Fungal Disease Management inside Greenhouse
A. Preventive Measures
- Maintain optimal humidity (60–70%) through proper ventilation.
- Avoid overcrowding of plants to allow air circulation.
- Use disease-free seedlings and sterilized potting media.
- Regular cleaning of tools, trays, and irrigation pipes.
- Remove and destroy diseased plants immediately.
B. Curative Measures
a. Fungicides
- Systemic fungicides: Carbendazim, Metalaxyl, Triazoles (Propiconazole, Tebuconazole).
- Contact fungicides: Mancozeb, Captan, Chlorothalonil.
- Biofungicides: Trichoderma, Pseudomonas formulations.
b. Fumigation: Sulfur candles or burners used to control powdery mildew and other airborne fungi.
c. Fogging/Misting with fungicides for canopy-level fungal suppression.
C. Integrated Approach
- Sanitation + Physical sterilization + Biological antagonists + Judicious fungicide use ensures effective fungal management.
- Preventive decontamination is more effective than curative measures.