Personally I prefer not to use poisons at all but sometimes when you want to save your plants and you can’t get effective results with more friendly potions you’ll need to bring out the heavy artilliary. It is very important not to overuse fungicide. Apart from potential risks to your own health, we really don’t want the nasties to build up resistance to the cure.

Some simple disinfectants such as phosphoric acid applied weekly during at risk times can prevent infection.
Over time I will add some links to information about various chemicals that can be applied. Always follow the instructions for these products very closely. It is never a case of more is better and nor to save a bit by cutting the quantity short. The effectiveness will be less and the spray will have little result.

https://www.yates.co.nz/products/disease-control/concentrates/yates-liquid-copper-fungicide
https://www.yates.co.nz/products/disease-control/concentrates/yates-copper-oxychloride/
https://www.yates.com.au/products/disease-control/concentrates/yates-anti-rot/
https://pnwhandbooks.org/plantdisease/pesticide-articles/fungicidal-activity-nutritional-value-phosphorous-acid
“Control of Oomycetes
It is well documented that phosphorous acid is able to control diseases caused by organisms that belong to the Oomycota (or oomycetes) that are on agronomical crops. Oomycetes (a group of pathogens that include water molds and downy mildew) are actually not fungi but are frequently grouped with fungi, because they form structures (filaments) similar to the ones that fungi make. In reality, oomycetes are fungal-like organisms that differ from fungi in that their cell walls do not contain chitin but a mixture of cellulosic compounds and glycan. Another difference is the nuclei in the cells that form the filaments; each have two sets of genetic information in oomycetes (diploid) instead of just one set as in fungi (haploid).
For most practical purposes, the oomycetes are grouped with fungi. Compounds that control plant pathogens belonging to the oomycetes are often called fungicides. It is important to distinguish between fungi and oomycetes; chemicals that are used to control one will often not be effective against the other, depending on their different biology. Several important plant pathogens belong to the oomycetes; the one with the most economic impact is Phytophthora infestans, which causes late blight of potato.
Phosphorous acid has both a direct and an indirect effect on oomycetes. It inhibits a particular process (oxidative phosphorylation) in the metabolism of oomycetes. For instance, phosphonate compounds are ineffective against phosphonate-resistant oomycetes. In addition, some evidence suggests that phosphorous acid has an indirect effect by stimulating the plant’s natural defense response against pathogen attack.
Efficacy
A major factor in the ability of phosphorous acid to control oomycetes for long periods of time appears to be its chemical stability in the plant. Phosphorous acid does not convert into phosphate and is not easily metabolized. The stability of the different phosphonate-related compounds may depend on environmental factors such as climate or crop type. Because phosphonate is systemic and stable in the plant, it should be applied infrequently. Plant species may differ in uptake and translocation of phosphonate, and there is great variation in sensitivity of individual P. infestans isolates to phosphonate compounds, which may negatively impact the effectiveness of phosphonate.”

+Source: Gardening Know How – https://www.gardeningknowhow.com +

Sodium Bicarbonate In Gardens: Using Baking Soda On Plants
Baking soda, or sodium bicarbonate, has been touted as an effective and safe fungicide on the treatment of powdery mildew ¹ and several other fungal diseases. Recent studies confuse the efficiency of using this common household item. The compound seems to prevent some fungal spore flare ups but doesn’t kill the spores.
Is baking soda good for plants? It certainly doesn’t seem to do any harm, but it isn’t the miracle cure for those mildew beleaguered roses either. Baking soda as a fungicide does appear to diminish the effects of fungal diseases on common ornamental and vegetable plants.
Sodium Bicarbonate in Gardens
Numerous trials have been done to study the effects of baking soda sprays on plants. The ATTRA organization, which assists rural and agricultural growers with common production issues and plant information, published a series of findings from trials across the globe. Overall, baking soda on plants had a beneficial effect in reducing the fungal spores.
Some concerns, however, were raised over sodium bicarbonate in gardens because of the first part of the compound. Sodium ² can burn leaves, roots and other plant parts. It can also stay in soil and affect later plants. No serious buildup was found, however, and the Federal EPA has cleared sodium bicarbonate as safe for edible plants.
Using Sodium Bicarbonate on Plants
The best concentration of baking soda is a 1 percent solution. The remainder of the solution can be water, but coverage on the leaves and stems is better if some horticultural oil or soap ³ is added to the mixture.
Sodium bicarbonate as a fungicide works by disrupting the ion balance in the fungal cells, which causes them to collapse. The biggest danger in using sodium bicarbonate on plants is the potential for foliar burn. This appears as brown or yellow patches at the end of the leaves and can be minimized by thorough dilution of the product.
Is Baking Soda Good for Plants?
Baking soda on plants causes no apparent harm and may help prevent the bloom of fungal spores in some cases. It is most effective on fruits and vegetables off the vine or stem, but regular applications during the spring can minimize diseases such as powdery mildew and other foliar diseases.
A solution of 1 teaspoon baking soda to 1 gallon of water reduces instances of leaf burn. Add 1 teaspoon dormant oil and ½ teaspoon of dish soap or horticultural soap as a surfactant to help the mixture stick. Keep in mind the solution is water soluble, so apply on a dry cloudy day for best results.
While some trials and scientific research mitigate the effectiveness of baking soda against fungal diseases, it won’t hurt the plant and does have short term benefits, so go for it!
BEFORE USING ANY HOMEMADE MIX: It should be noted that anytime you use a home mix, you should always test it out on a small portion of the plant first to make sure that it will not harm the plant. Also, avoid using any bleach-based soaps or detergents on plants since this can be harmful to them. In addition, it is important that a home mixture never be applied to any plant on a hot or brightly sunny day, as this will quickly lead to burning of the plant and its ultimate demise.

Article printed from Gardening Know How: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com
URL to article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/baking-soda-on-plants.htm
URLs in this post:
¹ treatment of powdery mildew: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/get-the-cure-for-powdery-mildew.htm
² Sodium: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/sodium-in-plants.htm
³ horticultural oil or soap: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/homemade-soap-spray.htm

+Source: Gardening Know How – https://www.gardeningknowhow.com +
White Oil Recipe: How To Make White Oil For An Insecticide
As an organic gardener, you may know the difficulty of finding a good organic insecticide ¹. You may ask yourself, “How do I make my own insecticide?” Making white oil to use as an insecticide is easy and inexpensive. Let’s take a look at how to make white oil and why it works as an insecticide.
How to Make White Oil
So you’re likely asking, “How do I make my own insecticide?” It’s actually quite simple. While there are a number of homemade recipes to choose from, this popular white oil recipe for do-it-yourselfers seems to be one of the easiest:
1 cup vegetable or white mineral oil
1/4 cup dish soap (without bleach) or Murphy’s oil soap
Mix the above ingredients in a jar, shaking well (should turn white color upon mixing). Note: This is your concentrate and needs to be diluted prior to use – using about 1 tablespoon per liter (or 4 cups) of water. You can store the white oil concentrate for about three months in a sealed container or jar.
Once diluted, you can use a spray bottle for easy application. Apply to affected plants liberally, especially on the backside of plant leaves as this is where many pests tend to hide or lay eggs.
Why Does White Oil Work?
White oil works by coating soft body insects, like aphids ² and mites ³, in oil. The soap helps the oil stick to the insect while the water loosens the mixture enough to be sprayed on easily. When combined, these two ingredients work to suffocate the insects. Regular applications may be necessary to help protect your plants from pests.
Now that you know how to make white oil, you can use this organic insecticide to keep your garden free of pests.
BEFORE USING ANY HOMEMADE MIX: It should be noted that anytime you use a home mix, you should always test it out on a small portion of the plant first to make sure that it will not harm the plant. Also, avoid using any bleach-based soaps or detergents on plants since this can be harmful to them. In addition, it is important that a home mixture never be applied to any plant on a hot or brightly sunny day, as this will quickly lead to burning of the plant and its ultimate demise.

Article printed from Gardening Know How: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com
URL to article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/white-oil-insecticide.htm
URLs in this post:
¹ organic insecticide: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/organic/natural-home-pesticides-organic-garden-pest-control.htm
² aphids: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm
³ mites: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/spider-mite-treatment.htm

Source: +Gardening Know How – https://www.gardeningknowhow.com +

Epsom Salt and Garden Pests – How To Use Epsom Salt For Pest Control
Epsom salt (or in other words, hydrated magnesium sulfate crystals) is a naturally occurring mineral with virtually hundreds of uses around the home and garden. Many gardeners swear by this inexpensive, readily available product, but opinions are mixed. Read on to learn more about using Epsom salt as pesticide, and how to use Epsom salt for pest control in gardens.
Epsom Salt and Garden Pests
You may be familiar with using Epsom as fertilizer for your garden plants ¹ or even your lawn ², but what about Epsom salt insect control? Here are a few ideas for using Epsom salt as pesticide:
Epsom Salt Solution Insect Control – A mixture of 1 cup Epsom salt and 5 gallons of water may act as a deterrent to beetles and other garden pests. Mix the solution in a large bucket or other container, and then apply the well-dissolved mixture to foliage with a pump sprayer. Many gardeners believe that the solution not only deters pests, but may kill many on contact.
Dry Epsom Salt – Sprinkling Epsom salt in a narrow band around plants may be an effective means of slug control ³, as the scratchy substance abrades the “skin” of the slimy pests. Once the skin is effectively roughed up, the slug dries up and dies.
Epsom Salt for Vegetable Bugs – Some popular gardening websites claim that you can safely sprinkle a thin line of dry Epsom salt directly in, or alongside, the row when you plant vegetable seeds. Reapply every couple of weeks to keep pests away from your tender seedlings. As an added bonus, plants may benefit from the boost of magnesium ⁴ and sulfur ⁵.
Tomatoes and Epsom Salt Insect Control – Sprinkle Epsom salt around tomato plants ⁶ every couple of weeks, recommends one gardening site. Apply the substance at a rate of about a tablespoon for every foot of tomato plant height to keep pests at bay.
What Experts Say about Epsom Salt Pest Control
Master Gardeners at Washington State University Extension cite studies claiming that Epsom salt is of little use against slugs and other garden pests, and that reports of miraculous results are largely myth. WSU gardeners also note that gardeners can overuse Epsom salt, as applying more than the soil can use means that the excess often ends up as a soil and water pollutant.
However, University of Nevada Cooperative Extension claims that a shallow bowl of Epsom salt will kill roaches without adding toxic chemicals to the indoor environment.
The takeaway is that using Epsom salt as pest control is relatively safe, as long as you use the substance judiciously. And remember, as with anything in gardening, what works for one person may not necessarily fare well for another, so keep in mind that while using Epsom salt for vegetable bugs is worth trying, results will vary.

Article printed from Gardening Know How: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com
URL to article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/epsom-salt-for-pest-control.htm
URLs in this post:
¹ Epsom as fertilizer for your garden plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/epsom-salt-gardening.htm
² lawn: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/lawn-care/lgen/using-epsom-salt-on-grass.htm
³ slug control: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/kill-garden-slugs.htm
⁴ magnesium: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/fixing-magnesium-deficiency.htm
⁵ sulfur: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/soil-fertilizers/sulfur-in-plants.htm
⁶ tomato plants: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/tomato/tips-for-growing-tomatoes.htm