Powdery Mildew A common fungal disease, powdery mildew spreads among almost any type of plant in moderately warm, humid environments. Unless...
Powdery Mildew
A common fungal disease, powdery mildew spreads among almost any type of plant in moderately warm, humid environments. Unless specially bred, no plant is safe from this disease. The most vulnerable plants include roses, lilacs, cucumbers, squash, phlox, red bee balm plants, and flowering crab apple trees
Mostly, the fungal spores reside in the buds. They readily overwinter in vegetative debris. These fungal spores can travel in mediums like water, air, and also on insects.
Identification
Upon infecting, this disease leaves cream or white-colored dusty splotches on the infected portions. Mostly, the infection starts from the underside of the leaves. Then it covers the upper leaves. The infection may also start in other portions such as stems, flower buds, fruits, etc.
Some fungal pathogens of this disease are specific to some types of plants. But many of them can infest a wide range of plants.
Symptoms
The powdery mildew is rarely fatal disease. However, it robs the nutrients and water causing weakness in plants. As a result, the plants become vulnerable to other diseases as well.
Upon infection, the leaves turn yellow, wilt, and fall off prematurely. It also disrupts the photosynthesis process, lessening the sugar production in plants. This disease can also cause stunted growth in plants.
Treating Powdery Mildew
1.) Remove the visible infected portions using sterilized plant clippers. After that, wash your hands with alcohol wipes. Do not compost the infected foliage, as they can cater to the fungal regrowth.
2.) Use sulfur, copper, bicarbonate fungicides to curtail the infection. Neem oils have provided mixed results in the past. You can also use homemade remedies such as baking soda or milk solutions.
3.) Prove the plants enough room to breathe’ by pruning and thinning them periodically. Also, avoid fertilizing the young plants and infected plants. This may spread the infection quicker.
4.) Watering the plants from above can dampen the foliage, encouraging the spores. So, avoid this action.
Prevention
Maintaining a plant environment unfavorable to disease is the best defense against most diseases. While purchasing itself, buy powdery mildew-resistant cultivars. If not possible, purchase healthy plants after a thorough inspection.
Grow the plants under the sun. Avoid growing them in shades as it encourages dampness, thereby increasing the chances of disease infections.
Plant at an appropriate distance and thin them as they grow following the recommendations. Prune the plants regularly and remove the dead matter. Make sure to dispose of the debris as soon as possible. These steps are essential to provide an air passage around the plants.
Growing plants with sufficient air path and also under sun depriving dampness helps to curtail the powdery mildew infection to a great extent.
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