Fruit and Vegetable News

 Author: Natalie Hoidal, Extension Educator, Local Foods and Vegetable Production At this point in the season, at least for diversified vegetable farms, the busiest part of the season is behind us. There’s still a lot of work to be done, but I encourage you all to take some time to make a plan for fall Brassica management, and in particular disease prevention. This season has been generally dry with fewer disease problems than normal, but we’re starting to see pressure from black rot (Xanthomonas campestris pv. campestris) and Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria spp.) What can you do at this point in the season to prevent problems?   Late summer Brassicas are often a source of inoculum for fall Brassicas. Photo: NH What can you spray? I reviewed twelve recent trials assessing the impact of various fungicides on black rot and Alternaria leaf spot in Brassicas, and compiled the results of each product into a table for comparison (see below). The data is complicated. A few of the co...

As the season wraps up and tools and equipment are stored away for the season be sure to clean tools properly to prevent plant pathogens from surviving from one season to the next. Soil covered tools, ready to be cleaned and disinfected M. Grabowski, UMN Extension Plant pathogens have multiple strategies for survival. Many common plant pathogens survive in infected plant debris and soil. As a result, crop rotation and proper disposal of crop residue play an important role in reducing disease problems from year to year. But what about the large equipment, hand tools, wires, stakes, high tunnel plastic, clips, and other day to day objects that are used throughout the production season? Can plant pathogens survive on tools and equipment?  Some viruses like Tomato Mosaic Virus, Tobacco Mosaic Virus, and Pepper Mild Mottle Virus are very durable and can survive on the surface of tools, greenhouse plastic, pots, and other equipment that comes in contact with infected plants. Fu...