Warmer weather calls for short-sleeve shirts and plenty of sunscreen as growers head out into the fields. Rising temperatures coupled with dry or humid conditions also call for growers to scout their orchards for powdery mildew.
"Powdery mildew is a disease growers need to have in mind as we progress into the season, particularly as we have weather conducive for reproduction," said John Aigner, UPL Technical Services Lead. "Powdery mildew interferes with the proper functioning of leaves, reduces shoot growth, reduces fruit set and produces a netlike russet on the fruit of some cultivars."
The fungus that causes powdery mildew, Podosphaera leucotricha, can overwinter in buds infected from the previous season. When temperatures are between 65 to 80 °F and relative humidity is high, infected buds can begin to show symptoms of powdery mildew. The diseased spores can be picked up by the wind and then infect new leaves, fruit and shoots.
"Infected leaves curl upward and soon become covered with a powdery coating of spores," Aigner said. "By mid-summer, leaves and shoots may turn brown and can also cause problems on fruit as we get into the fruiting time of the year."
Aigner explained it is vital to treat orchards at the first sight of an issue. The fungus can cause serious damage to a grower's crop when left untreated.
If you're staring at the start of powdery mildew in your orchard, don't fret. Aigner provides two possible solutions for tackling the damaging fungus this season.
"PH-D® fungicide is a naturally occurring bio-control option for controlling powdery mildew," Aigner said. "With a four-hour re-entry interval and a zero-day pre-harvest interval, PH-D has a lot of flexibility for uses and disease management programs."
PH-D fungicide is the only FRAC 19 fungicide, making it a smart choice for a grower's resistance management program.
In addition, PROCURE® fungicide is ideal for in-season relief of powdery mildew and other diseases. It's also a perfect rotational partner with PH-D® fungicide, further expanding your resistance management possibilities.
"PROCURE fungicide is rated as one of the best products by leading universities for control of powdery mildew in apples," Aigner said. "PROCURE provides both protective and curative control, as well as systemic activity in the plant."
Growers ready to tackle powdery mildew can discuss both solutions with their local UPL sales representative.
