Fungicides are biological chemicals or compounds that were formulated to control or kill fungi or prevent the growth of fungal spores. Fungi can cause serious injury to plant life even death of plants and crops. These pesticides can be applied as foliar sprays and as seed treatments in-furrow applications. Fungicide formulation include both synthetic and non-synthetic options such as oils, copper, and sulfur and can be applied to control scabs, blights, rust, molds, and mildews. Fungicides can be used for crops as well as home gardens.

What Causes Plant Fungus?

•  Plants that are overwatered.
•  Poor soil drainage.
•  Watering plants too late in the evening.
•  Water settles on plant leaves and does not dry as night falls.
•  Some fungi live in the soil.
•  Fungi spores travel through the air.
• Poor air circulation.

Signs of Fungi

These are some signs to look for.

• Wilting of leaves and sometimes the entire plant.
•  Rotted tissues.
• Blights
• Damping off of seedlings.
• A foul odor that emanates from plants.
• Flower buds fail to open properly
•  Plant leaves turning soft and mushy.
•  Discoloration of leaves.
• Cankers
• Wood rot.
• Scabs.
• Yellowing of leaves in some cases may also be a nitrogen deficiency.
• Bud galls.
•  Leaves turning brown.
• Leaf spot.
• Leaf curl.
• Flowers fade.

How is Plant Fungus Spread?

Fungi are spread by infected seeds & seedlings, water splash, wind, through the movement of plant material, contaminated soil, tools, animals, machinery, and birds and the spores can be carried by people

When to Apply Plant Fungicides?

The ideal time to apply fungicides is early in the morning or near sunset to help reduce the risk of beneficial insects or pollinators coming in contact. Fungicides can also be applied when there is little or no wind. Fungicides are best applied before a plant falls prey to pathogens. After a plant becomes infected by a disease or pathogen, the application of the correct type of fungicide may stop the disease from spreading but the plant will remain diseased. Under the right conditions, the disease will resurface. It is therefore crucial to learn how to correctly apply fungicides to prevent and limit disease.

Caution

Although fungicides are considered to have low toxicity levels, never apply them close to open water or where they may run into open water because fungicides pose a risk to aquatic life. Before product application, read the manufacturer label and follow it for the best results and also to protect pollinators.

How to Treat Plants?

The first thing to note is that not all fungicides work the same way. They have a different mode of action. Some fungicides are liquid, wettable powder, and dust.

When using these chemicals always wear protective clothing including gloves. Also before mixing and applying fungicides, follow the manufacturer’s directions for the best results.

Best Management Practices

To limit the spread of fungus it is always best to practice best management practices when it comes to plant care because proper plant care will promote healthy plant growth that can discourage the onslaught of fungus for example. Ensure that the soil is healthy and has the right type of plant species, install plants in the proper location depending on their lighting needs, and give plants the required water. Also use the correct pruning, sanitation (sterilize pruning tools before and after each pruning procedure), and fertilizer practices.

Some Fungicide Products Include

1. Copper Fungicide.                                                  8. Copper Oxychloride

2. Blue Shield DF.                                                       9. Daconil.

3. Fungus control for lawns.                                     10. Thruicide.

4. Fungus Fighter.                                                      11. Fruit tree spray.

5. Copper sulfate.                                                       12. Rose and powder care.

6. Freeflo Copper.                                                       13. Dynamic lifter fruit.

7. Dr earth fungicides.                                               14. Safer 3-in-1.

Conclusion

Fungicides have their place when it comes to plant life, these pesticides have proven to be beneficial once used correctly. These products have an is being used on large agricultural projects and in the home garden. If the above list of symptoms describes your garden plants it may be that you have fungal issues.