Project Number: 5350-22000-019-06
Project Type: Reimbursable

Start Date: Feb 01, 2013
End Date: Jan 31, 2014

Objective:
The objective of this program is to identify and implement an integrated management non-fumigant methodology to control soilborne pathogens and weeds in strawberry production systems. The effects of anaerobic soil disinfestation, mustard seed meal amendments and organic acid material alone or in combination on fruit yield, soilborne disease and weed control will be determined. The contribution from this unit will focus assessing efficacy of these treatments, determining the role of soil biology in any observed disease control, and identifying the functional biological elements that have a role in disease suppression.

Approach:
The capacity of different control strategies and integrated methods for suppression strawberry root infection will be determined in large field assays and in greenhouse assays. Greenhouse trials will focus on the biological ramifications of such control methods on soil biology, the temporal nature of these changes, and the effect of these changes on disease control. Based upon the findings from these experiments field trials may be modified and integration strategies altered to enhance control efficacy.