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Here’s part 2 of our list of common plant diseases and their treatment by experts
Most plant diseases are caused due to the growth of parasitic organisms such as fungi, nematodes, and pests on the plants. In this article, we will explore three common plant diseases, their symptoms, and their treatment.
3) Black Knot
- Black Knot is a fungal disease caused by Apiosporina morbosa, Dibotryon morbosum or Plowrightia morbsum. This disease is common in fruiting and ornamental trees of plum and cherry. The fungus sets in during the winter season. It can be identified easily as telltale signs include the growth of hard, uneven, black galls that wrap around twigs and branches.
This disease develops slowly and usually takes one season before growing and manifesting itself. It spreads through the production of fungal spores. To nip this disease in the bud, it is important to identify and treat it before it grows rapidly. If the fungus is not kept in check, it attacks new growth by strangling the branches and sucking the life out of the tree. Plants infected with Balck Knot result in poor fruit production and low yield.
How To Treat Black Knot?
- Carry out inspection during winter seasons to check for signs of the disease. Cracks, discoloration, and swelling are the first signs of infection.
- If galls caused by the disease are detected, remove them using a pruning knife.
4) Downy Mildew
- Downy mildew is caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, which is is an oomycete or a type of algae. This disease infects cucurbits such as cucumber, melon, and pumpkin. Downy Mildew manifests as pale yellow patches on the upper side of older leaves. On the underside, patches of white to gray cotton-like fungi appear. This disease-causing algae thrives in wet weather and usually appears after rain or heavy dew.
Downy mildew is caused during early spring or late fall when the temperature is in the range of 60 – 65 degrees Fahrenheit. It develops on plant debris and the spores are carried by insects, garden tools, wind, or rain.
How to Treat Downy Mildew?
- Regular pruning will result in improved air circulation.
- Water plants in the morning so the plant will have ample time to dry during the day.
6) Early Blight
Early Blight is a common disease caused by the fungus Alternaria solani. This disease affects tomato and potato plants all across the USA. when the fungus attacks, the lower and older leaves are the first ones to manifest symptoms in the form of small brown spots that are decorated with concentric rings. The disease grows in an outward fashion and turns the leaves yellow. The infection spreads to the rest of the plant quite quickly and damages the crop.
The ideal conditions for the spread of disease include:
- High temperatures of 80 -85 degrees Fahrenheit
- Rain and humidity
- Rain, irrigation, seeds, and garden tools spread the disease from one plant to another.
Early blight does not necessarily occur during the early part of the growing season rather it can occur at any point during summers.
How To Treat?
- For the successful treatment of early blight, adopt a proactive approach. Apply copper-based fungicides on the tomato and potato plants, two weeks before the start of summer. A rough estimation of the ideal time for the application of fungicides is before the start of a long period of wet weather. This will keep Early Blight at bay.
If you fear that your trees and plants are suffering from plant diseases, then waste no time and contact American Tree Experts. We provide effective and proactive Disease Management for plants are trees. Call us at 973-744-6091 to get a free estimate of our services. We operate in Mont Clair, New Jersey, and nearby areas.