Location: Subtropical Plant Pathology Research
Project Number: 6034-22000-045-008-R
Project Type: Reimbursable Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Dec 24, 2019
End Date: Aug 31, 2022
Objective:
Objective 1: Refine and validate the refined Decision Support System (DSS) in experimental plots of cucurbits located at the U.S. Horticultural Research Lab in Fort Pierce, Florida, The University of Florida (UF) Research Farms located at Live Oak and Immokalee, and with select grower cooperators to demonstrate its ability to reliably schedule fungicide applications.
Objective 2: Develop training materials for the refined DSS (e.g., fact sheet or a UF-EDIS bulletin) and train users (i.e., growers, crop consultants, and extensions personnel) how to use the DSS as a tool for management decisions. Extend fungicide recommendations via extension outlets.
Approach:
Trials will be planted at USDA-ARS, Ft. Pierce, Florida, and The University of Florida Research Farms located in Immokalee (SWFREC) and Live Oak to validate and improve Decision Support System (DSS). Trial plots of watermelon and squash will be planted in fall of first year and spring of second year. Leaf wetness data and disease severity will be collected in plots of untreated plants, calendar-based sprayed plants, and DSS-based fungicide spray plants. Fungicide efficacy for the various active ingredients will be evaluated and related to lab assays. The reduction or increase in the number of sprays and level of disease control and savings to growers calculated.
