A dry and warm summer is the ideal breeding ground for powdery mildew. That's why it is also called a "fair weather mushroom". A wet spring or autumn encourages the spread of downy mildew. Is it necessary to combat powdery mildew?
What happens if I leave mildew untreated?
Both powdery mildew and downy mildew lead todeath of plants over a long period of time if left untreated. At the same time, the mildew spores overwinter without any problems, even in frost. This means that new outbreaks can occur again and again in the following years.
What happens if you are infected with mildew?
The mildew fungisuck moisture and nutrients from the plant parts. As a result, the plants lack these substances for growth. Growth stops. The affected leaves dry up and vital photosynthesis no longer takes place. Without these chemical processes in the plant, it dies. This results in crop failures for fruit, vegetables and salad.
Is powdery mildew a danger to other plants?
Mildew fungi are specialized on the respective plant species. That's why powdery mildew is a generic term for a group of many different types of fungi. The infection rarely spreads to other plant species. However, the infection can spread within a family. Cucumber powdery mildew also affects pumpkins and zucchini. Rose powdery mildew does not stay with this plant, but also spreads to blackberries. Treating your mildew in the garden can protect other plants of the same species.
How should I treat mildew?
Regardless of whether it is true or downy mildew, the first measure is alwaysremoval of the affected parts of the plant or the entire plant. You should then treat the surrounding plants of the same species with home remedies. If you have powdery mildew, use a mixture of milk and water or baking soda, rapeseed oil and water. These mixtures are sprayed on the plants. A garlic decoction or horsetail tea helps against downy mildew. Both substances can also be used as sprays.
Tip
Mildew also spreads through the wind
Since powdery mildew affects plants of the same species, you should also monitor these plants closely. Even if cucumbers and squash are spaced far apart, the wind can spread mildew spores to other parts of the garden. This also applies to fungal spores that have overwintered in the soil.
