Plant Disease

Medium Severity

Downy Mildew

Affects: Grapes, Onion, Cucumber, Pearl Millet · Monsoon and post-monsoon (high humidity, warm nights)

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Causal Organism

Plasmopara viticola (grapes); Peronospora destructor (onion) — oomycetes

Symptoms

Grapes: yellow oil-spot on upper leaf; white cotton-like growth on underside; infected berries shrivel (brown rot). Onion: pale green areas on leaves turning yellow with violet-grey sporulation in humid conditions.

Prevention

Proper canopy management (open, airy trellis for grapes). Avoid overhead irrigation. Grow resistant varieties where available. Remove and destroy infected plant material.

Season Risk: Monsoon and post-monsoon (high humidity, warm nights)

Treatment

Metalaxyl-mancozeb (Ridomil) 0.25% is highly effective. Dimethomorph + mancozeb as alternating spray. For organically-grown crops: copper oxychloride (3g/L) with a sticker. Spray early morning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can downy mildew be controlled organically?
Copper-based fungicides (copper hydroxide, copper oxychloride) are permitted in organic production and provide good control of downy mildew. Apply preventively before symptoms appear.

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