Common plant diseases and pests found in Brisbane Gardens

I have been growing veggies in my Brisbane garden since 2021 and here are my observations.

Fruit flys

I have a guava plant but the problem is that fruit flies are causing damage to the fruits. Best solution for this is to use fly traps.

Bird attack

Once you start growing veggies in backyard, lot of birds come and feast on your produce. My Banana flowers and fruits are devastated by birds. Best solution for this is to use scare crow or cover your plants with mesh or something.

Powdery Mildew (white and black)

It is a fungal disease. You can follow below steps to prevent it or get rid of it.

• Seed selection is important. Use fungus resistant varieties.
• Use Neem spray regularly.
• Do not put water on leaves. Water at the root.
• Avoid Crowded plant spacing for better air circulation.
• Remove affected branches/leaves to stop the spread.
• Use specific fungicide as a last resort.

Root rot

It is also a fungal disease. You can follow below steps to prevent it or get rid of it.

• Use well drained soil.
• Mix enough organic compost, cow dung in soil.
• Use yate anti rot fungicide as a last resort.

Young Fruit rot from tip (blossom end rot)

Calcium is necesary for fast growing fruits like bottle gourd (squash). Adding bone meal, gypsum to soil before planting can prevent this problem.

Some more tips

• Remove affected fruits immedietly.
• Water regularly but do not provide excessive water.
• Add mulch to keep even moisture.

Stunted growth in luffa (ridged gourd/luffa)

This may happen due to poor quality seeds. Use only certified seeds.

Possum attack

You can use possum deterrents.