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What to do with white bloom on currant leaves
White bloom on currants is a sign of powdery mildew. Fungal disease quickly affects healthy parts of the plant. The first signs are noticeable on the back of the leaf, which is covered with a mealy bloom. Find out why currants are sick and how to get rid of the disease.
Where does the white bloom on currant leaves come from?
The causative agent of powdery mildew is a fungus that is resistant to freezing temperatures, hibernates in fallen leaves, grass and soil. When conditions are favorable, disputes begin to grow rapidly.
White bloom on currants or powdery mildew quickly spreads to neighboring plants
The main reasons why powdery mildew appears on currant leaves:
- warm but rainy summer;
- lack of lighting;
- improper fit;
- insufficient care.
The peak of fungal activity occurs in July. If at this time the air humidity is increased, then infection cannot be avoided.
The shrub is planted in an open area so that the sun illuminates it well throughout the day. The distance between the plants is left about 1 m, all thickening shoots are cut out so that the bush is well ventilated.
What to do if a white bloom appears on the currants
The fight against mealy plaque begins as soon as the first signs of damage appear. If the disease is allowed to take its course, the growth point dies off, the leaves curl, the fruits and the ovary fall off. The shrub stops developing and dies.
Folk remedies for powdery mildew on currants:
- Infusion of mullein. The solution is prepared from a part of a mullein and 3 parts of water, insisted in a warm place for several days. Before spraying, the slurry is diluted with water 1: 3.
- Dusting with ash. After the rain, the bush is sprinkled with ash abundantly so that the whole plant is covered.
- Soda solution. Dilute 200 g of soda and 100 g of laundry soap in 100 liters of water.
- Spraying with serum. For 9 liters of water, 1 liter of whey is used.
Shrub treatments are carried out in early spring, before flowering, after it and in autumn. In summer, the plant is sprayed after rain. If the disease is advanced, it is better to use chemical preparations containing copper.
Do not forget about disease prevention: grow resistant varieties, disinfect planting material, carry out sanitary pruning on time. In the fall, remove all plant residues, burn them away from the site, dig up the soil under the bushes.
It is possible to get rid of powdery mildew on currants, but only with the help of prevention and comprehensive measures. Do not neglect these tips, then your garden will always be healthy.