Plant Gardens 101

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Orchids, despite their delicate appearance and reputation, are quite hardy plants that are resistant to diseases and pests – as long as they have the right growing conditions. Your best defense against the diseases and pests that affect orchids is to make sure that you keep humidity, light, temperature and ventilation levels within the optimal levels for the orchids you’re growing.

Water problems are one of the key causes of problems that affect orchids. Standing water on the leaves or around the roots can encourage root rot and invite bacteria and fungi to attack the plant. Controlling the humidity level around your orchids can help prevent many of the most common pest infestations and diseases that damage and kill orchids. (more…)

Sunflowers have always been the target of disease. Even though some of them are most dominant in certain locations in the U.S., others manifest wherever the crop is grown. For example, head rot is prevalent throughout California, but downy mildew can be found on crops harvested across the entire country. Over the past few decades, more than 30 diseases have been found on crops (though most of them either won’t cause severe damage or can be controlled easily). Below, we’ll explore a few of the most important diseases and the type of damage they usually cause.

Rust

Rust is a constant thorn in the side of commercial growers because it evolves, making it difficult (though, not impossible) to cultivate resistant hybrids. It’s caused by a fungus called Puccinia helianthi and shows up on sunflower planted throughout the U.S. In mild cases, you’ll notice auburn-colored spots showing up on the leaves and stems. When an infestation has occurred, rust can show up on the backs of the heads. (more…)

There are many common orchid diseases that can cause serious harm to your beautiful plant. You should check your orchids once a week so that you will notice any problems early. Let’s take a look at some of the most common orchid diseases.

Black Rot
One of the first common orchid diseases is black rot. It is caused by fungi that can kill the plant rapidly. Black rot can cause any part of the plant to become watery and black. If the disease is only located on the leaf, you can remove it and treat the plant with fungicide. You should repeat this process until the disease stops spreading.

Petal Blight
One of the next common orchid diseases is petal blight. This condition is also caused by a fungus which will cause the plant’s flowers to develop spots. Petal blight occurs when water is allowed to collect on the surface of the flower. This disease is treated with fungicide, decreased humidity, and increased air movement. You should also remove the affected flowers so they don’t have a chance to spread the fungus. (more…)

Plants need to be planted in the proper location. – do you have a plant that needs full sun planted in the shade? Make sure the soil is healthy, has the proper pH level and nutrient balance, and has sufficient drainage and water holding capability. Make sure the plant gets the appropriate amount of water (about one inch per week). Be sure the plant gets the appropriate amount of fertilizer.

Fungus – One of the most common problems with plants is fungal disease. If you had any form of fungi last year, you will probably have it again this year. What do you do?

Water plants before noon Fungi spores can germinate within 6-8 hours. So watering at night may limit evaporation, but can allow a fungus to grow.

Start crop rotation Never plant the same kind of vegetable or flower in the same place two years in a row.

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Plant diseases are usually produced by different kinds of organisms. Diseases that affects the leaf and the stems are bacteria, fungi or viruses. Soilborne diseases on the other hand are caused by various fungi. Bacterial diseases are caused by bacteria who are unable to manufacture their own food thus they depend on the host plant for food depriving the plants of the nutrients necessary for a healthy growth.

Fungal diseases are the most widespread plant maladies. Fungi parasitically obtain their food from green plants, causing diseases in the process. Fungi produces spores in great number which are tiny reproductive bodies. These spores can be carried by wind or water. Each spore will germinate and grow producing new infections. Viral diseases are viruses capable of invading plant tissue and reproducing in it. Viruses can be spread by aphids, leafhoppers and thrips. Even humans can spread viruses by propagating virus-infected plants. (more…)

Rose plants are not at their best after the long winter months and are very susceptible to rose diseases and fungus, once the spring season is back.

Even though, your rose bush may have lived through the winter without damage, the rains of spring and the heat and humidity of summer can bring an assortment of fungal infections.

Having your rose garden devastated by a rose disease or fungus is not going to make you a happy gardener. So here is a short list of the most common rose diseases that are high risk to your plants.

Powdery Mildew
This fungal disease creates a white powder along the tops and bottoms of the leaves and the length of the stems. Without treatment the plant will not grow to its full potential and the leaves will die and wither. (more…)

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There are three common ailments that roses are susceptible to, Rose rust, Powdery or Downey Mildew and Black Spot all of which are known as fungal infections. They are easily treated with fungicides when they are applied at the first signs of the disease or before the onset of hot, humid weather is evident. Prevention is one of the most important parts of growing and caring of roses, although prevention is not always possible. There are however a few easy precautionary tips for preventing roses diseases.
First begin by promoting strong healthy plants by providing plenty of water and fertilizers, along with good air circulation, then keeping them pruned, water at the roots whenever possible trying not to get the leaves wet ( this sometimes promotes diseases ) then cut or pick off old weak leaves and stems.

Most of all watch for signs of insects or diseases on your other garden plants, they are often times the breeding ground for insects and diseases and insects are the carriers of many diseases. Once they are spotted in your garden start treatment right away. (more…)