How to properly treat cucumbers with Fitosporin: instructions for use

Cucumbers

Fitosporin is an effective treatment for cucumber diseases. It's suitable for protecting beds from various infections and controlling pests. This biofungicide contains no harmful substances, so it can be used even during fruiting. It doesn't repel pollinating insects, ensuring environmentally friendly fruits. For maximum results, follow the instructions and adhere to application times and rates.

Description of the biofungicide

Fitosporin is a microbiological preparation effective against pathogenic bacteria. It is classified as a biological pesticide and fungicide with a wide range of applications. The effect of treating cucumbers with this systemic preparation is visible within 24 hours. The beneficial substances are quickly transported through the vascular system to all parts of the plant: leaves, shoots, and roots.

Fitosporin's active ingredient is a soil bacterium, Bacillus subtilis, which inhibits microbial growth. It is activated by water. This beneficial bacterium produces oligopeptides—molecules that form a dense coating on the surface of microbes. This inhibits their growth. The more beneficial bacteria there are, the fewer pathogenic bacteria there are.

Note!

Bacillus subtilis spores remain viable even at temperatures as low as -50°C or as high as +40°C. They are not killed by freezing or drying.

Composition and purpose of biofungicide

The additives included in Fitosporin act as a fertilizing immunomodulator and growth stimulant. They enhance plant resistance to fungal, viral, and bacterial diseases. In addition to the spore culture, Fitosporin contains micro- and macroelements.

https://youtu.be/0BWAC093e3Y

The following components are present in its composition as additives:

Gumi mixture, including phosphorus, carbon, nitrogen and potassium;
chalk;
natural antibiotics;
minerals;
amino acids.

A biofungicide restores beneficial soil microflora after the use of harsh chemicals. If Fitosporin contains the fertility elixir Gumi, do not spray it on the foliage. This solution should only be applied to the roots. Cucumbers are treated with Fitosporin-M for the following diseases:

Fusarium wilt;
root rot;
bacteriosis;
rust;
scab;
brown olive spot;
powdery mildew;
copperhead;
gray and white rot;
downy mildew.

Compared to chemical pesticides, Fitosporin has the following advantages:

environmental friendliness;
high efficiency;
cures several diseases at the same time;
protects foliage from infections and harmful insects;
improves the condition of roots and green parts of plants;
increases crop yield by 15%;
extends the shelf life of cucumbers;
the fruits can be eaten immediately after processing, after rinsing them well under the tap;
eliminates the toxic effects of heavy metals, radionuclides, insecticides and fungicides on crops.

Release forms

Fitosporin-M for cucumbers is produced in different forms:

White powder in 10-300g sachets. The dry product takes a long time to dissolve in water, so the working solution must be prepared in advance. The advantage of the powder is its long shelf life.
The paste is dark, almost black. This thick, viscous substance is sold in sealed containers weighing between 10 and 200 grams. The paste dissolves well in water.
The liquid is a ready-to-use product that is gentle on crops. Fitosporin solution is sold in canisters or jars of varying sizes. The largest container contains 10 liters of biofungicide.

Important!

Liquid Fitosporin should not be frozen. Otherwise, it will lose all its beneficial properties due to the death of the hay bacillus.

The paste and powder are odorless. Liquid Fitosporin smells of ammonia, which is added to maintain the stability of the strain. The specific aroma disappears after mixing the product with water. Any form of Fitosporin-M is effective for treating cucumbers. Manufacturers produce this liquid biofungicide under various names: "Golden Autumn," "ReanimatoR," and "Storage."

Using Fitosporin for cucumbers

Cucumber bushes in the garden and greenhouse are treated with a biofungicide. Fitosporin is used to disinfect planting material and water the soil before planting seedlings. It's also advisable to soak the roots of the seedlings in a Fitosporin solution. It not only strengthens the plants but can also revive wilting plants. Fitosporin can be used throughout the summer.

Features of solution preparation

This video demonstrates how to properly dissolve Fitosporin-M. When preparing the working solution, follow these guidelines:

The biofungicide should be dissolved only in warm water, not in hot or cold water.
Don't dissolve the powder in tap water, as chlorine is harmful to microorganisms. It's better to use settled, melted, or rainwater.
To ensure the powder dissolves well, let the liquid sit for 2-3 hours.
To ensure the product adheres better to the tops, it is recommended to add 10 ml of liquid soap to the bucket of working solution.
The paste is diluted with water two days before use. First, prepare a concentrate in a 1:2 ratio, i.e., 100 g of the product per glass of water. The resulting mixture is added to the water when the working solution is ready.

Important!

There's no need to sprinkle dry Fitosporin on cucumber beds. This won't produce any results, as beneficial bacteria are only activated in liquid.

Terms of use of biofungicide

Cucumbers are sprayed with a Fitosporin solution every 10-14 days and watered once a month. Bushes affected by late blight or other diseases should be treated every 5-7 days. If it rains daily, it's best to postpone the biofungicide treatment. Cucumbers can be sprayed immediately after the rain stops. The optimal temperature for soil bacteria to thrive is 20 to 25°C, so cucumbers should not be sprayed with Fitosporin in cold weather.

Greenhouses are always humid, so cucumbers are often susceptible to fungal diseases. Chemical fungicide treatments are only allowed twice per season. Greenhouse cucumbers are watered or sprayed with Fitosporin once every 14 days. It is beneficial during ovary formation and fruiting, when chemical treatments are not recommended. Harmful substances persist in the fruit for 30 days. Soil bacteria, on the other hand, are safe and have an antitoxic effect.

Consumption rate of the working solution

The dosage of Fitosporin depends on the formulation and its intended use. The seed is soaked in the biofungicide solution for 2 hours. To prepare the solution, you will need one of the following components per 100 ml of water:

5 drops of liquid Fitosporin;
1.5 g powder;
2 drops of diluted paste.

A solution of natural fungicide, consisting of 15 g of powder and a bucket of water, is poured over the area at the beginning and end of the season. Per 1 m² Use 5 liters of the product. To protect seedlings from root rot, soak them for 1.5-2 hours in an aqueous solution of Fitosporin, prepared in the following proportions:

4 drops of paste concentrate per 200 ml of liquid;
10 g dry matter per 5 l water;
10 drops of liquid biofinicide per 0.2 l.

Important!

Bacillus subtilis dies in the scorching sun. Therefore, cucumbers should be sprayed with Fitosporin in the evening or on a cloudy day. If it rains unexpectedly, the cucumbers should be sprayed again, as the product is easily washed away by water.

Fitosporin cures early stages of the disease and restores the strength of plants treated with chemicals. When spraying, wet the leaves on both sides. To protect against infection, cucumbers are sprayed with an aqueous solution of the biofungicide in the following proportions:

for a greenhouse – 5 g of dry matter per 10 l of liquid;
for open beds – 10 g of powder per 5 l;
4 drops of paste concentrate per glass of water;
20 drops of liquid fungicide per 0.5 l.

The consumption of biofungicide in the garden is 1 liter per 10 m², and in a greenhouse - 10 liters per 3 m²Maximum disease resistance is achieved after three sprayings or waterings. In greenhouses, allow 7-14 days between treatments, and in open ground, 5-7 days. If Fitosporin is used prophylactically, allow at least one month between waterings. In dry and warm weather, increase the interval between treatments, and in damp and cold weather, decrease it.

Compatibility of biofungicide with other products

Fitosporin-M is incompatible with alkaline products. When exposed to such products, it precipitates and loses its beneficial properties. Fitosporin is compatible with the following products:

Chemical fungicides: Vitivax 200, Strobi, Tilt premium, Fundazol and Quadris.
Insecticides: Decis, Aktara and Fitoverm.
Fertilizers and growth stimulants: Obereg, Plantafol, Kornevin, Ribav-Extra, Zircon, Epin.
Antibiotic Fitolavin.

Don't combine a biofungicide with growth stimulants if it contains humic acids. Fitosporin is available in various forms. The label indicates which vegetable it's intended for. The product contains the micro- and macroelements the crop needs most.

Important!

There is no need to additionally feed cucumbers with mineral fertilizers, otherwise there will be an excess of nutrients, which is harmful.

Safety precautions and storage conditions

Fitosporin is classified as a Class 4 hazard substance. Although the product is low in toxicity, it causes mild irritation (redness) when it comes into contact with skin or mucous membranes. An allergic reaction is possible. Therefore, avoid contact of the biofungicide with exposed parts of the body, mouth, or eyes. Although Fitosporin-M is harmless to pollinating insects, it is not recommended to spray it near apiaries.

To avoid negative consequences when using a biofungicide, you must adhere to the following rules:

While preparing the Fitosporin solution or treating the beds with the prepared solution, you must not smoke, drink, or eat.
The drug must not be dissolved in kitchen utensils.
When using Fitosporin, wear protective glasses, a mask, and latex gloves.
If splashes come into contact with eyes or skin, rinse with plenty of water.
If the product is swallowed, drink 600-800 ml of water, induce vomiting, and take activated charcoal.
After finishing work, you need to take a shower and wash your clothes.

Reviews from gardeners

Anna, 44 years old

Fitosporin is a versatile, harmless product. This natural fungicide effectively combats fungal infections until they affect the entire plant. However, treatment was ineffective against powdery mildew and late blight. The disease's progression was merely delayed. I still recommend this biofungicide for pre-planting seed treatment and preventative treatment of vegetables.

Nina, 37 years old

Before sowing, I soak the seeds in a solution of Fitosporin-M every year. Blackleg does not occur, and the seedlings grow healthy. This environmentally friendly solution eliminates many problems in cucumber beds, so there's no need to use chemicals. After treating the bushes with a biofungicide, the fruits can be harvested the same day. The main thing is to wash them thoroughly before eating.

Fitosporin is an antimicrobial agent that is beneficial when growing cucumbers. It is used for the prevention and treatment of diseases at an early stage. The main advantage of this biofungicide is its safety for both people and the plants themselves. Harmful substances do not accumulate in the fruits, and their flavor is not affected. Fitosporin is applied to the seeds, roots, and tops. It protects plants from rot and insect pests and restores their strength after exposure to chemicals.