Integrated control of powdery mildew on field-grown mango trees by foliar sprays of mono-potassium phosphate fertilizer, sterol inhibitor fungicides and the strobilurin Kresoxim-methyl.
Reuveni M., Harpaz M., Reuveni R.
Author Affiliation: Golan Research Institute, University of Haifa, P.O. Box 97, Qasrine 12900, Israel.
European Journal of Plant Pathology 104 : 853-860
Abstract : The potential for using foliar sprays of phosphate salt solutions (K2HPO4 and KH2PO4) in alternation with and in tank mix with systemic fungicides (diniconazole and kresoxim-methyl) for the control of powdery mildew (Oidium mangiferae) was investigated. Field trials were carried out in Golan region, Israel in 1993-94 and 1997. The fertilizer compound KH2PO4 controlled O. mangiferae on bloom clusters of mango trees. Systemic fungicides were more effective than salt solutions, but the number of fungicide applications was reduced 50% when applied in alternation with phosphate sprays. Tank mix treatments consisting of KH2PO4 (1%) with sterol inhibitor or kresoxim, or kresoxim alone, were the most effective treatment against O. mangiferae. Yield of mangoes on treated plants were higher than untreated plants. It is concluded that phosphate foliar fertilizers could be used as a component in an integrated pest management system for the control of O. mangiferae.