I am not giving the link for this abstract as my virus checker gave a warning for it. Here is the abstract: Title: Mode of action of milk and whey in the control of grapevine powdery mildew Authors: P. Crisp(A),(D), T. J. Wicks(B), G. Troup(C) and E. S. Scott(A) Authors affiliation: (A)School of Agriculture, Food and Wine, University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, PMB 1, Glen Osmond, SA 5064, Australia. (B)South Australian Research and Development Institute, GPO Box 397, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia. (C)Faculty of Engineering, School of Physics and Materials Engineering, Monash University, Vic. 3800, Australia. (D)Corresponding author. Email: peter.crisp@adelaide.edu.au Published in: Australasian Plant Pathology, 2006, 35, pages 487Â493. Abstract: "Grapevine powdery mildew, caused by the fungus Erysiphe (Uncinula) necator, is a major disease affecting grape yield and quality worldwide. In conventional vineyards, the disease is controlled mainly by regular applications of sulfur and synthetic fungicides and, in organic agriculture, by sulfur and botanical and mineral oils. Research has identified milk and whey as potential replacements for synthetic fungicides and sulfur in the control of powdery mildew. Electron spin resonance and scanning electron microscopy were used to investigate the possible mode or modes of action of milk and whey in the control of powdery mildew. Electron spin resonance experiments showed that various components of milk produced oxygen radicals in natural light, which may have contributed to the reduction of severity of powdery mildew on treated leaves. Milk and whey caused the hyphae of E. necator to collapse and damaged conidia within 24 h of treatment. Hydrogen peroxide, applied as a source of free radicals, also caused collapse of the hyphae of E. necator but did not damage conidia, and appeared to stimulate germination. Lactoferrin (an antimicrobial component of milk) ruptured conidia, but damage to hyphae was not evident until 48 h after treatment. The results support the hypothesis that free radical production and the action of lactoferrin are associated with the control of powdery mildew by milk."

Only a couple doz. slots left as of 08/03. No walk-ins have been available for the last few years. Do pre-register.

Registration is now closed as the conference has reached its physical capacity. I am posting this so that people will know AND so that this posting will now move down to the bottom.

If you are anywhere near Greensboro, the Sept. 26 Gala sponsored by Guilford Co. Extension Master Gardeners should be on your schedule. As a native nut, the workshop by Patrick McMillan, Clemson educator and TV host, will be my choice; but, since I like all garden seminars, I know I will enjoy the main speakers, too. Check out the details on GW's event section, or call 336-375-5876 to request a copy of the brochure and registration form. Hope to see some GW posters there!