Chemical and nutritional management of powdery mildew caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea on pumpkin vines

Abstract

Pumpkin is a popular vegetable crop in Pakistan and India which is grown in rainy season. Numerous biotic and abiotic factors have an impact on this crop. Sphaerotheaca fuliginea is one of the biotic agents that poses a major risk to the crop, leading to significant losses in both quantity and quality. Applying nutritional supplements to strengthen resistance against pumpkin powdery mildew infection is an economical and ecologically sustainable approach to managing the disease. Three treatments including 1% potassium monophosphate, 1% potassium silicate, and their combination (1:1) given in the field have been tested in order to control the disease. The spraying procedure used before the inoculation revealed that the disease was infected. A maximum 49% decrease in disease was achieved in the control group when potassium silicate and mono potassium phosphate were combined. The distinctive effects of 1% potassium silicate and 1% potassium phosphate mono shown, for comparison control, a 43% and 39% lower incidence of disease, respectively. In the field, tests were conducted to determine the efficacy of three fungicide combinations: Bravo (chlorothainal), score (Difenaconzole), and Bravo + score. The standard concentration of each combination was tested against S. fuliginea. The disease control was reduced by 61% when the two fungicides were combined (Bravo+ score). Compared to the control, the partition effect score and Bravo produced a 56% and 54% reduction in disease, respectively. By choosing an appropriate formulation and application technique of nutritional supplements can be effectively used in inhibiting the growth of S. fuliginea.