Southern Blight: A Common Garden Problem and How to Control It
What is Southern Blight?
Southern blight is a common disease that affects plants in home gardens. It is caused by a soil-borne fungus called Sclerotium rolfsii. This fungus attacks a wide range of plants, including vegetables and ornamentals, at or below the soil line.
Symptoms of Southern Blight
Southern blight is most likely to occur in the summer months when the soil is warm and moist. Symptoms of the disease include:
- Discolored lower leaves
- Wilted foliage
- Plant collapse
- Death of the plant
Upon close inspection, you may find an abundance of white hyphae or mycelia around the lower stem and roots and in the surrounding soil.
How to Control Southern Blight
Controlling southern blight in the home garden can be challenging because the most effective fungicides are only available to commercial growers. However, home gardeners can implement several cultural practices to manage the disease:
Sanitation
- Remove the soil from garden tools and the soles of shoes before moving from one part of the garden to another.
- Quarantine new plants by growing them in a bed isolated from the rest of the garden until you are sure they are disease-free.
- Remove and destroy diseased plants, along with the surrounding soil and any garden debris or mulch that has come in contact with them.
- Avoid transplanting nearby plants to other parts of the garden.
Soil Solarization
- Soil solarization is an effective method of killing the fungus in the soil.
- Cover the soil with a clear plastic tarp and leave it in place while the heat builds up under it.
- The top two inches (5 cm.) of soil must reach a temperature of at least 122 degrees F. (50 C.) to kill the fungus.
Other Control Methods
- If all else fails, consider calling in a landscape professional to treat your garden soil with the appropriate fungicides specified for southern blight treatment.
- Some organic methods for managing southern blight include:
- Applying compost or manure to the soil to improve its health and fertility
- Using disease-resistant plant varieties
- Practicing crop rotation to prevent the build-up of the fungus in the soil
Prevention is Key
Preventing southern blight is the best way to protect your plants. Follow these tips:
- Choose disease-resistant plant varieties.
- Practice crop rotation to prevent the build-up of the fungus in the soil.
- Water plants at the base to avoid wetting the foliage.
- Keep the garden clean and free of plant debris.
- Remove and destroy any infected plants immediately.
Conclusion
Southern blight can be a serious problem for home gardeners, but it can be managed with proper care and attention. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can help prevent and control southern blight in your garden and keep your plants healthy and thriving.
