A gardener certainly needs to know how to treat powdery mildew on magnolia wood. The next paragraphs will guide you through this process.
What Is Powdery Mildew?
Powdery mildew shows as a white or grayish-white dust on the upper layer of magnolia leaves, but it can also harm the stems and flowers. Though it can be readily dismissed, it quickly grows so widespread that this is no longer an option.
The leaves of the magnolia tree become bent and distorted as the powdery mildew spreads, becoming yellow or brown. A severe powdery mildew infection might result in leaf loss and prevent buds from developing.
In the end of summer and early fall, powdery mildew is most noticeable. Powdery mildew appears in the winter as tiny black spheres that cluster in stems, latent buds, and fallen leaves on the ground.
They start to contaminate and propagate throughout the magnolia tree as the days become warmer but the nights remain cool.
Treating Powdery Mildew On Magnolia Wood
Magnolias can be evergreen or deciduous, illuminating the yard with flowers that emerge before the leaves unfold in early spring. They can also bear saucer-shaped flowers against a deep green background of foliage from late spring to summer, based on the species.
The stately and old magnolia is a tree admired by people all across the world, not only those from the south. Magnolias are sub-surface and tend to thrive in full to partial light in neutral to acidic, well-drained soil.
Magnolias are so hardy that many tree owners may never detect any severe problems with their trees during their lives. However, when a diseased magnolia tree is discovered, the underlying cause could be catastrophic.
1. Treating organically
Powdery mildew spores do not live in water, unlike many other fungal diseases. Several of the spores on the magnolia can be washed away by above sprinkling, destroying them.
Water early enough in the day so that the foliage is entirely dry by sundown. To decrease spores on the tree, prune out and eliminate affected portions of the magnolia.
If necessary, prune or remove adjacent plants to lessen the amount of shade that falls on the magnolia.
During the winter months, prune the magnolia tree to allow more light into the top and enhance air flow. Only prune throughout the growing period to eliminate seriously affected shoots.
During the planting season, discourage aggressive pruning of diseased plants. Pruning can result in the tree producing new shoots that are prone to powdery mildew.
2. Using chemicals
Fungicides keep powdery mildew from infecting vibrant green leaves and shoots. They must be used before the condition progresses.
Eradicants and protectants are two kinds of fungicides that can be used on ornamentals like magnolias. Powdery mildew is tough to eliminate once it has taken hold of the magnolia.
Eradicants include horticultural, neem, and jojoba oils. While these fungicides may not completely eradicate powdery mildew, they can help prevent the transmission of infection.
Use oils on magnolia trees before the daily temperature reaches 90 degrees Fahrenheit, and avoid using oils on trees that are showing signs of water stress.
Always read and understand the pesticide label guidelines on the pesticide bottle. Check the packaging of the pesticide you want to use to see if the plant you want to treat is mentioned.
3. Utilizing homemade treatments
Combine one gallon of water with one tablespoon baking soda and one-half teaspoon liquid, non-detergent soap, then spray the mixture evenly on the plants.
Potassium bicarbonate, which is a frequent substitute for baking soda, can be bought in several places. Check out this guide on where to buy potassium bicarbonate for powdery mildew to see which stores fit your location.
Powdery mildew spores can also be killed with the same mouthwash you use on a regular basis to kill bacteria in your mouth.
If you happen to have the same issue on buds, check out this tutorial on how to remove powdery mildew from buds.
Preventing Powdery Mildew On Magnolia Wood
Powdery mildew is simpler to prevent than to treat. Keep weeds, fallen leaves, and other plant debris out of the space around the magnolia.
To prevent the transmission of spores, rake up and remove plant detritus. Ensure that the magnolia has adequate air circulation.
Prune as needed to increase air circulation, and if required, treat with a fungal protectant in the early spring.
Sulfur and copper are two examples. As an eradicant or protectant spray, a synthetic fungicide comprising Myclobutanil can be employed.
Protectants must be applied before the onset of the disease. For optimal use, follow the label guidelines and thoroughly spray the undersides of leaves.
To assist the magnolia endure and recover from powdery mildew infections, give it enough of water and fertilizer. Remarkably, spraying the leaves of your plants with water from the hose on a regular basis is an efficient method of preventing and treating powdery mildew.
Powdery mildew despises water, therefore apply it early in the day to ensure that the foliage dries entirely before the cooler nighttime temperatures arrives.
Conclusion
To be the best gardener out there, you have to outsmart the others by learning how to treat powdery mildew on magnolia wood. Upgrade your gardening life!