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These steps will help: Systematically stripping dead leaves Uprooting weeds and burning those that show signs of disease Don�t water with sprays Give plants enough light, space and food Choose plants�which are�resistant to�fungi
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If fungi appear after you take these precautions, you must fight them.
Only use fungicides if it is clear that fungi have attacked your plants, in other words, when they show a white, gray or bluish powder on the surface.
Fungicides keep spores from developing and thus keep the disease from spreading. The most common fungal diseases in gardens come from fungi such as mildew, Uncinula necator and Phytophthora infestans.
Keep in mind that an excessive dose of fungicide can kill a plant. So it is important to follow the manufacturer�s instructions as to frequency of use, time and incompatibility for mixing with other substances.
Protect yourself with gloves, goggles, and a mask and avoid eating or smoking.
Don�t apply the fungicide in direct sunlight. Do it at the coolest time of day. Avoid days with wind or ones in which rain is forecast right after you plan to apply fungicide. It is best for the roots of the plant not to be dry.
Don�t apply the treatment to plants in bloom or near ponds with fish.
If you are treating edible plants, be sure to respect the suggested timeframe for harvesting them.
Fungicides are sold as aerosols, as liquids to be mixed with water or as soluble powders. When using an aerosol, make sure the product will be sprayed toward the plant.
Apply the fungicide from the bottom upward. This way you are sure to include the backsides of leaves, where most plant diseases are harbored. The distance between the aerosol can or pump and the plant should be 30 to 30 centimeters.
To check if a plant is sensitive to the products contained in a fungicide, use it on just a part of the plant and see what happens. Continue only if leaves do not fall off and spots do not appear. If there is clear damage to the plant, seek another kind of fungicide in a gardening shop.
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