Control
Non-chemical control
Destroying fallen infected leaves in autumn will reduce the amount of infectious spores next spring. Promptly pruning out infected shoots will reduce subsequent infection.
Most powdery mildew fungi have a host range restricted to a relatively few, related plants, but these can include wild relatives which can be sources of infection, e.g. wild crab apples may be sources of infection for apple orchards.
Seed producers sometimes offer powdery mildew-resistant cultivars of both vegetables and ornamental plants, check catalogues for details.
Manage the environment around susceptible plants:
- Choose the best location
- Plant in full sun where possible (the exception is shade-loving plants)
- Avoid sheltered places such as against walls or fences where the air is likely to be still
- Manage the soil
- Provide good drainage, but water regularly during dry periods (plants suffering from regular but intermittent drought-stress are more susceptible). Application of mulch may help water retention
- Do not over-fertilise (especially not too much nitrogen) as succulent growth is particularly susceptible
- Manage humidity and leaf wetness
- Don’t plant too densely, giving space between plants. Aim for an open environment to increase air circulation and reduce humidity
- Prune shrubs to give an open structure (which will again improve air circulation and reduce humidity)
- Avoid overhead watering early in the morning or in the evening
- Overhead watering (in mid-morning) in dry weather can reduce powdery mildew (which does not like direct contact with water). Avoid leaves remaining wet for long as this may favour other diseases
Chemical control
Because most of the growth of powdery mildews is found on the plant surface they are easily targeted with fungicides.
Edibles: Tebuconazole with trifloxystrobin (Provanto Fungus Fighter Plus) can be used on glasshouse crops of cucumber, courgette and summer squash.
Ornamentals: The fungicides tebuconazole (Provanto Fungus Fighter Concentrate), tebuconazole with trifloxystrobin (Provanto Fungus Fighter Plus, Toprose Fungus Control & Protect), and triticonazole (Fungus Clear Ultra) are approved for the control of powdery mildews on ornamental plants.
The following products contain a combination of both insecticide and fungicide, enabling the control of both insect pests and disease: myclobutanil containing cypermethrin (Resolva Rose 3 in 1, Rose Shield Bug & Fungus Killer, Roseclear Ultra Gun 2, Rosegarde) and triticonazole containing acetamiprid (Roseclear Ultra, Roseclear Ultra Gun).When a proprietary product contains an insecticide as well as a fungicide it would be preferable to use an alternative product if pests are not a problem on the plants treated.
Any crop: SB Plant Invigorator, Resolva Natural Power Bug and Mildew Control, RHS Bug and Mildew Control, Ecofective Bug & Mildew Control and the Ecofective ‘Defender’ range contain a blend of surfactants and nutrients and can be used on any edible or ornamental plants, with no harvest interval. They have a physical mode of action and may be used against powdery mildews, as well as a range of pests such as whiteflies, aphids, spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects and psyllids.
Inclusion of a product does not indicate a recommendation or endorsement by RHS Gardening Advice. It is a list of products currently available to the home gardener.
Download
Fungicides for gardeners (Adobe Acrobat pdf document outlining fungicides available to gardeners)
Links
Chemicals: using a sprayer
Chemicals: using safely and effectively
Chemicals: storing and disposing safely