Synergistic dispersal of plant pathogen spores by jumping-droplet condensation and wind

Significance Some fungal diseases spread within and among crops via the aerial dispersal of microscopic spores. Existing studies have characterized the liberation and dispersal of spores via wind and/or rain splash. Here, we show that dew droplets spontaneously jumping from superhydrophobic wheat leaves can disperse adhered spores, even in the complete absence of rain or strong winds. We found that the jumping-droplet effect results in short-range spore dispersal in the absence of wind. Long-range dispersal was possible when jumped droplets became suspended in a gentle wind, which is a synergistic effect as the wind alone was unable to dislodge dry spores. Finally, we show that proactive measures, such as applying a fungicide to suppress jumping-droplet condensation, can prevent dew-induced disease spread.