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central Missouri

I got the lab report today, I'll post part of it here:

I suspected
    Phytophthora or Pythium but was unable to confirm microscopically. Using ELISA
    serological testing, I was able to confirm that a Phytophthora species was present in the
    affected tissues. Phytophtora can carry over from one season to the next and it's always
    a good idea to rotate a planting to a new spot whenever possible, a 4 year rotation is
    recommended. Also avoid overly wet saturated soil - looks like your soil is well-drained in
    the photo, but keep that in mind. Chemicals labeled for control in commercial situations
    include Acrobat 50WP, Agri-fos 400, Apron XL LS, and Ranman 400 SC. Please read and
    follow all labels. Let us know if you have additional questions about this sample

6/14/2006 3:23:28 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

That stinks.

Phytophthora & Pythium fungicides are very specific. That Agri-Phos is like Aliette in that it is a phosphonate. Now that Aliette is off-patent many new versions are hitting the market at much lower cost.

There are also a lot of non-labeled phosphonates being sold as fertilizer now. These will also supress (if not control) phytophthora. This might save some money if you must grow again in this location. But phosphonates (like all of those recommended fungicides) must be used preventively.

Solarizing the patch soil for a year might work.

Other than that, removing all of the tainted soil & replacing it with sterile media is the only alternative to finding a new patch.

6/14/2006 10:49:02 PM

central Missouri

Yep, phyto is absolutely the last thing I wanted to here was in my soil. After I lost my 3rd plant on the 10th I went ahead and drenched with aliette, figured I had nothing to lose, turns out it was the right thing to do. I did not drench a couple of backup plants out of concern for reduced pollen viability due to the aliette. If these untreated plants don't succumb to the phyto until after pollination time I'll have viable pollen. I'm also concerned about the possible effects on plant growth and viability of seeds should I end up with a pumpkin. The reason for my concern is studies such as the second one from the bottom of the page at this link.

http://wwwscience.murdoch.edu.au/conf/phytophthora/abstract-tues.html

These studies were not carried out on pumpkin plants and I think I remember reading that the plant that grew the 1,314.8 Beauchemin 2005 had aliette applied regularly. So maybe there's still reason for hope for those of us with pathogens lurking beneath the surface of our patches.
Mark

6/15/2006 3:20:46 AM

Topsfield, Ma.

Mark, thanks for sharing your lab results with us. We're all alittle wiser now because of your efforts. Best of luck with your remaining plants.
Duff

6/15/2006 9:27:16 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

http://pmep.cce.cornell.edu/profiles/fung-nemat/aceticacid-etridiazole/dimethomorph/dimethomo_let_403.html

6/15/2006 10:48:34 PM

ENGLAND

Mark. If you can obtain some from a licenced opperator it maybe a good idea to use a Soil Fumigant such as Basamid. Here is a link to the Certis USA Website where you can read up on the product and what it does.

Just my one Pennies worth.

6/16/2006 1:59:39 AM

ENGLAND

Oooop's, might be usefull if i included the link in my last post. http://www.certisusa.com/products/basamid/application_use.html

6/16/2006 2:02:57 AM

central Missouri

Thanks Steve, seems as though the commercial growers aren't using phosphonates any more. I googled acrobat 50 WP but was unable to find any place that sells it. Anyone know what the cost is?

6/16/2006 3:20:55 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Agriliance has it on their "Gray List" so I or any local dealer could special order Acrobat. Do you have an Agriliance dealer nearby?

6/16/2006 7:48:19 AM

central Missouri

Thanks Steve, nope, no Agriliance dealers nearby. When I look at the price of some of the other products labeled for the control of phytophthora I wonder if the cost of Acrobat is beyond what I have budgeted for the pumpkin patch this year. Do you have a ballpark figure in mind? If we are talking $500 to $1000 per gallon I'll just have to hope the Aliette gets the job done for now and wait for Acrobat to come off patent.
Mark

6/16/2006 1:27:03 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

I would only be able to order a full case which is 8 x 4lb or 32 lbs. for $655.00 after the most recent price increase.

6/16/2006 2:17:28 PM