This week on the podcast we're tackling powdery mildew! Colin and Hilary are joined by Jenny Rebecca Glass, Extension Coordinator and Plant Diagnostician for the WSU-Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. Jenny will help us answer your questions about the lifecycle of this common garden disease as well as management tips and techniques.

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SHOW NOTES:

In this episode, we discuss:

• The lifecycle of the common garden fungus powdery mildew

• Organic management techniques

Important Take-aways:

• Powdery mildew is the name given to a group of diseases caused by several closely related fungi.

• Powdery mildew thrives in humid conditions

• There are hundreds of different strains of powdery mildew (PM), each with it’s on unique host. PM will not transfer between plant families.

• Powdery mildew can be found on buds, blossoms, leaves, twigs, and fruit

• Terms

  • Obligate parasite: one that is entirely dependent upon a host for its survival

  • Ascomycete fungus: a group of fungi that ejects it’s spores via a spraying mechanism. Powdery mildew are the spores of an ascomycete fungus

  • Chasmothecia: the sexual fruiting bodies produced by the powdery mildew organism

• Integrated Pest Management options:

  • Look for disease-resistant varieties when sourcing your seeds or plants

  • Prune and trellis your plants to encourage air circulation

  • Remove infected debris

  • Organic fungicides like sulfur, potassium bicarbonate and horticultural oils can be used to slow the spread

  • Spraying plants with water can also help break down the spores

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Have a topic you'd like see us dig in to? Email us at eb@seattleurbanfarmco.com

More about our special guest:

Jenny Rebecca Glass is the Extension Coordinator and Plant Diagnostician for the WSU-Puyallup Plant and Insect Diagnostic Laboratory. She is responsible for diagnosing plant problems ranging from abiotic factors, such as nutrient deficiencies or water stress, to biotic factors including plant pathogens and arthropod pests. She also helps people understand the available management options. In addition to deftly managing the Diagnostic Laboratory, Jenny provides plant pathogen training, covering plant problem diagnosis and integrated pest management, to diverse audiences in western Washington. Her favorite pathogen group is the downy mildews; however she was saddened by the recent introduction of this disease to impatiens, the go-to-annual for shade.

Jenny attended Oregon State University, completing her Master’s study in the Botany and Plant Pathology Department. In 2000, she joined WSU-Puyallup, where in addition to her laboratory responsibilities, she participates in several campus initiatives including leading Roadside Cleanup volunteers in beautifying the campus roadways.