Evaluation of Composts for Managing Phytophthora capsici

Abstract

The goal of this long-term project is to evaluate commercially available composts for managing Phytophthora capsici on vegetables. This disease is very persistent in soils, and causes severe losses of both plants and harvestable fruit, under warm, moist conditions. Fungicides have only been moderately successful at providing control. A combination of good cultural practices and enhancing soil quality and disease suppressiveness is one strategy for management. In this project, we are trying to reduce the levels of disease in a research field that has a long history of Phytophthora.