ARS | Publication request: POWDERY MILDEW OF GREENHOUSE CROPS

Submitted to: Resource
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: October 21, 2005
Publication Date: November 3, 2005
Repository URL: http://www.ars.usda.gov/sp2UserFiles/Place/36071000/Publications/Omer187468_2005_PM.pdf
Citation: Omer, M.A., Locke, J.C., Krause, C.R. 2005. Powdery mildew of greenhouse crops. Resource v1, Issue 3, p.2-3..

Technical Abstract: The USDA-ARS, Greenhouse Production Research Group recognizes that the foliar diseases described as “powdery mildews” are perennial disease problems faced by local growers. A number of fungicides are registered for managing powdery mildew, however, many ornamental plants are still severely affected by powdery mildew. As a result, our research is addressing the causes for the failure to adequately manage this problem and is seeking user-friendly means to provide better management of powdery mildew. This is the first in a series of articles addressing the biology, management and control of powdery mildew on greenhouse crops. One of the options we are pursuing in our research is the incorporation of silicon in nutrient media in an attempt to study its effect on plant-powdery mildew interaction. Silicon is reported to induce plant resistance to the disease. Data from preliminary studies we conducted showed that incorporating various concentrations of silicon with fertilizers delayed but did not prevent the spread and progress of the disease on zinnia. The delay in the inception and severity of symptoms was more noticeable with a higher concentration of silicon (3.4 ppm) as compared to lower concentrations (0.0 and 1.7 ppm).