Use of monopotassium phosphate in the integrated control of powdery mildew.
Napier D. R., Oosthuyse S. A.
Author Affiliation: Mineag SQM Africa (Pty) Ltd., Bryanston, South Africa.
Rivista di Frutticoltura e di Ortofloricoltura 62 : 57-58, 60
Abstract : Powdery mildew (caused by Oidium mangiferae, Podosphaera leucotricha, Sphaerotheca pannosa, S. fuliginea, Uncinula necator and other fungal pathogens) affects many crops around the world. Experiments have shown that monopotassium phosphate [potassium dihydrogen phosphate] (MKP) sprayed alone, as a tank mix or in alternation with fungicides has been successful in the control of powdery mildew in apples, grapes, peaches, nectarines, greenhouse cucumbers, roses, melons and mangoes, allowing, in most cases, the conventional fungicide programme to be cut by up to 50%. The action of MKP as a biocompatible fungicide appears to be synergistic with that of the fungicide, often improving disease control. The method of MKP application depends largely on the disease pressure and the crop to be sprayed. The benefits of incorporating MKP into a spray programme include good disease control, reduced fungicide applications (cost effective), reduced fungicide residues on food crops, less fungicide resistance pressure, promotion of integrated pest management and enhanced plant nutrition. This paper provides an overview of the use of MKP for powdery mildew control on numerous crops around the world.