What is wrong with my pocketbook plant?

Are there any small translucent spots on leaves, spots later turn black?

Are the leaves and flowers covered with gray mold?

Do the roots and crowns have dark brown spots at the soil level?

Are the roots dark brown, the plant is wilting, yellowing, and dying?

Are there any fluffy, white, mold-like cotton wool formed on stems, stems wilt and become dry and bleached where the fungus is present?

Are the older leaves turning yellow and wilting, an overall decline in plant vigor is apparent?

Are the leaves yellow and the plant looks weakened, tiny, white insects are present?

Are the leaves curled and distorted, sticky to the touch?

Bacterial leaf spot causes circular translucent spots scattered over the leaf surface. These spots turn brownish-black and may spread to form large patches of dead tissue. To prevent the spread of this disease, avoid working around wet plants. Remove and destroy affected parts. Spray Bordeaux mix on remaining plants.

Likely cause for these symptoms is a fungal disease - Botrytis blight. Other symptoms include brown to black spots that may appear on leaves and petals. You can only prevent Botrytis blight disease by planting in areas with good air circulation. Water plants sparsely. Infected plants should be removed. Spray weekly with a copper fungicide until the disease is under control.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease Phytophthora Root and Crown Rot. Phytophthora pathogens are favored by wet conditions, and the risk of disease can be reduced with good water management. The disease tends to affect plants in poorly drained areas, where susceptible plants are surrounded by standing water or saturated soil for prolonged periods. Provide adequate drainage and know the water needs of individual plants.

These symptoms indicate a fungal disease - Pythium Root Rot. Do not overwater plants. Remove affected plants and their roots, and discard surrounding soil. Plant only in the pasteurized soil. Hold back on fertilizing too. Keep hose ends off the ground. Apply a copper-based fungicide to protect plants.

Sclerotinia blight is a fungal disease that sometimes attacks pocketbook plants. Avoid damage to plants from inter-row cultivations. Monitor the crop for infection, especially in cool, damp conditions. Spray with a recommended fungicide as soon as the disease is seen. Correct timing is essential to get the most effective control. Apply registered fungicide. If the field has a history of sclerotinia, consider spraying as a precaution when the row has half-closed. More than one spray may be needed.

These symptoms indicate fungal disease Verticillium wilt. Verticillium infects a wide range of plant species. Destroy all infected plants, as there is no cure. Prevent problems by presoaking seed in a 10 percent bleach solution.

Yellow leaves and stunted look are caused by whiteflies. These tiny, mothlike flies and their larvae feed by sucking plant juices. Whiteflies secrete honeydew, a sugary substance that makes leaves sticky to the touch. Control whiteflies by eliminating garden weeds and by introducing green lacewings in the garden. Spray infested plants with insecticidal soap every 3 days for 2 weeks.

Distorted and sticky leaves and stems are caused by aphids. These tiny insects cluster under leaves and on growing tips where they feed on plant sap. Leaves, stems, and buds get distorted and later leaves and flowers drop from the plant. You can control them by washing them off the plant with water spray. Insecticidal soap should be used only with severe infestations.

Few viruses are known to infect pocketbook plants. These viruses include Impatiens necrotic spot and Tomato spotted wilt tospovirus. Symptoms of viral diseases are downwardly cupped, mottled, or strap-shaped leaves, and leaves with lines or ringspot patterns. Control aphids. Destroy all infected plants and eliminate weeds within the growing area.