What should I do if there are black spots on okra leaves? What should I do if there are black spots on okra leaves?

1. Symptoms

Black spots on okra leaves are a common disease, and the disease usually starts from the rhizomes and spreads from the bottom to the leaves. The diseased leaves have water-like spots. If the environmental humidity is relatively high, the spots will spread quickly. The affected area will also soften and develop a white mold layer. When the rhizomes are infected, they will fall over, and in severe cases, the stems and leaves will completely wither and die.

2. Causes

The cause of okra disease is usually bacteria or fungi, whose spores overwinter in the soil, begin to reproduce when the environment is suitable, and are splashed onto the plants through irrigation, causing the disease. It is very common in seasons with heavy rainfall. It is also related to the planting density and the drainage capacity of the soil. Too high planting density and poor soil drainage will increase the probability of disease.

3. Treatment Methods

When okra is found to be diseased, it needs to be pulled out immediately and the diseased plants should be burned in a concentrated manner to prevent the disease from spreading further. In addition, the plants should be sprayed with fungicides such as carbendazim to eliminate remaining pathogens to prevent recurrence of the disease. Ensuring ventilation and reducing air humidity can also inhibit the growth and reproduction of pathogens.

4. How to prevent

To deal with this disease, we must first prevent and treat it at the source. The soil must be free of pathogens, crop rotation is usually required, and pesticides can be sprayed before planting to eliminate bacteria. Secondly, pay attention to the planting density to avoid them blocking each other and affecting the internal ventilation and light. In addition, we should pay attention to the environment and avoid making the climate too humid, which is also a key factor in causing the disease.