By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease has been confirmed in North Florida watermelons. South Georgia and South Alabama watermelon producers should be wary since the disease can spread easily by the high winds being experienced this week. “With the way the winds have been blowing here recently I think we’re in a situation where it’s relatively high risk throughout the …
Producers Beware: Downy Mildew Disease a Threat for Vidalia Onions
By Clint Thompson Increased rainfall and extended periods of leaf wetness means conditions have improved for downy mildew disease in Vidalia onions. Growers should be wary of the disease as harvest season draws near, said Bhabesh Dutta, University of Georgia (UGA) Extension vegetable plant pathologist. “We always monitor downy mildew and the weather conditions that favor downy mildew. We follow …
Downy Mildew Disease in South Carolina
Cucurbit downy mildew disease was identified this week in South Carolina, according to the The South Carolina Grower. The disease was observed in a cucumber field in Bamberg County. Clemson Extension reminds producers to make fungicide applications every seven days. Any stretch longer than this increases the potential that the disease will spread. Recommended fungicides for cucumbers include Omega (Fluazinam, …
Downy Mildew Disease: Fungicide Resistance a Concern for Grape Producers
By Clint Thompson Downy mildew disease in Southeast grape production is bad enough. The problem is exacerbated as disease resistance continues to worsen. Phil Brannen, University of Georgia Cooperative Extension Fruit Disease Specialist, explains the concerns that producers in Georgia and Alabama should have about the potential for further resistance developing. “There’s already been resistance to the strobilurin (quinone outside …
Early Cucumber Planting Protects Against Downy Mildew Disease
Early cucumber planting helps avoid downy mildew disease and increases yields, according to Clemson plant pathologist Tony Keinath in The South Carolina Grower. Keinath said producers should plant within one month of recommended planting dates which avoids downy mildew disease that is most prevalent between May 15 and June 15. In an experiment in 2021 at Clemson’s Coastal Research and …
Downy Mildew Disease Control Options
Clemson Plant Pathologist Tony Keinath reports in the The South Carolina Grower that conditions are favorable for downy mildew disease to start on collards and kale. Control methods must be effective to increase crop yields. Keinath recommends the following practices to maximize control: Rotate crops to new fields every year, since downy mildew disease in brassicas can survive in the …
Downy Mildew Disease Detected on Watermelon in Georgia
According to the University of Georgia Extension vegetable blog, downy mildew disease has been detected on watermelon in Ben Hill County, Georgia. Downy mildew is among the top diseases of cucurbit crops, like cucumbers, watermelon, squashes and pumpkins. It can destroy plant foliage and cause the leaves to curl and die. This leaves the plant vulnerable to blisters and sunscald …
Be Prepared: Vidalia Onion Producers Need to be Ready for Downy Mildew Disease
It was March 23 in 2020. In the prior season it was Feb. 28. In 2018 it was March 19. All were dates that Downy Mildew disease was initially discovered in Georgia Vidalia onions. If past seasons are any indication, the disease could soon be ripe for a problem for Vidalia onion producers. “Downy is always on our minds this …
Beware of Fungicide Resistance When Managing Downy Mildew Disease
Fungicide resistance remains a concern for Florida vegetable farmers trying to manage downy mildew disease. Scientists like Gary Vallad, a Professor of Plant Pathology at the University of Florida/IFAS Gulf Coast Research and Education Center, implore producers not to be too reliant on one specific fungicide. It can lead to resistance issues. “Orondis is one that is kind of the …
Mild, Wet Weather Leads to Rise in Downy Mildew Disease in Alabama This Year
Weather conditions in Alabama this year were conducive to plant diseases impacting the state’s vegetable crops. One disease, downy mildew, has been especially prevalent in fields across the state, according Ed Sikora, Alabama Extension Specialist and Professor in Entomology and Plant Pathology at Auburn University. “I put out about eight cucurbit downy mildew sentinel plots around the state. Most of …