Mono potassium phosphate (MKP) as part of an integrated pest management program to control powdery mildew.
Napier D. R., Oosthuyse S. A.
Author Affiliation: Mineag SQM Africa (Pty) Ltd, P.O. Box 70876, Bryanston 2021, South Africa.
Deciduous Fruit Grower 49 : S1-S4
Abstract : Powdery mildews (Oidium mangifera, Podosphaera leucotricha, Sphaerotheca pannosa, S. fuliginea, Uncinula necator and others) affect many crops. Experiments have shown that MKP sprayed alone, as a tank mix or in alternation with fungicides, have been successful in the control of powdery mildew in apples, grapes, peaches, nectarines, greenhouse cucumbers, roses, melons and mangoes. In most cases, the conventional fungicide programme may be cut by 50%. The action of MKP as a biocompatible fungicide appears to be synergistic with that of the fungicide, often improving disease control. The method of MKP application depends largely on the disease pressure and the crop to be sprayed. The benefits of incorporating MKP into a spray programme include good disease control, reduced fungicide applications (cost effective), reduced fungicide residues on food crops, less fungicide resistance pressure, promotion of IPM and enhanced plant nutrition. This paper reviews information available regarding powdery mildew control on numerous crops around the world.