Powdery Mildew

So ... What is Powdery Mildew?

There are numerous strains of fungi that are commonly referred to as powdery mildew. They typically have similar habitats and similar methods can be used to control them.

Characteristics

Powdery mildew is typically white or gray on the leaf surface. Sometimes when it first appears it is mistaken for dust or dirt. When touched, some of it will rub off. Lower leaves are the most affected but it can be found on the entire plant. If left untreated, powdery mildew can take over the entire plant. Using Safer^® Brand Garden Fungicide for your powdery mildew treatment will keep your plants healthy and help control powdery mildew.

Symptoms of Powdery Mildew Damage

Plants infected with powdery mildew can have any of the following symptoms (depending on the plant species).

The disease is taking needed nutrients away from the plant and the following can result:

• Stunting or distortion of leaves, buds, growing tips and fruit
• Yellowing of leaves or tissue death
• Premature leaf drop
• General decline in the growth and vigor of the plant

Plants That Are Susceptible to Powdery Mildew

Many types of plants can be affected by powdery mildew, but some of the most common include:

• House plant species: African violet & begonia
• Outdoor plant species: lilac, phlox & some rose varieties

Depending on the type of plant, powdery mildew break out, could have mild to severely damaging effects. Safer^® Brand Garden Fungicide will prevent damage to your plant and ensure a healthy plant.

Powdery Mildew Controls

What?

Powdery mildew treatment or sulfur fungicides, such as Safer^® Brand Garden Fungicide, can kill existing powdery mildew on contact and control future outbreaks.

How?

Sulfur or Copper fungicides change the pH balance of the plant, creating an environment where Powdery Mildew and other fungal blights cannot thrive.

Most solutions help with powdery mildew treatment and disease control because when the soil is healthy, (and not full of harmful chemicals) there is a never-ending battle between the good microbes and the pathogens resulting in the microbes often winning.

Carefully read and follow all instructions on the product packaging for positive results. It is recommended with any pesticide to test plants for sensitivity to the product. Spray a small section of the plant in an inconspicuous area and wait 24 hours before full coverage.

IMPORTANT: Do not use products containing Neem Oil within 14 days of applying these fungicides. The mix of both products can greatly increase risk of phototoxicity (burning) to your plant.

When?

Safer^® Brand Garden Fungicide should be applied when you notice the symptoms of Powdery Mildew and then again as needed in 7 to 10 day increments. As a general rule, much like watering, do not use these products in the peak of the day or when temperatures exceed 90 degrees F to avoid wilting or browning of the leaves.

Safer^® Brand Garden Fungicide can also be used as a preventative measure against fungal infections and powdery mildew. It is a treatment because the fungicide changes the pH of the plant and creates an environment that is not conducive to disease growth. Treatment for powdery mildew once a month is recommended but in heavy rain seasons, treat every 7 to 10 days for best results.

Why Choose a Natural Solution?

Using solutions in your garden is an important step in controlling diseases such as powdery mildew.

Some ingredients like the patented seaweed extract in some of our Safer^® Brand Garden Fungicide actively increase a plant’s resistance to disease because it is a root growth stimulator, controlling many types of plant pathogens through increased biological activity. This is what many gardening experts refer to when they talk about the natural defenses of a plant. It is similar to antibodies in a human immune system.

Treating an infected plant with a fungicide such as Safer^® Brand Garden Fungicide is treating a symptom of the bigger problem. Keeping the living organisms in the soil protected by using organic products is not only good for the global environment; it also helps protect your plants from further outbreaks and other issues like insects.

Limit Powdery Mildew Outbreaks With These Garden Tips

Soil

Make sure the soil around your plant is properly drained. Without proper drainage, your planting area can be a ripe breeding ground for disease organisms.

Compost

Adding organic materials through composting will generate beneficial microorganism activity which fights away disease and other garden problems.

Maintenance

Keep leaves as dry as possible. Water plants at the base instead of the leaves.

Remove all diseased leaves or branches throughout the season and once again before winter. Remove all diseased leaves and canes from the plant and surrounding areas.