VIEW ARTICLE

Ecology and Epidemiology

Influence of Dew on Downy Mildew of Cantaloups in South Texas. Claude E. Thomas, Research Plant Pathologist, Southern Region, Agricultural Research Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Weslaco, TX 78596; Phytopathology 67:1368-1369. Accepted for publication 21 April 1977. Copyright © 1977 The American Phytopathological Society, 3340 Pilot Knob Road, St. Paul, MN 55121. All rights reserved.. DOI: 10.1094/Phyto-67-1368.

Dew periods were the determinant factor for the onset of downy mildew on cantaloups in South Texas. Epiphytotics did not occur until dew periods were of at least 5-6 hr duration even though inoculum was present and temperatures were favorable. By monitoring dew periods, the efficiency of timely application of preventive fungicides might be maximized.