POWDERY MILDEW (Podosphaera leucotricha) - Crabapple Tree Powdery Mildew

A fungus which appears as a dry powdery bloom on the upper sides of leaves, usually in hot dry conditions. Ornamental Malus and fruiting apple trees are most susceptible to the above species. Other species of powdery mildew effect roses, peas, gooseberries, vines, strawberries, turnips, cucumbers and cereals. Ornamental plants like Chrysanthemums and Michaelmas dasies are susceptible.
It survives the winter as mycelia in the buds, affected buds and smaller twigs have a silvery appearance. At bud break in the spring the mycelium emerges and grows on the surface of the young leaves (primary mildew) producing asexual spores which are carried in the air, landing on other leaves and developing into secondary mildew. This growth withdraws moisture and nutrients causing premature leaf drop and if young fruit are affected they develop a rough skin - russeting. Sexual spores may be produced in the autumn, but are not important for overwintering on apple trees as it survives in the buds. The species which infect herbaceous perennial or annual plants spend the winter as sexual spores, ready to attack the new growth.

Cultural control in apples is by winter pruning to remove infected buds and open up the tree for good air flow. Other hygeine considerations are important with strawberries and vegetables, ie. removing leaf debris which could overwinter the spores, and good separation of plants. During dry weather keep plants well watered especially roses growing near walls and containerised fruit trees.

A spray of detergent-like fungicide before bud break in apples will prevent development, or use curative spray of Dinocap in summer if mildew develops. Spraying with dispersible sulphur is an allowable organic treatment. There are some home remedies on the Recipes page.

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