Greenhouse Disease Management
Fungal Diseases of Greenhouse Plants
Fungi constitute the largest number of plant pathogens and are responsible for a range of serious plant diseases in greenhouses. Fungi do not have chlorophyll so they cannot make their own food. They must get it by living on another organism. Some fungi reproduce through mycelia, including Rhizoctonia spp. that produces branch-like fungal threads that can survive for long periods before germinating. However, most fungi reproduce via spores. Spores provide the fungus with a great means for dispersal. Their lightweight nature means that they can be carried for miles on the wind. Spores can be moved from one place to another by splashing water, either from rainfall, or irrigation. Spores and mycelia can also travel in soil when infected soil from one area of the greenhouse is transferred to another area within the greenhouse. Spores can sit inactive for long periods prior to germination, which will only occur in the presence of water or high moisture levels. Once the spores have germinated, the fungus can penetrate and infect plant tissue through a plant’s cuticle, through natural openings (called stomata) in the plant’s leaves or stems, or through wounds.
- Black Rot
- Botrytis Blight
- Downy Mildew
- Fungal Leaf Spots
- Fusarium Root and Stem Rot
- Phytophthora Root Rot
- Powdery Mildew
- Pythium Root Rot
- Rhizoctonia Root Rot
- Rusts
- Sclerotinia Disease
Click on the following topics for more information on greenhouse disease management.
