Abstract:
Powdery mildew disease is the most destructive disease of rambutan in Sri Lanka,
which seriously threatens quality fruit production. Therefore, studies were conducted
to identify the causal agent, cross infection potential of pathogen with other crops,
resistant/tolerant germplasm and safer chemicals for management of powdery mildew
of rambutan.
Pathogen of powdery mildew of rambutan was identified as Oidium nephelii.
Pathogen did not show infection on leaves of rubber, mango, durian and orange
which are potential hosts for Oidium species. All germplasm including recommended
varieties were susceptible to the disease. Therefore, studies were directed to identify
safer chemicals to control the disease. Spraying of wettable sulphur (5g/l.) at young
foliage stage, at flowering, just after fruit setting and 3 weeks after fruit setting on to
the plants completely controlled mildew disease of rambutan.
