First Occurrence of Downy Mildew in Nova Scotia in 2022

Monday, August 29, 2022

 

Downy mildew (DM) was diagnosed on cucumber Monday, August 29th, 2022, in Annapolis County, Nova Scotia by both visual inspection and spore identification using microscopy. The strain of DM that affects cucumber also affects cantaloupe. At this time, cucurbit crops other than cucumber and cantaloupe are not at risk.

Figure 1: Downy mildew infected cucumbers


Growers should now add DM-targeted fungicides to cucumber and cantaloupe spray programs. Rotate between FRAC groups of targeted materials and combine targeted materials with broad-spectrum, preventative materials to prevent resistance development.

Where possible, tank mix Zampro (maximum 3 applications per year, 1 day PHI) or Orondis Ultra (maximum 4 applications per year, 0 day PHI) with chlorothalonil (maximum 2 applications per year, 2 day PHI) or mancozeb (maximum 3 applications per year, 14 day PHI). Never make back-to-back applications of the same product or products from the same chemical family. Follow a 5 to 7-day application interval, and rotation of the three products can be repeated as necessary.

Downy mildew can often be confused with angular leaf spot, bacterial leaf spot and Alternaria leaf spot. Downy mildew can be identified by dark sporangia growing on the underside of the leaf.

If you would like confirmation that downy mildew is present in your crop you can contact Dustin MacLean, Perennia Field Plant Pathologist at dustinmaclean@perennia.ca or call 1 902 324-9623

Figure 2: Sporangia developing on underside of cucumber leaf.

Table 1. Downy mildew multi-site, broad spectrum fungicides

Common name (FRAC group)

Trade Names

Rate per hectare (Rate per Acre)

PHI (days)

Re-entry interval

Max applications

mancozeb (M03)

Dithane Rainsheild, Penncozeb 75DF Raincoat Manzate Pro-Stick

3.25 kg (1.3 kg)

14

12 hours

3*

chlorothalonil (M05)

Bravo ZN Echo

4.8 L (1.9 L)

2

12 hours

2

 Table 2. Downy mildew specific fungicides

Common name (FRAC group)

Trade Name

Rate per hectare (Rate per Acre)

PHI (days)

Re-entry interval

Max applications

amectotradin (45) + dimethomorph (40)*

Zampro

0.8-1 L

1

1 day for hand harvesting, pruning or thinning , 12 hours for other activities

3

oxathiapiprolin (49) + mandipropamid (40)*

Orondis Ultra

0.4-0.6 L

0

12 hours

4