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Suppression of Powdery Mildew (Podosphaera pannosa) in Greenhouse Roses by Brief Exposure to Supplemental UV-B radiation

Ultraviolet (UV)-B (280 to 315 nm) irradiance from 0.1 to 1.2 W m^–2 and exposure times from 2 min to 2 h significantly suppressed powdery mildew (Podosphaera pannosa) in pot rose (Rosa × hybrida ‘Toril’) via reduced spore germination, infection efficiency, disease severity, and sporulation of surviving colonies. Brief daily exposure to UV-B suppressed disease severity by more than 90% compared with unexposed controls, and severity was held at low levels as long as daily brief exposures continued. Selective removal of wavelengths below 290 nm from the UV lamp sources by cellulose diacetate filters resulted in significant reduction of treatment efficacy. Exposure of plants to 2 h of UV-B during night for 1 week followed by inoculation with P. pannosa did not affect subsequent pathogen development, indicating that the treatment effect was directly upon the exposed pathogen and not operated through the host. Following 20 to 30 days of exposure, chlorophyll and flavonoid content was slightly higher in plants exposed to the highest UV-B levels. Brief daily exposure to UV-B for 5 min at 1.2 W m^–2 or 1 h at 0.1 W m^–2 substantially reduced mildew severity without significant phytotoxicity, and may represent a useful nonchemical option for suppression of powdery mildew in greenhouse roses and, possibly, other crops.