Progress 09/15/01 to 09/14/05
Outputs
http://plantpathology.msu.edu/labs/hausbeck/AsparagusCAR/asparagusCAR home.htm. Asparagus miner fly (associated with Fusarium disease) populations and damage effects on stand maturity and harvest end date were observed in commercial asparagus fields for 2 years. Two peaks in adult activity were seen in all fields, the biggest in mid-August. Most mining occurred in fields with a short harvest; significantly more adults emerged in these than in older fields. Fusarium sporulated on up to 30% of the mined stems in the field. Sampling found infestation of F. proliferatum and F. oxysporum on 15% and 3% of above-ground puparia, 11% and 17% of below-ground puparia, and 44% and 4% of above-ground mined tissue, respectively. Fusarium studies in 2 commercial fields tested pre-plant crown dips or drip treatments with/without irrigation; dips were not significantly different, but trends show they may be beneficial when planting new fields. Drip-applied thiophanate-methyl produced a
significantly greater stand count in 2004. Nonpathogenic F. oxysporum and Trichoderma harzianum tended to produce taller plants with higher stand counts. Phytophthora symptoms were seen after 2004 flooding and in 2005. Weekly watering significantly reduced dead fern in 2004. Mefenoxam produced significantly more new and total growth than the control in 2005. Phytophthora sp. (from 2004 asparagus) were inoculated on 19 cultivars; Grolim and UC 157 were significantly more resistant than Mary Washington, Thelim, Dulce Verde and Jersey General. Phytophthora sp. from 2004-05 were fingerprinted using AFLP. All isolates, regardless of site of origin or year sampled, had identical fingerprints, possibly be due to asexual reproduction in this species, transplanting of crowns infected in nurseries to production fields, or isolates persisting in the fields over years due to the longevity of this perennial crop. When tested on 5 hosts, soybean and asparagus isolates caused significant disease
only on soybean and asparagus, respectively. TOM-CAST forecaster consistently controlled Cercospora and purple spot diseases in MI and NJ while saving 5 sprays over 7-day, and 2 sprays over 10-/14-day applications. Starting a program after scouting found a trace of rust or a severity rating of 1 saved 1-2 sprays while controlling the disease. Rust spores were sampled from asparagus fields for three years; evaluating effect of weather on rust spore numbers is ongoing. Pesticides were tested yearly in 21 trials in MI and NJ, including 43 products (10 reduced-risk, 10 biopesticides, 3 organophosphate alternatives). Especially effective for Cercospora spot were reduced-risk strobilurins (Cabrio, Flint and Quadris), Nova and Folicur. Cabrio, Quadris, Endura and Bravo significantly controlled purple spot. Folicur was consistently and especially effective on rust; other effective products included Penncozeb, Flint, Bravo, Nova, Quadris and Pristine. Asparagus miner insecticide research was
inconclusive; coverage of the entire plant targeting the stems would be difficult in a commercial setting. Sevin and Actara effectively controlled asparagus beetle eggs during spear harvest.
Impacts
Michigan and New Jersey account for about 18.5% of the U.S. production of fresh market and processing asparagus. Any of the effective alternative pesticides identified by this research can be used in rotation with industry standards to reduce the amounts of B2 carcinogens or carbamates that are being applied to asparagus fields by up to 50% without compromising pest control. Rotation also helps delay the development of pesticide resistance in the pest. Use of disease forecasters and initiating spray program by scouting can further reduce carcinogen application as they were found to save 1-5 pesticide applications per season while producing a quality crop. TOM-CAST, a disease forecaster, was used to effectively manage purple spot on 60% of Michigan acreage in 2005, and saved 2 sprays compared to calendar applications. This prevented 19,575 pounds of chlorothalonil (industry standard, B2 carcinogen) from entering the environment and saving Michigan growers $176,175. Two
reduced-risk products have been labeled for use on asparagus based on the information generated by this project: Quadris for foliar pathogens and Elevate for Botrytis. A Phytophthora sp. was reported for the first time on Michigan asparagus. Mefenoxam applied via trickle irrigation limited disease and enhanced overall growth and the development of new shoots. Research updates were provided to growers via yearly meetings and field demonstration plots. MI research trials in the field were highlighted each year during tours of EPA personnel, Michigan Department of Agriculture and U.S. Department of Agriculture.
Publications
- Saude, C., Hausbeck, M.K., Hurtado-Gonzales, O., and Lamour, K.H. 2005. Detection of a Phytophthora sp. causing asparagus spear and root rot in Michigan. Plant Disease 89:1011.
- Hausbeck, M.K., and Cortright, B.D. 2005. Control of asparagus rust with fungicide sprays, 2004. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 60:V015. Online.
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Progress 01/01/04 to 12/31/04
Outputs
http://plantpathology.msu.edu/labs/hausbeck/AsparagusCAR/asparagusCAR home.htm. Rust disease has multiple spore types. A spore sampler and environmental monitoring equipment were placed in an untreated asparagus field to monitor rust spores in the atmosphere. Rust uredospores were first sampled on 18 July and teliospores on 14 July. Numbers of rust spores from the sampler are being counted, and will be correlated with environmental data to develop a rust disease forecaster. Fusarium crown and root rot (F. oxysporum f. sp. asparagi, F. proliferatum) has been implicated in asparagus decline, and both species have been associated with the asparagus miner. Miner activity was monitored in commercial asparagus fields. A bivoltine trend was seen across different-aged fields with the highest numbers of adult flies trapped in early to mid-August. Mining damage was greatest in the 1-year-old fields early in the season and Fusarium was seen sporulating on up to 30% of mined
stems in those fields. Fields averaged 3-4 puparia per stem. Most pupae emerged during the season in the 1-year-old fields, while more pupae were intact for overwintering in older fields which went into fern later in the season. Pupae from above-ground mines had 15% F. proliferatum and 3% F. oxysporum, while pupae from below-ground mines had 11% and 17% respectively. Stem tissue from above-ground mines had 44% F. proliferatum and 4% F. oxysporum. Young fields are more vulnerable to mining damage and prolonged exposure to infection by Fusarium. A rust trial tested 15 treatments of products applied alone and in combination, including reduced risk fungicides (Amistar, Endura, Pristine, Switch), biopesticide (Serenade Max) and others (Bravo Ultrex, Captan, Folicur, Penncozeb, experimentals). All treatments except Switch significantly decreased disease compared to the untreated controls. Folicur alternated with Bravo was especially effective at limiting rust. Severe spring flooding
occurred in Michigan asparagus-growing regions. Diseased plants from these fields had shriveled spears and roots with lesions, and roots had reduced mass and vigor. Phytophthora megasperma was isolated from many samples, and all were sensitive to mefenoxam. A prelimary Phytophthora field study applied mefenoxam via drip irrigation; numbers of dead/diseased plants were reduced up to 32% compared to untreated controls. Three field trials with 18 treatments evaluated fungicides applied as a crown dip or by drip irrigation for control of Fusarium rot. Products tested included reduced risk fungicides (Medallion, Scholar), biopesticides (non-pathogenic Fusarium, PlantShield, VAM) and industry standards (Benlate-now unavailable, Topsin). Topsin significantly increased stand count in dip trial 1 and VAM increased stand count in dip trial 2 (not significantly). Non-pathogenic Fusarum increased plant height in the drip trial (not significantly). A preliminary fumigant trial evaluated 9
treatments of 7 products for control of Fusarium root rot on asparagus seedlings. K-Pam HL, Telone C35, Chloropricrin/K-Pam and SEP 100 increased seedling weight compared with controls.
Impacts
As a result of conducted research, asparagus growers rely on disease forecasting to manage a major foliar disease. Results of this project will enhance expansion and use of the disease forecaster for the foliar blights, including rust, important to asparagus growers. Since the disease pressure varies significantly from year to year, a disease forecaster will reduce the number of sprays needed when the weather is unfavorable. Scouting guidelines have been established through this project and have been used effectively when coupled with a systemic fungicide such as Folicur, reducing sprays by 25%. Field demonstrations of treatments and other novel management techniques were well attended during the growing season by producers, and personnel from USDA, EPA, Michigan Department of Agriculture, and other pest management specialists.
Publications
- Hausbeck, M.K., Cortright, B.D. 2004. Control of purple spot and rust of asparagus with fungicide sprays, 2003. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 59:V107. Online.
- Tuell, J.K., Hausbeck, M.K., Bishop, B. 2004. Characterization of Ophiomyia simplex L. in commercial asparagus fields and its association with Fusarium crown and root rot. Phytopathology 94:S161.
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Progress 01/01/03 to 12/31/03
Outputs
http://plantpathology.msu.edu/labs/hausbeck/AsparagusCAR/asparagusCAR home.htm. Rust is a disease with multiple spore types, and was prevalent in 2003. Burkard volumetric spore traps and environmental monitoring equipment were placed in two untreated asparagus fields to monitor rust spores in the atmosphere, and plants were monitored for signs of rust disease. Rust aecial lesions first appeared on plants 20 May, uredial lesions appeared 9 Jul, and telial lesions appeared 23 Jul. The maximum number of rust spores per 24 hours was recorded on 24 Aug (17,437 urediospores) and 16 Jul (47 teliospores). Aeciospores are being counted. Spore counts will be correlated with environmental data to begin development of a disease forecaster for rust. Seven trials tested 18 products including reduced risk fungicides, experimental products and biopesticides for management of diseases. Treatments that were especially effective at limiting rust included Bravo Ultrex, and Bravo Ultrex
alternated with Folicur or the reduced risk strobilurin fungicides, Cabrio 20WG, Pristine 38WG or Endura 70WG. In a second trial, Bravo Ultrex alone or alternated with the biopesticide 710-145f were the only treatments to limit purple spot to a level less than the untreated. Year 2 of a Fusarium trial comparing application methods found that high rates of Scholar 50WP applied by crown dip and in-furrow sprays at planting resulted in significantly taller fern than in-furrow sprays of a low rate of Scholar. A series of trials tested biological and chemical treatments applied by drip or crown dip, and water management for control of Fusarium crown and root rot. Preliminary results show that stand counts were increased compared to the untreated controls by applications of nonpathogenic Fusarium (trial 1), vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizae (trial 2), and Trichoderma harzianum and Topsin 70WSB (trial 3). Asparagus plants and soils were collected from commercial and research fields for
extraction of Fusarium isolates to be used in morphological and genetic studies of the biology of the fungus. Asparagus miner fly is associated with occurrence of Fusarium root and crown rot of asparagus. Adult fly activity and larval damage was monitored in 3 commercial asparagus fields, where adult activity was highest early and consistent throughout the remainder of the season. Slightly more larval damage occurred early, but damage was significant throughout the season.
Impacts
Reducing B2 carcinogenic or otherwise harmful pesticides that are applied to asparagus crops would reduce exposure of humans and the environment to these pesticides. Michigan Asparagus Research Inc. has always worked with Michigan State University to disseminate research information from this project to Michigan asparagus growers regarding pest predictors and pesticide alternatives. Michigan Asparagus Research Inc. was one of the 16 organizations chosen from over 130 members in the Pesticide Environmental Stewardship Program of the Environmental Protection Agency as a "PESP Champion of 2003" for their extraordinary level of commitment to protecting the environment and human health.
Publications
- Tuell, J.K., Hausbeck, M.K. 2003. Characterization of Ophiomyia simplex L. activity in commercial asparagus fields and its association with Fusarium crown and root rot. APS North Central Division Annual Meeting, E. Lansing, MI. Online publication no. P-2004-0043-NCA.
- Hausbeck, M.K., Cortright, B.D. 2003. Control of rust of asparagus with a scouting program and fungicide sprays, 2002. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 58:V066. On-line publication.
- Tuell, J.K. 2003. Fusarium and the asparagus miner (Ophiomyia simplex L.) in Michigan. M.S. Thesis. Michigan State University, E. Lansing, MI.
- Reid, T.C., Hausbeck, M.K., Kizilkaya, K. 2002. Use of fungicides and biological controls in the suppression of Fusarium crown and root rot of asparagus under greenhouse and growth chamber conditions. Plant Disease 86:493-498.
- Reid, T.C., Hausbeck, M.K., Kizilkaya, K. 2001. Effects of sodium chloride on commercial asparagus and of alternate forms of chloride salt on Fusarium crown and root rot. Plant Disease 85:1271-1275.
- Warncke, D.D., Reid, T.C., Hausbeck, M.K. 2002. Sodium chloride and lime effects on soil cations and elemental composition of asparagus fern. Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 33:3075-3084.
- Tuell, J.K., Hausbeck, M.K., Bishop, B. 2003. Relationship between Fusarium crown and root rot and Ophiomyia simplex in asparagus fields of different maturities. Proceedings of the 4th National Integrated Pest Management Symposium, Indianapolis, IN, p.88.
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Progress 01/01/02 to 12/31/02
Outputs
http://plantpathology.msu.edu/labs/hausbeck/AsparagusCAR/asparagusCAR home.htm. Four MI trials tested 13 fungicides and were rated 1=healthy to 10=severe defoliation/death. Purple spot treatments of Quadris 2.08SC and/or Bravo Weather Stik 6SC were rated 1.0-1.3 when applied by the Tom-Cast disease forecaster (4 sprays) or at 10-day intervals (6 sprays), compared to the control (rated 2.0). All products in another trial showed some promise for purple spot control, including Messenger 3WG (induced resistance), Serenade 10WP (biocontrol), and reduced risk strobilurins (Cabrio 20WG, BAS 510 70WG, Quadris, Flint 50WG). Initiation of a rust trial treated with a Folicur 3.6SC/Bravo alternation was based on scouting, and rust was controlled while fungicide use was reduced up to 50% when sprays were begun at: a trace of disease, and rust ratings of 1 or 2. BAS 516, Cabrio, Flint 50WG (reduced risk), Folicur, Messenger, Nova 40WP (triazole), Quadris, and Serenade were tested
for rust control, and all significantly reduced rust (rated 1.0-1.5) compared to the untreated control (rated 2.8). Two MI trials tested 6 products for control of asparagus beetles, treatments were applied and evaluated 3 times. Sevin XLR Plus and Actara significantly decreased the number of eggs on asparagus harvested 30 May. Asparagus miner fly adults, eggs, larvae, and pupae can harbor Fusarium, with infested pupae serving as an overwintering inoculum source. Adult miners were monitored weekly at ground (21 May) and canopy (after last harvest?lay-by) levels using insect traps in 3 fields each that were 1 year old, 4-5 years old, 10 years or older (10+). Starting 2 Jul, 60 stems were checked weekly for mining. Mining was high in 1 year old fields early in the season. Fields that were harvested later had less mining than fields that were in fern longer. At the end of the season, puparia (shells covering pupae) from the 60 stems were crushed to determine if pupae were present or if
the adults had emerged. All fields averaged 3-4 puparia per stem; however, the 1 year old fields had fewer overwintering pupae than the 4-5 years old or 10+ years old fields. This corresponds to the early lay-by date of 1 year old fields, providing early season ovipositioning sites for the adult miners. Samples of 15 mines stems and 186 pupae were cultured; F. proliferatum infested 14% of the pupae and 13% of the tissue, and F. oxysporum infested 19% of the pupae and 7% of the tissue. This research shows the importance of the miner fly in the infestation of asparagus fields with Fusarium spp., especially young fields of this perennial crop. Two NJ trials evaluated fungicides and Tom-Cast for control of Cercospora blight. Quadris, Flint, and Cabrio significantly reduced blight severity and defoliation, while Nova and Folicur effectively reduced only blight severity. A Quadris/Bravo alternation applied according to Tom-Cast 15, 20 and 25 DSV resulted in 0, 17 and 33% reductions in
fungicide sprays, respectively, while disease control was as effective as the 14-day programs of Quadris alone or Quadris alternated with 1 application of Bravo.
Impacts
Foliar purple spot disease can defoliate asparagus plants, negatively impacting subsequent yields by reducing photosynthates to the crowns, and possibly predisposing plants to infection by Fusarium crown and root rot for which there is currently no control. As a result of this research effort, approximately 30% of asparagus acreage in Michigan was managed according to the Tom-Cast disease forecasting system. Indirect impact through consultant contacts, the website, and code-a-phone system were likely larger. At a minimum, one spray over a conventional spray program was saved through this pilot program in 2002.
Publications
- Hausbeck, M.K., Quackenbush, W.R., Linderman, S.D. 2002. Control of rust of asparagus ?Franklim? with foliar sprays, 2000. Fungicide and Nematicide Tests 57:V001.
- Hausbeck, M.K., Tuell, J., Bishop, B. 2002. Asparagus disease update. Proceedings of Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, Grand Rapids, MI, pp. 10-12.
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Progress 01/01/01 to 12/31/01
Outputs
The asparagus miner (Ophiomyia simplex) is found on asparagus throughout the commercial growing regions of the US. During the fern stage the fly lays its eggs at the base of asparagus stems where larvae mine stems and pupate within them. Feeding by the asparagus miner, resulting in extensive stem mining damage, is thought to lead to increased stem rot by Fusarium. Pathogenic strains of F. oxysporum f.sp. asparagi and F. proliferatum have been associated with all life stages of the asparagus miner, with infected pupae serving as an overwintering source of inoculum in Massachusetts. Due to extensive mining damage in several newly established commercial asparagus fields in Michigan during 2000-2001, a project was established to better understand the biology of the asparagus miner, its control and impact on Fusarium crown and root rot. OBJECTIVE 2b: Evaluate the role asparagus miner plays in spreading and exacerbating Fusarium infection in MI asparagus fields. A
preliminary survey in August indicated that 58% (15 out of 26) of the pupae collected from asparagus stems from commercial fields had F. proliferatum. Four percent (1 out of 26) had F. oxysporum f.sp. asparagi. Larvae were also collected and 3 out of 10 had F. proliferatum. Asparagus miner flies were trapped using sticky cards in a newly-planted asparagus field. From May 30 to September 13 there were two peaks in numbers of asparagus miner flies occurring mid-June and mid-August. OBJECTIVE 2c: Determine if insecticides applied to control asparagus miner reduces stem mining, and incidence and severity of Fusarium crown and root rot. One of the experiments conducted during the 2001 season involved applications of the insecticide Pounce 3.2EC to the asparagus fern in an attempt to reduce the number of mines. Pounce 3.2EC (4 oz/A) was applied weekly to plots (50' by 50') beginning June 22 and continuing through September 13, and compared to plots that were not treated. The number of stems
with mines were counted weekly. Large differences between the 7-day treatment and no treatment were not observed. This may have been because Pounce does not control asparagus miner adults or because the insecticide did not reach the bottom of the stems, where females lay eggs. OBJECTIVE 3a: Bravo Ultrex 82.5WDG, BAS 500 20WG, BAS 510 70WG and BAS 500 alternated with Bravo Ultrex received a purple spot rating <3.0 (scale of 1=0% to trace of defoliation to 10=fern defoliation and death). In a comparison of new products, rust disease ratings were lowest (1.0 to 3.0, same scale as for purple spot) when Folicur 3.6F was used. Bravo Ultrex, Folicur + Induce and Nova 40W + Latron B-1956 were tested for rust control on asparagus cvs Franklim and Viking at three sites; Folicur was more effective than Bravo Ultrex or Nova at all sites. OBJECTIVE 3b: All treatments of Bravo Ultrex (7, 10, 14-day, Tom-Cast 15 DSVs) had significantly better ratings than Penncozeb 75DF applied at 14-day intervals
or according to Tom-Cast 15 DSVs. Applying treatments according to Tom-Cast 15 DSVs saved 5 applications compared to calendar sprays at 7-day intervals.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Tuell, J., Hausbeck, M.K., Bishop, B., Grafius, E. 2001. Asparagus disease update. Proceedings of Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market Expo, Grand Rapids, MI, Dec. 4-6, 5-6pp.
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