One of the most feared fungal diseases does not spare pumpkins. Powdery mildew is an ever-present threat to plant he alth. We explain how to recognize the symptoms. A wide range of ecologically harmless means is available to combat this.
How do I fight mildew on my pumpkins?
To combat powdery mildew on pumpkins, use ecologically harmless means such as mixed culture with basil, garlic and marigolds, sufficient planting distance, ladybirds and parasitic wasps as well as spraying with curd soap-milk-spirit solution or soda solution. Also strengthen the plant's resistance with liverwort extract.
Characteristic damage pattern
The pathogens of powdery mildew overwinter in the soil or in tiny housings on plants. The fungal spores even appear on weeds during the cold season. In spring, the parasitic cells can be carried to the host plants by the wind and insects.
If the temperatures settle at 20 degrees Celsius, a simple downpour is enough and the explosive spread begins. The spores drift over the wet leaves in order to use the smallest injuries as access to the plant.
- A white-grey fungal lawn forms on the undersides of the leaves
- As a result, the covering spreads to the top sides
- the leaves often roll up now
- infected plant parts turn brown, dry out and fall off
Biological control of mildew
The use of chemical fungicides is prohibited when growing pumpkins, especially if the fruits are intended for consumption. Instead, the large community of ambitious hobby gardeners has put together a we alth of environmentally friendly control measures:
- Mixed culture with basil, garlic and marigold keeps mildew away
- Plant pumpkin in an airy location with sufficient distance
- avoid nitrogen-based fertilization
- remove affected plant parts immediately
- spray repeatedly with a soap-milk-spirit solution
- Ladybirds and parasitic wasps destroy fungal spores
The stronger the pumpkin plant, the more resistant it is to powdery mildew. Strengthen your pumpkin culture throughout the season with liverwort extract (€11.00 at Amazon), which also prevents the proliferation of fungal spores.
How to turn soda into a natural fungicide
To stop mildew on pumpkins, the following home remedy has made a name for itself among environmentally conscious hobby gardeners:
A heaped tablespoon of soda, also called baking soda, is dissolved in 4 liters of water. Add 15 milliliters of curd soap and 15 to 20 milliliters of vegetable oil. Filled into a hand sprayer, spread the solution over the affected pumpkin plants.
Tips & Tricks
Rock dust has proven to be an extremely effective combatant against mildew. If infected plant parts of a pumpkin are repeatedly powdered with it, the stubborn fungal spores will retreat sooner or later.
