Potato XXII

 

Powdery Mildew

 

Howard F. Schwartz and David H. Gent

 

Identification and Life Cycle

 

Powdery mildew is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum.  The disease rarely occurs in the High Plains, and is only reported to cause economic damage to potato in Washington State under furrow irrigation. 

 

Plant Response and Damage

 

Powdery mildew symptoms appear on leaves as white, powdery, circular to irregularly shaped patches.  Mildew lesions are apparent on both sides of leaves as dusty, grayish brown deposits.  Light brown flecks on stems and petioles often form, and large areas may become water-soaked with blackened spots.  Lower leaves become yellow and then die, or may quickly blacken and then fall off.  Internodes can become twisted and brittle.  Plants can be killed. 

 

Management Approaches

 

Biological Control

 

No biological control practices have been developed for powdery mildew.    

 

Cultural Control

 

Powdery mildew is rarely a problem on potato grown under center pivot irrigation.

 

Chemical Control

 

Fungicide applications for powdery mildew control are rarely needed in the High Plains.

 

Trade Name

Product per Acre

Application Frequency
(days)

Remarks

Neem Oil

Trilogy

1.0% in 25 to 100 gal per acre

 

Maximum of 2 gallons per acre; cannot be tank-mixed with sulfur, Bravo, or other similar fungicides

Strobilurins

Gem

6-8 oz

7- 14 days

Maximum of six applications per season; Rotate with fungicides with a different mode of action; 14 day PHI

Headline

12 fl. oz

7- 14 days

Maximum of six applications per season; Rotate with fungicides with a different mode of action; 14 day PHI

Quadris FL

6.2 - 15.4 fl oz

7- 14 days

Maximum of six applications per season; Rotate with fungicides with a different mode of action; 14 day PHI

Sulfur

Bravo S

3-4 pt

7-10 days

 

Cavalry

Sprayable Sulfur

3-4 lb

10-14 days

 

Kumulus DF

3-5 lb

10-14 days

 

Liquid Sulfur Six

3-4 pt

10-14 days

 

Microfine Sulfur

3-5 lb

10-14 days

Will also help control two-spotted mites. 

Microthiol Special

5 lb

10-14 days

Will also help control two-spotted mites. 

Sulfur 6 Flowable

3-4 pt

10-14 days

 

Sulfur 6L

3-10 2/3 pt

10-14 days

Will also help control two-spotted mites. 

Sulfur Flowable 6

3-10 2/3 pt

10-14 days

Will also help control two-spotted mites. 

Terranil S

3-4 pt

7-10 days

 

Wettable Sulfur         

5 lb

10-14 days

Will also help control two-spotted mites. 

The information herein is supplied with the understanding that no discrimination is intended and that listing of commercial products, necessary to this guide, implies no endorsement by the authors or the Extension Services of Nebraska, Colorado, Wyoming or Montana. Criticism of products or equipment not listed is neither implied nor intended. Due to constantly changing labels, laws and regulations, the Extension Services can assume no liability for the suggested use of chemicals contained herein. Pesticides must be applied legally complying with all label directions and precautions on the pesticide container and any supplemental labeling and rules of state and federal pesticide regulatory agencies. State rules and regulations and special pesticide use allowances may vary from state to state: contact your State Department of Agriculture for the rules, regulations and allowances applicable in your state and locality.

 

Categories: Potato, Disease, Powdery Mildew

 

Date: 03/29/05