How to Handle Commonplace Root Diseases – An Agents Guide
Horticulture & Turfgrass
Timothy Waller
Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III
Rutgers
Millville
Abstract
Generating successful root pathogen recommendations is difficult. Therefore, the purpose of this educational session is to help horticulture agents be more effective when targeting diseases caused by common root rotting pathogens. The specific topics of discussion were first identified through research surrounding Phytophthora and other root diseases associated with conifers, Christmas trees, and a multitude of commercial nursery crops. These common factors have led to many industry seminars regarding cultural practices and sanitation techniques, pathogen identification, and management techniques as well as Oomycete specific chemical recommendations. In addition to chemical efficacy trials and regular diagnostic sessions, a series of factsheets focused on individual root diseases is underway for multiple commodity groups. Whether the agent is receiving calls about nursery crops, homeowner landscapes, established tree plantations, or comestible crops, the topic of devastating root disease will eventually be in the spotlight. Proper recommendations and management techniques are hinged upon understanding the differences in the key root rotting pathogens. For an agent to be proficient in root disease prevention, suppression, and management one must be able to identify, at least to a practical level, the most common root diseases including Phytophthora, Pythium, Rhizoctonia, Fusarium, Sclerotium, Thielaviopsis / Berkeleyomyces and others, as well as understanding the crops most often infected by these different pathogens. How these pathogens spread through an ecosystem or crop, become established or persistent, how cultural practices can either cure or exacerbate root issues, and the abiotic and biotic factors associated with overall plant decline are important metrics that should be considered prior to delivering any root disease recommendation. Additionally, a working understanding of disease specific chemistries must be understood, as chemical recommendations vary from one stakeholder group or pathogen to the next and should be carefully weighed against the entire spray regime to avoid possible phytotoxic combinations. Specific examples, photographs, and animations will greatly aid in educating Extension professionals on root diseases common to, and generally comparable across, horticulture.
Authors: Timothy Waller, William Errickson
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Timothy Waller Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 08332-9776
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William Errickson Agriculture & Natural Resources County Agent III, Rutgers Cooperative Extension, New Jersey, 07728-5033