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White fungus on squashes

Posted by den_vic BC Canada Z8b (My Page) on
Sun, Oct 11, 09 at 12:49

I have this white fungus that has invaded my squashes so I've destroyed most of the plants but it has not affected my tomatoes (that will soon no longer ripen anyways). The white fungus spreads even though this Oct is not very wet so far. My neighbour has large dahlias with the same problem. Can I avoid this or it's just that the nights are too long and the sun is not enough? I noticed some of it on a Magnolia grandiflora "victoria" but it does not damage the thick evergreen foliage.

Image of the white fungus.

Here is a link that might be useful: White Fungus


Follow-Up Postings:

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RE: White fungus on squashes

You have powdery mildew a fungal disease. It usually comes with cool wet conditions wet but mostly by high humidity. You can get it in hot conditions too if there is enough humidity.It also attacks if there is poor air circulation--like in densly packed plants. The fruit will rot too so if you have any that are ripe I suggest you pick them, and wash them off

As soon as you see it pick off the infected leaves and spray with a funficide for powdery mildew and try to give the plants better air circulation. If you get it early and pick the leaves off, a spray made with garlic will help. Spray the whole plant, and you will have to do it more than once.

Garlic has anticeptic properties and will help with mild outbreaks of fungal diseases, which is why I said get it early and pick the infected leaves off. Your yard will smell like a pizzeria for a day or 2, but it's better than chemicals.

To make a garlic spray--Whirl 4 or 5 cloves of garlic in the blender with a little water. You want basicly mush. Put it in a container and add 2 to 2 1/2 cups of water, rinsing the blender out with the water so you get all the garlic and juice. Let sit for 24 hours and then strain into a spray bottle.

Soak the blender bowl in water and baking soda to get rid of the smell.


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Thanks for the advice

I had no idea that squashes turned into large smothering plants. The next question is how long can a squash plant (vine?) get?


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RE: White fungus on squashes

Sulfur combats powdery mildew. Try some h2o3 3% peroxide.


 
 

 

 


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