Imagine this scenario with me: you’re examining your fruit trees, several that you’ve been growing for years.Much to your horror, most of your apples have come down with
06.06.2023 - 17:15 / gardenerspath.com / Helga George
Crown Rot Identification and Tips for TreatmentThere are few things more disheartening in gardening than stepping outside and finding that your precious plants have collapsed.
While there can be other causes for the collapse, crown rot is a common culprit.
As I’m sure you know, fungi and water molds run rampant in the soil, and disease-causing pathogens can get the upper hand (or leaf). This is particularly true if your soil is moist for a long period of time.
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Who knew that mulch can be the enemy? It’s sad, but true – a thick layer of mulch can be a haven for these pathogens.
Many different types of fungi can cause crown rot, and it can be hard to tell them apart. It can also be difficult to separate crown rot from root rot, since both of these diseases can cause similar symptoms.
Since crown rot is typically fatal, prevention is your best bet.
In this guide, we will cover the major culprits that cause this disease and how to prevent it.
What Is the Crown of a Plant?You are undoubtedly used to admiring flowers, fruits, and leaves. But perhaps you have never considered the crown.
What is it? And where does it reside?
Simply put, this is the part of the plant where the stem meets the roots.
In trees, it is considered to be the lower section of the trunk that is just below the soil line.
The crown is a critical part of the plant, because this is where the nutrients from the roots are transferred to the upper, aboveground part.
Now that you know where these diseases are focused, let’s get into the details.
Crown Rot in Herbaceous PlantsIn herbaceous plants, a common feature of crown rot is that they will look like they are
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