Organisation: Food and Agriculture
Organization of the United Nations (FAO), AGST
Prepared by Anne Plotto.
Edited by François
Mazaud, Alexandra Röttger, Katja Steffel, Larissa D'Aquilio (HTML transfer)
CHAPTER XXVIII HIBISCUS: Post-Production
Management for Improved Market Access for Herbs and Spices - Hibiscus
Major diseases of hibiscus are mostly stem and root rot. Prevention techniques can include monitoring water in an irrigated field as well as avoiding the planting of crops that are also prone to these diseases. Damage done to hibiscus by insects is minor but it does exist. Pests include the stem borer, flea beetles, abutilon moth, cotton bollworm, and the cutworm. Mealy bugs and the leafhoppers are minor concerns, as is the cotton strainer.
Plant enemies usually do not compete in a cultivated field. Weeding can increase yield and calyx size, but may also reduce profit for the farmer. Because of differences in available land and labor prices, Chinese hibiscus fields are generally weeded and even hand watered if necessary, for maximum yield, while those in Thailand are given less attention. Quality is comparable.