1Division of Plant Pathology
2Division of Ornamental Crops, Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Hessaraghatta Lake Post Office, Bangalore-560 089, Karnataka e-mail: nram@iihr.kar.in
Powdery mildew caused by the fungi. Erysiphac cichoracearum and Oidium crysiphoides f. sp. gerbera is a major production problem in gerbera. The disease occurs very severe on polyhouse grown gerbera throughout the year, requiring frequent application of fungicides. Besides, increased cost of production, this further leads to problems like development of fungicide resistance, phytotoxicity and environmental pollution. The inorganic salt dipotassium hydrogen orthophosphate (K2HPO4) which is known to induce systemic resistance against foliar pathogens, in many crops, was evaluated in comparison with fungicides. Hexaconazole (Contaf) and triadimefon (Bayleton) for efficacy to control powdery mildew in gerbera was found very effective.
Powdery mildew, gerbera, hexaconazole, triadimefon, dipotassium hydrogen ortho-phosphate
