image from bigplugofggardening.com
I am posting another writing today because a gardener asked about powdery white on her pumpkin leaves. So I found these 2 articles to help her with that. NOW for the rest of you have you ever done the aspirin and spray them on the leaves? Interesting. Let me know if it works, and which one.
White Pumpkin Leaves: How To Get Rid Of Powdery Mildew On Pumpkins
Do you have a white powdery mildew on your pumpkin leaves? You’re in good company; so do I. What causes white pumpkin leaves and how can you get rid of that powdery mildew on your pumpkins? Keep reading to find out more about treating powdery mildew on pumpkin plants
What Causes White Pumpkin Leaves?
The reason we have a powdery mildew on our pumpkin leaves is because it is caused by a leaf infecting disease that is very common. The name is, in fact, “powdery mildew ” and is given to a group of diseases caused by related fungi.
Each one has a different host, but they all share the same appearance – a grayish-white, powdery carpet that can be seen on leaves, stems and flowers. Unlike other fungal diseases, powdery mildew thrives in warm conditions and does not require moisture to grow.
How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew on Pumpkins
While powdery mildew on pumpkins looks unpleasant, the good news is that a mild case isn’t fatal. That said, if left untreated, the disease will likely spread. Powdery mildew first appears as white, powdery spots. These spots gradually spread and a pumpkin that is severely affected may have a reduced yield, shorter growth time and pumpkins with little flavor. Before learning about treating powdery mildew on pumpkins, it’s a good idea to learn a little about its life cycle.
In the spring, fungi begin to produce spores, which are then dispersed into the air. When they contact an appropriate host and conditions are suitable, they infect the plant. The initial white spots continue to expand and join as the infection progresses. The fungus overwinters on plant debris and then when the weather warms over 60 degrees F. (16 C.), the cycle starts all over again.
Although powdery mildew doesn’t require watery conditions to germinate, high humidity is a factor. High humidity fosters spore formation. Temperatures between 60-80 F. (15-26 C.), shade, and high humidity are premium conditions for powdery mildew.
If the powdery mildew on the pumpkins seems to be minimal, remove the infected leaves, vines, or blossoms. Depending upon when the infection set in, this may give the plant enough time to complete production of its pumpkins. If conditions are still favorable for the growth of powdery mildew, it will likely reappear again.
Cucurbits, like pumpkins, are highly susceptible to this disease. Plant them in full sun, allow for good air circulation, and avoid excess fertilizer to try and thwart the disease. Use a slow release fertilizer. It is likely that they will need an application of fungicide, however.
Fungicides fall into the categories of protectants, eradicants or both. There are two oils that work best as eradicants but have some protectant quality as well – neem oil and jojoba oil. Other horticultural oil brands may be used as well. Don’t spray within 2 weeks of a sulfur spray or when temps are above 90 degrees F. (32 C.).
Sulfur has been used for centuries to manage powdery mildew in pumpkins and other cucurbits but must be used BEFORE disease symptoms appear. Don’t apply sulfur when it is near or over 90 degrees F. (32 C.) on within 2 weeks of an oil spray.
Lastly, you can try a biological fungicide (Serenade), which contains beneficial microorganisms that destroy fungal pathogens. It is nontoxic to people and pets and kills the powdery mildew pathogen, but isn’t as effective as oil or sulfur.
taken from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pumpkin/powdery-mildew-on-pumpkins.htm
Powdery mildew, a fungus that looks like a white powder that spreads until it covers the leaves of pumpkin plants, can cause the foliage to drop. This weakens the plant sometimes resulting in smaller, less flavorful fruit. Combating the problem means removing the affected foliage, keeping plants spaced far enough apart to allow proper air circulation, and ensuring the pumpkins get plenty of sunshine. Pumpkins grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Humid, warm zones will require more diligence to keep away powdery mildew.
Prevent powdery mildew by planting in full sun. Space plants far enough apart that they get good air circulation and do not grow on top of each other. Hills should be 6 to 8 feet apart. Water the soil near the plant, but avoid getting water on the leaves.
Remove leaves that have mildew spots. Place the diseased foliage in plastic bags for disposal to prevent the spores from spreading. Remove the mulch and plant debris around affected pumpkin plants. Check the foliage of any other plants near the affected pumpkins, as the powdery mildew spreads by air and can infect a broad range of plant types.
Sterilize equipment used in pruning the foliage before and after use to prevent spread of the mildew. Soak shears or scissors in a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling infected plants.
Spray remaining foliage weekly to prevent recurrence of the powdery mildew. Dissolve two uncoated aspirin tablets in a quart of water and spray on the leaves. Spray early in the morning to give the sun time to dry the leaves.
Things You Will Need
Pruning shears
Plastic bags
Bleach
Soap
Aspirin
Spray bottle
Tip
If the powdery mildew continues to return to a certain plant, remove the entire plant and spray the soil with fungicide to prevent the mildew from spreading to other plants.
Things Needed
•Pruning shears
•Plastic bags
•Bleach
•Soap
•Aspirin
•Spray bottle
Jill Kokemuller has been writing since 2010, with work published in the "Daily Gate City." She spent six years working in a private boarding school, where her focus was English, algebra and geometry. Kokemuller is an authorized substitute teacher and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa.
taken from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-powdery-mildew-pumpkin-leaves-31892.html
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net
White Pumpkin Leaves: How To Get Rid Of Powdery Mildew On Pumpkins
Do you have a white powdery mildew on your pumpkin leaves? You’re in good company; so do I. What causes white pumpkin leaves and how can you get rid of that powdery mildew on your pumpkins? Keep reading to find out more about treating powdery mildew on pumpkin plants
What Causes White Pumpkin Leaves?
The reason we have a powdery mildew on our pumpkin leaves is because it is caused by a leaf infecting disease that is very common. The name is, in fact, “powdery mildew ” and is given to a group of diseases caused by related fungi.
Each one has a different host, but they all share the same appearance – a grayish-white, powdery carpet that can be seen on leaves, stems and flowers. Unlike other fungal diseases, powdery mildew thrives in warm conditions and does not require moisture to grow.
How to Get Rid of Powdery Mildew on Pumpkins
While powdery mildew on pumpkins looks unpleasant, the good news is that a mild case isn’t fatal. That said, if left untreated, the disease will likely spread. Powdery mildew first appears as white, powdery spots. These spots gradually spread and a pumpkin that is severely affected may have a reduced yield, shorter growth time and pumpkins with little flavor. Before learning about treating powdery mildew on pumpkins, it’s a good idea to learn a little about its life cycle.
In the spring, fungi begin to produce spores, which are then dispersed into the air. When they contact an appropriate host and conditions are suitable, they infect the plant. The initial white spots continue to expand and join as the infection progresses. The fungus overwinters on plant debris and then when the weather warms over 60 degrees F. (16 C.), the cycle starts all over again.
Although powdery mildew doesn’t require watery conditions to germinate, high humidity is a factor. High humidity fosters spore formation. Temperatures between 60-80 F. (15-26 C.), shade, and high humidity are premium conditions for powdery mildew.
If the powdery mildew on the pumpkins seems to be minimal, remove the infected leaves, vines, or blossoms. Depending upon when the infection set in, this may give the plant enough time to complete production of its pumpkins. If conditions are still favorable for the growth of powdery mildew, it will likely reappear again.
Cucurbits, like pumpkins, are highly susceptible to this disease. Plant them in full sun, allow for good air circulation, and avoid excess fertilizer to try and thwart the disease. Use a slow release fertilizer. It is likely that they will need an application of fungicide, however.
Fungicides fall into the categories of protectants, eradicants or both. There are two oils that work best as eradicants but have some protectant quality as well – neem oil and jojoba oil. Other horticultural oil brands may be used as well. Don’t spray within 2 weeks of a sulfur spray or when temps are above 90 degrees F. (32 C.).
Sulfur has been used for centuries to manage powdery mildew in pumpkins and other cucurbits but must be used BEFORE disease symptoms appear. Don’t apply sulfur when it is near or over 90 degrees F. (32 C.) on within 2 weeks of an oil spray.
Lastly, you can try a biological fungicide (Serenade), which contains beneficial microorganisms that destroy fungal pathogens. It is nontoxic to people and pets and kills the powdery mildew pathogen, but isn’t as effective as oil or sulfur.
taken from https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/vegetables/pumpkin/powdery-mildew-on-pumpkins.htm
Powdery mildew, a fungus that looks like a white powder that spreads until it covers the leaves of pumpkin plants, can cause the foliage to drop. This weakens the plant sometimes resulting in smaller, less flavorful fruit. Combating the problem means removing the affected foliage, keeping plants spaced far enough apart to allow proper air circulation, and ensuring the pumpkins get plenty of sunshine. Pumpkins grow in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 3 through 9. Humid, warm zones will require more diligence to keep away powdery mildew.
Prevent powdery mildew by planting in full sun. Space plants far enough apart that they get good air circulation and do not grow on top of each other. Hills should be 6 to 8 feet apart. Water the soil near the plant, but avoid getting water on the leaves.
Remove leaves that have mildew spots. Place the diseased foliage in plastic bags for disposal to prevent the spores from spreading. Remove the mulch and plant debris around affected pumpkin plants. Check the foliage of any other plants near the affected pumpkins, as the powdery mildew spreads by air and can infect a broad range of plant types.
Sterilize equipment used in pruning the foliage before and after use to prevent spread of the mildew. Soak shears or scissors in a solution of one part bleach to four parts water. Wash your hands with soap and water after handling infected plants.
Spray remaining foliage weekly to prevent recurrence of the powdery mildew. Dissolve two uncoated aspirin tablets in a quart of water and spray on the leaves. Spray early in the morning to give the sun time to dry the leaves.
Things You Will Need
Pruning shears
Plastic bags
Bleach
Soap
Aspirin
Spray bottle
Tip
If the powdery mildew continues to return to a certain plant, remove the entire plant and spray the soil with fungicide to prevent the mildew from spreading to other plants.
Things Needed
•Pruning shears
•Plastic bags
•Bleach
•Soap
•Aspirin
•Spray bottle
Jill Kokemuller has been writing since 2010, with work published in the "Daily Gate City." She spent six years working in a private boarding school, where her focus was English, algebra and geometry. Kokemuller is an authorized substitute teacher and holds a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Iowa.
taken from https://homeguides.sfgate.com/rid-powdery-mildew-pumpkin-leaves-31892.html
till next time this is Becky Litterer, Becky's Greenhouse Dougherty Iowa beckmall@netins.net
