Bob Mulrooney, Extension Plant Pathologist; bobmul@udel.edu
Pepper Phytophthora Blight
For control of the crown rot phase of blight: Apply 1 pt Ridomil Gold 4E/A or 1 qt Ultra Flourish 2E/A (mefenoxam, 4). Apply broadcast prior to planting or in a 12 to 16-inch band over the row before or after transplanting. Make two additional post-planting directed applications with 1 pint Ridomil Gold 4E or 1 qt Ultra Flourish 2E per acre to 6 to 10 inches of soil on either side of the plants at 30-day intervals. Use the formula under “Calibration for Changing from Broadcast to Band Application” on page E6 of the 2008 DE Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations to determine the amount of Ridomil Gold needed per acre when band applications are made. When using polyethylene mulch, apply Ridomil Gold 4E at the above rates and timing by injection through the trickle irrigation system. Dilute Ridomil Gold 4E prior to injecting to prevent damage to injector pump.
Tomato Bacterial Spot and Speck
Both bacterial diseases can cause serious problems in the field if infections begin in the greenhouse prior to transplanting. Symptoms of spot and speck look very similar on infected leaves. Lesions are small, circular, blackish-brown and, with time, develop a halo or yellowing of tissue surrounding the lesion. As lesions develop they can coalesce (join together) and can cause premature death. Since sources for these diseases include seed, weed hosts, volunteer plants and contaminated wood (benches) make sure production or holding areas are disinfested, weed-free and clean prior to introducing transplants. Inspect all seedlings prior to transplanting. Infections can occur on all parts of the tomato plant and can easily be spread during transplant production, by transplanting with contaminated equipment, and by workers’ hands. Tomato transplants with suspected symptoms can be treated with streptomycin (Agri-Mycin 17, Agri-Strep, 25) at 1 lb/100 gallons, or 1.25 teaspoon per gallon every 4 to 5 days prior to transplanting. Additionally, Kocide 3000 (copper hydroxide, FRAC code M1), the updated formulation from Dupont, has a greenhouse label for speck and spot control in the greenhouse. Apply 0.5 to 1.5 tablespoons per 1000 sq ft every 5 to 10 days. Remember, phytoxicity is an important issue when apply copper in enclosed structures. See label for cautions, restrictions and liabilities. After transplanting, apply Actigard at 0.33 oz 50 WG/A, or fixed copper (M1) at 1 lb a.i./A plus a mancozeb (Dithane, Manex II, Manzate, Penncozeb, M3) at 1.5 lb 75DF or OLF/A, or ManKocide (M1 + M3) at 2.5 to 5.0 lb 61WP/A, or Cuprofix MZ (M1 + M3) at 1.75 to 7.25 lb 52.5DF/A on a 7-day schedule.
From Andy Wyenandt, Rutgers University