Geraniums
are a pleasure to grow and typically easy to get along with, although these
hardy plants can occasionally fall victim to various
diseases. Botrytis blight of geraniums is one of the most common. Geranium
botrytis treatment involves a multi-pronged approach that includes both
cultural practices as well as fungicides. Let’s learn what to do about blight
disease in geranium plants.
Geranium Botrytis Symptoms
What is geranium botrytis
blight? It is a very troublesome fungal disease that shows up most often in
cool, humid conditions. The spores are transmitted to healthy plants via air
currents. Symptoms typically begin with brown, water-soaked spots on flowers
and leaves, usually attacking wilted blooms first. As the affected areas dry
out, they are replaced with masses of fluffy tan, gray, or brown fungal growth.
The disease usually spreads to the main stem, weakening the
stem and causing flowers to drop from the plant. You may notice dark brown rot
at the lower part of the stem. Eventually, the entire geranium plant turns
brown and dry.
Controlling Blight Disease in Geranium Plants
Remove the affected plant parts immediately. Dispose
of them in a sealed container to prevent spread. Rake up any fallen leaves,
flowers, buds, and twigs. Keep the area clean and free of plant debris. Ensure
there is adequate spacing between plants, which allows for proper air
circulation and lowers humidity around the plants.
Apply a layer of fine
bark or other mulch to prevent water (and fungal spores) from splashing on
the stem. Destroy wilted and fading blooms on the plant. Water at the base of
the plants, preferably in the morning, using a soaker
hose or drip irrigation system to keep the foliage as dry as possible.
Avoid overhead watering.
Apply fungicide as a foliar spray at the beginning of
flowering and continue regularly throughout the season. Your local
cooperative extension office can help you select the most effective product
in your area. Look for a product that is nontoxic to bees and other beneficial
insects. Switch fungicides periodically, as botrytis blight may become
resistant.
Geraniums
are a pleasure to grow and typically easy to get along with, although these
hardy plants can occasionally fall victim to various
diseases. Botrytis blight of geraniums is one of the most common. Geranium
botrytis treatment involves a multi-pronged approach that includes both
cultural practices as well as fungicides. Let’s learn what to do about blight
disease in geranium plants.
Geranium Botrytis Symptoms
What is geranium botrytis
blight? It is a very troublesome fungal disease that shows up most often in
cool, humid conditions. The spores are transmitted to healthy plants via air
currents. Symptoms typically begin with brown, water-soaked spots on flowers
and leaves, usually attacking wilted blooms first. As the affected areas dry
out, they are replaced with masses of fluffy tan, gray, or brown fungal growth.
The disease usually spreads to the main stem, weakening the
stem and causing flowers to drop from the plant. You may notice dark brown rot
at the lower part of the stem. Eventually, the entire geranium plant turns
brown and dry.
Controlling Blight Disease in Geranium Plants
Remove the affected plant parts immediately. Dispose
of them in a sealed container to prevent spread. Rake up any fallen leaves,
flowers, buds, and twigs. Keep the area clean and free of plant debris. Ensure
there is adequate spacing between plants, which allows for proper air
circulation and lowers humidity around the plants.
Apply a layer of fine
bark or other mulch to prevent water (and fungal spores) from splashing on
the stem. Destroy wilted and fading blooms on the plant. Water at the base of
the plants, preferably in the morning, using a soaker
hose or drip irrigation system to keep the foliage as dry as possible.
Avoid overhead watering.
Apply fungicide as a foliar spray at the beginning of
flowering and continue regularly throughout the season. Your local
cooperative extension office can help you select the most effective product
in your area. Look for a product that is nontoxic to bees and other beneficial
insects. Switch fungicides periodically, as botrytis blight may become
resistant.