What Are the Treatments for Plant Fungus?

Plant fungus is a mold that can overtake and kill just about any plant. Some plants are more naturally resistant to disease, while others need help to thrive. Gardeners can take extra steps to sustain the health of their plants and prevent plant fungus from growing. The first step is soil preparation, because weak soil produces slow growing, immune-compromised flowers and plants that become more susceptible to fungus and other plant diseases.

Once a plant disease such as fungus sets in, you can save the plant by pruning the infected leaves and branches. However, you also need to follow up with other spray treatments to completely cure the plant.

Preparing the soil in advance in one of the most vital treatments for plant fungus. This preventative step makes a big difference in the overall health of your plant. Prepare the soil in advance by tilling the ground 15 inches deep with a rake or garden tiller. Blend 7 inches of compost or fertilizer into the soil. You can also grow your plants in raised beds with potting mix, fertilizer and manure if the soil is too rocky or clay-like. Adding humus or peat moss is also beneficial for soil fertility.

Sulfur is a noninvasive treatment for plant fungus. Find sulfur sprays at gardening or home improvement stores. This is a wise option for plants that you plan on eating because sulfur is nontoxic in trace amounts. However, this treatment is mild, so you may need to treat plants more than once to prevent fungus. Spray your plants every other week. If you see fungus, remove those leaves immediately to prevent the fungi from spreading.

Fungicides chemicals such as ferbam prevent plant fungus by killing fungus it contacts. However, these chemicals absorb into the plant and reduce its nutrient value, so only use fungicides on nonedible plants such as flowers. Some farmers use pesticides and fungicides when growing conventional crops so always wash your vegetables thoroughly before eating or buy organic.