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Santa Cruz, CA

I can't remember the percentage of milk to water to combat powdery mildew...thanks for the help!

6/16/2009 11:14:17 PM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

1 part 2% to 9 parts water.

Drink a cup without water yourself so that you're nice and healthy to do all this patch slaving .. :)

Rinse that sprayer out well after that, dairy goes foul really quick.

6/16/2009 11:39:14 PM

Santa Cruz, CA

Thank you!!!

6/17/2009 12:35:48 AM

Connecticut

I would recommend a greater concentration. For my field experiment I used 40% milk / 60% water. Why did I use such a high dilution? Check out: http://www.team-pumpkin.org/milk%20and%20pumpkins.htm

    Go to the slide show download, and look at the graph on slide #17. The conclusion I drew was that 10% milk may work, but the results are variable. As you will see there is better control with less variability as the concentration goes up.

    Having said that after 40% milk the slight reduction in powdery mildew is not worth the input cost. So, there is no reason to use 80% milk if you are not going to see a difference.

    I think the graph shows what I am talking about, but I wanted to include my thoughts. Also, the citation is at the bottom of the slide if you wanted to look at the actual scientific paper.

    The slide show also talks about my compost tea study which I am continuing this growing season.

6/17/2009 9:05:40 AM

Boise City, Oklahoma, USA

10% has been working well enough here when I need to use it, hence I recommend it.

Too high a concentration would draw unwanted vermin and insects, or wandering things... I would think.

If a few applications of 10% isn't doing it, then increase it by all means.

6/17/2009 9:43:03 AM

Udine, Italy

I had nice results with 10% concentration; some people suggest non fat milk to prevent odours.

6/17/2009 11:04:10 AM

Connecticut

Glad to hear people are having success with 10% dilution. From what I have heard whole milk may be more effective then skim due to the fat content acting like a spreader/sticker.

Since my research patch is a drive from my house I have use powdered milk and have seen a reduction in PM at the 40% level.

I like hearing what other people are doing / having success with. Is any one else trying any other non-conventional PM control sprays?

6/17/2009 11:37:26 PM

Minneapolis, MN

Why milk? Doesn't gypsum contain calcium as well?

6/18/2009 10:06:20 AM

Menomonie, WI ([email protected])

Neem oil at about 33% recommended dose also works good for some reason. But expensive when doing large spans. Also takes care of cuke beetles

6/18/2009 1:29:11 PM