One of the most feared fungal diseases does not spare pumpkins. Powdery mildew is a ubiquitous threat to plant health. We explain how to recognize the symptoms. A wide range of ecologically harmless means is available for combating it.

Characteristic damage

The mildew pathogens overwinter in the ground or in tiny housings on plants. Even on weeds, the fungal spores get through the cold season. In spring, the parasitic cells are carried to the host plants by wind and insects.

If the temperatures level off at 20 degrees Celsius, a simple downpour is enough and the explosive spread will start. The spores drift over the wet leaves in order to use the smallest injuries as access to the plant.

  • a white-grey layer of fungus forms on the underside of the leaves
  • as a result, the coating spreads to the tops
  • the leaves are often curling up now
  • infected plant parts turn brown, dry out and fall off

Biological control of powdery mildew

In the cultivation of pumpkins, the use of chemical fungicides is prohibited, especially if the fruits are intended for consumption. Instead, the large community of ambitious hobby gardeners has put together a wealth of environmentally friendly control measures:

  • Mixed cultivation with basil, garlic and marigolds keeps mildew away
  • Plant the pumpkin in an airy location at a sufficient distance
  • Avoid nitrogen-rich fertilization
  • Immediately remove affected parts of the plant
  • spray repeatedly with a curd soap, milk and alcohol solution
  • Ladybugs and parasitic wasps (€22.99) eat fungal spores

The stronger the pumpkin plant, the more resistant it is to powdery mildew. Strengthen your pumpkin culture throughout the season with liverwort extract, which also prevents fungal spores from multiplying.

Soda turns into a natural fungicide

To stop mildew on pumpkins, the following home remedy has made a name for itself among environmentally conscious hobby gardeners:

A heaping tablespoon of soda, also called baking soda, is dissolved in 4 liters of water. Add 15 milliliters of curd soap and 15 to 20 milliliters of vegetable oil. Poured into a hand held sprayer, spread the solution over the infested squash plants.

tips and tricks

Rock flour (€14.13) has proven to be an extremely effective means of combating powdery mildew. If infected plant parts of a pumpkin are repeatedly powdered with it, the stubborn fungal spores will sooner or later withdraw.

Category:

Vegetable garden