potassium bicarbonate-based fungicide

[PNW_D]

Came across this site that referenced a new weapon in the fight re Early Blight

http://gardeningafterfive.wordpress....-early-blight/

Sooo, what are the groups' thoughts on throwing a few banana peels into the food processor with some baking soda and water? Strain, add liquid to water can with spray head and wet down entire plant (early in a.m. before sun has a chance to burn foliage). Or as soil drench?

[mjc]

I don't think that there is enough potassium, period, let alone as potassium bicarbonate in banana peels to work...

It probably works, not because of the potassium content, but rather because of its pH and the chemical reactions it goes through while breaking down. If it were potassium, then any high K fertilizer would have an impact on PM and other fungal problems.

[tjg911]

perhaps fish milk would be easier to make and use?

fish milk is easy to make, use this as a foliar spray:

o 2 cups of milk i prefer whole milk but low fat is ok
o 1 teaspoon dish detergent NOT ANTIBACTERIAL as it'll kill beneficial bacteria on the plant
o fish emulsion or fish and seaweed emulsion concentrate use the amount specified for 2 quarts of water. i use neptune's harvest and i use 1/2 tablespoon
o 2 quarts of water

spray plants every 5 days when it rains or every 3 weeks when it is dry. spray in the morning on a sunny day as the sun activates the protective properties. do not store this, mix it fresh each time. if i have any left over i spray cukes and squashes. there is very little research about this. i don't drink milk so i buy a gallon and let it sit in the basement fridge. it can go beyond the expire date so long as it is not turning to yogurt! if you drink milk, then you'll have a fresh supply all the time.



tom