Diseases of garden fernscan lead to the death of the entire plant. Garden ferns most often suffer from physiological diseases resulting from inadequate growing conditions. Sometimes they are also attacked by pathogenic fungi orfern pestsSee how to recognizediseases and pests of garden fernsWe suggest the best ways to protect ferns against pathogens and recommended spraying.
Fern leaf with disease symptoms
Fig. pixabay.com
Physiological diseases of garden ferns
1. Browning and dying off of garden fern leaves
Usually, garden ferns prefer shady places under the canopy of tall trees or shrubs.In shade-loving ferns grown in full sun, especially in the hot summer, fading occurs, followed by premature browning and development of sunburnt leavesIn this case, the only advice is to dig up the ferns and replant them where will have more shade.
Note!Browning and dying of fern leaves in autumn is a natural phenomenon. In evergreen ferns, the death of single leaves is also not a cause for concern, because their leaves live for about 2 years and are quickly replaced by new ones.
2. Yellowing leaves of garden ferns
Garden ferns, as forest plants, in addition to shady positions, also require a moist and well-drained substrate.They grow poorly on wet, heavy and clay soils.Inappropriate moisture conditions and too heavy a substrate cause the fern leaves to turn yellowThe best soil for garden fern cultivation is a sandy loam, humus substrate, loose and well aerated.
Garden ferns grow badly in nutrient-poor soils.Nutrient deficiency, especially nitrogen, causes fern leaves to turn pale and yellowing.Before planting ferns in the garden, it is a good idea to put some compost in the hole to prevent future nutrient deficiencies. If during the cultivation of ferns we notice symptoms of nutrient deficiency, they can be supplemented with a compound fertilizer or compost once.
Most ferns grow best in acidic or slightly acidic soil with a pH of 4.0 to 7.0However, there are exceptions to this rule, e.g. alkaline. Before planting a given species of fern, you should carefully study its requirements. Inappropriate reaction of the substrate causes yellowing and dieback of garden ferns , because then they are not able to take up nutrients from the soil.
Fungus diseases of garden ferns
1. Fern anthracnose
Anthracnose, caused by Colletotrichum gloeosporioides or Phyllosticta pteridis, often attacks a variety of ornamental plants, including garden ferns. The most commonly affected arefern leaves, on which appear brown oval spotsThese spots gradually increase in size, covering the entire leaf with time. Rings are clearly visible on the surface of the stains. Additionally,fern leaf tips turn brown, twist and shrink , and dark clusters of fungus spores appear on them after prolonged rainfall. The rapid development of the disease can even lead to the death of the entire plant. Sick fern leaves should be cut and destroyed, and the whole plants should be sprayed 2-4 times every 7 days with Topsin M 500 SC, at a dose of about 15 ml / 10 liters of water.Be careful when using the product. Ferns are very sensitive to the effects of plant protection products. If alarming symptoms occur after using the preparation, stop using it.
2. Fern leaf spot
Another disease of ferns is leaf spot caused by several types of fungi (Alternaria, Cercospora phyllitidis, Septoria asplenii, Cylindrocladium pteris, Mycosphaerella sp.). Its symptoms areoval or round, sometimes zoned, gray, brown or brown marginal spots appearing on fern leavesTo prevent this disease from developing, avoid wetting the plants when watering. Leaves with the first symptoms of the disease must be removed and destroyed immediately, and the plant should be sprayed with Biosep Active or Bioczos (20 ml per 10 l of water).
Pests of garden ferns
1. Nematodes
"Garden ferns can be attacked by soil nematodes (Nematoda).They are soil-like and invisible to the naked eye worms, which makes it difficult to determine their presence before they do any damage. Some types of nematodes damage the roots, which can causestunted fern growth or wiltOther nematodes attack fern leaves, causing deformation and discoloration. Nematodes are difficult to fight, it is best to use the safe natural preparation P-Drakol (10g / 2 liters of water). If the treatments are not successful, the fern must be removed from the garden. "
2. Roztocze (Acari)
Garden ferns are sometimes attacked by mites (Acari). These tiny arachnids damage plants by drinking the sap from the leaf tissues. Over time, this causes stunted growth and distortion of the fern leaves.The fern leaves turn brown or rusty as a result of mites feeding.To combat mites on garden ferns, it is necessary to use protective preparations, e.g. Emulpar 940 EC.
Good to knowWell-nourished and properly cultivated garden ferns are very rarely attacked by pests. However, if they do occur, it is very difficult to combat them, because ferns are very sensitive to the effects of chemical pesticides. The best way to prevent pest infestation is to follow the rules of balanced fern fertilization, grow ferns in a suitable substrate and buy he althy fern seedlings from proven sources.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
