Pest & Disease Basal stem rots

Basal stem rots

Phoma spp.

What is Basal Stem Rot ( Phoma medicaginis)?

Pea (Pisum sativum) Ascochyta Blight, also known as Basal Stem Rot or Black Stem, is a disease complex caused by Phoma medicaginis var. pinodella, Ascochyta pisi, and Mycosphaerella pinodes. It affects pea plants and can cause stem, crown, foliar, and pod diseases. Ascochyta blight affects seedlings in cool, wet weather, causing blackening and death of stem tissue from the soil line and extending up the stem for 2 to 6 inches. Later, it leads to severe spotting on leaves, stems, and pods. The disease is distributed in pea-growing regions worldwide.

How does Basal Stem Rot ( Phoma medicaginis) occur?

Pea Ascochyta Blight is primarily reproduced through infected seeds. The pathogens Phoma medicaginis var. pinodella, Ascochyta pisi, and Mycosphaerella pinodes can all be transmitted through contaminated seed material. The pathogens can survive in the soil as thick-walled chlamydospores for extended periods. Infected plant debris, such as pea straw, can also contribute to the disease's persistence.

Symptoms

1 - Impacts on Plants

Pea Ascochyta Blight significantly reduces pea crop yield and quality, leading to lower productivity and diminished overall quality of the harvested peas.

Solutions

1 - Cultural practices

1. Crop rotation: Rotate out of peas for at least 4 years and avoid including vetch or alfalfa in the rotation. 2. Seed selection: Use seed from pathogen-free fields and avoid saving seed from affected fields. 3. Straw management: Burn or plow under diseased pea straw after harvest to reduce inoculum sources. 4. Planting timing: Plant midseason to late-maturing varieties or delay planting by 2 weeks to reduce disease incidence.

2 - Applications of Funigicides

Some available fungicides for treating Ascochyta blight in peas include Captan, Mertect, Nevado, Thiram, Rovral, Wakil XL, Aprovia Top, Cueva, Endura, Priaxor Xemium Brand, Proline 480 SC, and Strobilurin fungicides. Consult local regulations and experts for specific recommendations.

Susceptible Species

FAQ

Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?

Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.

How often should you water indoor plants?

Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.

Can my monstera plant get root rot?

Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.

Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?

No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.

What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?

If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.

Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?

Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.

Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?

Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.

Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?

No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.