What are people using for powdery mildew these days?
I don’t have powdery mildew often but when I do have a lot of it (like this year), I spray with Eagle.
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In combating powdery mildew, gardeners and farmers commonly use a combination of fungicides such as sulfur-based products, neem oil, and potassium bicarbonate, along with cultural practices like proper spacing, pruning infected plant parts, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Choosing resistant plant varieties, employing organic home remedies like milk or baking soda solutions, and incorporating biological controls are also effective strategies. Integrated Pest Management (IPM) approaches that combine these methods aim to effectively manage powdery mildew while minimizing environmental impact and maintaining plant health.
I have never struggled with this disease until this year, but its everywhere in my garden! Id like to make sure it doesnt come back again next year, or at least not in such force!
What is eagle/where is it found for purchase? Any other products suggested? Does neem oil really help as well?
Look for a mail order product called MilStop. It will desicate the spores and clean up foliage. If a new cane looks really bad, I have been known to just cut it off. Then get some Eagle 20 and apply it according to instructions on the label.
I know you have been extremely busy this summer so don’t be too hard on yourself! I will email you more instructions.
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I am in Zone 6 and had a time with powdery mildew! I have never dealt with it before, either! I used what the rosarian suggested. I got mine from Amazon. Hope this helps!!
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This year (2025) I am trying a biofungicide called “Magic Gardener”. I have had NO issues as of now (mid- July) with blackspot or mildew. This product is newly introduced to the retail market but is used extensively by greenhouses and public gardens. You can only find it this year at "Walts Organic store in Seattle. It is not on their website - you have to call them.
I’d read in Jack Harkness’ wonderful book, Roses, how water stressing a rose could force even resistant types to mildew. I didn’t believe it until I did it. I found, through experience, you can also force many to rust by drying them out too badly. Now, if I have issues with either rust or mildew (fortunately black spot isn’t an issue here on the California coast), I increase the water. The vast majority of the time the fungal issues subside. For those which refuse to clean up with increased water, I find iron works quite well. A shovel. The roses occupy the part of the yard the dogs claim as theirs. They eat EVERYTHING. Being just nine miles from the Pacific over flat fields, the ocean breezes are continuous. While the temperatures are milder with very few spikes into uncomfortable heat, between the INTENSE UV, constant winds and three dogs who graze everything, I can’t spray. If the rose isn’t cooperative with my practices, it goes away.