CucCAP researchers develop improved detection methods for downy mildews infecting cucurbit crops
Management of cucurbit downy mildew (CDM) caused by Pseudoperonospora cubensis, relies on an intensive fungicide program. CDM occurs annually due to an influx of airborne sporangia, so timely alerts of appearance of sporangia can help growers to determine need to initiate fungicide sprays. Research by CucCAP scientists developed improved ability to detect airborne sporangia and distinguish among types that infect different kinds of crops. This improved methodology could be used as part of an advisory system to time fungicide applications to protect cucurbit crops.
For further reading:
- Clade-Specific Monitoring of Airborne Pseudoperonospora spp. Sporangia Using Mitochondrial DNA Markers for Disease Management of Cucurbit Downy Mildew
by: Julian C. Bello, Douglas S. Higgins, Monique L. Sakalidis, Lina M. Quesada-Ocampo, Frank Martin, and Mary K. Hausbeck
Published in Phytopathology on Sep 26, 2022
DOI: 10.1094/PHYTO-12-21-0500-R
