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does basil downy mildew live in potting soil? #872820

Asked June 12, 2024, 2:52 PM EDT

I have potted basil plants with downy mildew, which I identified using the photos on your site. If I remove the infected plants & replace them with newly purchased plants, will the new plants get infected? Do I need to replace the potting soil? If I replace the soil, do I need to clean the pots in any special way? I'm only using 3 clay pots, so a big dump & clean-up is a manageable option. Thanks

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

No, you don't need to replace the soil, as the pathogen spores stay in the tissues of the dead/dying infected plant and don't live in the soil itself. When you replant, though, look for a cultivar of basil that is resistant to downy mildew so it's less likely to contract a new infection.

Miri
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 12, 2024, 3:41 PM EDT
Thank you very much for this quick & helpful reply. 

On Wed, Jun 12, 2024, 3:41 PM Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 12, 2024, 4:53 PM EDT
You're welcome.
Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied June 13, 2024, 9:25 AM EDT

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