Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:58 pm
Suffering basil presents itself with spotted or deformed leaves. What diseases are hidden behind the symptoms and how to combat them, explain the following lines.
Septoria fungal infections
They manifest themselves in brownish necroses on the leaves, which gradually spread. The spores of the tubular fungus genus Septoria strike preferably in warm, humid weather in June, July and August. In the final stage of the disease, the foliage dries up and falls off. Although effective fungicides are still lacking, with a little luck you can stop the spread of the disease in this way:
- at the first symptoms, cut back infected branches to a pair of leaves.
- isolate basil in the pot from other plants
- discard if the plant does not recover
- Burn cuttings or dispose of in household waste
As a preventive measure, it is recommended not to fertilize nitrogen-rich and basil, in principle, watered from the bottom. In addition, the choice of location plays a key role. Choose a sunny, warm place, protected from rain.
Lucerne mosaic virus
Transmission of this widespread viral infection occurs through a variety of routes. Infected tools are often the cause or aphids carried the bacteria. After an incubation period of 2 weeks, the first symptoms appear in the form of lightening of the leaf veins and mosaic-like patterns on the foliage. Subsequently, deformities develop and the plant dies.
Immediate control of the viruses is not possible either chemically or biologically. Infected basil plants should be destroyed immediately. To prevent the disease from spreading further in the garden, you should act vehemently against the aphids. This is how you prevent the alfalfa mosaic virus:
- Use only certified seed from a specialty retailer.
- meticulously disinfect all tools before and after maintenance work
- Do not leave plant residues on the ground as a possible hibernation site for the viruses.
Thrips under suspicion
In the context of current research, thrips have come under suspicion of also transmitting the viruses. Prudent amateur gardeners therefore also include control of these pests in preventive measures.
Tips & tricks
Do not control aphids on basil with any of the common liquid home remedies, such as the classic soft soap solution. The herb plant does not want to be sprinkled or sprayed with other liquids. In this case, you put an end to the annoying pests with pure charcoal ash or primary rock flour. Simply with a tip of powder