Introduction

Chrysanthemums, often referred to as mums, are cherished worldwide for their vibrant colors and long-lasting blooms. As a staple in gardens and floral arrangements, maintaining their health is crucial for gardeners and commercial growers alike. However, like any plant, chrysanthemums are susceptible to a variety of diseases that can hinder their growth and diminish their beauty. Effective disease management is essential to ensure these stunning flowers thrive. In this blog, we will delve into common diseases affecting chrysanthemums, their symptoms, and practical strategies for prevention and control, helping you keep your mums healthy and flourishing.

Wilt: Fusarium oxysporum f.sp. chrysanthemi

Symptoms:

Initial symptoms are in the form of yellowing and browning of leaves.

Affected leaves die from the base of the plant upward.

Infected plants are stunted and often fail to produce flower.

Wilting may cause rotting of root or the base of the stem.

Management:

Before planting dipping the rooted cuttings in a solution of Pseudomonas fluorescens @2g/litre of water.

Since the disease spreads mostly through cuttings, it is important to use disease free planting material.

Disease can further be minimized by following strict sanitation; periodical monitoring; crop rotation and roguing of infected plants.

Rust: Puccinia chrysanthemi

Symptoms:

The disease symptoms are in the form of brown blister-like swellings, which appear on the undersides of leaves.

These burst open releasing masses of brown, powdery spores.

Severely infected plants become very weak and fail to bloom properly.

Management:

Early removal of infected leaves/plants helps to prevent the further spread of the disease.

Spray  Azoxystrobin 18.2% + Difenoconazole 11.4% SC.

Summary

Bitter gourd faces wilt and rust. Fusarium wilt stunts plants and yellows leaves. Use diseasefree seeds, rotate crops, and remove infected plants. Rust shows brown bumps on leaves. Pick off infected leaves and water at the base to fight it. These steps can save your bitter gourd harvest.