Plum Rain Season Poses Challenges for Taitung Crops; Agricultural Station Offers Protection Strategies

Farmers in Taitung face significant challenges during the plum rain season, with unstable weather patterns expected to persist until mid-June. The Ministry of Agriculture's Taitung District Agricultural Research and Extension Station is urging growers to bolster their protective measures before and after rainfall to mitigate crop damage. Heavy rain and potential downpours pose a threat to various agricultural products in the region.

For rice cultivation, which is currently in the grain-filling or harvesting stages, farmers are advised to clear field ditches to prevent waterlogging. If lodging occurs, prompt drainage is crucial. Unharvested rice should be bundled in groups of 2-3 stalks to prevent sprouting damage from water immersion. For rice ready for harvest, prompt harvesting after heavy rain is recommended. The station also cautioned against applying pesticides after heavy rain to avoid residue issues, especially as many rice crops are nearing harvest.

Fruit growers are instructed to ensure surrounding orchard drainage is clear before heavy rains. Young trees should be staked, and grafted plants secured to prevent lodging or branch breakage. Specific advice is given for custard apples, which are flowering or in the small-to-medium fruit stage; increased manual pollination and control of anthracnose are recommended after rain. Citrus crops, also in the small-to-medium fruit stage, require attention to bacterial canker prevention. Avocados in the same stage can be bagged for protection, while mature mangoes should be harvested promptly. Other mature fruits should also be harvested early, with a focus on post-rain disease control.

Other crops require tailored strategies. Millet, in its seed-filling stage, benefits from staking and protective ropes to prevent lodging, with a warning against nitrogen fertilizer use that could increase lodging risk. Roselle, highly susceptible to waterlogging, necessitates clear surrounding drainage; post-rain application of phosphite at 1000x dilution, three times over 3-5 days, can enhance disease resistance against phytophthora. Leafy and fruiting vegetables must be protected from waterlogging by clearing ditches and using water pumps if necessary. Ready-to-harvest vegetables and fruits should be collected quickly. Melon trellises need reinforcement to prevent collapse due to saturated soil.