Powdery mildew produces a powdery, whitish coating on the leaves and other plant parts.
In case of severe attack, plants may become stunted, leaves may curl, become dried, and drop. Unopened buds, young stems, and thorns may be entirely overgrown with the powdery coating. Only in very rare cases does death of the plant result from infection. These conditions prevail during most of the early part of the growing season, thus control must be made on a regular basis. During seasons of low rainfall in the spring and very early summer when the daytime temperatures are below 80F, control may not be needed until later.