Bob Mulrooney, Extension Plant Pathologist; bobmul@udel.edu
Disease Severity Value (DSV) Accumulation as of June 4, 2008 is as follows:
Location: Broad Acres, Zimmerman Farm, Rt. 9, Kent County
Greenrow: April 27
| LATE BLIGHT | EARLY BLIGHT | |||
| Date | Daily DSV | Total DSV | Spray Recs | Accumulated P days* |
| 4/27 – 5/6 | 7 | 7 | none | 64 |
| 5/8 – 5/10 | 9 | 16 | none | 95 |
| 5/11 – 5/12 | 5 | 21 | 5-day interval | 102 |
| 5/12 – 5/14 | 0 | 21 | 5-day interval | 117 |
| 5/16 – 5/17 | 6 | 27 | 7-day interval | 141 |
| 5/18 – 5/21 | 5 | 32 | 5-day interval | 166 |
| 5/22 – 5/26 | 0 | 32 | 7-day interval | 203 |
| 5/30 – 6/1 | 3 | 35 | 10-day interval | 252 |
| 6/2 – 6/4 | 1 | 36 | 10-day interval | 279 |
* P days– We use the predictive model WISDOM to determine the first fungicide application for prevention of early blight as well. The model predicts the first seasonal rise in the number of spores of the early blight fungus based on the accumulation of 300 physiological days (a type of degree-day unit, referred to as P-days) from green row. To date, 279 P-days have accumulated at the site. Once 300 P-days have accumulated, the first fungicide for early blight control should be applied. This usually occurs when rows are touching.
The Spray Recs column in the table is also generated by the WISDOM software program. This recommendation combines the DSV accumulation for late blight as well as the P-day accumulations for early blight and computes a spray recommendation. This is presented as a guide only. Spray decisions should be made with local conditions in mind and this information can help to determine if disease conditions are favorable.
If pink rot or leak is a concern and no pink rot fungicide was applied at planting, consider applying one of the following when potatoes are nickel-sized and repeating 14 days later. Apply in as much water as possible (20-30 gal/A): Mefanoxam/chlorothalonil (Ridomil/Bravo or Flouranil) 2 lb/A, or Ridomil Gold/MZ 2.5 lb/A, or Ridomil Gold/Copper 2 lb/A. If Platinum/Ridomil Gold was applied at planting the label allows one foliar application of one of those products at tuber initiation if conditions warrant.
For specific fungicide recommendations, see the 2008 Delaware Commercial Vegetable Production Recommendations Book.