Plants infested with powdery mildew are a horror for gardeners. The disease caused by fungi, if left untreated, kills the plants. But are plants and fruits affected by powdery mildew poisonous or edible?

In a nutshell

  • Powdery mildew is caused by fungi
  • Differentiation according to lifestyle and distribution in powdery mildew and downy mildew
  • Mildew not really toxic to healthy people
  • Wash plants and fruits thoroughly before eating
  • Allergic reactions can sometimes occur after consumption

correctly identify the disease

This plant disease is caused by various fungi. The mildew fungi are divided into powdery mildew and downy mildew depending on their way of life and distribution. Both diseases deprive the plant of nutrients. As a result, it partially or completely loses its leaves or fruit. In the worst case, she dies. There are some differences between the two fungal diseases that play a role in correct detection.

Powdery mildew (Erysiphaceae)

This mushroom is also known as the "fair weather mushroom" because it only grows in dry weather. He loves hot temperatures during the day and a little cooler at night. Due to these temperature fluctuations, dew forms on the plants, which promotes spore formation. Key features are:

Powdery mildew on a plant leaf
  • white, mealy coating on the leaf surface
  • also affects buds, shoots and flowers
  • easily wipeable
  • Underside of leaf hardly or only weakly affected
  • if the infestation is severe, the leaves turn brown and dry up
  • Growth stop in flower buds and fruits

Normally, damage from an Erysiphaceae infestation is reasonably limited if prompt treatment is given. It is important to prevent it from occurring. Already infested parts of the plant must be disposed of in the residual waste.

Downy mildew (Peronosporaceae)

This fungal disease or "bad weather fungus" is a little harder to fight. Mushrooms need moisture to spread and grow. It is particularly common in wet summers. Differences to Erysiphaceae are:

  • mainly infestation of undersides of leaves
  • there whitish-grey mushroom lawn
  • hard to wipe off
  • oily spots initially on the upper side of the leaves
  • later yellow to brown discolouration
  • Fungus penetrates deep into the tissue

Notice: Powdery mildew fungi are always species-specific. They only attack a certain type of host plant. If a tomato is infected, these pathogens cannot infect cucumbers.

Is powdery mildew poisonous?

Powdery mildew is not actually poisonous to a healthy person. The situation is different for children, the elderly or sensitive people with a tendency to allergic reactions. In these people, the immune system is weaker compared to a healthy person. If they come into contact with the fungus, it can easily lead to health-damaging consequences. However, it must be said that affected plants and their fruits are not poisonous and can be eaten normally. However, the taste leaves something to be desired. Nevertheless, caution is advised, before eating you must wash the fruit thoroughly with water. If you are not sure, you should refrain from eating it at all.

Tip: When treating infested plants, it is advisable to wear protective clothing in the form of a face mask and gloves. Otherwise it can happen that the fungus sticks to the hands and eventually gets into the mouth and digestive tract.

Source: Popolon, Moisissure sur pomme Fuji, edited by Plantopedia, CC BY-SA 3.0

Indirect health consequences

After eating plants or fruits infected with the fungus, certain body reactions can occur, especially in allergy sufferers. People with a penicillin allergy are particularly susceptible. Contact with the mildew fungus can result in severe allergic reactions. It is not only the consumption of such plants or parts of plants that can lead to body reactions in allergy sufferers, but also the inhalation of individual substances from the fungus. These reactions usually occur in a diminished form. Such body reactions to powdery mildew fungi can be expressed as follows:

  • digestive problems
  • upset stomach
  • difficulty breathing
  • itching
  • skin rash
  • skin redness

If any of these symptoms appear after eating such plants or coming into contact with the fungal pathogens, it is advisable to consult a doctor.

Notice: In order to prevent the plants from being attacked by mildew fungi from the outset, you should only grow plants that are resistant to this fungal disease.

frequently asked Questions

Can an infestation of mildew fungi be prevented?

There are different possibilities. The choice should fall on plants resistant to this fungal disease. In addition, depending on the tolerance of the individual plants, a sunny, warm location is advantageous. There should also be a sufficiently large distance between the plants so that the leaves can dry off quickly in the rain. Appropriate fertilization and watering is also important. However, the plants must not be permanently too wet.

How can infested plants and fruits be disposed of?

Of course, as soon as the fungal disease has been identified, it is important that parts of the plant that are already infected are carefully removed. Under no circumstances should these be thrown onto the compost heap. Here there is the possibility that the fungal spores can spread quickly. It is best to dispose of them in the household waste. A face mask and gloves should be worn. The tools used must then be carefully cleaned and disinfected.

Can you get poisoned by eating infested plants?

Normally in a healthy person this possibility does not really exist. However, the parts of the plant or fruit must first be thoroughly cleaned with water. Older people and children, but also people who are prone to allergic reactions should generally avoid consumption. It can sometimes lead to stomach problems, breathing difficulties or skin irritation after eating.

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Garden plants