Distribution of cucurbit powdery mildew species in the Czech Republic

Abstract

The occurrence of Erysiphe cichoracearum (Ec) and Sphaerotheca fuliginea (Sf), causal agents of cucurbit powdery mildewin the Czech Republic (CR) was studied in the period of 1995-2001. Nearly 800 leaf samples with disease symptomswere microscopically examined. Ec is the predominating species, detected on 98% of locations. It was accompanied by Sfon 24% of locations. The occurrence of Sf as the only powdery mildew species was proved on 2% of locations. Recentoccurrence of Sf in the CR corresponds with data on Sf fast spreading and prevailing on cucurbits in West and SouthEurope. However, Ec is the strongly predominating powdery mildew species largely distributed throughout the country.The hyperparasitic fungus Ampelomyces quisqualis was detected on 30% of samples.

Keywords

• sphaerotheca fuliginea
• erysiphe cichoracearum
• ampelomyces quisqualis
• cucurbitaceae
• anamorphs
• conidiamorphology
• light microscopy