Control Efficacy of Milk Concentration Against Powdery Mildew of Strawberry

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of milk as one of the environmental friendly materials that substitute chemical fungicides for control powdery mildew (Sphaerotheca aphanis) of strawberries $(Fragaria{\times}ananassa\;Duch.)$. 'Maehyang' and 'Akihime' varieties planted in greenhouses were evaluated for the control of powdery mildew. Applications of $5\%,\;10\%\;and\;20\%$ milk had much better effects on controlling powdery mildew. In particular, $10\%$ milk showed a higher efficacy than other concentrations applied onto straw­berry in greenhouse experiments. Foliar spray application of $10\%$ milk was effective for powdery mildew, whereas drench application was not. Also, foliar spray of $10\%$ milk was able to accelerate more firmness and calcium contents of strawberry fruits than the non-treated. The $10\%$ milk applied with fertilizer salts $(Ca(H_2PO_4)_2-H_2O\;and KH_2PO_4)$ showed there was a similar efficacy to $10\%$ milk alone in greenhouse experiments. White crystals and cracks on strawberry fruits appeared by $20\%$ milk. This result indicated that $10\%$ milk was a useful substitute for fungicides to control powdery mildew of strawberry.