Nursery and Flower Grower

Downy mildew diseases have become increasingly important and common on ornamental plants over the last decade in California. The wet and cool weather we recently have had should promote the development of this disease. Now through the spring is the time to take a close look at susceptible crops.

The previous post described the importance of inspecting incoming plants and keeping a clean nursery to avoid pest introductions.

A pest-free nursery should be the resolve of every grower in the New Year. Start the New Year with a clean nursery and keep pests from being introduced.

To diagnose plant problems, one must take the approach of a detective. Begin with identifying the plant or plants where the problem is occurring. Characterize the problem by describing the symptoms.

The disease triangle is a fundamental principle illustrating the factors involved in the occurrence and severity of plant disease. The disease triangle concept can be useful in developing strategies to prevent and manage plant diseases (see previous posts).