Improved management of powdery mildew of sweet cherry
Author: Gary Grove, Todd Einhorn
Published: 2012
Summary: The objectives of this project were: 1) Determine the presence and regional extent of resistance to QoI fungicides in populations of Podosphaera clandestina in Eastern Washington. 2) Investigate early or mid-season cherries as potential sources of inoculum for infection of later cherry fruit. The initial step in the process will be determining whether there is a large inoculum increase in a cv. 'Bing' orchard once fungicide applications are terminated at harvest. 3) Investigate irrigation sets during late dormancy as a means to deplete overwintered inoculum supplies prior to the availability of susceptible host tissue. 4) Investigate various irrigation regimens and nitrogen fertilizer regimens, on the incidence and severity of powdery mildew on cv. 'Lapins' cherries. 5) Investigate full-season fungicide programs for effectiveness in reducing the production of ascocarps (cleistothecia) and therefore the amount of potential carryover inoculum.
