Early blight on tomatoes, leaf spots on turnip and mustard greens, and seedling diseases of beans and peas have been common in gardens across the state. Fungicides applied at planting time can control seedling diseases on beans and peas. A number of approved fungicides for early blight and other fungal diseases are available in garden supply stores. The plant pathologist recommended using fungicides containing chlorothalanil to control tomato early blight and copper-containing fungicides such as Kocide 101 to control leaf spots that thrive in wet conditions on turnip and mustard greens. Killebrew said it is important to start a fungicide application program before diseases become widespread.
Fungicides are of little value once a disease has done much damage.
Wet weather conditions have left all garden plants more susceptible to fungal diseases. Seeds are also more likely to rot in the wet ground. Killebrew said fertilizers are valuable tools in a gardener's disease control program because they help grow stronger, healthier vegetable plants which tend to be more resistant to diseases. He recommended taking a soil sample from garden areas to be tested for fertility and nematodes. Nematodes are microscopic worms in soil that feed on roots of susceptible tomatoes, peas and other garden vegetables.