Last updated on October 23rd, 2023 at 08:29 pm
Powdery mildew is a well-known disease of roses. However, hobby gardeners can quickly get rid of the unwelcome coating with a food product.
When walking through the garden at home, a white coating on the plants can cloud the view of the color paradise. Powdery mildew is a collective term for various plant diseases that are caused by fungi and cause worry lines in amateur and professional gardeners. Thanks to a simple trick, the white spots on the leaves are quickly history.
- Powdery mildew fungus Erysiphaceae (white coating on leaf surfaces).
- Downy mildew yellow spots on leaves and gray fungal turf underneath
Powdery mildew: especially ornamental plants and vegetables suffer from fungal infestation
According to NDR, powdery mildew, also known as fair-weather fungus, often occurs when temperatures are above 20 degrees Celsius and the air is particularly humid. It is particularly common on vegetables, roses and other ornamental plants, it is found on the tops of leaves. Initially, it is white, but with time it becomes brownish to grayish. The spores of the pathogens, which belong to the group of tubular fungi, usually reach the leaves of the plants through the wind or splashing water, where they penetrate the top cell layer of the leaves and form a fungal network.
Powdery mildew: dry, immature shoots on roses particularly at risk
Shoots and leaves that have not been able to mature properly during prolonged drought are particularly at risk from powdery mildew fungal attack. To “cure” sick roses again, it is advisable to reach into the refrigerator, where a cheap food completely without chemicals is just waiting to be used to destroy powdery mildew.
For raw or whole milk, mixed with water in a ratio of 1:8, work wonders against the real mildew fungus. Simply pour 100 milliliters of non-homogenized or pasteurized milk and 800 milliliters of water into a spray bottle and the powdery mildew hunt can begin in the home garden.
Powdery mildew: milk and water fight powdery mildew fungus
Experts recommend a weekly spray at first, and later a bi-weekly spray. Other sources recommend spraying every two to three days for acute infestations.
The bacteria in the milk multiply strongly and form a dense coating on the surface of the leaves. According to grüneliebe, the microorganisms fight the fungus, and in addition, the sodium phosphate contained in the milk strengthens the plant’s defenses.
To protect the domestic roses preventively, they should not stand too close together on the one hand, and on the other hand in moist, nutrient-rich soil, where plenty of sun and air can reach. Thus, the plant will dry faster and will not offer the powdery mildew fungus suitable places for infestation.