Phytophthora blight in vegetables and other cucurbits is complicated by the fact that downy mildew may also be a problem. While similar in some ways, Phytophthora blight is different from downy mildew in a number of ways. Phytophthora movement through the air is limited, unlike downy mildew. Phytophthora survives over winter and thrives in hot weather, whereas downy mildew thrives in cooler weather. Phytophthora has to be introduced into a field, usually by contaminated water or movement of soil. Both Pytophthora and downy mildew can cause tremendous damage.

Learn the latest on disease biology, spread and control for fresh vegetable producers. Our special guest Dr. Gary Vallad of the University of Florida’s Gulf Coast Research and Extension Center has extensive experience with Phytophthora and cucurbit downy mildew in fresh vegetable plasticulture production. He will join Michigan State University’s own Dr. Mary Hausbeck for this workshop.