Mildew-Free Plants and Flowers - 2003
"Downy Mildew" and "Powdery Mildew" are two fairly common foliar diseases that affect the quality of several fresh cut flowers and flowering potted plants. Thus, for the past few years the American Floral Endowment has funded strategic research at three leading floricultural Universities, Cornell, Michigan State, and Texas A & M. The scientists have used a two-pronged approach to eliminating these diseases on marketable products. Firstly, they have evaluated some new and environmentally friendly fungicides that have recently become available. Secondly, they are determining the effects of temperature and relative humidity on disease development so the effective fungicides can be applied at the optimum time and achieve maximum control with the least amount of fungicide. This approach has been shown to be commercially effective in controlling "Downy Mildew" of field-grown cut snapdragon flowers. For additional information, contact Dr. Mary Hausbeck at hausbec1@msu.edu.
The American Floral Endowment is the only industry-wide, industry-based, not-for-profit organization totally dedicated to research and education development benefiting the entire floral industry. Over 40 years, generous contributions from every segment of the industry have enabled the Endowment to invest over $10 million to help find solutions to industry needs. For additional information regarding any of the Endowment's scientific or educational programs, visit the web site: www.endowment.org
