Natural fungal pesticides: Five common household vegetables that can keep fungus away

As a gardener or farmer, it is important to maintain the health and vitality of your plants. Fungal diseases can pose a significant threat, causing devastating effects on your precious crops and garden. While commercial pesticides are readily available, they often come at a price. Harmful chemicals not only endanger the environment but also harm beneficial insects vital for ecosystem balance. But fear not, nature has provided us with effective alternatives. Some common household vegetables possess natural antifungal properties that can act as potent fungal pesticides.

Red Onion (Allium cepa)

Red onion pesticide effectively controls a wide range of plant diseases, including Cercospora leaf mold, leaf spot, early blight, Colletotrichum leaf spot, anthracnose, fruit rot, smudge, Curvularia leaf spot, leaf blight, Fusarium, damping-off, stem and root rot, wilt, curly top, and more.

Start by obtaining a fresh red onion bulb. Peel off the outer skin and finely chop the onion bulb into small pieces. Place the chopped onion in a small container and add two teaspoons of vegetable oil, ensuring all pieces are coated. Let the mixture soak for at least 24 hours. This process allows the onion's natural antifungal compounds to infuse into the oil, creating a potent solution.

After the 24-hour soaking period, mix the onion-oil solution with half a liter of soapy water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well to ensure proper blending. Use the spray bottle to apply the solution to the affected plant's leaves, stems, and surrounding soil. For best results, apply the red onion pesticide once every week or after heavy rainfall to keep your plants protected.

Malunggay (Moringa oleifera)

Malunggay is effective in controlling Colletotrichum leaf spot, anthracnose, fruit rot, smudge, Pestalotialeaf spot, Alternaria leaf spot, fruit and stem rot, early blight, purple blotch, and leaf spot.

Gather fresh malunggay leaves from the tree or purchase them from a local market. Wash the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Crush the leaves using a mortar and pestle or blend them to extract the juice. Strain the crushed leaves to obtain a clear juice that contains the plant's antifungal properties.

Mix the extracted malunggay juice with three liters of water in a large container. Pour the mixture into a sprayer or watering can, making it easier to apply on plants. Spray the solution evenly on the affected plants' leaves, stems, and soil to prevent and control fungal infections.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale)

The ginger-based pesticide is effective against Cercospora leaf mold, leaf spot, and early blight. Obtain fresh ginger rhizomes. Wash the rhizomes thoroughly and peel off the outer skin to expose the inner flesh. Grate or chop the ginger rhizomes to facilitate the extraction of its antifungal properties.

Extract the juice from the grated or chopped ginger using a blender or juicer. Pour the ginger juice into a spray bottle for easy application. Spray the ginger juice directly onto the affected plants, focusing on the leaves and stems.

Papaya(Carica papaya)

Papaya leaf is effective in controlling Cercospora leaf mold, leaf spot, early blight, fruit and stem rot, and Diplodia fruit and stem rot.

To prepare the papaya pesticide, rinse the leaves thoroughly to remove any dirt or debris. Pound the leaves using a mortar and pestle to release their antifungal compounds. Soak the pounded leaves in water to create a potent papaya leaf infusion.

Use a strainer to separate the papaya leaf infusion from the solid particles. Pour the infusion into a spray bottle or watering can for easy application. Spray the papaya leaf infusion on the affected plants, ensuring complete coverage.

Garlic (Allium sativum)

Garlic pesticide can control Alternaria fruit rot, early blight, purple blotch, leaf spot, Cercospora leaf mold, leaf spot, early blight, Colletotrichum leaf spot, anthracnose, fruit rot, smudge, Curvularia leaf spot, leaf blight, Diplodia fruit and stem rot, Pestalotia leaf spot, Fusarium damping-off, stem and root rot, wilt, curly top, leaf blight, and more.

To make a garlic-based pesticide, peel the garlic cloves and finely chop them into small pieces. Place the chopped garlic in a container and add two teaspoons of vegetable oil to create a garlic-oil solution. Allow the mixture to soak for at least 24 hours, allowing the garlic's antifungal properties to infuse into the oil.

After the 24-hour soaking period, mix one part of the garlic-oil solution with 20 parts of water in a spray bottle. Shake the mixture well to ensure proper blending. Spray the garlic-based solution on the affected plants, making sure to cover both sides of the leaves.

Nature has bestowed us with an array of resources, and our common household vegetables are among the most effective natural fungicides available. Homemade pesticides not only protect your plants but also promote a healthy garden. The next time you encounter fungal plant diseases, remember that your kitchen holds the key to their elimination in an eco-friendly manner.

For more information and resources related to organic pest control, including this guide, visit the Department of Agriculture - Agricultural Training Institute website.

Read more about farming and gardening at agriculture.com.ph