Lexington, KY 40546

Online at: www.uky.edu/KPN

Number 1350
ANNOUNCEMENT New Spotted Wing Drosophila Factsheets for Small Fruit Producers CORN Physoderma Brown Spot of Corn SOYBEAN Soybean Vein Necrotic Virus Beginning to Emerge in Some Fields TOBACCO Disease Update for the Week of July 29

July 30, 2013

VEGETABLES Downy Mildew Found On Cucurbits in Kentucky FRUIT Downy Mildew in Grape Secrets to Successful Disease Management FUNGICIDES Some Principles of Fungicide Resistance VIII: Fungicide Dependence Promotes Resistance Risk DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS INSECT TRAP COUNTS

ANNOUNCEMENT New Spotted Wing Drosophila Factsheets for Small Fruit Producers Ric Bessin, Entomologist; Patty Lucas, IPM Extension Specialist; and Jessica Cole, Extension Associate With spotted wing drosophila (SWA) activity confirmed statewide earlier this month, we have put together two factsheets that extension personnel and producers can use to combat this new invasive pest. Both of these are available from the UK Entomology Website (http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entomology. php). ENTFACT 229 Spotted Wing Drosophila, Biology, Identification and Monitoring http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/entfa ctpdf/ef229.pdf ENTFACT 230 Spotted Wing Drosophila Management http://www2.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/entfa ctpdf/ef230.pdf

We are beginning to see sample of fruit fly larvae in blackberry and raspberry samples and are getting additional reports as well.

CORN Physoderma Brown Spot of Corn Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologist Weve diagnosedand received reports of scattered cases of field corn with Physoderma brown spot in western Kentucky (10-15% of plants affected). Typical symptoms of the disease are shown in the figures below. This disease, caused by the fungus Physoderma maydis, does not occur widely in Kentucky, though it is not unusual to see it pop up here and there. With all the rain, there may be more than normal. Infection by this fungus produces chocolate-brown spots on leaf midribs and leaf sheaths. Infections of the leaf blade tend to be small and yellowish to yellowish-brown in color. Often, brown spot symptoms appear as diffuse bands of disease. This is because infections often occur in the whorl, where moisture accumulates. Since environmental

conditions in the whorl fluctuate, so does the occurrence of infections as the corn tissue grows through the whorl.

stalk. The underlying stalk is healthy. Prove this to yourself by removing a brown-spotted sheath, and youll see healthy stalk beneath. Past field observations suggest that foliar fungicides are not highly effective, nor do I believe there is a need for specific control measures against the disease.

SOYBEAN Soybean Vein Necrotic Virus Beginning to Emerge in Some Fields Don Hershman, Extension Plant Pathologist A newly described soybean virus disease, soybean vein necrosis virus (SVNV), is beginning to appear at in many Kentucky soybean fields at this time. The range of symptoms is displayed in Figure 4. The earliest symptoms (Figure 4, upper left) appear as a diffuse clearing of veins in spots with irregular margins. The spots range in size from 0.25 to 0.5 inches in diameter. This symptom will progress into a distinct oak-leaf pattern that is whitish to bright yellow. Over the course of a month, the oak-leaf symptom will turn from yellow to brown. Older lesions (Figure 5) are commonly infected by saprophytic/secondary fungi, especially Cercospora spp. Symptoms tend to be most evident in the upper 1/3 of the canopy.

Figure 1. Symptoms of Physoderma brown spot of corn on the leaf blade. Note band of diseased tissue, indicative of an infection period when that leaf tissue was in the whorl.

Figure 2. Symptoms of Physoderma brown spot of corn on the leaf sheath. Note diagnonal banding pattern, indicative of sequential flushes of infection.

Figure 3. Close-up of spotting due to brown spot of corn. (Photo: Courtesy Clemson University - USDA Cooperative Extension Slide Series, Bugwood.org.)

The disease is generally a minor player in terms of yield, and field research seems to support this conclusion. However, selected cases of highly susceptible lines may show unusually high levels of damage. The brown spots on the sheath can raise concern about stalk heath. Keep in mind, however, that these are infections of the leaf sheath, not the

Figure 4. Range of symptoms caused by soybean vein necrosis virus (Photo: D. Hershman).

once tobacco has been topped and treated for suckers, susceptibility to blue mold decreases and treatment for this disease is generally not needed. Over the past couple of weeks target spot and, to a lesser extent, frogeye leaf spot have really taken off in fields around Kentucky. Ive gotten several calls about Quadris and the potential for this fungicide to cause injury to tobacco foliage. Frequent rains, cooler temperatures, and cloudy weather have resulted in a crop that is more tender and thin-bodied than normal, and such crops tend to be more sensitive to pesticides, including Quadris. Quadris can be phytotoxic under normal growing conditions, but the risk of injury appears to increase when temperatures and humidity are high. Treating tobacco earlier or later in the day will help avoid the conditions that may lead to injury. The chances of getting foliar injury are also greater as the rate of Quadris is increased above our standard recommendation of 8 fl oz/A; however, higher rates may be needed where moderate to severe levels of disease are present. Quadris should never be mixed with foliar fertilizers, sucker control materials, surfactants, liquid Dipel, or pesticides formulated as emulsifiable concentrates (EC). Serious leaf burn can occur if these products are tank-mixed with Quadris. Other materials, such as Warrior and Orthene, are used routinely with Quadris, but have caused injury in a small number of cases. Growers should use caution with these materials as tank-mix partners and follow the guidelines mentioned earlier for spraying in hot weather. For recommendations on the control of tobacco diseases, please consult past issues of the Kentucky Pest News, or the Kentucky-Tennessee Tobacco Production Guide (ID-160), available at http://www.ca.uky.edu/agc/pubs/id/id160/id160.pd f.

Figure 5. Old lesions of soybean vein necrotic-associated virus colonized by a host of secondary fungi, especially Cercospora spp. (Photo: D. Hershman).

SVNV is thought to be transmitted to soybean by various species of thrips. Thus, the greater the incidence of thrips, the more virus we can expect to see. Very little is known about this disease, including possible yield and/or quality impacts. These aspects of the disease, including the potential for transmission of the virus in seed, are being studied this year in a joint UK-University of Tennessee study funded by the Kentucky Soybean Promotion Board. Evidence to date suggests that the virus is NOT systemic in the plant and is confined to symptomatic areas in leaves. If true, this could limit (but not eliminate) the potential for seed transmission of the virus. Cultivars appear to differ in susceptibility to SVNV, but resistance to the virus has not been confirmed. As we learn more about SVNV, I will pass along important information. In the meantime, I wanted you to be aware that the virus is now active in Kentucky.

TOBACCO Disease Update for the Week of July 29 Kenny Seebold, Extension Plant Pathologist Although blue mold was found in southwestern Virginia two weeks ago, no new cases have been reported since that time. For now, Kentucky remains free of blue mold. Growers should keep a close watch on susceptible crops in the field and be prepared to treat if necessary. Recommended controls for blue mold can be found in Kentucky Pest News No. 1349 (July 23). Keep in mind that

VEGETABLES Downy Mildew Found on Cucurbits in Kentucky Kenny Seebold, Extension Plant Pathologist Downy mildew was confirmed on cucumbers in Breathitt County on July 25 and in Fayette and Pike Counties on July 26. We have not found the

disease on other cucurbit types in our sentinel plots in Breathitt and Fayette counties. This indicates to me that we dont yet have the pathotype (strain) of the downy mildew pathogen in Kentucky that will infect pumpkins and winter squashes, two important fall cucurbit crops. But previous experience with this disease tells me that the pumpkin/winter squash strain wont be far behind. Downy mildew is a serious disease of cucurbits and can destroy fields quickly if preventive action has not been taken. Growers do not want to wait for symptoms before they begin treatments. Anyone with cucurbits in the field, particularly growers or gardeners in eastern and central KY, should get on a preventive spray program as quickly as possible, if not already spraying, and maintain a 7-10 day spray interval. A summary of recommended fungicides for gardeners and commercial producers can be found in Kentucky Pest News No. 1349 (July 23). For commercial growers, please note that the downy mildew-specific fungicides that we recommend will not control other diseases such as powdery mildew, Alternaria leaf blight, gummy stem blight, or anthracnose. When using one of these downy mildew fungicides, be sure to tankmix it with a fungicide that is effective against diseases other than downy mildew.

molds require free water to complete their life cycles. Initial infections often occur during rainy spring weather as temperatures begin to warm. After infection, pathogens release large numbers of swimming spores (zoospores) that move in films of water (damp leaves or moist soil). This is the repeating stage of disease that leads to epidemics if wet conditions persist. Spores are spread by splashing water and wind-driven rain. In addition to downy mildew pathogens, many root-rotting pathogens (Phytophthora and Pythium) are water molds. Downy Mildew Downy mildew symptoms are quite distinct. Upper leaves are the first to develop noticeable symptoms. Yellow circular to blotchy spots can quickly enlarge and become bright yellow (Figure 6). As disease progresses, leaf tissue becomes reddish-brown, and centers of spots becomes necrotic (dead tissue) (Figure 7). Extreme disease conditions result in a coalescing of spots into large necrotic areas.

FRUIT Downy Mildew in Grape Secrets to Successful Disease Management Nicole Ward Gauthier, Extension Plant Pathologist Experienced grape growers saw it coming. New growers hadnt a clue. Regardless, my crystal ball told me that with months of rain would come severe outbreaks of downy mildew in vineyards. Grape downy mildew has reached epidemic levels in some vineyards in Kentucky and possibly the Midwest. The pathogen that causes the disease (Plasmopara viticola) is a water mold, which warrants special considerations for disease management. Lets begin with a quick overview of water molds (oomycetes, to be exact). Water Molds Water molds are different from true fungi. In fact, they are not related. Most importantly, water

Figure 6. Yellow circular to blotchy spots can quickly enlarge and become bright yellow

Figure 7. As disease progresses, leaf tissue becomes reddish-brown and centers of spots turn brown.

Damage Caused by Downy Mildew Effects of infection are two-fold. First, diseased leaves fail to properly photosynthesize, while severely infected leaves drop, leading to inadequate energy production (Figure 9). Secondly, grape berries may become infected, leading to yield and quality losses (Figure 10).

Figure 8. Downy fungal-like masses develop on undersides of leaves.

The most characteristic symptom of downy mildew is the downy fungal-like masses that develop on undersides of leaves (Figure 8). If weather remains rainy or humid/foggy, pathogens will begin producing spore capsules (sporangia) on microscopic branched structures (sporangiophores). This branching gives the disease its fluffy, downy appearance. Sporangia can spread to healthy plant parts by wind or rain, and then open to expose infective, swimming zoospores. This repeating cycle is dependent upon temperature and availability of free water.

Figure 10. Infected grape berries leads to yield and quality losses.

Figure 9. Diseased leaves fail to properly photosynthesize and severely infected leaves drop.

Downy mildew pathogens also produce another spore type, thick-walled overwintering spores (oospores), at the end of the season. These spores drop to the ground and overwinter in leaf debris or in soils. In spring, they germinate just as grape vines begin to bloom. Thus, early fungicide protection is critical in order to combat the initial phase of disease. Moreover, an effective disease management program (described below) will help eliminate some of the inoculum (oospores) that before they overwinter.

Fruit are susceptible to infection from bloom until 3 or 4 weeks after bloom. After that, they become resistant to infection. Berries may not develop symptoms until several weeks after infection. Affected fruit become soft and brown and do not mature. Like foliar infections, infected berries become covered with downy fungal growth when conditions are wet or humid. While fruit become resistant to infection as they mature, cluster stems (rachis) do not. Thus, infections in these cluster stems can spread internally to berries. Additionally, young shoots, leaves, and tendrils remain susceptible to infections throughout the growing season. Disease Management Growers must combine cultural and chemical practices to effectively manage downy mildew in grape vineyards. Cultural practices are important for both conventional and organic growers. Maintaining dry foliage is important. Plant spacing, pruning, tucking, and other practices that improve air circulation will help foliage dry faster, and thus, conditions become less conducive for disease development. Surface and internal vineyard

drainage can also help reduce moisture levels within canopies. Next, sanitation should not be overlooked. To the extent possible, remove diseased leaves, fruit, and other plant parts from vineyards. This will help to prevent fallen debris from becoming a home for overwintering pathogens. Some species and cultivars have some resistance to downy mildew. See page 36 of the Midwest Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide ID94 for a partial listing of tolerant grapes. Fungicides are a vital part of management of downy mildew. Protectant sprays should begin at bud break and continue throughout the growing season. Keep in mind though, that fungicide applications between bud break and 3 to 4 weeks after bloom are the most critical. When selecting fungicides, remember that the downy mildew pathogen is a water mold, not a true fungus. Therefore, not all fungicides will be effective against infection. Refer to Effectiveness of Grape Fungicides PPFS-FR-S-18 or the Midwest Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide ID-94 for up to date fungicide information. Additional information on grape production and disease management can be found online at the UK Department of Plant Pathologys website. http://www2.ca.uky.edu/agcollege/plantpathology/ extension/pubs.html#Smallfruit

While prevention of fungicide resistance is impractical, you can reduce the risk. The best way to do so is to avoid over-relying on fungicides. A metaphor for overreliance on fungicides is depicted by a fungicide umbrella, in Figure 11.

Figure 11. A "fungicide umbrella, representing a disease control program heavily dependent on the use of fungicides. (Image from sweetclipart.com)

An alternative to overreliance on fungicides is to use a variety of disease-control measures, appropriate to your particular production system. This is depicted graphically in Figure 12.

FUNGICIDES Some Principles of Fungicide Resistance VIII: Fungicide Dependence Promotes Resistance Risk Paul Vincelli, Extension Plant Pathologist This is the final in a series of articles on fungicide resistance. An importantand very logicalquestion is: How can I prevent fungicide resistance? It is an easy question to answer: Never use fungicides. Thats rightnever using a fungicide is the only way to prevent resistance. If a fungal population has genes or mutations for resistance to the fungicide you are about to use, applying it creates selection pressure towards resistance. See the first article in this series for a more detailed explanation of this.

Figure 12. A diversified disease control program, one that uses fungicides (one of the umbrellas) but uses other disease-control tactics, as well. (Image from sweetclipart.com)

Appropriate disease-control practices may include: Crop rotation Resistant varieties Management of irrigation and leaf surface moisture Fertility practices that impact disease Planting dates that reduce disease risk Sanitation in all its many forms Plant spacing and sowing practices that reduce disease Management of vectors and other pests Improved surface and subsurface drainage Raised beds Cover crops that reduce disease pressure Addition of organic matter to soil Mulching Pathogen-free seed A diversified plant disease management program (Figure 12) will slow down the development of fungicide resistance. Furthermore, even if resistance develops, it will not be as damaging, as compared to a farm where only fungicides are used for disease control. A diversified plant disease management program is buffered against severe damage from fungicide-resistant strains, since there are other tactics that are contributing to disease management. Bottom line: The best way to protect the utility of fungicides is by not over-relying on them. Many crop-management practices can help reduce the reliance on fungicides.

Alternaria leaf spot on cantaloupe; powdery mildew and downy mildew on cucumber; Septoria leaf spot, early blight, Fusarium wilt, leaf mold, russet mite injury, and blossom end rot on tomato. On ornamentals and turf, we have seen web blight, Cercospora leaf spot, bacterial leaf spot, and Rhizoctonia root rot on chrysanthemum; aster yellows on coneflower; Rhizoctonia root rot on petunia; Cercospora leaf spot on hydrangea; anthracnose on beech; Botryosphaeria canker on maple and willow; Phloeospora leaf spot on mulberry; powdery mildew on oak; and Pythium root dysfunction and take-all patch on bentgrass.

2013 INSECT TRAP COUNTS

July 19 July 26
Location Black cutworm Armyworm European corn borer Corn earworm Southwestern corn borer Fall armyworm Princeton, KY 12 2 0 2 21 0 Lexington, KY 0 62 2 0 0 0

Graphs of insect trap counts for the 2013 season are available on the IPM web site at http://www.uky.edu/Ag/IPM/ipm.htm.

DIAGNOSTIC LAB HIGHLIGHTS Julie Beale and Brenda Kennedy, Plant Disease Diagnosticians Agronomic samples diagnosed in the Plant Disease Diagnostic Lab in the past week have included summer black stem/leaf spot on alfalfa; and black shank on tobacco. On fruit and vegetable samples, we have diagnosed black rot and anthracnose on grape; anthracnose and Cercospora leaf spot on blackberry; bitter rot, cedar-apple rust, and fire blight on apple; angular leaf spot, Cercospora leaf spot, and Rhizoctonia root/stem rot on bean;

Note: Trade names are used to simplify the information presented in this newsletter. No endorsement by the Cooperative Extension Service is intended, nor is criticism implied of similar products that are not named.