Common Plant Diseases: Identifying And Treating Them

Common Plant Diseases: Identifying And Treating Them. No one wants to see their plants suffer because it’s heartbreaking. Unfortunately, there are many plant diseases out there that even kill plants. Some disorders require easy remedies, such as moving the plant to a sunny spot or adding more water.

Other conditions may need the use of fungicides and other treatment options. Below are the common plant diseases and their remedies.

Common Plant Diseases: Identifying And Treating Them

1) Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is caused by a fungus and affects many plants, such as cucumbers, roses, and grapes. The disease leaves a dusty white coat on the leaves and stems of the affected plant.

Control and treatment

Rake up or prune the infected leaves or flowers to minimize the spread of pores. Also, improve the air circulation and drainage of the plant to reduce the effects of the powdery mildew. You can water your plants during mid-morning hours and avoid watering at night. Let the plant dry before evening after watering. There are some commercial fungicides for powdery mildew.

2) Black spot

This fungal disease affects roses mainly but can be found in other flowering plants. A black spot doesn’t kill the plant right away. It weakens the plant, making it vulnerable to other serious problems. It appears on foliage, which turns yellow and falls off, especially in moist, cool weather.

Solution

Remove infected leaves and canes before keeping foliage clean. Mulch the plants regularly and position them in spots with the adequate morning sun to evaporate dew. Also, water the roots instead of wetting the foliage. Finally, consider planting species resistant to black holes.

Spray your plants with anti-black spot fungicide to prevent the disease.

3)Mosaic virus

There are many mosaic viruses, but the most common ones are the tobacco and tomato mosaic viruses. The tomato mosaic virus can affect tomatoes, apples, apples, cherries, and peas. The tobacco mosaic virus affects tobacco, peppers, cucumbers, beets, lettuce, tomatoes, and petunias.

The disease causes mottled green and yellow leaves that are usually distorted and curled. It can also cause stunted growth, yellowing, reduced yield, and malformed fruits.

Solution

Mosaic viruses can’t be controlled chemically, but there are resistant plants. The mosaic virus can live in dry soil even after removing the infected plants. So, you must avoid planting new plants on the same ground. Destroy and dump the infected plants, including the roots, to limit spreading. Smokers should clean their hands before handling plants because tobacco is a virus carrier.

4)Root rot

Root rot attacks the roots and creates problems under the surface. It can only be noticed when the leaves start wilting and falling off. The origins become shriveled and dark.

Root rot is common and is caused by a fungus that thrives in damp and warm soil. The fungus can spread quickly to other plants and loves a wet environment.

Treatment and prevention

It is almost impossible to treat root rot in houseplants. However, you can remove the affected roots and salvage the healthy ones. Transplant the plants in a new clean pot and apply a fungicide.

The fatality rate of root rot is very high, which is vital to prevent it. Ensure that pots and soil have good drainage. Also, avoid overwatering your plants.

5)Plant rust

As the name suggests, plant rust looks like rust. It has a distinctive orange color and spreads by water, like metal rust. The fungal disease releases spores after attaching itself to the penalty.

Plant rust does best in a damp environment with poor airflow. Poor drainage and overhead watering encourage the disease.

Control and treatment

The disease isn’t deadly but will affect the growth and appearance of the plant. Clip the affected parts and spray with copper or sulfur powder. Avoid wetting the leaves of your plants and space them properly to fend off rust. Remove dead leaves that accumulate around the plants.

6)Sooty mold

Sooty mold looks like ash or soot and forms an undesirable black powder. The disease is not deadly but interferes with photosynthesis and can kill the plant. Sooty mold is caused by pests when they secret honeydew and leave it behind. The biggest culprits are thrips and ladybugs.

Solution

You have to eliminate pests before treating the plant with a fungicide. It sticks on the plant and can be removed by cleaning it with water and house detergents. The most effective method of preventing the disease is fending off pests that may land on the plant.

Common Plant Diseases: Identifying And Treating Them – Conclusion

Plant diseases can affect all plants, including indoor and outdoor ones. Some conditions are fatal, and it’s necessary to prevent them rather than try to treat the plants. Most infections are caused by poor drainage and air circulation, which can be avoided by strategic watering and adequate spacing.