Garden fungus can ruin any crop, but it does not have to. According to Janna Beckerman of the University of Minnesota, preventing these diseases before they occur is the best fungicide, and proper garden management may keep chemical fungicide off consumables. The best fungicide is developing a disease resistant garden. Garden location, proper composting and garden management and occasional use of pesticide treatments all aide in the ability of a garden to ward off pests and disease. Proper care for a garden will result in healthy plants, excellent crop production and future soil health.
Garden Location
Beckerman recommends placing a garden in a sunny well-drained area. Too much shade encourages the growth of fungus. Stagnant water also promotes fungal infection in plants. Locating a garden in the highest point available with the least tree cover will help any garden resist fungi and various other diseases.
Composting
Composting is another suggestion from Beckerman. Mixing natural organic matter in soil promotes the development of soil microbes necessary to combat fungus advancement. Healthy soil promotes healthy plants, and healthy plants generate their own fungicide in the form of healthy immune systems ready to fight off infection.
Proper Garden Management
Proper garden management is another excellent fungicide. Beckerman recommends watering in early morning so plants dry quickly and never working in the garden when plants are wet. Overnight wet plants promote the spread of infection. Working on wet plants promotes the spread of bacteria, nematodes and fungus. Beckerman also suggests using only enough fertilizer to meet plant needs, as over-fertilization--especially nitrogen rich fertilizers--will promote fungal infection.
Organic Fungicides
When all else fails, Beckerman suggests, “reaching for the chemicals.” Some vegetable garden fungicides are available that meet organic specifications, and those persons wishing to remain chemical free will want to start with them. Fungicides with the active ingredients Copper or Sulfur are approved for organic production, according to Beckerman. These fungicides will not leave a residue on the vegetables or penetrate the plant and build up harmful levels of toxins. Beckerman warns that improper diagnosis of a fungus or improper use of a fungicide may result in treatment failure.
Chemical Fungicides
If no other option works to treat the infection of a vegetable garden, chemical fungicides might work. Chemical fungicides may leave harmful residues in or on vegetable garden contents. Beckerman lists fungicides with the active ingredients chlorothalonil, Captan, Mancozeb and Maneb as garden fungicides not approved for organic gardening.
Source:
Managing Vegetable Diseases of the Home Garden
Jonathan Septer - Jonathan D. Septer is an author, poet and music producer. His first novel, "Higher Calling," was published in 2008. He is an award-winning ...
