Poinsettia propagation creates multiple opportunities for disease. Protect poinsettias by combining strong sanitation and scouting practices with broad-spectrum disease protection from Phyton 27.
It’s that time of year again. The holidays are still months away, but nurseries are already at work planning and propagating their poinsettia crops. As it is for many plant species, propagation is a vulnerable time for poinsettias. From cutting stress and open wounds to the close quarters of liner pans to the trauma of pinch, there are many opportunities for pathogens to gain access to plants during propagation.
Primary Poinsettia Propagation Pathogens
Two pathogens are the primary cause of disease for poinsettias during propagation: Erwinia and Botrytis. Let’s look at how you can use Phyton 27 to control both throughout the early growing stages.
Erwinia Control in Poinsettias
Erwinia occurs early in the propagation process, using within a few days after stick. The bacteria is spread through splashing water and poor sanitation practices. Spot Erwinia by looking for rapidly forming watery soft rot on your cuttings.
To control Erwinia during propagation, first make sure you are using proper sanitation procedures and reduce lateral splashing between cuttings. Keep a close eye on your cuttings and quickly remove all visibly diseased cuttings as they appear. In addition to these best practices, we recommend a broad-spectrum bactericide and fungicide like Phyton 27 as a cutting dip at sticking.
Botrytis Control in Poinsettias
Botrytis can take hold on tissues damaged during the cutting process. The fungus spreads rapidly in warm, humid conditions. You’ll observe small, water-soaked spots that turn tan or brown and develop a fuzzy gray mold.
To control Botrytis during poinsettia propagation, keep a close eye on your cuttings and quickly remove all visibly infected cuttings. Phyton 27 can be used as a foliar spray to prevent and control Botrytis.
Protection at Pinch
Protect your new poinsettia crop during pinch with Phyton 27. While disease pressure tends to be lower in the middle of poinsettia production, pinching is a time where Botrytis and powdery mildew.
Pinching creates an open wound that is perfect for Botrytis infection. Phyton 27 provides contact clean-up around the wound as well as systemic protection well beyond pinch.
Get your poinsettias the best start possible with broad-spectrum disease control and prevention. For more information about Phyton 27 and other greenhouse sanitation solutions, visit phytoncorp.com.
Protecting Poinsettias FAQs
What are the primary diseases affecting poinsettias during propagation?
Erwinia and Botrytis are two major disease concerns during poinsettia propagation. Erwinia can cause rapidly developing watery soft rot, while Botrytis may begin as small water-soaked spots that turn tan or brown and develop fuzzy gray mold.
How does Erwinia spread in poinsettia propagation?
Erwinia can spread through splashing water and poor sanitation practices, particularly during the early stages after cuttings are stuck. Removing diseased cuttings quickly, reducing lateral water splash, and maintaining clean propagation areas can help reduce disease spread.
Why is pinching a high-risk time for poinsettia disease?
Pinching creates open wounds that can provide an entry point for pathogens, including Botrytis. Protecting plants around the time of pinch can help address disease pressure while plants recover from handling and tissue injury.
How can Phyton 27 help protect poinsettias during propagation?
Phyton 27 can be incorporated into a poinsettia disease management program as a cutting dip at sticking and as a foliar application during production, according to label directions. Combined with sanitation, careful scouting, and the prompt removal of infected plant material, broad-spectrum disease control can help protect poinsettias through propagation and early production stages.
