How Do You Save Plants and Crops From Blackspot Diseases?

Blackspot has become a serious disease in crops and plants in NZ. However, blackspot disease can be controlled through an integrated approach utilizing effective management, time and rate of showing and using effective chemicals or a broad spectrum fungicide. This plant disease can be found on different crops and plants such as fruits, leaves, flowers, roses and more. This is quite common in areas where the weather is humid and hot. Before you know the methods to prevent blackspot, explore more about it for a better understanding.

More About Blackspot

Black spot is a fungus that can affect various plants but is quite common among rose plants. Besides, it can also be found in other gardens or ornamental plants. The disease can be found on leaves, flowers and fruits. Issues are greatest when your plant's leaves stay wet for more than 5 hours.

Symptoms of Blackspot

When your plants or crops get infected by blackspot disease, you can see small blackspots, up to 1/2 inch in diameter, on the upper leaf side. Your plants may develop black or purplish patches that can grow rapidly from 2 to 12mm. The spots may also develop diffuse margins. Besides, the tissue surrounding the spots will turn yellow. It affects the lower leaves, and leaves drop prematurely. Sometimes, young stems may also develop black, scabby and small patches. Under serious infestation, the plant will shed all leaves. Blackspots, generally, overwinters in fallen leaves and branches.

Blackspots only attack rose plants, but this fungal disease has touched every corner of NZ. Considered the country's common plant disease, it doesn't kill the plants or crops directly. In fact, it leads to their early demise. Infected plants become weak, stressed as well as vulnerable to other insects and diseases, for example, aphids, etc. On the other hand, it can jeopardize cold hardiness and increase the chances of winter death and damage to plants.

Causes of Blackspot Disease

Just like other fungal diseases among plants, blackspot is caused by the fungus called Diplocarpon Rosae which is brought on by cool temperatures and a humid and wet environment. Such conditions generally occur during the growing season. If not treated using spectrum fungicide, it can weaken your plant. Remember that overhead watering and overcrowded conditions will make the disease grow. Dry and warm conditions may slow down the spread of blackspot but don't completely stop it.

Tips to Control Blackspots in Crops and Plants

Once you see the black spot on the leaves, the most effective way to control or prevent the disease or stop its spread is with the best agriculture chemicals or fungicides. For example, Validus fungicide offers three-way and effectively protected against blackspot disease. Besides, you can use this broad-spectrum fungicide to control powdery mildew on grapes.

As per the experts, you should begin preventive treatment as soon as buds on the plans begin to swell or break in spring. Based on the conditions, you may need to repeat the treatment for around 7 to 14 days. Choose a fungicide that can prevent blackspot infection, control and stop active disease and protect leaves tissues against the spread of blackspot disease.

Always consider using an integrated approach with preventive measures along with biological treatments. A fungicide containing tebuconazole and trifloxystrobin, along with triticonazole, is good for keeping the infection under control.

Some Preventive Measures to Follow

• It is advisable to opt for disease-free planting materials.

• It will be better if you apply a layer of mulch while planting your plants.

• Make sure your plants are getting sunlight and well-drained.

• Try to keep the foliage of the plants as dry as possible. The spores require a wet surface to germinate.

• Avoid overhead watering and water as early as possible in the day so that your plants can get enough time to dry.

• Enhance the air circulation around the plants by placing them at the right distance and pruning them regularly.

• Clean up the infected fallen leaves, as those leaves can increase the risk of reinfection.

• If you can use organic fertilizer, then it can be good for your plant.

Fostonic Fungicide can is a powerful fungicide that you can use to control blackspot and other fungal diseases in ornamental plants, apples, and non-bearing plants. It creates a systematic activity with rapid translocation and penetration. It is perfect for targeting the disease on plants in your home garden.

Besides, you can also use Proplant Procura Fungicide, which is suitable for nurseries and gardens. This fungicide is quite effective, and this systemic fungicide can be used to control damping off in ornamental plants. With this, you can enjoy excellent crop safety.