How to treat powdery mildew in your plants.

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects a variety of plants. There are different varieties of this fungal species that affect different kinds of plants. When a plant is affected by this disease white spots appear in the leaves, leaves start to turn yellow and fall off, and the leaf edges also curl up. Powdery mildew does not kill the plant in most cases but it can severely affect the fruit and flower formation. This disease affects young leaves. It needs high humidity especially around the plant to survive. These infections do not spread during cool and rainy seasons. Sunlight can also kill powdery mildew so make sure to grow your plants in a location that gets lots of sunlight. Some of the plants that get affected by powdery mildew include zinnias, zucchini, squash, cucumbers and roses.

Ways to prevent powdery mildew infection.

1. Grow plant varieties that are resistant to powdery mildew disease.
2. Grow your plants in a location that gets lots of sunlight.
3. Provide proper air circulation for your plants. Regularly prune your plants in order to provide proper air circulation.
4. Water your plants during the day, this way the soil dries up in the evening.
5. Use slow-release fertilizers

How to treat Powdery mildew

1. Baking Soda

Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda and half a teaspoon of Castille soap with 1 gallon of water. Spray this solution on top and bottom leaf surfaces. This solution works as a preventive measure and also helps to treat powdery mildew.

2. Milk

Mix 1 part of milk with 2-3 parts of water and spray it on the leaves. Milk contains naturally occurring compounds, this not only helps to combat disease but also helps to improve the plant’s immunity.

3. Neem Oil

Mix 2.5 tablespoons of neem oil per gallon of water and spray it on the affected areas. It can also be sprayed to prevent the spread of powdery mildew.

Here’s how to treat plants affected by disease with neem oil.