How to Avoid Basil Downy Mildew (BDM) Disease

Key Takeaways

1. Understanding BDM: Basil Downy Mildew (BDM) is a fungal disease that can devastate basil crops in open fields and greenhouses.
2. Cause and Transmission: BDM is caused by the fungus Peronospora belbahrii, which spreads rapidly through airborne spores and can also be present in seeds.
3. Identification: Symptoms include yellowing leaves, brown fuzz on the underside of leaves, and brown spots on the upper surface, leading to leaf decay.
4. Prevention Strategies: Effective prevention includes frequent crop monitoring, optimal climatic conditions, proper plant density, good air circulation, and the use of resistant varieties.
5. CleanGreens’ Solutions: The GREENOVA system enhances natural plant defenses through effective fertilization and irrigation management, reducing costs and improving yield quality.

Growing basil and noticing strange spots on the leaves or a decrease in performance? This guide will interest you. Estelle Garnier, an R&D agronomist at CleanGreens Solutions, provides insights on preventing, detecting, and treating Basil Downy Mildew (BDM).

Understanding Basil Downy Mildew (BDM)

Basil Downy Mildew is a fungal disease that affects basil (Ocimum spp.) plants and can destroy entire crops. Estelle Garnier explains, “BDM is caused by the fungus Peronospora belbahrii. This pathogen affects both open-field and greenhouse crops, with a rapid development cycle that can infect an entire crop within 48 hours.”

Cause and Transmission

The disease spreads through airborne spores, which are in a latent state in the environment. Favorable climatic conditions such as humidity, temperature, and sowing density can trigger the spores to germinate, develop, and spread from plant to plant. Garnier notes, “The pathogen can also be present in seeds, making it crucial to monitor and manage environmental conditions.”

Identifying BDM

Recognizing BDM early is vital. Symptoms include:

• Yellowing of the leaves (Figure 1a)
• Brown fuzz on the underside of the leaf (Figure 1b)
• Brown spots on the upper surface of the leaf
• Leaves eventually dry out, fall, or decompose on the stem (Figure 1c)

How To Deal With It?

To prevent BDM, CleanGreens Solutions suggests several strategies:

Preventive Measures

• Frequently monitor the crop and eliminate infected plants.

Climatic Measures

• Maintain relative humidity in the greenhouse below 85%.
• Plants should be placed at appropriate growing densities to ensure good air circulation.
• Maintain optimal temperatures for basil growth and avoid wide temperature variations between day and night.
• Manage lighting effectively in the greenhouse.

Variety Selection

• Use varieties resistant to basil mildew.

Garnier emphasizes the importance of environmental management over chemical solutions. “No specific spray solution is required; it’s about good climatic management and selecting the right varieties.”

CleanGreens’ Approach

CleanGreens’ technology, designed by agronomists, offers a modern farming system called GREENOVA. This system, neither hydroponic nor vertical farming, uses aeroponics in greenhouses growing horizontally. The system supports plants with mobile modules that move efficiently, while a rolling robot sprays roots with water and nutrients. This method promotes local production without pesticides and achieves homogeneous production with higher yields and lower costs.

Garnier highlights the benefits, “With our GREENOVA system, we enhance natural plant defenses through effective fertilization and irrigation management. This allows us to achieve over seven cuts per basil plant without yield reduction, ensuring premium quality and reduced costs.”

Conclusion

Preventing Basil Downy Mildew involves vigilant crop monitoring, maintaining optimal climatic conditions, and selecting resistant varieties. CleanGreens’ innovative approach with the GREENOVA system offers a sustainable solution to managing BDM and enhancing overall crop health. For more information on CleanGreens’ technology and aeroponic systems, visit CleanGreens Aeroponics.

For further insights from Estelle Garnier and to learn more about CleanGreens Solutions, watch her “Meet the Team” video and follow their updates on social media.

Photo by Giorgi Iremadze on Unsplash