With the wet weather we’ve experienced in New Jersey over the weekend and the warm temperatures to follow this coming week Phytophthora blight (P. capsici) and Pythium are likely to start showing up in pepper, tomato, and cucurbit fields.
Along with mefenoxam (Ridomil Gold SL, FRAC code 4), and MetaStar (metalaxyl, 4), there are a number of new options for controlling early-season Phytophthora and Pythium. For pre-transplant applications, there is a Ranman (cyazofamid, 21) drench one week before transplanting for Pythium in tomatoes as well as Previcur Flex (propamocarb HCL, 28) for the suppression of Pythium and Phytopthora in tomatoes and peppers. Additionally, there are a number of biologicals such as Trichoderma, Streptomyces, and Bacillus products which can also be used in the greenhouse to help suppress soil-borne pathogens.
At transplanting applications now include Ranman (cyazofamid, 21) in the transplant water or through drip irrigation for Pythium control. There is a section 2ee for the use of Previcur Flex (propamocarb HCL, 28) + Admire Pro (imidacloprid) in transplanting water for Pythium control in lettuce, cucurbits, peppers and tomatoes (see section 2ee for details). Presidio (fluopicolide, 43) now has an label for drip application for Phytophthora control when conditions are favorable for disease development. Additionally, phosphite fungicides, Pro-Phyt , Rampart, and K-Phite (FRAC code 33) can also be applied through drip irrigation after transplanting to help suppress Pythium and Phytophthora blight.
Unlike in past, there are a number of good options for early season control of Pythium and Phytophthora blight. For further details on use and crop labeled please refer to the specific fungicide label. Remember the label is the law.
