While the so-called downy mildew is usually favored by periods of bad weather and a climate that is too humid, powdery mildew can spread better in hot and dry conditions. Unfortunately, serviceberries are susceptible to powdery mildew, but there are also ways to prevent and combat them.
How can you combat powdery mildew on serviceberries?
To protect serviceberries from powdery mildew, infected areas should be removed, cutting waste disposed of and the plants regularly treated with biological agents such as field horsetail broth or a milk-water mixture. Adequate irrigation during drought also helps.
Effects of powdery mildew on the rock pear
Powdery mildew is a fungal infection that appears as a white to ash-gray coating on the tops of the leaves, flowers and fruits of the serviceberry. The plants can certainly cope with an annual infestation, but depending on the infestation pressure, the following negative effects can still occur:
- worse growth of the serviceberry
- stunted flowers
- dried, falling leaves
Possibilities for combating mildew through targeted care
Many hobby gardeners find the fight against powdery mildew very laborious and choose the plants in the garden specifically based on the susceptibility or resistance of plants. If the first signs of powdery mildew appear on a serviceberry, the following measures can be taken:
- cut out smaller infested areas
- Dispose of cuttings and autumn leaves or burn them if necessary
- Fight mildew infestation with sulfur-containing antidotes (€6.00 on Amazon)
- spray the leaves regularly with biological agents
- water the rock pear sufficiently when it is dry
Tip
Field horsetail broth or a mixture of 10% raw milk and 90% water can be used as biological sprays against powdery mildew infestation or as a preventive measure. The leaves should be wetted about every 7 to 10 days, and the treatment should be repeated after every rain.