Late blight (or late blight) is one of the most dangerous fungal diseases. Tomatoes, cucumbers and strawberries are exposed to it. In conditions of high humidity, the disease develops rapidly, quickly infects healthy plants, and leads to their death.
Signs of the disease
The first visible symptoms are found on the tops. These are small but rapidly growing dirty brown spots. Over time, a gray coating appears on them - fungal spores.
The disease is highly contagious and spreads quickly. External signs are recognized already on the 4th day. In dry weather, the tops wilted and dry out. When wet, it rots.
Brown elongated spots appear on the stems that do not have clear boundaries. A gray bloom gradually forms on them - spores.
The fruit also develops brown spots, which gradually enlarge, destroying the entire fruit.
Conditions conducive to the emergence and development of phytophthora
The disease appears and spreads rapidly in conditions of high humidity:
- fog;
- abundant dew;
- rains;
- excessive watering.
Spores germinate in just 5 hours. Infection occurs through all parts of the plant:
- fruit;
- green mass;
- root system.
It quickly spreads and destroys all plant tissues.
To save tomatoes from a dangerous disease, you need to start fighting it in a timely manner.
Soil disinfection
A preventive measure that allows you to get rid of fungal spores that have got into the soil. The event is held 2 times a year - in autumn and spring.
For autumn processing, choose:
- table vinegar 9% - 1 l;
- hydrogen peroxide 3% - 200 ml;
- water - 10 liters.
The peroxide and vinegar are mixed and left in a warm, dark place for a week. Then take 1 part of the infusion per 10 liters of water and carefully spill the beds in the greenhouse after the harvest is complete. Then covered with transparent polyethylene to improve the greenhouse effect.
As a result, under the influence of the environment, the solution decomposes into oxygen, water and vinegar, disinfecting the soil. It is an effective remedy against a large number of harmful microorganisms.
A month after the procedure, the soil is sown with green manure to saturate it with nutrients. Before the onset of cold weather, they are mowed and dug up.
Greenhouse disinfection
To increase the effectiveness of the fight against late blight, they disinfect not only the soil, but also the greenhouse itself.
The structure is treated with chlorine-based solutions. Using a spray gun, they are applied to all parts of the structure, paying special attention to joints, cracks and crevices. The procedure is started at an air temperature of at least 5 ° C. At the end of the process, the polycarbonate is washed with soap.
Airing
Since late blight is actively developing in conditions of high humidity and temperature, ventilation is one of the important preventive measures.
In order to organize it correctly, on one side of the greenhouse, a door is opened, on the other - a window. This creates optimal conditions.
Airing is done when the air temperature is at least 12 ° C.
Organization of watering
Stagnation of moisture provokes the appearance and spread of phytophthora. Therefore, it is very important to organize the correct watering in the greenhouse.
The ideal solution is a drip irrigation system. It delivers water in metered doses, avoiding excessive amounts of water. Does not increase humidity.
However, it is not always possible to install it. Therefore, water is introduced with a watering can, strictly under the root of the plant. The procedure is carried out in the early morning hours or in the evening, after sunset.
Mulch use
A layer of mulch keeps the soil moist for as long as possible. At the same time, the path of spores from the ground to the leaves is blocked.
Used as mulch:
- peat;
- cut grass;
- humus;
- sawdust.
If the first signs of late blight were found, they immediately begin to combat it. Affected plants are removed and burned, the soil is disinfected. Greenhouse treatment in spring and autumn is an effective preventive measure against a dangerous disease.
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