Author
Martin, Frank | |
Bull, Carolee |
Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/23/2002 Publication Date: 12/20/2002 Citation: Martin, F.N., Bull, C.T. 2002. Biological approaches for control of some root pathogens of strawberry. Phytopathology. Interpretive Summary: N/A Technical Abstract: Soil fumigation with methyl bromide + chloropicrin is used as a preplant treatment to control a broad range of pathogens in high value annual crop production systems. In California, fumigation is used on approximately 25,000 acres of strawberry production to control pathogens ranging from V. dahliae to root pruning pathogens such as Pythium, Rhizoctonia, or Cylindrocarpon spp. In addition to pathogen control, fumigation also causes an enhanced growth response of the plant and reduces weed pressure. The development of successful, long-term cost effective biological control strategies most likely will require the development of an integrated systems approach that incorporates diverse aspects of the crop production system. Currently biological control is being studied in relation to crop rotation, strawberry genotypes, organic production, rhizosphere ecology and the diversity of pathogens to be controlled. While application of single microbial inoculants may provide some level of control for specific production problems, it will be a challenge to provide the broad spectrum of activity needed in production fields. |