As we humans go sick sometimes, even the plants get infected with diseases and it asks us for more care. One such disease is Powdery mildew. No need to be panic!
This fungal disease is seen in most of the vegetable plants.

Powdery Mildew

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It is one of the common diseases that affect the plants.It is one of the easiest plant diseases to identify as its characteristics are distinctive. This plant disease usually forms a white powdered layer on the leaves and stems. It is mostly seen in the upper part of the leaves. It is also observed that the leaves turn yellowish and dry out. If it is not treated in the initial stage, later it would spread to the entire plant. This fungal disease is seen mostly in high humid conditions and in moderate temperatures. It might also continue till the harvest. So it is suggested to Prune the diseased leaves regularly. Aphids and other sap-sucking insects are often the vectors for this disease.

Most affected plants:

Apple, Pear, Bean, Capsicum, Chilli, Eggplant, Cherry, Pea, Cucumber, Tomato, Cabbage, Potato, Cotton, Banana, Citrus.

Dauses of disease

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When the wind blows, sap-sucking insects like aphids travel from one plant to another plant and serves as vectors in spreading this fungal disease. It forms fungi like substance. This is known as Powdery mildew.

Plant Disease symptoms:

1. White powdery substances can be seen on the leaves and stems.

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2. The leaves turn yellow and dry out.

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Preventive Measures:

1. Using natural remedies are always a better option to treat in a better way and for the progressive growth of your plants.

2. Clear all the debris around the pots.
3. Sterilize or clean all gardening pruning tools once you make use of it.
4. Avoid overhead watering as Powdery mildew thrives in hot and humid weather.

Way to cure the disease:

Remedy: 1

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Prepare a mixture of 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1 tablespoon of liquid soap and 1 gallon of water. Stir it well and spray to the affected parts of the plant once in every 10-15 days.

Remedy: 2

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Prepare a mixture of milk and water (1:5) and spray the liquid once in a week to the affected areas.

Remedy : 3

Use natural fungicides like neem oil. Mix 20 to 50 ml of neem oil into a liter of water and spray on the plants. If the infection is severe repeat the spray once or twice at a week interval.

Damping off

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It is a horticultural soil-borne fungal disease which kills or weakens the seeds or sapling before germination or after the germination. It mostly occurs in cool conditions. Slow growth and sudden collapse of plants are common symptoms of this plant disease. The seed might have been decaying in the soil due to the hardness of the seeds.Taking proper decision while choosing seeds will play a vital role. Buying it from a nursery, from a horticulture institute or a reputed buyer would preferably go well to avoid seed and soil-borne diseases.

Plants Affected:

Papaya,capsicum,chili,tomato,onion

Causes of the disease:

This disease is caused by different kind of pathogens weakening the seeds or the plants and killing them. These pathogens feed on the plants and in turn, make the plants perish.

Plant Disease symptoms:

There are many symptoms when it comes to Damping off. As this disease is caused by different kind of pathogens, the symptoms vary from each species.

Here are some common symptoms.

1. A sudden collapse of the saplings in the growing stage and slow growth of the plants.

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2. Roughly round patches on the seedlings can be seen.

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3. Lesions on the stem are also observed.

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Precautionary measures:

Sowing the seeds in sterilized and a good quality potting mix is the foremost precaution you need to take. In spite of using sterilized medium, the fungus may be introduced either through water or through the air. It may also come through the seeds. So, using quality Seeds and compost is a must for every gardener.
Maintaining the plants in dried condition with good air circulation can also prevent the plants from the disease.

Way to Cure the disease:

Step: 1

Remove the diseased plant from the affected soil and dispose of the soil. Wash the roots of the plants under running water so that the fungal spores present in the roots will be washed away. Remove the affected part of the plant and replant it in a healthy and sterilized potting mix.

Step: 2

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Spray natural fungicides to the soil which will suppress the disease. You can prepare natural fungicide at home by adding 2 tablespoons of baking soda to 1 liter of water or mix 20 to 50 ml of neem oil into 1 liter of water.

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