Organic fungicide treatments exist, some of which have even been recognized by OMRI (Organic Materials Review Institute) for use on vegetables, roses and trees. Sulfur can be an effective preventive solution; when applied early at signs of disease.
Home remedies such as baking soda and milk may also work effectively, especially if applied early in the day during hot, dry weather.
Neem Oil
Those seeking natural solutions for powdery mildew can find safe and effective options at their local garden center. Look for neem oil to treat both disease as well as kill insect pests and prevent new infections; this plant-based product comes from Azadirachta indica or “Neem Tree,” where its active ingredients have inherent insecticidal, fungicidal and pesticidal properties.
Neem oil can be used to create an effective foliar spray for plants with or without visible signs of mildew, providing protection from soft-shelled insects producing honeydew and acting as a systemic fungicide to safeguard not just affected leaves but the entire plant as a whole. You can purchase ready-mixed versions, but it’s equally simple to mix liquid yourself at home.
When spraying plants, make sure you spray both sides of each leaf as well as crevasses and joints for best results. Apply repeated applications as necessary until all fungus and insect pests have been eliminated from your crop. Neem oil treatments can even be applied up until harvest day – just follow label instructions when treating.
Fungus spores spread rapidly among plant leaves, inhibiting photosynthesis and leading to stunted and unhealthy plants. Fungi typically spread from one plant to the next by airborne spores; however, they may also enter through water, soil or compost sources. It’s essential that we identify this threat early as it could quickly take over gardens and diminish their nutritional value; products like Neem Oil, Potassium Bicarbonate (baking soda) and Superior Horticultural Oils work effectively at killing this threat while remaining non toxic to beneficial insects and wildlife alike.
Horticultural Oil
Horticultural oil can be an effective preventative treatment against powdery mildew. Spraying it on plant leaves, stems, flowers and fruit helps stop spore development and dispersal. Apply it at maturity each spring and fall; just like applying fungicides or neem oil. However, please remember that it won’t cure damaged plants – instead it simply suffocates them to stop the spores spreading to other parts of the plant.
Commercial horticultural oils are usually refined petroleum products that have undergone distillation, de-waxing and filtering to attain the proper viscosity for use. Gardeners or hobbyists who choose to create their own homemade horticultural oil often opt for vegetable oils like cottonseed or soybean oil; it is important that when doing this they follow all instructions provided on the label in order to achieve optimal viscosity and insecticidal compounds.
Horticultural oils work by coating insects like mites and scale flies in a thin film that effectively suffocates them, as well as disrupting their metabolism by negatively interacting with their fatty acids or blocking up respiratory “spiracles” used by them to breathe1.
Horticultural oil combined with baking soda is an effective solution against powdery mildew. According to Clemson Cooperative Extension, an optimal recipe would include 3 tablespoons of light horticultural oil mixed with 2.5 tablespoons of baking soda in 1 gallon of water for roses or other plants prone to disease-prone conditions, such as bees. When applying this mixture during morning or evening hours to avoid phytotoxicity or disrupt pollinators such as bees.
Baking Soda
Powdery mildew is a plant disease characterized by white or gray powdery spots on leaves of plants, invading stems, flowers and fruit as well. Although difficult to control, powdery mildew does have natural treatments available; the most effective approach would be preventing its start through regular watering of plants with ample sun exposure, while organic fungicide treatments may also help once disease starts developing.
When planting flower beds or new plants, select mildew-resistant varieties. Avoid overfertilization with high-nitrogen fertilizers as soft new growth is especially vulnerable to infection. Space the plants apart enough for air circulation; remove any leaves that display signs of infection immediately and ensure adequate sunlight coverage.
Fungicides such as sulfur dust and spray are effective ways of treating or preventing powdery mildew, and are readily available from garden centers and plant nurseries. Potassium bicarbonate may also be effective, though regular application must be made – this can be accomplished by mixing one tablespoon with one gallon of water for effective application.
Vinegar can also be sprayed onto plants to control powdery mildew. Vinegar’s acidity changes the pH level on leaves, making it hard for fungus to flourish; and its acetic acid kills off insects as well. Using 2-3 tablespoons of vinegar mixed into 1 gallon of water works effectively against this disease.
Use garlic extracts to control powdery mildew using their active ingredient allicin. Allicin prevents fungal spore germination. Simply combine one tablespoon of concentrate with one teaspoon of liquid soap or lightweight horticultural oil in one gallon of water and then spray on affected plants.
Potassium Bicarbonate
Home and kitchen remedies that can help treat powdery mildew include spraying affected plants with liquids like skim milk, vegetable or dormant oil, weak tea solutions or dishwashing soap – any of these have proven mildly-to-completely effective at inhibiting powdery mildew spore germination. Some growers have reported success by syringing water through vulnerable leaves at times when humidity is low – though this technique has also increased chances of other fungal diseases as well.
Preventative measures can be the key to controlling powdery mildew successfully, such as planting species bred to resist it, planting in full sun (where possible) and providing enough space for air circulation between the plant and its environment; air circulation is key in controlling powdery mildew’s spread; adding mulch during spring and autumn will also help, as will watering from below rather than above surface level; finally, destroying fallen infected parts in autumn will significantly decrease infectious spore numbers that will start infections next spring.
If you already have an infection, commercial fungicides will likely be required in order to contain and hopefully eliminate it. Keep in mind, though, that many forms of the fungus responsible have developed immunity against certain fungicides; so an integrated approach is likely required in order to be successful at clearing away this disease.
Milk
Milk is an organic solution to powdery mildew, and has shown promising results against it. Researchers believe that natural compounds present in milk help combat its presence while simultaneously improving plant immunity. A solution of one part milk to two parts water may be applied weekly as a spray application to both prevent infections as well as treat them effectively.
Spray must be applied liberally on upper and underside leaves as well as around stems, flowers, and buds for maximum effectiveness. Although best used as a preventative measure, milk can also be effective against existing infections if applied early enough in the morning for maximum drying time before nightfall arrives.
As with any spray, take special care when using any to ensure all pruning tools are cleaned thoroughly after each use and after any outbreaks of powdery mildew or dead or diseased foliage is discovered – any left infected material could become breeding grounds for powdery mildew and should be promptly disposed of to keep your garden free from contamination. Also remove dead or diseased foliage immediately as this provides breeding ground for powdery mildew, helping keep it out of your garden!
Watering properly is also an essential step towards keeping plants free from infection, as drought-stressed plants are more prone to disease than their counterparts in environments with higher relative humidity. Therefore, be sure to water at the base rather than above them, and water them early morning so their leaves have time to dry off before nightfall arrives.
Be sure to choose plants bred for resistance, avoid over-fertilizing with high nitrogen fertilizers and space your plants so they receive ample direct sunlight. Fungicidal sprays may also prove useful; just remember not to overuse them as fungi can build resistance quickly.
