Growing weed plants from seeds can be a rewarding experience, but it is not without its challenges. One of the biggest challenges you'll face is protecting your seedlings from diseases and other complications that can affect growth and development.
As a beginner, you'll be worried and stressed once you notice a change in your plants. But there's nothing to sweat about. There are common diseases your plant may experience, and all you need to do is resolve the issue as soon as you see it. In this blog post, we'll look at the 8 most common diseases and complications that can affect weed seedlings and provide some solid tips for prevention and treatment.
Damping-off Disease
Damping-off disease causes rotting of the stems and root tissues of young seedlings at and below the soil line. It is caused by a variety of fungi that thrive in cool, wet conditions. Symptoms of the damping-off disease include seedling death, thinning or weakening of stems, and stunted growth.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Sterilize soil and containers before planting.
- Use a well-draining soil mix.
- Avoid over-watering.
- Keep seedlings in a well-ventilated area.
- Wait for the garden soil to reach its ideal temperature for germination before planting outside.
- Use fungicides or natural remedies like cinnamon or chamomile tea to treat affected seedlings.
Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew appears as a white, powdery substance on leaves and stems. It can cause stunted growth and yellowing of leaves. Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions and can spread quickly. It's caused by fungi.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Keep humidity levels low.
- Provide good air circulation.
- Provide enough lighting and sunlight.
- Prune affected leaves and stems immediately.
- Use fungicides or natural remedies like neem oil or milk to treat affected seedlings.
Fusarium Wilt
Fusarium wilt affects the vascular system of seedlings. It causes the leaves to wilt and turn yellow. Fusarium can also cause root rot and can lead to stunted growth and death. This disease is caused by the fungi Fusarium.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Sterilize soil and containers before planting.
- Keep your growing room or garden spotless.
- Remove affected seedlings immediately
- Use fungicides or natural remedies like garlic or chamomile tea to treat affected seedlings.
Spider Mites Infestation
Spider mites are tiny pests that can infest weed seedlings. Spider mites cause damage to leaves and stem. These tiny pests are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you can know if they are affecting the seeding if you notice yellowing leaves, webbing, and stunted growth.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Use a magnifying glass to inspect seedlings for mites.
- Avoid excess nitrogen when fertilizing.
- Keep humidity levels low.
- Use insecticidal soap or natural remedies like peppermint oil to treat affected seedlings.
- Isolate-affected seedlings to prevent the spread of mites to other plants.
Aphids
Aphids are another common pest that can infest weed seedlings. They are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants leaving behind a thick sticky substance that can promote the growth of a black, sooty mold. Aphids can cause stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and distorted growth.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Use pest protection oil such as lemon, eucalyptus, rosemary, and cinnamon oil.
- Use insecticidal soap or natural remedies like garlic or tomato leaf spray to treat affected seedlings.
- Introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs and crab spiders to prey on Aphids.
- Remove any infested areas immediately.
Thrips
Thrips are small, slender insects that cause damage to the leaves and stems of weed seedlings. Thrips are difficult to see with the naked eye, but you can notice their presence if you notice silver or white streaks on leaves, Scarring on the plant, stunted growth, and deformed flowers.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Remove any debris from your garden to prevent creating a place for Thrips to breed and lay larvae.
- Use insecticidal soap or natural remedies like neem oil or garlic to treat affected seedlings.
- Introduce beneficial insects like predatory mites to control thrips populations.
Bud Rot
Bud rot is a fungal infection that affects the buds of mature plants, but it can also affect seedlings in humid conditions. Bud rot appears as brown or black patches on buds and can cause a musty odor. Bud rot can spread quickly and cause significant damage to the plant.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Keep humidity levels low
- Provide good air circulation
- Remove affected buds immediately
- Use fungicides or natural remedies like cinnamon or hydrogen peroxide to treat affected seedlings.
Leaf septoria
Leaf Septoria is caused by the fungus Septoria lycopersici. The disease can cause significant damage to plants, reducing yields and quality.
The fungus spreads through spores that can be carried by wind, rain, or contact with infected plant material. The spores enter the plant through small wounds or natural openings, such as stomata or hydathodes, and then colonize and consume the plant tissue. The infected tissue appears as small, dark spots on the leaves, which eventually grow and merge, causing the leaves to turn yellow and die.
Prevention and treatment tips:
- Maintain good plant hygiene by removing infected leaves and debris, as well as any dead or dying plant tissue, to reduce the chance of spore spread.
- Avoid overhead watering and use drip irrigation systems to keep water off plant surfaces.
- Prune plants regularly to remove crowded or damaged branches and encourage air circulation.
- Mulch as regularly as you can.
- Remove weeds.
- Keep humidity levels low.
- Apply fungicides and natural oils at the first sign of symptoms.
Protect Your Weed Seedling
Protecting seedlings from diseases and complications is not a nice-to-do thing- it's a must-to-do thing if you want healthy and robust cannabis plants. As a beginner grower, knowing the common diseases and pests that can affect seedlings, as well as preventive measures to take, can help you avoid stress and save you money and energy you would have used for treatment.
Are you in the process of buying new weed seeds? Kind Seed Co has you covered no matter what type of grower you're. The best part? We offer free shipping after $149. Visit our shop and see what we have in store.
