So ... What is Leaf Spot?
Leaf Spot is a commonly used descriptor for identifying many different plant diseases. Most leaf spot is fungal but some is also caused by bacteria. Often the larger clusters of fungal leaf spot are referred to as anthracnose or canker.
Characteristics
Leaf Spots are typically brown, but depending on the type of fungus, the spot could also be tan or black. Concentric rings or dark margins around the spot may also be present. Over time the spots can group together to form blotches and sometimes they are formed in angular patterns on the plant.
Using a product such as Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide will prevent further spread and actually eliminate the leaf spot all together!
Symptoms of Leaf Spot Damage
Leaves infected with leaf spot will yellow and may drop prematurely. The fungal blight can sustain itself and reproduce in the dead debris of the plant. This will cause the disease to further spread and possibly infect other plants.
Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide can ensure that your plants do not remain infected and stay healthy all season long.
Plants That Are Susceptible to Leaf Spot
Many types of plants can be affected but some of the most common include trees and shrubs. Some species are more susceptible than others. Since there is a wide variety of leaf spot, listing all of the plants associated with infection would be a very large list.
General rule of thumb is most leaf bearing plants are susceptible to this type of disease. Using a sulfur based fungicide, such as Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide, at first notice will ensure that your plants are healthy all year long.
Leaf Spot Controls
What?
Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide can kill existing leaf spot or anthracnose on contact and control future outbreaks.
How?
Sulfur or Copper fungicides change the pH balance of the plant, creating an environment where leaf spot and other fungal blights cannot thrive.
Most solutions help with disease control because when the soil is healthy, (and not full of harmful chemicals) there is a never-ending battle between the good microbes and the pathogens and the microbes often win.
Carefully read and follow all instructions on the product packaging for best results. It is recommended with any pesticide to test plants for sensitivity to the product. Spray a small section of the plant in an inconspicuous area and wait 24 hours before full coverage.
IMPORTANT: Do not use products containing Neem Oil within 14 days of applying Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide. The mix of both products can greatly increase risk of phototoxicity (burning) to your plant.
When?
Spray Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide when you notice the symptoms of leaf spot and then again as needed in 7 to 10 day increments. As a general rule, much like watering, do not use these products in the peak of the day or when temperatures exceed 90 degrees F to avoid wilting or browning of the leaves.
Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide can also be used as a preventative measure against fungal infections because the fungicide changes the pH of the plant and creates an environment that is not conducive to disease growth. Treatment once a month is recommended but in heavy rain seasons, treat every 7 to 10 days for best results.
Why Choose a Disease-Fighting Solution?
Using disease-fighting solutions in your garden is an important step in controlling diseases such as leaf spot.
Some ingredients, like the patented seaweed extract in Safer® Brand Garden Fungicide, actively increase a plant’s resistance to disease because it is a root growth stimulator, controlling many types of plant pathogens through increased biological activity. This is what many gardening experts refer to when they talk about the natural defenses of a plant and it is similar to antibodies in a human immune system.
Keeping the living organism in the soil protected by using products that are compliant for organic production, is not only good for the global environment; it also helps protect your plants from further outbreaks and other issues like insects.
Limit Leaf Spot Outbreaks With These Garden Tips
Soil
Make sure the soil around your plant is properly drained. Without proper drainage, your planting area can be a ripe breeding ground for disease organisms.
Compost
Adding organic materials through composting will generate beneficial microorganism activity which fights away disease and other garden problems.
Maintenance
Keep leaves as dry as possible. Water plants at the base instead of the leaves.
Remove all diseased leaves or branches throughout the season and once again before winter. Remove all diseased leaves and canes from the plant and surrounding areas.
Safer® Brand leads the alternative lawn and garden products industry, offering many solutions that are compliant with organic gardening standards. Safer® Brand recognizes this growing demand by consumers and offers a wide variety of products for lawns, gardens, landscapes, flowers, houseplants, insects and more!
