Powdery
mildew is fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants including -
Cucurbits (squash, cucumber, pumpkins, melons
etc) nightshade (eggplants, tomatoes, peppers etc) and legumes (beans, pea) plants.
There are many different species of powdery mildew and each species attacks a
range of different plants. When the fungus begins to attack your plants, a
layer of mildew made up of many spores forms across the top of the leaves. These
spores are easily carried to other plant by the wind.
How to notice about Powdery mildew:
1. You may not notice a problem until
the top surfaces of the leaves turn powdery.
2. The first sign of powdery mildew is
pale yellow leaf spots.
3. It attack first lower side of the
leaves and remain hidden from your notice.
4. Infection spread quickly both surface
of foliage, stems, buds and even fruits.
5. When powdery mildew infects the
majority of foliage and the fruits ripen pre maturely.
6. Powdery mildew can spread in warm and
dry climates. It does not require any high level of humidity to spread.
7. Circular, powdery white spots which
can appear on leaves, stems and sometimes fruit.
8. Young leaves are most susceptible to
damage.
9. Leaves turn yellow and dry out.
10. The leaves, buds and growing tips
will become disfigure.
How to control powdery mildew:
1. Choose mildew resistant varieties and
bought seeds from trusted seed suppliers.
2. Try to cultivate at sunnier spots.
3. Powdery mildew tends to develop more often in
shady area.
4. Prune selectively at overcrowded
parts of your plant. It increases air circulation around your plants, which
helps to reduce relative humidity.
5. Avoid using any fertilizer when infection
notices by you.
6. Water your plant at base. Don’t give
water on leaves.
7. Immediately trim out affected part
when notice by you.
8. Use sulphur based any fungicide
before powdery mildew even forms.
9. If your plants do develop powdery
mildew despite of your efforts, don’t worry.
10. You may use mouth wash. Using three
parts water to one part mouth wash has been found to be a good. But it is
harmful to new growth.
11. You may use one part milk to 2-3 parts water
as foliar spray.
12. If infection occurs out of your
control then use any OMRI certified sulphur based fungicide.
Comments
Post a Comment