powdery mildew

Question 1

what conditions does powdery mildew like?

Answer 1

hot and dry

Question 2

what damage/symptoms does powdery mildew show/do?

Answer 2

purple spots on upper surface of leaf

fluffy, dry white infection on upper leaf surface

leaves turn brown, leaf edges curl

fruit distorted/shrivelled and dull in colour

Question 3

life cycle and spread of powdery mildew is?

Answer 3

Asexual spores on leaf surface carried by wind

Temps 15’C and above enable spores to infect leaf tissue

spores can survive on dead leaf material, or on shoots of dormant plants

Question 4

control methods for powdery mildew are

Answer 4

remove weak plants in autumn
avoid overhead watering

add om to maintain a nutritional balance withing soil-this makes the plant stronger so more resistant against diseases.

avoid over crowding

dont shake plant-spreads spores

plant resistant species eg: strawberry “pegasus” and “Florence”

use chemicals as a spray

Question 5

what chemical control can you use for powdery mildew?

Answer 5

use sulphur as a fine dust or,

spray them with fatty acids.