Gray moldis one of the most common fungal diseases in plants. In the garden, gray mold spreads very quickly. Therefore, it is worth knowing whatfighting gray mold looks likeand what to do when we see the firstsymptoms of gray moldon our plants. Learn about the best natural methods of preventing this plant disease and find out whichsprays against gray moldare the most effective.
Gray mold on grapevine fruits - first small brown spots appear,
which cover the whole fruit with time, it starts to rot and its surface becomes covered
gray, dusty coating
Gray mold is caused by Botrytis cinerea, a fungus belonging to the class of Ascomycetes. It attacks various plant species, both ornamental, vegetable and fruit. The most famous is probablystrawberry gray mold , although just as often amateur gardeners and gardeners struggle with the problem such astomato gray mold
In addition to the strawberries and tomatoes mentioned,the attack of gray mold is particularly vulnerable toraspberries, currants, grapevines, peppers, lettuces, beans, and from ornamental plants - cyclamens, cloves, dahlias and Roses. Interestingly,herbssuch as marjoram or tarragon can also suffer from gray mold.
Particularly oftengray moldattacks plants grown under covers, such as foil tunnels or frames, where there is high humidity and limited ventilation.The symptoms of gray moldare primarily a gray, fluffy, dusty coating, as well as brown spots on the stems.Flower buds infected with gray mold turn brown and die, and the fruit rot. Even if we managed to avoid disease until the fruit is harvested,gray mold can also destroy it during storage
The conditions for the appearance ofsymptoms of gray moldare an increase in temperature and humidity. The natural source of gray mold spores is the dead plant parts left over from last season. The fungus can also be transmitted through garden tools and elements of greenhouses or foil tunnels.
Fighting gray mold naturallyis first and foremost about using the right cultivation methods. First of all, when planting plants, keep a sufficiently large spacing so that they do not grow too densely packed. When watering, the above-ground part of the plant should not be soaked, the water should be directed directly to the ground. It is worth ventilating rooms with plants, especially foil tunnels or frames.Let's not forget about the crop rotation, changes in the crops grown in a given position are very important. Plenty of light should also be provided to the plants to grow.
Gray mold on peony leaves
Very important in is appropriate fertilization of plants. Properly fertilized plants are stronger and less susceptible to disease. However, it should be remembered that the deficiency of nutrients in the soil can be just as harmful as their excess. In particular, nitrogen over-fertilization should be avoided, as its excess promotes too vigorous growth of green plants (leaves and shoots), excessive density of crops and easy transfer of the fungus causing gray mold to the next plants.
Remember to regularly check the plants for visible
signs of gray mold When we notice them, the affected parts of the plant should be removed, preferably burn.You should also be extremely careful when picking the fruit. Damage to the peel should be avoided, the fungus can easily penetrate the fruit through such a wound. Any containers in which we keep the fruit should first be thoroughly disinfected to remove the fungus spores left over from previous use. Strictly following the preventive rules is the best way to prevent gray mold naturally.
However, ifgray moldoccurs on our plants, it can be treated withPolyversum spray WPIt is a biological agent. It contains another fungus - Pythium oligandrum, which parasitizes Botrytis cinerea, the cause of gray mold. At the same time, the fungus contained in Polyversum WP is safe for plants and people. Thanks to Polyversum WP, we do not have to reach for chemical fungicides right away. It is extremely important because thanks to Polyversum WP we can eliminatesymptoms of gray moldquickly and naturally.Due to the non-toxic nature of the agent, it can be used even shortly before the fruit is harvested.Gray mold sprayingPolyversum WP has recently been used on a wider variety of plants, previously it was mainly used on strawberries. Currently, with this remedy, it is possible tofight gray moldon raspberries, currants, cherries, pears, peppers, cabbage, geraniums, roses and even on lawns.
Spraying against gray moldcan also be done with chemical fungicides such as: Amistar 250 SC, Kaptan 50 WP, Signum 33 WG and Topsin M 500 SC. When dosing, always follow the appropriate labeling guidelines and instructions for use. Thanks to this, we will be sure that we have applied the right dose of the protection agent at the right time.
Katarzyna Matuszak