Girma Tegene

Management of Pepper Powdery Mildew (L. Taurica) Girma Tegene

Pepper powdery mildew (L. taurica) is fully capable of causing significant reductions in yield and/or marketability if left unchecked. L. taurica can be controlled with resistance varieties or application of fungicides. The combination of varieties- fungicide required to manage L. taurica in the most economical manner is important for efficient control of the disease. Even though varieties-fungicides combinations may be imperative for areas with high disease pressure, fungicides may not be accessible or affordable for small-scale farmers of Ethiopia. A variety selection is a major disease management decision as well as it determines the potential for diseases to reach various levels of severity under favorable conditions. Use of resistant varieties may reduce the need for chemical control and this should be a prime consideration whenever possible.