Bacteria and Rot on Plants

Bacteria and Plant Rot

Bacterial diseases and plant rot are diseases that must be prevented before they spread to cultivated plants. If conditions are favorable for the spread of these diseases, act quickly and prevent an outbreak as soon as possible.

Bacterial Diseases

Bacteria attack plants, trees and shrubs without distinction. They multiply in the summer months at a constant temperature of 25°C. They lurk in the soil and on plants for several winters in a row. How they manifest:

• on vegetables - the effect of bacteria is destructive, check vegetables regularly and destroy affected parts
• on ornamental plants - bacterial infection is not as common here. Ornamental plants struggle more with pests and fungal diseases
• on fruit trees - bacteria cause so-called fire blight. If you suspect the occurrence of this plant disease, inform the plant protection station or agricultural department at the municipal office

What to watch out for? Bacteriosis is primarily transmitted by insects:

• aphids - carry bacteria in their bodies. When sucking on young leaf shoots of plants, aphids can transmit diseases
• spider mites - leave puncture marks from sucking in plants, making the plant less resistant to bacterial attack
• thrips - suck on the underside of young leaves. Empty plant cells after sucking fill with air and bacteria have free access

How to Fight Bacteriosis?

Affected trees, plants and shrubs must be cut back deeply and thoroughly. There is no effective spray or chemical for this disease. For woody plants, soak the saw in alcohol between individual cuts and disinfect it. Remove succulent plants and herbs entirely. Immediately after cutting and removing plants, destroy the affected parts!

Prevention

The most important prevention measures are:

• buy only healthy and resistant plants
• sow mixed plant cultures in beds, don't plant the same type of vegetable in one place several times in a row
• eliminate sucking pests - they cause open wounds on plant leaf tissues
• keep the garden tidy - regularly rake leaves, remove plant debris, weeds

Root Rot in Plants

Prevention is the most important factor with this disease too. Plants need to be protected and monitored to prevent this fungal disease from developing. Fungal disease affects plants, vegetables and woody plants alike. It manifests by destroying plant roots and eventually kills the entire plant. Root rot is caused by fungi that live in the soil or on plant roots.

You can recognize root rot occurrence when plant leaves wilt. They behave as if the plant is suffering from drought. The foliage droops and turns yellow (later brown). Dig a hole about 15 cm deep near the plant. This way you can check for waterlogged soil and inspect the plant roots. If the soil is dry, you can safely water the plant and continue cultivation. But if the plant roots are blackened and smell bad, believe that they are affected by rot.

How to Prevent Root Rot?

• choose resistant plant varieties
• remove affected plants (including roots)
• water only when the soil is really dry
• improve soil drainage by incorporating compost or sand

If you have clay soil that retains a lot of water, build a raised bed in your garden, border it with boards and fill it with quality, well-draining substrate.

Fungicide Against Root Rot

Fungicides help as prevention against root rot. If root rot appears in bulbous plants, use a fungicide. Pour it together with the bulbs into a plastic container and store until planting.

To use fungicide as an effective treatment, you need to identify and determine which fungal disease has attacked your plants.

Seed Treatment

Seed treatment is an often overlooked method that helps destroy potential sources of fungal diseases and pests.

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Author: Hana Michalíková