Organic Controlling Powdery Mildew In Apple Tree

Powdery mildew apple tree is pretty famous for not killing their hosts, but making them weak. If you are farming apples, then this is a particular pathogen attack you need to worry about. 

What is Powdery Mildew on Apple Trees?

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects apples, roses, and cannabis. It is characterized by the presence of white spores produced by fungal threads called mycelia. Apple trees are particularly susceptible to it, which can be widespread if proper care is not taken during cultivation.

It is a common fungal disease that can affect various parts of the plants, including seedlings, leaves, buds, blossoms, shoots, and fruits. While fungicides can be effective against this disease, there are also organic treatments for powdery mildew apple tree available to prevent and treat the infestation. In this post, we will explore the causes of powdery mildew and discuss organic ways to manage this disease in orchard.

 

What Causes Powdery Mildew on Apple Trees?

The development of powdery mildew fungal disease on plants cannot be isolated for a single reason. One or more environmental reasons usually influence it. The significant factors are air circulation, temperature, light, and relative humidity (RH). The optimum conditions for the fungi attack form during late summer, and that is why you will see these happening attacks way too common during this time.

During summer, the RH is very high, giving a good signal for white powdery mildew to attack. Strictly note that the fungi may happen anytime during the growing season of the plants, although late summer is the optimum period.

spores are usually blown by the mighty wind, giving birth to secondary infections. Secondary infections happen on new fruits, leaves, and shoots. Sometimes even when the shoot grows, fruits and leaves continue to get infected.

This infestation starts at night when the temperature is around 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The humidity during this period is about 70 per cent. It is a good time for this grayish-white fungus to quickly attack the leaf surfaces.

This infection usually starts from the underside and then appears on the upper part of the leaves. Infected leaves will have a silver-gray powdery look, while the fruit will look reddish brown. This disease may lead to no fruit formation when it attacks the buds.

Is powdery mildew apple tree contagious to other plants? If this is the question in your mind, then the short answer is yes! This is a more significant concern as this attack is famous for its spreading abilities. It makes the growth of the plants susceptible to secondary infestation attacks.

How to Get Rid Of Powdery Mildew on Apple Trees Effectively?

When it comes to treating powdery mildew, cultural methods are often the best approach. while some may suggest using fertilizers as a treatment for this disease, this is not recommended as it hinders the growth of new tissues, particularly during summer. To properly take apple tree white mold treatment, it’s important to explore alternative methods that are safe and effective.

Fortunately, there are many organic treatments  for powdery mildew apple tree which is able to help keep your apples healthy and chemical-free.

Trichoderma harzianum

Trichoderma harzianum is a biocontrol agent and very active ingredient in Trianum V. Well, you understand where we are going. Yes, this is the fungicide you can prefer while treating beautiful apples. It is the best fungicide to treat powdery fungus on apple home remedy and will not hamper your cultivation process. Organic treatment of powdery mildew apple trees is always the best option.

The way Trichoderma harzianum works is by producing enzymes and metabolites that inhibit the growth of other fungi, including the ones that cause white mold. When applied to the soil or plant surfaces, it colonizes the root system and foliage of orchard trees, forming a protective barrier against this fungal disease infections.

While chemical fungicides have negative impacts on the environment and may lead to resistance in the fungal population, Trichoderma harzianum is an effective and safe treatment for white mold on orchard that can promote healthy plant growth and suppress fungal growth.

Neem oil

Neem oil is a natural oil derived from the neem tree, with antifungal properties controlling powdery mildew on apple trees. To use neem oil, mix one tablespoon of oil with one gallon of water and spray the solution onto the affected areas of the tree. Repeat every seven to fourteen days until the white mold is gone.

Baking soda

Baking soda is another effective organic treatment for the fungi on orchard. Mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one gallon of water and spray the solution onto the affected areas of the tree. Repeat every seven to ten days. Be careful not to use too much baking soda, as it can damage the tree.

Milk spray

Believe it or not, milk can also be an effective organic treatment for powdery mildew on apple trees. Mix one part milk with nine parts water and spray the solution onto the affected areas of the tree. Repeat every seven to ten days until the fungi is gone. The proteins in the milk can help prevent  the disease growth .

Prevention is better than cure. Ensure that your orchard are getting enough sunlight. Keeping trees in areas with excessive shade can have heavy humidity and insufficient air circulation. It means your tree can attractted by this fungal disease quite easily. Try to decrease the scope of white mold infestation as much as possible. Fungicide for the white mold on apple trees is something everyone should keep handy.

If you have Trianum V, powdery mildew apples trees stuff will not make you panic. Just understand how to use Trianum V properly; everything will fall into place for you. You can now easily focus on cultivating the best quality apples without worrying about white mold apple tree infections.

References:

1.Omomowo I O, Fadiji A E, Omomowo O I. Assessment of bio-efficacy of Glomus versiforme and Trichoderma harzianum in inhibiting powdery mildew disease and enhancing the growth of cowpea[J]. Annals of Agricultural Sciences, 2018, 63(1): 9-17.

2.Zin N A, Badaluddin N A. Biological functions of Trichoderma spp. for agriculture applications[J]. Annals of Agricultural Sciences, 2020, 65(2): 168-178.