Petunias are endearing annuals from the Solanaceae family line , known for their trumpet - alike flush . They ’re splendid at attract bees for pollenation and are often used as companion plant for strawberries and tomatoes .
In this clause , I ’ll introduce you to four diseases to catch out for when spring up petunia and how to deal with them .
Contents
Diseases to Watch Out for in Petunia Cultivation
1- Powdery Mildew
Powdery mold is because of a fungus experience asSphaerotheca fuliginea . Once infect , you ’ll notice white mold developing on the leaf , interrupt photosynthesis and hindering growth .
If go forth untreated , the mold spreads across the entire leaf , eventually turning it a ruby - brown colouration and leading to its death . Below is a photo of a pumpkin plant feign by powdery mildew .
Powdery mildew expand in dry condition . So , it ’s essential to be especially conservative after the rainy season ends and just before harvest time .
Since the pathogen spreads through the tune , it ’s of the essence to prevent overcrowding by adequately spacing out your works and managing their increase .
If you happen any plants affect by powdery mildew , pronto off them and either cauterize or immerse them away from your garden .
The fungus lingers in the stain , so make indisputable to good disinfect any stain where the disease has been spotted . It ’s also of import to conserve just airflow by avoiding overcrowd your plant .
2- Gray Mold
greyish mildew is due to Botrytis fungus , a thready fungus that spreads through the air . The disease often manifests on leaves and stems , particularly on dead leaf tips , which dish out as a primary source of contagion .
If a diseased foliage falls and touch another folio , the disease will spread . As the disease build , the affected areas will be covered in gray mold .
Gray moulding is less common in the summer but thrives in nerveless , high - humidity environments with special sunlight , specially from fall to winter . Below is a exposure showing a rose affected by gray mold .
If leaves are too dim or if the area where the plants are arise has poor ventilation , humidity can build up , ready it comfortable for spore to spread . Aim to grow your plants in a well - ventilate area . If your plants have grown too shaggy-haired , trim the leaves as necessary to prevent overcrowding .
3- Mosaic Disease
Mosaic disease is stimulate by a virus that is often transmit by aphid . The disease demonstrate as white to light browned mosaic patterns on leaves , deform the insensible green part .
Not only is mosaic disease spread by aphids , but it ’s also known to spread through the sap secreted by infect stems and leave of absence .
This disease can infect a broad range of vegetables and fruits beyond petunias , so be cautious of cross - infection from other flora .
During the seedling stage and times when aphid are prevalent , keep a close oculus on your plants . Make indisputable to protect your seedlings from these gadfly .
If you chance any diseased leaves , remove them forthwith . Also , do n’t concern other works until you ’ve exhaustively disinfected your hands after do by an stirred plant .
4- Damping Off Disease/Seedling Damping Off Disease
Wilt disease are do by filamentous fungus like Fusarium , Rhizoctonia , and Phytophthora . These kingdom Fungi taint the roots , causing decay and hindering alimentary absorption , thus stunting growth .
If you detect your foliage turning yellow from the bottom or your plants wilt , be alert . get out untreated , the beginning will sprain brown and the plant will die while still stand .
These kingdom Fungi thrive in moist conditions . piteous drain or protract rain can exacerbate the trouble .
Even after move out the septic industrial plant , spores may stay in the dirt , and works debris may carry fungal chain , cause reinfections . If your seedling get infected with wilt disease , it ’s touch to as seedling wilt .
Remove any stirred plants decent away and handle them outside your garden to preclude further bedcover .
give attention to fertilization so you do n’t run out of nutrients . Because these fungus kingdom favor loaded condition , assure your soil has good drainage .
As a preventative measure , keep off imbed the same craw in the same blot for consecutive seasons . Applying fungicides to the soil before planting can also be effectual .
Keeping Petunias Healthy
dear ventilation , attentive fertilisation , and heedful watering are cardinal to elevate goodish petunia .
If your plant life do get infected with a disease , dissemble accord to the symptom — whether it ’s removing foliage or extract out the intact industrial plant .
Check out my other article tokeep your petunia free from pestsensuring they turn strong and healthy .
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