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Crape Myrtles & Powdery Mildew
Garden Tips Newsletter - May 21, 2001

Lately we have been enjoying warm days and cool nights, however these conditions are perfect for the development of powdery mildew on crape myrtles. Powdery mildew (Erysiphe lagerstoemiae) is a fungus that appears as a white, powder-like substance on leaves of crape myrtles. Powdery mildew often causes dwarfing, stunting, cupping and/or curling of leaves. Extended periods of dry weather also contribute to the development of this problem. While these problems are quite common on crape myrtles there are few control measures you can take:

  • Use disease resistant cultivars of crape myrtles in your landscape
  • Collect and remove fallen leaves and branches
  • Plant crape myrtles where they grow best --full sun. Crape myrtles in moderate to heavy shade are more susceptible to disease
  • Avoid using overhead sprinklers around or on your crape myrtles as powdery mildew can be spread through water and can contribute to conditions that promote powdery mildew development.
  • Apply a protective fungicide once symptoms appear. Applications should continue at 1-2 week intervals until the problem starts to fade.

Some common fungicides that can treat powdery mildew:

  • Thiophanate-methyl 3336 50W
  • Triadimefon Bayleton T/O
  • Halt
  • Triforine Funginex Rose Disease Control

These archived newsletters were written by Dr. Lelia Scott Kelly. Kelly is a Horticulture Specialist with the Mississippi State University Extension Service. Her office is in the North Mississippi Research & Extension Center, Verona.

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