Fungal diseases in plants can ruin your garden. On a large scale, they can damage the crops and production of entire countries.
The best that individuals can do is understand common fungal diseases in plants and prevent them in their own lives. We’re going to look at some plant fungal diseases today, exploring common ones that you might encounter in your own life.
We hope the ideas below aid you in your effort to grow plants or even work for a local farm’s crop protection. Let’s get started.
Clematis Wilt Fungus
This fungus, officially known as Phoma clematidina, works symbiotically with insects to kill plants. Holes and cuts made by insects are entryways for the fungus.
In most cases, Clematis Wilt forms in large, flowering plants. It causes dark patches and stains on the pedals of the plants and the stem in some cases.
Brown Patch Disease
Brown patch is a turfgrass disease. The fungus responsible for it is called the Rhizoctonia fungus. It causes yellow and brown areas of lawns and grass to form.
The shapes that it forms are irregular, but they always have the potential to keep spreading and kill more grass.
Bottom Rot
Bottom rot occurs mostly on the lettuce plant. It’s caused by the Rhizoctonia solani fungus and starts by affecting the outer layer of the lettuce plant.
If you’re growing lettuce in your garden and notice brown spots starting to form on a particular plant, make sure to separate that plant from the rest.
Dry Rot
Dry rot is a disease that affects different gardens and crops all around the world. The culprit behind this worldwide disease is called Serpula lacrymans. It’s most commonly known for its ability to dry out the wood in trees and cause them to weaken, crumble, and fall in some cases.
More relevant, though, is the fact that dry rot invades gardens and damages flowers, fruits, and bulbs, which are generally the most important part of the plant.
How to Defend Your Garden
The disease above, along with most other fungal diseases, are difficult to fight off. That said, there are ways you can safeguard your gardens and crops to reduce the chance of a fungal disease taking hold.
Start by exploring your biofungicide options. These are chemicals that kill fungus and don’t damage your plants. There are different options that are more or less comprehensive, but be sure not to over-spray your plants because it could have a negative effect.
You should also be sure to clear your garden of any debris. That means clearing sticks, leaves, and other natural scraps that fungi love to live in. Finally, it might be a good idea to look into beneficial insects to place in your garden.
These little bugs can fend off the risk factors for fungal infections.
Want to Learn More About Fungal Diseases in Plants?
We hope our look at common fungal diseases in plants was useful to you. There’s a lot more to learn about keeping a healthy garden, though. We’re here to help with more ideas.
Explore our site for insight into ways you can keep a healthy garden, take care of your home, and a whole lot more.
