Strawberries are at the top of the powdery mildew prey list. The fungal spores attack flowers, leaves and fruits mercilessly. How to effectively combat the disease on strawberry plants will no longer be hidden from you here.
How can I combat powdery mildew on strawberries?
Mildew on strawberries can be effectively combated with a mixture of water and milk in a ratio of 1:4. All infected plant parts should be removed and the plants sprayed regularly. Alternatively, a natural preparation based on neem oil can be used.
How to correctly diagnose mildew
If the mercury column rises to 18 degrees Celsius and higher, the mildew spores find ideal conditions. They spread explosively throughout the garden, not sparing strawberries. You can recognize an infection by these symptoms:
- a white fungal lawn is spreading on the undersides of the leaves
- the foliage quickly turns red-brown to purple
- As the progress progresses, the leaves curl up
- a white powdery mildew coating develops on the fruits
The infected strawberries do not ripen. Rather, they rot under the white patina. At this stage, healing can no longer be expected, so you should separate from the plants. However, beforehand, there are definitely means of control available to you.
Fight mildew on strawberries naturally
Nobody wants chemical fungicides in their food. Environmentally and he alth-conscious recreational gardeners therefore decide on the following biological control of powdery mildew on strawberries:
- immediately remove all infected plant parts
- spray repeatedly with a milk-water solution in a ratio of 1:4
- alternatively administer a natural preparation based on neem oil
The following recipe for a spray made from purely natural ingredients is making a name for itself: 1 tablespoon of baking soda (soda) and 15 milliliters each of curd soap and vegetable oil are mixed with 2 liters of water. Apply to the affected strawberry plants every 3-4 days until the mildew disappears.
Effective prevention
Hobby gardeners have an extensive arsenal of effective procedures at their disposal in advance to ensure that mildew does not attack the lovingly cared for strawberry plants in the first place.
- It is important to have an airy planting distance
- pulling weeds regularly and consistently
- avoid nitrogen-based fertilization
- do not water over flowers and leaves
Since the cunning fungal spores of mildew overwinter in the leaves on the ground, you should dispose of all clippings after cutting in the fall.
Tips & Tricks
Your strawberries receive valuable support in mixed culture if plants that counteract fungal spores are planted there. Garlic, lettuce and marigolds are good candidates. Make sure there is sufficient planting distance so that the strawberries are not shaded by their neighbors.
