Yes β fermented porridge (made from rice, millets, or pulses) can help reduce both downy mildew and powdery mildew, but indirectly and with some limits. Letβs break it down clearly:
β How Fermented Porridge Helps Against Fungal Diseases
π¦ 1. Microbial Competition
- Fermentation produces lactic acid bacteria, yeasts, and sometimes beneficial fungi.
- When sprayed, these microbes colonize the leaf surface, outcompeting harmful fungi like:
- Downy mildew (Peronospora)
- Powdery mildew (Erysiphe, Oidium)
β‘οΈ Result: Fungal spores fail to germinate or spread.
π§ͺ 2. Mild Acidity (pH ~4.5β5)
- Mildews prefer neutral to slightly acidic (pH 5.5β7).
- Fermented porridge has lower pH, which:
- Makes the leaf surface unfriendly to fungal growth.
- Slows down spore development.
π± 3. Improves Plant Immunity
- The nutrients and amino acids in fermented grains stimulate plant defenses.
- Healthier plants are less vulnerable to fungal attack.
β οΈ Limitations
- It’s not as strong or fast as ash or baking soda sprays.
- Best used in early stages or as a preventive, not when disease is severe.
- If downy mildew is already spreading heavily, combine with stronger remedies like:
- Wood ash spray
- Baking soda + neem oil mix
- Trichoderma foliar spray
π§΄ Usage Suggestion for Disease Control
- Spray fermented porridge (diluted 1:5) every 5β7 days during fungal season.
- Use with ginger-garlic-chilli paste once a week for better fungal + pest control.
- In severe infections, alternate with wood ash solution (pH ~10) every 7 days.
Summary:
Aspect | Fermented Porridge |
---|---|
Controls downy mildew | β Mildly (preventive) |
Controls powdery mildew | β Mildly (early stage) |
Boosts beneficial microbes | β High |
pH effect | Acidic (4.5β5) |
Use frequency | Every 5β7 days |
Let me know your exact issue β early signs or heavy infection β and Iβll suggest an exact 10-day spray schedule to target it better.