Until 2001, all basil stocks were free of downy mildew. Only since then has the fungus spread with increasing infestation pressure on the spice plant. This affects both agricultural businesses and hobby gardeners.
What causes downy mildew on basil?
Downy mildew is caused by a fungal pathogen from the oomycete family. The cause of the infestation is an interaction between unfavorable growth factors and excessive moisture. The fungus causes the leaves to become stained and die.
How do I treat downy mildew on basil?
Cut off all infected plant parts immediately after detecting the infestation. It is best to dispose of these with household waste. Spray the plants with garlic broth as a home remedy, as it has a fungicidal effect on fungi. When doing this, pay particular attention to the undersides of the leaves.
How can I avoid downy mildew on basil?
If you want to prevent mildew on basil,pay attention to the moisture on the plants. Constantly wet leaves provide an ideal entry point for the fungi. But the infestation is a combination of several climatic factors. As a precautionary measure, plant basil in the pot with some space between each plant. This means they are better ventilated and thus dried. Avoid large differences in temperature between day and night. This can be done, for example, on a house wall.
How do I make garlic broth?
For a garlic broth, cut 50 grams of the cloves into small pieces or press them through a garlic press. These are then poured over with a liter of water. After 24 hours you can filter the broth. Dilute the broth with boiled water in a 1:1 ratio. It is best to spray the plants in the morning so that the leaves can dry by evening.
Tip
Kill fungus with heat
The spores die at temperatures above 35 °C. Place affected plant in a sunny greenhouse or under glass. Leave them in the sun at high temperatures for several hours. Then ventilate until the leaves have dried. If you repeat this treatment for three consecutive days, all spores should be killed.
