My summer squash plants are suffering in the long, hot, dry summer days. The powdery mildew has started taking hold and is causing my plants to lose leaves and fruit. I finally found the most gentle (organic) way of dealing with it, the ATTRA article: Use of Baking Soda as a Fungicide was the primary article with which I based my recipe.
The article by Master Gardener Linda Chalker-Scott, Ph.D, Baking soda will fungi fail and roses rejoice? confirms the efficacy of the bicarbonate fungicide, BUT only when used with a surfactant, oil, soap, something to keep the solution adhered to the plant.
The method of action is not fully understood:
While their precise mode of action against fungi is not understood, Horst states that bicarbonates seem to damage the cell wall membrane in PM spores. He also believes pH to be a factor in bicarbonate effectiveness. In any case, bicarbonates are contact fungicides, and kill PM within minutes. Src
There are numerous products on the market now (SEE HERE) that are bicarbonate based fungicides. Potassium carbonate is the more effective of the carbonates but the sodium will work.
The 3 ingredients needed for the fungicide are Baking Soda, an Oil or Soap, and water.
The exact amounts I used of each for a 2 gallon mixture are as follows.
3 Tablespoons Baking Soda
2 Fluid Ounces Neem Oil
2 Gallons Water
A pump sprayer is necessary in order to properly cover the plant surfaces, and is mandatory if spraying a larger area than a few plants.
Add 3 Tablespoons of the Baking Soda to the pump sprayer.
Add 2 Fluid Ounces (1/4 cup) of Neem Oil, surfactant or soap. Fill the bottle with 2 gallons of water and screw the pump together.
Spray the surface of all infected leaves and make sure to completely coat the surfaces.
The stems all need to be sprayed to try to eradicate the mildew or else it will have no problems returning. It can also be a good idea to remove infected leaves, trying not to allow the spores to spread by bagging the plant material.
I just did this today, so over the next few days I should be able to discern the efficacy of my recipe. I really hope this works since I still have at least a month of growing season left so the plants can't die yet.
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Fleming Family Farm
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Sustainable & Organic Methods | Heirloom Produce
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