White fungus/mould on seedlings?

Discussion in 'Pests, Diseases and Cures' started by magrat, Apr 30, 2010.

  1. magrat

    magrat Apprentice Gardener

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    Hi there,

    I've been growing coriander, sweet pea and marigold seedlings in seed trays and pots in my kitchen. However a few days ago I noticed a light covering of what looks like some sort of white mould over the compost on a couple of them. It looked like spilt flour. I took them outside as I didn't want it to spread to the others, but it has and now all the trays have it.

    The seedlings don't seem to be affected by it, but I shouldn't let it get worse. Should I change the compost? I'm not sure why it's happened as the compost was new from a garden centre, and I also don't think I've overwatered them; in fact I've let them get quite dry as I thought that would help.

    Does anyone know what it is please?

    Thanks
     
  2. Selleri

    Selleri Koala

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    Hi magrat,
    it happens to me every year as well. I'd assume it's because both seedlings and mould enjoy warm, damp conditions. I've tried all kinds of tricks, including several ingenious watering/ lighting systems, scraping the white stuff off, aerating with a fork... It seems that if the seedlings are relatively sturdy they will sort the problem by themselves when they establish a bit more.
    I wouldn't do anything drastic as long as the plantlets are ok, they'll win the race in the end.
    Do you have good drainage in the pots?
     
  3. NewbieGreen

    NewbieGreen Gardener

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    Its harmless apparently.
     
  4. magrat

    magrat Apprentice Gardener

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    Ok, that's good to hear. Thanks! :)
     
  5. Nibbles

    Nibbles Apprentice Gardener

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    I have this in my basil pot and small amount just starting in another herb pot with thyme and tarragon, both have good drainage and i have switched to watering the basil from the bottom.
    So it is not going to affect the plant detrimentally and i shouldn't be too worried by it then?
     
  6. PeterS

    PeterS Total Gardener

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  7. Nibbles

    Nibbles Apprentice Gardener

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    I think i am going to order some antifungal stuff tonight, it is settling in quite nicely now. Thing is i have been using the Tarragon and Basil while cooking and want to continue to do so. Is the antifungal compound going to affect that?
    I suppose it's like anything just give it a good wash first.











    Would the spray affect the edibility of the herbs? Does the mould affect it too?
    I guess like most things a good rinse will do the trick.
     
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