Gochang County Strengthens Growth Management and On-Site Surveillance for Autumn Cabbage

"High Risk of Disease and Pest Outbreaks Such as Soft Rot and Downy Mildew"

The agricultural authorities of Gochang County, Jeonbuk Province, announced on the 20th that they are strengthening growth management and on-site surveillance activities due to concerns about disease and pest damage to autumn cabbage caused by frequent early autumn rains.

The agricultural authorities of Gochang County, Jeonbuk, are strengthening growth management and field surveillance activities due to concerns about pest and disease damage to autumn cabbage caused by frequent early autumn rains. Provided by Gochang County

According to the Korea Meteorological Administration, there were 25 days of rainfall from last month to October 15, which is seven more days of rain compared to the average year, while the total sunshine hours decreased by 76 hours. Due to these abnormal weather conditions, the risk of diseases and pests such as soft rot and downy mildew in autumn cabbage has significantly increased in Gochang.

The Gochang County Agricultural Technology Center is working in cooperation with local crop groups and large-scale farms in each town and township to strengthen field-based monitoring activities and is providing guidance for prompt control and prevention measures.

In particular, soft rot and downy mildew in cabbage are mainly caused by overly wet conditions and poor drainage. Downy mildew appears as gray-green spots on the leaves, which gradually turn yellow; in severe cases, the leaves dry up or the entire field turns yellow, reducing marketability. Soft rot is initially limited to a few plants, but if it occurs during the heading stage, it can lead to poor head formation or internal decay, thereby lowering commercial value.

To prevent these diseases, it is important to maintain proper planting distances for good ventilation during transplanting and to avoid excessive application of nitrogen fertilizer. Timely application of registered pesticides at the early stage of disease occurrence is also crucial.

In particular, pesticides with different mechanisms of action should be alternated and applied repeatedly at intervals of 5 to 7 days. It is also effective to reapply immediately after rainfall. In addition, diseased plant residues should be removed immediately to prevent secondary infections.

An official from the Gochang Agricultural Technology Center stated, "Continuous rainfall and cloudy weather lasting 9 to 10 days have reduced crop vigor and the damage is spreading," and added, "We strongly urge thorough control measures to prevent further disease and pest progression, and ask that all pesticide safety guidelines be strictly followed during application."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.