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Powdery mildew occurs annually on melons in Arizona. Podosphaera xanthii (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) is the plant pathogenic fungus that causes powdery mildew on cucurbits, such as cantaloupe, honeydew, watermelon, cucumber and squash. Development of powdery mildew on melons is favored by moderate temperatures and relative humidity, succulent plant growth and reduced light intensity brought about by a dense plant canopy. Existing products as well as materials under development were evaluated and compared for efficacy in management of powdery mildew on cantaloupe in a field trial conducted during the spring of 2007 at the University of Arizona, Yuma Valley Agricultural Center. A moderately-high level of disease had developed when disease severity data was recorded at crop maturity in mid-June. Among treatments, the degree of powdery mildew control ranged from essentially 0 to 100%. Materials that reduced the severity of disease on both the top and bottom of leaves by an average amount of at least 90% included Microthiol Disperss, Procure, Quintec, V-10118, Inspire Super, Endura, Cabrio, and Pristine, when applied on a 7-day spray interval. Other treatments that reduced powdery mildew by at least 80% compared to untreated plants included alternation between the conventional fungicide Procure and the biopesticides, Serenade Max, Sonata, or Actinovate as well as alternation among the two biopesticides Actinovate and Kaligreen. Alternating applications of products with different modes of action is imperative to minimize the development of insensitivity in the pathogen population to one or more of these active ingredients. Among the products evaluated this year, several are registered for use in Arizona for control of powdery mildew on melons. |
