beginner ’ s corner
“ THE HIGHER THE SPORE COUNT IN THE AREA , THE
MORE LIKELY ANY SUITABLE SPACE IS TO BE FOUND AND EXPLOITED BY AN OPPORTUNISTIC SPORE .”
Even with some spores in the area occurring naturally , once a colony is established , it increases the risk of nearby plants by being a spore source . The higher the spore count in the area , the more likely any suitable space is to be found and exploited by an opportunistic spore . Infected plants and any growing medium that is suspect should be quarantined or disposed of to prevent increasing the local number of spores of the fungal pathogen . Since eliminating all spores from the air isn ’ t practical , reducing the number of hospitable sprouting sites should be the first line of defense . Gray mold ( Botryotinia fuckeliana ), damping off , and powdery mildew are all examples of fungal indicators showing a possible environmental problem . If plants are overwatered , kept in a warm location , and exposed to high humidity , the possibility for a fungal problem is increased , not because of any new introduction of spores , but rather by suppling a hospitable environment for them to become established . Fungal issues are easiest to address before they become issues . Keeping humidity from getting too high removes some of the moisture fungal spores need ( but not too low or you may invite spider mites ). Allowing the tops of growing mediums ( in non-hydroponic settings ) to dry slightly between watering can not only help keep the root zone aerated , but interrupts the development of some types of fungi . Green waste should be dealt with and areas kept clean to avoid creating havens for fungal exploitation . Proper air circulation evaporates moisture from surfaces that otherwise might act as fungal safe harbors . Once a plant has become noticeably infected with a fungus , it may require the use of a fungicide , although caution should be taken and any fungicide that is used should be carefully researched , particularly if the plant produce will be consumed . If possible , environmental conditions should be adjusted at the same time as the treatment to dissuade reoccurring or one may be faced with a continuous ongoing problem .
Because of human sense thresholds , we can ’ t easily see , taste , feel , hear , or smell fungal spores in the air , and most folks either are unaware or ignore their existence . To be fair , for most it doesn ’ t make much difference , but for gardeners to know the habits of fungal pathogens can be helpful in combating them in defense of the plants in one ’ s charge .
98 grow cycle