Powdery mildew on gooseberries: signs, causes of appearance, control measures, prevention

Powdery mildew (spheroteka) is one of the most common gooseberry diseases. The fungus of the same name causes an infection. It is because of powdery mildew that gooseberries most often die.

The disease leads to shedding of leaves, cessation of growth, deformation and drying of shoots, a decrease in the winter hardiness of the bush and, ultimately, to its death. Despite the fact that the disease is very dangerous, it can be cured, especially if it is noticed at the initial stages of development. Different control measures are used. The fungus is excreted with chemicals and folk remedies.

Signs of powdery mildew

The appearance of powdery mildew is usually expected in the spring, since during this period there is high humidity and low temperatures. Possible defeat gooseberry and in the summer.

To save the gooseberry, it is important to recognize the disease in a timely manner. This is easy to do, since the symptoms of powdery mildew are specific:

1. First of all, the fungus affects the lower part of the bush. A loose, whitish bloom forms on the leaves and shoots. It is dry to the touch and resembles flour, but does not crumble when the wind blows or the plant is shaken. Rubbing the affected area with your finger can remove the white coating.
2. The lesion spreads throughout the bush. The upper leaves and shoots turn white. In the end disease spreads to the ovary or fruit. The whole bush looks dusted with flour.
3. The plaque becomes denser and does not rub off with your finger. Then it takes on a gray or brown tint.
4. Affected berries are deformed, shrink and dry out.
5. Leaves curl, dry and fall off. The shoots are deformed and stop developing.

Photosynthesis is impaired in the affected plants. The bush becomes weak, does not tolerate negative environmental factors and winter cold. As a result, the gooseberry dies.

Note! Powdery mildew spreads quickly throughout the garden. It affects not only gooseberries, but also currants, honeysuckle and other fruit and berry crops.

Causes of the disease

The powdery mildew fungus hibernates in the soil, on fallen leaves and other plant debris. Its development is provoked by the following factors:

1. High humidity in warm weather. That is why the disease usually affects the plant in the spring, at the beginning of May.
2. Stagnant fluid. This is facilitated by excessively frequent and abundant watering, the absence of soil loosening.
3. Favorable conditions for wintering. They are created by a gardener, leaving fallen leaves, tops of cultivated plants and weeds on the site in autumn.
4. The thickening of the plantings contributes to the disruption of air exchange, creating favorable conditions for the development of the fungus.
5. Lack of sanitary trimming. Too thick crown prevents normal air exchange. Sanitary pruning is carried out in order to timely identify and remove infected branches.
6. No weeding. Weeds are carriers of the fungus.
7. Pests spread infections of a fungal and viral nature.
8. Lingering rains. After prolonged cloudy weather, the risk of plant infection increases significantly.

Not all of the factors described can be affected by the grower. Those who are able to eliminate a person are given special attention, including to avoid re-infection.

It is interesting! Powdery mildew is often called American. It is believed that it was brought to our country from America.

Control measures for gooseberry powdery mildew

The earlier the disease is noticed, the easier it is to get rid of it. If the plaque has already acquired a gray or brown color, it will take longer to treat the gooseberry.

The fungus throws out spores in the spring and summer. Therefore, the plant is treated at least 3 times a year, even if the signs of the disease have disappeared after the first spraying.

When gooseberries are treated for powdery mildew:

• before flowering;
• after flowering;
• after falling leaves.

It is possible to get rid of the disease even at advanced stages. In the early stages, chemicals are not needed, in this case, folk remedies are used.

Before starting the treatment of the disease, remove all affected leaves and shoots. They are taken away from the site and burned. After that, the plants are sprayed.

It is important to process the gooseberries generously so that all parts are covered with a thick layer of the product. Particular attention is paid to the inside of the leaves.

Folk remedies

Folk remedies are effective in treating gooseberries when signs of the disease are just beginning to appear. Such preparations do not contain chemicals, therefore, they are considered safe for humans and the environment. After their application, there is no risk of poisoning with berries, they are allowed to be used even during the fruiting period.

There are many folk remedies that can remove the fungus that causes powdery mildew on gooseberries. Next, we will tell you about the most effective of them:

1. Soda, aspirin, soap and oil. 2 tbsp. l. soda, 4 aspirin tablets, ¼ a bar of grated laundry soap, and 2 tbsp. l. vegetable oil is diluted in a bucket of water.
2. Ash with soap... 2 kg of ash and 1 piece of grated laundry soap are poured into a 10 l bucket. The agent is allowed to brew for two days, after which the plants are mixed and sprayed.
3. Soda ash with soap... 0.5 pieces of laundry soap (preferably dark) are grated and poured into a 10 l bucket of water. To it add 50 g of soda ash. The rest of the volume is diluted with hot water. The ingredients are mixed until dissolved. The drug is allowed to cool to room temperature, after which the gooseberry is treated.
4. Sour milk, whey or kefir. 2 liters of dairy product are diluted with 8 liters of water. To enhance the effect, add 30 drops of iodine to the product.
5. Mullein. 1 kg of mullein is added to 3 liters of water. The agent is allowed to brew for three days, after which 12 liters of liquid are diluted. The resulting preparation is sprayed with gooseberries.
6. Onion and garlic peels... 0.5 kg of onion husks and 200 g of garlic peels are poured into 10 liters of boiling water. The product is allowed to brew for 4 days.
7. Tansy. 0.5 cups dry tansy pour 10 liters of boiling water. The tool is insisted for a day, then boiled for 2 hours on low heat, filtered.
8. Spruce needles. The bucket is filled by one third with spruce needles. The rest of the volume is topped up with boiling water. The product is allowed to brew for three days. Then filter and add 0.5 pieces of laundry soap.
9. Horsetail. 1 kg of horsetail is poured into 3 liters of water and boiled for 2 hours. The broth together with horsetail is poured into a 10 liter bucket of water, the rest of the volume is added with water at room temperature. The tool is insisted for 2 days.
10. Milk with soda. 1 liter of milk is poured into a 10 liter bucket and 0.5 kg of soda is poured. Pour the ingredients with water and stir until the soda is completely dissolved.
11. Zelenka. Dissolve 20 drops of brilliant green in a bucket of water.
12. Ammonia and cinnamon... Pour 100 mg of ammonia into a bucket of water and add 20 g of cinnamon. The product is allowed to brew for 4 hours, then stirred and used to spray gooseberries.

Folk remedies gooseberries, sick with powdery mildew, are sprayed 1-2 times a week until the problem is eliminated. They are also used after long rains, even if the plant has not had time to get sick. Treatments are required before and after flowering, as well as after leaf fall.

Spray the entire bush, including the inside of the leaves. In addition, the soil around the plants is watered with solutions. Before that, all weeds are removed and the soil is loosened.

Processing is carried out in dry weather when the sun is inactive.Otherwise, the rain will wash off the product.

Council. It is recommended to spray not only the diseased plant, but also the fruit and berry bushes growing next to it.

Biologicals

If the plant already has ovaries and full-fledged berries, biological preparations are used. They are washed off with water, do not harm the environment and do not pose a threat to human health. The last processing is done no later than 10 days before harvest.

The most popular biologics:

1. Fitosporin. The drug not only sprayed all parts of the bush, but also water the soil under it. Gooseberries are treated with the product every 2 weeks.
2. "Alirin-B". The tool destroys fungus and removes nitrates from the plant. It is believed to increase the amount of vitamin C in berries. Plants and soil around them are treated with it.

Chemical substances

If powdery mildew has managed to infect most of the bush, folk remedies may be ineffective. Then chemicals are applied. They not only destroy the fungus, but also prevent its reappearance.

The disadvantage of chemicals is that they have a negative impact on the environment and human health. If the gooseberry was processed during the flowering or fruiting period, it is dangerous to eat the berries.

Next, we will tell you how to deal with gooseberry powdery mildew using chemicals:

1. "Raek" - an emulsion, the active substance of which interferes with the synthesis processes in the cells of the fungus, stops its growth and prevents the formation of mycelium. This drug with low toxicity is not washed off by rain and lasts a long time. For preparation, 2 ml of the drug is diluted in 10 liters of water. This amount is enough for 3-5 bushes. Processing is carried out 4 times with an interval of 7-8 days.
2. "Topaz" - one of the most effective remedies against powdery mildew. Its main active ingredient is aimed at destroying the sphere. Eliminates the possibility of re-infection. Destroys fungus in 3 days and prevents re-infection for another 7 days. Does not wash off with water. To prepare a solution in 10 liters of water, dilute 6 ml of the emulsion. Processed 3 times at intervals of a week.
3. "Vectra". Effective against most fungal diseases. Destroys fungus, penetrates into plant tissues, prevents re-infection. Does not wash away with rain. To prepare a solution in 19 liters of water, dilute with 2 ml of the drug.
4. Tiovit-Jet. The active substance disrupts the vital processes of the fungus, releasing sulfur. The product is sold in powder form. It is not washed off by rain and protects the plant from re-infection for 10 days. To process gooseberries, 30-80 g of the drug are diluted in 10 liters of water.

The described fungicides have a hazard class 3, they are slightly toxic to humans, animals and the environment. Their processing of gooseberries during flowering is prohibited.

Important! Wear a protective mask and gloves when working with chemicals.

Is it possible to eat the berries of a recovered plant

Berries covered with a whitish bloom look unattractive. It is unpleasant to eat them, but the disease does not affect the taste.

Fruits, which are not completely covered with a thin layer of plaque, are washed so that no white spots remain on them, and eaten.

The berries, covered with a thick layer of plaque that does not wash off, are peeled. They are used in processed form (jam, pie filling, compotes).

Attention! People who are prone to allergies should refuse berries contaminated with powdery mildew. Fungal spores can cause an allergic reaction.

Prevention of the disease

Although powdery mildew is treatable, it is not easy to get rid of. The disease reduces the winter hardiness of the plant, which is why the gardener will have to pay increased attention to caring for gooseberries and preparing for the cold.

To avoid these problems, it is important to take preventive measures:

1. Landing. The risk of infection is reduced if the gooseberries are planted in an open area of ​​the garden.It is important that the plant gets enough sun. Another condition for prevention is planting shrubs at a distance from each other.
2. Pruning. In spring or autumn, old, damaged branches are cut off, as well as shoots that thicken the crown.
3. Compliance with watering rules... The shrub is watered no more than 1 time per week, subject to dry weather. After watering and precipitation, the soil is loosened.
4. Weed removal... The area around the bush is weeded regularly. To slow down the growth of weeds, the soil is mulched.
5. Scalding. Most diseases can be prevented by pouring boiling water over the bushes immediately after the snow melts. It is important that hot water hits not only the ground around the gooseberry, but also its branches. If the kidneys have already opened, this cannot be done.
6. Preventive treatment. In early May, gooseberries are sprayed with a solution of copper sulfate or Fitosporin.

Conclusion

Powdery mildew is a dangerous fungal disease that often affects gooseberries. It becomes the cause of shedding leaves, stopping the development of shoots, deformation and falling off berries, reduces winter hardiness of plants and disrupts photosynthesis. Without treatment, fruit and berry bushes die.

It is possible to cure powdery mildew. To do this, use fungicides, biologicals and folk remedies. Safe medicines will be effective only if treatment is started early in the disease.