Follow Us!
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
|
| Member | Message |
|---|---|
 |
Posted: Aug/05/2008 5:11 PM PST
just read this too. heehee, i'm telling everyone about it!  I'm sure most of you know already, this is for anyone who doesn't.  http://www.thefrugallife.com/mildew.html Got Powdery Mildew? Get Milk! by Arzeena Hamir Less than 3 years ago, researchers in South America discovered a new alternative to controlling powdery mildew. Wagner Bettiol, a scientist from Brazil, found that weekly sprays of milk controlled powdery mildew in zucchini just as effectively as synthetic fungicides such as fenarimol or benomyl. Not only was milk found to be effective at controlling the disease, it also acted as a foliar fertilizer, boosting the plant's immune system. Powdery mildew in the cucurbit family is caused by the organism Sphaerotheca fuliginea. It is a serious disease that occurs worldwide. For decades, organic gardeners had to rely on making a spray from baking soda to control the disease. Now, instead of measuring out the baking soda and combining it with a surfactant (a "sticking" substance) of either oil or soap, gardeners need only head for their refrigerators. In his experiments with zucchini plants, Bettiol found that a weekly spray of milk at a concentration of at least 10% (1 part milk to 9 parts water) significantly reduced the severity of powdery mildew infection on the plants by 90%. While some gardeners may be tempted to increase the concentration of milk for more control, Bettiol found that once concentrations rose above 30%, an innoccuous fungus began to grow on the plants. How does milk control powdery mildew? Scientist aren't 100% sure how milk works to control this disease. It seems that milk is a natural germicide. In addition, it contains several naturally occurring salts and amino acids that are taken up by the plant. From previous experiments using sodium bicarbonate, potassium phosphate, and other salts, researchers have found that the disease is sensitive to these salts. It is possible then, that milk boosts the plant's immune system to prevent the disease. Milk used around the world The benefits of using milk to control powdery mildew haven't been isolated to Brazil. Melon growers in New Zealand are saving thousands of dollars every year by spraying their crops with milk instead of synthetic fungicides. The melon growers in New Zealand have been so successful that the wine industry is taking notice and beginning experiments using milk to control powdery mildew in grapes. What kind of milk should be used? In Bettiol's original experiment, fresh milk was used, straight from the cow. However, this is obviously not feasible to most home gardeners. The research work in New Zealand actually found that using skim milk was just as effective. Not only was it cheaper, but the fact that the milk had no fat content meant that there was less chance of any odours. "For more details on Using Milk for Powerdery Mildew" see link at site. |
 |
Posted: Aug/06/2008 11:02 AM PST
I didn't know. thank you Rashell!!! I was using Neem Oil which has turned to be a little expensive since my garden is quite big! |
|
|
Posted: Aug/06/2008 3:38 PM PST
I knew the article would help some of us!  you're welcome.
|
 |
Posted: Aug/07/2008 2:46 AM PST
Great info. Thanks! I learn something new here everyday! |
 |
Posted: Aug/07/2008 7:44 AM PST
WOW!! I never knew that! I can see another added benefit too- adds calcium! Might also help to prevent blossom end-rot Does it work as a preventative too? |
|
|
Posted: Aug/07/2008 1:02 PM PST
Quote: Originally posted by Aurora Does it work as a preventative too? I think everyone should do a search on their own. lots of people say different things at their site...I don't want to give wrong info. I read you can use "weekly as a preventative measure" but the site also mentions a mixture of 50/50. Yikes! Going back to the first article, the 'scientist' advise is not to use too much milk.  So be sure and read up some more before spraying away.
|
|
|
Posted: Aug/07/2008 5:47 PM PST
So true rashell, nothing beats doing your own research! I'm thinking I may try an experiment next year. Spray some plants, and not spray others and see what happens. I figured I would try it on tomatoes though, and have the different groups on opposite sides of the yard. |
 |
Posted: Aug/19/2008 1:28 PM PST
Well, I just posted this as a new topic: "I'm getting powdery white spots on the leaves of my yellow and spaghetti squash plants. Some of the yellow squash leaves are almost completely covered. I assume it's a fungus and am getting ready to spray them with a fungucide, but if anyone knows more, please clue me in." I left the computer, went outside and trimmed rotten leaves and sprayed fungicide, came back in, read this post, and deleted my question LOL. OK, OK, I need to read BEFORE asking a new question. From here on out I'll use milk. |
† Requires Javascript
Copyright © 1997-2009 Demand Media. All rights reserved.
