For successful establishment in the field, the requirements of the particular pathogen with respect to temperature, humidity/dew period and other environmental factors must be considered. Infection of plants may not be achieved if environmental conditions at the time of release are not suitable.

Spores may be released in the field as water- or oil-based suspensions, sprayed or brushed onto the leaves or stems, or in the dry form, diluted if necessary with a powder such as talc. Alternatively, infected potted plants may be set out in the field amongst the plants to be infected. For short-lived spores this latter method allows a bigger window of opportunity for new infections to occur, as fresh spores are produced constantly so increasing the chance of coinciding with suitable environmental conditions. Where dew is unlikely to form naturally to allow infection, it may be artificially induced by enclosing foliage in plastic bags at night.

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