It appears that my cucumber plants have powdery mildew. what is the cause please

Question

how can i cure it, and how can i make sure it doesnt happen next year?

Answer 1

It is caused by various fungal species, most active in humid summer conditions. Some varieties of plants are more susceptible than others. To help prevent it make sure that you plants are not crowded allowing for maximum ventilation between them, allow maximum sunlight to hit the leaves, do not water overhead as previously mentioned but do keep plants adequately watered and avoid high nitrogen fertilisers at the wrong time (late in the season) Make sure all infected plant material is removed from the area and disposed of, not composted.

You could try spraying with 1 part milk to 9 parts water. You can also remove heavily infected leaves now without any detrimental affect to the fruit.

For next year try growing a more resistant variety.

Answer 2

its powder mildew rot-mainly from low grade seeds-try a different brand-i use burpee seeds eliminated problem  years ago

Answer 3

Add to the above:

Powdery mildew is caused by spores in the air that breed in the water on your cucumber plant leaves.

It is hard to cure, but easier to prevent. Stop sprinkling water on top of your plants and the leaves and drip water to the roots. If you have garden rows, stop using sprinklers and ask around for some old leaky hoses, cap the ends, and attach the hoses to your source and let the water slowly leak through the holes of the hose onto your soil. The soil will absorb the water deeper over time, and will last longer in the soil. Sprinklers only water the top 2 inches of the soil. Drip systems will drip water slower allowing for better percolation, and prevent mold from forming on wet leaves. But if you can't afford a drip system, leaky hoses do just as well.

Answer 4

Try watering just the roots and not the whole plant.