Geraniums are among the most popular summertime blooms, but propagating and growing them requires extra care. They are susceptible to several bacterial and fungal diseases, which can compromise plant health and reduce profits.
Phyton Corp offers broad-spectrum disease control solutions for bacterial and fungal diseases affecting geraniums. "Our flagship product, Phyton 27, is safe to use during propagation and throughout the plant's life, even on open blooms. Here a closer look is taken at the types of geranium diseases and how to prevent and treat them", the Phyton Corp team explains.
Common geranium diseases in greenhouse plants
Geraniums are especially susceptible to Xanthomonas bacteria as well as the Botrytis genus of fungus and fungi in the order Uredinales, which causes rust.
Bacterial leaf spot
"Xanthomonas is the common cause of leaf spots on geraniums. These bacteria cause small, water-soaked lesions on leaves that are tan to dark brown. Some may have a yellow halo. They are often located along leaf veins. Protect your geraniums from bacterial leaf spot with diligent sanitation and scouting practices. Minimizing splashing and reduce leaf wetness. Leaf spot can also spread through infected cuttings, seeds, and cutting instruments."
Botrytis blight
"Botrytis blight presents a threat and a challenge in each geranium production phase. Also known as gray mold, Botrytis blight typically thrives in wet, humid conditions. It can affect the geranium's stems, buds, flowers, and leaves. They develop soft, brown spots that may be covered with a gray mold. Protect your geraniums from Botrytis blight by following strict sanitation and air circulation practices. Allow plants to dry quickly after watering."
Rust
"Rust is a common fungal disease that affects geraniums. It will first appear on the underside of leaves as small, yellow spots that develop brown pustules in the center. A second ring of pustules will then develop. Eventually, these rings push through the leaf and are visible on the upper surface. When this happens, leaves may become yellow and drop off. Rust spreads by splashing water, air, and workers handling infected plants. Protect your geraniums with strict sanitation practices and good air circulation."
Geranium disease control during propagation
"Propagation is a particularly risky time for geraniums, and sanitation is key to protecting your plants against bacterial and fungal disease. Start with stock plants that are free of major bacterial, fungal, and viral diseases to guarantee a healthy crop."
Preventing geranium disease
"Phyton 27 is a versatile, broad-spectrum bactericide and fungicide that is safe for use on geraniums. Phyton 27 can be applied as a spray, soil drench, fog, dip, injection, or chemigation. Here are a few tips for controlling bacterial diseases in established geraniums and during propagation.
For bacterial leaf spot control, apply to stock plants before taking cuttings to prevent disease spread, either at transplant time or at full bloom. When symptoms are visible, use 5 ounces of Phyton 27 per 10 gallons every 3 to 5 days, and as a preventative, use 1.5 to 4.5 ounces per 10 gallons every 10 to 14 days.
To control Botrytis Blight, apply to stock plants before taking cuttings to prevent disease spread, either at transplant time or at full bloom. When symptoms are visible, use 2.0+ ounces of Phyton 27 per 10 gallons every 5 to 7 days, and as a preventative, use 1.5 to 2.0 ounces per 10 gallons every 10 to 14 days.
For rust control, apply to stock plants before taking cuttings to prevent disease spread, either at transplant time or at full bloom. When symptoms are visible, use 2.0+ ounces of Phyton 27 per 10 gallons every 5 to 7 days, and when using as a preventative, use 1.5 to 2.0 ounces per 10 gallons every 10 to 14 days."
For more information:
Phyton Corp
tvanderheiden@phytoncorp.com
https://phytoncorp.com/