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Alternative techniques for the application of sulphur dust to cashew trees for the control of powdery mildew caused by the fungus Oidium anacardii in Tanzania

Published by:
Publication date
25/05/1999
Language:
English
Type of Publication:
Articles & Journals
Focus Region:
Sub-Saharan Africa
Focus Topic:
Agricultural Value Chains / Agri-Businesses
Type of Risk:
Biological & environmental
Commodity:
Crops
Source
http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/0261-2194%2895%2900063-1
Author
Boma, F.; Cooper, J.F.; King, W.J.; Smith, D.N.; Topper, C.P.

Sulphur dusts are widely used in Tanzania to control powdery mildew on cashew trees, caused by the fungus Oidium anacardii. Sulphur distribution on mature cashew trees obtained using a motorised backpack duster, a manually powered backpack duster and a locally developed dusting bag were compared. The most efficient application was from the motorised duster, although sulphur distribution throughout the canopy of the tree was uneven with all three methods. The presence of dew when dusting was demonstrated to increase sulphur deposition. Following application, sulphur deposits on the canopy were found to decline by as much as 80% in 3 weeks.