Why do some gardeners put iodine in the greenhouse and how it can help

Iodine is a trace element that is necessary for all plants for the full development and metabolism. He takes part in the processes of photosynthesis and respiration. With iodine deficiency, the processes of budding and fruit setting cannot be fully realized.

But besides all these important qualities, iodine has another remarkable feature - it destroys pathogenic microbes, viruses and bacteria.

This is especially true of late blight, powdery rose and other microorganisms that cause the development of rot on plants. Also, the trace element is effective in the fight against certain types of ticks and other pests.

How to determine the lack of iodine in the body of a plant

It is not at all necessary to carry out a special examination in a laboratory. It is enough to look closely at the plants.

Signs of iodine deficiency:

· Low resistance to wireworm, fungi and nematodes;

• too pale vegetative mass, and it is less than it should be;

· Fruits contain too little starch;

· Fruits set very poorly, begin to rot before reaching technical maturity;

· Fruits that should be painted in bright colors, such as orange or red, are too dull;

· Plants develop too slowly, bloom and set fruits much later than usual.

In fact, it is quite difficult to visually determine the lack of iodine in plants. Some signs may overlap with signs of other diseases, exposure to cold temperatures, or parasite infestation. For this reason, it is recommended to do preventive treatments, or to feed the plants with iodine.

It is important to know! Iodine alcohol solution is very concentrated. It can cause severe burns and even plant death. If this is spraying, then you must strictly follow the instructions and do not exceed the dosage.

Why hang a bottle of iodine in a greenhouse

The alcoholic solution of iodine has a peculiarity - it evaporates. If you spill it on the fabric, then after a few days the stain disappears without a trace.

It is believed that the evaporation of this trace element contributes to the destruction of pathogenic microflora and parasites.

It also contributes to an increase in ovaries and a more complete development of fruits.

How to hang bottles correctly

On an area of ​​8 sq. m it is enough to place 6 small bubbles. They should be located around the perimeter.

The solution evaporates very quickly and must be topped up periodically.

Iodine bottles are hung at the very beginning of the growing season.

It must be remembered that breathing in iodine vapors can lead to poisoning. For this reason, you should not spend a lot of time where open bottles of iodine are hung.

Also this method is not suitable for polycarbonate greenhouses. This trace element reacts with polycarbonate and makes it brittle. The greenhouse becomes unusable very quickly.