Disease/Virus/Fungus????

[Brenda Aarts]

Please have a look at the attached 3 photos as I need help to determine what I'm dealing with. The first signs of problems were with a few of my epi's. The leaves started to discolor (leaves turn light brown and eventually yellow) and there were black and white spots on the leaves. I then noticed some of my dendrobiums and catts had some of the same symptoms. Best I can I have seperated sick from healthy and have sprayed with Safers Incect/fungicide. What is it and what should I be doing? Thanks.

[Eyebabe]

Given the look and how contagious, I would be concerned about Pythium fungus(black rot).
Routine fungicides do not kill this and the only product I am aware of that does is Supramaxx(should be Suprama$$)
Also consider Pseudomonas which is bacterial and treatable with Phyton 27. This is pretty easy to obtain. The yellowing of the leaf is a bit more characteristic of Pseudomonas imo.
Most insect infestations can be "seen" albeit with magnification and I don't "see" any bugs. With the number of plants infected so quickly, you would probably have seen if it was insects.
You should also increase circulation and decrease humidity a bit around your plants; furthermore, pull out some of those diseased plants from their pots and check their roots.
I hope you can get this under control as I know your frustration only too well

[Brenda Aarts]

Thank you for responding so quickly Eyebabe. I don't believe it is insects either as I looked at an infected leaf with a microscope and nothing was moving. Will have to see how to get some stronger chemicals. I do have some Ortho...would that work to your knowledge??

[UKCat]

Definitely get the healthy plants away from the ones that are looking poorly and as Eyebabe said more air movement and less humidity.
It does look like black rot and that can spread fast.
Physan will also help clean up the area after the plants are moved and before you put healthy ones back.

[Brenda Aarts]

Well, took a couple of my sick plants to a meeting and had a few experts look at them (through plastic ziplock bags). Turns out that I have a spider mite infestation. Not sure why originally I didn't see moving things, I do now when I look at them (I think I was in a total panic and assumed it must be a horrible disease). Have been spraying constantly since. Thanks for your help.

[UKCat]

Well at least some of our advice was useful geting the healthy plants away should minimise the spread.
At least it is identifiable and more important, it's treatable!
Good luck and let us know how you get on.

[Eyebabe]

Interestingly,
Spider mites are worse when conditions are dry.
So it is helpful to INCREASE humidity around the plants. (Unlike the recommendation for fungal and bacterial infection which is to decrease humidity/increase air circulation)
Haven't had spider mites in a while though, gotta look that one up
My standard bug stuff is X-clude 1600, Neem oil, and mosquito bits for the fungus gnats. The X-clude works for the spider mites but is rough on any blooms you might have.

[Brenda Aarts]

Humidity in my sunroom has been high due to our weather conditions the past month or so (60-100%), maybe this has helped to slow down the process. I was probably slow in noticing the problem though as it has been a busy time and haven't been doing my daily checks. I have been spraying with a product called Safers Miticide...also a home remedy I've found which includes neem oil, alcohol, dog flea shampoo (weird) and water. I am slowly making my way spraying all the plants in the sunroom infected or not for prevention. I have increased airflow with another fan, not sure if the ceiling fan was providing enough circulation. I will also wipe down all shelves etc. as I've read that mites like dusty conditions. Any other suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks. I've never seen the product X-clude 1600, not sure if it's available here, will watch for it though. I'm using the home remedy stuff in sunroom as I'm spraying right in the room, too lazy and too time consuming to cart everything out.

[Eyebabe]

X-Clude 1600 is time released pyrethrum and will kill the mites like I said. So will Neem oil.
The Neem oil is better imo esp because it not only suffocates the little critters but will also enter the tissues of the plant and poison any surviving insects that are directly feeding on your plant. It generally does not harm blooms if mixed properly and sprayed in a fine mist. And finally, it leaves a nice shine on your foliage