Post date: Jun 25, 2020 1:22:13 AM
The pores of many fungal organisms are present in the soil. These can persist for years, and get activated in the right conditions. Soil-less gardening tries to avoid these organisms (I don’t practice that method - have tried it though).
Strong plants will fight most fungal infections. Make sure you have the right seeds, have nurtured your seedlings well, sown or transplanted them correctly, and ensured they have right growing conditions. Plants must dry between waterings. If it rains, the soil must fully drain. Watering just when rain is predicted is one of the surest way to get fungal infections :) Err on the side of risk - water if it does not rain as predicted. As much as possible.
Too much watering is a killer for most plants. Roots rot, and plants get disease-prone. Vulnerable plants are prone to attack.
When you stick store bought cuttings, left overs, or poor quality seeds brought from India, or passed over from unknown sources, you run the risk of weak plants. Quality of seeds matter most for plant health. Not all of them will be bad, but your risks are enhanced. Care for the source of your seeds and get them from trusted sources.
Moisture and heat is the combination that triggers a fungal attack. That is why as summer progresses you must ensure sunlight, air and proper spacing of plants.
When rain water falls on the soil and soil splatters on leaves, that is enough to trigger a fungal attack. Keep lower leaves trimmed. Keep the plant off the ground.
Clear all debris around the plants. Allow top layers to remain dry and mulched.
Do not water the leaves. Or leave them wet overnight. Allow plants to dry off fully. Sun and air help that. Most leaves will droop down and drain the water standing on them.
Clip and discard any infected leaf. Simple infections like powdery mildew (white coating on cucumber leaves) can be dealt with a spray of milk. But many fungal infections have no cure. You may have to take the plant down and dispose it, so the spores don’t live in the compost.
Air circulation is critical in the yard. Reduce crowding, and ensure your leaves are able to dry well.