Downy Mildew Des Moines IA

Various types of downy mildew fungi cause disease in a number of crops across North America. Irregular brown or yellow spots develop on the upper leaf surface; the lower leaf surface beneath these spots is covered with a hairy white or purple mold during humid weather.

Heirloom Gardens
515-996-2466
29154 360th Street
Van Meter, IA
Bob Lenc Landscaping Inc & Lawn Care
515- 278-2028
5425 Lower Beaver Rd
Des Moines, IA
Augustine Tree Farm
515- 285-7782
4946 SW 42nd St
Des Moines, IA
E & J Lawn & Landscaping Maintenance
515- 480-2532
433 E Rose Ave
Des Moines, IA
Goode Greenhouses Inc
515- 262-6504
1050 NE 50th Ave
Des Moines, IA
Des Moines Seed & Nursery Co
515- 274-2586
6015 Grand Ave
Des Moines, IA
The Garden
515- 243-3965
112 SE 4th St
Des Moines, IA
Perficut Lawn & Landscape Inc
515- 965-0951
6550 NE 14th St
Des Moines, IA
Ken's Tree Service
515- 249-4434
PO Box 35543
Des Moines, IA
Nodaway Valley Tree Farm
515- 210-2399
4417 99th St
Des Moines, IA

Downy Mildew

Various types of downy mildew fungi cause disease in a number of crops across North America. Irregular brown or yellow spots develop on the upper leaf surface; the lower leaf surface beneath these spots is covered with a hairy white or purple mold during humid weather. Severely infected leaves die. The fungus that attacks cucumbers and muskmelons (and less frequently squash and pumpkins) occurs mainly in the East. Fruits of infected plants are small and bitter. Cabbage family members are often infected as seedlings, which rapidly yellow and die. Mature plants may have sunken black spots on their heads. Moist weather encourages the spread of this fungus.

Prevention and Control

Grow resistant varieties. Plant in well-drained soil on a site that receives excellent air circulation. Control weeds that can harbor the disease. Use treated seed or certified disease-free transplants. Till crop residues under soil to reduce spore production. Avoid wetting tops of plants when watering. Copper fungicides are effective as a preventive when applied as directed on the product label. It's best not to depend too heavily upon this method of control, as copper can build up in soil to levels toxic to earthworms and microbes. Organic gardeners can try aerated compost tea to prevent disease spread.

Photo courtesy of University of Wisconsin-Madison, Dept. of Plant Pathology

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