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Treating Fungal Diseases in Bulbs
Fungal Disease Treatments
Most bulbs are naturally disease resistant, but it’s good to know how to treat and cure bulbs with mildew, mold, or other fungal diseases.
Molds and mildew are generally easy to treat in bulbs, while plant viral diseases are rarely curable.
If your bulb plantings contract a virus, lift and discard or burn them to prevent the disease from spreading through your yard.
The best cure for fungal diseases, of course, is always prevention.
Practice good gardening. Prevent both fungal and viral diseases by watering early in the day. Early watering allows leaves and other foliage to dry thoroughly before nightfall.
Step-by-Step Instructions
If your bulbs experience an outbreak of mold, mildew, or other fungal diseases, they need treatment.
First, identify which specific fungal disease is infecting your plants [see: Bulb Pest and Disease Solutions].
When you need help in identifying diseases, most garden stores and nurseries have knowledgable staff, or contact your local university agricultural extension. Both resources also will recommend treatment options.
Next, find a fungicide labeled as a treatment for both the specific disease condition and for your plant species or type.
Finally, gather a plastic spray applicator, eye protection, rubber gloves, and waterproof clothing, and follow these simple steps:
How to Treat Bulb Fungal Diseases
Identify the disease to be treated. If necessary, consult experienced staff at your garden store or nursery. Choose a control treatment approved for the disease that lists your bulb plants.
Put on and wear protective clothing and gloves while preparing, mixing, applying fungicides to plants, and discarding unused control mixtures.
Read completely and follow exactly the package instructions for mixing and applying the fungicide.
On a calm day with moderate temperatures, carefully mix and fill a spray applicator bottle or other sprayer with diluted fungicide solution.
Spray only plants with fungal disease.
Wet the tops and undersides of all leaves, stems, foliage, and flowers.
Avoid over-spraying the affected area or allowing spray to drift onto other plants or trees.
When spraying is complete, empty the applicator into a disposable container. Wash the applicator and rubber gloves with warm, soapy water. Always safely dispose of unused solution, wash water, and empty package containers as their labels direct. Remove, wash and dry protective clothing separately from other laundry. Take a shower or bath immediately after any fungicide application.
Warning:
Garden fungicides, herbicides, and pesticides are hazardous when ingested, inhaled, or when they come into contact with skin or eyes.
Always wear eye protection, gloves, and protective garments to mix, pour, apply, or dispose of any garden pest or disease control product, and always use disposable containers and measuring implements.
Read completely and follow exactly all manufacturer package directions and warnings for the control product used.