Phytophthora: methods of struggle and prevention

Phytophthorosis is a formidable fungal disease affecting mainly the nightshade (potato, tomato, eggplant, pepper, etc.). Causes its fungus Phytophthora infestans, which is brought to the site most often with purchased tubers or seedlings. Sources of infection can also be left for the winter heap heap. Disputes of phytophthors, overwintering, cause disease of new plants. Fight this infection is very difficult. It's easier not to let it develop.

Phytophthora, the methods of combating it primarily consist of prevention, affects plants mainly in the second half of the summer. Therefore, it is important not to miss the terms of planting potatoes. The most optimal time is the second decade of April. Before planting the soil must be loosened. Many gardeners during the laying of tubers in the holes throw there for a handful of manure. In this case, it is important to keep the dosage correctly. The fact is that the overabundance of nitrogen in the soil is one of the main causes of the development of phytophthora. Therefore, do not put too much soil on manure.

Some overabundance of potassium and phosphorus fertilizers, on the contrary, reduces the risk of a disease such as phytophthora. The methods of combating it are rather complex and often ineffective. Therefore, one more excellent way to prevent its development can be considered the application on the site only resistant to it varieties. It can be "pace", "Gatchina", "dining room 19" and others.

Often phytophthora on potatoes is manifested in the case if it is grown for several years in the same place. In this case, gradually accumulating, the infection significantly reduces the yield. Do not also put tomatoes next to the potato field. In the latter case, both cultures may suffer. Root crops before planting are compulsory sorted, culling all the small, ugly and sick. It is best to withstand their week another at a temperature of 16-18 gr. Celsius. During this period, the spots of late blight become noticeable, so it will not be difficult to remove sick tubers.

Phytophthora of potatoes most often amazes it in rainy cool summer seasons. In this case, it is worth reducing the amount of watering. It is very important to remove the weeds weakening the plants in time and carry out the hills. A thick layer of soil above the tubers will not allow them to penetrate the spores of the fungus from branches and leaves.

If nevertheless the phytophthora touched your crops, you will have a big and laborious work. First of all, you need to remove all infected stems and leaves. Then the potatoes are treated with preparations with fungicides. Bordeaux fluid also copes well with this disease. However, it is best to use new means. The fact is that phytophthora, the methods of combating it, also presuppose the use of copper-containing preparations, very quickly mutates and adapts to all the chemicals applied to it.

In some cases, ecologically safe microbiological agents of the new generation will also be useful. The principle of their action is extremely simple: the bacteria entering into them when they get into the water are activated, and when the solution is applied to the branches and stems, they begin to destroy the fungus. With rainwater, they penetrate into the soil, helping to cleanse of disease and tubers. Thus, you can cope with the disease "phytophthora". Of course, the methods of combating it with chemical preparations can be considered more radical. However, the use of microbiological agents will make it possible to obtain a crop that is not contaminated by harmful compounds. In this case, the decision remains for the owners of the site.