Spinach farming is often affected by diseases that limit growth and lower yields. Diseases are any conditions that affect spinach plants’ average growth and development. In Kenya, different diseases affect spinach growth. This post explains some spinach diseases in Kenya.
The following are six common types of diseases that affect spinach plants on farms in Kenya:
1. Downey Mildew
It is a kind of spinach disease characterized by a white growth below the leaves that later turns black or brown spots on the upper side of the leaves.
2. Leaf Spot
It is a spinach disease caused by a fungus. It starts as small dark spots on the leaves, which later develop into brown or grey.
3. Damping-off and Root Rot
Damping-off and Root Rot are spinach diseases that cause poor seed germination, seedling pre-emergence death, stunted spinach plants, yellowed lower leaves, and overall poor growth and death of older plants. In addition, the roots of the affected spinach plant appear saturated or brown to black.
4. Anthracnose
It is a small, circular, water-soaked lesion disease that forms on young and old leaves in the early stages. But later, it turns brownish and becomes thin and papery, causing spinach blighting.
5. Fusarium Wilt
It is an infection that causes the yellowing of older leaves, early plant maturity, and premature death of spinach plants.
6. White Rust Disease
It is a spinach disease that forms yellow spots on the leaves’ upper side and a white cluster on the underside, which may later spread to the upper leaf surface.
Spinach Leaf Disease
This is a disease that affects spinach leaves that is caused by fungus pathogens. It develops as tan spots that may be adjacent, forming irregular lesions. If not treated, the disease turns to dark green-brown sporulation and develops lesions.
Spinach Diseases and Pests
Damping off, root rot, leaf spot, downed mildew, anthracnose, white rust, and mosaic are all diseases that affect spinach.
Pests that damage the growth and development of spinach are aphids, armyworms, cabbage loopers, slugs, snails, beetles, spinach crown mites, and cutworms.
8 Ways to Protect Spinach from Pests
Here are eight things you should do to protect spinach from pests:
1. Buy Certified Seeds
Plant spinach which is tolerant to pests. This will be achieved by buying certified spinach seeds prone to pests.
2. Frequent Tilling
Tilling your piece of land frequently will help disrupt the breeding of pests, thus protecting spinach from pests.
3. Destroying Affected Plants
Removing the affected spinach plants only if pests are limited to leaves or shoots prevents their spread on the rest of the farm.
4. Crop Rotation
Practice crop rotation and companion planting to repel pests. This is by planting spinach with crops like potatoes, beans, peas, and tomatoes which may discourage the build of pests in the soil.
5. Natural Fertilizer and Manure
Encourage healthy soil by applying natural fertilizer and manure to the soil, making plants strong and able to withstand pests.
6. Practice Weeding
Ensure you remove all weeds and debris on the spinach farm, which encourages the building of pests on crops.
7. Pest Eating Insects
Encourage beneficial insects that prey on pests, such as ladybugs and lacewings. This is done by welcoming them into your garden and providing them with shelter, nectar, and pollen.
8. Proper Use of Pesticides and Insecticides
Spraying spinach crops with appropriate pesticides and insecticides to protect them against pests.
Natural Pesticides for Spinach
The following are six natural pesticides for spinach, which are homemade to control pests:
1. Vegetable Oil Spray
It is a natural pesticide made from vegetable oil mixed with a mild soap that can have a devastating effect on insects.
2. Soap Spray
It is a similar natural pesticide to oil spray, which is very effective for controlling mites and aphids.
3. Garlic Spray
Garlic is well known for its intense aroma, and this strong scent is used as a pesticide to repel pests.
4. Neem Oil Spray
It is an oil extracted from the seeds of the neem tree that is capable of disrupting the life cycle of insects therefore used as a pesticide.
5. Chile Pepper Spray
It is a great homemade natural pest repellent that can be used for various pests. It is made of fresh hot peppers or chile pepper powder.
6. Tomato Leaf Spray
It is a natural spray made from fresh tomato leaves containing some pest-repellent and is very effective in controlling aphids and other insects.
Spinach Anthracnose
It is a spinach disease that is caused by a fungal infection and causes damage to spinach leaves. Its symptoms on spinach plants start as small, watery, dark green to black spots on the leaves. These spots grow in size and turn light brown and papery.
Several spots may converge into one, killing the leaf, and small darkly colored spores may appear in the middle of spots.
It is controlled by using appropriate fungicides, especially those containing copper.
