If so then some people are in for another bad year of downy mildew.
Impatiens downy mildew: outbreaks reported in Michigan and nearby states
Not from the Downey Mildew on the impatiens themselves, but that does mean that the same or similar conditions can cause the DM to become more active and virulent under the same or similar conditions, just with a differing causal agent. So be aware.
Thank you for that article. It’s a little scary, because impatiens are a major, major crop for us. We had some mysterious deaths in our display gardens last year (where we are also heavily dependent on impatiens to make a show).
We need to start breeding for resistance. I had the bright idea of collecting seed from Sunpatiens (which are closer to New Guinea impatiens and thus immune), but when researching it I found that they are sterile. Phooey. They are only sold by cuttings, and I suspect that the company that holds those patents is due to make a killing off of this epidemic.
A very daunting project. Varieties are bred so uniformly that there seems to be little of the genetic variation that would be necessary to start acquiring horizontal resistance.
We asked about this at our rose meeting we had at one of the local nurseries and they said it was not the same strain. But I think Jackie’s right. If the conditions are right for one they’re probably right for a lot of them to flare up. I have to say that I did have impatiens last year and never saw the mildew on them or on my roses. Hope I can say that about this year too!
If I were you Joe, I’d start planning alternatives because chances are you’re gonna need them.
When it hits, it’s pretty hideous and merciless.
Here’s a before and after picture from last fall. And actually the “after” got even worse as the completely leafless stems soon rotted away too.
And it’s quick too - these two pictures were taken only a week apart!
Wow, Thats about what the impatiens look like here in mid-winter after frost has hit them. Luckily I do not utilize them much at all. But they are the go to summer shade color item here, or they were?