To protect plants from phytophthora, gardeners prefer to use harmless, but the most effective methods. This disease often affects tomatoes during ripening. I will talk about how you can prevent late blight to tomatoes when using boric acid. You will also find out what kind of tool it is, and in what cases it is recommended to use it.
What is late blight
Phytophthora is a disease caused by fungus-like microorganisms that affects nightshade crops.
Signs of late blight on tomatoes
The first phase of the disease on tomatoes is not always noticeable, as the lesions appear unevenly. First, brown spots appear on the leaves and stems. In wet weather, diseased foliage from below is covered with a white fluffy coating.
Dark spots appear on fruits. Over time, tomatoes rot.
Causes of the disease
Zoospores of late blight fall on plants from the soil, from nearby diseased crops.
The disease is helped to manifest itself:
- heavy rains;
- improper watering, when a large amount of water falls on the leaves;
- a significant difference in day and night temperatures, leading to the appearance of dew;
- potatoes growing nearby, since most often this plant is affected by late blight first;
- thickened landings;
- non-compliance with crop rotation, when tomatoes are planted in the same place.
The use of boric acid in the processing of tomatoes
There are many different medications and home remedies for Phytophthora. I prefer to use boric acid. This tool can be easily bought at any pharmacy.
Description of boric acid
Crystalline substance in the form of a colorless powder, odorless. Boric acid has antiseptic and insecticidal effects.
Useful actions of boron
Boric solutions have several beneficial effects for tomatoes and are used in such cases:
- as foliar top dressing;
- in the fight against late blight and for preventive measures;
- with boron deficiency;
- when disinfecting tomato seed material before sowing;
- as a means of improving the setting of tomatoes.
Features of feeding with boric acid
Boron treatments are performed using two methods:
- watering under the roots;
- spraying with boron solution.
Spraying with a solution
This method of dealing with late blight is the simplest.
When to Spray Tomatoes
The procedures are carried out three times during the entire growing season to increase productivity:
- During budding. During this period, top dressing with boric acid helps in the formation of inflorescences.
- During the flowering period. The procedure eliminates shedding of inflorescences and helps to form ovaries.
- At the initial stage of fruiting. Processing at this time protects the tomatoes from rot and improves their palatability.
For processing, you can use a spray gun.
Preparation of solutions for processing tomatoes
Depending on the purpose of spraying, boric liquid is prepared as follows:
- to improve flowering and the formation of a healthy ovary, a solution consisting of a substance (10 g) and water (10 l) is used;
- to protect against phytophthora, dilute 1 tsp. l. boron in a bucket of water.
The solution must be warm. Make sure that the crystals dissolve completely so as not to cause burns on the plant.
Watering under the root
With a similar procedure, tomatoes get all the micronutrients through the roots (10 g / 10 l of water). Watering is carried out at the beginning of the development of the tomato. Thus, the plant will receive all the components necessary for development.
Boric acid is best used as a preventive measure against late blight. In addition, it is an excellent top dressing and a means to improve the formation of tomatoes.
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#boric acid#tomatoes#Phytophthora of tomatoes