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WATERMELON FOLIAR DISEASES: SIGHTING-IN ON A MOVING TARGET

Applied Research

Jim Shrefler
Extension Horticulture Specialist
OKLAHOMA COOPERATIVE EXTENSION
Durant

Abstract

Foliar diseases pose a recurring threat to Oklahoma watermelon production. In any given year, diseases including any of anthracnose, downy mildew, cercospora, gummy stem blight and powdery mildew can reduce crop yield and fruit quality. When applied in a timely fashion, fungicides can often prevent these diseases. However, growers are faced with the challenges of determining which fungicide products to use, and deciding when to apply them, to obtain best results. Options for fungicide application timing decision-making include a preset scheduled (e.g. weekly), application based on general weather forecasts, or applying when disease symptoms appear. Each of these has benefits and downsides. An additional option in Oklahoma is to use a forecaster developed for use with the Oklahoma Mesonet. In order to develop information that would enable growers to gain a better understanding of foliar disease management, trials were conducted from 2004 to 2009 in southeast Oklahoma. In these trials we compared the efficacy of two broad spectrum fungicide treatments for foliar disease control using application timings based on a preset schedule and the anthracnose forecaster. Over the course of the study, the nature of disease incidence varied each year and each of the earlier mentioned diseases appeared at least once. Certain fungicide treatments were consistently effective in protecting watermelon vines from foliar diseases.

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: J.W. Shrefler, H. L. Stephens, B. J. Bain, C. N. Russell
  1. Shrefler, J. Area Extension Horticulture Specialist, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension Service, Oklahoma, 74555
  2. Stephens, H. Ext. Educator - Ag & 4H, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension, Atoka County, Oklahoma, 74555
  3. Bain, B. Ext. Educator - Ag & 4H, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension, McCurtain County, Oklahoma, 74745
  4. Russell, C. Ext. Educator - Ag & 4H, Oklahoma Cooperative Extension, Coal County, Oklahoma, 74538