Powdery Mildew
Erysipheae, Erysiphaceae
Basic Details
Description
Taxonomy
Features
Translations
Basic Details
NamePowdery Mildew
DescriptionPowdery mildew is a fungal disease that creates a white, dusty coating on leaves and stems. Discover effective prevention and organic treatment strategies.
TypeFungus
FamilyErysiphaceae
GenusErysiphe
TribeErysipheae
Taxonomy & Features
PhylumAscomycota
SubphylumPezizomycotina
ClassLeotiomycetes
OrderErysiphales
SubfamilyLeotiomycetidae
Features
- Named 'powdery' because the fungal growth looks like white or grey powder dusted on plant surfaces. Unlike downy mildew, this powder is dry and easily rubs off
- Appears as circular white spots on leaves, stems, and sometimes fruit. In severe cases, it looks like the plant has been dipped in flour. Leaves may turn yellow
- Fungal spores are spread by wind. They do NOT require free water to infect leaves and can germinate in humid air, unlike many other fungi
- Stunts plant growth, reduces crop yields, and can cause distortion or premature drop of leaves and flowers. Weakens the plant's overall health
- The fungus lives primarily on the leaf surface, sending small 'roots' (haustoria) into the plant cells to drain nutrients. Reproduces very rapidly
- White powdery patches are easily visible. Individual fungal threads and spore chains are microscopic
- Thrives in warm, dry days followed by cool, humid nights. Prefers temperatures between 20-30°C (68-86°F) and low light levels (crowded plants)
- Affects a vast range of hosts including squash, cucumbers, melons, grapes, roses, zinnias, lilacs, peonies, apples, and beans
- Prevent by planting resistant varieties, ensuring full sun, spacing plants for good air flow, and thinning out dense foliage to improve light penetration
- Treat with organic sulfur, potassium bicarbonate, or neem oil. A mix of baking soda and water is a classic home remedy that helps disrupt the fungus
Names in Different Languages
Latin / ScientificErysipheae, Erysiphaceae
English (Alternate)White mold, Powdery fungus
Hindiचूर्णिल आसिता (churnil asita), पाउडरी मिल्ड्यू (powdery mildew)
Tamilசாம்பல் நோய் (saambal noy)
Teluguబూడిద తెగులు (budida tegulu)
Malayalamചൂർണ്ണ പൂപ്പൽ രോഗം (churṇṇa pūppal rōgam), പൊടികുമിൾ രോഗം (poḍikumiḷ rōgam)
Kannadaಬೂಷ್ಟು (būshtu), ಬೂಜು (būju)
Sanskritश्वेत-कवक-रोग (shveta-kavaka-roga)
Bengaliপাউডারি মিলডিউ (pauḍāri mildiu), পাউডারি ছাতা (pauḍāri chātā), চিতা (chita)
Frenchoïdium
Russianмучнистая роса (muchnistaya rosa)
Spanishoídio, mildiu polvoriento
GermanEchter Mehltau, pudriger Mehltau
