Who doesn't know this - today, completely inconspicuous, basil leaves its leaves hanging the next day and goes into it shortly. Fungal diseases can really take a toll on the popular culinary herb.
Is basil susceptible to fungal diseases?
Basil isvery susceptible to fungal diseases and is often affected by such infections. The plants then suffer so badly from these diseases that they eventually die.
What fungal diseases are there with basil?
Common fungal infections in basil are:
- Root rot: The roots rot due to the fungus Fusarium oxysorum, which forms when there is a lot of moisture or close planting distances, and the entire basil plant then wilts. The water-carrying capillaries are attacked by the fungus, the stems dry up and no more water reaches the leaves.
- Grey mold: This mold occurs when the soil has absorbed too much water during watering and cannot drain away.
- Septoria infections: Damp heat is the reason for brown leaves.
How can you recognize a fungus in basil?
A fungus in basil can be recognized by the plants havingrotten roots(root rot) and dying. Gray mold causes brown spots to appear on the leaves that continue to spread. Themoldis usually found on the surface of the floor. The Septoria infection also manifests itself inbrownish necrosis on the leaves.
Where does the fungal attack on basil come from?
In most cases, the fungal infection simply has to do withToo much moisture. This can be due to the fact that the basil is cultivated in a humid climate (which also includes a lot of haze in a poorly ventilated kitchen) or because the planting distances when the basil is planted out are too small. Fungi can also form ifwaterlogging occurs or if basil is left in the airtight plastic packaging from the supermarket for a longer period of time.
What can I do if basil has a fungus?
Basil that suffers from fungalroot rotshouldno longer be consumed. Fighting root rot is only possible with chemical agents that are unsuitable for herbs. Infected plants must be disposed of.
If infested withgray moldorSeptoria mushrooms, the affected shoots must be cut back as quickly as possible and disposed of with household waste disposed of or burned. If the mold has not yet spread to the ground, the basil may still be salvageable.
How can fungal diseases be prevented?
To prevent fungal diseases in basil, you must alwayspay attention to soil moisture when caring for itThe soil and roots must not be too wet and must not be in water. Waterlogging must be avoided. Regularfertilizationand theright location, i.e. bright and warm, are just as important. Root rot in particular spreads rapidly at temperatures below 15 °C.
Tip
Disinfect garden tools
To prevent fungi from spreading to other plants, tools that have come into contact with infected plants should be thoroughly disinfected before being used again.
