To answer the questions directed to me --
I use three natural products (Companion, Essentials -rooting hormone- Vermi-liquid worm secretions added essential microbes), the most effective for fungal control is Companion brand of Bracillus bacteria made from seaweed. There are other products that use bracillus bacteria in different combination and I assume they all work about the same.
It does not kill fungus and I personally do not believe any of the products effectively kill fungal problems. Bracillus bacteria is natural anti-fungal inoculate. It stregthens plants to resist the disease. The best cure is to never get the problem.
After using Companion for three years I went from destroying 380 seedlings (out of 4000 new ones) three years ago to 80 the next year to zero the third year. This season despite twice a day rains including a rain after dark each day (everything is outside under shade cloth) I have destroyed only 6.
Fungicides are applied commercially as a preventative mostly to control spreading from an infected plant to healthy plants. Diseased plants are destroyed not 'saved'.
The biggest problem with hobbyist use is that the items offered for sale have been used for so many years the fungi have evolved to be resistant to the products.
What hobbyist fail to realize is that these products are not to be used more than twice a year. Commercially, if more treatment is desired, the products need to be rotated between at least three different types of fungicides. That does not mean three different 'names' but three different classes of drugs that work differently.
The newer drugs are effective to prevent spread but very expensive. Heritage is the best but $600 a pound. Even with 12,000 orchids and new purchases every week, it is not commercially viable for me. Destroying diseased plants is the economical method.
For hobbyist the best and least expensive treatment is a fan. Good air circulation is the best prevention.
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