SYMPTOMS
Major causes for Fusarium are high salt content in the irrigation water and potting medium kept too moist for too long. Roots begin to rot and the base of the plant develops a back dry rot. The disease is spread to improper hygiene, generally as a result of using nonsterile cutting tools, which transfers the fungus from plant to plant.
The infected plant leaves will appear shrivelled, wrinkled or wilted and will eventually die. On Phalaenopsis you may observe sunken spots on the leaves and will form yellow streaks, older leaves become leathery and younger leaves may become reddish.
TREATMENT
Treatment of all fungal or bacterial diseases starts with the following:
- Isolate the plant from other plants in your collection.
- Remove or Cut all the infected leaves/canes/roots or parts of the plant with a sterilized tool.
- Each time the cutting tool contacts infected tissue, it should be sterilized before making a second cut.
- Chemical treatment with following on all plants in the collection.
Following Fungicide is effective:
- Chemical Name: Chlorothalonil (Brand: Kavach) 1g/L of water
Keeping the plants drier will help to keep the infection from spreading or appearing again. Isolate the plants and observe the plants for 1-2 weeks. And apply another round of control spray with any of the above fungicides. Spray the plants early morning and keep the plants dry after the spraying. Don't water the plants same day spray treatment is done.
PREVENTION
- Avoid Over-watering
- Provide good circulation
- Proper hygiene in the growing area
- Sterilization of cutting tools before every use
- Frequent Inspection
- Isolation of suspicious plants
- Precautionary control sprays
