Effects of field bindweed (Convolvulus arvensis L.) and powdery mildew [Leveillula taurica (Lev.) Arn.] on pepper growth and yield - Short communication

Field experiments were conducted to determine the effects of field bindweed and powdery mildew on growth and yield of a pepper crop. This study also evaluated the efficacy of fungicide application programs for controlling powdery mildew. Field bindweed influenced growth and yield of pepper. The greatest dry weight and yield of pepper were recorded with weed-free control treatment. Moreover, powdery mildew was severe. The fungicide application programs positively influenced growth and yield of pepper. The control plots had the lowest yield of pepper. The first symptoms of powdery mildew on pepper plants developed 20-25 days after powdery mildew diagnosis on field bindweed. Two azoxystrobin applications, at 10 and 25 days after infection of field bindweed by powdery mildew, restricted the disease progress. Our results indicate that field bindweed is highly susceptible to powdery mildew infection and could be used as an indicator species of L. taurica presence in pepper plants.