Topic: White courgette leaves.

[cazy]

The leaves on my courgettes have all gone white, it looks like a fine powdery substance that rubs off, I assume it's some kind of mildew. 
Is it too late for the plants or is it treatable and what with?  I would be most grateful for advice.  Thank you.

[Tulipa]

It is mildew and mine do it every year, getting progressively worse but it doesn't spoil the crops, they will keep coming and are perfectly edible, don't worry.  This damp weather isn't helping... :(

T.

[cazy]

Thanks Tulipa, the fruits do seem fine apart from a few soggy ones, but we have had a lot of rain.

[Jeannine]

It is mildew, the plant will eventually succumb and die off , the fruits will no longer be able to draw goodness from the plant for very long once it is established and will stop maturing.

It is heavier this year than usual for August .

XX Jeannine

[cazy]

Doesn't sound too good Jeannine, is there any treatment for it?

[vegmandan]

Spraying the leaves with a 10:1 mix of skimmed milk and water helps to deter it.....honest.

I get it every year and tried it this year and it does help.

And it doesn't smell since it's skimmed milk and has virtually no fat in it.

If you don't believe me then just google "Milk powdery mildew" and see.

It's not a complete cure but it does help,it's harmless, and it costs nowt to do.! ;D

[thifasmom]

Spraying the leaves with a 10:1 mix of skimmed milk and water helps to deter it.....honest.

I get it every year and tried it this year and it does help.

And it doesn't smell since it's skimmed milk and has virtually no fat in it.

If you don't believe me then just google "Milk powdery mildew" and see.

It's not a complete cure but it does help,it's harmless, and it costs nowt to do.! ;D

good tip will remember that one for next year.

[Jeannine]

 as we are still in August I would try the milk one as it does work, usually if it starts in mid September I wouldn't bother because the season is almost done and the cold will kill off the vines at night anyway. XX Jeannine