- These diseases and pests appear
- Recognize and treat hop wilt
- Combat powdery mildew
- What to do against pests?
- Prevent diseases and pest infestations
There are a number of diseases and pests that affect hops. An infestation can often only be recognized when it is almost too late. Hop care therefore includes regularly examining the plants for changes in leaves, flowers and fruits. How to recognize diseases and pests.
Brown leaves are often an indication of nutrient deficiencies or disease
These diseases and pests appear
- hop wilt
- powdery mildew
- hop aphid
- Red spider mite
Recognize and treat hop wilt
Hop wilt is caused by a fungus that affects the roots and young shoot tips. It clogs the water-carrying veins and causes the plant to wilt and eventually die.
If hop wilt occurs, there is no help. You must remove the whole plant and dispose of it in the trash.
Combat powdery mildew
Powdery mildew occurs in very warm weather and is favored by dense leaves. It is shown by a whitish coating mainly on the upper side of the leaves.
Cut off affected leaves. Throw them in the trash.
What to do against pests?
Pests are usually only noticed when the infestation has spread. If the leaves and buds are covered with a greasy layer, it is the hop aphid. You can recognize the red spider mite by the leaves and buds, which turn copper-red.
To save the plant, you can try to fight the pests with nettle decoction. There are also sprays on the market that are also suitable for growing vegetables. After using sprays, you should refrain from harvesting the fruit and eating the hops.
Prevent diseases and pest infestations
The weather and plants that are too dense are often responsible for the occurrence of harmful fungi and pests. As a precaution, you should choose mildew-resistant varieties for cultivation in the garden.
Don't leave too many hop branches on one plant. Cut off all but a maximum of ten tendrils.
Ensure that the hops have sufficient nutrients available. Occasional watering with manure from stinging nettles or field horsetail have a preventive effect.
tips
If the hops are affected by powdery mildew, old household remedies can sometimes help. Spray the leaves and stems several times with diluted, fresh milk. However, since the climbing plant grows very high, combating it can prove to be quite complex.