Shandong Agricultural University’s wheat experts guide farmers in the prevention and control of wheat diseases and pests.

Disaster relief is like putting out a fire. On April 8, Professor Tian Qizhuo, a wheat expert from Shandong Agricultural University, was invited to Zhaojiadian Village, Xiazhang Town, Daiyue District, Tai’an City, to guide farmers in controlling wheat pests and diseases, where he was warmly welcomed by the villagers.

Zhaojiadian Village has 3,000 mu of wheat. After harvesting the wheat, they plant corn, achieving two harvests per year—this is the villagers’ primary source of income and livelihood. Due to the lack of irrigation infrastructure in the area, the villagers rely almost entirely on rainfall.

A few days ago, the wheat seedlings at the homes of villagers Xu Liancui and Zhang Honghai began to turn yellow, wither, and die. Soon after, more than a dozen other villagers noticed their own wheat seedlings turning yellow as well; some even sprayed pesticides, but there was no improvement. In desperation, the villagers called Taian TV, and a reporter from the station invited Tian Qizhuo to the scene to investigate.

At around noon, Professor Tian Qizhuo and his delegation arrived in Zhaojiadian Village, where villagers had already been waiting at the village entrance. More than a dozen villagers, pushing their bicycles along the bumpy dirt country road, led Professor Tian to the wheat field.

The wheat seedlings here truly look different from those elsewhere: the fields are patchy, with gaps and broken rows, and swathes of seedlings have turned yellow and withered—seeing it is enough to weigh one’s heart with desolation.

Xu Liancui told the reporter, “With the wheat seedlings suffering from a disaster, we couldn’t even identify the disease, and we were extremely worried. Now that the experts have arrived, our wheat is finally saved!”

Professor Tian carefully examined the damaged wheat seedlings and, holding a affected plant in his hand, explained to the villagers the causes of the damage.

“This isn’t frost damage—it’s insect damage. The yellowing and withering of the wheat are caused by red spider mites! Take a closer look: those tiny black dots on the wheat leaves are the mites. If you gently nudge a seedling with your finger, they’ll scurry away in an instant!”

“What medication can be used for prevention and control?” a villager asked anxiously.

“Use acaricides or similar pesticides for control—local township plant protection stations carry these products. Apply the treatment promptly to prevent further spread of the pest!”

“This year has been a mild winter and spring, so wheat has suffered very little frost damage. Wheat has a well‑developed root system; the yellowing and drying of seedlings are not caused by the roots or by contaminated irrigation water—the culprit is the red spider mite!”

“We’ve always thought it was frost damage, but now we finally understand—let’s hurry up and buy some medicine to control it; we can’t wait any longer!” the villagers said.

To help the villagers understand the names and dosages of pesticides for controlling red spider mites, Tian Qizhuo took out the prepared materials from his bag and explained in detail how much of each pesticide to use and how much water to dilute it with. Noting that most of the listeners were middle-aged women and elderly people—individuals who might struggle to remember such information—he simply handed the relevant handouts directly to the villagers.

After receiving an explanation and answering their questions, the villagers’ difficulties were resolved, and smiles appeared on their faces.

The villagers repeatedly expressed their gratitude for Professor Tian’s guidance, warmly advised the reporter on the route back, and watched as Professor Tian’s car drove away from Zhaojiadian Village.