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Western PA

Can downey mildew be stopped if caught in the early stage ?
I am almost certain that I have a few leaves that have the symtoms.
I saw it about two weeks ago in my vege garden on my zucchini plant. I should have pulled it then, but figured that since I have been spraying, I would be safe.

I have been rotating daconil, manzate, and eagle about every 6 days since mid June. Been very wet here since June started.

7/19/2014 5:49:14 PM

Farming- a bunch of catastrophies that result in a lifestyle

From NC State:
Controlling downy mildew requires use of resistant cultivars, fungicide applications and early detection. Chemical control is highly recommended because downy mildew is an aggressive and destructive diseaseand satisfactory control without the use of fungicides is unlikely. Both protectant and systemic products should be applied. Fungicides are most effective when applied prior to infection and reapplied at 5- to 7-day intervals. The following products have proven to be the most effective fungicides in cucumber downy mildew control in North Carolina: Previcur Flex (propamocarb, Bayer), Tanos (fenamidone + cymoxanil, DuPont), Ranman (cyazofamid, FMC), and Gavel (zoxamide + mancozeb, Dow AgroSciences). These products should be applied in a program to prevent pathogen resistance (i.e., rotated with fungicides of a different mode of action). Protectant fungicides such as chlorothalonil and mancozeb should be used as mixing partners.Many growers have lost the battle against downy mildew by waiting until they could clearly see the disease before initiating sprays. Early detection of downy mildew and immediate or preventative fungicide application is imperative for the control of this disease. A forecasting system exists to assist growers in timing their fungicide applications for maximum benefit. The system tracks outbreaks of the disease and provides a forecast or risk assessment for future outbreaks. The forecasts are provided at the following website: http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/cucurbit.

7/20/2014 7:55:05 AM

Connecticut

ZAPPA-

Short answer to your question = Downy Mildew can be stopped...

There are actually about 6 different strains of Downy Mildew each with a main host range. Cucumbers can get all 6 different strains but not necessarily all of those 6 can affect pumpkin plants.

What you should do is try a rotation of products until you find one that controls the problem. Just because one worked last year or for someone else does not mean you will have the same results. Typically, I recommend starting with a Phosphoric acid product as these can be effective and they are typically the cheapest so this makes them a good go to. Often this can take care of the problem and if not, then you can change to another class of fungicides to see if control is obtained.


Link with more info:
http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=15&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CHAQFjAO&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hort.uconn.edu%2Fipm%2Fveg%2Fhtms%2FScouting%2520for%2520Downy%2520Mildew.pdf&ei=zV3MU-_oKorioASWtoGQDw&usg=AFQjCNG5357OcJYb2mnS_C-VvBsKSlRX3A

Lastly, www.Team-Pumpkin.org then go to the "Presentations" and open "What is Wrong With My Plant" presentation, for more information about Downy Mildew as well as many other common plant issues.

7/20/2014 8:39:24 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Great link Matt...thank you.

7/20/2014 8:43:05 PM

Torrance, Ca.

Always helpful Matt!

7/20/2014 9:00:47 PM

Western PA

Thanks Matt,
After looking again at the "leaf problems" in the how to section, im not sure what i have to be certain. I will try to post a few pics tomorrow.

7/20/2014 10:54:31 PM

Williamsburg,KY

Lee, you can always call your County Extension Agent, they may come out, tell you what it could be, or send it out. Either way, its a free service you pay for with your tax money. Good Luck.

7/21/2014 7:19:57 AM

Western PA

I talked to western labs and sent Harry pics of my problem leafs.
And the culprit is bacterial leaf spot. The water soaked spots on the underside of the leaves are the give away.
We have had loads of rain this June and July, which it thrives in. The rain spreads it, and so do people. I have probably been spreading it.

He said I may be able to stop it with a copper spray, which will be done first thing in the morning.
Thanks for the help folks !

7/22/2014 1:12:02 PM

Torrance, Ca.

You gotta love Harry and his, " You bet Cha " lol


Great guy!

7/22/2014 8:16:31 PM