Pest & Disease Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew

Erysiphe necator

What is Powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator)?

Powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe necator (formerly Uncinula necator), is a significant grapevine disease worldwide. Over time, if left untreated, it can lead to cold injury, premature vine death, and negative impacts on grape quality. Infected grape berries are prone to skin cracks, making them more susceptible to Botrytis bunch rot and spoilage organisms, resulting in compromised fruit quality. Even a small percentage (3-5%) of powdery mildew-infected grapes at harvest can have a detrimental effect on wine quality.

How does Powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) occur?

Powdery mildew survives winter in buds or bark crevices and infects new leaves during bud break. It spreads through wind-dispersed ascospores in spring. Rain or irrigation triggers spore release, infecting vulnerable plants. Additional conidia spores are produced during the growing season, spreading the disease. It prefers temperatures of 68-85°F and humidity of 60-90%.

Symptoms

1 - Impact on Grapevine Plants

It limits sunlight, impairing sugar and nutrient production. Vines weaken and have reduced photosynthetic capacity. This leads to lower grape yields and compromised fruit quality. Weakened vines are also more vulnerable to cold damage, potentially resulting in vine death.

2 - Impact on Soil and Environment

Powdery mildew, impacts the soil and environment. Fallen infected leaves aid in nutrient cycling. However, uncontrolled spread affects multiple plants and promotes other diseases and pests.

Solutions

1 - Resistance cultivars And Management

1. Effective scouting and early detection of powdery mildew help in managing the disease. 2. Selecting grapevine cultivars with resistance to powdery mildew can aid in disease management. Hybrid cultivars often offer better resistance than Vitis vinifera. 3. Plant vines with sufficient spacing to prevent overcrowding, allowing for better air circulation and reducing disease susceptibility.

2 - Timely Leaf Removal and Good Airflow

• Judicious leaf removal, done before veraison (fruit ripening), improves air circulation, reduces humidity, and enhances spray penetration. • Planting in locations with good airflow and implementing strategic pruning, trellising, and canopy management.

3 - Treatments

Some of the common fungicides used to control Powdery mildew 1. Inspire Super (Difenoconazole + Cyprodinil) 2. Quintec (Quinoxyfen) 3. Mettle (Tebuconazole) 4. Sonoma 2EW (Myclobutanil) 5. Pristine (Pyraclostrobin + Boscalid) 6. Aprovia (Benzovindiflupyr) 7. Aprovia TOP (Benzovindiflupyr + Difenoconazole) 8. Luna Experience (Fluopyram + Tebuconazole) Take care not to exceed recommended application rates to mitigate resistance risks, read carefully and consult specialists before application.

Susceptible Species

FAQ

Do shade growing plants need any Sunlight?

Shade growing plants do need sunlight, although they require less than other plants. They need some direct sunlight each morning to help them photosynthesize and grow properly. Also, indirect sunlight throughout the day helps them stay healthy. Shade growing plants will benefit from the sunshine, but if they get too much or too little, then they can suffer the consequences. It's important to pay attention to the needs of your plants so that you can provide them with the proper light for optimal growth.

How often should you water indoor plants?

Indoor plants should be watered when the soil feels dry to a depth of about two inches, usually about once a week. A helpful technique to determine your plants' watering needs is to feel the soil before and after watering to get a sense of how long it takes to dry out. An important note to remember is that some plants require less water than others, and it's best to research the specific needs of your individual plants. Likewise, if your home is very dry, you might need to water more often as the lack of moisture can stress the plants and lead to problems like brown leaves and wilted stems.

Can my monstera plant get root rot?

Yes, a plant can get root rot. Root rot is a fungal disease that can be caused by over-watering, poor soil drainage, or high humidity levels in the air. Signs of root rot include yellowing leaves, wilting and stunted growth, and damaged or browning root systems. Sometimes it is difficult to detect root rot until the plant is removed from the soil, as the problems are mainly below the soil surface. Treating root rot usually involves removing the affected parts of the plant and replanting the unaffected ones.

Can I put my Monstera outside in summer?

No, you should not put your Monstera outside in summer. Monstera plants need warm, humid air to thrive, and direct sunlight can scorch their leaves. Instead, put your Monstera in a bright, sunny spot with indirect light, making sure the sun never directly hits the leaves. During the summer, keep your Monstera's soil damp and mist it occasionally to keep the leaves hydrated. At nighttime, keep the temperature around 16 - 21°C (60 - 70°F). You can definitely take your Monstera outdoors for short periods of time, just make sure to bring it back in if it starts to get too hot.

What happens if my monstera plant gets too cold?

If your monstera plant gets too cold, it will become vulnerable to pests, disease, or other damage. Cold temperatures can damage the leaves of the plant, causing them to become spotted or limp. The roots of monstera plants may also suffer in cold temperatures, leading to root rot or other diseases. Belonging to the tropical family, monsteras are used to warm environments and do not do well in cold temperatures, so it is important to ensure your plant is kept in conditions that suit their needs.

Is it possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space?

Yes, it is possible to grow a vegetable garden in a small space. Gardening in a small space can be as simple as growing a few containerized plants in pots and raised beds, or as elaborate as vertically stacking planters, hanging pouches, and hanging baskets on a wall, railing, or fence. Regardless of the size of the space you are working with, some simple techniques such as companion planting, organic fertilizers, and water conservation can help you get the most out of your small vegetable garden.

Is peppermint herb green good for digestion?

Peppermint herb is indeed beneficial for digestion. The flavonoids in the herb support digestion by reducing inflammation in the digestive track, aiding in digestion and relieving indigestion, heartburn, and even the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome. Additionally, peppermint is naturally rich in menthol, which helps to relax the muscles of the stomach, aiding in the digestion of food. Peppermint herb can be consumed in a variety of forms, such as teas, tinctures and capsules, as well as by adding the herb to food or directly to water or tea.

Should peppermint herb green be consumed daily?

No, peppermint herb green should not be consumed daily. This is because it contains high levels of menthol, which can be toxic if taken in large doses. Additionally, consuming large amounts of peppermint herb green could interfere with the absorption of essential minerals and vitamins, potentially causing vitamin deficiencies. For these reasons, it is best to consult with a doctor before incorporating peppermint herb green into your daily diet.