Powdery Mildew Disease of Citrus

Powdery Mildew (Acrosporium tingitaninum): Whitish powdery mass develops on the young leaves and twigs. Affected leaves get distorted. When the disease is severe the affected leaves drop off and the twigs show dieback symptoms. Surface of the young fruits is also covered by fungus, and they drop of prematurely. Consequently reducing the yield.

Control : Powdery mildew can be controlled easily by spraying Wettable Sulphur (1.5kg/200 litres of water). Sulphur dusting (20kg/hectare) in the morning hours controls the disease effectively. Systemic fungicides like Bayleton (1g/litre of water) or Calaxin (3-4 ml/10 litres of water) or Benomyl (5g/10 litres of water) offer better and prolonged control of the disease.