Seems that infected plants, those exposed to mildew spores from other plants or infected growing environment or handling appear ok until conditions are right. Those conditions are warm/moist, cool/moist, crowding and poor air circulation among others.
Since these are conditions typically found in greenhose production and effective treatment/eradication is still being researched , I am trying to follow the protocol of
1) Not purchasing any coleus that has any leaf problem whatsoever, including leaf drop
2) Not purchasing a coleus plant that looks healthy if displayed with others that do not
3) Isolating and monitoring any new coleus for at least two weeks before intro to garden
4) Immediately pulling and destroying any coleus the begings to exhibit symptoms, not trying to "save" it.
5) Not overcrowding my plantings
6) Watering the soil and not the leaves when possible
7) Being scrupulous about cleanup as I can spread the spores unwittinly
Your thoughts/comments?
Judy
