Hop downy mildew is currently the biggest disease concern for Northeastern hop growers.  Downy mildew overwinters in the hop crown and primary inoculum will be released from the first shoots. Removal of the infected crown or the first flush of spring hop growth is called “crowning” or “scratching”. Shoot removal is used as an early season preventative measure …

Continue reading “Crowning and Early Season Downy Mildew Control”