Like most living beings, plant species are subject to certain diseases. However, because they don’t move or make noise, it can be quite difficult to tell when they are in compromised health. What to do, for example, when we are faced with a white pest on the leaves of plants ?
This type of situation is extremely common in vases and gardens. The so-called “white plague” can have different origins. Therefore, as much as it is a recurring symptom in diseased plants, the causes for white spots on plants can be diverse.
Regardless of the reason, it’s important to treat your garden when you notice this type of problem. After all, diseases in plant species are also contagious and spread quite easily through the garden. In other words, it’s important to nip the problem in the bud as soon as possible.
That said, how about learning more about the diseases that cause these spots and what are the main types of white plague in plants ? With this, you will know how to prevent this type of problem and solve it in the best possible way, if necessary. Keep reading the text and learn everything about it!
Main causes of white blight on plants
Some bad gardening practices can greatly facilitate the appearance of white blight on the leaves of plants. Therefore, the first step is to understand these causes. With this information, it will be much easier to avoid situations that can contribute to the emergence of disease-causing fungi and insects.
First of all, we can mention the irregularity in the irrigation of your garden . Both the lack and excess of water contribute to the appearance of white blight on the leaves of plants. Therefore, it is very important to know which species need a lot of water and which do not.
Fertilization may also be related to white blight plants . Some plant species need more nutrients than others. Therefore, the fertilizer used in the vase or in its flowerbed needs to meet the specific needs of the plants present there.
Speaking of vase, it is essential that it be of a suitable size for the species planted. Some need more space than others to develop their roots. Also, the water drainage needs to be working well to avoid plant fungus and other problems.
Finally, the white blight on the leaves of plants can arise due to inhospitable environments. That is, each plant species must be subjected to a specific temperature. Not to mention, of course, that the amount of light and air circulation required can vary from plant to plant.
Types of white pest on plants
You have checked the most common causes for the appearance of white spots on your plants. However, it is important to emphasize that these factors do not always cause the same problems. Next, learn about the different types of “white pests” that affect the plants in your garden.
Insects
Not always the white spot on the plant is a disease. On some occasions, light-colored insects can go unnoticed by the eyes of gardeners. However, they are quite common and affect many types of plants, damaging their leaves and even their roots.
The most common insect is the cochineal, a white bug that can easily be mistaken for a spot. This animal is a sap sucker that usually lodges on the back of the leaves. Its whitish color resembles small pieces of cotton.
The cochineal usually appears in warmer and drier places. To remove it, you can use homemade solutions, such as water with vinegar, detergent or even pure alcohol.
It is worth mentioning that there are other insects that damage your garden and can have the same whitish color, such as aphids and spider mites. In addition to the previously mentioned solutions, you can use insecticide for white pests on plants .
Fungi
Fungi can also be big villains in the lives of gardeners and their plants. This is because many of them are parasites and end up causing diseases to certain plant species. There are many types of fungi that can appear for different reasons and leave the leaves of your plants whitish.
Typically, this type of organism likes dark and humid environments. So it’s important to keep plants in airy and lit places. The most common fungi on plants are powdery mildew and mildew.
But how to get rid of white blight on plants if the disease is caused by fungi? Well, the first step is to clean the leaves with a dry cloth, removing the stains. Afterwards, you can pass solutions with warm water and neutral or coconut soap, preventing the beings from regenerating in your garden again.
Viruses and bacteria
Finally, it is worth noting that viruses and bacteria can also be largely responsible for the impaired health of your plant species. Like the agents mentioned above, they make leaves appear whitish.
Therefore, it is important to ensure not only that the external conditions are favorable for the development of your plants. Make sure that the fertilizer used is the most suitable for the species in your garden, as well as the amount of water provided daily.