Evaluation of Fungicide Performance for Control of Powdery Mildew on Lettuce in 2000

Abstract

Powdery mildew on lettuce is caused by the fungus Erysiphe cichoracearum. This disease is favored by moderate to warm temperatures and dry weather conditions. Several potential new fungicides were evaluated for control of powdery mildew on lettuce in 2000. Powdery mildew appeared in our plots by Feb 9 and reached high levels by plant maturity on Mar 2. Nontreated lettuce plants were heavily infected with powdery mildew at plant maturity, whereas the disease ranged from low to virtually nonexistent levels in plots treated with BAS 500, Quadris+Actigard, Flint, Flint+Actigard, Flint alternated (alt.) with Trilogy, Rally, Microthiol, EksPunge alt. with Microthiol, KHHUBF-99-001, Quinoxyfen, Flint alt.with Serenade, Rally alt. with Serenade, and Serenade alt. with Microthiol. These compounds have various modes of action, and some could be available for “organic” production. The future availability of one or more of these chemistries under development could help in efforts to control powdery mildew of lettuce and to establish and maintain a fungicide resistance management program for plant disease control products of importance for this crop.