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WSU researcher leads effort to address fungicide resistant mildew

As the grape growing season gets underway, Michelle Moyer, a WSU associate professor and extension specialist, is leading a diverse and multi-disciplined team to address the challenge of fungicide resistant, powdery mildew.

Grapevine powdery mildew is a perennial challenge grape growers face that can decimate crops if left unchecked, costing the industry hundreds of millions of dollars annually.

For decades, growers have relied on a suite of methods and tools to combat powdery mildew that range from cultural practices of opening canopies for increased air flow and sunlight, to applying affordable, effective fungicides.

While fungicide application has proven to be the most reliable and sustainable management control over grapevine powdery mildew, its effectiveness is being threatened as mildew adapts and develops resistance against certain classes of fungicides, leaving many growers in a potentially untenable situation.

Moyer is leading a $4.75 million effort, funded by the USDA’s Specialty Crop Research Initiative, to address this challenge and give grape growers the knowledge and tools necessary for reducing the impact of fungicide resistant powdery mildew.

Titled, FRAME (Fungicide Resistance, Assessment, Mitigation, and Extension) Network, Moyer’s project is an expansion of work started in Washington, Oregon, and California on fungicide resistance. | For the full story, CLICK HERE.