The cucumber plant is known and popular for its particularly tasty fruits. However, if the crop is affected by mildew, the first question that arises is whether the cucumber can still be eaten or whether it is also affected by the fungal infection.
Are cucumbers still edible after a mildew attack?
After a powdery mildew attack, cucumbers are still edible if there is powdery mildew because only the leaves are affected. However, caution is advised when it comes to downy mildew, as this affects the fruit and makes it inedible.
Can the cucumbers still be eaten after a mildew attack?
Whether the cucumber is still edible after a mildew attack or not depends on the respectivetype of fungal disease. If it is powdery mildew, the fruits can be eaten safely. In this case, the mildew only attacks the leaves of the cucumber plant. However, if it is downy mildew, caution is advised. This variant also settles in the fruits of the plant. This can cause the cucumber to become inedible.
How to recognize powdery mildew on cucumber leaves?
The powdery mildew settles on the leaves of the cucumber and leads towhite or yellow discoloration At the beginning of the disease, individual spots can be seen, which gradually cover the entire leaf take in. If the infestation is more advanced, an oily substance forms on the affected leaves. In the case of downy mildew, the infection also spreads to the fruit, which can be recognized by dark discoloration. In this case, it is better to avoid harvesting.
Does the cucumber plant have to be disposed of after mildew infestation?
The cucumber plant does not need to be completely disposed ofafter a mildew attack. Simply removing the infected leaves is enough to begin removing the fungus. This care measure should be carried out thoroughly to permanently eliminate mildew. Cheap home remedies such as milk or baking soda are suitable for further treatment. These counteract the fungal disease when used regularly. In this case, harvesting the affected fruits should be postponed, but the affected plant should be treated immediately.
Tip
These cucumber varieties are resistant to mildew
If you absolutely don't want to worry about fighting powdery mildew, but don't want to do without home-grown cucumbers, you should use resistant varieties. These are completely immune to mildew. However, the taste does not change. Well-known cucumber varieties of this type include Cordoba, Cum Laude, Sudica or Diamant.
