KNOWING YOUR GARDENING DISEASES

There are diseases that can be commonly seen in your garden. Do you know who they are and how to get rid of them?

Brown Patch

There are many reasons for plain old brown spots. However, those plant leaf spots are caused by one of nature’s most basic organisms: a fungus.  Spotted leaves occur when fungal spores in the air find a warm, wet, plant surface to cling to.  

Prevent & Control:

  1. Apply a fungicide.
  2. Clear the weeds, remove and destroy all infected plant parts.
  3. Improve air circulation by thinning and pruning.
  4. Try a more traditional treatment by spraying with a mild solution of bicarbonate of soda (baking soda), using 2 teaspoons mix with a few drops of detergent per 500 ml water.

 

Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew is one of the most common and easily recognized plant diseases. It looks like powdery splotches of white or gray, on the leaves and stems of plants.  They thrive in low, shady locations with high relative humidity. these spores are carried to your plants via wind, insects, and splashing water.

Prevent & Control:

  1. Apply a fungicide.
  2. Clear the weeds, remove and destroy all infected plant parts.
  3. Improve air circulation by thinning and pruning.
  4. Don't fertilize until the problem is corrected. Powdery mildew favors young,succulent growth.
  5. Apply Sapindus Mukorossi water. Just soak a few Sapindus Mukorossi in thewater for a few days before use.
  6. Don't water plants from above.

Blossom End Rot

Blossom End Rot is a very common disease occurs on tomatoes and peppers.  Fruits start to rot from bottom up.  Dry weather following wet spell and insufficient calcium in soil.

Prevent & Control:

  1. Mulch around tomatoes to even moisture.  Add slake lime to the soil.

Verticillum Wilt Disease 

Leaves turn yellow and dry up. Starts from bottom and moves up.  Caused by soil borne fungus and can affect several different vegetables.  Fungus can persist for years. Affects uptake of water and nutrients eventually killing the plant.

Prevent & Control:

Crop rotation and resistant varieties is important. Remove affected plants and burn.