Plant DiseasesBlossom end rot on fruits such as tomatoes occurs because the plant is deficient in calcium. It also attacks peppers, watermelon, squash, eggplant and sometimes cucumbers.
Blossom End Rot (left)-University of Kentucky, Blossom End Rot on watermelon-Tom Isakeit
Squash vine borer larvae are white with brown heads and about 2.5 cm long.
Squash vine borer larva (left)-Alabama Farmers Cooperative Inc, Larvae (right)-Kansas State University
Botrytis is a fungus disease and is also known as gray mold. It is found where temperatures are cool, rainy in spring and a very mild summer.
Botrytis (left)-University of California, Botrytis on strawberry (right)-Cornell University
Black spot is a fungus that attacks mostly roses and it survives in rose leaf litter and also overwinters in it. This condition can be deadly. It starts off with small black to purple spots that spread rapidly. Black spot can cause defoliation in no time if left uncontrolled. Black spot occurs in areas of high humidity and also places with high rainfall.
Black spot on roses (left)-Crocus Gardeners by Nature, Black spot (right)-R,C, Lambe
Powdery Mildew is a Fungal Disease that spreads rapidly. It looks like white powder and starts in small patches. The spores of this fungus is airborne and can be transferred from plant to plant with insects.
Powdery Mildew-New Zealand Institute of Horticulture, A serious powdery mildew infestation (right)-AgricoCanada
Nitrogen-N, Phosphorous and Potash (phosphate)-P, Potassium-K, if a plant is deficient in any of these, they will eventually die. See the table below which shows several organic products and their NPK ratings: (numbers are approximate and may vary depending on brands)
Nitrogen-N
(Nitrogen deficiency on maple)
Nitrogen is the first letter N on a bag of fertilizer. Nitrogen is required for vigorous green tissue growth. This is what makes plants green. Yellowing leaves on plants is an indication of nitrogen deficiency, plants will eventually die.
Phosphorous & Potash (phosphate)-P
(Phosphorous deficiency on sugar beet)
Phosphate is the 2nd letter on a bag of fertilizer. Plants need this to stimulate good strong roots. It also aids in the production of fruits and flowers. Symptoms include stunted growth and extremely slow growth rates.
Potassium-K
(Potassium deficiency on tomato plant)
Potassium is the 3rd letter on a bag of fertilizer. It helps promote less water loss in plants and helps thier roots take more water into the plant. It also aids in making plants more disease and insect resistant. Symptoms include dry leathery leaves and brown curly edges.
