To date there have been no confirmed cases of downy mildew in the Great Lakes region. There was an initial report of infection in Michigan last week, however it was later retracted.
Due to the current weather conditions we are at risk of developing downy mildew in the crop at this time. A preventative fungicide program is the most effective way to manage this disease. If a protective spray was not on the crop during the recent storms, apply a targeted downy mildew fungicide as soon as possible. See the Cucurbit Downy Mildew Update from June 18th, 2014.
Downy mildew is a community disease. Open communication is the best way to ensure that all growers in the region are able to properly assess the risk of infection in their own fields. Please contact OMAFRA or your local agri-business rep if you see, or suspect you see, downy mildew on your farm.
Confirmed in Gratiot county Michigan 7/11/14