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Solving Persistent Pathogens Problem in Viburnum Production

Applied Research

Wael Elwakil
Extension Agent II, Fruit & Vegetable Production
UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County
Seffner

Abstract

Situation: Viburnum species are one of the top-selling ornamental shrubs in Central Florida and placement in landscapes. This includes?Viburnum suspensum?and?V. odoratissimum. Nurseries propagate viburnum by using landscape or production stock plants that may appear healthy, but often harbor several foliar diseases prevalent in nurseries and landscape environments. These diseases then compromise production during the propagation stage. This is especially problematic for ornamental shrub nursery production reliant on overhead irrigation that is optimal for foliar pathogen spread and development. While effective fungicide treatments can help manage foliar diseases during container production, making applications during or immediately following propagation may improve liner production and limit disease losses following transplanting. Objectives were to measure the efficacy of five fungicide products during liner (cutting) production as either a soil drench or a dip-treatment for cuttings to minimize disease development early in the production cycle. Methods: Two cutting propagation trials were conducted with drip and drench applications of 5 treatments and a control. Treatments were replicated 4 times in a complete randomized block. Disease incidence was measured weekly and destructive sampling for dry shoots and roots weight was conducted at the end of the trails. Results: Drench and dip applications of tested fungicides showed a reduction in disease severity. However, some drench fungicide applications had a negative effect on cutting vigor. Conclusion: Fungicide applications during propagation reduced disease development. Nevertheless, using disease-free cutting coupled with protective fungicide application will greatly reduce disease severity as well as delay the disease onset on viburnum, especially during the critical propagation stage. 

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: Wael Elwakil, Shawn Shawn Steed, Marrissa Cassaway, Gary Vallad
  1. Elwakil, W. Extension Agent II, Fruit & Vegetable Production, UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, Florida, 33584
  2. Shawn Steed, S. Multi County Agent IV, Environmental Horticulture Production, UF/IFAS Extension, Hillsborough County, Florida, 33584
  3. Cassaway, M. Biological Scientist II, UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, GCREC, Florida, 33598
  4. Vallad, G. Professor of Plant Pathology, UF/IFAS Plant Pathology Department, GCREC, Florida, 33598