subject: Powdery Mildew - The Quick Info Guide to Prevention and The Cure [print this page] If you have a Powdery Mildew issue, read this simple guide and learn how to defeat the enemy!
Throughout my garden I have fought the enemy which is PM. From spider mites to black spot mold, nothing is as bad or persistent as Powdery Mildew. Especially to those gardeners that live close to the coast or have high rainfall in the warmer months, this guide is for you!
What is it?
Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that lives on the surface of your garden's plants. Basically it can infect any type of plant but has a preference for fruiting or flowering plants where they hold more moisture. It is an airborne disease and proves to be a threat to any garden.
Identify it!
Powdery mildew produces a white powder in the form of spots and blotches. On some plants further investigation into flowers and fruits may show the white fungus patches are growing inside. Often poor air circulation helps build humidity and enables fungus to grow deep inside the affected plant.
What causes it to grow?
Like most fungus, powdery mildew thrives in warm, wet, and humid conditions like those on the marine coast of california. Heavy marine layers, fog, and rain will create optimal conditions for growth and reproduction of funguses.
What preventative methods work?
Most gardeners employ a spraying schedule for preventative maintenence.
Organic Spray Ingrediant Types:
-Sulfur
-Copper base
-Potassium Bicarbonate
-Natural Oils such as Cottonseed, Corn, Rosemary, and Garlic
The Cure!
First there is no better cure than prevention and maintaining the correct conditions to stop fungal diseases, but sometimes that just isn't possible. This is when you need a good systemic fungicide.
These fungicides are usually dangerous to humans and animals, SO PLEASE take all safety measures.
Recommended Products:
Banner Maxx (active ingrediant - propiconazole)
Pentathlon (active ingrediant - zinc ion and manganese ethylenebisdithiocarbamate)
Mancozeb
Honor Guard
Powdery Mildew - The Quick Info Guide to Prevention and The Cure
