Powdery Mildew?

[RogersRanch]

I have a zucchini plant that is about a month old I started from a seed. I noticed some white veins growing on the leaves and I cannot tell if it is white mildew or if it is just the natural coloring of the leaf growing old. Please let me know what you think!

 

[Chuck]

Sorry, it's PW

 

[Chuck]

View attachment 11934 View attachment 11935 View attachment 11936 I have a zucchini plant that is about a month old I started from a seed. I noticed some white veins growing on the leaves and I cannot tell if it is white mildew or if it is just the natural coloring of the leaf growing old. Please let me know what you think!

If it were me I would pull them up and start over. Maybe the climate will be better. I know of no sure remedy

 

[Beverly]

What has been recommended to me for PW is spraying a solution of half milk + half water on the affected leaves. This must be done in the sun to be effective (for some chemical process to take place). I haven't tried it yet, because PW generally shows up later in the season where i live but i've been told that this works.

EDIT: correction from 50/50 solution to 1 part milk to 5 parts water as noted in the following post

 

[headfullofbees]

50/50 is too strong and can cause black rot.
1 milk to 5 water is ample concentration for powdery mildew.
Spray BOTH sides of the leaves.

 

[Chuck]

I have used milk and it does reduce the effects of PM. but I have never had it cure the problem. Fruit production is minimum at best.

 

[headfullofbees]

I have used milk and it does reduce the effects of PM. but I have never had it cure the problem. Fruit production is minimum at best.

But pulling them up isn't really the answer either, as there will still be spores around, as it's insect-borne.
If you want to bring in the big guns, use this:
http://shop.solufeed.co.uk/en/shop/...sium-bicarbonate-natural-fungicide-1-kg-pack/

More info:
http://shop.solufeed.co.uk/media/42227/potassium_bicarbonate.pdf

It IS, of course, suitable for organic use.

 

[Chuck]

But pulling them up isn't really the answer either, as there will still be spores around, as it's insect-borne.
If you want to bring in the big guns, use this:
http://shop.solufeed.co.uk/en/shop/...sium-bicarbonate-natural-fungicide-1-kg-pack/

More info:
http://shop.solufeed.co.uk/media/42227/potassium_bicarbonate.pdf

It IS, of course, suitable for organic use.

I have heard it works but I haven't used it. It is a tad pricey at $10+ a pound. I don't like squash that much

 

[Beverly]

Thanks @headfullofbees for the formula correction. I couldn't find my formula at the time but remembered it had a "5". I'll be more careful in the future. Do you agree that the application should be done in the sun?

 

[headfullofbees]

Thanks @headfullofbees for the formula correction. I couldn't find my formula at the time but remembered it had a "5". I'll be more careful in the future. Do you agree that the application should be done in the sun?

Doesn't make much difference.
Since plants transpire most in late afternoon, I'd try to avoid then, but that's probably overly cautious.

 

[headfullofbees]

I have heard it works but I haven't used it. It is a tad pricey at $10+ a pound. I don't like squash that much

How many susceptible plants will you be growing?
It's approx. $8.50 for 2lbs in the UK and that amount would last me years.
There's enough in that box for 2000l (that's 2 tonnes of water) of spray.

 

[RogersRanch]

I have purchased Neem oil to try. That is said to be a good product to slow the process of PW. I will let you all know how it goes. Thanks for the advice!

 

[Chuck]

How many susceptible plants will you be growing?
It's approx. $8.50 for 2lbs in the UK and that amount would last me years.
There's enough in that box for 2000l (that's 2 tonnes of water) of spray.

The only thing that catches it here is summer squash and certain varieties of zuc's. I will grow one of each just to keep the wife happy

 

[majorcatfish]

the biggest thing is to be "proactive" instead of being "reactive" when it comes to insects and fungal problems.....
@RogersRanch just my 2 cents worth. this will slow the spread of pm
1.cut off all the infected leaves close to the base with a knife that you drip into a cup of rubbing alcohol every time,carefully place in a trash bag and into the trash can.
2.spray the plant top to bottom till it's dripping/ completely covered either using an organic or chemical method. if it rains reapply
3. only water from below.
4. next time you plant pick a seed the has been bred to have a resistance to pm, lots of good choices in seed catalogs.

put in your head for the following year that pm is present in your garden.
5. just because they look healthy start spraying the plants/ soil early on to deter the growth of fugal problems...proactive..

since i do not know your gardening preferences are. here are a couple ideas for you...
here is a link for more organic methods...
http://www.growingagreenerworld.com/controlling-or-eliminating-powdery-mildew/

copper base fungicides have been around for a long time. they are very good on controlling fungal problems on many types of plants...
http://www.bonide.com/products/garden-naturals/view/811/copper-fungicide-conc

another that i will use during growing season sparingly, again you need to know your problem...
http://www.bonide.com/products/disease-control/view/861/mancozeb-flowable-wzinc-conc.

wish you all the best..... and be glad to help you in anyway possible....

 

[headfullofbees]

The only thing that catches it here is summer squash and certain varieties of zuc's. I will grow one of each just to keep the wife happy

Then that amount should last until you're 138.