Identifying the usual suspects infecting your garden.
Tips to identify and treat common plant diseases in the Willamette valley.
By: Jennifer Tharp
Co-owner Jim Handy Lawn & Handyman Services
Is plant disease attacking your garden? Are leaves turning colors and falling off? Have your plants quit growing, have reduced or no flowers? The Willamette Valley has many plant diseases gardeners need to be vigilant of, in order to treat quickly. By knowing what to look for you will catch the problem before it becomes extreme. Early treatment will help cut the effect on your plants. In this article, I will discuss some of the most common culprits in our area
You aren’t in this fight alone. If you live in the Eugene/Springfield area Jim Handy is here to help. At Jim Handy we specialize in plant disease/pest management & pruning. As a result your plants will look healthy again. Well get shrubs full with more beautiful blooms. Outside the Eugene/Springfield area; Give your local landscape maintenance specialist a call.
We have an integrated approach to plant disease management. Both environmentally conscience and aimed towards long term natural sustainability. Firstly plants are treated with an organic garden spray. Secondly beneficial predators are introduced to naturally control pests. Thirdly bi-annual pruning is the last step. As a result this approach will leave you with a yard that will be the envy of the neighborhood year after year. A yard you will want to spend time in and enjoy.
Plant Diseases of the Pacific Northwest.
Let’s take a look at a few of the most common plant diseases effecting gardens in the Willamette Valley.
Downy & Powdery Mildew – Mildew is definitely one of the biggest issues for home gardeners. There are two types of mildew found in this area, Downy & Powdery Mildew. Many different types of fungus are the cause. Mildew begins when an air borne spore lands on a plant. Spores multiply and spread through the yard.
Infected leaves will look like they are covered in flour. It appears on the upper part of the leaf at first. Then Mildew will spread to the whole leaf, stem, and even the flower.
Downy Mildew is harder to spot than Powdery Mildew because it begins on the underside of the leaves. An oil spot is what it looks like at first. Soon cotton like growth will begin. The fungus then spreads to the top of the leaves. It’s at this point it is usually discovered. Unfortunately the mildew is already in an advanced stage.
Downy mildew attacks garden fruits, vegetables and herbs. Plants most likely will not die as a result of the disease. Severe damage and stunted growth is usually caused. Consequently if the fruit is infected it makes it unusable. Mildew will hide and over winter on your plants. When the weather turns warm the spores spread with the wind infecting other plants.
To control mildew disease, air circulation is very important. Remove dead leaves and unwanted branches. Water early in the morning at the base of the plant so leaves will dry before the weather cools. Types of treatment options are; baking soda and water, vinegar and water, or Neem oil. These treatments have varying degrees of success. You should use Fungicide spray for the best result. Repeat application if needed. Mildews can often be very hard to completely eradicate. Control is possible with due diligence.
Black Spot – Black spot fungus is most often found on Roses. Flowers and other fruit can become infected as well. Black spot is both bacterial and fungal. The plant isn’t usually killed. Plants become week making them susceptible to other diseases and pests. Black Spot thrives in moist cool weather. Summarily being one of the reasons Rust is abundant in the Willamette valley. Leaves will develop dark spots, they will then yellow and drop off.
You should remove any foliage with visible signs of the disease. Mulch can help with the problem. You should also water early in the day. Allowing foliage to dry before the weather cools at night. Baking soda, dish soap and water solution are possible treatments. However you will most likely need to apply a fungicide.
Rust – Rust is another fungal disease that affects plants in the Willamette Valley. Plants will form rusty spots on the leaves and stems. Plants are attacked by more than 5000 types of rust. Hollyhocks, roses and tomatoes are the most susceptible. Rusts spores over winter hiding in the crevices of bark. As a result the wind carries the spores to other plants in the spring. This fungal disease causes stunted growth, leaf fall off and can manifest into fruit rust. You can help stop the spread of disease. Get as little water on the foliage as possible when watering. Clear away any fallen debris. You will find a treatment of sulfur or fungicide is usually necessary.
Treatment and preventative care.
Here at Jim Handy we prefer a great product; which is Organocide bee-safe 3-1 garden spray. Bee-safe is an organic insecticide, miticide, and fungicide. Used for the last three decades. You can apply this Organic product up to the day of harvest. It will treat your plants for all diseases discussed in this article.
It is effective on certain types of fungus. Powdery & Downy Mildew, Rust Spots, Helminthesporium & Greasy Spot. Organicide is derived for organic gardening use, from natural sesame and edible fish oils. Safe around beneficial or large insects if used as directed. Safe around bees, beetles, ladybugs and butterflies, and won’t harm children and pets. It is also safe to use around aquatics.
Treat when there is no threat of rain for at least 3-4hrs. For heavy infection repeat treatment after 3-4 days. If problem persists repeat after 7 days. For normal maintenance once a month is usually enough.
Pruning –
Regular pruning is the last step to making sure your plants stay healthy. You can keep plants looking full & lush with abundant, beautiful flowers. In the garden it is one of the most important and over looked steps. You can’t plant trees and bushes in your yard and forget about them. Then expect them to look great year after year. When last years’ growth dies, leaves fall off and lie on the branches decaying. Consequently plants weaken and disease occurs if you don’t remove the dead leaves. Weakened plants attract bad pests and diseases. Plants will also become bare in the middle when dead limbs are not removed. Plants will not produce new leaves in this area. Regular pruning and removal of dead growth will stimulate new growth. As a result your plants will be healthy, look full and have abundant blooms.
Jim Handy is an expert in the area of plant disease, pest management & pruning. Don’t become overwhelmed if your plants show signs of having a plant disease. If you aren’t sure exactly what the problem is give Jim Handy a call. We will identify the suspect, develop a plan and treat your plants for you.
In conclusion plant disease discovered early is easier to treat and eradicate. For the best preventative care have your plants and trees pruned bi-annually. Monthly pruning can be advantageous. It will divide up the cost of pruning. Help with early detection of plant disease or pests and encourage new growth. A proactive approach is the best approach!
Don’t delay call Jim Handy today! Let us take care of your plants so you can sit back and enjoy them.
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Call Jim Handy Lawn & Handyman Services @
541-228-8062 or
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