Some of the fungal diseases that affect the apple trees include powdery mildew which poses a great threat if not well controlled. This disease occurs as a white or gray powdery substance on the leaves, buds and the tender fruits. For anyone who has kindly and dedicated their practice towards the use of sustainable magnesium management in crop production, use of organic treatment for powdery mildew which is known to affect apple trees is an important area of concern. Employing natural fungicides is one way of getting rid of the fungi, and this doesn’t need the use of chemical products. One of the such organic options is the usage of the fungal product namely Trichoderma harzianum present in one of the fungicides Trianum V.
Symptoms of Powdery Mildew
- White, Powdery Coating: The most conspicuous sign is the development of a white to grey powdery substance, on the underside of the leaves, young shoot, and buds. This coating is rub-off but quickly comes back. When Bluing is applied to the surface of the material it forms a coating that can easily be wiped off but as soon as one wipes the material the coating returns.
- Distorted Growth: The symptoms include browning or yellowing of the leaves, and in severe cases, the leaves get curled or distorted. At this stage, distortion of growth habit not only limits the processes of photosynthesis that compromise the well being and fruiting of the tree.
- Stunted Growth: Buds may not grow and open fully and new shoots and leaves may be deformed and may not come out properly. This results in poor fruit size and quality.
- Fruit Impact: Some of the symptoms of the infection include the appearance of russeting which gives the fruit a rough, brownish skin and may have a net like pattern on its surface. The inside of the fruit may not be spoiled but externally, appearance is a major setback to the fruits’ market value.
- Buds and Blossoms: Younger infected parts may not open or develop normally and thus a decreasing fruit set. Flowers can also be damaged which can lead to poor fruit setting.
Identification and Management
- Early Identification: This is because screening tests for the early detection of the disease are very vital in the management of the disease. Early sign can easily be noticed through taking regular inspection of the trees particularly in warm and dry weather.
- Cultural Controls: Fortunately, much of the infection occurs on the shoots so tips that have become infected should be pruned off and canopy should be opened to allow air to circulate thus reducing the humidity within the canopy.
- Chemical Controls: Chemical control: fungicides, especially if they are applied in a timely manner or prior to infection by the disease. Because resistance is inevitable if certain rules of FGA use are not observed, it is necessary to adhere to the recommended guidelines for fungicide use.
- Resistant Varieties: Long-term strategies include selecting apple varieties that are less prone to, or have moderate susceptibility to powdery mildew.
Case Study: Green Valley’s The Orchard
Green Valley is an orchard which is well reputed for practicing organic agriculture and at Green Valley the problem of powdery mildew has emerged as a regular problem. The lady who owns the orchard is Jane and she was keen to search for an organic remedy to defend her trees from apple maggot flies. She went round looking for an appropriate fungicide and Trianum V, a fungicide that contained Trichoderma harzianum as the active constituent, was found. This is a natural fungus that inhibits many plant pathogens, including those that cause powdery mildew disease to crops.
Jane chose a strategy of organic control of powdery mildew on apple trees’ and contributing towards this cause; Jane arranged to use a powdery mildew fungicide spray. The Trianum V was used on the trees at the beginning of the vegetative phase according to the information on the page of the chosen product. The results were promising. In addition to the above results, the numbers of powdery mildew infection dropped dramatically and there were fewer damages observed on trees as well as enhanced vigor.
Before focusing on the importance of Trichoderma harzianum, it is important to comprehend the functions of this fungus.
Trianum V comprises Trichoderma harzianum which has the mechanism of forming bio-film on the plant roots and leaves and thus producing a physical barrier and acting as a fortress against diseases. This fungus interferes with numerous pathogenic fungi by depriving them of nutrients with which to grow as well as room to do so.
It also triggers systemic resistance in plants which in turn boosts the plant’s immune system. The info on this particular biocontrol product is described on the product page well enough, though the intended audience consists of organic farmers who want to minimize the use of chemical products.
Applying Methods and Techniques Involving Organically Grown Fruits in Your Plantation
For those facing powdery mildew, the method of Organic treatment for powdery mildew on apple trees is an appropriate and safe option for natural management. The first approach to management is to constantly check on the dog and attend to its needs before it reaches a point of stressing itself. This is done through some practices such as pruning which enhances air movement thereby limiting the humidity that is likely to encourage fungal botch. Support these practices with the use of the organic powdery mildew fungicide spray with Trichoderma harzianum substances.
Therefore, it becomes clear that, Trianum V incorporating Trichoderma harzianum, is a viable organic control formula for eradicating powdery mildew in apple trees. Thus, the farmers can obtain the ways of pest protection and increasement of productiveness to support the biocontrol agents and agriculture. This approach goes a notch higher than eradicating powdery mildew but it also boosts the over productivity of the orchard in the long-run. Regardless of the type of farming, commercial or at home gardening, it is always good to consider efforts invested on finding organic ways to control pests and diseases, a worthy investment to the future of farming.