Powdery mildew—Sphaerotheca fuliginea and
Erysiphe cichoracearum
Two species of fungi can cause powdery mildew on cucurbits: Sphaerotheca fuliginea and Erysiphe
cichoracearum. S. fuliginea is the more common. E. cichoracearum can, however, be common in
areas with cool springs and summers. All cucurbits are susceptible to powdery mildew, but the disease
is less common on watermelon than on other cucurbits. Powdery mildew first appears as pale yellow spots
on stems, petioles, and leaves. These spots enlarge as the white, fluffy mycelium grows over plant surfaces
and produces spores, which give the lesions a powdery appearance. Affected leaves become dull, chlorotic,
and may wilt in the afternoon heat; eventually they become brown and papery. Plants may die.
Life cycle
SolutionsControl
weeds and follow good sanitation practices. Avoid overhead sprinklers. A few resistant varieties
are available. Applications of sulfur may be needed. Good coverage of undersides of leaves are required.
Note that some cucurbit varieties are sensitive to sulfur.
For more information, see the Powdery
Mildew Pest Note. |
Powdery
mildew on cucurbit leaves
|
