I have "sweet peas" almost ready to bud and flower but half the leaves have gone white and papery...why?

Question

Its winter here (Australia)......it has grown strong and healthy up till now and I have no idea what has caused it.

Answer 1

It sounds as though you might have powdery mildew. Have you had wet conditions lately? The mildew grows on the surface of the leaves and quickly invades and kills the plant, cauing it to look dry and paper-like. If some of the lant is still alive, you need to spray a fungicide on it as soon as possible. Good luck!