Combating powdery mildew and downy mildew

Powdery mildew in the garden: tips for controlling it

Powdery mildew is one of the most common plant diseases in the garden. As already mentioned, mildew can be caused by various fungal pathogens. Powdery mildew is just a collective term for fungal diseases from different genera. Some fungal genera can be super host-specific, while others can affect many different plants. However, it is only important to differentiate between "downy" and "powdery" mildew when it comes to control and remedial measures. The two groups of fungi have completely different requirements and can therefore be combated and prevented in different ways. You can find out how to recognize whether you are dealing with a plant disease or the wrong care/location in this article.

Distinguishing between powdery mildew and downy mildew

Recognizing, preventing and combating powdery mildew

Powdery mildew (Erysiphaceae) includes various genera from theAscomycota division. These include the economically relevant species such as grass powdery mildew (Blumeria graminis) or vine powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator or Oidium). Apples are attacked by Podosphaera leucotricha, while roses are infested by Sphaerotheca pannosa. This was just a brief insight into the diversity of powdery mildew fungi.

Plants susceptible to powdery mildew

• vegetables: cucumbers, zucchini, pumpkins, melons, carrots, peas, salsify, sage, strawberries
• woody plants: laurel, grapevines, apple, gooseberries, roses
• ornamental plants: delphiniums, asters, golden balm, hydrangeas

Powdery mildew: damage & symptoms

Powdery mildew does not need damp conditions to spread ("fair weather fungus"), as the spores do not necessarily need water to spread. Only the first spores in spring can get from the soil to the leaf surfaces through spray water. In most cases, however, wind plays an important role as a means of dispersal. This is why powdery mildew often occurs in summer in dry weather compared to downy mildew. In addition, strong temperature fluctuations and alternating damp and very dry conditions can weaken the plants and thus promote infestation. After an infestation, the spores can overwinter in the plant remains and re-infect plants in your bed the following year through wind or spray water. It is therefore best to dispose of the plant remains of infested specimens after harvesting (do not compost).

Symptoms: how to recognize powdery mildew

• "External fungus": Does not penetrate into the deeper tissue layers of the plant and can therefore be easily wiped off.
• Whitish, floury coating usually on the upper side of the leaf. Often also on young shoots, petals or spines. The fungus gradually attacks the entire plant (including the undersides of leaves and other green parts of the plant). Later, the affected parts of the plant turn yellow or die.
• Fungal webbing can also turn a dirty brownish color.
• "Powdery mildew candles" in apple powdery mildew: the leaves of young shoots stand upright and the leaf edge is curled. A reddish discoloration of the leaves often occurs.

Preventing mildew: how to do it

• Choose resistant ornamental, vegetable and fruit varieties.
• Leave sufficient space for planting (good aeration).
• Fertilize in a balanced way (avoid over-fertilizing).
• Remove diseased plant parts quickly (not on the compost!).
• A layer of mulch can prevent transmission through water splashes.
• Balanced watering (avoid drought and stagnant water). Avoid techniques with a high risk of splashing (it is best to water with a weak jet and from below).
• Avoid locations with strong temperature fluctuations (the location should always be adapted to the respective plant).
• Ensure adequate ventilation in the greenhouse.
• Horsetail broth can strengthen susceptible plants: add 1 kg of fresh herb to 10 liters of water and leave to infuse for 24 hours. Then simmer for half an hour. After cooling, strain and spray several times a day.

Fighting fair weather fungus with household remedies

• Spray garlic tea: 80 g to 10 liters of hot water. Leave to infuse for at least 5 hours.
• Remove affected parts of plants that can be cut and dispose of in the residual waste.

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Recognizing, preventing and combating downy mildew

Downy mildew comprises several genera of fungi that belong to the group ofoomycetes. The various species form the order Peronosporales. Important representatives of the group are downy mildew on grapes (Plasmopara viticola) and lettuce (Bremia lactucae). Many species of downy mildew are host-specific and therefore strongly dependent on their respective host plant species.

Plants susceptible to downy mildew

• vegetables: radishes, radishes, horseradish, lettuce, peas, lamb's lettuce, cabbage, spinach, onions
• woody plants: roses, vines
• ornamental plants: Carnations, pansies, primroses

Recognize bad weather fungus: damage & symptoms

Downy mildew is known as a "bad weather fungus" because it normally occurs in damp, cool weather. Therefore, infestation occurs mainly in spring or fall. Cool, rainy summers also provide good conditions for downy mildew. This is because the spores of the fungus use water as a means of spreading. If the leaves do not dry quickly enough, the spores can be transported in the water film and enter the stomata of the leaves. Overwintering in fallen leaves or crop residues. If in doubt, dispose of all plant residues (not in compost) so that re-infection is made more difficult the following year.

Symptoms: how to recognize downy mildew

• In contrast to powdery mildew, the fungus of downy mildew penetrates the plant tissue. This can occur through wounds or the natural respiratory openings of the leaves (stomata).
• It can be recognized by yellowish to brown spots on the upper side of the leaves, sometimes also on the stem or flower. Grey to greyish-purple fungal tissue can be seen on the underside of the leaves.

Preventing and combating downy mildew

• Keep leaves dry, as the fungus is transmitted by water (roofing, spacing for good ventilation).
• Water from below to reduce the risk of transmission.
• Avoid one-sided nitrogen fertilization.
• Choose resistant and tolerant varieties.
• In bad weather, spray with garlic tea, which has an antifungal effect (for production, see Powdery mildew control).
• Sprayhorsetail broth to strengthen plants (see Powdery mildew prevention).
• Remove affected plant parts.
• Water with nettle slurry to strengthen plants.

I hope I have been able to help you differentiate between, prevent and combat powdery mildew and downy mildew.

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Cover image: Jeff Kubina, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons