Cultivating healthy plants demands time, effort and vigilance. Yet, despite your best efforts, you may encounter issues like bud rot, mold or root rot. Recognizing these problems early and knowing how to tackle them is essential to safeguard your plants and maximize yields.
When humidity is high or plants are wet for at least 6 hours, declining or dying, soft tissues can become infected by airborne spores of Botrytis and Botryotinia species. Healthy, actively growing green plant parts are seldom infected directly by these fungi.
Understanding Bud Rot
Bud rot, also known as Botrytis, is a form of mold that thrives in the dense centers of buds in flowering plants. Initially, it manifests as a subtle discoloration inside the bud, making it challenging to detect. As it progresses, the affected area turns mushy and emits a foul odor. Left untreated, bud rot spreads rapidly, jeopardizing the entire plant.
Spotting mold-infected buds is crucial. If you notice any signs, promptly remove the affected areas to prevent further spread. While it's possible to salvage the rest of the plant if the infection is localized, extensive infestations may necessitate removing the entire plant.
Preventing Bud Rot
Prevention is the best defense against bud rot. It thrives in environments with high humidity, poor ventilation and dense foliage. Investing in environmental like dehumidifiers and air conditioning units can help regulate humidity levels. Additionally, selecting strains of plants known for their mold resistance can mitigate the risk.Pruning and spacing plants effectively can improve airflow, reducing moisture accumulation. Moreover, maintaining a healthy soil ecosystem with diverse nutrients strengthens plant immunity against mold.
Dealing with Root Rot
Root rot poses a severe risk to your crops, typically arising from overwatering or poor drainage. When roots suffocate and decay, the plant's ability to absorb nutrients is compromised, leading to stunted growth. Prevention involves maintaining well-aerated soil, watering plants judiciously, and ensuring proper drainage.Promoting Healthy Roots
Healthy roots are crucial for robust plant growth. Adequate oxygenation, achieved through proper soil drying and breathable containers, is essential for root health. Additionally, maintaining optimal soil temperature and watering practices fosters root development. Incorporating mycorrhizal fungi and compost teas can enhance nutrient uptake and root vitality.
Some Useful Products to Treat or Control Botrytis aka Bud Rot
Scietetics Multi is a miticide, insecticide & fungicide
Marrone Bio Innovations Regalia CG organic fungicide used for disease prevention and overall plant health
Bio Works BotryStop WP aggressively out competes Botrytis for space and nutrients in plant tissue, while outperforming other control options by up to 40%.
BioWorks Milstop SP is a preventative control with water-soluble broad spectrum foliar fungicide
EcoWorks EC 4 in 1 Pesticide is derived from 100% cold-pressed neem oil. OMRI Listed
BioSafe ZeroTol 2.0 use in an integrated pest program as a broad-spectrum application. OMRI Listed
BioWorks CEASE Organic Biofungicide provides effective control of a wide array of fungal and bacterial pathogens.
BioWorks SuffOil-X kills soft-bodied pests in all stages and effectively controls fungal diseases like rust, mildew, and botrytis.