Powdery mildew on eggplant
On eggplant the mildew is usually Leveillula taurica — a fungus that grows inside the leaf, which is why the bloom appears mainly underneath while the upper surface shows yellow patches.
Symptom photos
Symptoms
- Yellow, irregular patches on the upper leaf surface
- A greyish-white, powdery bloom on the leaf underside
- Patches browning and drying from the centre
- Leaf edges curling upwards
- Leaves dropping from the bottom of the plant
What it does to the crop
- Reduced photosynthesis and a smaller crop
- Sunscald on the fruit once the leaves have gone
- Plants weakened and dying early
- Poorer fruit quality
What encourages it
- High temperature, 25-30°C
- Big swings in humidity in the tunnel
- A crowded crop and poor ventilation
- Water stress and a growing medium that dries out
Prevention
- Ventilate the tunnel regularly and keep humidity steady
- Keep to the plant spacing and take out crowding leaves
- Irrigate evenly with no dry spells
- Remove the first affected leaves
- Grow less susceptible varieties
⚠️ Before you reach for a spray
This atlas is informational and still growing — different diseases can look almost identical. Confirm the diagnosis and read the product label before applying any plant protection product. If you are unsure, ask your local extension or advisory service.
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