Powdery mildew

A picture of a zucchini plant suffering from powdery mildew

English name: Powdery Mildew

The scientific name: Podosphaera xanthii, Erysiphe cichoracearum

The type of disease: Fungal disease Family: Erysiphaceae

Spotted Diseased Zucchini Squash Plant

A close-up of a leaf Description automatically generated

A close-up of a plant Description automatically generated

Symptoms

Powdery mildew initially appears as small, white, powdery spots on the upper surfaces of leaves. As the disease progresses, the spots enlarge and cover the upper leaf surface with a thick, powdery white layer. Affected leaves may become distorted, yellow or turn brown, dry out, and eventually fall. The fungus can also infect stems and fruits, causing cracks and scars.

the reasons

Powdery mildew is caused by two related fungi, Podosphaera xanthii and Erysiphe cichoracearum. This fungus grows in warm, dry conditions with high humidity.

Propagation conditions

Powdery mildew spreads quickly in warm, humid environments at temperatures between 20 and 27 degrees Celsius. The fungus produces many spores that can be spread by wind, rain, insects, and human activity.

Disease cycle: Powdery mildew fungi ferment in the form of septic mycelia or cleistothecia (reproductive bodies) on plant residues or in the soil. In the spring, cleistothechia produce sporangia that begin the disease cycle. These spores germinate and form new colonies on susceptible grasses. The fungus then produces sexual spores (conidia) that spread the disease throughout the growing season.

Losses

Severe powdery mildew infestations can significantly reduce fruit yield and quality, as well as stunt and weaken plant growth, making it more vulnerable to disease and other environmental stresses.

Control strategies

An integrated approach combining cultural, biological and chemical methods is recommended for effective control of powdery mildew. Preventive measures:

  • Planting resistant or tolerant varieties.
  • Practice crop rotation.
  • Avoid crowds.
  • Maintain good ventilation.
  • Remove and destroy infected plant remains.

Organic/chemical control

  • Use fungicides based on sulfur, neem oil, or potassium bicarbonate solutions.
  • Use chemical fungicides containing active ingredients such as mycobutanil, trifloxystrobin, or tebuconazole with caution according to label instructions.

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