Beets With Powdery Mildew – Treating Powdery Mildew In Beet Plants
The earthy, sweet flavor of beets has captured the taste buds of many and growing these tasty root vegetables can be so rewarding. One roadblock you may come up against in your garden is beets with powdery mildew. To enjoy your beet harvest, know how to recognize this disease and how to combat it.
Symptoms of Powdery Mildew on Beets
The sooner you detect signs of powdery mildew on beets, the easier it will be to control and treat it. An early sign of the disease, which is caused by a fungus that only grows on beet and chard plants, is the formation of small white spots on the undersides of older leaves. Eventually the white, powdery substance will spread to all areas of the leaf and to all leaves on the plant. You may also start to see dark spots on the leaves. It can take just a week for powdery mildew in beet plants to spread to all the leaves.
How to Treat Powdery Mildew
Powdery mildew is a bigger issue for farmers raising sugar beets than for the average backyard gardener. The disease will not necessarily limit your beet root harvest, but it can limit sugar content, which is problematic for the yields on farms. Still, it’s best to get the disease under control in your garden if you spot it. Beets with powdery mildew can be treated with a fungicide. The most important consideration in treating the infection is timing. It is much easier to control it in the early stages than when the disease has become widespread among your beet plants. You can also take steps to prevent powdery mildew on beets in your garden. Surface irrigation keeps the lower leaves of beet plants moist, which encourages fungus growth. Water your beets with a sprinkler from above instead, preferably early morning, giving the plant leaves plenty of time to dry. Powdery mildew in beet plants can become an insidious infection. Keep conditions right to prevent the growth of fungus and, if necessary, visit your nursery to get a recommendation for a fungicide and take care of the infection as soon as you see it taking root.
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Mary Ellen Ellis has been gardening for over 20 years. With degrees in Chemistry and Biology, Mary Ellen's specialties are flowers, native plants, and herbs.
-
How To Put Lights On A Tree Outside – The Right Way To Wrap A Tree For A Dazzling Display
The holidays are on the horizon and we’ve been wondering how to put lights on a tree outside. Fortunately, our experts have the answers.
By Amy Grant
-
5 Best Winter Indoor Plants To Grow To Turn Your Home Into A Cozy Houseplant Hideaway
Keep your home (and heart) warm and bright during the chilly months with these gorgeous winter indoor plants – guaranteed to boost your seasonal happiness factor!
By Teo Spengler