The fight against late blight requires a comprehensive approach, and the use of green manure is an effective method of protecting plants from this dangerous disease.
What is late blight? Late blight (Phytophthora infestans) is a pathogen that causes rapid wilting and death of plants.
The fungus primarily attacks leaves, stems and fruits, causing brown spots and rotting.
In conditions of high humidity and moderate temperatures, late blight spreads quickly, covering large areas of plantings.
Traditional control methods, such as chemical fungicides, are not always effective and their use can harm the environment.
Green manures are plants grown to improve soil fertility, prevent erosion, and control diseases and pests.
They include a wide group of crops: cereals, legumes, cruciferous plants and others.
Sowing and crushing green manure into the soil promotes the formation of organic matter, improves the structure of the soil layer and biological activity.
Green manure performs several important functions
1. Improving the soil structure. The roots of green manures loosen the soil, increasing its air permeability and water-holding capacity.
2. Weed control. Rapid growth of green manure suppresses weed development, reducing competition for resources.
3. Increased nutrient content. Legume green manures, for example, are able to fix nitrogen from the air and enrich the soil with it.
4. Biological activity. Green manures help increase the number of beneficial microorganisms that compete with phytopathogens.
Green manure against late blight: how it works
Green manures can be effective in combating late blight through several mechanisms:
1. Improving soil health. The use of green manures helps increase the organic matter in the soil, which in turn improves the conditions for the development of beneficial microorganisms. Many of these microorganisms are active against late blight, reducing the risk of its occurrence and spread.
2. Allelopathic properties. Some green manures release compounds that inhibit the growth of pathogenic fungi. For example, mustard and rye have pronounced fungicidal properties.
3. Creating unfavorable conditions. Green manure helps regulate the moisture level on the soil surface, reducing the likelihood of favorable conditions for late blight.
4. Diversity of plants and their consistent replacement. Regular replacement of green manure and main crops reduces the specific infectious background, which prevents the development of late blight.
The right choice of green manure plays a key role in the fight against late blight. Here are some of the most effective options:
White mustard. Known for its fungicidal properties. Its rapid growth and mass green manure improve the soil and suppress pathogens.
Oilseed radish. Its roots loosen the soil and suppress the growth of fungal infections.
Lupine. As a legume, lupine enriches the soil with nitrogen and promotes the development of soil microflora.
Oats and rye. These cereals improve the structure of the soil and increase its ability to retain moisture.
The use of green manure is an environmentally friendly and sustainable method of combating late blight.
In combination with other agronomic practices such as proper crop rotation, crop rotation and optimal water management, green manures help to create a healthy agroecosystem.
The use of this method reduces dependence on chemical plant protection products and maintains balance in nature.
Thus, the fight against late blight becomes more effective and economically beneficial for farmers and gardeners.
