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Resources Forum Reference Library Frequently Asked Questions News |
About Natural Fungicides & Disease ControlBotanical insecticides/fungicides are made from plants which are shown to have pesticide qualities. Generally, some of these materials, while safer to the user and the environment than chemical pest controls, are very strong and should be used as a last resort. Used inappropriately, these stronger botanicals, like rotenone, pyrethrin and sabadilla, can cause more trouble than they relieve by upsetting your biological balance and triggering secondary pest outbreaks. For severe or transitional situations they can be fully warranted on a temporary basis. Use a respirator, protective clothing and follow the label instructions exactly. Mineral fungicides are generally considered safe and acceptable for organic production, but we feel they should be used as a last resort. Many fungus problems can be corrected with biological fungicides or with cultural modifications such as resistant variety selections, irrigation and humidity management, plant and soil nutrition, pruning, etc. These options are highly preferable to mineral-based fungicides because they do not harm beneficial microbial populations and they leave your soil's "immune systems" intact. Before you make any decisions, check out biological fungicides, such as Serenade. If you do have to use mineral fungicides, follow the label to the letter. As some people are sensitive to sulfur and copper based materials, we recommend the use of respirator masks and protective clothing. As an additional consideration, please note that copper is alkaline and has a tendency to accumulate in the soil, so try to minimize its use. Sulfur, on the other hand, is acidic and ends up being assimilated by the plant and soil as a nutrient. Sulfur fungicides & miticides Sulfur is broad-spectrum with little detrimental environmental effects. Can be irritating to the eyes, ears, and nose during application, use protective clothing and masks. Used for the control of powdery mildew on grapes and other crops and is effective against most species of pest mites, brown rot, rust, and scab. Copper fungicides are the strongest and most broad-spectrum fungus controls we offer. Use only when other techniques have failed. Copper can be detrimental to plants and soil when applied in rates above the recommended amounts. Read the label! Neem Oil is best used as a preventative or in low disease pressure situations for fungus problems. Use to control diseases such as powdery mildew, anthracnose, botrytis, rust, leaf spot, and flower blight. Biological fungicides are beneficial microbes that protect plants from soil-borne pathogens, like pythium, botrytis, and more. Unlike mineralbased fungicides, these products supplement rather than harm the biological life already present in your soil. Oil products can be used as dormant oils, growing-season sprays or spray adjuvants for smothering such pests as overwintering scales, mites, aphids, and peach twig borer. May be unnecessary for most small scale users unless past experience has indicated a serious problem with these pests. There are many orchards which are doing well and have never been sprayed with oils. In commercial applications or serious pest outbreaks, the use of oils may prove necessary. Back to Reference Library Index
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