CONTROL OF PHYTOPHTHORA BLIGHT IN BELL PEPPER

Field studies were conducted in 1993, 1994, and 1995 to evaluate chemical and biological agents for control of phytophthora blight in bell peppers grown on polyethylene-mulched raised beds. Treatments included Kocide 606 (foliar applied), Ridomil 2E (soil applied), Ridomil 2E (directed spray), Ridomil/Copper 70W (foliar), Ridomil 2E (soil) + Ridomil/Copper 70W (foliar), fluazinam (soil/foliar), and Actinovate bioconcentrate (seedling media applied). The experimental area was inoculated with Phytophthora 2 weeks after transplanting. All plants were rated for disease incidence (number of plants exhibiting visual symptoms) beginning at inoculation and continuing every week for 5–6 weeks. Disease incidence was severe in 1993 and 1995. None of the chemical or biological agents had an effect on total marketable yields or fruit weights during the three years. Disease ratings were highest in the control, Ridomil 2E (soil), and Actinovate plots. Yields did not reflect the severe disease infestation that occurred in some plots, possibly because greatest disease incidence occurred late in the season. Best Phytophthora control was obtained from chemical treatments containing copper compounds (Kocide and Ridomil/Copper 70W).