Powdery Mildew How To Guide: Containment, Control, &

Prevention
This entry was posted on January 12, 2016 by Admin.

Powdery Mildew How To Guide:

Containment, Control, & Prevention

"How do I get rid of Powdery Mildew?" is one of the most common plant questions we get here
at GrowersHouse. Controlling and eliminating Powdery Mildew takes more than one tool and some time
but it is possible to contain an outbreak and prevent future contamination. We recommend a 4 step
approach to keep your grow room or green house Powdery Mildew free.
1. Identify 2. Prevent 3. Treament 4. Eliminate
Identify - Do I have Powdery Mildew? What Does it Look
Like?
 Powdery Mildew and its easily identified powdery white spots is
one of the most common diseases in Greenhouse and indoor agriculture. This crop destroying fungus can
infect a wide array of plant species and spread rapidly through greenhouses both indoors and outdoors
alike. Powdery Mildew can be transmitted by other plant pests such as aphids or simple contamination by
touch or with infected tools, clothing, or boots, and sharing ventilation with previously contaminated
spaces and clean spaces.
First symptoms of infection are the dusty gray or white spots on either the upper or lower surfaces of
leaves. Left untreated Powdery Mildew will begin to produce spores and begin to spread into stems,
fruits and flowers. Although plant death only occurs in extreme cases, PM can greatly reduce fruit or
flower yield and aesthetics, and can also decrease the overall value of contaminated crops.
*IMPORTANT*
* If a Powdery Mildew infection has already been detected, any affected plants should be bagged
and removed from the environment. Manual monitoring frequency should be increased to prevent further
spread of spores and infection. Clean and sanitize any tools or equipment which regularly come into
contact with multiple plants to keep mold spores from cross contaminating healthy plants*
 By researching which specific species of fungi
afflicts your specific crops, specific conditions and preventative techniques can be focused on to keep
your garden powdery mildew free. It is important to mention that no matter which method you choose to
treat or control powdery mildew, you will get best results by combining a systemic method and a surface
method together. The combination of effects will provide killing pathogens on contact, suppressing spore
growth, limiting systemic spread and provides plant system protection. Rotating use of multiple methods
or products may be important, as commercial agriculture does. Strains of fungi and other plant diseases
can become resistant to repeated use of the same treatment.
Prevention: Cleaning & Sanitation - Before, During and
After
Molds and fungus particularly like dry foliage surfaces and humid environments, greenhouses and indoor
gardens are especially susceptible to powdery mildew and mold infections. In general, relative humidity
(RH) levels should be kept low (40% - 55%) and constant (fluctuating environmental factors are
conducive to powdery mildew infection). Providing adequate spacing between plants will help manage
the humidity level in and around the leaf canopy, while also allowing treatments to reach all surfaces of
the plants. Limiting extra growth in lower leaves by trimming has shown to be helpful by limiting the
most vulnerable leaves lower on the plant stem. Liquid water applied directly to high-risk surfaces can
also discourage the germination of the fungal spores, but it is important to be sure this does not encourage
the development of other plant specific diseases which benefit from liquid water.
Practice active sanitation methods with disinfection practices to minimize contamination.
It is important to sanitize tools, equipment, structures, and even people.
Boot baths or sprays for walk-in greenhouse spaces are the first line of defense for preventing tracking
in pests.
Hand washing / hand sanitizers - antimicrobial soap is suggested between handling plants, use with
alcohol based hand sanitizers for best results.
Tool Dip Disinfectant for scissors, trimmers, or other hand held tools. Immersing tools for 2 minutes in a
disinfectant can prevent cross contaminating to healthy plants. (Such as Physan 20 Fungicide Virucide, 4
tsp/1 gal water)
 Hard Surfaces - Don't forget to spray sanitize pots & trays, walkways, re-useable equipment, evaporative
coolers/water, hydroponic tanks/tubing, and replace or wash HEPA filters.
Area Disinfection - between plant cycles throughly sanitize a room and all surfaces with a rated hard
surface disinfectant such as (ProKure V Disinfectant, BioSafe SaniDate), spray or steam clean
transportation vehicles or truck beds
Best practices like the ones listed above are easy to implement in a new environment or space as well as
in current and established grows for controlling Powdery Mildew. Once your growing operation is set in
motion, monitor and manually inspect plants for infection on a regular schedule, focusing on mid to lower
leaves, as this is where infection most often begins. Between production cycles, all surfaces should be
thoroughly sanitized and cleaned as well as all debris and leftover foliage removed.
If you want to take it a step further because you believe your area is highly susceptible to powdery
mildew, alternate use of powdery mildew preventatives such as Serenade Garden Disease Control or PM
Wash at a diluted rate (we recommend strength).

Physan 20 Fungicide ProKure V Liquid - BioSafe Systems SaniDate H2O2 Hydrogen Peroxide 29%
Virucide Algaecide Disinfectant Sanitizer

Treatment: What is Safe to Use on Powdery Mildew in

a Garden?

UV Ultra Violet Lights:

Sterilization by UV Light (Ultraviolet radiation) has been practiced in medicine since the 1800's, with
successful application to air and water purification for agriculture iof both UV-C and UV-B. Because
Powdery Mildew fungus is transparent and has no pigment for protection against UV light, Ultra Violet
radiation can easily penetrate cell walls and damage their DNA, killing them directly or rendering them
unable to perform essential life processes including replication.

Because powdery mildew and other infections such as fungal spores spread easily via airflow and
ventilation, UV air-filters can be an extremely helpful tool to prevent the spread of these diseases. UV
light (in limited exposure) via ahandheld light can also be directed at plant surfaces and leaves in order to
deactivate/kill Powdery Mildew, fungus and bacteria already present or forming in the grow room. Use
care and limit exposure time with UV lights because overexposure can be harmful for your plants too!
Use UV lights specially made to treat powdery mildew and molds because they are made at an intensity
that is tested to kill powdery mildew with minimal harm to your plants when used as directed.

CleanLight UV Air Sanitizer CleanLight Hobby Unit CleanLight Professional Unit

Chemical Treatments:
Inorganic Treatments: Despite the potent abilities that nature has in this area, often chemicals
manufactured through industrial chemical processes can be more effective, efficient, and economic. Many
chemical based disinfectant treatments are safe to use with live plants. For example, potassium salts and
phosphorous acid can protect and treat many fungal and bacterial infections by providing nutrients to
plants that cannot be absorbed by fungi, strengthening crops and weakening disease.
Stronger chemicals can be utilized in various ways to prevent bringing disease into the grow room
initially. Peroxide solutions can be used as an eco-friendly way to clean hard surfaces. For hospital grade
 sanitation, Chlorine dioxide solutions can be used to immediately kill microorganisms and pathogens on
any hard surface.
Organic Treatments: Organic fungicides are derived from various plants and natural mechanisms. A few
of the most commonly used organic agents to control Powdery Mildew: herbal oils like Neem,
insecticidal soaps, sulfurs and other elemental pesticides, citric acid, and bicarbonates, Milk and many
more.
o Neem Oil along with various other oils are derived from trees and plants, which contain chemicals with
broad pest control properties.

Monterey Neem Oil RTU Dyna-Gro Pure Neem Oil Safer BioNeem Multi- Zero Tolerance Herbal
Purpose Insecticide Fungicide RTU

Arborjet Eco-PM Botanical Fungicide RTU Mildew Cure ..

Garlic also naturally produces antimicrobial compounds, which can be extracted and used in spray
solutions.
Milk or dry milk powder has been an effective tool for organic minded gardeners. Some organic farms
use a whey based foliar spray to inhibit growth of several species of powdery mildew.
Insecticidal Soaps are based on potassium fatty acids which have nearly no toxicity to mammals, making
them safe around children and pets, and have been approved for use on powdery mildew in the United
States since 2011.
 Safer 3-in-1 Insect Killer and Fungicide Espoma EarthTone Insecticidal Soap RTU ..
o Sulfur forms a natural elemental compound which prevents fungi from germinating on leaf surfaces due
to decreases pH levels. Sulfur can be vaporized in the grow room or sprayed conventionally to form a
layer of protection. It is important to mention that sulfur is an eye and lung irritant, and protective
measures should be taken, especially ventilating away from living spaces around the area.

Grower's Edge Deluxe Safer Garden Fungicide Safer 3-in-1 Garden Spray .
Vaporizer (Sulfur Burner) RTU
o Potassium Bicarbonate works similarly to sulfur by making the leaf surface uninhabitable to fungi, and
is most often mixed in solution and sprayed over the plants.

GreenCure Fungicide Monterey Bi-Carb Old Fashion Fungicide ..

o Sodium Bicarbonate, or baking soda, can also be used in solution to a similar effect.
o Beneficial Microorganisms have evolved ways to prevent disease, and by introducing these organisms to
the garden they can also provide that protection to the plants on which they live. Bacillus Subtilis is one
of these organisms, often found in the digestive tract of mammals and humans.
Serenade Garden Disease Control . . .
Climate Control:
Because powdery mildew relies on fairly specific environmental conditions, maintaining a regular climate
control schedule is paramount to preventing an initial infection. By using dehumidifiers to keep relative
humidity levels low, spores will not receive the environmental cue to germinate. This cue also comes with
fluctuating humidity, thus using a system of humidifiers and dehumidifiers to maintain the optimal
humidity, despite differences in temperature in and out of the grow room, can prevent mildew from ever
becoming a problem. There are a wide variety of climate controllers on the market, many coupled with
thermostats and hygrometers, even some with wifi connectivity to send notices when changes occur.

Green Air Blueprint Titan Controls La Crosse Temperature &

Humidity Wireless Alert
System

Autopilot Sentinel Link4 iPonic Powerbox

Products:
UV air-filters:
Clean Light UV air Purifier
http://growershouse.com/clean-light-uv-air-purifier

Direct UV light:
Clean Light Hobby Unit for Powdery Mildew
http://growershouse.com/clean-light-hobby-unit-for-powdery-mildew

Clean Light Pro 36w for Powdery Mildew

http://growershouse.com/clean-light-pro-36-watt-unit-for-powdery-mildew

Neem/Herbal Oils:
Monterey Neem Oil RTU
http://growershouse.com/monterey-neem-oil-rtu-organic

Dyna-Gro Pure Neem Oil

http://growershouse.com/dyna-gro-pure-neem-oil-leaf-polish-foliar

Safer BioNeem Multi-Purpose Insecticide

http://growershouse.com/safer-bioneem-insecticide-repellent-16-oz

Zero Tolerance Herbal Fungicide RTU

http://growershouse.com/zero-tolerance-herbal-fungicide-rtu

Arborjet Eco-PM Botanical Fungicide RTU

http://growershouse.com/arborjet-eco-pm-botanical-fungicide-rtu-quart-case-of-8

Mildew Cure
http://growershouse.com/safergro-mildew-cure-quart

Insecticidal Soaps:
Safer 3-in-1 Insect Killer and Fungicide
http://growershouse.com/safer-3-in-1-garden-spray-1-gallon

Espoma EarthTone Insecticidal Soap RTU

http://growershouse.com/epsoma-earthtone-insecticidal-soap-rtu

Sulfur Based Treatments:

Grower's Edge Deluxe Vaporizer (Sulfur Burner)
http://growershouse.com/greenhouse-vaporizer-yellow

Safer Garden Fungicide

http://growershouse.com/garden-fungicide-rtu-organic

Safer 3-in-1 Garden Spray RTU

http://growershouse.com/safer-3-in-1-garden-spray-rtu-32-oz

Bicarbonate:
GreenCure
http://growershouse.com/greencure-fungicide

Monterey Bi-Carb Old Fashion Fungicide

http://growershouse.com/monterey-bi-carb-old-fashion-fungicide-4-oz

Arm & Hammer Baking Soda

Bacillus Subtilis:
Serenade Garden Disease Control
http://growershouse.com/serenade-garden-disease-control-concentrate-32-oz

Foliar Nutrients:
Exel Systemic Fungicide Concentrate
http://growershouse.com/exel-lg-systemic-fungicide-concentrate
Optic Foliar Atak Concentrate
http://growershouse.com/optic-foliar-atak-concentrate-1l

Foliar Fungicide:
Eagle 20EW Fungicide
http://growershouse.com/eagle-20ew-fungicide-pint

BioSafe Disease Control RTU

http://growershouse.com/biosafe-disease-control-rtu-quart-spray-bottle

Systemic Fungicide:
BioSafe Systems OxiPhos Bactericide/Fungicide
http://growershouse.com/biosafe-systems-oxiphos-bactericide-fungicide-2-5-gallon

Hard-Surface Sanitizers:
ProKure V Liquid - Disinfectant Cleaner Sanitizer Deodorizer
http://growershouse.com/prokure-v-liquid-disinfectant-cleaner-sanitizer-deodorizer

BioSafe Systems SaniDate Sanitizer/Disinfectant 5.0

http://growershouse.com/biosafe-systems-sanidate-sanitizer-disinfectant-5-0-2-5-gallon

Physan 20 Fungicide Virucide Algaecide

http://growershouse.com/physan-20-fungicide-virucide-algaecide

Hydroponic Nutrient Solution Additive:

Physan 20 Fungicide Virucide Algaecide
http://growershouse.com/physan-20-fungicide-virucide-algaecide

Climate Controllers:
Green Air
http://growershouse.com/environment-control/controllers/brands/green-air-products
Blueprint
http://growershouse.com/environment-control?c2c_brand=8074

Titan Controls
http://growershouse.com/environment-control/controllers/brands/titan-controls

La Crosse Temperature & Humidity Wireless Alert System

http://growershouse.com/temperature-humidity-wireless-alert-system-text-email-iphone-functionality-
926-25101-wgb

Autopilot
http://growershouse.com/environment-control/controllers/brands/autopilot

Sentinel
http://growershouse.com/environment-control/controllers/brands/sentinel

C.A.P.
http://growershouse.com/environment-control/controllers/brands/c-a-p

Link4 iPonic
http://growershouse.com/environment-control/controllers/brands/link4-iponic-environmental-controllers

Powerbox
http://growershouse.com/environment-control/controllers/brands/powerbox

Fungicides
Eagle 20EW Fungicide BioSafe Disease Control . .
RTU
Foliar Nutrients

Exel Systemic Fungicide Optic Foliar Atak . .

Concentrate Concentrate
This entry was posted in How To, Plant Care and tagged diseases, plant care, how to,fungus, powdery mildew on
January 12, 2016 by Admin. Previous Post