Mildew is a dreaded plant disease that almost every gardener has encountered. It is not only feared in ornamental gardens, it also affects the harvest in kitchen gardens. We explain to you what powdery mildew looks like on plants.
What does the damage caused by powdery mildew look like?
Powdery mildew can be recognized by a white to grayish coating on the upper side of the leaves. The leaves look powdered. If the infestation is prolonged, leaves, flowers and fruits dry up, change color and die.
How does powdery mildew occur?
The cause of powdery mildew is the colonization of the plant withso-called ascomycetes Powdery mildew is also considered a fair-weather fungus. The fungus usually gets on the leaves in warm, dry weather through wind or splashing water from watering. The mushrooms form a mycelium with sucking processes on the surface. This sucks the nutrients and moisture out of the leaves.
How harmful is powdery mildew?
Powdery mildewdamages all parts of the plant By removing nutrients and moisture, the damage can lead to the death of the plant. In the vegetable garden, for example, powdery mildew can significantly reduce the cucumber harvest. That's why it's important to combat the fungal disease as early as possible.
How can I combat powdery mildew?
To combat powdery mildew,removal of the affected plant parts is urgently necessary. There are also several tried and tested home remedies. These are mainly based on a natural fungicidal effect, such as garlic. Alternatively, changing the pH using acids or bases such as lactic acid or baking soda can achieve the same effect. The plants usually have to be treated several times. Use resistant varieties in your vegetable garden.
Tip
Powdery mildew does not die in winter
The spores of powdery mildew overwinter on buds and shoots. Even in severe frost the fungus is not killed. As soon as the weather conditions are right in the next season, the fungus will appear again. That's why you should remove all affected plant parts in the old year and best dispose of them with household waste.
