Biological Control of Grape Powdery Mildew Using Tydeid Mites

Abstract

Uncinula necator, the causal agent of grape powdery mildew, is the most destructive pathogen of grapes worldwide, and is a particularly serious pest in the Northeastern US. There has been considerable interest, but limited success, in finding biological approaches to managing grape powdery mildew. Recently, we have discovered a mycophagous mite (Orthotydeus lambi) that is able to effectively suppress the development of powdery mildew on wild riverbank grape (Vitis riparia).