Mold can be prevented by ensuring your grow room is well ventilated, has good lighting, and is clean and tidy. Molds develop as a result of trapped moisture, overwatering and lack of sunlight. It can result in poor plant growth and also promote vulnerability to other infections. They appear as a powdery white or grey coating on the leaves, stems and flowers, which majorly hinders photosynthesis. Read along to get to know the types or moulds, the cause and the preventative measures.
Types of molds
Powdery mildew
It develops as a result of a fungal disease that looks like a dusty grey or white coating on leaves, stems or flowers. It thrives in warm conditions and low humidity or microclimates. If not treated, the mildew spreads via airborne spores and infects other plants. When plants are affected with it, it affects photosynthesis, stunts plant growth and makes it more vulnerable to other infections. Commercial fungicides can effectively treat it.
Bud rot
This type of mildew takes time to recognize because it develops from the inside of the interior flowers, where there is dense humidity. As it progresses, it appears outside and affects them by turning them grey or brown. It mainly thrives in humid, stagnant and cool places, especially during the night when the temperatures drop, and the moisture gets inside the plants. It can spread rapidly and affect neighbouring flowers.
Sooty Mold
Aphids, whiteflies and scale insects are the culprits of this type of mold. They excrete a sugary residue that covers the leaves, which is sticky for mold to grow. It affects the plants by blocking them from light, hence hindering photosynthesis, and resulting in stunted growth. It develops best in rooms with weak air flow and humid environments. It can rapidly spread, affecting other plants and becoming a secondary problem.
Causes of humidity in grow rooms
Molds thrive in conditions where;
- There is poor air circulation
- Overcrowded plants
- Condensation and hidden moisture
How to manage mold development in grow rooms?
Cleanliness
Ensure that the grow room is clean and tidy. Things like soil spills, plants hold moisture, creating a conducive environment for molds to grow. Also, ensure that the plants are well spaced and pruned to prevent trapping moisture.
Use of UV light
Incorporating UV light, specifically UV-C or UV-B, can minimize spores and suppress mold growth. This is done, which brings warm heat to dry up the moisture that comes because of the cool temperatures at night. Ensure it is used correctly because too much excessive UV light can damage the plant, and proper air flow should not be compromised.
Conclusion
Mould can cause poor plant growth; as such, make it a priority to keep the grow room clean and tidy, well ventilated and with proper temperatures, especially at night. You can get a dehumidifier for growing rooms or some fungal sprays, exhaust fans, hygrometers, and so much more, which can help to control mold development. If you are planning to get any of the products, check out Bayton Horticulture Centre. Mr. Pardeep and his team have been supplying horticultural products and also providing gardening solutions. Be assured that we will supply what you require for your plants without compromising quality.
FAQ’s
- Is it okay to ignore the mold on the plants?
An occurrence of mold on the plants is an indication of a poor growth environment; as such, it helps to take measures to improve the ventilation and make adjustments to watering plants and cleanliness. Ignoring these signs will lead to poor stunt growth because, as the mold spreads, it leads to poor photosynthesis.
- How can molds be treated?
You can treat molds by improving the aeration of the grow room, ensuring the grow room has proper lighting, utilizing some sprays such as hydrogen peroxide, undiluted vinegar spray or baking soda spray.
