When it comes to pumpkins and squashes, it’s not a case of if, but when powdery mildew will strike. This fungal disease can be highly destructive, especially late in the season.
I have a hunch that this is because the climate is more favourable for the disease, not because there are many spores in the air. Also, as with most fungal diseases, the plants become more vulnerable to infection with age.
Unlike many fungal diseases, powdery mildew does not require free water on the leaves for spores to take hold. Rain and overhead irrigation are therefore not needed for the disease to develop. The spores do, however, require humidity. Low light intensity also favours their development.
The ideal conditions for infection are warm weather with the humidity above 80% (although powdery mildew can still develop when the humidity is as low as 50%).
Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin January 18, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
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Bu hikaye Farmer's Weekly dergisinin January 18, 2019 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
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