Diseases and insect pests that often attack fruit and nut trees, grapes, and brambles in spring and summer can be headed off during the winter. Dormant sprays—which kill overwintering pests and some diseases—are best applied when plants are in the dormant stage—after leaves have dropped in the fall and before leaf buds open in spring. […] More
Early blight, late blight, and leaf spot are common fungal diseases of tomato plants. Late blight is the most serious of the three. It spreads rapidly and will likely destroy the infected plant and can quickly spread to other plants—including potatoes, eggplants, and peppers. Here are the basics for identifying these fungal diseases: Conditions for […] More
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that causes a white coating on leaves, stems, and flowers of plants. Powdery mildew attacks beans, peas, lettuce, cucumbers, melons, pumpkins, squash and other plants including many annual and perennial flowers and shrubs. Powdery mildew fungal spores germinate on the dry surface of leaves when humidity is high and […] More
Small yellow spots that appear first on older leaves are a symptom of this fungal blight. These spots gradually enlarge and become dark-colored areas filled with concentric rings. Alternaria leaf blight is particularly problematic for plants in the cabbage and squash families. Strawberries and carrots are also susceptible. When alternaria infects broccoli and cauliflower plants, […] More
Stephen Albert