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Why are the kale leaves turning shiny white?

Kale    NYC

Does anyone know what is wrong with my kale leaves? They are turning shiny white from the inside outwards. When you touch it, it comes off like powder. I think it's powdery mildew. I used a baking soda soap mix to get rid of it before. Now it's back again. How to safely get rid of it again? Why did it reoccur? Can it be prevented?


Posted by: michelle (5 points) michelle
Posted: July 25, 2014




Answers

1
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I think this may just be the waxy bloom that many Brassicas have on their leaves. It does not look like powdery mildew - too uniform.

From the third photo, I would say this is definitely wax, a natural part of the kale leaf. This variety just has a thicker layer of wax than some other kale varieties. The wax is multilayered, repels water, keeps the leaves from drying out, and helps shed dirt. You can rub it off with your fingers probably due to a combination of simple mechanical abrasion and finger oils. If you blanch some of these leaves in boiling water, you will probably find a bathtub ring of wax around the edge of the pot.


Posted by: Charlie B. (5 points) Charlie B.
Posted: July 25, 2014


michelle commented,
Thanks for your comment. I added a new picture on how it look like when I rub on the leaf. It comes off but it's on the underside too.
over 9 years ago.



0
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The kale has a fungus. Fungicides or a spray containing copper are most effective


Posted by: Christine Wetherhold (1 point) Christine Wetherhold
Posted: July 25, 2014


michelle commented,
Thanks for your comment. How do I know if the fungicide has copper in it? Any suggestion? Is a homemade one possible?
over 9 years ago.



0
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I also agree that it does not appear to be fungal. Try provide a close up image


Posted by: David Hughes (66 points) David Hughes
Posted: July 26, 2014




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Here is an up close pic of the leaves. When I rub it it seems to come off. When I spray it with water it does nothing to it.


Posted by: michelle (5 points) michelle
Posted: July 26, 2014




0
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it is produced by the plant itself. since it's a cool crop, if the temperature rises, it creates a waxy shield on the leaves to control the evapotranspiration.


Posted by: Chetan Reddy (1 point) Chetan Reddy
Posted: March 13, 2020




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