A local Agricultural Expert said frequent rain and high humidity might increase the chances of mildew on your plants and crops this summer.
Warren County Ag Extension Agent Heath Nokes said mildew in plants comes from a fungal attack of leaf tissue. Nokes said plant leaves are responsible for photosynthesis, which gives them energy to grow. Nokes said mildew can slow that process.
“If we have an over abundance of mildew, then the plant leaves can’t function as they properly should,” Nokes said. “And here, we won’t have the fruit we expect at the end of the season.”
Nokes said people should look for leaves that have mildew on them. Nokes said mildew infested leaves should be removed from the plant and disposed of, preferably by fire.
Nokes said mildew in plants is a regional issue, since temperatures and humidity are typically high from May until August or September. Nokes said bacteria, insects, and fungus thrive in those conditions.
Furthermore, Nokes said mildew can grow anywhere with a warm, moist environment. Nokes said pumpkins are common mildew hosts. Tomatoes, watermelon, and squash have also been known to collect mildew.
“We typically notice [mildew] on plants like that because they have such big leaf and vine structures,” Nokes said. “Plus, they grow close to the ground as well.”
Nokes said local growers have specially bred their crops for increased disease resistance. He said plants, especially those lower to the ground, can catch disease when heavy rain splashes infected soil onto the leaves.
Nokes said the mildew can be prevented with fungicides. Nokes said fungicides are natural or chemical compounds that protect leaves from disease and fungus.
“The only negative of it is with as much rain as we’re getting this year, it’s kind of got ahead of us,” Nokes said. “So if we spray with our fungicides today and it rains tonight, then tomorrow they’re unprotected.”
Nokes said fungicides can not reverse the effects of mildew if it has already infected a leaf, but they can help slow down the spread.
Nokes said fungicides can be found at any garden center. Nokes said to read the label instructions on any fungicide before applying it to plants.
