Powdery mildew (white, ash) is a disease that can destroy the entire crop. In the article I propose to consider how to recognize the disease, what measures must be taken to avoid its occurrence.
Main features
Powdery mildew can be distinguished from other diseases by the following features:
- the upper part of the leaves is covered with white bloom;
- first of all, plaque appears on leaves located closer to the ground;
- growing plaque affects the back side of the leaves, stems;
- the tops dry, curl;
- over time, the plaque darkens, thickens;
- flowers and ovaries fall;
- fruits stop growing, rot, crack.
The fungus that causes powdery mildew in cucumbers can infect the crop both in the greenhouse and in unprotected beds. The development of the disease in the greenhouse will be more intense, due to the conditions suitable for the fungus.
The factors causing the active development of the disease are the following:
- high air humidity;
- rare ventilation of greenhouses;
- thickened landings;
- excessive watering;
- excess nitrogen;
- sudden changes in temperature;
- incorrect formation of bushes;
- refusal to bind.
Powdery mildew is very contagious, fungal spores are carried by the wind, transmitted through hands, things, garden tools.
How to treat a culture
The fight against the disease must begin as soon as the first signs appear. A neglected disease leads to the death of plants. Before carrying out therapeutic measures from the affected bushes, it is necessary to completely remove the affected leaves and leaves.
You can destroy the spores of the fungus that causes powdery mildew with the help of fungicides. I recommend choosing preparations containing sulfur. The choice of a specific tool depends on the processing time of the bushes.
Before the appearance of the first cucumbers, I use the following fungicides: Topaz, Prevent, Thiovit Jet, Sulfarid, Cumulus, Bayleton.
During the fruiting period, it is necessary to use less toxic agents, which include: Fitosporin, Fitodoktor, Baktofit.
I treat the bushes with a garden sprayer with a fine spray. I use the products strictly in accordance with the instructions.
Prevention
Preventive measures play a big role in protecting cucumber plantings from powdery mildew. The most effective measures include the following:
- Carrying out proper watering. Irrigation should be regular. Do not flood plantings with large amounts of moisture.
- Maintaining the optimum temperature in the greenhouse, at the level of + 23-25 ° С.
- Proper fertilization.
- Compliance with the required distance between the bushes when planting (60-80 cm).
- Regular ventilation of greenhouses.
- Disinfection of the greenhouse and garden tools.
- Compliance with crop rotation.
- Tying bushes.
- Complete utilization of bushes in the fall, subsequent deep digging of the soil.
- Selection of disease-resistant varieties.
A white coating that appeared on the leaves of cucumber bushes directly indicates the need to use fungicidal preparations. Measures not taken in time lead to the complete death of plantings from powdery mildew.
In the comments, you can describe your experience in dealing with this fungal disease. Share the names of the most effective drugs, tell about the preventive measures you use.
Read also: Empty flowers on cucumbers: they appear for a reason, and you can correct the situation
Another related article: Cucumber seedlings: which cups to choose for convenience and benefit
Friends, do not forget to subscribe to the channel and leave a LIKE if the article is useful!
#cucumbers#powdery mildew on cucumbers#garden