Plant Diseases
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Plant diseases or blights in a
hydroponics garden are much less frequent than in a
dirt garden because there is no dirt to grow
bacteria. Not to mention the fact that many plant
diseases travel to the plant from the surrounding
soil. Plant disease cannot occur without a host
plant, a pathogen and favorable environmental
conditions.
Plants can be more susceptible to
disease if weakened by environmental conditions such
as too much shade, high humidity and crowded
conditions. They are also more susceptible when
weakened by nutrient deficiency or toxicity (too
many nutrients) and poor pH.
There will always be some trouble with disease, just
watch for it and take care of it immediately.
Unfortunately many disease cures involve the use of
harsh chemicals which you really do not want on your
plants. A hydroponics garden can easily collect such
chemicals in the nutrient solution with
indiscriminant use and get into the plant cells -
not something you want.
What to do About Them
Try some less harsh
solution first. My favorite all-purpose cure is to
mix together water, baking soda, lemon juice and a
very little dish detergent. I put this in a spray
bottle and mist the affected parts of the plant.
Sometimes it works like a charm and sometimes not.
If you mix and use this recipe, make sure you cover
all areas open to your nutrient solution or the dish
detergent will get into it causing soap bubbles.
Powdery
Mildew
Description:
Fungus causing whitish spots on the underside of the
leaves. Eventually the leaves shrivel and die.
Thrives in high humidity.
Treatment:
Spray with homemade all purpose cure described
earlier.
Root Rot
Description:
Fungus rots a plants
roots.
Treatment:
Cut away
rotted root portions and spray with a fungicide.
Early Blight
Description:
Dark brown spots on leaves, stems and plant fruit
seriously weakening the plant.
Treatment:
Treat with harsh chemicals (maneb,
zineb).
Black Mold
Description:
Sooty black or grayish white
leaf growth.
Treatment:
Gently
wash leaves and scrape off mold.
Anthracnose
Description:
Fungus caused by over
watering where leaves become marked with dark smears
and shrivel. Hardly ever occurs in hydroponics
plants
Treatment:
Spray with fungicide and remove damaged leaves.
Damping Off
Description:
A fungus affecting small
plants where stems meet soil causing them to fall
over and die.
Treatment:
Remove diseased sections. If
it has affected a significant number of plants,
replant in new soil and clean containers.
Botrytis
Description:
Grayish white, fuzzy leaf growth caused by
inadequate ventilation. Not common in hydroponics
gardens.
Treatment:
Increase ventilation and remove affected
Rust
Description:
Slightly raised, powdery
red pustules on the underside
of the leaves causing them to turn yellow then brown
and die. Helped along by high humidity. Very
contagious.
Treatment:
Apply
harsh chemicals like zineb or maneb.
Club Root
Description:
Roots
turn into a mass of club
shaped
tubers. Plants may become stunted.
Treatment:
Dust with fungicide
Crown and Stem Rot
Description:
Fungus
causes plant to turn pulpy and rot.
Treatment:
Cut away rotted plant
portions
and spray with a fungicide.
To learn more about Plant Diseases come in and talk
to our knowledgeable staff and where you'll find
more information. We can provide you with the
solutions to rid yourself of these diseases and
prevent future ones. Remember, whether you are our
customer or a customer of one of our competitors, we
are always here to help you.