Sudden grey spots on basil?

12 years ago

My basil plant has had a rough time this summer. At first it was being attacked by leaf hoppers ((from my sage plant)) but I sprayed it insecticidal soap made with dr bronners peppermint every other day for a week or so and the leaf hopper issue resolved. The plant was looking better the past couple weeks. This morning I noticed a spider web on it do I sprayed it a little bit with the soap again to be safe. I thought the leaves were looking a little soft recently ((not exactly wilting though)) but this afternoon 1/4 of the plants leaves had these greyish splotches on them! I didn't notice the splotches this morning. They're kind of indented a bit ? I'm new to gardening and not too knowledgeable on plant ailments. Could it be blight? Or a fungus? If anyone could offer insight it would be much appreciated!

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (5)

fatamorgana2121
12 years ago
Getting colder there? Basil is pretty sensitive to temperatures under 60 degrees F.

FataMorgana
User
12 years ago
I fear you may have basil powdery mildew. It is becoming more common in the US and it is quite devastating. There have been many people on here who have had it this year and it is getting more and more widespread. Have a look on garden web at what some other people have been dealing with and see how your plant compares. It always affects plants a little bit differently, but your picture looks quite similar to what I have experienced and seen elsewhere.

Here is a link that might be useful: Basil Powdery Mildew
Related Professionals
Belleville Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · South Sioux City Landscape Architects & Landscape Designers · Middlesboro Landscape Contractors · Nashua Landscape Contractors · New York City Landscape Contractors · Monroe Landscape Contractors · Superior Landscape Contractors · Flagstaff Landscape Contractors · Amarillo Landscape Contractors · Orangeburg Architects & Building Designers · Barnstable Architects & Building Designers · Lansing Architects & Building Designers · Bemidji Architects & Building Designers · Madison Architects & Building Designers · Spanish Fork Architects & Building Designers
User
12 years ago
Sorry-- It is basil "downy" mildew, not powdery. My apologies.
surf1
12 years ago
Think I have the same issue, but only one one plant for whatever reason. It's surrounded by other Basil/Sweet basil plants but they don't have any markings. So is mine Downey? And should I just cut off the leaves that look infected? For some reason pics online and on here of Downey on Basil look way worse then what I'm seeing or posted above.

here's mine
martini100_gw
12 years ago
I don't think it's BDM. Doesn't have the classic "spores" on the back of the leaves that I can see. Not sure what you have but doesn't look to detrimental. Maybe pick the bad leaves off and see what happens.