Organic GreenCure for Powdery Mildew
Chemical controls for powdery mildew range from harmless substances, such as milk and whey, to hardcore synthetic fungicides. It is important to start with your organic options first, so let’s take a look at one of our favorite antifungal organic options for powdery mildew: GreenCure.
What Am I Putting on My Plants?
When it comes to fungicides (organic or not), GreenCure is a product that deserves serious consideration. It consists primarily of potassium bicarbonate (which is used in human food), dietary supplements, and antacids. This active ingredient is similar to baking soda (sodium bicarbonate). While both bicarbonates can be used as a fungicide, studies show that the potassium version is 25-35 times more effective. Not only is it safe for you but, it’s also safe for our environment. The USDA, FDA, and EPA all recognize its safety. GreenCure is one of the few fungicides registered for indoor use by the EPA.
Can GreenCure Be Trusted?
Although it’s harmless to humans, GreenCure is very harmful if you’re a spore (it kills them on contact via dehydration). Getting revenge on garden diseases is even sweeter when you don’t have to worry about subjecting yourself, your plants, and our planet to nasty chemicals!
The facts supporting GreenCure are numerous and impressive. One of the best testaments is that it has been successfully used in commercial agriculture for over a decade to both treat AND prevent numerous diseases on a large variety of plants.
The Results Are In
GreenCure is the real deal and is the proven result of extensive research. Much of the research went towards finding the best way to coat the plant surface and keep the product in place. Over 350 different substances were tested to find the safest and most effective surfactant (spreader-sticker). The right combination of natural substances means that GreenCure kills spores and also prevents them for up to two weeks. An additional bonus, there is minimal residue which is one reason why vegetables can be harvested as little as one hour after spraying.
The Organic Fungicidal Lifesaver
Being able to safely apply GreenCure late in a plant’s lifecycle can be a crop/lifesaver, as a last resort. It would be preferable to avoid spraying anything on your plants just before harvesting them. However, you may need it in some cases where PM has established a strong presence and/or is detected late in your growing cycle. GreenCure may help salvage a crop that would otherwise be lost or unsafe for consumption. It is important to note that the look and feel of some plants may be affected in the flowering/fruiting stage. If this idea scares you a bit, we recommend mixing a weak solution, testing it on a small area, and then adjusting your mixture as necessary.
Since chemical controls (organic or synthetic) kill spores, they shouldn’t be combined with other biological controls.