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How to deal with snake eye disease in the sunflower
Sunflowers are commonly known as agaric, and they have become a popular crop among farmers due to their high nutritional value. However, one of the most significant challenges in sunflower cultivation is the occurrence of snake eye disease, also referred to as fisheye or purple spot disease. This fungal infection severely impacts both the edible quality and market value of sunflowers, leading to reduced economic returns for growers. Prompt application of **pesticides** is essential to minimize damage and protect yields.
Snake eye disease primarily affects the leaves of sunflower plants and can occur at any stage of growth, from seedlings to mature plants, with the highest incidence during mid to late stages. In the early phase of the disease, small purple spots appear on the leaves, often with purplish edges and a grayish-brown center. These lesions are typically round and have a semi-circular margin. As the disease progresses, the lesions grow larger, with more pronounced purple-brown borders and a central area that becomes grayish-white, thin, and sometimes even perforated. The affected areas are clearly defined, with lesion sizes ranging from 1 to 6 mm in diameter.
The disease is caused by species of the genus *Aspergillus*. In northern regions, the pathogen overwinters in the soil or on infected plant debris, producing spores the following year that spread through rain and wind. In southern areas, where winters are milder, the disease can persist year-round. Seed transmission is the main way the disease spreads over long distances. High humidity, especially during rainy seasons, significantly contributes to its spread. Poor soil conditions, weak plant growth, excessive nitrogen fertilizer use, and low-lying fields can all increase the likelihood of infection.
To effectively manage snake eye disease, a combination of cultural, biological, and chemical control methods should be implemented:
First, implement agricultural practices to reduce disease pressure:
1. Keep fields clean by removing and burning infected plant material to minimize the source of infection.
2. Apply well-decomposed organic manure and balance the use of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers.
3. Practice crop rotation, especially with onions and garlic, to avoid continuous planting of sunflowers.
4. Ensure proper spacing between plants and maintain good drainage to reduce field humidity.
Second, apply foliar sprays during the seedling stage to enhance plant resistance. At this stage, you can spray 1500 times diluted Shileili 2000 liquid fertilizer or 3000 times diluted compound growth factors to promote healthy growth and strengthen the plant’s defenses against disease.
Third, use chemical treatments when symptoms first appear. According to **China Pesticide Network**, recommended fungicides include 75% Dakoning WP diluted 600–800 times, 50% Kuiling WP diluted 2000 times, 2% Agricultural Resistance 120 AS diluted 200 times, 80% Shandesheng WP diluted 600 times, 75% Dakoning WP diluted 1000 times combined with 70% methyl thiophanate WP diluted 1000 times, and 20% Shi Baoling SC diluted 800–1000 times. Apply these treatments every 7–10 days, repeating 2–3 times for best results.
By combining these strategies, farmers can significantly reduce the impact of snake eye disease and ensure healthier, more productive sunflower crops.