be implemented from November 2018 to April 2023, chaired by Dr. Dao Ngoc Quang, chaired by the Vietnam Forestry Science Institute, the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Department of Science and Technology of Quang Nam are the managing agencies.

Scene of acceptance of the topic on ink rot disease on cinnamon trees. Photo: HOANG LIEN

During the implementation of the project, the group of authors assessed the damage and distribution of inkworm disease on cinnamon trees in Quang Nam and neighboring areas; researched and determined the causative agent, conditions for emergence, development and the level of damage caused by inkworm disease on cinnamon trees.

At the same time, propose solutions for integrated management (IPM) of smut disease on cinnamon trees. Build pilot models and transfer the process of integrated management of smut disease in existing cinnamon plantations; the process of producing clean smut disease-free cinnamon seedlings and the process of planting new trees, caring for and integrated management of clean smut disease-free cinnamon trees.

Typical symptoms of the disease of inkworm on cinnamon trees are rough tumors appearing on the trunk, branches, leaf stalks and veins, then long tendrils grow or develop abnormal clusters of buds. In some cases, both inkworms and abnormal clusters of buds appear on the same tree, even in the same location. Inkworm disease damages seedlings from 3 months old and appears sporadically in all localities.

Ink rot disease damages cinnamon trees. Photo: HOANG LIEN

The research team identified the cause of the broom disease on cinnamon trees as Cinnamomum cassia witches's broom phytoplasma. Phytoplasma samples from broom-infected trees were moderately to highly pathogenic on cinnamon trees at the 1-year-old stage.

Three insect species belonging to the sucking group are vectors that cause diseases to cinnamon trees, including the mealybug Icerya aegyptiaca, the cotton mealybug Icerya seychellarum and the scale mealybug Aulacaspis tubercularis. From the research, the authors propose scientific solutions to manage the inkworm disease that harms cinnamon trees.

The project also organized 3 training classes (100 people/class) with the participation of officers from the Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, forest rangers, agricultural technical centers, and cinnamon growers in Nam Tra My, Bac Tra My, and Tra Bong districts (Quang Ngai) to equip people with knowledge about the current situation and causes of the disease, helping them effectively manage the epidemic.

Besides, transferring the process of producing clean cinnamon seedlings free from leaf rust disease in Tra Mai commune (Nam Tra My), Tra Bong district and the new planting process to officials and people...

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