FUNGICIDES
Of all the categories, fungicides have seen the greatest reduction in products for home gardeners. Withdrawal of the last copperbased fungicides in 2015 saw products such as Cheshunt Compound and Bordeaux Mixture disappear. Green sulphur also disappeared in 2011, leaving gardeners with no products available to control damping off in seedlings, and mildews and other fungal diseases, especially under glass. Spotless husbandry using clean pots, sterilised compost and effective ventilation are now key when raising from seed or taking cuttings. Use Jeyes Fluid containing tar acids and oils for washing down and disinfecting pots, trays, tools and surfaces.
What fungicides are available?
● A number of products will provide systemic control of rust, black spot and powdery mildew on roses, and rust and powdery mildew on other ornamental plants. To control just the fungal diseases, use products that contain just triticonazole, such as Fungus Clear Ultra by Scotts Company (UK) Ltd, or products just containing tebuconazole, such as Fungus Fighter Concentrate and Fungus Fighter Plus, by SBM Life Science, which will also help treat box blight and powdery mildew on cucumbers, courgettes and summer squashes.
● Scotts Rose Clear Ultra products additionally contain the insecticide acetamiprid to control insect pests so cannot be used on edible plants, and it will also kill pollinating insects, so should be used with care.
● Products containing myclobutanil such as Resolva Rose 3 in 1 by Westland and Multirose Bug Killer and Disease Control also contain cypermethrin to kill sucking insects, such as aphids, but will indiscriminately kill other insects, including those which are beneficial, too.