Fusarium plant is a dangerous disease. It became known about its existence during the Second World War. Significant damage was caused to the agricultural industry. It turned out that after the infection, the fruits of the plants become inedible. It took many years to find the cause and methods of treatment. Indoor orchids phalaenopsis and calanthus, cilagin and paphiopedilum, brassia and cattleya, cymbidium and oncidium, any varieties, ordinary and exhibition specimens can get them sick. Danger is represented by two species of fungi of the Fusarium family - Fusarium solani and Fusarium oxysporum.
Signs of Fusarium in Orchids
Fusarium orchids are easy to recognize. The first signs are a weak turgor of leaves and stems, lack of flowering. Soon, a symptom appears as irregularly shaped spots. At first they are yellow in color, then darken. A brown or black color appears, characteristic for infections caused by mold fungi, a fringing.
Spots turn into thin hollows. Their area is gradually increasing. They can appear both on the lower stems, and on the upper, from the outer or inner side of the leaf plates. It depends on how the spores got on the plant - through the air or with contaminated soil, during contact with infected garden equipment, or in another way.
Features of the treatment of Fusarium orchids
To date, fusarium has been well studied by scientists. Delicate and potent drugs with a bio-base and chemicals have been invented, different in principle of action, to combat it. They are called fungicides. But in the case of this flower, most of them are not recommended for use or to act with caution. They are suitable only for spraying the aerial parts.
Mushroom Helping Orchid
In the root system of the orchid can be microbial fungi. They help her survive, grow. Absorb beneficial substances from the soil, improving the nutrition of the root system. The relationship is symbiotic, that is, useful for both species.
Microtic fungi cannot stop the disease, the propagation of Fusariums, however, they increase the chances of the flower to survive even in poor soil, difficult conditions. When treating the soil with any antifungal drug, their spores can die. For the plant’s immune system, this will become an additional, very strong stress.
It is allowed to spray the aerial part of the indoor orchid with such popular means as Fitosporin, Fundazol, Bactofit, Hom, Maxim, Sutomai, Dakonil, Benlat.
Deserves special attention 
Source: mirekzotiki.com
Topujin-M paste is applied directly to the areas of leaves and stems affected by the fungus. Efficiency and convenience in the treatment of fusariosis in indoor orchids by her has been confirmed by many gardeners.
The disadvantage is resistance. The fungus Fusarium with prolonged use may appear immune to it. The main active ingredient is thiophanate methyl.
Orchid Root Treatment
Processing foliage and stems of infected areas with one of the fungicidal preparations will help slow down the development of fusarium. Fusarium fungi, pathogens, penetrate the cells of the plant and blood vessels through which the juice circulates.
It is important to stop their spread and make it possible to spray, paste.
If the roots and soil are infected, the situation becomes more complicated.
To cure an orchid, check the condition of the roots:
- to extract it from the previous soil;
- wash foliage and roots in room temperature water;
- remove root shoots and leaves damaged by the fungus, if possible;
- sprinkle places of slices with crushed activated carbon;
- 3-4 hours after this, carry out spot treatment with a fungicidal preparation;
- transplanted into a new flower pot, not contaminated with fungus, or into a container with a solution for hydroponics.
Fusarium mushrooms can cause irritation on human skin, dermatitis, an allergic reaction. Therefore, you must use gloves, wash your hands with soap and water after completing the procedure.
In a situation of severe infection of the root system, new processes can be sprouted. To do this, the stems of orchids are placed in a vessel with moss. Periodically, the flower is sprayed to provide nutrition, maintain vitality. The use of anti-stress drugs will speed up the recovery process.
Hydroponics and Fusarium
The hydroponic method is considered the most harmonious and safest way to grow flowers. It is universal, relevant in the case of indoor orchids. Despite the advantages, he will not save from Fusarium. These mushrooms are anaerobic. They feel great both in soil and in water. Their spores can be carried with the wind and with raindrops.
The hydroponic method is preferred for other reasons. Replacing the water in the pot will be easier than the earth. There is an opportunity to consider the symptoms on the root system, to control the situation.
Disease prevention
A well-groomed plant that lacks useful substances, sunlight, heat, will exhibit a greater degree of endurance, will more easily accept treatment. Prevention will relieve worries. It is necessary to focus on her gardeners, fans of orchids. Moreover, there are effective preventive methods that give a 100% guarantee.
On a rainy day
Fusarium spores are most active in cold weather, after rains. If in the summer it suddenly got colder, the sun hid behind thunderclouds, it is advisable to turn on the air conditioner, close the windows, windows. Fusarium mushrooms are a common microorganism in nature. In any country, in any region they can dwell.
Window sill cleaning
It is useful to turn on ultraviolet lamps from time to time, to disinfect the room with them. Such treatment is important for the prevention of fusarium and elimination of the consequences. Disputes can fly to neighboring flowers or get on the windowsill, wallpaper, books, trash can. This occurs more often when the fungus population begins to dominate. But in the early stages, such a turn of events is likely. The use of ultraviolet lamps, cleaning products, and a steam cleaner when cleaning on the windowsill reduces the risk of primary or secondary infection.
Soil treatment with copper sulfate during transplantation
In agricultural practice, copper sulfate is used as a fertilizer and as a prophylactic, to eliminate fusarium. It will come in handy when preparing the soil for a flower transplant.
Orchids need copper; this is an important part of nutrition for it.
Copper sulfate is one of its sources. It should be used carefully, mindful of microorganisms. They turn that copper, which is already contained in the soil in a form inaccessible to the plant, into easily digestible.
Fungicide can harm them. Soil should be treated with a solution a few days before a flower transplant or seed germination. There will no longer be a dispute in it and an unfavorable environment for their development will be formed.
Air iodization
Among gardeners, such a method of preventing fusarium as iodization of air in greenhouses is popular. It will be useful to gardeners, fans of indoor orchids. In rainy weather, open vials of iodine must be placed near the plants. Its pairs have a disinfecting property. They will not give the fungus the opportunity to settle on the plant.
