Members of the cucurbits (cucumber, squash, melon, pumpkin, zucchini, watermelon, etc), sage, parsley, coriander, dill, basil, sunflower, grapevines, onion, brassicas (cabbage and cauliflower), pea, roses, daisies, and lettuce
A general name for a large group of pathogens that can cause major damage to cultural crops, ornamentals, and landscapes. The disease is usually host-specific, which means that certain pathogens can only infect plants from the same genus or family.
Traditionally downy-mildews were considered to be fungi until advancements in microbiology confirmed that they aren’t true fungi. They are Oomycetes, a fungus-like eukaryotic microorganisms closely related to algae.
Downy mildews produce a gray to whitish, thin mycelium layer upon lower leaf surfaces. The first sign of downy mildew on the upper side of leaves is yellowish angular spots, bounded by vines. It favors relatively high moisture conditions, low light, and low temperatures.
The sooner the better: It’s easier and more cost effective to overcome infestation and successfully control downy mildew at its initial stage. Make it a routine to monitor the field regularly and search plants for the presence of downy mildew on a weekly basis.
As with any moisture-favorable disease, various agro technical measures taken during crop growth can reduce chances of infection and spread:
Improve air circulation: promote drying foliage and shorten the duration of wetting periods by introducing net curtain vented areas.
Proper soil drainage: the presence of standing water will promote the spread of the fungus.
Other moisture reduction techniques include covering the ground with polyethylene sheets to reduce evaporation from the soil.
When conditions for downy mildew are expected, consider spraying once every 7-14 days with applications of fungicides. Don’t use products based upon the same active ingredient in consecutive treatments. Use of fungicides belonging to different groups to prevent pathogens from developing resistance to a specific chemical.
The following is a list of generic names of fungicides (sorted by groups) and used in one or more parts of the world:
Group 1: Cellulose synthesis inhibitors such as Dimethomorph and Mandipropamid, Iprovalicarb, and Benthiavalicarb – isopropyl
Group 2: RNA inhibitors such as Metalaxyl – M
Group 3: Respiration inhibitors such as Fenamidone and Propamocarb HCL+Fluopicolide
Group 4: Resistant inductors such as potassium salts of phosphorous (phosphoric) acid
Other: Cymoxanil
Products based on tea tree oil and Potassium Hydrogen Carbonate+copper sulfate.
Bacillus subtilis.
*Names marked in red are considered to be highly poisonous to beneficial insects.
*Names marked in green are considered to be organic and IPM (integrated pest management) compatible.