am i mad to spray my vines with milk?

Question

i really dont want to use chemicals and i know bordeax mixture is ok'ish organicly but i would rather not treat my vines with anything i would not eat or drink. my neighbours here in central portugal use both the above and laugh loudly at the idea of milk spray to control mildew. its definatly a problem here at the bottom of a river valley that gets a lot of fog/misty mornings. have done some research into this but would like some first hand advice from someone who has tried the milk plan.

Answer 1

It works! I used it on my Lilacs & Roses.

Scientific & anecdotal evidence:
http://www.gardenguides.com/pests/tips/powderymildew2.asp
Wagner Bettiol, a scientist from Brazil, found that weekly sprays of milk controlled powdery mildew in zucchini just as effectively as synthetic fungicides such as fenarimol or benomyl. Not only was milk found to be effective at controlling the disease, it also acted as a foliar fertilizer, boosting the plant's immune system.
In his experiments with zucchini plants, Bettiol found that a weekly spray of milk at a concentration of at least 10% (1 part milk to 9 parts water) significantly reduced the severity of powdery mildew infection on the plants by 90%. Don't go overboard, however. Once concentrations rose above 30%, an innoccuous fungus began to grow on the plants.

It seems that milk is a natural germicide. In addition, it contains several naturally occurring salts and amino acids that are taken up by the plant. From previous experiments using sodium bicarbonate, potassium phosphate, and other salts, researchers have found that the disease is sensitive to these salts. It is possible then, that milk boosts the plant's immune system to prevent the disease.(1)

Melon growers in New Zealand are saving thousands of dollars every year by spraying their crops with milk instead of synthetic fungicides. The melon growers in New Zealand have been so successful that the wine industry is taking notice and beginning experiments using milk to control powdery mildew in grapes.

For the past 2 years, Peter Crisp of the University of Adelaide, Australia, has been spraying ordinary milk—diluted with water to a 10-percent solution—on grape vines at two commercial vineyards. He finds that in most cases, milk performs as well as the leading nonorganic powdery-mildew fighters—sulfur and a synthetic chemical known as Topas. He also has achieved about the same success with diluted sprays of liquid whey, a waste byproduct of cheese production.

Though more expensive than sulfur, milk and whey sprays cost less than synthetic fungicides. They're part of a battery of new agents that may permit organic vintners to continue exporting their wines into European and U.S. markets. (2)


Paul James, master gardener and host of Gardening by the Yard says he has successfully used Milk to get rid of mildew, just as his grandfather had done 40 yrs ago. He mixed 1 cup of milk with 9 cups of water. (3)

Answer 2

There's lots of organic sprays on the market today that you can purchase to get rid of mildew and other fungus. I haven't heard of the milk thing yet but if it works and you have a cow to supply it, go ahead. Maybe the milk attracts cats that will lick off the fungus.

Answer 3

Milk spray apparently works against powdery mold, even with the undeniable fact that it ought to be skim milk and extremely dilute. or you will merely be including a nutritious brew on your vegetation which will cause them to in risk of alternative fungi and micro organism.

Answer 4

Milk is a very old method of controlling mildew! I've read it in nearly all of my organic gardening books.

Answer 5

I believe you use washing powder to wash your clothes. Nothing happens when you wear your clothings, right. I have used (mix with water) the powder to spray on all my plants and fruit trees every week and it turned out good, no pest or disease. Natural rain water will clean up the residue.

Answer 6

At today's prices, maybe just a smidgen, love.

Answer 7

no harm in trying, it might skink a little, if a problem spray with water, and dry .

Answer 8

maybe just a smidgen