What is the difference between mold and mildew?
Merriam-Webster Online says that they’re both types of fungus (vegetative organisms that live on decaying organic matter). Here’s a slightly more specific (and possibly contradictory?) set of definitions. MOLD: A multi-cellular, microscopic vegetable plant which forms cobweblike masses of branching threads from the surface of which tiny fertile threads project into the air bearing the part of the plant from which spores develop. Mold may be of brilliant colors or black and white, depending on the type. Molds can develop on leather, cloth, paper, etc., especially in the presence of relatively high heat and relative humidity. MILDEW: A growth caused by micro-organisms, whose spores, in a moist, warm environment, become molds.
Mildew is “mold like” and caused by two specific organisms. Mold grows on organic matter, mildew can be on almsot anything with moisture. Mildew Mildew can thrive on any organic matter, not just living tissue, and can appear on clothing, leather, paper, and the ceilings, walls and floors of many homes. It often lives on shower walls. Mildew is a grey, mold-like growth caused by one of two different types of micro-organisms. The ladybird is a Psyllobora species which feeds on the mildew.What most horticulturalists and gardeners call mildew is actually powdery mildew, caused by various Ascomycota fungi. There are several species, all pests of flowering plants, which are obligate parasites. The species that affects roses is Sphaerotheca pannosa var. rosa. The other main form of mildew is downy mildew, which is a member of the Oomycota phylum in the Protista kingdom. In commercial agriculture, downy mildew is a particular problem for growers of potatoes, grapes and vine-type vegetables. Mo
Mold and mildew have many similar characteristics, but they are different types of fungi, and are often different in color and texture. Mold and mildew are often mentioned together as they can both grow in many of the same moist and warm locations. However, mildew is often found more often than mold in showers, paper and fabrics and mold is usually found more often than mildew in foods. They can sometimes be difficult to tell apart as they both spread out from spores. Mold is often black, green, red or blue in color while mildew is usually gray or white. The two main types of mildew are powdery and downy. Powdery mildew is commonly found on roses and other flowering plants. Powdery mildew is created by an ascomycota type of fungus. Downy mildew is from the oomycota type of fungus and is found in agricultural products such as grapes and potatoes. Both mold and mildew thrive in damp environments, so keeping areas dry is the main preventative measure to help eliminate the fungi. Bathrooms
Mold and mildew have many similar characteristics, but they are different types of fungi, and are often different in color and texture. Mold and mildew are often mentioned together as they can both grow in many of the same moist and warm locations. However, mildew is found more often than mold in showers, paper and fabrics and mold is usually found more often than mildew in foods. They can sometimes be difficult to tell apart as they both spread out from spores. Mold is often black, green, red or blue in color while mildew is usually gray or white. http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-the-difference-between-mold-and-mildew.
