Powdery Mildew in Courgettes

Posted by TopVeg - June 28th, 2008

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease which flourishes on courgettes when the weather is warm and dry. Infected courgette plants are covered in a greyish-white mould, mainly on the upper surface of the leaves and young shoots.

courgette-in-flower

Control of Powdery Mildew.

As powdery mildew does not like wet conditions, wetting the leaves reduces the severity of attack. A wetter, like a detergent, has to be added to water, so that the water does not run off the leaves. The wetter helps make the leaves wet. Using washing up water does the trick, because it contains detergent.

Click the link for a growing card on How to Grow Courgettes

Click this link for information on powdery mildew in peas & beans

Powdery mildew of courgettes can be a problem when the plants are grown in a greenhouse or under polythene, because the atmosphere will be drier.

Powdery mildew is easier to cope with if the plants are grown outside.  The powdery mildew does not like water, so wash the leaves well when watering, and use a detergent in the water to make sure the leaf is wet.

Mildew is a fungus which likes humid conditions, so try to keep the courgettes in an airy spot. Remove weeds etc, so that air circulation is good.

Powdery mildew in courgettes can be controlled with sulphur or recommended fungicides.

Posted in pests&disease

4 Comments »

  1. I have this on my courgettes, but it doesn’t seem to be causing a problem. Can anyone explain what is bad about it?

    Comment by Vincent - July 24, 2008 7:52 am

  2. Hi Vincent
    Mildew can kill the green leaves when the attack is bad, which will mean that the plant is not so vigorous. The fungus usually kills the old leaves first - and the young leaves can often grow away from the problem.
    Best wishes
    TopVeg

    Comment by TopVeg - July 24, 2008 1:35 pm

  3. […] info on mildew in courgettes […]

    Pingback by Top Veg » Blog Archive » Plant courgettes in open soil, on a mound. - July 25, 2008 5:37 am

  4. […] Powdery mildew on courgettes is very common - it does not like wet weather, but multiplies in hot conditions. As powdery mildew does not like wet conditions, wetting the leaves reduces the severity of attack. A wetter, like a detergent, has to be added to water, so that the water does not run off the leaves. The wetter helps make the leaves wet. Using washing up water does the trick, because it contains detergent. […]

    Pingback by Top Veg » Blog Archive » White powdery patches of Powdery Mildew on leaves. - September 3, 2008 9:29 pm

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