Have you encountered plant diseases in your garden but you are unsure how to treat it? The first important step is to identify which disease your plants are facing and then it becomes easier to help treat it! I always try to take preventative measures that help reduce the risk of my plants getting a disease. It is always easier to prevent diseases rather than having to treat an infected plant.
There are usually tell-tale signs of an infected plant. If your plants have a disease most of the time you will see the appearance of your plants change. A common sign that your plant has a disease is if they have colored spots on their leaves or stems. Below you will find a list of some common plant diseases and what it may look like.dipiscing elit. Ut elit tellus, luctus nec ullamcorper mattis, pulvinar dapibus leo.
What are some of the common plant diseases?
1. Powdery Mildew: You will notice white spots on the leaves and foliage. It may look similar to natural discoloration of leaves but powdery mildew will look much more sporadic. This is caused by fungus, from the soil being dry, the temperature being too humid and not enough sunlight getting to the plant.
2. Black Spot: This is a fungus disease most commonly affecting roses and you will notice black spots on the leaves.
3. Apple Scab: This is a common fungal disease among fruits and you will notice brown or black spots.
4. Early Blight/Late Blight: Blight can often be found on tomatoes or potatoes. Early blight occurs in may and june and you may notice dark black spots. Late blight occurs around August and you may notice greenish black splotches.
5. Rust: This is a fungal disease but it only affects certain plants. You may notice small orange or brown spots on the leaves or stem.
6. Verticillium Wilt: This fungus disease is very common amongst deciduous trees, berries and vegetables and it starts at the roots and slowly makes its way up blocking the plants transportation system. Signs of verticillium wilt include yellowing, wilting or young twigs dying. There is not really a way to cure this disease, therefore, it is important to take preventative measures and if you do encounter this disease it is important to control it so it doesn’t spread further.
How do I avoid them?
Taking measures to prevent diseases is much easier than having to treat diseases in your garden.
- Rotate your crops. This is one of the easiest ways to prevent your vegetable garden from getting diseases.
- Take care of your vegetable garden and follow good sanitation practices.
- Fertilize your plants, however, make sure to not over fertilize otherwise that can also cause some issues.
- When purchasing plants make sure they aren’t carrying diseases, before you bring them home.
- Many diseases are fungal diseases, therefore, make sure you don’t over water your plants, and try watering your plants earlier in the morning, so that they can dry off throughout the day.
How do I treat them?
- Remove diseased stems and foliage to help prevent it from spreading.
- Apply a fungicide on the infected plants.
- If you can, plant a fungal resistant variety of your desired plant.
- Remove dead leaves and other debris from living plants.
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