Keeping crops and ornamental plants healthy can be a real challenge, especially when fungal diseases start to spread. Powdery mildew, rust, leaf spots, blights, and rots can quickly damage plants if left untreated. Soil-borne diseases such as Pythium or foliar problems like Botrytis and Alternaria often strike silently, reducing yields, harming appearance, and in some cases, wiping out entire plantings.
The good news is that the right fungicide can protect your plants and give them the best chance to thrive. With so many options available, it’s important to understand the different types of fungicides and when to use them.
In this article, we’ll explore:
Protectant Fungicides
Systemic Fungicides
Contact Fungicides
Broad-Spectrum vs. Narrow-Spectrum Fungicides
Biological Fungicides
Choosing the Right Fungicide for Your Garden
Why Choose Garden Nursery Products
Protectant fungicides form a barrier on the surface of leaves and stems, preventing fungal spores from infecting the plant. These are best applied before infection occurs and are effective against issues like powdery mildew and rust. They need to be reapplied after rain or as plants grow to maintain protection.
Systemic fungicides are absorbed by the plant and move through its tissues, offering internal protection. They are particularly effective for controlling foliar diseases and more stubborn infections such as leaf spot, blight, and mildew. Because they work from the inside, they can stop existing infections from spreading further.
Unlike systemic options, contact fungicides stay on the surface of plants. They are often used to manage fast-spreading diseases like Botrytis and Sclerotinia, where quick action is needed. While highly effective, they require regular applications for ongoing protection.
Broad-spectrum fungicides target a wide variety of fungal pathogens, making them ideal when the exact disease hasn’t been identified.
Narrow-spectrum fungicides are designed for specific fungi, such as Alternaria or Pythium, and provide more precise control when the problem is known.
Biological fungicides use naturally occurring organisms or extracts to suppress fungal diseases. They’re an excellent choice for environmentally conscious gardeners and are often used in integrated pest management programs. These are particularly useful for long-term protection and prevention against soil-borne fungi.
The most effective plant protection strategy often combines different fungicide types, tailored to the crops or ornamental plants you’re growing and the diseases you’re facing. Regular monitoring and timely application can mean the difference between a thriving garden and a disappointing season.
At Garden Nursery Products, we understand how vital it is to keep your crops and ornamental plants healthy. That’s why we offer a wide range of premium fungicides suited for every type of fungal threat from powdery mildew and leaf spots to soil-borne diseases and stubborn infections like Botrytis and Alternaria.
If you’re on the Gold Coast, our expert team can help you choose the right fungicide for your needs. Visit our store today or shop online.
