Implementing a Management Program for Phytophthora Blight of Cucurbits

Abstract

Phytophthora blight is a very devastating disease that has been increasing in importance in New York and elsewhere in the US. It has been identified as a high priority for the IPM program. The main goal of this project was to work with growers in upstate New York to implement a management program developed through years of research and observations on Long Island. Unfortunately, weather conditions were generally not favorable for Phytophthora blight in 2001. Blight only developed in 1 of 3 fields on commercial farms where management practices were evaluated. In that field blight was less where straw was used. Valuable information was obtained about the management practices being used for Phytophthora blight in cucurbit crops by surveying growers.