Sowing is always a very pleasant experience. Prepare the seedbed with the most suitable substrate, bury the seeds just enough so that they feel the heat of the sun while being hidden from it, watering carefully so that the water does not run out with too much power, and taking care of them every day with care. future seedlings to get off to a good start.
Unfortunately, both seeds and seedlings are very vulnerable to fungal infections and attack by mollusks. If you don't want to lose them, keep reading to know what are the diseases that seedbeds can have and how to prevent them.
Bacteria
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Bacteria are rarely very common, but when damage does occur it is often devastating, such as that caused by Pseudomonas or Xanthomonas. They appear when the plants already show some sign of weakness, either by excess or lack of watering, a soil that is too compacted, or direct sun exposure during the spring and early summer.
They affect the leaves and stems, causing 1-2mm brown or reddish spots to appear. To prevent them, it is convenient acquire uncontaminated seeds and use new substrates.
Mushrooms
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Fungi are the microorganisms that most affect both seeds and little plants less than one year old. The most common are: Pythium, Phytophthora, Fusarium and Alternaria. All of them they develop in humid and compact substrates with a temperature higher than 12ºC, attacking the roots and finally the rest of the plant.
To prevent them, it is very important to use substratum new, and have a very good sewer system. in addition avoid overwatering so that the roots do not rot. Too It is highly recommended to do preventive treatments with copper or sulfur during the spring and fall.
Virus
Viruses are the least frequent, but they can appear if the seedbed is being affected by White fly, trips o aphids, since they are the main routes of infection. Once they have entered the organisms of plant beings will cause the leaves to grow deformed, presenting mosaics and rickets.
To prevent them it is convenient use new substrates y clean the seedbed well in case it has already been used. Likewise, you have to repel pests treating plants preventively with Neem oil o potassium soap.
This way the seedlings can grow and develop correctly 🙂.