Organic Fungicides

This page will provide written, video and photo information on using Organic Fungicides.

Fungicides, including Organic Fungicides, are chemical compounds or biological organisms used to kill or inhibit fungi or fungal spores[citation needed].

Fungi can cause serious damage in agriculture, resulting in critical losses of yield, quality and profit. Fungicides are used both in agriculture and to fight fungal infections in animals. Chemicals used to control oomycetes, which are not fungi, are also referred to as fungicides as oomycetes use the same mechanisms as fungi to infect plants.

Fungicides can either be contact or systemic. A contact fungicide kills fungi by direct contact; a systemic fungicide has to be absorbed by the affected organism.

Most fungicides that can be bought retail are sold in a liquid form. The most common active ingredient is sulfur, present at 0.08% in weaker concentrates, and as high as 0.5% for more potent fungicides.

Fungicides in powdered form are usually around 90% sulfur and are very toxic. Other active ingredients in fungicides include neem oil, rosemary oil, jojoba oil, and the bacterium Bacillus subtilis.

Fungi are like anti-biotics. The more they are used, to include Organic Fungicides, the more the fungi is likely to build up resistance to the fungicide.

The best prevention is to use a resistant type seed. Destroy any plants with the disease, burn if possible, otherwise put in a trash bag and put in the trash.

Organics are approved by the WSDA which stands for Washington State Department of Agriculture Organic Program.

The mission of the WSDA is to protect consumers and support the organic food industry by ensuring the integrity of organic food products through establishing organic standards and certifying organic producers, processors, and handlers.

The WSDA's Organic Food Program has put together reference material to assist applicants with the organic certification process. The WSDA's Rules and Regulations Book contains the USDA National Organic Standards, WSDA Organic Standards and Regulations, and WSDA Organic Certification Fee Information.

The WSDA's Guide to Organic Certification provides answers to frequently asked questions about certification, and provides details and references about organic production and handling requirements.

Vegetable Gardening Made Easier recommends the following Organic Fungicides:

The first one is Liquid Copper Fungicide, pictured at the right. This is not an organic but it is allowed to be used as an organic in organic gardening by the EPA.

This fungicide prevents fungal problems with its 4% copper solution.

Effective on blights, leaf spots, downy mildew, anthracnose, and black rot. Use as a preventative measure preceding a rain to prevent fungal spores from landing on leaves and establishing themselves. Average use is 4-6 tsp. per gal. of water.

OMRI stands for Organic Materials Review Institute.

OMRI provides organic certifiers, growers, manufacturers, and suppliers an independent review of products intended for use in certified organic production, handling, and processing. OMRI is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization. When companies apply, OMRI reviews their products against the National Organic Standards.

Acceptable products are OMRI Listed® and appear on the OMRI Products List. OMRI also provides subscribers and certifiers guidance on the acceptability of various material inputs in general under the National Organic Program.

Our next product is Mildew Cure® (OG).

OMRI and WSDA listed. Effective organic treatment for powdery mildew.

Combines cottonseed oil, corn oil, and garlic extracts for treatment of powdery mildew. For use on most crops, including vegetables and flowers.

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