The Effect of Film-Forming Polymers on Powdery Mildew of Cucumber

In pot experiments, powdery mildew of cucumber, caused by Sphaerotheca fuliginea, was reduced by 64-82% by the film-forming polymer Vapor Gard and by up to 55% by Wilt Pruf. In experiments in polyethylene-covered greenhouses, no harmful effect to the crop was caused by these materials. In one experiment significant disease reductions of 19-67% and 60-96% were obtained by 3% Safe Pack and by the fungicide fenarimol (Rubigan), respectively. The combined treatment of Safe Pack with the fungicide was significantly more effective than either treatment alone, 72-78 days after planting. In another experiment, disease that appeared late in the season was reduced by up to 80, 100, 30 and 96% by Vapor Gard, Folicote, Wilt Pruf and fenarimol, respectively, and was statistically different from the nontreated control in some of the treatments and dates. Most tested substances inhibited germination of S. fuliginea conidia and growth of its hyphae on leaves of cucumber.