Expert: Mike Mascio - 7/27/2006

Question
Could you suggest a solution to the above on my zucchini and cukes?  Fruit is dried up and yellowed, too.  Thanks,
Bonnie
Long Beach Island, NJ

Answer
Bonnie, powdery mildew is spread through spores in the soil or air which are splashed onto the plant during rain or blown by the wind.

The best treatment for powdery mildew is lime sulfur. This is an all-purpose fungicide which will help control the disease. Sulfur can be purchased at most garden centers and nurseries.

Another option is fungicidal soap. Gardens Alive, an on-line garden company that specializes in organic products, markets an excellent organic fungicide called Soap Shield. This is a copper-based fungicide that is just as effective as sulfur. The soapy composition of this product causes the fungicide to adhere to the foliage better, resulting in longer protection. You can research this product online at:

http://www.gardensalive.com/product.asp?pn=8066&ss=soap%20shield

I am also attaching a website that will give you detailed information on this disease:

http://www.ag.ohio-state.edu/~ohioline/hyg-fact/3000/3047.html

I hope this information helps.  Good luck, and please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike