Download Powdery Mildew

Powdery Mildew
BY: JUSTIN KEITH, TANNER EIDSON AND CHARLES RING
What causes the disease?

Powdery mildew diseases are
caused by many different species of
fungi with Sphaerotheca fuliginea
being the most commonly reported
cause. It is one of the easier diseases
to identify, as its symptoms are quite
distinctive. Infected plants display
white powdery spots on the leaves
and stems.
Signs or Symptoms:

older lesions turn brown and appeared shriveled

• mycelium of fungus forms mats and appears as white, grayish white or
tan colored patches on leaves, buds, stems or young fruit

• fruiting bodies (cleistothecia) appear as small black or brown specks
on the mycelial mats

• infected leaves often appear chlorotic due to decreased
photosynthesis

• leaf curl

• leaf drop

• infected fruit and flowers are often aborted or malformed

• early signs include small chlorotic spots or blistering on leaves or
flowers
Disease Control and Prevention:

Powdery mildew can be prevented, and it can be controlled once
it appears, but it can't be cured. The key to preventing it is planting
mildew-resistant or mildew- tolerant varieties. Resistant varieties get
less mildew than susceptible varieties; tolerant varieties may get
some mildew, but it shouldn't affect the performance of the plant.
Prevention also includes siting plants where they will have good air
circulation, and exposing as much leaf surface as possible to direct
sunlight, which inhibits spore germination.

Powdery Mildew affects plants, trees, and all types of plants that
produces fruits or foliage. So every plant is at risk.