The 411 on Powdery Mildew

Powdery mildew may be a widespread, common disease found on many sorts of plants. It can infect many sorts of vegetables, berries and decorative plants found around the home. Vegetables affected include cucumbers, beans, eggplant, lettuce, melons, peppers, pumpkins, and even tomatoes. Common berries affected are grapes, and roses come to mind for a favorite ornamental plant.

What is mildew 

Powdery mildew may be a fungus that will be seen on leaves, shoots and even flowers and fruit. The fungi first show up as white, powdery spots that because it spreads can turn the leaf yellow and eventually kill it. Some plants may show distorted leaves (twisted or buckled). Severe infections can reduce yields and even cause the fruit to possess little flavor. On infected pea pods, brownish spots will appear. The way the mildew looks on your plants will depend upon the species of the mildew. The species, Leveillula Taurica, will appear as yellow patches on tomato leaves, not the characteristic white powder.

Life Cycle of mildew 

Powdery mildew spores are carried by the wind to new plants to infect. The spores don’t need water to germinate and actually some spores are killed or germination is suffering from water on plant surfaces. Moderate temperatures (60 – 80°F) and shade are favorable conditions for mildew development. Spores and fungal growth are negatively suffering from extreme heat (above 90°F) and direct sunlight.

An Ounce of Prevention

A quote from Franklin rings true when handling mildew, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” If possible, plant resistant varieties within the garden. Provider beans and Marketmore 76 cucumbers are samples of varieties that are more immune to mildew. Simple cultural practices like planting in sunny areas with good air circulation are easy to try and should help deter the growth of mildew. Grapes, which are vulnerable to mildew, should be pruned to extend air circulation and lightweight penetration to developing fruit clusters. Grapes should even be pruned within the dormant season to encourage new growth to develop within the full sun. a standard species of mildew found on roses, Sphaerotheca pannosa, can spread to neighboring drupe trees, so don’t plant an apricot, plum, peach or nectarine nearby.

Last Solution for Control – Fungicides

When all of the above ideas haven’t worked to keep mildew cornered, fungicides are often used. confirm to read the label carefully and only use people who are listed to regulate mildew. Here are just a couple of products that are labeled to regulate powdery mildew:

Serenade

Safer 3-in-1

Safer Garden Fungicide

Neem Oil

Cosavet-DF Edge Sulfur

Monterey Horticultural Oil

Organocide

The 411 on Powdery Mildew

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