Powdery mildew in pepper

Powdery mildew in pepper

• Appearance of powdery mildew infection in pepper

The Pesticides Committee explained in the book of approved recommendations for combating agricultural crop pests in 2023 that the appearance of powdery mildew infection in pepper is as follows:

• Yellow spots on the upper surface of the leaf, offset by white fluffy growths on the lower surface. The leaves turn brown and die when the infection becomes severe.

Powdery mildew in pepper plants

• Date of appearance of powdery mildew in pepper

If the appropriate environmental conditions are available for the infection to appear

• Special instructions

The spray solution must cover the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves.

• Symptoms

The fungus that causes powdery mildew mostly affects leaves while stems and fruit are sometimes affected. Therefore, the first symptoms are white powdery spots on the underside of the leaves and yellow spots of varying intensity on the upper side. Dark spots may also develop on the upper side of the white spots later. As the disease progresses, the affected parts shrink, leaves fall, and plants may die.

• From organic control

It seems that a solution of water with milk may be useful as a natural fungicide for gardens. This is done by placing this solution on the leaves every two days. Types of powdery mildew vary depending on the host, and this solution may not be effective for all types. If no improvement is noted, try garlic solution or sodium bicarbonate. There are also commercially available biological treatments.

• Chemical control

Always consider an integrated approach with preventive measures combined with biological treatments if available. Given the number of crops susceptible to powdery mildew, it becomes difficult to recommend any specific chemical treatment. The fungicides based on wettable sulfur, triflumizole, and myclebutanil appear to be able to control fungal growth in some crops.

• Cause of disease

Bacterial fungi overwinter inside leaf buds and other plant debris.

Wind, water and insects transfer the spores to nearby plants.

Although it is a fungus, powdery mildew can grow in dry conditions.

It can even live at temperatures between 10-12 degrees Celsius, but the optimal conditions for mushroom growth are at 30 degrees Celsius. Unlike sooty mold, small amounts of rainfall and regular morning dew contribute to powdery mildew

• Preventative measurements

Use resistant varieties or those that tolerate the disease.

Plant the crop with sufficient spacing to allow good ventilation.

Also remove affected leaves as soon as the first spots appear.

Do not touch healthy plants after touching infected plants.

Adding a thick layer of mulch prevents the dispersal of germs and their transfer from the soil to the tops of the leaves. Crop rotation can also be effective in some cases.

Fertilize with plant nutrients (balanced fertilization).

Avoid sharp temperature changes.

Till and remove plant residues after harvesting.

• Sources
• https://agricultureegypt.com/News/40176/%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%A7%D8%B6_%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%AF%D9%82%D9%8A%D9%82%D9%8A_%D9%81%D9%8A_%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%81%D9%84%D9%81%D9%84_.._4_%D9%85%D8%A8%D9%8A%D8%AF%D8%A7%D8%AA_%D9%85%D8%B9%D8%AA%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%A9_%D9%84%D9%85%D9%83%D8%A7%D9%81%D8%AD%D8%AA%D9%87/
• https://plantix.net/ar/library/plant-diseases/100293/powdery-mildew-of-pepper/