{"id":41713,"date":"2026-10-27T09:30:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-27T08:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rovensanext.com\/?p=41713"},"modified":"2026-10-26T16:08:01","modified_gmt":"2026-10-26T15:08:01","slug":"whatever-the-pressure-we-have-it-under-biocontrol-integrated-strategies-for-powdery-mildew-downy-mildew-and-mites","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rovensanext.com\/en\/news\/biosolutions\/whatever-the-pressure-we-have-it-under-biocontrol-integrated-strategies-for-powdery-mildew-downy-mildew-and-mites\/","title":{"rendered":"Whatever the pressure, We Have It Under Biocontrol: Integrated strategies for Powdery Mildew, Downy Mildew and Mites"},"content":{"rendered":"

Control the pressure. Protect the potential.<\/h2>\n

An integrated biocontrol strategy<\/strong> helps growers manage biological pressure across pests and diseases rather than addressing each threat in isolation. Crops are never exposed to a single, fixed challenge: powdery mildew can spread across plant surfaces and reduce photosynthetic capacity; downy mildew can accelerate rapidly when humidity, leaf wetness and mild temperatures align; and mite populations can build on leaf undersides and in dense canopies before damage becomes obvious.<\/p>\n

The same pests. Never the same pressure. Humidity, temperature, crop stage, water availability, canopy structure, natural enemies and application quality constantly reshape the risk window. A fixed-calendar approach struggles to keep pace with biological pressure that responds to field conditions\u2014and when symptoms become visible, the crop may already be losing potential.<\/p>\n

This is why biocontrol<\/a> should not be presented as a sequence of isolated products. A product controls a target. A strategy manages the pressure. By anticipating risk, identifying the challenge early, preventing establishment, intervening precisely, optimising application and diversifying modes of action, growers can protect crop performance more effectively.<\/p>\n

This campaign marks a natural evolution of Biosolutionize Agriculture<\/strong>.<\/a> What began by bringing biosolutions closer to the real challenges growers face now moves one step further: from addressing individual problems to understanding how biological pressure changes and building integrated responses around it. The focus remains firmly on the field\u2014connecting knowledge, technologies and complementary solutions to help growers anticipate challenges, act at the right moment and protect crop potential.<\/p>\n

Integrated biocontrol for powdery mildew, downy mildew and mites<\/h2>\n

Powdery mildew, downy mildew and mites differ in biology, symptoms and development, but they share the same strategic challenge: pressure changes with conditions, early detection is decisive, and no single tool can cover every stage of the cycle. Together, they show why growers need an integrated framework rather than three disconnected product stories.<\/p>\n

The common objective is clear: control the pressure and protect the potential. That means preserving functional leaf area, photosynthetic activity, crop quality, yield potential and profitability while keeping programmes effective over time.<\/p>\n

Powdery mildew: visible on the surface, damaging much more<\/h2>\n

Powdery mildew is recognised by white or grey powdery growth on leaves, stems and sometimes fruit. Although much of the fungus develops externally, specialised structures draw resources from living plant cells. As infection advances, leaves may yellow, curl or age prematurely, photosynthesis declines and crops can lose vigour, uniformity, quality and commercial value.<\/p>\n

Its wind-dispersed spores can move quickly within the canopy and across fields, making early recognition and programme continuity essential. Integrated management combines prevention, direct biological control, contact action and rotation. Within Rovensa Next\u2019s global orientation, Ospo Vi55\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> leads direct control and Prev-Am\u00ae<\/sup> according to crop, target and local authorisation.<\/p>\n

In the corresponding experimental trials, Ospo Vi55\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> achieved 79\u201394% control, with results dependent on application rate and conditions. These efficacy figures are examples linked to specific trials and must always be adapted to local registration and use conditions.<\/p>\n

Downy mildew: when conditions turn, pressure moves fast<\/h2>\n

Downy mildew is caused by oomycetes and is strongly driven by the environment. High relative humidity, prolonged leaf wetness, rainfall or overhead irrigation, together with moderate temperatures, can open a rapid infection window. In susceptible crops, the disease may complete a reproductive cycle in only 4\u201310 days.<\/p>\n

Typical signs include yellow-green chlorotic lesions or oil spots on the upper leaf surface and grey, white or violet sporulation underneath during humid periods. Because the pathogen colonises internal tissues and spreads through water, wind and plant material, anticipation and preventive positioning are especially important.<\/p>\n

Integrated programmes should connect prevention, disease suppression, application coverage, crop resilience and resistance management. Portento\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> supports preventive positioning, Milagrum Plus\u00ae<\/sup> provides a control option within integrated programmes, and Prev-Am\u00ae<\/sup><\/a> or Prev-Gold with Orowet\u00ae<\/sup> Technology<\/a> can contribute contact activity and application performance where authorised. In commercial cucumber trials under high pressure, Milagrum Plus\u00ae<\/sup> delivered up to 91% control of disease severity; results varied with conditions and programme configuration.<\/p>\n

Mites: small pest, fast-growing pressure<\/h2>\n

Mite pressure can build without being detected, especially on leaf undersides, crop edges, hotspots and dense canopies. By the time stippling, chlorosis, bronzing, webbing or premature leaf decline becomes obvious, the infestation may already be established and photosynthetic capacity, quality and yield potential may be at risk.<\/p>\n

Regular scouting, accurate identification and assessment of species, life stages, population distribution and beneficial organisms are the starting point. Selective intervention, conservation of natural enemies, strong coverage and follow-up monitoring turn mite control into an adaptive IPM strategy rather than a blanket application.<\/p>\n

One integrated biocontrol strategy for changing pressure<\/h2>\n

Integrated pest<\/a> and disease management<\/a> brings together biological, cultural, physical and, where needed, conventional approaches. Across powdery mildew,<\/a> downy mildew and mite pressure, the response can be organised around five connected functions:<\/p>\n