Is it safe to eat fruit affected wtih powdery mildew? - Ask Extension
I live in British Columbai Canada. My concord grapes have powdery mildew. I sprayed with baking soda throughout the summer. Crop not great but i...
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Is it safe to eat fruit affected wtih powdery mildew? #351964
Asked August 10, 2016, 3:28 PM EDT
I live in British Columbai Canada. My concord grapes have powdery mildew. I sprayed with baking soda throughout the summer. Crop not great but is getting ready to harvest. Is it safe to eat/use the grapes? I usually make juice which I bottle and freeze. Thank you.
County Outside United States
Expert Response
Powdery mildew does not infect humans however some people are sensitive to fungus and have an allergic reaction for some the reaction is life threatening. It will probably have a moldy taste as well. For control of powdery mildew on food crops these non toxic chemicals are recommended.
Potassium bicarbonate, sulfur, or fish oil-sesame oil will control powdery mildew on most crops. However, these are preventative treatments that only work if sprayed before the crop has powdery mildew; once the crop has powdery mildew (or any other disease), they usually will not get rid of it. Of the three, I have had some luck with potassium bicarbonate sprayed on plants that already have powdery mildew.
Potassium bicarbonate, sulfur, or fish oil-sesame oil will control powdery mildew on most crops. However, these are preventative treatments that only work if sprayed before the crop has powdery mildew; once the crop has powdery mildew (or any other disease), they usually will not get rid of it. Of the three, I have had some luck with potassium bicarbonate sprayed on plants that already have powdery mildew.
