Powdery mildew

Powdery mildew is caused by a fungal pathogen (Podosphaera pannosa or Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosae) which infects the outer surface of the host plant. Its name reflects the distinctive grayish-white powdery mats or patches that form on plant tissue.

The fungal pathogen can infect any green tissue; thus, powdery mildew may be found on leaves, green stems, and flower parts. Young, tender growth is most susceptible. Leaves become distorted and eventually fall prematurely. Powdery mildew spores are easily spread by wind to nearby healthy plants.

Environment plays a major role in powdery mildew development. Disease incidence is most severe under cloudy, humid conditions when days are warm and nights are cool. Day temperatures in the 80s and high night humidity provide a favorable environment.

Newly unfolded leaves are the most susceptible to infection. Mature leaves are more resistant to infection and usually show no symptom development or, at most, only small local lesions.

Rose mildew overwinters as fungal growth (mycelium) on the stems, or within some of the dormant buds. When these buds resume growth in spring the shoots soon become completely covered with mildew. The fungus then spreads from these infected shoots (known as primaries) onto the rest of the plant.