Elad Y, Messika Y, Brand M, David DR, Sztejnberg A. Effect of Microclimate on Leveillula taurica Powdery Mildew of Sweet Pepper.
PHYTOPATHOLOGY 2007;
97:813-24. [PMID:
18943930 DOI:
10.1094/phyto-97-7-0813]
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Abstract
ABSTRACT Sweet pepper-Leveillula taurica microclimate relations were studied under controlled conditions and in commercial greenhouses. Conidial germination occurred at 10 to 37 degrees C and was optimal at 20 degrees C. Conidial viability declined as temperatures increased to 40 degrees C for 6 h. Leaf colonization was optimal at 15 to 25 degrees C. Severe leaf infections occurred at 15 to 20 degrees C and conidiation was suppressed at 20 to 25 degrees C. Highest germination rates were observed at 75 to 85% relative humidity (RH). Severity of leaf coverage by symptoms was high for plants which were subjected to longer periods of temperatures between 10 to 15 degrees C and daytime RH between 85 to 95%, and positively correlated with nighttime RH. Disease severity was negatively correlated with lengthy periods of temperatures >25 degrees C, day and night average temperatures, and average daytime RH. Conversely, leaf shedding was relatively high under conditions characterized by long periods of temperatures >20 degrees C and <13 degrees C, and positively correlated with average daytime temperatures and periods of RH <75%. Increasing nighttime temperatures by heating and daytime temperatures by closing the greenhouse side walls reduced disease in two commercial greenhouse experiments. A midseason shift from a cooler greenhouse climate to warm daytime climate halted epidemic development. Flower number and yield were reduced in infected crops.
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