Chunky Stool
Plant Destroyer
Gray stem mold has been a major problem in my outdoor garden this year.
Fortunately, I've only seen a little powdery mildew but it's definitely getting a foothold on my squash leaves - which is perfectly normal.
It's in the air this time of year for sure.
I've been spraying diluted milk for several weeks in an effort to prevent infections, and I think it worked great for PM but not so much for gray stem mold.
But looking back, I realized that I wasn't spraying the stems until problems had already started.
Hmm... is it really necessary to pay special attention to the stems?
I'm thinking yes, definitely.
In fact, I'm pretty sure that bud rot also starts on stems, not in the bud. It's probably the same mold that's hitting my stems now, but that's just a hunch.
Here's some good news - if you catch stem mold early, it can be successfully removed with a concentrated blast of diluted milk. Get the nozzle less than an inch from the mold and give it a good blast to irrigate the wound.
This has worked surprisingly well. It may take a couple of shots, and there will be a permanent scar, but the plant can recover without amputation.
There is some debate on the ratio of milk to water, but I personally like using 1.5 cups (12 oz) per gallon because it works well and leaves minimal residue.
I've seen recommendations of up to 40% milk, but that will definitely leave a white residue that I personally think looks terrible.
How does it work?
I don't know, and neither do scientists - but it works, and unlike many other sprays, you want to spray milk in full sunlight.
Genetics also play a role. One strain in particular, which I won't name, has been plagued with stem mold and I've had to cull 4 of them.
What are your thoughts?
I'll add pics soon...
— edit —
This has been sprayed with milk but there’s still some mold that needs another shot.
Fortunately, I've only seen a little powdery mildew but it's definitely getting a foothold on my squash leaves - which is perfectly normal.
It's in the air this time of year for sure.
I've been spraying diluted milk for several weeks in an effort to prevent infections, and I think it worked great for PM but not so much for gray stem mold.
But looking back, I realized that I wasn't spraying the stems until problems had already started.
Hmm... is it really necessary to pay special attention to the stems?
I'm thinking yes, definitely.
In fact, I'm pretty sure that bud rot also starts on stems, not in the bud. It's probably the same mold that's hitting my stems now, but that's just a hunch.
Here's some good news - if you catch stem mold early, it can be successfully removed with a concentrated blast of diluted milk. Get the nozzle less than an inch from the mold and give it a good blast to irrigate the wound.
This has worked surprisingly well. It may take a couple of shots, and there will be a permanent scar, but the plant can recover without amputation.
There is some debate on the ratio of milk to water, but I personally like using 1.5 cups (12 oz) per gallon because it works well and leaves minimal residue.
I've seen recommendations of up to 40% milk, but that will definitely leave a white residue that I personally think looks terrible.
How does it work?
I don't know, and neither do scientists - but it works, and unlike many other sprays, you want to spray milk in full sunlight.
Genetics also play a role. One strain in particular, which I won't name, has been plagued with stem mold and I've had to cull 4 of them.
What are your thoughts?
I'll add pics soon...
— edit —
This has been sprayed with milk but there’s still some mold that needs another shot.
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