Powdery mildew management: which cultural practice helps reduce its occurrence?

• A. Increasing Shade
• B. Improving Airflow And Reducing Shade
• C. Watering At Night
• D. Heavy Fertilization

Answer: (B)

Powdery mildew is driven by a humid, still microclimate with limited air movement, and shaded conditions often help it stay moist longer. The best cultural practice to reduce its occurrence is to improve airflow and reduce shade. When the canopy is open and sunlight reaches the turf, leaves dry more quickly and the humidity around the foliage drops, making conditions less favorable for the mildew to establish and spread. In contrast, more shade traps moisture, watering at night keeps leaves wet for extended periods, and heavy fertilization promotes lush growth that can support more fungal activity, all of which tend to increase the risk rather than reduce it.