To get rid of powder/mildew on some roses?

[Duh_Vinci]

Hello all!

I've had roses for many years, but this is the first time I'm seeing some of the younger leafs curling up, and are covered by white looking powdery substance, smells like mushrooms - mildew? Even some of the newer stems have it...

It seems that only the climbers got it, all of my bush roses are free from this "stuff"

What to use to fight it? We have animals (cats and dogs), so I would prefer to use something organic/non toxic.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions!

Regards,
D

[Duh_Vinci]

I think I found the answer in the rosemagazine:

"Baking Soda Spray:

* 1 tbsp vegetable oil
* 1 gallon unchlorinated water
* 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
* 1 tsp Listerine (yes, the famous mouthwash, not mint flavour, just regular)
* 1 tbsp liquid soap
* 1 ½ tbsp baking soda
* Pump sprayer (large)

Mix the baking soda, soap, Listerine, and oil with 1 cup water. Add the vinegar last so that the mix won't bubble over. Pour the mixture into the sprayer and add 1 gallon water. Shake to combine. Spray plants thoroughly."

Don't have the Listerine, going to get it tomorrow and make the spray. I'll be happy to report back if interested...

Regards,
D

[applestar]

After that, 10% Milk Solution as preventative throughout the humid months.

[Duh_Vinci]

Absolutely, Apple!

Used milk all mid to late last year, specially after the rain on my tomatoes, cukes and peppers. To the milk mixture, I also add a table spoon of "culture" that we grow (making farmer's cheese, yogurt/kefir at home), I figured those are the good guys, can't hurt... I just never had this problem with the roses, so didn't even think, but I will use it now!

Well, just mixed all the ingredients as suggested above, sprayed (more like soaked) all of the leafs on all the roses, and I tell you, not having to wear goggles, mask, gloves and protective wear while using this spray (unlike the chemicals) - almost can consider a pleasant task! Hope it works!!!

In the mean time - all of the roses are in full bloom:

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses1/871639350_PiAgJ-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses2/871639835_7rcXm-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses4/871640258_9yDLS-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses6/871640114_ucgdp-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses3/871639979_JVeao-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses11/871640468_MgqGe-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses8/871640711_X3k6S-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses10/871641305_ijgNb-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses7/871641124_2KHX9-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses9/871640979_cc8BP-XL.jpg[/img]

[img]https://drphotography.smugmug.com/Garden/Roses/2010roses5/871640804_5dDJJ-XL.jpg[/img]

Regards,
D

[dearmad]

So what were your results?

And one note- the baking soda does nothing. It lowers the Ph of the chemistry which inhibits some molds that grow in acid environments (like on oranges, and picked fruit) but otherwise does nothing for mold/mildew. Once it is not on the leave the inhibitory affect is gone and the mold continues to grow.

[dbang10]

dearmad I don't think there is a full year round one time kill all for mildew. Rose care is a full time job if you have hybrids that have not been breed for disease resistance. I have found that spraying 1 tablespoon of sodium bicarb per gallon water works well in stopping the PM. I also add one ounce of milk per gallon of water as a wetting agent that will spread the solution across the foliage evenly. I also spray "maxsea" NPK 16-16-16 to feed the foliage, also "Pure Flower" NPK 0-30-20 that is an acid that helps kill PM. Kelp seaweed will strengthen the cell walls of the foliage as well. I always add 1 ounce of milk to all sprays so that it spreads nicely across the foliage. Each one of these products is sprayed separately. One week or two maxsea, another week or two pure flower etc.