BASIL DOWNY MILDEW: PRESENT AND FUTURE PROSPECTS FOR CONTROL
Applied Research
Eugene McAvoy
UF/IFAS
LaBelle
Abstract
Basil downy mildew, caused by the fungus Peronospora belbahrii, was first reported in the U.S. during 2007. During later stages of the disease, leaves turn brown and necrotic, rendering the crop unmarketable. The disease may also progress following harvest, causing massive losses after shipment. All sweet basil types are highly susceptible to the downy mildew, although a few of the specialty basils, such as cinnamon basil and spice basil have shown some resistance. A very aggressive disease, sweet basil growers must use a very intensive spray program to keep the disease from reaching economic levels. These experiments were conducted to investigate fungicidal efficacy and to improve prospects for control.
Multiple fungicide trials were conducted over three years to investigate the management of basil downy mildew. A number of soil treatments have shown promising results slowing the onset of the disease and many efficacious compounds are capable of preventing new diseases.
A comparison of compounds used as a seedling drench indicated significant differences in mildew efficacy. Presidio, Quadris, and Ridomil provided significantly longer control than the phosphites ProPhyt and Aliette, and the SAR compounds Regalia and Vacciplant, with Ridomil providing superior control at both the 8 and 16 fl oz rates. In order of effectiveness, in the absence of a seedling drench, Ridomil, Revus, Reason, and Zampro provided for reductions in DM incidence, followed by Ranman, Forum, Quadris, Presidio, and ProPhyt, which were aided by a Ridomil drench.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: Gene McAvoy, Christian Miller, R.N. Raid
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McAvoy, G. County Extension Director/Regional Vegetable Extension Agent IV, UF/IFAS Hendry County Extension, Florida, 33975
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Miller, C. Vegetable Extension Agent I, UF/ IFAS, Palm Beach County Extension, Florida, 33415
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Raid, R. Professor, UF/IFAS, Everglades Research & Education Center, Florida, 33430