Phytophthora root rot
Phytophthora megasperma
Also Known As - Phytophthora crown and root rotWhat is Crown and root rot (Phytophthora megasperma)?
Crown and root rot is caused by Phytophthora megasperma, affecting trees like apple, cherry, citrus, peach, and shrubs such as azalea and rose. Thriving in wet soil, it mainly impacts 5-7-year-old trees. Symptoms include dark and sunken bark at the base, turning cinnamon brown, early leaf drop, delayed spring foliage, stunted fruit, and small leaves. The tree's bark damage encircles and kills it while the leaves persist. Other Phytophthora species like P. cactorum, P. cambivora, P. dreschsleri, and P. syringae also contribute to this disease, further threatening plant health and appearance.
How does Crown and root rot (Phytophthora megasperma) occur?
The pathogen responsible for crown and root rot survives in the soil as mycelia (fungus threads) in infected plant tissue or as durable oospores (resistant spores). It releases sporangia (reproductive structures) that produce motile zoospores when there is water. These spores can infect the roots and crown tissues of trees. Infections can lead to cankers on the trunk near the soil line, and the pathogen can also spread through root-to-root contact in the orchard
Symptoms
1 - Effects on plants
Phytophthora megasperma causes reduced growth, wilting, yellowing, and leaf drop in plants. It leads to crown and root decay, resulting in plant death. It also makes plants more vulnerable to pests and diseases, reduces fruit production and quality, and weakens overall plant health.
2 - Effects on soil and the Environment
• Phytophthora megasperma disrupts ecosystems, reduces biodiversity, and causes economic losses. • It degrades soil, alters the structure, reduces fertility, and increases erosion risk. It also impacts soil microbial communities, nutrient cycling, and water infiltration in poorly drained soils.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Management
• Choose well-drained sites and avoid pooling water around tree trunks. • Plant on raised beds and limit irrigation runs to 8 hours or less. • Select resistant to stocks. • Avoid deep planting: keep graft unions above the soil line to minimize collar rot risk. • Refill soil depression: In late autumn, refill the soil depression around the trunk with fresh soil to protect the tree collar from winter injury.
2 - Alternate Methods
• Bridge-grafting: Bridge-grafting can be done if less than 30-50% of the trunk circumference is affected. In this method, resistant variety whips are in-arch grafted into the trunk above the diseased area. • Avoid saturated soil: Avoid irrigation practices that keep the ground saturated for 36 hours or more, especially at temperatures of 60-70°F.
3 - Chemical Control
• Chemical treatments: Consider soil drenches of metalaxyl (Ridomil Gold EC) or foliar sprays of phosetyl-Al (Aliette), which can help manage the disease. • Fungicide application: Copper fungicide application: Spray the lower trunk with a fixed copper fungicide (50% metallic copper), using 2-3 tablespoons per gallon of water.
Susceptible Species
Oregon grape-holly
Oregon grape-holly
Oregon grape-holly
Jepson's Oregon-grape
Romanesco broccoli
broccoli
broccoli raab
grape ivy
Oregon grape
Oregon grape-holly
grape hyacinth
grape hyacinth
grape hyacinth
grape hyacinth
grape hyacinth
grape hyacinth
summer grape
summer grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
fox grape
grape
seedless grape
fox grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
grape
common grape
grape
grape
grape
Riverbank Grape
Oregon grape
Boreal Moonwort
Western Moonwort
Triangle Grape Fern
Lanceleaf Grapefern
Lance Leaved Moonwort
Chamomile Grape Fern
Mountain Moonwort
Little Grape Fern
False Grape
Treebine
Veld grape
Grape Ivy
Arabian Wax Leaf
Possum Grape Vine
Miniature Grape Ivy
Grapefruit
Grandleaf Seagrape
Red-flowered Sea Grape
Sea grape
African Tree Grape
Tree Grape
Tree Grape
Bastard Cobas
Tree Grape
Ephedra
Bluegrape jasmine
Mahonia
Grape Leaved Passion Fruit
Amazon Grape
African Grape
Cape Grape
Winter Grape
Muscadine Grape
Grapevines
Wine Grape
Amazon Tree Grape
Oregon Grape Holly
Grapefruit
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.
