POWDERY MILDEW

LOOKS LIKE: Round, white powdery spots on older leaves and stems that cause the leaves, and then plant, to die. It’s a fungus that is spread by wind and splashing water exacerbated by dry days that end with evening rain or dew.

AFFECTS: Ornamentals including crepe myrtle, lilacs and roses, fruit such as apple trees, grapevines, strawberries, and vegetables such as cucumber, peas, pumpkin and turnip.

PREVENTION: Water the soil instead of the foliage. Ensure air circulation around plants, especially roses.

TREATMENT: Remove leaves as soon as they are affected. If the infestation is intense and removing leaves will affect plant growth, spray with a fungicide or a mix of bicarb soda or milk.