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 If you'd like more than 10 bags of compost please call our Customer Service team who can arrange for a bespoke competitive quote on 01480 774555 (standard network charges apply)

Mildew Clear for Edibles (sulphur) carriesa label recommendation for the control of gooseberry mildew. 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.Distorted leaves are often the first sign of infection, especially with the larger-leaved cultivars. A grey/mauve felt-like 'fungal' growth appears on the under-surface of the leaves, with diffuse purple-red or yellow patches developing on the corresponding upper surface. Don’t plant too densely, giving space between plants. Aim for an open environment to increase air circulation and reduce humidity

There are no products available to amateur gardeners for the control of either downy mildew or grey mould. 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. Sulphur (Mildew Clear for Edibles) can be used on grapevines for powdery mildew control(full details on product label). 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.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 Powdery mildew fungi produce microscopic air-borne dispersal spores from the fungal growth on the plant surface. These have an unusually high water content, enabling them to infect under drier conditions than most other fungal pathogens. Powdery mildew initially grows over the leaf surface, visible as a white powdery coating, particularly on the underside of the leaf The majority of the growth of most powdery mildews is found on the plant surface. The fungus sends feeding structures into the surface cells, greatly reducing the vigour of the plant. Because of this surface growth, powdery mildews are even more influenced by the environment than other plant diseases. Choosing the right plant for the right place, along with some simple measures to adjust the environment can go a long way to minimising powdery mildew issues in gardens.

Badly affected shoots are best prunedout and disposed of as soon as the symptoms are seen. During routine spring pruning any shoots showing large patches of mildew around the thorns should also be cut out A dressing of a balanced fertiliser, such as Growmore, is more suitable– use 50g per sq m (1½oz per sq yd)

Powdery mildew: the powdery mildew fungus over-winters in the buds and when these start to growin the spring it produces airborne spores which spread the disease. The pathogen originated in north America, but is now present wherever vines are grown. Leaf infection reduces plant vigour. When fruits are infected they split as they expand and this allows secondary infection by grey mould ( Botrytis cinerea).