Powdery Mildew

[suncatcher]

I need some advice. In my checking and watering this early a.m. I see one of my acorn squash plants has powdery mildew. There are about 15 plants there and only one has it. Now what causes it, how can I stop it? Will it get the other plants and will it hurt the production of the squash?
I water with a hose and only try to get the base of the plant and not the leaves. Any input would be appreciated. Thanks much :rolleyes:

[KiwiGardener]

A spray with Greenguard will control it.

I can't say I've ever had either Downy Mildew or Powdery Mildew before so cannot speak from experience here.

[SilenceOfTheClams]

Suncatcher... it's a fungal infection that can pop up when the conditions are right.. that being high humidity, heat and lack of air circulation. You should remove the affected leaves/dispose of and treat the plant with an anti-fungal spray to control. If the plant is not too badly affected, new leaves should produce. Have you got mulch under the plants??? If so you may want to change that out and perhaps top your soil with sand to keep the soil surface drier. Spray your other plants as well to keep the fungus from spreading.
I had powdery mildew on a lilac bush... looked like the whole bush was going to die but once the leaves were shed and I increased air circulation, it rebounded back beautifully. Powdery mildew is a pain to deal with but at least it's not a borer infestation or something nastier! ;)

[MrSeedy]

This weather has suddenly become "prime" weather for all kinds of mildew problems, and it's hard to avoid with those super high humidities. Seems my squash got mildew every summer , but I stll managed to get good crops. Just not too attractive though for the leaves!!!

[gardenlady]

i agree with mr. seedy....it might have mildew but you will still have a nice harvest.

[richardjepeal]

i agree with mr. seedy....it might have mildew but you will still have a nice harvest.
Not Me! Powdery Mildew killed my squash last year. I am trying a new fungus control this year - spray leaves with skimmed milk. I'll let you know how it goes.