Efficacy of Fungicides for Management of Powdery Mildew on Lettuce in 2006

Powdery mildew on lettuce is caused by the fungus Golovinomyces cichoracearum (Erysiphe cichoracearum). The disease is favored by moderate to warm temperatures and relatively dry weather conditions. Several fungicides were evaluated for their ability to suppress development of powdery mildew on lettuce in 2006. Powdery mildew was first detected Jan 26 in this trial. The data in the accompanying table illustrate the degree of control obtained by applications of the various materials tested in this trial. Among treatments, the degree of powdery mildew suppression ranged from virtually complete to minimal; however, all treatments significantly reduced the severity of both mildew diseases compared to nontreated plants. This trial was initiated as a combined downy and powdery mildew trial; therefore, some of the products were placed in the test specifically for downy mildew. Due to low humidity levels and no rainfall during the trial, no downy mildew developed