Abstract

Downy mildew is a destructive, but sporadically-occurring disease, whose incidence has been difficult to predict. Cornell researchers set out to predict this mildew and accomplished their goal.

Issue

Downy mildew is a very destructive, sporadically occurring disease of grapes that is difficult to control. Growers sometimes over-apply fungicides, wasting time and money, or worse, withhold fungicides when they are truly needed and suffer crop losses.

Response

Cornell plant pathologists studied the peculiar grapevine development and weather conditions that promote outbreaks of downy mildew. The conditions are complex, but predictable. Their research has lead to the release of a forecasting system called DMCast.

Impact

DMCast is available now on the World Wide Web at http://www.nysipm.cornell.edu/newa/, to any and all farmers who need to know the future threat of downy mildew. There is no longer a need for guesswork.

Funding Sources

• Other USDA (e.g., Water Quality, Special Grants, NRI)
• NY Wine and Grape Foundation

Collaborators

• South Australia Department of Agriculture
• South Australia Research and Development Institute
• Primary Industries and Resources South Australia

Key Personnel

• David M. Gadoury (Senior research associate, Dept. Plant Pathology, Cornell University, NYSAES
• Megan M. Kennelly, Graduate student, Dept. Plant Pathology, Cornell University, NYSAES
• Robert C. Seem, Professor, Dept. Plant Pathology, Cornell University, NYSAES
• Wayne F. Wilcox Professor, Dept. Plant Pathology, Cornell University, NYSAES