NEW ZEALAND COMMON GARDEN DISEASES AND THEIR MANAGEMENT.

  RUST DISEASES INCLUDING MYRTLE RUST

RUST DISEASES INCLUDING MYRTLE RUST

Rust diseases, including Myrtle Rust, pose significant challenges for gardeners worldwide. Approximately 8,000 species of rust fungi, classified within 200 genera, exist globally, many of which act as destructive pathogens targeting cereals and a variety of agricultural crops. Rust diseases are caused by fungi

Rust diseases are caused by fungi belonging to the Uredinomycotina group and include several notable genera found in New Zealand, such as Aecidium, Coleosporium, Melampsora, Phragmidium, Puccinia, Transchelia, and Uromyces. These fungi typically demonstrate a narrow host range, affecting specific plant species.

 Common hosts in garden settings that are susceptible to rust infections include Acacia, blueberry, bamboo, carnation, chrysanthemum, daylily, fig, frangipani, fuchsia, geranium, iris, monstera, peach, and rose. Rust fungi are obligate biotrophic parasites, relying exclusively on living plant cells for nutrients; they cannot thrive on dead plant materials.

 For effective control of rust diseases, including Myrtle Rust, Lost Coast Plant Therapy has proven to be a highly effective solution. Composed of food-grade organic ingredients, this treatment employs a unique formulation that substitutes soy and peppermint oil, augmented with alcohol to facilitate rapid desiccation of fungal spores.

 Peach Leaf Curl

Peach Leaf Curl is a prevalent fungal disease affecting all cultivars of peach and nectarine. This disease impacts blossoms, fruit, leaves, and shoots, typically becoming evident within two weeks of leaf emergence. Infected leaves exhibit curling, discoloration, and may develop wart-like growths, often leading to premature fruit drop.

 Control measures are challenging once symptoms are visible, making primary prevention essential. The timely application of fungicide in the autumn following leaf fall or just before the spring budding phase can effectively fend off Peach Leaf Curl.

 Lost Coast Plant Therapy serves as a proficient prophylactic and treatment option, providing an effective alternative to traditional copper sprays, thereby minimizing toxicity concerns while safeguarding plant health.

CANKERS

Cankers are dead and dying bits of the tree which appear as swollen nubs usually at the junction of two branches. They are an indication of poor tree health

Treatment is best if the cankers are treated early. Fungus is the main cause of cankers in trees and both fruiting and flowering trees can become infected weakening the tree and making it more susceptible to other diseases.

Lost Coast Plant Therapy is a very effective non- toxic fungicide that should be the growers first port of call.

ROOT ROT:

Root rot is a detrimental condition primarily caused by waterborne phytopathogens, particularly the oomycete *Phytophthora*. In severe cases, the only viable solution may involve the complete removal of the infected plant. The spores associated with these pathogens possess significant resilience, allowing them to persist in the soil for several years in the absence of a host.

Mechanical damage to the root system can create an entry point for these pathogens, thereby exacerbating the risk of infection.

In instances where chemical treatment becomes necessary, traditional fungicides such as Thiram have been recognized for their effectiveness, although they carry associated toxicity risks.

For a more environmentally friendly and reliable alternative, Lost Coast Plant Therapy can be applied biweekly. This product offers an effective solution for managing root rot while minimizing adverse effects on surrounding flora and the ecosystem.

Red Thread Fungal Disease

Red thread is a fungal disease that primarily affects lawns with nitrogen deficiencies and is most prevalent during the spring and autumn seasons.

To effectively address this issue, the initial step is to apply a nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Additionally, maintaining an appropriate mowing height and ensuring that mower blades are sharp and provide a clean cut can significantly reduce the risk of the disease.

For enhanced control of red thread, the application of Lost Coast Plant Therapy on the affected lawn has proven to be an effective supplementary treatment.

Buxus Blight

Buxus blight is a fungal disease that specifically targets Buxus plants. At present, it appears to be primarily confined to the North Island and possibly the Dunedin area.

Initially, Buxus blight manifests as dark or light brown spots or lesions on the leaves. Young leaves exhibit distinctive orange-brown spots. As the condition progresses, leaves typically turn brown or straw-colored before they ultimately drop off the plant. This disease is particularly detrimental to younger plants, often resulting in their fatality.

Buxus blight thrives in warm and humid conditions, and is resilience to frost. The fungus is typically most active during the summer and autumn months when higher temperatures and increased rainfall are prevalent.

Buxus Blight treatment is usually with thiocarbamate, a broad-spectrum fungicide which unfortunately a wide range of toxic effects on animals. It affects the thyroid liver and bones of animals.

Lost Coast Plant Therapy works well without the environmental hazards.

MOULDS

Sooty Mould and Gray Mold

Sooty Mould: 

Sooty moulds are a group of fungi characterized by a black, sticky layer that enshrouds the leaves, stems, and twigs of affected plants. In nearly all instances, the development of sooty mould is a secondary phenomenon, caused by an infestation of sap-sucking insects, including aphids, scales, mealybugs, and whiteflies. These insects secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that serves as the substrate for sooty mould growth.

While sooty mould does not directly harm the plant, it obstructs the leaf surface, thereby reducing photosynthesis—a critical process for the plant's growth and overall health. To effectively mitigate sooty mould, it is imperative to treat the underlying insect infestation, which will eliminate the source of honeydew. Lost Coast Plant Therapy will deal with all the pests mentioned and deal with the sooty mould without harming the environment.

Gray Mold (Botrytis cinerea): 

Gray mould, is our old friend Botrytis and is caused by the fungal pathogen Botrytis cinerea, it is a highly aggressive disease that spreads rapidly, particularly in damp, cool to mild weather conditions. The initial symptoms of the disease include the appearance of grayish, soft, mushy spots on leaves, stems, flowers, and harvested produce. Under conditions of high humidity, these spots may become coated with a layer of gray fungal spores. Affected fruit or plants may shrivel, rot, and develop distinct black, stone-like sclerotia.

The pathogen poses a risk in storage environments, leading to the deterioration of harvested fruits and vegetables.

Lost Coast Plant Therapy made from food grade organic ingredients is highly effective and environmentally friendly

LEAF SPOTS

Leaf spots represent a prevalent category of plant disease with localized discoloration on leaves. These spots vary in size, shape, and color, which can be influenced by the pathogen involved, the age of the plant tissue, and the underlying causes. The presence of leaf spots can weaken plants, shrubs, and trees by reducing the amount of leaf area available for photosynthesis, potentially leading to lower vigor and health. In severe cases, leaf spot diseases can result in moderate to complete defoliation.

Many leaf spot diseases are caused by fungal pathogens, which can produce a range of symptoms and affect numerous plant hosts. Some common fungal leaf spot diseases include leaf rust, downy mildew, and various blights.

Bacterial pathogens can also lead to leaf spots, characterized by water-soaked lesions that may turn necrotic.

Viral infections can manifest as leaf spotting, often accompanied by additional symptoms like mosaic patterns or curling.

Lost Coast Plant Therapy is not a panacea but will deal with the fungal component of the disease.

PSYLLIDS

Psyllids are small sap sucking insects usually about the size of aphids.

Psyllids cause a variety of symptoms on plants. Symptoms include tiny lumps or dimples on the leaves of the plant, distorted shoots, tip dieback and sooty mould. They can also cause wilting and irregular brown, yellow or orange patches on some ornamentals.

Psyllids are the main vector spreading a bacterial disease that causes psyllid yellows in tomatoes, capsicums and tamarillos and zebra potatoes. The control of this disease is only possible through control of the psyllid insects. Our Lost Coast Plant Therapy is an excellent option. It works by suffocating Psyllids on contact, effectively addressing the infestation without harming the plant itself when used as directed.

THRIPS

Thrips are significant insect pests that can severely impact crop health and yield. These pests feed on plant foliage, leading to the formation of silvery scarring and a reduction in green leaf tissue, which in turn diminishes the plant's photosynthetic capacity. The feeding activity of thrips creates open wounds on plant tissues, providing entry points for various pathogens. Thrips have been documented as vectors for a range of plant pathogens, including viruses, bacteria, and fungi. Consequently, early monitoring of crops for thrips is essential to detect population increases and mitigate potential damage.

Our Lost Coast Plant Protector is an excellent option. It works by suffocating Thrips on contact, effectively addressing the infestation without harming the plant itself.

APHIDS

 Aphids, particularly, belong to a family that poses a threat to many plants. Lost Coast Plant Therapy has proven to be highly effective in controlling Aphids, whether they are affecting your cherished roses, ornamentals, or vegetable gardens. The organic oils Lost Coast Plant Protector work by suffocating the insects, preventing the development of insecticide resistance. This economical spray effectively combines drying agents for the eggs with suffocating oils, offering a convenient solution that integrates both insecticidal and fungicidal properties.

WHITE FLY.

Whiteflies are another common garden pest, known for their small, winged bodies and tendency to feed on the undersides of leaves. When disturbed, these tiny white insects often take flight in a cloud, a telltale sign of their presence. Like aphids, whiteflies feed on plant sap, leading to weakened plants with yellowing or dropping leaves. Whiteflies can be particularly challenging because of their rapid life cycle and mobility.

To get the best results, apply our Lost Coast Plant Therapy in the early morning or late evening when whiteflies are less active, and make sure to coat all parts of the plant, especially the undersides of leaves where they prefer to hide. Consistent treatment is important with whiteflies, as they may require multiple applications to fully address due to their high reproductive rate.

Spider Mites

Spider mites are among the most prevalent and destructive pests, especially under dry and warm conditions. These minuscule arachnids pierce plant cells to extract their contents, resulting in a characteristic speckled yellowing pattern on leaves. Continued feeding can lead to scorching of the leaves, leaf drop, and overall plant decline.

Whether you're growing tomatoes indoors or these pests have targeted your ornamental flowers, our Lost Coast Plant Therapy, you can protect your plants without resorting to harsh methods that might do more harm than good. 

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