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DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL                                       IN
                                                 CUCURBITS
                                                                   CURRENT TOPIC
                                                             By George Kuepper
                                                          NCAT Agriculture Specialist
                                                                March 2003

Downy mildew, caused by the fungal organism Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is most destructive to
cucumber and cantaloupe, though all cucurbits are susceptible. Symptoms first appear as pale
green areas on the upper leaf surfaces. These change to yellow angular spots. A fine white-to-
grayish downy growth soon appears on the lower leaf surface. Infected leaves generally die but
may remain erect while the edges of the leaf blades curl inward. Usually, the leaves near the center
of a hill or row are infected first. The infected area spreads outward, causing defoliation, stunted
growth, and poor fruit development. The entire plant may eventually be killed (1, 2).

The fungus is easily carried by wind currents, rain splash, farm implements, or the hands and
clothes of farm workers. It is favored by cool to moderately warm temperatures, but tolerates hot
days, although long periods of dry hot weather can stifle the spread of the disease (3). Unlike
powdery mildew, it requires humidity to flourish. Therefore, downy mildew is most aggressive
when heavy dews, fog, and frequent rains occur (1, 2).

Downy mildew does not overwinter beyond Mexico and the southernmost tier of U.S. states, where
it survives on cultivated and wild cucurbit plants. Spores are blown northward each season as
favorable seasonal conditions advance. As a result, the disease is most common on late summer
plantings and is infrequently seen on spring cucurbits (4).

Monitoring

Keeping abreast of when, and how severely, downy mildew is occurring in your area can help you
determine the proper time to treat it. The North American Plant Disease Forecast Center is an
online forecasting network that tracks outbreaks of downy mildew from March through the end of
the growing season. Data is posted twice weekly. Growers can use the website to identify areas
where an outbreak is reported, as well as spore movement in that area. The site also offers informa-
tion on control measures, photos, and more. Because the website relies on growers and others to
report the outbreaks, it isn’t comprehensive or foolproof. It is, however, a useful monitoring tool.
The website is located at <http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/cucurbit/>.

Resistant Varieties

One of the principal means of managing downy mildew in cantaloupe and cucumber is the use of
genetically resistant cultivars. Resistance has not been developed in other cucurbits, though some
squash varieties like Super Select and Zucchini Select are considered to be tolerant (5), as are cu-
cumber varieties like Poinsett and Galaxie (6). The Virginia Extension publication Downy Mildew of
Cucurbits (3) identifies other resistant cucumber cultivars. Growers are advised to contact Coopera-


ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information service, operated by the National Center
for Appropriate Technology through a grant from the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S.
Department of Agriculture. These organizations do not recommend or endorse products, companies,
or individuals. NCAT has offices in Fayetteville, Arkansas (P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702),
Butte, Montana, and Davis, California.
tive Extension and local seed suppliers for assistance in selecting resistant varieties that also per-
form well in their location.

Cultural Controls

Because this disease is carried to most fields on light winds, cultural practices like crop rotation and
sanitation have a limited effect on the incidence of downy mildew. Still, there are several things
that growers can do to suppress the disease. Growing vigorous plants, capable of withstanding or
repelling disease onslaughts, is the first step. This involves careful irrigation and soil fertility man-
agement. ATTRA’s publications on soil management and related matters include Sustainable Soil
Management, Manures for Organic Crop Production, Alternative Soil Amendments, and Sources of Or-
ganic Fertilizers and Amendments.

Good soil fertility management can often be backed up with foliar fertilization, which some grow-
ers believe can assist in pest resistance. For additional information see the ATTRA publication
Foliar Fertilization.

Further cultural considerations include selecting growing sites with good air drainage, full sun-
light, and low humidity. Using drip irrigation, or scheduling overhead irrigation to avoid excessive
leaf wetness, will also reduce disease incidence. When detected early, disease spread might be
slowed somewhat by removing and destroying infected plants, and by taking care not to transport
the disease by hand or on infected tools and equipment.

Alternative Pesticides

Along with resistant varieties, fungicides are considered the principal means of downy mildew
control in cucurbits. There are several alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Be certain to use all
pesticides, synthetic or natural, according to label instructions.

                                                Copper

Copper-based fungicides have traditionally been recommended for suppressing downy mildew in
organic production systems. Caution is advised, however, as copper can be phytotoxic to cucurb-
its. Crop damage appears to be most common during periods of cool wet weather—precisely the
conditions in which downy mildew thrives (7). As a result, it is suggested that the most dilute
application recommended for each product be followed (5).

The use of copper fungicides in organic production is somewhat controversial. Copper is a regu-
lated material in organic production. Though an essential plant nutrient in small amounts, fungi-
cidal levels of copper are directly toxic to some beneficial organisms such as earthworms and sev-
eral soil microbes such as blue-green algae—an important nitrogen-fixer in many soils. Excessive
use can also result in the buildup to toxic (crop-damaging) levels in the soil—particularly in cli-
mates where little to no leaching occurs. Thus, growers who use these sprays frequently must
monitor soil copper levels through regular soil testing.

                                               Neem Oil

Neem oil is a botanical pesticide derived from the tree species Azadirachta indica. It is a multi-
purpose insecticide, miticide, and fungicide labeled for control of both downy and powdery mil-
dews on cucurbits (8).


PAGE 2                                                      //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS
Neem products, once considered largely benign to beneficial insects, have demonstrated some negative
impacts. Washington State research has found neem to be toxic to ladybeetles, especially in their
early larval stages (9). Being an oil formulation, neem can also harm bees and should be applied
when they are not active in the field (10). Therefore, while neem oil is suitable for organic produc-
tion, it should not be used without clear need and plenty of caution.

For information on and sources of Trilogy 90EC™, a formulation of neem oil, contact Certis USA,
LLC (11).

                                                Biofungicides

Serenade™, a relatively new fungicide based on the biocontrol agent Bacillus subtilis, is available in
a wettable powder formulation that can be used for downy mildew control on vegetables (12).
According to its manufacturer, Serenade turns on the plant’s natural immune system. It is also said
to:

“…stop plant pathogen spores from germinating, disrupt the germ tubes and mycelial growth and inhibit
attachment of the plant pathogen to the leaf by producing a zone of inhibition restricting the growth of…disease
causing pathogens” (13).

For sources of the product, contact the manufacturer, AgraQuest Inc. (14).

                                                  Peroxides

Organic growers and others in alternative agriculture have often mentioned hydrogen peroxide
(H2O2) as a disease preventive for crops (15). While documentation on the use of food- and/or
pharmacy-grade peroxide in managing plant diseases is sketchy, BioSafe Systems has recently re-
leased a peroxigen formulation under the name of OxiDate™, which is labeled as a broad-spec-
trum bactericide and fungicide. Downy and powdery mildews of cucurbits are among the diseases
it is said to control. Among the listed benefits are biodegradability, little to no phytotoxicity, and
the ability to kill fungal spores on contact (16).

Although the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) had previously approved OxiDate for
organic production, it removed the product from its listing in spring 2002 because of non-compli-
ance with federal regulations. If reformulated, it may be approved again in the future. Contact
BioSafe Systems (17) for additional details.

                                                 Bicarbonates

In 1998, Church & Dwight Co. (18)—the manufacturer of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda™—re-
ceived EPA registration for Armicarb 100™, a potassium bicarbonate formulation, for use against
downy and powdery mildews, botrytis, and alternaria leaf-spot (19). This product is the direct
result of research done at Cornell and funded by Church & Dwight. Armicarb 100 is now available
from Helena Chemical Company (20) and Agri-Turf Supplies (21). Similar products are FirstStep™
by the Cleary Chemical Corp. (22), Kaligreen™ by Monterey Chemical (23), and Remedy™ by
Bonide Products Inc. (24). For additional information on the use of bicarbonates in plant disease
management, request ATTRA’s Use of Baking Soda as a Fungicide.




             //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS                                                   PAGE 3
Compost Tea

Though still somewhat experimental, compost teas have proved successful in managing a number
of plant diseases. For details, please request the ATTRA publication Notes on Compost Teas.

References

1.    Motes, Jim et al. 1986. Cucurbit Production and Pest Management. Circular E-853.
      Cooperative Extension, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. 40 p.

2.    Bernhardt, Elizabeth et al. 1988. Cucurbit Diseases: A Practical Guide for Seedsmen,
      Growers & Agricultural Advisors. Petoseed Co., Saticoy, CA. 48 p.

3.    Hansen, Mary Ann. 2000. Downy Mildew of Cucurbits. Publication Number 450-707.
      Virginia Cooperative Extension. <http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/plantdiseasefs/450-707/
      450-707.html>.

4.    McDaniel, M.C. No date. Control Diseases of Cucurbits. Cooperative Extension, Univer-
      sity of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. 6 p.

5.    Ellis, Barbara W. and Fern Marshall Bradley. 1992. The Organic Gardener’s Hand-
      book of Natural Insect and Disease Control. Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. 534 p.

6.    Kucharek, Tom. No date. Downy Mildew of Cucurbits. University of Florida Cooperative
      Extension Service. <http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH006>.

7.    Cowall, Matt and May Hausbeck. 1995. Copper fungicide disease control options.
      Vegetable Update. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, NY. July 25.
      p. 11.

8.    Meister, Richard et al. (editors). 1999. The All-Crop, Quick Reference Insect and Disease
      Control Guide. Meister Publishing Co., Willoughby, OH. p. 58.

9.    Banken, Julie and John Stark. 1998. Multiple routes of pesticide exposure and the risk
      of pesticides to biological controls: A study of neem and the sevenspotted lady beetle
      (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. 91, No. 1. p. 1-6.

10.   Anon. 1999. 1999 Main Catalog. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Grass Valley, CA. p. 91.

11.   Certis USA
      LLC 9145 Guilford Rd.
      Ste. 175
      Columbia, MD 21046
      Tel: 800-847-5620
      Fax: 301-604-7015
      http://www.thermotrilogy.com/

12.   Fravel, Deborah. 1999. Commercial Biocontrol Products for Use Against Soilborne
      Crop Diseases. January 1. <http://www.barc.usda.gov/psi/bpdl/bpdlprod/
      bioprod.html>.


PAGE 4                                                 //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS
13.   AgraQuest website. No date. < www.agraquest.com/agrochemical/professional-products/
      rhapsody.php.>.

14.   AgraQuest, Inc.
      1530 Drew Ave.
      Davis, CA 95616-1272
      Tel: 530-750-0150
      Fax: 530-750-0153
      E-mail: info@agraquest.com
      http://www.agraquest.com

15.   For example, market gardeners Ward Sinclair and Cass Peterson made claims for successful
      disease control using hydrogen peroxide on tomatoes and peaches. These claims are cited
      in: Hofstetter, Bob. 1993. Homemade pesticides. The New Farm. February. p. 14-16.

16.   BioSafe Systems. No Date. OxiDate Product Literature. BioSafe Systems, Glastonbury, CT.

17.   BioSafe Systems
      36 Commerce St.
      Glastonbury, CT 06033
      Tel: 888-273-3088
      Fax: 860-657-3388
      E-mail: info@biosafesystems.com
      http://www.biosafesystems.com

18.   Church & Dwight Co., Inc.
      469 N. Harrison St.
      Princeton, NJ 08543-5297
      Tel: 609-683-5900

19.   Anon. 1998. EPA approves reduced-risk fungicide. The Grower. December. p. 8.

20.   Helena Chemical Co.
      Tel: 901-748-3200
      http://www.helenachemical.com/products/Pages/products.aspx

21.   Agri-Turf Supplies Inc.
      2257 Las Positas Rd.
      Santa Barbara, CA 93105
      Tel: 800-922-9634
      Fax: 805-569-0073
      E-mail: info@rosecare.com
      http://store.yahoo.com/rosecare1/pea20.html

22.   Cleary Chemical Corp.
      178 Ridge Road
      Dayton, NJ 08810
      Tel: 800-524-1662
      http://www.clearychemical.com



          //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS                                      PAGE 5
23.    Monterey Chemical Co.
       P.O. Box 35000
       Fresno, CA 93745-5000
       Tel: 559-499-2100
       Fax: 559-499-1015
       E-mail: info@montereychemical.com
       http://www.montereychemical.com

24.    Bonide Products Inc.
       6301 Sutliff Rd.
       Oriskany, NY 13424
       Tel: 315-736-8231
       Fax: 315-736-7582
       E-mail: customerservice@bonide.com
       http://www.bonideproducts.com/


Additional Resources

What do Organic Gardeners do about Mildew?
Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association
http://www.organicmattersmag.com/features/what_do_organic_gardeners_do_about-
mildew.htm
       Explains mildew types, resistant varieties, and control measures.

Downy Mildew of Cucurbits
University of Illinois Extension
http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailproblem.cfm?PathogenID=135
       Provides a good overview of downy mildew, including information on symptoms, disease cycle,
       and control.



By George Kuepper
NCAT Agriculture Specialist

Edited by Richard Earles
Formatted by Cynthia Arnold

March 2003




                         The electronic version of Downy Mildew Control in
                         Cucurbits is located at:
                         HTML
                         http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/downymildew.html
                         PDF
                         http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/downymil.pdf
                        CT111


PAGE 6                                                      //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS

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Downy Mildew Control in Cucurbits

  • 1. DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS CURRENT TOPIC By George Kuepper NCAT Agriculture Specialist March 2003 Downy mildew, caused by the fungal organism Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is most destructive to cucumber and cantaloupe, though all cucurbits are susceptible. Symptoms first appear as pale green areas on the upper leaf surfaces. These change to yellow angular spots. A fine white-to- grayish downy growth soon appears on the lower leaf surface. Infected leaves generally die but may remain erect while the edges of the leaf blades curl inward. Usually, the leaves near the center of a hill or row are infected first. The infected area spreads outward, causing defoliation, stunted growth, and poor fruit development. The entire plant may eventually be killed (1, 2). The fungus is easily carried by wind currents, rain splash, farm implements, or the hands and clothes of farm workers. It is favored by cool to moderately warm temperatures, but tolerates hot days, although long periods of dry hot weather can stifle the spread of the disease (3). Unlike powdery mildew, it requires humidity to flourish. Therefore, downy mildew is most aggressive when heavy dews, fog, and frequent rains occur (1, 2). Downy mildew does not overwinter beyond Mexico and the southernmost tier of U.S. states, where it survives on cultivated and wild cucurbit plants. Spores are blown northward each season as favorable seasonal conditions advance. As a result, the disease is most common on late summer plantings and is infrequently seen on spring cucurbits (4). Monitoring Keeping abreast of when, and how severely, downy mildew is occurring in your area can help you determine the proper time to treat it. The North American Plant Disease Forecast Center is an online forecasting network that tracks outbreaks of downy mildew from March through the end of the growing season. Data is posted twice weekly. Growers can use the website to identify areas where an outbreak is reported, as well as spore movement in that area. The site also offers informa- tion on control measures, photos, and more. Because the website relies on growers and others to report the outbreaks, it isn’t comprehensive or foolproof. It is, however, a useful monitoring tool. The website is located at <http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/pp/cucurbit/>. Resistant Varieties One of the principal means of managing downy mildew in cantaloupe and cucumber is the use of genetically resistant cultivars. Resistance has not been developed in other cucurbits, though some squash varieties like Super Select and Zucchini Select are considered to be tolerant (5), as are cu- cumber varieties like Poinsett and Galaxie (6). The Virginia Extension publication Downy Mildew of Cucurbits (3) identifies other resistant cucumber cultivars. Growers are advised to contact Coopera- ATTRA is the national sustainable agriculture information service, operated by the National Center for Appropriate Technology through a grant from the Rural Business-Cooperative Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture. These organizations do not recommend or endorse products, companies, or individuals. NCAT has offices in Fayetteville, Arkansas (P.O. Box 3657, Fayetteville, AR 72702), Butte, Montana, and Davis, California.
  • 2. tive Extension and local seed suppliers for assistance in selecting resistant varieties that also per- form well in their location. Cultural Controls Because this disease is carried to most fields on light winds, cultural practices like crop rotation and sanitation have a limited effect on the incidence of downy mildew. Still, there are several things that growers can do to suppress the disease. Growing vigorous plants, capable of withstanding or repelling disease onslaughts, is the first step. This involves careful irrigation and soil fertility man- agement. ATTRA’s publications on soil management and related matters include Sustainable Soil Management, Manures for Organic Crop Production, Alternative Soil Amendments, and Sources of Or- ganic Fertilizers and Amendments. Good soil fertility management can often be backed up with foliar fertilization, which some grow- ers believe can assist in pest resistance. For additional information see the ATTRA publication Foliar Fertilization. Further cultural considerations include selecting growing sites with good air drainage, full sun- light, and low humidity. Using drip irrigation, or scheduling overhead irrigation to avoid excessive leaf wetness, will also reduce disease incidence. When detected early, disease spread might be slowed somewhat by removing and destroying infected plants, and by taking care not to transport the disease by hand or on infected tools and equipment. Alternative Pesticides Along with resistant varieties, fungicides are considered the principal means of downy mildew control in cucurbits. There are several alternatives to synthetic fungicides. Be certain to use all pesticides, synthetic or natural, according to label instructions. Copper Copper-based fungicides have traditionally been recommended for suppressing downy mildew in organic production systems. Caution is advised, however, as copper can be phytotoxic to cucurb- its. Crop damage appears to be most common during periods of cool wet weather—precisely the conditions in which downy mildew thrives (7). As a result, it is suggested that the most dilute application recommended for each product be followed (5). The use of copper fungicides in organic production is somewhat controversial. Copper is a regu- lated material in organic production. Though an essential plant nutrient in small amounts, fungi- cidal levels of copper are directly toxic to some beneficial organisms such as earthworms and sev- eral soil microbes such as blue-green algae—an important nitrogen-fixer in many soils. Excessive use can also result in the buildup to toxic (crop-damaging) levels in the soil—particularly in cli- mates where little to no leaching occurs. Thus, growers who use these sprays frequently must monitor soil copper levels through regular soil testing. Neem Oil Neem oil is a botanical pesticide derived from the tree species Azadirachta indica. It is a multi- purpose insecticide, miticide, and fungicide labeled for control of both downy and powdery mil- dews on cucurbits (8). PAGE 2 //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS
  • 3. Neem products, once considered largely benign to beneficial insects, have demonstrated some negative impacts. Washington State research has found neem to be toxic to ladybeetles, especially in their early larval stages (9). Being an oil formulation, neem can also harm bees and should be applied when they are not active in the field (10). Therefore, while neem oil is suitable for organic produc- tion, it should not be used without clear need and plenty of caution. For information on and sources of Trilogy 90EC™, a formulation of neem oil, contact Certis USA, LLC (11). Biofungicides Serenade™, a relatively new fungicide based on the biocontrol agent Bacillus subtilis, is available in a wettable powder formulation that can be used for downy mildew control on vegetables (12). According to its manufacturer, Serenade turns on the plant’s natural immune system. It is also said to: “…stop plant pathogen spores from germinating, disrupt the germ tubes and mycelial growth and inhibit attachment of the plant pathogen to the leaf by producing a zone of inhibition restricting the growth of…disease causing pathogens” (13). For sources of the product, contact the manufacturer, AgraQuest Inc. (14). Peroxides Organic growers and others in alternative agriculture have often mentioned hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as a disease preventive for crops (15). While documentation on the use of food- and/or pharmacy-grade peroxide in managing plant diseases is sketchy, BioSafe Systems has recently re- leased a peroxigen formulation under the name of OxiDate™, which is labeled as a broad-spec- trum bactericide and fungicide. Downy and powdery mildews of cucurbits are among the diseases it is said to control. Among the listed benefits are biodegradability, little to no phytotoxicity, and the ability to kill fungal spores on contact (16). Although the Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI) had previously approved OxiDate for organic production, it removed the product from its listing in spring 2002 because of non-compli- ance with federal regulations. If reformulated, it may be approved again in the future. Contact BioSafe Systems (17) for additional details. Bicarbonates In 1998, Church & Dwight Co. (18)—the manufacturer of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda™—re- ceived EPA registration for Armicarb 100™, a potassium bicarbonate formulation, for use against downy and powdery mildews, botrytis, and alternaria leaf-spot (19). This product is the direct result of research done at Cornell and funded by Church & Dwight. Armicarb 100 is now available from Helena Chemical Company (20) and Agri-Turf Supplies (21). Similar products are FirstStep™ by the Cleary Chemical Corp. (22), Kaligreen™ by Monterey Chemical (23), and Remedy™ by Bonide Products Inc. (24). For additional information on the use of bicarbonates in plant disease management, request ATTRA’s Use of Baking Soda as a Fungicide. //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS PAGE 3
  • 4. Compost Tea Though still somewhat experimental, compost teas have proved successful in managing a number of plant diseases. For details, please request the ATTRA publication Notes on Compost Teas. References 1. Motes, Jim et al. 1986. Cucurbit Production and Pest Management. Circular E-853. Cooperative Extension, Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, OK. 40 p. 2. Bernhardt, Elizabeth et al. 1988. Cucurbit Diseases: A Practical Guide for Seedsmen, Growers & Agricultural Advisors. Petoseed Co., Saticoy, CA. 48 p. 3. Hansen, Mary Ann. 2000. Downy Mildew of Cucurbits. Publication Number 450-707. Virginia Cooperative Extension. <http://www.ext.vt.edu/pubs/plantdiseasefs/450-707/ 450-707.html>. 4. McDaniel, M.C. No date. Control Diseases of Cucurbits. Cooperative Extension, Univer- sity of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR. 6 p. 5. Ellis, Barbara W. and Fern Marshall Bradley. 1992. The Organic Gardener’s Hand- book of Natural Insect and Disease Control. Rodale Press, Emmaus, PA. 534 p. 6. Kucharek, Tom. No date. Downy Mildew of Cucurbits. University of Florida Cooperative Extension Service. <http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH006>. 7. Cowall, Matt and May Hausbeck. 1995. Copper fungicide disease control options. Vegetable Update. Cornell Cooperative Extension of Oswego County, NY. July 25. p. 11. 8. Meister, Richard et al. (editors). 1999. The All-Crop, Quick Reference Insect and Disease Control Guide. Meister Publishing Co., Willoughby, OH. p. 58. 9. Banken, Julie and John Stark. 1998. Multiple routes of pesticide exposure and the risk of pesticides to biological controls: A study of neem and the sevenspotted lady beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae). Journal of Economic Entomology. Vol. 91, No. 1. p. 1-6. 10. Anon. 1999. 1999 Main Catalog. Peaceful Valley Farm Supply, Grass Valley, CA. p. 91. 11. Certis USA LLC 9145 Guilford Rd. Ste. 175 Columbia, MD 21046 Tel: 800-847-5620 Fax: 301-604-7015 http://www.thermotrilogy.com/ 12. Fravel, Deborah. 1999. Commercial Biocontrol Products for Use Against Soilborne Crop Diseases. January 1. <http://www.barc.usda.gov/psi/bpdl/bpdlprod/ bioprod.html>. PAGE 4 //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS
  • 5. 13. AgraQuest website. No date. < www.agraquest.com/agrochemical/professional-products/ rhapsody.php.>. 14. AgraQuest, Inc. 1530 Drew Ave. Davis, CA 95616-1272 Tel: 530-750-0150 Fax: 530-750-0153 E-mail: info@agraquest.com http://www.agraquest.com 15. For example, market gardeners Ward Sinclair and Cass Peterson made claims for successful disease control using hydrogen peroxide on tomatoes and peaches. These claims are cited in: Hofstetter, Bob. 1993. Homemade pesticides. The New Farm. February. p. 14-16. 16. BioSafe Systems. No Date. OxiDate Product Literature. BioSafe Systems, Glastonbury, CT. 17. BioSafe Systems 36 Commerce St. Glastonbury, CT 06033 Tel: 888-273-3088 Fax: 860-657-3388 E-mail: info@biosafesystems.com http://www.biosafesystems.com 18. Church & Dwight Co., Inc. 469 N. Harrison St. Princeton, NJ 08543-5297 Tel: 609-683-5900 19. Anon. 1998. EPA approves reduced-risk fungicide. The Grower. December. p. 8. 20. Helena Chemical Co. Tel: 901-748-3200 http://www.helenachemical.com/products/Pages/products.aspx 21. Agri-Turf Supplies Inc. 2257 Las Positas Rd. Santa Barbara, CA 93105 Tel: 800-922-9634 Fax: 805-569-0073 E-mail: info@rosecare.com http://store.yahoo.com/rosecare1/pea20.html 22. Cleary Chemical Corp. 178 Ridge Road Dayton, NJ 08810 Tel: 800-524-1662 http://www.clearychemical.com //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS PAGE 5
  • 6. 23. Monterey Chemical Co. P.O. Box 35000 Fresno, CA 93745-5000 Tel: 559-499-2100 Fax: 559-499-1015 E-mail: info@montereychemical.com http://www.montereychemical.com 24. Bonide Products Inc. 6301 Sutliff Rd. Oriskany, NY 13424 Tel: 315-736-8231 Fax: 315-736-7582 E-mail: customerservice@bonide.com http://www.bonideproducts.com/ Additional Resources What do Organic Gardeners do about Mildew? Irish Organic Farmers and Growers Association http://www.organicmattersmag.com/features/what_do_organic_gardeners_do_about- mildew.htm Explains mildew types, resistant varieties, and control measures. Downy Mildew of Cucurbits University of Illinois Extension http://urbanext.illinois.edu/hortanswers/detailproblem.cfm?PathogenID=135 Provides a good overview of downy mildew, including information on symptoms, disease cycle, and control. By George Kuepper NCAT Agriculture Specialist Edited by Richard Earles Formatted by Cynthia Arnold March 2003 The electronic version of Downy Mildew Control in Cucurbits is located at: HTML http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/downymildew.html PDF http://www.attra.ncat.org/attra-pub/PDF/downymil.pdf CT111 PAGE 6 //DOWNY MILDEW CONTROL IN CUCURBITS