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One of the most disastrous plant diseases, Phytophthora is commonly described through a model known as the plant disease triangle. The development of Phytophthora is caused by organisms. The triangle concept indicates that there are three key factors involved in the development of this disease and they are environment, plant & pathogen.  Environment The environment is the key element in this triangle. If the environment is infected or has a tendency to worsen Phytophthora will develop. Time is also a key factor to be considered because infection, disease and dispersal process all require time.  To identify the symptoms of this disease, we need to know which part is mostly attacked by this disease. It is the normally the root system and stem base of the plant that is attacked most... Read More

Plant Destroyer This disease is the number-one disease of nursery crops worldwide. More than 120 Phytophthora species have been described to date, and virtually all are plant pathogens. Diseases caused by Phytophthora species include root roots, stem cankers, and blights of fruit and leaves. It affects almost all types of plants as it spread mainly via poor drainage system and spreads with the flow of water. Phytophthora species resemble fungi but are not. While they are most closely related to aquatic organisms and they can also exist on land. However, Phytophthora organisms are often referred to as water molds because they do need water to complete their life cycle. Certain species of Phytophthora cause important diseases in vegetable crops, fruit and nut trees, and forest trees as... Read More

Controlling measures at a glance: • Ensure that soils, growing media, and standing areas are well drained. • Ensure that water used for irrigation is free from Phytophthora. Cover storage tanks to prevent infection contamination from soil and plant debris. Consider the use of filters or sterilization where water is re-circulated or known to be contaminated. • Use new pots, trays, etc. or at least treat any re-used items with a disinfectant. • Inspect bought-in plants. If possible, have a quarantine area where bought-in stock can be held and monitored for disease development for a few weeks. • When propagating, take cuttings from healthy plants only. Avoid taking cuttings of nursery stock close to the ground, as these could be contaminated by soil or compost containing Phytophthora.... Read More

Water is an integral part of the earth, each species directly or indirectly dependent on water. An individual plant or a crop laid on multi-acres are most of the time water dependent. Water is also one of the main necessities of plants, but you would be shocked to know that this same necessity can cause one the most destructive diseases to plants and crops, Phytophthora. It is the fungus that is caused by the excess of water in the roots and improper drainage system. What is Phytophthora? The “Plant-Destroyer”, Phytophthora is one of the numerous subspecies of the fungus. It is also known as an oomycete and indeed an extremely hostile fungus that results in environmental and economic damages. There are currently more than 80 described species of Phytophthora worldwide, and the vast... Read More