Aromatic plants are widely used in cooking, perfumery, cosmetics and even medicine and range from rosemary, thyme, sage and mint. Fungi and bacteria can affect the growth and quality of leaves, so it is essential to know the most common diseases in order to recognize and combat them.
In this article we will look at the most common adversities in aromatic plants and how Plantvoice can help you monitor their health.
The main diseases of aromatic plants
Powdery mildew
Powdery mildew, also known as white mildew, is a fungus that appears on leaves and shoots in late spring. It can be recognized by the
This fungus particularly affects sage, mint, and basil and is favored by very humid climates characterized by excessive watering and poor ventilation.
The main methods that can be used to combat powdery mildew are sodium or potassium bicarbonate, to be diluted with water, and specific fungicides. In addition, sulfur products, Cuban zeolite and other corroborants can be used to treat the disease. In addition to these methods, it is advisable to remove infected parts.
Downy mild ew is the most feared disease for the basil plant; it is caused by the chromista Downy mildew belbahrii, and usually develops in warm and humid environments. The main symptoms are chlorosis: the upper page of the leaves becomes discolored and there is white or gray mold on the lower page.
To prevent downy mildew, it is important to keep plants at the right distance and avoid watering in the evening hours. If this disease seriously affects one’s plants, it is necessary to remove and destroy them to prevent contagion.
Black spot
Black spot is another fungal disease capable of compromising the health of aromatic plants. The main symptoms occur on the leaves, which show small round black spots, lose color and fall off.
To treat black spot is recommended:
- Remove affected foliage.
- Keep the rest of the plant clean and dry by using corroborants such as Cuban zeolite.
Fusariasis
Another very dangerous disease for aromatic plants is fusarium, caused by fungi of the genus Fusarium. The latter attacks the lymph vessels, blocking the passage of water and nutrients. The first visible symptom is a yellowing and wilting of the leaves. In cases of very severe attacks, damage to the stems and xylem tissues, otherwise visible when the stems are cut, may also be noted.
Prevention of this disease is implemented by removing infected plants and using certified propagation material, disinfecting equipment and ensuring good soil drainage.
Sooty mold
Sooty mold, also called fumigation, is a disease caused by various fungal species that develop on a sugary substrate, such as honeydew, a substance that some pests leave on plants. This disease can be very dangerous for aromatic plants, as it prevents the proper cycle of photosynthesis from taking place, leading the plant to rapidly decay. The main insects carrying the disease-causing substance are aphids, mealybugs and leafhoppers. These pests, feeding on the plant’s sap, produce a sugary substance known as honeydew as an excretion.
Rust
It is also important to mention rust, a fungal disease (caused by fungi of the genus Puccinia), which gets its name from the reddish or brown spots it causes on the underside of leaves. Over time, these spots tend to darken until the leaves fall off, gradually weakening the plant.
To combat the disease, it is very important to remove infected leaves to prevent the spread of the disease. In addition, it is necessary to remove fallen foliage to minimize the spread of the disease and to carry out fungicide treatments from the appearance of the first symptoms.
Most common pests of aromatic plants
Aphids
Aphids are among the most common pests of aromatic plants. They are small insects that feed on plant sap and, depending on the species, can be whitish, green or black in color. They arrange themselves on the underside of the leaves and produce a honeydew, which causes asphyxiation of the plant, formation of smoke and burns, due to the lens effect with the sun’s rays. As a result, the leaves become deformed and fall off.
Due to the insect’s trophic action, the plant weakens and its photosynthetic activity also decreases. To prevent an aphid infestation, it is recommended:
- Encourage the presence of ladybugs and chrysops, insects that feed on aphids.
- Carefully observe the plants and monitor them.
- Spray the plants with solutions of water and soft potassium soap or soy lecithin.
- Use infusions of garlic or nettle as natural repellents.
If, on the other hand, the infestation is already in progress, it is possible to protect aromatic plants by using insecticides with active ingredients to directly manage aphids.
Red spider mite
Aromatic plants can also be attacked by the red spider mite, known as Tetranychus urticae. This microscopic mite is polyphagous and thrives mainly in hot, dry conditions. The females and juvenile forms feed by stinging leaf cells and sucking out their contents, causing
To naturally combat this pest there are several remedies:
- Apply neem oil.
- Use nettle extracts.
Caterpillars
Caterpillars are also potentially dangerous, as they feed on the leaves of aromatic plants, leaving visible holes and reducing the plant’s photosynthetic capacity. They are most prevalent in spring and can affect mint, basil, and sage. In addition to the holes on the plants, they leave dark droppings on the surface of the leaves.
As a remedy you can use the Bacillus thuringiensis, a natural bacterium that infects only caterpillars, without harming other life forms.
Snails
Slugs are nocturnal pests that attack plant bases and leaves, leaving bite marks and shiny residues. The presence of these gastropod mollusks is visible from irregular holes on leaves and shoots and from silvery trails on the ground.
To safeguard one’s aromatic plants, evening watering should be avoided, as moisture tends to attract them.
Cochineal
Mealybugs are phytophagous insects belonging to the order Hemiptera and the superfamily Coccoidea, known for their stinging-sucking mouthparts. These pests fixate on branches, leaves and fruit, feeding on the sap and causing plant weakening, leaf yellowing, drooping and, in severe cases, general decay.
Attack by these mealybugs is favored by dense canopies, poor aeration and water or nutritional stress conditions. To combat mealybug, it is recommended to treat plants with a solution of water and soft potassium soap or soy lecithin, even better if mixed with zeolite. Again, it is important to encourage the presence of predatory insects, such as ladybugs.
How to fight pests of aromatic plants
Effective and environmentally friendly natural remedies can be used to protect aromatic plants and prevent new infestations:
- Neem oil: a powerful natural insecticide, obtained from the seeds of the neem tree. It acts against aphids, red spider mites, caterpillars and mealybugs.
- Garlic: can be used in macerate form for its fungicide (antifungal) function and as an insect repellent.
- Eucalyptus oil, rosemary and other essential oils: have repellent effects on many insects.
- Organic preparations: based on sulfur or nettle are effective against mites and aphids.
How to prevent with Plantvoice
With attention, monitoring and the use of natural remedies, it is possible to keep aromatic plants healthy and productive, but prevention is always the key. Startup Plantvoice has patented technology that allows plants to be heard from the inside and know their health status in real time. Using a plant-friendly device inserted into the plant stem, Plantvoice detects abnormalities in plant physiology. Investing in technologies like this is possible:
- Maximizing production yield.
- Save up to 40% water and fertilizer.
- Automate the management and control of fields.
- Monitor plant health in real time.
So, knowing the main threats of aromatic plants and the technologies to listen to their needs can make a difference in having healthy and sustainable crops.
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