Microbial-enriched CT applied 24 h prior to inoculation
or applied one week after disease outbreak was
less effective at inhibiting the development of powdery
mildew. This lack of inhibitory activity may reflect the
inability of microorganisms in the CT to survive on the
leaf surface (McQuilken et al. 1994). Previous reports
have indicated that compost extracts are less effective in
reducing lesion development on detached bean leaves
when it is sprayed on leaves two days prior to inoculation
with B. cinerea. A large community of microorganisms
was identified by SEM on melon leaves treated with
microbial-enriched CT, and these microorganisms may
have played a major role in inhibiting germination of G.
cichoracearum DC. conidia.