Keywords
airborne spores
downy mildew
powdery mildew
vineyard
How to Cite
Abstract
Downy mildew (Plasmopara viticola) and powdery mildew (Erysiphe necator) are problematic fungal diseases in viticulture. This study analyses the dynamics and behaviour of airborne spore levels of these fungi in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula (Castilla-La Mancha), and their relationship with meteorological conditions and vineyard phenophases.
The study was conducted in vineyards in the west of the province of Cuenca (Castilla-La Mancha). Aerobiological monitoring of spores and phenological monitoring of the crop were carried out. An intraday analysis of spore levels and an analysis of the relationship between daily spore concentrations and meteorological variables were performed.
E. necator spores appeared constantly during the sampling period, reaching maximum concentrations during inflorescence development (May). P. viticola spores predominated during budding (March-April). E. necator spore concentrations were positively influenced by temperatures and negatively influenced by relative humidity and precipitation. P. viticola spore concentrations were negatively influenced by temperatures and wind speed, and positively influenced by relative humidity. Intraday analysis showed that the highest levels of E. necator spores are reached between 4 and 6 p.m., while those of P. viticola are reached between 11 a.m. and 12 p.m.
The risk of infection by downy mildew and powdery mildew is high in spring, between budding and flowering. However,
summer meteorogical conditions hinder the development of the life cycle of these fungi.
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