Fungus is a common problem in gardens. Diseases with fungal origin can spread quickly and often are fatal to plants. Controlling garden fungus can be difficult if the problem is not picked up right away, but it is possible to cure and stop the spread of fungus with simple prevention methods.
Symptoms
Symptoms of fungal disease may include yellow spotting of leaves and dying lower portions of plants. Wilting may occur, as well as a leaning of the plant as it coming loose in the soil when roots rot away. Powdery white mildew is visible on the top of the soil, and you may see growth on the leaves of the plant.
Copper and Sulfur
Natural fungicides such as copper and sulfur will cure fungal diseases. Effective treatments are sulfur, lime-sulfur and bordeaux mixtures containing copper sulfate and lime. Applied directly to the soil, these minerals will kill of fungal infection and will save your plants as long as the damage is not too extensive.
Baking Soda
Baking soda is effective against black spot fungal disease as well as powdery fungal mildews. Diluted in water and sprayed onto the leaves of the infected plant, it will remove fungal growth on the foliage.
Oil
Mineral oils, plant oils and fatty acid oils in sprays can prevent both fungi and insect damage. Petroleum-based oils also are effective, but these can harm the environment. Vegetable oil sprays are safer for the environment. Neem oil will control powdery fungus infection.
Fungicides
Fungicides are another effective treatment when sprayed on the leaves and used to soak the soil. These are more effective on surface-area fungi than those under the soil, and will only save plants whose roots have not been heavily damaged.
