Signs and symptoms
Powdery mildew is manifest on the plant by white powdery fungal growth on the surface of the leaf, usually both sides of the leaf show fungal growth.McGrath, M.T., 1997. Powdery Mildew of Cucurbits. http://vegetablemdonline.ppath.cornell.edu/factsheets/Cucurbits_PM.htm The host tissue is frequently stunted, distorted, discolored, and scarred. The fruit of infected plants are usually smaller and the flavor is affected negatively, as fewer sugars and solids are stored in the fruit.Disease cycle
''Podosphaera fuliginea'' uses haustoria to gain access to the leaf epidermal cells. The fungus is usually spread during the spring through mycelium from infected plant, or through ascocarps. Signs appear after 3–7 days of infection if conditions are favorable. The mycelium grows rapidly during the warm summer months with an optimum temperature of about 10-32°C (50-90 degrees F). The leaves are most susceptible 16–23 days after unfolding.Cheah, L.H., et al. 1996. Epidemiology of Powdery Mildew (Sphaerotheca fuliginea) of Squash. http://www.nzpps.org/journal/49/nzpp_491470.pdf High humidity favors the development of disease, but infection can occur at relative humidity as low a 50%. The conidia of the fungus are spread through the air and thus can travel over great distances.Webster, J., Weber, R.W.S., 2007. Introduction to Fungi 3rd Edition. Cambridge University Press. 401-413 The mycelium can also overwinter in the buds of infected plants.Control
The most common way to control the spread of ''Podosphaera fuliginea'' is with the use of fungicides. Usually sulphur or demethylation inhibitor fungicides are applied. Fungicides are usually applied once a week. Plants should also be kept physically separated to control spread because older plants can be a source of conidia. Fungicide application is not sufficient if the plant'sReferences
{{Taxonbar, from=Q7576577 Fungal plant pathogens and diseases Vegetable diseases fuliginea Fungi described in 1832