Out
On A Limb / May 2006
Mildew Milieu
Mildew has no good context and its a heart breaker for gardeners. Powdery mildew and other fungal diseases are the result of living mold spores that attach themselves to plants and other organic materials. They feed off of the organic material and interfere with the normal physiology of plant. Weakened plants can be more susceptible to other pests or diseases. As the disease progresses, the mold spores get larger and thicker and the mildew spreads up and down the length of the plant. Unchecked, mildew can cause extensive damage and reduce blossom growth on ornamentals and diminish vegetable yield. Mold spores are also unhealthy for humans and can cause severe allergies.
Powdery mildews often appear as a superficial white or gray powdery growth of fungus over the surface of leaves, stems, flowers, or fruit of affected plants with patches that can enlarge until they cover the entire leaf on one or both sides. Young foliage and shoots may be particularly susceptible. Leaf curling and twisting may be seen before the fungus is noticed. Severe powdery mildew infection will result in yellowed leaves, dried and brown leaves, and disfigured shoots and flowers. Although it usually isn’t fatal, powdery mildew may hasten plant defoliation and fall dormancy, and the infected plant may become extremely unsightly. On roses, uncontrolled powdery mildew will prevent normal flowering on highly susceptible cultivars and cause emotional pain for the gardener.
Powdery mildew fungi infect almost all ornamental plants from azaleas to zinnias, including woody plants like crabapple, dogwood and euonymous as well as herbacous plants like delphiniums and dahlias. Each species of powdery mildew has a limited host range-infection of one plant type does not necessarily mean other plants are threatened. The powdery mildew on lilac doesn’t spread to roses.
A new eco-friendly fungicide, GreenCure®, has been introduced to keep plants mildew free. The active ingredient is potassium bicarbonate, commonly used in food products. Thes patented formula enhances the preventive and curative properties of a powerful, bio-compatible, natural ingredient.
It is recommended for woody and ornamental shade trees, woody and herbaceous ornamentals, annuals, perennials, foliage plants, ground covers and bedding plants. It economicically prevents powdery mildew, blackspot, anthracnose, blights, molds, scab and rust on over eighty five different flowers, trees, fruits vegetables and turfs. Greencure® kills on contact and provides 2-3 weeks of residual protection. Safe for organic production, it doesn’t restrict plant growth, doesn’t accumulate in soil and is compatible with beneficial insects. Vegetables can be harvested an hour after spraying.
Stories about baking soda controlling garden fungi have circulated for years and baking soda sprays have been recommended for controlling powdery mildew and black spot on roses, phlox, and other garden plants. Baking soda prevents fungal spores from getting established, and kills them once started. But baking soda sprays don’t readily cover the leaves, and do quickly wash away. Adding horticultural oil improves coverage but can damage foliage.
Research and experimentation revealed that potassium bicarbonate was 25 to 35 percent more effective than sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) but an effective “spreader-sticker” was needed to evenly spread and stick the potassium bicarbonate over a leaf surface. After experiments with more than 350 different additives, a formula was found that was significantly more effective than any other ingredient combination. The Greencure® formula causes spores and tubes to suffer immediate and rapid water loss, effectively killing the fungus. Once destroyed, residual spore material sloughs off or washes away. The formula is as effective or better than competitive products and the product is an environmentally sound, user-friendly, welcome alternative to more toxic fungicides currently on the market. PL
For more information visit greencure.net or www.garden.org, the website of The National Gardening Association (NGA), a national nonprofit leader in plant-based education.
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