The loofah plant is susceptible to several common diseases, and timely application of pesticides is essential for effective control. The **Chinese pesticide net** has compiled a detailed guide on the main disease prevention methods for loofah cultivation:
(1) **Loofah Downy Mildew**: This disease primarily affects the leaves, causing irregular yellow or fresh yellow spots that gradually expand into polygonal yellow-brown lesions. When moisture is present, a purple-black mold layer appears on the underside of the leaves. In severe cases, the lesions merge, leading to leaf death and significant yield loss. The pathogen is *Pseudoperonospora cubensis*, which overwinters in infected plant debris. Cool temperatures, heavy rainfall, high humidity, and large temperature fluctuations between day and night create favorable conditions for disease development. Wind and rain help spread the spores across the field.
(2) **Loofah Anthracnose**: Characterized by circular, brown spots with concentric rings, this disease starts as small pale yellow spots on leaves and later develops into dark brown lesions with a wheel-like pattern. The center of the lesion may become perforated when dry. Severe infections can cause early leaf drop, plant wilting, and fruit rot. The pathogen belongs to the genus *Colletotrichum* within the family *Cucurbitaceae*. High temperature and humidity, along with cloudy and rainy weather, promote disease occurrence. The fungus survives in infected plant parts as mycelium or conidia.
(3) **Loofah Powdery Mildew**: This disease mainly attacks the leaves, petioles, and stems. Initially, white, round or irregular spots appear on both sides of the leaves, eventually merging and causing yellowing and drying. Early symptoms are hard to detect, making it difficult to manage once the disease becomes severe. The pathogen is *Erysiphe cichoracearum*, which overwinters in the host as hyphae or conidia. Spores are dispersed through wind or rain.
(4) **Loofah Rot (Phytophthora Blight)**: Primarily affecting fruits, this disease can also damage stems and leaves. Lesions begin at the flower base, appearing as water-soaked, dark green areas that develop into soft, rotten patches under high humidity, with a white mold layer forming. Stems show water-soaked, dark brown lesions, while leaves display water-stained yellow-brown spots that turn blue-white when dry. The pathogen is *Phytophthora parasitica*, which overwinters in seeds or soil as oospores.
(5) **Loofah Virus Disease**: Symptoms include mottled light and dark green patterns on young leaves, yellow ring spots on older leaves, and twisted or deformed foliage. Fruits may become spiral-shaped or distorted with chlorotic lesions. The virus is transmitted by aphids, as well as through mechanical contact. Dry and hot weather favors aphid infestations, increasing the risk of viral outbreaks.
**Pesticide Control Program**:
(1) For **viral diseases**, use 20% ViruA powder diluted at 500 times, or 1.5% Phytopathic solution at 1000 times. Apply every 7 days, up to 2–3 times. To prevent aphid transmission, spray 10% Imidacloprid wettable powder at 2000 times, or 50% Fenpropathrin wettable powder at 10 grams per mu.
(2) For **powdery mildew**, apply 40% Rich Star emulsifiable oil at 8000 times, or 12.5% Tebuconazole powder at 1500 times. Spray every 5–7 days, repeating 2–3 times for best results.
(3) For **anthracnose**, use 75% Chlorothalonil WP at 600 times, or 50% Thiophanate-Methyl at 800 times. Spray every 7–10 days, up to 2–3 times.
(4) For **downy mildew**, recommend 58% Rydmir Mn-Zn wettable powder at 800 times, or 72% Plenazol Water at 600 times. Spray every 7 days, repeating 2–3 times for optimal control.
(5) For **Phytophthora blight**, apply 58% Rydmir powder at 500 times to prevent and control the spread of the disease effectively.
Proper monitoring, early intervention, and the use of targeted pesticides are key to managing these diseases and ensuring healthy loofah growth. Always follow label instructions and rotate pesticides to avoid resistance.
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