Powdery mildew arrived this week on squash in Wayne County, Ohio. It is early – usually we see it first in mid-July. The fungus that causes cucurbit powdery mildew does not overwinter in Ohio, so the disease does not appear until spores arrive on wind currents from warmer growing areas. Signs of infection are small circular powdery growths (mycelium and spores of the pathogen) on either side of the leaf. These spots enlarge and can eventually cover most of the leaf surface and kill the leaves. Stems and leaf petioles are also susceptible, but the disease is not observed on fruit. In pumpkins, powdery mildew may also attack the “handles”, which can be further damaged by secondary pathogens.
Powdery mildew is managed using disease-resistant varieties and fungicides. Organic production systems need to rely heavily on resistant varieties but there are OMRI-approved fungicides and biologicals that can reduce disease severity. These options were summarized in this blog in 2018. In conventional systems, insensitivity to overused fungicides is common in populations of the fungus that causes this disease, so it is important that a fungicide resistance management program is followed. Remember to alternate fungicides in different FRAC (Fungicide Resistance Action Committee) groups, indicating different modes of action against the fungus. It is important to apply fungicides when the disease first appears and incidence is low. Fungicides that are effective against cucurbit powdery mildew can be found in the Midwest Vegetable Production Guide for Commercial Growers; product ratings and FRAC codes are on page 128. Our evaluations of efficacy of powdery mildew fungicides in Ohio in 2018 indicated that Inspire Super, Procure, Rally, Aprovia Top and Quintec provided very good control of powdery mildew on pumpkins in all three locations (click on graph to enlarge). In this test, a bioassay, Bravo Weather Stik and Fontelis provided moderate control and Pristine provided poor control. Merivon Xemium and Torino did not perform well in this test (data not included); however efficacy ratings in the Midwest and Southeast vegetable production guides are “good”. Growers should take this into account when choosing products for powdery mildew management.
