When to begin spraying for Downy mildew on cucurbit crops?
The biggest question being asked thus far is when to start spraying for Downy mildew this coming year? Remember that Downy mildew is favored by prolonged wet/humid weather. Fortunately, we have few factors in our favor right now. First, Downy mildew has to work its way north from cucurbit crops grown in the south and second, there needs to be weather patterns which favor spreading the disease northward. Presently, Downy mildew should not be an immediate threat to our region. However, this will most likely change over the next month as hurricane season begins (forecasters are expecting a season similar to last years) and more cucurbit acreage is planted in the south. Remember, Downy mildew was detected near Vineland, NJ during the last week of June last summer! However, that doesnt mean it will show up in our area at the same time this year. The best approach in determining when to spray for Downy mildew will be to be aware of the weather, especially weather systems coming out of the so
