Mildew Clear for Edibles (sulphur) carriesa label recommendation for the control of gooseberry mildew. The fungicides sulphur (Fungus Clear Ultra 2, Mildew Clear for Edibles), tebuconazole (Provanto Fungus Fighter Concentrate), tebuconazole with trifloxystrobin (Provanto Fungus Fighter Plus, Toprose Fungus Control & Protect), and triticonazole (Fungus Clear Ultra) are labelled for the control ofrose powdery mildew.

Clean up and destroy fallen leaves to reduce the amount of the downy mildew pathogen surviving the winter Prolonged leaf wetness is not required for infection by p owdery mildew, but high humidity is, so providing good air circulation is still important. Avoid drought stress and the overuse of nitrogenous fertilisers. Chemical control The RHS believes that avoiding pests, diseases and weeds by good practice in cultivation methods, cultivar selection, garden hygiene and encouraging or introducing natural enemies, should be the first line of control. If chemical controls are used, they should be used only in a minimal and highly targeted manner. Non-chemical control: There are considerable differences in susceptibility between rosecultivars. However, any claimed resistance to the disease may not persist for the lifetime of the plant, or be effective in all localities. Chemical control Most powdery mildew fungi have a host range restricted to a relatively few, related plants, but these can include wild relatives which can be sources of infection, e.g. wild crab apples may be sources of infection for apple orchards.Growing Success Fungus Stop is a pesticide-free alternative to help prevent disease on fruits, vegetables and flowers as well as ornamental plants. Its formulation contains natural ingredients and will not harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybirds. It works by promoting a plant reaction to defend itself against a wide range of pests such as Powdery Mildew, Fruit Scab, Rust, Leaf Spot and more.

Edibles:Tebuconazole with trifloxystrobin (ProvantoFungus Fighter Plus) can be used on glasshouse crops of cucumber, courgette and summer squash. Sulphur (Mildew Clear for Edibles) can be used on grapevines, gooseberries, cucumbers, peas and a wide range of root and tuber vegetables (full details on label). Because most of the growth of powdery mildews is found on the plant surface they are easily targeted with fungicides.Ornamentals:The fungicides sulphur (Fungus Clear Ultra 2, Mildew Clear for Edibles), tebuconazole (Provanto Fungus Fighter Concentrate), tebuconazole with trifloxystrobin (Provanto Fungus Fighter Plus, Toprose Fungus Control & Protect), and triticonazole (Fungus Clear Ultra) are approved for the control of powdery mildewson ornamental plants. As with other powdery mildews, these species grow initially over the leaf surface, feeding from the tissues but not killing them, and producingairborne spores which spread infection.Later the tissues die and, unusually for powdery mildew infection, drop out leaving holes and tattered edges to the leaves. An overwintering stage is of minor importance, most survival through the winter is as mycelium on the evergreen leaves. Do not over-fertilise (especially not too much nitrogen) as succulent growth is particularly susceptible Avoid overhead watering as this increases humidity around the foliage, which makes the plants more prone to powdery and downy mildews Downy mildewrequires cool wet weather for infection and spread. The 'fungal' growth seen on the underside of the leaves produces large numbers of asexual spores.Downy mildews are host-specific, so for example thedowny mildew affecting a Veronica will not infect a rose or vice versa.

Under certain environmental conditions some Stemphylium speciesare thought to be able to produce a sexual stage, and spores liberated from the fruiting bodies of the fungus in this scenario could account for the overwintering survival of the fungus and its long distance dissemination. Sulphur (Mildew Clear for Edibles) can be used on grapevines for powdery mildew control(full details on product label). Resistance: A number of grape cultivars show some resistance to powdery mildew including the wine varieties 'Leon Millot', 'Orion', 'Seyval Blanc' and 'Triomphe d'Alsace' and the outdoor dessert variety 'Brant'. Chemical control Mulch plants each season to avoid drought stress, which predisposes them to powdery mildew infection, and make sure vines are adequately watered helping to prevent this problem Further information on the management of downy mildews, powdery mildews and grey mould can be found in the advice profiles on the links below:The leaf spot pathogens Stigmina and Eupropolella cause brown spots on the leaves. The centres of the spots may eventually fall out, leaving irregular holes in the leaves that resemble damage from shotgun pellets – hence 'shot-hole'. Spots caused by Eupropolella are larger than those of Stigminaand sometimes havefungal fruiting bodies visible, and can lead to large parts of the leaf being shed Don’t plant too densely, giving space between plants. Aim for an open environment to increase air circulation and reduce humidity The fungicide tebuconazole with trifloxystrobin (Provanto Fungus Fighter Plus, Toprose Fungus Control & Protect) has a recommendation for the control of leaf spots on ornamental plants. Additionally, the fungicides tebuconazole (Provanto Fungus Fighter Concentrate) and triticonazole (Fungus Clear Ultra) are labelled for the control of other diseases on ornamental plants, and could therefore be used legally on Veronica(at the owner’s risk) to try and control the leaf spotting.