In this cold season, fungal diseases are the main challenge, especially in tomatoes and capsicums leading to massive yield loss. But what is Powdery mildew? What are the symptoms of the disease?
The disease starts with signs of pale green to yellow round spots on the upper surface of the leaf. Spots are indefinite and vary a great deal in size, but may coalesce to cover a large proportion of the total area of the leaf.
A powdery white-grey to purple growth of the causal organism, similar to that of downy mildew is observed on the lower side of the leaf. Later, the infected area of leaves dries up and turns black.
When infections are severe, the disease causes defoliation (leaf fall); up to 100% defoliation has been observed on capsicums. This is worsened by flower abortion leading to yield loss.
The fungus (leveillulataurica (Lev) tends to spread fast in cool and wet weather conditions.
How to control Powderly mildew
Preventive spraying with both systematic and contact fungicides such as Redomil, Score or Infinito at intervals of at least once or twice per week.
Read Also
Black spots-How to control the most destructive fungal disease
How to get high profit in watermelon farming by using manure
The right capsicum planting spacing with high yields
In the event defoliation has occurred, immediate topdressing with Di-Ammonium Phosphate DAP will help to enhance the formation of the new leaves. Thereafter topdressing with NPK and CAN will also help in flower formation and fruit formation.
Irrigation must remain consistent all through. Unlike black spots that affect leaves, stems and fruits Powderly mildew affects leaves and that’s why it’s easier to control.
