Diseases and pests of garden flowersappear in the garden every year and wreak havoc on our flowerbeds. However, their occurrence can be limited, and if they do occur, you can deal with them effectively. We present the most commondiseases and pests of garden flowersof annuals and biennials as well as proven methods of combating them.
Diseases and pests of garden flowers - aphid
Where do diseases and pests of garden flowers come from?
Pests are animals that damage plants.Insects constitute the largest group of pests.Pests of garden flowersdamage plant organs or lead to the destruction of the entire plant, min. by sucking juices, eating leaves, or digging tunnels in shoots, roots and fruits. There are also indirect pests that transmit viral or fungal diseases. Such pests are called vectors.
Diseases of garden flowersare caused by pathogens such as fungi, bacteria and viruses. Among garden plants, fungal diseases are the most common. The typical symptoms of diseases are discoloration, distortions and wilting of plants. Among thediseases of garden flowers , there are also physiological diseases caused by non-infectious factors, such as macro- and micronutrient deficiencies or unfavorable growing conditions.
Fighting diseases and pests of garden flowers
To avoid flower diseases in our garden , it is worth taking preventive measures, such ason the purchase of only he althy plants from proven sources and providing the plants with appropriate growing conditions. Methods of fightingdiseases and pests of garden flowerscan be divided into ecological and chemical methods.
Ecological methods of fighting pests and diseasesare safe for the environment, have a short-term effect and only against pests and pathogens. These are most often preparations of plant origin, pest traps and methods of biological combat, consisting in introducing natural enemies of a pathogenic agent or pest. And so, for example, the natural enemy of aphids is the parasite of the bug larvae Aphidolotes aphidimyza.
If natural methods turn out to be ineffective or insufficient, you can usechemical methods of combating diseases and pests , consisting in the use of chemical plant protection products directly on plants or soil. Chemicals include pesticides and fungicides. Chemicals must not be abused because of their phytotoxicity, i.e. their adverse effect on plants.To avoid the side effects of chemical warfare, do not spray chemicals that are intensely sunlit, with dry roots, or those in very high or low temperatures.
Note!
Until recently, it was common practice to burn plant debris infested with diseases or pests to prevent the spread of pathogens. However, according to the current regulations, smoking leaves and branches, even if they come from sick plants, is forbidden. From gardens and plots, we should dispose of them in accordance with the principles of segregation and waste return in force in our commune. Cut branches and removed leaves are called green waste.
Diseases of garden flowers
Fusariosis- caused by the fungus Rhizoctonia solani. Its symptoms are brown, watery spots appearing at the base of the shoot or on leaves in contact with the ground.Plants die, light brown mycelium appears on the surface of the dead tissues and the substrate. The most common attacks are: begonias, gazans, lobelia, lion's mouths, impatiens. Non-chemical control through the use of Bioczos BR (0.5%) and Biosept 33 SL (0.05%) biopreparations. Biopreparations should be used alternately with fungicides. Remove sick plants from plantings. Chemical control with Rovlal Flo 255 SC (0.2%) and Sarfun 500 SC (0.1%). Water the plants with one of the preparations, using 2 to 4 liters of liquid per m².
Powdery mildew- a white, powdery coating of mycelium appears on young leaves and shoots. It attacks a variety of flowering plants, including asters, phloxes, impatiens, lobelia, and snapdragons. Plants should be watered directly to the ground, so as not to wet them, use biopreparations on diseased plants (BioPlatt 25 EC, Biochikol 020 PC, Bioczos BR, Biosept 33 SL alternating with Bajleton 5 WP, Baymat AE, Topsin M 500 SC fungicides. 2-3 times every 10 days.
Downy mildew- a disease caused by the fungus Bremia sp., Peronospora sp … It manifests itself as oval, chlorotic or yellow spots (turning red-brown) and fungal bloom on the lower part of the leaves. Affected leaves die over time. The disease is often found on such plants as: garden pansy, phlox, sweet pea, lion's mite, snapdragon. To combat powdery mildew, the plants should not be moistened during watering, the plants must not remain wet overnight. Biopreparation (Biochikol 020 PC) should be used alternately with fungicides Dithane M-45 80 WP, Previcur 607 SL. Spray the plants 2-3 times every 7 to 10 days, use the agents alternately.
Leaf blotch- manifested by watery, round or oval brown spots. Sick leaves die. Attacks asters, pansies, begonias, phloxes, peas, sage, verbena. You should remove and infected leaves or even whole plants. Use biopreparations (Biochikol 020 PC, Bioczos BR, Biosept 33 SL) alternately with fungicides: Bayleto 5 WP, Baymat AE, Dithane M-45, Topsin M 500 SC.Spray plants 2 to 3 times every 10 days.
Rust- disease caused by the fungus Puccinia spp., Uromyces spp.). It attacks in summer, numerous round spots of yellow color appear on the leaves. Orange or brown clusters of fungus sporulation appear on the underside of the leaves. Infected leaves die. It attacks plants such as: pansies, cloves, snapdragon, mallow, daisies. It helps better airing and greater spacing between plants. Heavily infested plants should be removed, and the remaining ones should be treated with biopreparations such as Biosept 33 SL, Bioczos BR. Use alternately with fungicides: Bayleton, Baymat, Discus, Dithane. Spray plants 2-3 times every 14 days.
Gray mold- it's caused by Botrytis cinerea. It most often manifests itself in the spring or autumn period, when watery, brown, rapidly enlarging spots are visible on the above-ground parts of the plant. Parts of plants or entire plants die. It infects many different plants, includingmarigolds, asters, begonias, pansies, cloves, lobelia, mallow, impatiens and others. To prevent the plants from being watered directly to the ground and to ensure good plant ventilation. After noticing symptoms, use biopreparations: Biochikol, Biosept or fiungicides: Euparen, Kaptan, Rovral Flo. If necessary, repeat the treatment.
Virozy- disease caused by viruses traveling with the sap of infected plants, can be transmitted by pests, on garden tools and even by seeds. The flowers are small and distorted, with streaked or mottled discoloration on the petals, yellowish discoloration on the leaves. Fragrant peas and many other flowering plants, including bulbs, are often affected by viroses. In order to prevent it, you should buy he althy plants and fight against factors that can transmit viruses. Diseased plants should be removed. Chemical control is not possible.
Violet root rot- a disease caused by fungi found in the soil, mainly in places where violets and pansies have been grown for many years.The petals and leaves of diseased plants discolor and curl, the root system is too loosely attached to the ground. Attacks pansies and violets. Infected plants should be dug up and removed as soon as possible, it is worth growing sensitive species in a different place every year.
Pests of garden flowers
The most commonpests of garden flowersare aphids. They are burdensome, but we have an increasing range of aphid control agents at our disposal, including natural preparations that are safe to use. Other pests can also be a nuisance.
Red-necked caprock- a symptom of this pest's feeding are large, irregular holes gouged in leaves, buds and petals. Kapturnica often attacks Chinese asters. To prevent it from multiplying, caterpillars must be collected from plants and destroyed. After finding damage, the plants can also be sprayed with a contact preparation, e.g. Spruzit 04 EC.
Peach aphid- leaves are discolored and twisted, sticky discharge appears on them, plant growth is inhibited.It attacks Chinese carnations and bearded carnations. After detecting aphids, spray the plants with a strong stream of water. You can also spray with an aphidicide, for example Target Agricolle, or with garlic-scented potassium soap.
Beet aphid- flowers are distorted, leaves sticky, turn yellow. Plants show clusters of black wingless insects. Most often, this pest attacks the May nasturtium and shiny sage. Sprinkle the plants with a strong stream of water, garlic-scented potassium soap or Agricolle agent.
Cabbage aphid- twisted and discolored leaves, inhibition of plant growth, mainly summer leaf aphid. Remove damaged plants and destroy them. After noticing the first damage, spray it with a systemic preparation, eg Confidor 200 SL. Instead of a chemical agent, you can use the above-mentioned Target Agricolle and potassium garden soap.
Helichrysum- top leaves turn purple-red, wrinkle and twist. Attacks Chinese asters. Remove damaged plants and destroy them. After noticing the first symptoms, you can spray with a systemic preparation, e.g. Provado Plus AE.
Cyclamen mite- the pest feeds on flowers and tops of shoot growth. Plants bloom poorly and brown scars appear on stunted stems. It attacks various species of asters. It helps to remove diseased plants and replace them with more resistant annual asters. In amateur cultivation, it is not combated chemically.
Earwigs- yellowish-brown insects that feed at night. In summer, they eat flower petals and young leaves. They attack pyrethrum, dahlias, and also perennials and shrubs. To get rid of corks, inverted pots filled with hay are placed between the plants, planted on sticks. During the day, earwigs will take refuge in them. Destroy the contents of the pots.
Thrips- plants are attacked by various species of thrips - brown-black insects with a narrow body up to 2 mm long, the development of which is favored by hot and dry weather. White spots and discoloration appear on the flower petals, becoming more and more extensive with time.In case of severe infestation, flower buds do not open, and the leaves show silver-white discoloration. In addition to annuals, thrips also attack perennials, bulbs, orchards and others. We prevent the appearance of thrips by regularly watering the plants and preventing overheating of the greenhouse by airing and shading. When symptoms appear, spray the plants with appropriate agents, e.g. natural Agrocover, Karate Zeon 050 CS, Spintor 240 SC.
