Tag: Powdery mildew

The botanical name for lettuce, *Lactuca sativa*, derives from the Latin word for milk, *lactus*, referencing the milky white sap that is a natural part of the plant. While this sap, known as lactucarium, is the most common reason for a white substance, other causes range from common plant diseases to pests, each with different implications for your dinner salad.

While often praised for its hardiness, buckwheat is not completely immune to diseases, and several pathogens can impact crop health. Understanding these potential threats is the first step toward effective management and ensuring a healthy, high-quality harvest of this nutritious pseudo-cereal.

According to gardening experts, powdery mildew is one of the most common fungal diseases affecting vegetable gardens, especially squash and zucchini plants. If you've ever asked, "What is the white fuzz on my zucchini plant?", you're not alone; this powdery coating can quickly stress your plants and diminish your harvest. However, with the right plant nutrition and care, this frustrating issue can be managed and prevented.

According to the USDA, soft foods like zucchini should be discarded if mold is present due to the high moisture content allowing roots to spread unseen below the surface. Therefore, it is not safe to eat zucchini with white fuzzy mold, even if you cut off the visible portion.