There is a white powder like dust on the upper side of my pumpkin and ridge gourd leaves. It is spreading and older leaves are turning yellow then drying. The weather has been dry and warm. What is this and how do I stop it?
The white powdery coating on the upper leaf surface in warm dry weather is powdery mildew, a very common fungal disease of cucurbits. It first shows as white spots that join into a powdery layer, then leaves yellow and dry, which reduces fruit size and yield. At the very first spots remove and destroy the worst affected leaves to slow spread. A wettable sulphur spray works well in cooler conditions but avoid sulphur in very hot midday weather or it can scorch the leaves. Potassium bicarbonate or a milk and water spray help in mild cases. For heavier infection use a recommended fungicide such as a triazole or azoxystrobin, and rotate fungicide groups so resistance does not develop. Keep good spacing and airflow, and avoid excess nitrogen. Since gourds are eaten fresh, follow the label dose and waiting period, and confirm with your KVK.
Wettable sulphur in the early evening worked for me on pumpkin. When I sprayed it at noon once it burnt the leaf edges, so timing matters.
Spacing the vines wider really helped my ridge gourd. When they were crowded the mildew spread fast across touching leaves.
Get free daily mandi prices, MSP changes, scheme cut-offs and weather alerts - and your own Kisan ID.
Today's rates, MSP moves, scheme deadlines and weather - the moment they matter.
Join Bharat Annadata Sangh free - get a digital farmer ID card and free answers from our Krishi Team.
100% free · No spam · Prices from Agmarknet · Unsubscribe anytime
