Epifluorescence microscopy and low temperature scanning electron microscopy were used to document the development of Uncinula necator on vine leaves and the antifungal effects of kresoxim-methyl and penconazole. Post-germinational growth and development followed a regular time course which was classified into 10 stages.
Kresoxim-methyl was applied at a range of concentrations and at different times before and after inoculation. In glasshouse trials at moderate relative humidity (60%), all pre-infectional applications completely inhibited conidial germination. Lower efficacies were observed with detached leaves at high humidity in Petri dishes. Post-infectional applications of at least 8 mg a.i. l−1 inhibited sporulation and mycelial growth and 67 mg a.i. l−1 caused a partial collapse of surface structures.
Penconazole applied at 17 mg a.i. l−1 did not inhibit germination, but prevented hyphal development and caused growth distortion with hyphal tip swelling. Pre- and post-infectional treatments had similar effects. Applications made 3 d after inoculation increased multiple appressoria and conidiophore formation.
