Mar 2, 2012

Industry Uses Education to Help Fight War on Downy MildewSource: Various

Growers, young plant producers and breeders are getting proactive in the battle against downy mildew on impatiens walleriana by educating growers, retailers, landscapers and gardeners on the disease.

To help grower customers battle this devastating disease C. Raker & Sons has initiated a preventative disease control program. All Raker Impatiens walleriana will be treated preventatively prior to shipment for the disease and growers can be assured their product will be protected when they receive it. Raker is recommending that growers acontinue a preventative program as part of their production plan.

Costa Farms posted an article on its consumer website to help educate home gardeners about downy mildew. “Downy mildew is only infecting Impatiens walleriana,” explains Dr. Kate Santos, director of R&D at Costa Farms in the article. “The best defense is a strong offense so we at Costa Farms have initiated a 3-prong approach to alert people about the disease, prevent infestation, and provide alternatives to have healthy, beautiful plants in their landscape,” explains Santos.

Syngenta’s Technical Team recently posted a technical bulletin to provide growers with tips on dealing with the disease.

Ball Horticulutral Co. also has posted a FAQ page for landscapers on downy mildew on its website too.