A review of fungal antagonists of powdery mildews and their potential as biocontrol agents

Abstract

There are approximately 40 fungal species that have so far been reported as natural antagonists of powdery mildews or have been tested as their potential biocontrol agents. This review summarizes the published data on their identification, taxonomy, ecology, modes of action and biocontrol efficacy. The results obtained with the two products already registered, AQ10 Biofungicide and Sporodex, are also discussed.

Ampelomyces hyperparasites – occurrence and effect on the development of ascomata of Erysiphales species under conditions of anthropopressure

“…Fungi of the genus Ampelomyces are considered to be major antagonists of Erysiphales species [11]. The range of their occurrence corresponds with the range of powdery mildews, which points to the ecological specialization of these hyperparasites.…”

“…World and Polish literature provides a lot of information about presence Ampelomyces fungi on different Erysiphales species in natural condition ( [11,[17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24]. Relatively few investigations were focused on the ecology of these hyperparasites and their natural occurrence on various Erysiphales species under urban condition [25][26][27].…”

“…Hyperparasites may also colonize ascogonia and antheridia as well as young, immature chasmothecia of powdery mildews, transforming them into their own reproductive structures. Infested ascomata do not reach the stage of maturity, do not form appendages nor ascospores, which is linked with the reduction of the source of primary infections [3][4][5][6][7].The capability of hyperparasites to infest different Erysiphales species, to suppress their sporulation as well as to inhibit the formation and development of chasmothecia has contributed to the advance of research addressing mainly the aspect of the application of Ampelomyces fungi in the biological control of powdery mildews [1,[8][9][10][11]. From the economic point of view, Erysiphales species constitute a significant group of phytopathogens of multiple fruit plants and crops.…”

“…The capability of hyperparasites to infest different Erysiphales species, to suppress their sporulation as well as to inhibit the formation and development of chasmothecia has contributed to the advance of research addressing mainly the aspect of the application of Ampelomyces fungi in the biological control of powdery mildews [1,[8][9][10][11]. From the economic point of view, Erysiphales species constitute a significant group of phytopathogens of multiple fruit plants and crops.…”

Biological and Chemical Resistance Inducers Approaches for Controlling Foliar Diseases of Some Vegetables under Protected Cultivation System

“…The most recorded serious foliar diseases attacked vegetables growing in plastic houses are Powdery and Downy mildews as well as Early and Late blights causing large yield losses in a number of crops [9][10][11].…”