Potassium bicarbonate for blight?

lumierefrere · November 5, 2007

I was at Agway today and saw a new product, GreenCure, for blight. It was developed by Dr Horst up at Cornell and since Ithaca is about 30 min from where I was, it makes sense to see the product locally. Has anyone heard of it or have an idea if it works? http://www.greencure.net/what_is_greencure.asp

**carolyn137** · November 5, 2007

Has anyone heard of it or have an idea if it works?

****

The original formulation that used sodium bicarb did not work on tomatoes or most veggies with regard to fungal foliage diseases. Actually it was developed for use on flowers that are susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. Flowers such as Monarda and Zinnias and roses and the like.

I don't know how switching to potassium bicarb would make it that more effective.

I guess the only thing to do is to give it a try.

bryanccfshr · November 5, 2007

Potassium Bicarbonate is simply an anti fungal. It has the same practical effectiveness as sodium bicarbonate but without the sodium that could be a concern if allowed to build up in growing areas. Great for roses and their black leaf spot and for powdery mildew on melons, cucumbers and squash plants as well as what Carolyn mentioned.
The tomato blights seem to be systemic in nature meaning it is better to remove infected foliage once it sets in. Preventative sprays such as daconil or immunity building such as seaweed spray can be helpful as well as cultural practices such as mulching, no overhead watering and avoiding handling wet plants.
It is a widely distributed product.

http://www.garden-ville.com/d/4429844_36600.htm

November 5, 2007	#1
lumierefrere Tomatovillian™ Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Zone 4 NY Posts: 772	Potassium bicarbonate for blight? I was at Agway today and saw a new product, GreenCure, for blight. It was developed by Dr Horst up at Cornell and since Ithaca is about 30 min from where I was, it makes sense to see the product locally. Has anyone heard of it or have an idea if it works? http://www.greencure.net/what_is_greencure.asp

November 5, 2007	#2
carolyn137 Moderator Emeritus Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Upstate NY, zone 4b/5a Posts: 21,169	Has anyone heard of it or have an idea if it works? **** The original formulation that used sodium bicarb did not work on tomatoes or most veggies with regard to fungal foliage diseases. Actually it was developed for use on flowers that are susceptible to powdery mildew and other fungal diseases. Flowers such as Monarda and Zinnias and roses and the like. I don't know how switching to potassium bicarb would make it that more effective. I guess the only thing to do is to give it a try. __________________ Carolyn

November 5, 2007	#3
bryanccfshr Tomatovillian™ Join Date: May 2007 Location: Farmington, Nm Posts: 450	Potassium Bicarbonate is simply an anti fungal. It has the same practical effectiveness as sodium bicarbonate but without the sodium that could be a concern if allowed to build up in growing areas. Great for roses and their black leaf spot and for powdery mildew on melons, cucumbers and squash plants as well as what Carolyn mentioned. The tomato blights seem to be systemic in nature meaning it is better to remove infected foliage once it sets in. Preventative sprays such as daconil or immunity building such as seaweed spray can be helpful as well as cultural practices such as mulching, no overhead watering and avoiding handling wet plants. It is a widely distributed product. http://www.garden-ville.com/d/4429844_36600.htm __________________ I moved!