With warm weather arriving in Marin, check on your plants

Every species, variety or cultivar has a unique set of characteristics that often provide important clues to identifying the source of the problem.

Warm weather makes our gardens more vulnerable to fungal diseases. Fungi are the most common causal agent of plant disease. Of the more than 2 million species of fungi in the world, 8,000 are known to be detrimental to plants. These microscopic organisms cause symptoms such as root and crown wilts, leaf spots, rusts, cankers, downy and powdery mildews, and stem and twig blights. Blights cause severe damage to a plant structure, like leaves, flowers or stems; rots are typically caused by soil-borne fungi-attacking roots, stems and fruits. Cankers appear as sunken areas or spots where the bark is rough, missing or swollen, and wilts are the result of fungi growing inside a plant’s vascular or fluid-conducting tissue, causing these tissues to die.

Because fungi are not always visible on a plant’s surface, they are often identified by their growth patterns, spores or other structures. Fungi absorb nutrients through tiny thread-like filaments called hyphae. A collection of hyphae on a plant is a key diagnostic sign that can lead to identifying a specific fungus. Examine infected plant tissue with a hand lens, or if further assistance is needed, bring a sample to the Marin Master Help Desk in Novato. The sample can be viewed under a microscope or put onto a petri dish with a nutrient medium to see if identifiable fungi grow out.

Monitor your plants. If a plant appears stressed and symptoms appear, examine the plant for symptoms and signs of injury or disease. Determine the most likely cause by first accurately identifying the host plant: Every species, variety or cultivar has a unique set of characteristics that often provide important clues to identifying the source of the problem. Fungi are often host-specific.

The use of genetically resistant plants, if available, should be the first line of defense for diseases caused by fungi. The use of good cultural practices in genetically resistant plants can often slow or limit the incidence of fungal disease. Fungicide applications can supplement preventative control measures if/when a fungal disease persists despite the above efforts.

Fungicides are typically more effective when applied preventively but also can be effective when applied after the onset of symptoms. In either case, fungicides must be delivered to the area of the plant where the pathogen is active to be effective. Accurate diagnosis of the fungal disease is critical to selecting the appropriate fungicide since they vary in efficacy. Always follow instructions on the fungicide label regarding timing of use and weather conditions.

Controlling plant diseases with cultural practices involves a combination of preventing a conducive environment for fungal growth and improving the growing conditions for maximum plant health. Purchase healthy, vigorous plants and carefully inspect the root system before planting. Study the plant’s normal growth habits and requirements — soil type, pH, exposure, drainage and exposure — and learn the common problems to which that plant type is vulnerable. Learn from reliable sources how common diseases for that cultivar type are treated.

Growing resistant cultivars can better manage fungal leaf spots and blights, like anthracnose. Plants with leaf spots, the most prevalent of all plant diseases, or downy mildew fare better by limiting overhead irrigation. Too little water stresses plants, making them more susceptible to disease organisms, like canker fungi; excessive watering results in greater susceptibility to root diseases. Careful watering, sterile pots and uncontaminated, soil-less seedling mixes help reduce the incidence of rots.

Rotate vulnerable plants to a different spot each year to disrupt year-to-year pest cycles. Prune twigs and branches from woody plants infected with blight or fungal canker diseases. Turn the soil after harvest to help break down small roots that may harbor fungi. The prompt removal of plant debris and infected plant parts minimizes disease spread and reduces overwintering spores. Disinfect tools and machinery with household bleach in a 10% solution of bleach and water.

Prevention is the best approach for most plant diseases.

Sponsored by UC Cooperative Extension, the University of California Marin Master Gardeners provides science- and research-based information for Marin home gardeners. Email questions to helpdesk@marinmg.org. Attach photos for inquiries about plant pests or diseases. Please call 415-473-4910 to see when a master gardener will be at the office or drop off samples 24/7 in the sample box outside the office. To attend a gardening workshop or subscribe to Leaflet, a free quarterly e-newsletter, go to marinmg.ucanr.edu.