Litchi cultivation is often challenged by a variety of pests and diseases, especially during the fruiting stage. The primary diseases include *Phytophthora capsici* and anthracnose, while the main insect pests are litchi stink bugs, elephant caterpillars, locusts, cockroaches, small grey butterflies, and fruit-sucking moths. These pests are most active during the early fruit development and ripening stages, making it crucial to implement timely and effective control measures to ensure healthy crop production.
During the young fruit period, focus should be placed on controlling litchi stink bugs, elephant caterpillars, *Phytophthora capsici*, and other harmful insects. Stink bugs feed on young fruits, causing damage that leads to fruit drop, while caterpillars feed on the seeds, eventually causing the fruit to fall off. Proper monitoring and intervention during this critical phase can significantly reduce losses.
Chemical control is one of the most common methods used. In mid-to-late April, spraying with 10% Decoction at 2000 times dilution or 48% Losby at 1000 times dilution is recommended. Additionally, 64% anti-virus can be applied at 600 times dilution. For severe infestations, 40% dicofol can be added at 1000 times dilution. Combining these sprays with fruit protectants like Gutri Ling or Litchi Paulownia not only helps in disease prevention but also offers protection against pests.
Biological control is another effective strategy. Introducing natural predators such as flat-bellied wasps can help manage pest populations. For example, releasing 600 flat-bellied wasps per tree can effectively control litchi stink bugs. If the pest density is high, it's advisable to combine chemical sprays with biological control—spray first, then release wasps every few days.
In the later stages of fruit development, special attention must be given to *Phytophthora capsici* and locust worms, particularly when fruits begin to change color or approach maturity. Spraying with 600 times diluted thiram Mn-Zn or 800 times diluted Kelu can help prevent the spread of the disease. For locust control, spraying should start when adult eclosion reaches 40%, and repeated applications every 5–7 days are necessary. Early maturing varieties are typically targeted from late April to early May, mid-season varieties in mid to late May, and late varieties in early June—these periods are key for locust management.
Commonly used pesticides for litchi include:
- **90% Trichlorfon** – 1:800 for litchi lice
- **40% Water Amine Phosphorus** – 1:1000 for ulmes and sharp moths
- **25% Quinoxime** – 1:800–1000 for locusts and tip-on moths
- **25% Insecticide Bihydrate** – 1:500–600 for aphids and tipper moths
- **10% Decapterol** – 1:500–600 for aphids and tipper moths
- **10% Cypermethrin** – 1:2000 for cinnamon locusts and tipper moths
- **10% PepsiCo Emulsion** – 1:2000–2500 for various pests
- **10% Xingmianbao Emulsion** – 1:2000–2500
- **50% Tolke** – 1:2000–2500
- **80% Dichlorvos** – 1:800–1000 for Monochamus alternatus
- **40% Dimethoate** – 1:800 for locusts and crickets
- **40% Leopoldis** – 1:1000 for locusts and tipper moths
- **24% Valentino** – 1:1000 for aphids and tapeworms
- **40% Dicofol** – 1:800 for eriophyid mites
- **40% Methylisothiophosphate** – 1:1000 for underground pests
- **64% Anti-virus** – 1:500–800 for aphids
- **90% Phospho-aluminium** – 1:400 for *Phytophthora blight*
- **50% Thiophanate-methyl** – 1:800–1000 for anthracnose
- **30% Strong Oxygenated Copper** – 1:500–600 for *Phytophthora capsici* and anthracnose
- **70% Dew Wet Cream** – 1:750 for *Phytophthora*
By combining proper cultural practices, timely pesticide application, and biological control methods, litchi growers can effectively manage pests and diseases, ensuring a healthy and productive harvest.
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