- What is Mildew?
Mildew is one of the most frequent and major diseases of Lettuce caused by the pseudo-fungus Bremia lactucae that affects both greenhouse and outdoor crop profitability.
This disease has widespread throughout the world and, within a short period of time, it can completely dry out the leaves, as well as destroy entire plantations, if the conditions for fungus development, which are conditioned by humidity and temperature, are ideal.
In addition, mildew can attack lettuce leaves during all its growth stages, and usually manifests in spring.
- Symptoms:
When lettuce is affected by mildew, it shows symptoms which can be identified at the beginning by a characteristic white, powdery mold located on the underside of the leaf and, at the end, by a change of color to yellow or pale green in the affected area.
If the plant is not properly treated, the disease will spread throughout the plant, and it can end up completely drying out the leaves and killing the plant. At first, it looks like a foreign powder, but a further analysis can show that it is adhered to the leaves, as the first symptoms always consist of chlorotic spots along the nerves of the affected plants’ leaves.
- Need for control
The conditions favoring the development of the disease persist for long and extensive periods of time, therefore both preventive treatments and the optimal scheduling of said treatments are essential.
Idai Nature’s naturdai range offers solutions that can help you effectively prevent and combat Mildew in your crop. Contact our technical department.
