Use of elicitors to protect melon crops (Cucumis melo) against Podosphaera xanthii: A multisite field experiment

Abstract: Elicitors are a new promising way of protecting plants against pests and diseases. Based on natural or synthetic products, these products induce plant responses that lead to plant resistance. Three elicitors which presented no direct effects were introduced into a phytosanitary program, alternated with chemical references used against powdery mildew (Podosphaera xanthii).On this multisite study, a few elicitors combined with chemicals reduce powdery mildew frequency and severity on melon crops in some conditions. However, the most efficient elicitor, acibenzolar-S-methyl (ASM), can impact final yield and sugar content.