Managing PM - Should infected leaves be removed?

[thegreengrocr]

Here I am 6 weeks into an early greenhouse grow. I have 2 strains growing. One has been affected (Golden Goat) the other has no sign (a cross of OG Kush and Durban Poison). I am sure the infection came with the plants as the starter of these also has the same issue.

So here is my question: Should the infected leaves be removed at this stage of the grow? I have used GreenCure for the past few weeks but I don't want to continue the treatment. It hasn't spread like I have seen in other posts. The damage seems minimal at this point. I don't wan't it in the buds if at all possible.

Need advice ASAP!!!

 

[CronicHempHog]

POWDERY MILDEW

Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that affects a wide range of plants, composed of a wide variety of species. Each species of powdery mildew has a very limited host range, but are all characterized by an easily recognizable white or gray powdery growth. The races that attack hops also attack marijuana.

How common is it?

Mildew spores can be found everywhere. Powdery mildew is a common problem for both indoor and outdoor growers whenever the temperature and humidity fall into its favored range.

Origin

Mildew spores are ubiquitous and endemic. In areas where marijuana or hops is being grown wind and air ventilation are the main vectors. Another major factor is contaminated cuttings. However, clothing, pets, and outdoor animals can also deliver spores to the garden. - Spores can remain dormant until environmental factors, which include a suitable host, adequate humidity, moderate temperatures, low light intensity and acidity trigger them.

Where the disease is found

Powdery mildew is most likely to attack young leaves, up to two or three weeks old. The infection spreads over the plant and spreads to other plants in the garden. It affects buds, stems, stalks, and leaves.

Appearance and effect of the disease

The first signs of an infection are raised humps on the upper leaf surfaces. Plant leaves look like they’ve been dusted with flour or confectionary sugar. At first it might appear on just a small portion of the leaf in an irregular circle pattern. It quickly spreads and soon the entire leaf is covered as if it had been powdered. - Infected plants prematurely yellow, brown, and eventually die. If untreated, black specks can arise in the white powdery mildew. Buds have a stale, moist smell and are coated with the white powdery-looking mildew substance that can’t be removed. Powdery mildew hinders photosynthesis, causing your harvest to cripple to little or no yield.
Infected buds and leaves are not acceptable for smoking.

Prevention

Powdery mildew in vegetative growth is easier to treat than in the later stages of flowering. Quarantine all new plants in a separate area where they can’t infect other plants. If your plants get infected during flowering, especially far into the flowering stage, the buds will eventually become infected. - Filter incoming air to prevent spores from entering the room in the airstream. A germicidal UVC light like the ones used in food handling kills powdery mildew spores that are airborne. Ionizers and ozone generators precipitate and inactivate spores, lessening the chances of infection. As with other fungi, restrict humidity and spore production not by watering or foliar spraying at night or with lights off. Water plants when lights first come on or with at least five hours of remaining light time. Keep humidity in check; anything over 50% may trigger problems. Keep plants spaced apart to allow for maximum airflow in between plants helps to minimize plant-to-plant infection. -

To prevent outbreaks you can use the following products on a regular basis:

• Ampelomyces quisqualis(beneficial fungi)
• Bacillus pumilis (beneficial bacteria)
• Bacillus subtilis (beneficial bacteria)
• Compost and compost tea
• Milk
• Neem oil
• Potassium bicarbonate
• Sesame and fish oils
• Sodium bicarbonate

Control

Removing infected leaves from the grow room is critical. Carefully remove them without knocking spores into the air. Place a bag over infected leaves and tie it shut; then remove the leaves. Use a fungicide on wounded stems from which you’ve removed the leaves. - The following product list will work for indoor and outdoor plants.
• Vinegar
• Bacillus pumilis(beneficial bacteria)
• Bacillus subtilis (beneficial bacteria)
• Cinnamon Oil and Tea
• Clove Oil
• Copper
• Coriander Oil
• Garlic
• Horticultural oils containing jojoba or cottonseed oil
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Limonene
• Milk
• Neem oil
• pH Up
• Potassium bicarbonate
• Sesame oil
• Sodium bicarbonate
• Sulfur

 

[thegreengrocr]

While I do appreciate the info I am hoping for some more specific advice on how to proceed from here.

My buds are over 2 inches in diameter and still swelling. It doesn't appear to be spreading. I think we have 4 weeks or so to go before harvest. The first few hairs are starting to change color. Not sure if this was from the greencure treatment. She is 6 weeks in so I guess a few hairs fading should be expected.

So I should strip all infected leaves?

 

[CronicHempHog]

yes

 

[thegreengrocr]

I feel this same way. But if this some how got classified as "defoliation" no telling what could come of that. Lol

 

[CronicHempHog]

its not defoliation its just trrying to recover and save what you can so all your effort isn't a waste

 

[thegreengrocr]

Here is what they look like after 2 days of cleaning. The spots just seem to keep appearing.

Don't think this is bad enough to force an early harvest. I feel like there is about 2 more weeks to go.

 

[thegreengrocr]

Going for another inspection today. Need a tric inspection also.

Hope this won't affect the quality of the smoke too much. The buds look clear of visible PM so far.