Cavity spot
Pythium violae
What is Cavity spot disease (Pythium violae)?
Pythium violae is an oomycete pathogen that primarily affects carrots, but it can also cause lesions on various other plants, including alfalfa roots, celery, black-eyed peas, wheat, cucumber, beets, and even weeds. This pathogen is responsible for cavity spot disease. In addition, symptoms of cavity spot disease manifest as oval-shaped and depressed lesions along the mature taproots of carrots. These lesions are surrounded by a thin yellow halo. They are relatively large, measuring about an inch in diameter, and typically appear in the upper third of the root.
How does Cavity spot disease (Pythium violae) occur?
Pythium violae follows a disease cycle that is associated with cool and wet weather conditions, usually around 58°F. These fungi thrive in moist soils with a preferred pH of around 6.8. During winter, they survive as oospores in the soil and become active as the soil temperature rises. In free water, they produce zoospores, which initiate new infections. This cycle underscores the significance of moisture management and the impact of soil temperature on the pathogen's activity.
Symptoms
1 - Impact on Plants
• Pythium violae has a significant impact on plants as it causes brown lesions leading to a reduction in market value due to their blemished appearance. • Severe infections of Pythium violae can result in wilting, stunting, and even the death of the affected plants.
2 - Soil Health
• The presence of infected plant debris acts as a source of the pathogen, facilitating its population growth and persistence in the soil. • The disruption of root systems caused by Pythium violae infections can negatively affect nutrient uptake and overall plant health.
Solutions
1 - Cultural Methods
• Utilize raised beds to enhance soil drainage and mitigate waterlogging issues, promoting healthier plant growth. • Practice water management by avoiding excessive watering, and ensuring appropriate soil moisture levels. • Implement a lengthy crop rotation schedule, allowing sufficient time between susceptible host plantings to disrupt the pathogen's life cycle. • Opt for well-drained, lighter soil types when cultivating carrots and other susceptible plants to discourage disease development. • Consider harvesting host plants earlier than usual to minimize disease severity and limit the spread of Pythium violae.
3 - Treatment options
Treat fields with a history of severe cavity spot. • MEFENOXAM (Ridomil Gold SL): Apply preplant- or post-planting, 28-50 days apart, at a 1-1.3 pt/acre rate. Use chemigation or ground equipment with irrigation. Max limit: 2.8 pt/acre per season. • FENAMIDONE (Reason 500SC): Alternate with mefenoxam fungicide. Apply every 14-21 days at an 8.2 fl oz/acre rate. • CYAZOFAMID (Ranman): Apply at a rate of 6.0 fl oz/acre every 12-14 days. Mode of action: ubiquinone reductase, Qi site (21). Apply preplant by sprinkler, drip irrigation, or flood irrigation. Check label for rates and preplant timing.
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.
