Which perennial lover doesn't have at least one aster in his garden? These hard-working flowering perennials simply look great. But asters don't always look vibrant, colorful and he althy. Sometimes they are afflicted by diseases
What diseases commonly occur in asters?
Common diseases of asters are aster wilt and powdery mildew. The former manifests itself in limp leaves, which later turn brown to black; Powdery mildew causes white to gray spots on the upper side of the leaves, which later appear powdery.
Identify and combat aster wilt
The leaves of the aster hang limply. As if they were suffering from drought. But the earth is not dry. On the contrary, it is actually quite moist. The cause behind the limp leaves is probably aster wilt.
This disease often occurs in cushion asters. The leaves soon turn brown to black until they eventually die. In the long term, the plant can no longer be helped. To prevent it from infecting other asters, it should be disposed of as quickly as possible.
You should not plant asters for a few years in the location where aster wilt occurred. The fungal pathogens overwinter in the soil and can re-infect newly planted or sown asters. Therefore, look for a new location for your asters!
Identify and treat mildew
A second disease that occurs increasingly in asters is powdery mildew. The plant is particularly at risk of being affected by powdery mildew if its leaves are constantly moist. Infected parts should be cut off and disposed of in household waste rather than compost.
This is how you recognize the illness:
- white to gray spots on the top of the leaf
- later: flour-like coating on the leaves
- shoots and buds can also be affected
- finally the affected parts of the plant turn brown
- Leaves fall off
- Flowers don't open
- the entire plant withers away
Common causes of diseases in asters
In most cases, care errors are behind the illnesses. An unsuitable location and too infrequent division can also be reasons. This is also how you prevent disease infestation:
- strengthen with field horsetail broth, garlic broth, nettle broth, etc.
- do not water the leaves
- Do not plant the distance too small (at least 30 cm)
- choose resistant varieties
Tip
For the sake of the environment and your wallet, avoid treating with chemical fungicides. Strengthen your asters and optimize care so that the diseases in question do not occur in the first place.