The first indication of the disease is a white, powdery growth visible on the upper leaves. This white powder is made up of threads of fungal tissue (mycelium) and mats of asexual spores (condia).Keep an eye out for any signs of powderymildewonasters. Asters don’t like to sit in soggy soil – wet, humid conditions will only increase the chance of powderymildew. Water well on planting and regularly while establishing, but then only water when dry. Keep an eye onasters growing in pots as these will dry out more quickly. Powderymildew is perhaps the aster’s biggest fungal foe and will present with a white, powdery coating or spots on leaves. Heavily infected leaves will turn brown and shrivel. Powderymildew is a fungal disease in plants that is commonly seen in warm, dry climates and causes a white-gray, powdery substance to appear on leaves. Several different species of fungi can cause powderymildew. Identification and Symptoms. Grow asters in dappled or partial shade, in any type of soil, although slightly moist soil (that never dries out) is preferable for species prone to developing powderymildew. Dealing with Pests and Mildew. Healthy plants are your best defense, but sometimes problems happen. That white, dusty coating on the leaves is powderymildew, the #1 complaint I hear about asters. It won’t kill the plant, but it looks awful. Use this guide to learn best practices in powderymildew treatment. Complete with step-by-step instructions for prevention and treatment. How do I prevent powderymildewonAsters? – Ensure good air circulation, water at the base, and use fungicides if necessary. What is the lifespan of Asters? Aromatic aster outperformed the familiar, often-recommended species, New England aster (Symphotrichum novae-angliae). The New England aster was more susceptible to powderymildew than was aromatic aster, and its habit was leggier. Once your clumps start to develop hollow centres it is probably time to dig the whole clump up and start again with fresh offsets from the same plants. Perhaps every three to five years for best results. In hot dry periods your asters may get stressed and develop powderymildew... Unfortunately, what you describe would appear to be powderymildew. Asters are particularly susceptible to this common fungal disease. A wide number of garden plants develop this disease to the extent that it is possible to buy plants that are mildew resistant. A fungal problem that commonly affects Aster plants is PowderyMildew disease, particularly as the leaves age and if the weather is damp or humid. PowderyMildew appears as white powdery spots on the leaves and large infections cause leaves to yellow and die prematurely. How do you treat powderymildewonasters?Can powderymildew be cured?What is the best fungicide for powderymildew? The much-maligned aster epitomises the end of the flowering season, often encased in a shroud of powdery white mildew before eventually succumbing.
