ARS | Publication request: FUNGICIDE APPLICATIONS IN GREENHOUSES

Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: August 1, 2003
Publication Date: August 12, 2003
Citation: Derksen, R.C., Krause, C.R. 2003. Fungicide applications in greenhouses. Phytopathology. 93:5118.

Technical Abstract: Fungicides may be applied through a wide variety of application devices. Application strategy is influenced by a number of factors including fungicide choice, pest complex, crop, and operating conditions, and safety issues. High volume treatments are favored by many producers because of their simplicity and flexibility. High volume treatments can potentially dilute active ingredients to a point where they are not biologically as effective in the target zone. Research has demonstrated that low volume applications can provide the same level of deposit as high volume treatments more efficiently and quickly. However, low volume sprayers may not present the fungicide on the target in a manner that is most biologically effective. Efficacy trials conducted in laboratory greenhouses have shown that application volume and sprayer type influence the amount of spray deposit on the target canopy but not necessarily biological efficacy. However, findings also show that the presentation (droplet size and density) on the target significantly affect efficacy. These findings will provide guidelines to help establish optimum operating practices for different application devices.