
Oídio
Powdery Mildew
Erysiphe Betae
Pathogen:
Fungus
Type:
Risk to the plant:
INTERMEDIATE



DESCRIPTION
WHO CAUSES IT?
Erysiphe betae is a fungus that belongs to the Erysiphaceae family and is responsible for causing powdery mildew in plants such as spinach and other similar species. This pathogen manifests itself mainly on the surface of the leaves, where it forms a white powdery layer, composed of mycelium and spores. During its infection cycle, Erysiphe betae produces conidia (asexual spores) that are dispersed through wind and other agents to colonize new plants. The fungus has a biotrophic character, which means that it requires living tissues of the host to develop. After the germination of the conidia on the leaves, the hyphae of the fungus penetrate the epidermis of the plant, extracting nutrients from the living cells. Under favorable conditions, such as moderate temperatures and high humidity, Erysiphe betae can complete several generations in a single growing season, rapidly multiplying its spores and spreading throughout the affected crop.
SYMPTOMS
Powdery mildew caused by Erysiphe betae negatively affects spinach and similar plants, weakening the leaves and reducing the photosynthetic capacity of the plant. The first manifestations of the disease are white or grayish Taches on the surface of the leaves, which rapidly expand and turn into a characteristic powdery coating. As the fungus progresses, plant development is compromised, and if the infection is severe, the leaves may yellow, dry and fall prematurely, which decreases the quality of the crop.
- White or grayish Taches on the leaves.
- White-looking powdery layer on the leaf surface.
- Yellowing of infected leaves.
- Delay in plant growth.
- Premature defoliation in severe cases.


TEMPERATURE AND HUMIDITY
15-25°C
60-80%

HOW IS IT SPREAD?
Wind, contact with contaminated tools, infected plants, contaminated plant remains

HOW TO REMOVE IT?
Home remedies
There are no home treatments
Chemical treatments
• ORANGE OIL 6% [SL] P/V
• SULFUR 80% [WG] P/P
• SULFUR 82.5% [SC] P/V
• COS-OGA 1.25% [SL] P/V
• POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE 85% [SP] P/P
Authorized treatments in organic farming
• ORANGE OIL 6% [SL] P/V
• SULFUR 80% [WG] P/P
• SULFUR 82.5% [SC] P/V
• COS-OGA 1.25% [SL] P/V
• POTASSIUM HYDROGEN CARBONATE 85% [SP] P/P
Insect allies
PREDATORY MITES
LADYBUGS
LACEWINGS
PARASITIC WASPS
HOVERFLIES OR PARASITIC FLIES
PREDATORY BUGS
There are no natural allies
Mycodiplosis oidii (predatory mosquito)





