by Layne Wade, Technical Sales Support, Arysta LifeScience

A wet spring could mean that conditions are ripe for increased disease pressures going into the summer months. Taking a proactive approach now will help stop damaging diseases such as Powdery mildew or Botrytis bunch rot from setting in.

In general, higher humidity and cooler spring temperatures are favorable for Powdery mildew. The fungal infection colonizes on the surface of plant tissue and invades top layers of epidermis cells, causing extensive (and expensive) losses to plant growth, crop yield and fruit quality.

Powdery mildew requires season-long management because of early season inoculum and subsequent infection caused by fungal spores that can infect, develop new spores and re-infect throughout the summer. Secondary infection cycles can occur approximately every five to 30 days, depending on the weather.

The same high-humidity conditions, coupled with elevated nitrogen levels and cluster compactness, can also set the stage for a Botrytis outbreak. Grapes in tight clusters may crack due to pressure, and those cracks provide entry points for the fungus.

Diligent and early season control not only helps prevent disease establishment but also reduces the risk for epidemics later. Arysta LifeScience brings a portfolio of preventative and curative protection.

To learn more about the Arysta LifeScience portfolio of crop protection products, contact your crop protection retailer, visit www.arysta-na.com or call 886-761-9397.

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