Preparations for plant protection against diseases

In this article, we will look at the most common diseases that affect our plants. Here's who they are and how to fight them.

Powdery Mildew

A fungal disease characterized by a white, powdery coating on leaves and stems. It usually occurs in high humidity, poor ventilation and temperatures that are not too high. Often with densely planted plants that do not allow sufficient air circulation.

Preparations for treatment and prevention:

Oidioprot, Prot-eco is a mixture of nutrients and microflora growth factors derived from microorganisms that prevent the development of fungi. The substance is non-toxic and leaves no residue. Can be combined with Equiprot if desired for better control of fungal infections. In combination with Cinnaprot, it becomes one of the best preparations against mildew.

• Spray abundantly every 10-15 days with 5 ml./l. and water pH approx. 7.5 - 8.

Cinnaprot is produced from natural extracts and has a powerful auto-regenerative and antioxidant effect on the plant, in addition to its high effectiveness against the injuries caused by mites. It is effective against powdery mildew and prevention of fungal infections in plants. It leaves no residue. Suitable for use in organic crops.

• Mix 2 - 2.5 ml./1l. pH: 6.5 - 7 and spray liberally every 10 - 15 days.
• May alternate with other products (call if unsure)

Mildiuprot + from Prot-eco - A natural product that is based on antioxidants. It can be used against all types of molds to protect plants. It acts as a catalyst and activates the plant's own defense mechanisms by strengthening its immune system.

• Mix 3 ml. of the product per 1l. water and spray the plants liberally.
• Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves as well as the stems.
• Repeat after 8-10 days.

This product can be used independently of other products you use with your plants. Can be combined with other Prot-eco products at the time of spraying. For more information, see the label or come to us.

Canna Cure by Canna - A formula that helps protect against a wide range of pests and molds while nourishing the plant and increasing yield. When sprayed, this product forms a protective, sticky layer on plants. This layer improves the color and vitality of the stem and leaves and ensures that plants can breathe normally and leads to better photosynthesis. An environmentally friendly product that is free of toxins.
Spray at least once a week.
Unlike Prot-eco products, this one cannot be mixed with other products. On the other hand, it covers a wide range of issues.
Canna Cure 1l. - Concentrate

• Dilute 330ml. in 1 liter water and follow the steps above.

Fungal infections - Fusarium and Botrytis

Fusarium and gray mold are serious fungal diseases that can destroy entire crops. Just like pests, these fungal infections are caused by many different types of fungi. We will not go into them in detail - it is enough to know that fusarium can affect the stems (fusarium stem canker), the roots (fusarium root rot), or the whole plant (fusarium wilt).
Provocative factors are high humidity, weak air flow and improperly balanced soil environment.

Fusarium at the stem (Stem Canker)

Trunks, branches, or stems usually swell to form a shell that can split. Leaves on affected stems wilt and necrose without falling from the plant. This pathogen can also infect seedlings, causing rot.

Fusarium at the roots (Root Rot)

You will notice a wilting of the plant that appears to be caused by a lack of moisture. You may also observe lesions on the stems. Even in the absence of lesions, however, it will be possible to notice a different color of the stem.

Fusarium wilt (Fusarium Wilt)

The main symptom of fusarium wilt is wilting that cannot be corrected by watering. The leaves and stems look healthy, but the plant appears to be under-watered. Affected plants show a characteristic coloring of the vascular bundles in the stem - dark or brown.

In advanced stages of the disease, the roots can begin to rot, which further worsens the condition of the plant.

Fusarium - Identification and Symptoms:

• Early signs: Look for unusual changes in plant color. Fusarium often causes the plant's vascular tissues to turn brown, which can be seen at the base of the stem.

• Cankers: These are sunken, darkened lesions that appear on the stem. As the disease progresses, these cankers can cover the stem, causing the upper parts of the plant to wilt and die.

• Foliar symptoms: Leaves above the infected part of the stem may show signs of wilting, yellowing (chlorosis) and eventually necrosis, even though the plant is well watered.

• Stunted growth: Infected plants often show reduced growth and vigor due to the disease's effects on the vascular system, which impedes the plant's ability to transport water and nutrients.

• Seedling rot: Fusarium can cause seedling rot in the soil zone and collapse. This is more common in overwatered or poorly drained soils.

Fusarium - Prevention and treatment

It's best to think about prevention when it comes to most serious yeast infections. Once they appear, they are difficult to remove and you will certainly have a reduced quality and quantity of your yield. Better avoid them.

The following are practices and natural remedies to help ensure that fungal infections stay away from your plants.

• Ventilation and Airflow: Maintaining good airflow around plants is critical, especially for indoor plants. Use fans and make sure air can circulate freely around all parts of the plant. Sometimes the desire to fit more plants in one room leads to unexpected results.
• Humidity Control: Gray mold thrives in humid conditions, so keeping the relative humidity below 60% indoors can help. For outdoor plantings, avoid watering during wet or cloudy days.
• Drainage: Make sure the soil has good drainage to prevent water retention, which can encourage Fusarium growth. You can read more about drainage in our articles on Keramzite and Perlite .
• Soil sterilization: For indoor plants, using sterilized soil will reduce the presence of pathogenic fungi.
• Hygiene and plant health: Regularly clean the tools you work with and keep the space where the plants live clean.

Healthy plants are less likely to get fungal infections. Products such as: Canna Cure by Canna, Bio Neem and Messanger ProActa 25 by Prot-Eco, and Diamond Shield by Plagron can help the overall health of the plant and thus reduce the chances of developing these fungal infections.

There are also specialized products that are aimed directly at the prevention and eradication of fungal infections. Our recommendation is to use them preventively before you need to use them to clear the infection.

Here's what to use to reduce the chances of your plants picking up a fungal infection.

Equiprot strengthens the structural wall of the treated plant, which has a beneficial effect on the growth of all parts of the plant. Only three hours after spraying, the product will have developed its effect and will be protected against high humidity from rain and dew. Therefore, it reduces the stress levels of the plant, which also leads to higher yields.

• 7 to 10 ml./l. and spraying every 15 days will give you a good protection.
• You can mix it with different products, depending on the situation.
• Do not spray 10-12 days before harvest.

MILDIUPROT + is based on antioxidants and acts against all forms of mildew as a phytofortifier by strengthening the plant's own defense systems. It is suitable for planting outside, in a greenhouse and inside. We recommend starting spraying in the spring season. Effective against fusarium, gray mold, blight and other fungal diseases.

• Mix 2.5 - 3 ml. per liter of water and spray the whole plant liberally, including the lower part of the foliage.
• Repeat 2 to 3 times in 8-10 days.

Copperprot is a copper deficiency corrector that simultaneously has harmful effects on various fungi and bacteria. It is suitable for planting inside, outside and in greenhouses. It is also effective against Alternaria, Monilia, Repillo, Rust and others. You can use up to 15 days before harvest.

• Mix 2 - 3 ml. / l. and spray liberally. In case of severe attacks, two treatments with 2.5 ml can be carried out. / l. with an interval of 3-4 days.
• Apply every 10 to 15 days.
• Wet the entire plant thoroughly, including the back of the leaves. Apply in low light hours and do not apply in high temperatures.
• Does not harm other organisms including bees and mycorrhizae.

Botryprot is a specialized preparation that contains nutrients and microflora growth factors derived from extracts. It prevents the growth of fungi and rot, but also nourishes the plant. It is suitable for any type of cultivation and can be mixed with various Prot-eco products. For example with Equiprot to fight advanced fungal infections.

• Mix 2 to 2.5 ml. / l. to each and spray every 10 to 15 days.
• Do not spray in the last 15 days before harvesting.

Gray mold (Botrytis)

It is a widespread fungal pathogen that affects a variety of plants under both natural and controlled conditions. This pathogen is particularly known for its ability to infect soft fruits, vegetables and ornamentals under certain environmental conditions.

Symptoms of Botrytis infestation include gray-brown mold growth on affected parts of the plant. This mold can cover leaves, stems, flowers and fruits. Infected fruit often becomes soft and rotten, while blossoms may show brown spots and premature wilting.

The pathogen can survive on plant debris and soil, as well as in the form of sclerotia (an established mass of mycelium). In humid conditions, it produces a large amount of airborne spores that spread to other plants and initiate new infections. Loves humid environments, low air circulation and moderate temperature (15°C - 20°C).

All the preventive measures we mentioned above are also valid here. Make sure you have good drainage and free air movement, use sterilized substrates, and maintain good cleanliness around your plants.

In addition, you can use the following preparations to protect against diseases:

SB Plant Invigorator is a Growth Technology product that is environmentally friendly, non-toxic and does not require a quarantine period. A great choice for regular prevention against mold, aphids, scale and false scale lice, whiteflies, mites and other pests. This product has the added quality of delivering extra nutrients to your plant.

• If you use the spray, just spray the plants liberally from all over. The concentrate is diluted to 10 ml. to 1 l. water
• Do not spray while the lights are running and/or in strong sunlight (this applies to any spraying of plants and is not related to the detergent!)
• Do not mix with other preparations
• Preventatively use weekly, and if there is a problem, you can spray your plants every other day until you have control of the invader

Botryprot is a specialized preparation that contains nutrients and microflora growth factors derived from extracts. It prevents the growth of fungi and rot, but also nourishes the plant. It is suitable for any type of cultivation and can be mixed with various Prot-eco products. For example with Equiprot to fight advanced fungal infections.

• Mix 2 to 2.5 ml. / 1 l. and spray every 10 to 15 days.
• Do not spray in the last 15 days before harvesting.

MILDIUPROT + is based on antioxidants and acts against all forms of mildew as a phytofortifier. Strengthens the plant's own defense systems. It is suitable for planting outside, in a greenhouse and inside. We recommend starting spraying in the spring season. Effective against fusarium, gray mold, blight and other fungal diseases.

• Mix 2.5 - 3 ml. per liter of water and spray liberally over the whole plant, including the lower part of the foliage.
• Repeat 2 to 3 times in 8-10 days.

All these products can be found in the section Plant protection , as well as its sub-sections plant protection against diseases, plant protection against insects , and plant protection against insects and diseases .

Call us or come to the Gardener Growshop store for advice on which product to use and how to combine pest and disease control products. It is best to do it before symptoms appear.