Source: PURDUE UNIVERSITY submitted to NRP
LOW-INPUT AND ORGANIC MANAGEMENT OF FRUIT AND ORNAMENTAL DISEASES
Sponsoring Institution
National Institute of Food and Agriculture
Project Status
COMPLETE
Funding Source
HATCH
Reporting Frequency
Annual
Accession No.
0206004
Grant No.
(N/A)
Cumulative Award Amt.
(N/A)
Proposal No.
(N/A)
Multistate No.
(N/A)
Project Start Date
Oct 1, 2010
Project End Date
Sep 30, 2015
Grant Year
(N/A)
Program Code
[(N/A)]- (N/A)
Recipient Organization
PURDUE UNIVERSITY
(N/A)
WEST LAFAYETTE,IN 47907
Performing Department
Botany & Plant Pathology
Non Technical Summary
Apple scab is one of the most serious diseases of apples in Indiana, and is also a significant landscape problem on flowering crabapples. Apples require more pesticide inputs that any other crop in Indiana, with scab as the primary target. Consumer pesticide concerns coupled with newer EPA restrictions on pesticides mean growers must be sure that the chemicals they apply are not only efficacious, but also effective with the fewest numbers of applications. Determining which chemicals work, reducing the number of applications needed, and substituting biopesticides or organically approved pesticides can save growers money, and instill confidence in consumers that pesticides are used on an as needed basis (Rosenberger 2003). Sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBSF) are fungal diseases of apples that have an aesthetic impact on fruit quality, particularly from orchards that receive few or no fungicide applications for scab control or other "summer diseases." The SBFS complex has been found to consist of at least 25 clades to date; however, management regimes have been applied without regard for the species of SBFS present in each orchard (Tarnowski et al. 2003). By identifying the species present in Indiana orchards, and their resistances and susceptibilities to commonly used fungicides, more effective management can be developed. To determine species composition, primers will be designed to amplify the internal transcribed spacer region. The ITS region is probably the most widely sequenced DNA region in fungi, and is particularly useful for molecular systematics at the species level Trials to evaluate newer fungicides and biopesticides for scab will also be assessed for the control of SBFS. Fire blight, caused by the bacterium Erwinia amylovora, is the most destructive disease for apple and pear production for the North Central region, with significant acreage in highly susceptible varieties like Golden Delicious, Gala, Paulared, Idared and Honeycrisp. Incorporation of earlier and higher yielding rootstocks that are more susceptible to fire blight, coupled with the emergence of streptomycin-resistant strains in Michigan and Missouri, has dramatically increased the potential for fire blight in Indiana. New biological controls and plant growth regulators hold some promise as alternative strategies to control this disease. Many growers rely on streptomycin for control of fire blight, which is developing into an emerging problem due to the increasing plantings of apple on the susceptible rootstock. Fire blight, when improperly managed, can completely destroy a young, high-density planting, causing $5000-10,000 loss per acre in a single season. The outcomes of this research includes: 1. Identifying which fungicides are effective for control of scab, sooty blotch and flyspeck 2. Identifying fungicide and bactericide resistance within populations of scab, flyspeck/sooty blotch, and fire blight populations present in Indiana orchards 3. Identifying biopesticides and newer fungicides that serve as a suitable replacements, or rotation partners to minimize the development of future resistance.
Animal Health Component
(N/A)
Research Effort Categories
Basic
(N/A)
Applied
(N/A)
Developmental
(N/A)
Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)Subject of Investigation (SOI)Field of Science (FOS)Percent
2121110110350%
2122110110350%
Knowledge Area
212 - Pathogens and Nematodes Affecting Plants;

Subject Of Investigation
1110 - Apple; 2110 - Ornamental trees and shrubs;

Field Of Science
1103 - Other microbiology;
Goals / Objectives
Objectives: My objective is to develop effective management strategies that reduce the need for chemical management for apple scab, sooty blotch/flyspeck complex, and fire blight. To this end, this project focuses on: 1) determining the incidence of pesticide resistance of the fungi Venturia inaequalis 2) determining the incidence of antibiotic resistance of the bacterium Erwinia amylovora in Indiana orchards, and 3) using this information in conjunction with pesticide trials focusing on newer and organically-acceptable chemistries to develop more effective, lower input or organic programs for the management of Indiana's most important apple diseases. A direct measure of resistant isolates will enable the development of improved fungicide rotations to assist growers with their particular set of resistance issues. Simple tests exist that measure the sensitivities of pathogen populations within orchards to the development of resistance to all of the post-infection options (dodine, benzimidazoles, strobilurins, sterol inhibitors, and anilinopyrimidines). Thus, the first and second objective of this research is to develop a series of laboratory protocols that can be used to readily assay the populations of the primary pathogens of apple (V. inaequalis and sootyblotch/flyspeck, and E. amylovora) for resistance to commonly used pesticides. The trialing of new and/or organically acceptable pesticides plays a key role in this research as it provides information necessary to the continued, successful production of apples in Indiana. Outcomes for the management of apple scab and fire blight will be applied to ornamental crabapples, and management programs will be tailored to address the needs of commercial fruit, landscape, and commercial nursery operators.
Project Methods
Studies will be done in both field and laboratory. Experimental plots of Golden and Red Delicious apple have been established to evaluate biological and low input fungicides to effectively manage scab, fire blight, sooty blotch/flyspeck. This orchard has high levels of endemic inoculum to facilitate the evaluations of the proposed diseases. Scab. Prior to evaluating scab management programs, a survey will be conducted to test isolates of V. inaequalis from Indiana orchards to assess the incidence and severity of fungicide resistance. Isolates (50 per orchard) will be tested for resistance to fungicides regularly recommended in the multi-state Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide. To perform this research, V. inaequalis isolates will be collected from around Indiana (including the Meig's Farm Experimental Orchard), cultured in the laboratory, and then tested on fungicide-amended agar as per Koeller et al. (1991). Additional isolates from Ohio by Michael Ellis (Ohio State University) for testing. Cultured isolates will be scored as Susceptible, Moderately Susceptible, or Resistant to each fungicide tested. Isolates will then be subjected to several rounds of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to amplify and sequence two previously identified and cloned genes, ERG11 and CYTB, involved in resistance to sterol inhibitors and strobilurins fungicides, respectively (Koeller et al. (1991) and Zheng et al. 2000. The resulting data will be used to examine population structure of V. inaequalis isolates from across the state and surrounding region, and should be completed by year 3-4 of this project. Fire blight: Streptomycin-resistant strains of the fire blight bacterium have been reported in parts of Michigan and Missouri. Samples with symptoms consistent with fire blight, will be brought back to the lab, isolated, and identified. Isolates will be examined to evaluate the effectiveness of the antibiotic, streptomycin, and if resistance has developed in Indiana. To this end, isolates will be cultured on King's B medium, or King's B medium amended with a low and high concentration of streptomycin. Utilizing primers from previously identified genes, we can perform PCR to clone the genes of interest, and sequence the PCR product to identify the predominant types of resistance (if any) that are present in Indiana and the surrounding Midwest. Although collections will be made in years 1-3, alleles will not be identified, cloned, sequenced and evaluated until years 4-5. Field Trials: Plots of seven year old Red and Golden Delicious planted on M7 rootstocks will serve as a testing site to obtain isolates for the above- mentioned experiments, and to evaluate biopesticides, and newly formulated fungicides to provide growers additional management options, and replace those products that have been rendered ineffective due to resistance. Treatments will be applied to drip using either a handgun and/or high pressure sprayer (set at 200-220 psi). Statistical analyses will be performed using SuperAnova software (Abacus Concepts, Berkeley, CA). This research will begin in Spring of 2006 and continue through Fall 2010.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/15

Outputs
Target Audience:To develop and disseminate information regarding surfactant use in apple disease management to deliver to growers via talks and extension bulletin.The results of this project and strategies for resistance management will ultimately be delivered directly to North Central region apple growers, in addition to growers throughout the eastern half of the United States. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?Trained one graduate student (M.S.) and two undergraduate students. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?To both fruit growers and scientists. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Assist growers and the public in plant problem diagnosis (conducted with Cliff Sadof). Nearly half of all Americans own some type of smartphone, and the numbers are increasing yearly (Rainie, 2012). Homeowners typically apply higher rates of chemical inputs per hectare than their agricultural counterparts (Robbins and Birkenholtz, 2003). The majority of homeowners (56%) purchased these pesticides from home/garden centers and used these outlets as information for pest management recommendations. Retail store employees were found to rely upon the Ortho Problem Solver and available product labels as the primary references when making a pesticide recommendations; only a small percentage of respondents used Extension or USDA publications as references (Cecil and Czapar, 2001). Our goal in developing an ornamental research team is to: 1. Use the Purdue Plant Doctor Suite of Apps is to increase the adoption of IPM practices in urban homes and landscapes by improving the ability of the app user to diagnose common problems and obtain IPM-based solutions. 2. Identify opportunities for adoption IPM practices that rely on multiple tactics including biological, cultural and chemical control of insect pests. 3. Continue our work on developing and improving the Purdue Plant Doctor Series of Apps and use mobile technology to assess how users apply information and determine pest management. Minimize and manage fungicide resistance through IPM and nanotechnology. Although pesticides are the primary tools used for the management of pests, virtually no new fungicides have been introduced in the last decade and no new chemistries are expected to enter the market any time soon (Russell 2005). Instead, growers are increasingly relying upon older pesticides in their management practices and companies are repackaging older chemistries. It is a certainty that pesticide applications will increase in the near future (Beckerman et al. 2014). Increased pesticide use will likely be accompanied by increased public and governmental scrutiny, particularly of already controversial pesticides such as captan and chlorothalonil. Concerns about pesticide use, and the increasing reliance on older chemistries, might be alleviated if the active ingredients in pesticides could be applied at much lower rates. This can be achieved through a combination of surfactants and nanotechnology. Current work on apples examines how adjuvants can be used to better deploy multi-site fungicides (in collaboration with George Sundin) (Abbot and Beckerman 2014a,b), due to widespread issues of fungicide resistance (Chapman et al. 2011; Lesniak et al. 2011) and to examine what role a food grade nanoparticle may have to re-deliver older pesticides and the environmental fate of these products (with Kevin Gibson, Ron Turco, and Osvaldo Campanella).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? identification of surfactant combinations to reduce fungicide dose and rate improvement of sanitation

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Abbott, C. and Beckerman, J. 2014. Evaluation of adjuvants in combination with captan 80 WGD to control apple diseases on Honeycrisp apples, 2013. Plant Disease Management Reports 8:PF027.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Abbott, C. and Beckerman, J. 2014. Evaluation of adjuvants in combination with captan 80 WGD to control apple diseases on Golden Delicious apples, 2013. Plant Disease Management Reports 8:PF028.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Albright, N. and Beckerman, J. 2014. Impact of Empress Intrinsic and Eagle 20EW on root development of Petunia cuttings, 2014. Plant Disease Management Reports 8:OT014.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Albright, N. and Beckerman, J. 2014. Impact of Pageant 38WG and Eagle 20EW on root development of I cuttings, 2013. Plant Disease Management Reports 8:OT013.


Progress 10/01/13 to 09/30/14

Outputs
Target Audience: Specialty crops growers across Indiana Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project has trained one graduate student at Purdue. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? At this stage, reports have been provided to the Indiana Hort Congress, and will be again in 2015. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Continue on this trajectory and expand to nanotechnology

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Dr. Beckerman's primary responsibility at Purdue University is to lead the plant pathology extension education effort in horticultural crops by developing and enhancing a close working relationship between the University, extension educators, and members of the Green Industry. The horticulture industry in Indiana is highly diversified and consists of over 300 fruit growers, approximately 300 arborists, 262 greenhouse operators, and 3,320 licensed nursery growers/lawn and garden centers. In Indiana, the ornamental industry alone is valued at over $3 billion dollars, and employs approximately 42,000 people (Hall et al. 2005); Indiana produces almost 200,000 tons of fruit, valued at over $58 million dollars per year (IBRC, 2013). Most individuals involved in production of horticultural crops have little expertise in plant disease diagnosis, disease management, or fungicide resistance management, and the land grant university serves as the primary source of information for these groups of professionals. Fungicides protect many plant species from pathogenic harm, but specificallyimportant in the North Central region of the United States is protecting apples frominfection (ERS USDA, 2012). Common apple diseases in this region such as apple scab(Venturia inaequalis) and bitter rot (Colletotrichum acutatum) can be very devastating tosales (Turechek, 2004). Apple scab, arguably the most damaging disease to apples cancause up to 100% yield loss (MacHardy, 1996). The most effective method ofmanagement for these apple diseases is fungicides, applied at a 10-14 day schedule. The goal of current research is how to reduce the rate and extend the intervals between applications. The goal of this two-year, two-state Research-Extension project is to enable NC Region apple growers to cut input costs, save three fungicide sprays per season, and improve control efficacy for the major summer diseases: sooty blotch and flyspeck (SBFS), and fruit rots. Field experiments in Iowa and Indiana will validate a region-specific warning system for SBFS and develop a new warning system for fruit rots (Objective 1). Objective 2's field trials will investigate surfactants as tools to enhance efficacy of reduced-risk fungicides against fruit rots. Objective 3 will contrast costs and returns of the new strategies to those of current grower spray practices. Objective 4 will deliver the project's messages region-wide through on-farm demonstration trials, online virtual field days, two webinars, traditional field days, regional grower meetings, newsletters and trade journals. Stakeholders in IA and IN will provide practical guidance to the project through an Advisory Panel and a Year 2 written survey. The project directly addresses North Central Region Integrated Pest Management (NCR-IPM) priorities to improve IPM cost-benefit analyses and reduce human and environmental health risks. It also addresses NCR-IPM's stated needs in both research (developing advanced crop management tactics and systems for environmental and biological monitoring; improving cost effectiveness) and extension (developing and disseminating IPM guidelines, and spotlighting successful IPM programs).

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Awaiting Publication Year Published: 2104 Citation: Beckerman, J. Sundin, G., and Rosenberger, D. 2014. How IPM contributed to the current fungicide resistance crisis in apple management. Pest Management Science, DOI: 10.1002/ps.3715.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2014 Citation: Beckerman, J. and Creswell, T. 2014. First Report of Brown Rot (Monilinia fructicola) on the Dogwood, Cornelian Cherry (Cornus mas). Plant Disease 9:1275
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2014 Citation: Wilson, A., Beckerman, J. and Aime, C. 2014. First report of the white pine blister rust fungus, Cronartium ribicola, on Ribes odoratum, in Indiana. Plant Disease 98:277.


Progress 10/01/12 to 09/30/13

Outputs
Target Audience: Target audiences include the nursery, greenhouse, orchard, vineyard, and landscape industries. These horticultural crops are managed intensively due to thehigh value nature of the crops. With aesthetics (be itappearance or fruit quality) at a premium, the extensive use of fungicides exerts tremendous selective pressure for the development of resistance. After approximately 15 years of use, we are the first to have identified Nova (myclobutanil)resistance in the Midwest, and are carefully monitoring the efficacy of other fungicides. I have been involved inseveral formal discussions with academic colleagues across the Midwest over the last few years about developingeducational efforts to minimize development of additional fungicide resistance issues, and have continued research on fungicide resistance, and better application strategies, toaddress this issue. Talks continue to be given to growers at the Iliana fruit and vegetable conference, Indiana Hort Congress, Indiana and Michigan Green Expos, Landcape meetings in MI and Ohio. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? Nothing Reported How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? With a 60% extension appointment, Dr. Beckerman travels all over the Midwest presenting the information from her research programs. She gave two keynote talks in 2012: Fungicide Resistance in Apples. Fungicide Resistance Development in North America for the 21st Century. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, 2012, and Apple and Banana Disease Management. Congreso Internacional de Biotecnología y Biodiversidad y IX Foro Internacional del Banano, Guayaquil, Ecuador. These talks are in addition to the 25+ talks she gives per year as an Extension specialist. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? The same, plus promote the Droid version of our apps, while developing a tomato doctor app for 'droid and iOS.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? I published 1 book chapter on fungicide resistance, and co-authored (lead author) of another on fungicide resistance in apple disease management (in press). Beckerman, J. Detection of Fungicide Resistance. Book chapter, in ‘Fungicides.’ M. Nita, editor. http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/55981 Beckerman, J. Cox, K., Sundin, G., and Rosenberger, D. Fungicide Resistance in US Apple Production East of the Mississippi. In 25th anniversary of Fungicide Resistance in North America (K. L. Stevenson, M. T. McGrath, and C. A. Wyenandt, eds.) in press.

Publications

  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Wilson, A., Beckerman, J*. and Aime, C. 2013. First report of the white pine blister rust fungus, Cronartium ribicola, on Ribes odoratum, in Indiana. In press, http://apsjournals.apsnet.org/doi/pdf/10.1094/PDIS-04-13-0442-PDN
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Beckerman, J. and Sadof, C. 2013. Caught with your plants down? Theres an app for that! Journal of Extension, 51 (2): 2TOT3.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Leonberger, A. J., Speers, C., Ruhl, G., Creswell, T., and Beckerman, J. L*. 2013. A survey of Phytophthora spp. in Midwest nurseries, greenhouses, and landscapes. Plant Dis. 97:635-640.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Koenig, S. and Beckerman, J. 2013. Evaluation of Pageant fungicide for stress reduction in Poinsettia, 2010. Plant Disease Management Reports. In press.
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Koenig, S. and Beckerman, J. 2013. Evaluation of fungicides for the control of Rhizoctonia stem rot on garden mum, 2011.. 7:OT013
  • Type: Journal Articles Status: Accepted Year Published: 2013 Citation: Chapman, K. and Beckerman, J. 2013. Evaluation of varying Pageant spray intervals and drought on geranium plant health, 2010. 7:OT012


Progress 10/01/11 to 09/30/12

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Survey (with Rick Foster) to evaluate current status and understandings of IPM in apple production and to evaluate fungicide use patterns for 2012. From this survey, we found that disease management is a continuing problem for apple growers, with 52% of growers listing apple scab, followed by fire blight, and the sooty blotch/flyspeck complex as causing unacceptable crop damage. 72% of growers listed apple scab as the disease that has the potential to most significantly impact crop production. Profound changes in disease management were documented, as well: 56% of apple growers report they have changed their fungicide use practices due to new information on fungicide resistance and almost 60% of the growers have adopted the use of urea and/or flail mowing to reduce over-wintering scab from a baseline of 0% in 2007, which helps in the management of apple scab and fungicide resistance. Previous studies have shown that fall application of urea can reduce overwintering scab inoculum by more than 80 percent. This reduces the primary scab pressure early in the infection cycle, and can change a "high scab" orchard into a "low scab" orchard, potentially reducing the number of fungicide applications needed for early season disease control. Finally, 68% of growers have incorporated disease-resistant apple cultivars, demonstrating a more integrated approach in the management of scab. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Apple Industry PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
We have developed a series of videos for apple growers. I have developed the following videos: Cedar apple rust (including time lapse). Over 600 views on YouTube. This program will not allow me to include the link. What are fungi (Animation in progress) How do fungicides work (Animation in progress) I gave the following talks to international audiences: 2012 Fungicide Resistance in Apples. Fungicide Resistance Development in North America for the 21st Century. American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting, 2012. 2012 Apple and Banana Disease Management. Congreso Internacional de Biotecnologia y Biodiversidad y IX Foro Internacional del Banano, Guayaquil, Ecuador.

Publications

  • Babadoost, M., Beckerman, J., Bordelon, B., et al. 2012. Indiana Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide 2012. Available in print, and online at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1282.pdf
  • Babadoost, M., Beckerman, J., Bordelon, B., et al. 2012. 2012 Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide. Available in print, and online at http://hort.agriculture.purdue.edu/pdfs/08SprayGuide.pdf
  • Beckerman, J., Bordelon, B., Foster, R. and Hirst, P. 2012. ID-146-Home Fruit Production Spray Guide. http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/ID/ID-146-W.pdf


Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Continued overseeing the fungicide resistance screening done by graduate student Kayla Gerberich, and resistance breakdown screening done by graduate student Scott Koenig. Put in an experimental block of Macintosh variety in 5/2011 for evaluation of canker pathogens. Presented the following talks (locations in parentheses): Are IPM Concepts Destroying Modern Fungicides Perspectives from Work with Apple Scab. (Rothamsted, England). Apple Scab Management. (ESPOL, Guyaquil, Ecuador) Challenges in Apple Scab Management. (NW Agricultural and Forestry University, Yangling, China AND China Agricultural University, Beijing, China) Fungicide Resistance Management, Great Lakes Fruit Expo. Grand Rapids, MI Scab Resistance Breakdown, Great Lakes Fruit Expo. Grand Rapids, MI Post-Modern Fungicides, Great Lakes Fruit Workers, Leamington, ONT, CAN. PARTICIPANTS: Scott Koenig, graduate student TARGET AUDIENCES: Plant pathologists and apple growers. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Not relevant to this project.

Impacts
Work done in my lab by graduate students K. Chapman and K. Quello, on the " Incidence and severity of fungicide resistance in a Midwest Population of Venturia inaequalis" (apple scab) was published this summer in Plant Disease (91:925-926). John Flesher, of Associated Press, contacted me and wrote an article that was picked up by over 230 news sources, including the New York Times, Washington Post, MSNBC, Fox News, and many other news organizations.

Publications

  • Chapman, K, Quello, K, Sundin, G. and Beckerman, J. 2011. Incidence and severtiy of fungicide resistance in a Midwest population of Venturia inaequalis. Plant Disease, 91,921-926.
  • Lesniak, K, Proffer, T, Beckerman, J and Sundin, G. 2011. Evaluation of Qol resistance and detection of the G143A mutation in Michigan population sof Ventuia inaequalis. Plant Disease, 91, 927-934.
  • Tackling scab resistance. Hit scab hard with protectant fungicides. 2011. Good Fruit Grower 62, 26-27. http://www.goodfruit.com/Good-Fruit-Grower/February-15th-
  • Beckerman, J. 2010. BP-173. Managing Fruit Trees after Crop Loss. Available online at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-179-W.pdf
  • Babadoost, M, Beckerman, J, Bordelon B, et al. 2011. ID-168. Indiana Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide. Available in print and online at: http://www.extension.iastate.edu/Publications/PM1282.pdf.
  • Babadoost, M, Beckerman, J, Bordelon B, et al. 2011. ID-169. Midwest Commercial Small Fruit and Grape Spray Guide. Available in print and online at: http://www.hort.agriculture.purdue.edu/pdfs/08SprayGuide.pdf.
  • Beckerman, J. 2011. BP-182. Fruit Diseases: Would you eat this apple http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-182-W/pdf.


Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Dr. Beckerman's research has applied new approaches to rapidly identify fungicide resistance in plant pathogens (Quello et al. 2010; Cox et al. 2009). Using this and other previously established tools, Dr. Beckerman has provided critical and timely information to Indiana apple growers regarding the occurrence of fungicide resistance to four of the most widely used classes of fungicides commonly used for control of the apple scab fungus, and thereby enabling growers to make informed and economically sound management decisions. Dr. Beckerman continues to measure the frequency and distribution of fungicide resistance of the apple scab pathogen in Indiana and Michigan. Of 195 isolates tested to date, 5.2%, 0.7%, 57.0% and 92.6% of isolates were found to be resistant to dodine, kresoxim-methyl, myclobutanil and thiophanate-methyl, respectively. This is the first report of kresoxim-methyl field resistance in these states. Isolates resistant or shifted to a single fungicide were often found to have multiple fungicide resistance. Of all isolates tested, 38% were identified as resistant or shifted to two fungicides and 12% were resistant or shifted to all four fungicides tested. This work has been shared at local, regional, and national fruit grower meetings. In identifying fungicide resistance in several orchards, Dr. Beckerman has aided growers in using the most effective fungicides, and reducing and eliminating the use of ineffective fungicides. One grower reported a 98% reduction in scab in his orchard using Dr. Beckerman's recommendations. PARTICIPANTS: Kayla Gerberich, Graduate Research Assistant, Purdue, began August 2010. George Sundin, Michigan State University, Professor, Collaborator. Bradley Showalter, Undergraduate Research Assistant, Purdue began May, 2010 TARGET AUDIENCES: Apple growers in the Midwest, particularly Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Ohio. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Dr. Beckerman is a co-author of the Midwest Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide (ID-168) and the Midwest Commercial Small Fruit Spray Guide (ID-169). These guides are multi-state efforts that provide growers with up to date information regarding pesticide use . She has written over 35 articles for Facts for Fancy Fruit on fruit disease management. As a result of her work, 86% of apple growers report they have changed their fungicide use practices; 43% of the growers have adopted the use of urea to reduce over-wintering scab, 29% now use flail mowing to shred fallen leaves, and an additional 14% of growers have plans to implement the use of urea and/or flair mowing to control overwintering scab in 2010.

Publications

  • Quello, K. Chapman, K. and Beckerman, J. 2010. In situ detection of benzimidazole resistance by PCR-RFLP in Venturia inaequalis. Plant Disease 94: 744-750.
  • Eight 'Facts For Fancy Fruit' Newsletters articles, 2010. Available online at: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fff/pastissues.shtml
  • Beckerman, J. 2010. Seven Habits for Highly Effective Fungicide Use. GrowerTalks Magazine, Ball Publishing, Published 2/15/2010.
  • Beckerman, J. 2010. Fungicide costs and budgets. Ohio Florists Association Newsletter.921: 2-3.


Progress 10/01/08 to 09/30/09

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Developed a biochemical assay with broad potential to quickly, reliably, and inexpensively screen sporogenic plant pathogens for fungicide resistance. Modified previous screens to perform in situ assays of fungicide resistance by PCR-RFLP and accurately identified resistance in 100% of the isolates tested. This assay has also been used to assist arborists when issues of fungicide resistance of scab on landscape crabapples developed in the landscape. Written over several articles on apple disease management for Facts for Fancy Fruit. Given nine talks across the Midwest on fungicide resistance. Written the following extension bulletins: Beckerman, J. 2009. Managing Scab-Resistant Apples. Scholl, K. and Beckerman, J. 2009. Fungicide Resistance Management for Pome Fruit. Babadoost, M., Beckerman, J., Bordelon, B., et al. 2009. ID-168. Indiana Commercial Tree Fruit Spray Guide. Written two articles on fungicide rotation and resistance management in horticultural trade journals. PARTICIPANTS: George Sundin, Michigan State University, Department of Plant Pathology. TARGET AUDIENCES: Growers and producers of tree fruit in Indiana and the Midwest PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
Measured the frequency and distribution of fungicide resistance of the apple scab pathogen in Indiana. Interestingly, there were no findings of strobilurin resistance in Indiana, compared with 56% of all Michigan isolates tested in this study. As a result of this work, 86% of apple growers report they have changed their fungicide use practices; 43% of the growers have adopted the use of urea to reduce over-wintering scab, 29% now use flail mowing to shred fallen leaves, and an additional 14% of growers have plans to implement the use of urea and/or flair mowing to control overwintering scab in 2010.

Publications

  • Beckerman, J., Chatfield, J. and Draper, E. 2009. A 33-year evaluation of resistance and pathogenicity in the apple scab - crabapples pathosystem. HortScience 44(3): 1-10.
  • Cox, K. D., Quello, K., Deford, R. J., and Beckerman, J. L. 2009. A rapid method to detect and quantify fungicide resistance in the brown rot pathogen Monilinia fructicola. Plant Dis. 93:328-331.


Progress 10/01/07 to 09/30/08

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Dr. Beckerman's lab continues to carefully monitor the efficacy of fungicides and antibiotics, including establishing baselines for future evaluations of fungicide resistance. She does this by site surveys to collect samples where growers suspect a problem. As a result of these findings, growers are reporting a reduction in the use of Topsin-M and Dodine for scab control, and the incorporation of tank-mixes with other fungicides at high risk or resistance. Dr. Beckerman has provided over 30 talks in the reporting period, and contacted more than 2000 people for training in this time. Websites developed: Beautiful Death: Ornamental Plant Pathology. Online at: http://www.btny.purdue.edu/Extension/Pathology/PHM/BD/index.html The goal of this website is to promote sustainable production and maintenance of ornamental plants in the greenhouse, nursery and landscapes. Live 5/2008. PARTICIPANTS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period. TARGET AUDIENCES: Horticulturalists and plant pathologists PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: Nothing significant to report during this reporting period.

Impacts
About 94% of the participants planned to apply the information in their work, and 100% felt the information was both appropriate, useful, and delivered effectively;98% of respondents found the information helpful in disease management. Phytophthora citricola causes both a root rot and trunk canker in over 45 species of plants, but has never been reported as a stem canker in trees. Dr. Beckerman has identified this pathogen as causing a canker of black walnut in Indiana (Beckerman, J. and Ruhl, G. 2007), and is working with growers to develop a better understanding of the etiology and management of this disease. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources (DNR) estimates that production of black walnut averages between 500,000-600,000 seedlings between two nurseries. In Indiana and surrounding states, DNR and private nurseries report that in "bad years" up to 30% of inventory could die from this top dieback. The Indiana DNR estimated a yearly loss in revenue approximating $50,000.00 in Indiana alone (Mr. Robert Hawkins, Indiana DNR). Over 15 states in the Midwest produce black walnut in DNR nurseries, and many private industries are involved in black walnut production for both lumber and nut crops. Growers have reported that by using the fungicide rotation recommended by Dr. Beckerman, they have reduced their losses due to top canker to less than 5%.

Publications

  • Beckerman, J. 2007. Proactive approach fights downy mildew best. American Nurseryman 205:12-14.
  • Beckerman, J. 2007. Those irresistible crabs. Indiana Nursery and Landscape News 67:24-28. Beckerman, J. 2007. Thielaviopsis. Ohio Florists Association Newsletter. No. 905.
  • Beckerman, J. 2007. Rhizoctonia. Ohio Florists Association Newsletter. No. 904.
  • Beckerman, J. 2007. BP-30-W Fruit Diseases: Fire Blight on Fruit Trees in the Home Orchard Available online at: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-30-W.pdf
  • Beckerman J. 2007. BP-45-W Fruit Diseases: Brown Rot on Tree Fruit in the Home Orchard. Available online at: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-45-W.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2007. BP-132-W Fruit Diseases: Disease Susceptibility of Common Apple Cultivars. Available online at: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-132-W.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2007. BP-138-W Fruit Diseases: Cedar Apple and Related Rusts on Apples in the Home Landscape. Available online at: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-138-W.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2008. Diseases of Landscape Plants: Downy Mildews. Available online at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-68-W.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2008. Diseases of Landscape Plants: Leaf Diseases. Available online at: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-143-W.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2008. Diseases of Landscape Plants: Powdery Mildew. Available online at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-5-W.pdf
  • Whitford, F., Sadof, C., Fournier, A., Lame, M., Reicher, Z., Flory, B., Gibb, T., Bruesch, T., Beckerman, J. and Blessing. A. 2008. "The Use of Pesticides Within Urban Integrated Pest Management Programs: A Partnership Between Client and the IPM Professional." In print, and available on line at: http://www.btny.purdue.edu/Pubs/PPP/PPP-74.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2007. Diseases in Landscape Plants: Cedar Apple and Related Rusts on Landscape Plants. Available online at: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP137-W.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2007. Diseases of Landscape Plants: Rose Black Spot. Available online at: http://www.ces.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-139-W
  • Beckerman, J. 2008. Using Organic Fungicides. Available online at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-69-W.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2008. Understanding Fungicide Mobility for Nursery, Greenhouse, and Landscape Professionals. Available online at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-70-W.pdf
  • Beckerman, J. 2008. Fungicide Rotation for Nursery, Greenhouse, and Landscape Professionals. Available online at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-71-W.pdf
  • Scholl, K. and Beckerman, J. 2008. Fungicide Resistance Management for Pome Fruit. Available online at: http://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/BP/BP-72-W.pdf
  • Contributed two articles for Indiana Flower Growers Newsletter, 2008, available on line at:https://sharepoint.agriculture.purdue.edu/agriculture/flowers/bull etins.aspx
  • Contributed ten articles for Facts for Fancy Fruits in 2008. These are available on line at: http://www.hort.purdue.edu/fff/pastissues.shtml


Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07

Outputs
OUTPUTS: Venturia inaequalis, the casual agent of apple scab, has been known to develop resistance to many commonly used penetrant fungicides including dodine, strobilurins, DMI's, and MBC's. Identification of fungicide resistance is essential for growers to enable them to effectively manage this disease in the orchard. However, despite numerous reports of resistance by growers, the identification of resistance is confounded by issues of calibration and improper timing of fungicides. Resistance was determined by putting each isolate through a series of assays amended with each type of fungicide. Resistance has been detected in both dodine and DMI fungicides. Some isolates exhibited less sensitivity to strobilurins and MBC fungicides than others, but none were resistant. These results can be used by growers to manage any problems with resistance in their operation at the orchard level. On the state level, this work will alert growers to problems in their area, and help to educate them on what classes of fungicides should be monitored most closely for resistance. PARTICIPANTS: Janna Beckerman, PI Ryan Deford, M.S. Student. Graduation Date: Spring 2008 Kacie Scholl, M.S. Student. Began August, 2007. Kimberly Chapman, Undergraduate student TARGET AUDIENCES: Although small industries in Indiana, nursery, greenhouse, orchard, vineyard, and urban care are intensive due to the high value nature of the crops tended: This includes everything from shade trees to grape vines. With aesthetics (be it appearance or fruit quality) at a premium, the extensive use of fungicides exerts tremendous selective pressure for the development of resistance. After approximately 15 years of use, we are the first to have identified Nova (myclobutanil) resistance in the Midwest, and are carefully monitoring the efficacy of other fungicides. I have been involved in several formal discussions with academic colleagues across the Midwest over the last few years about developing educational efforts to minimize development of additional fungicide resistance issues, and have submitted an RFA to address this issue. Talks given at meetings like the OSU CENTS course resulted in the publication of two articles are fungicide rotation and resistance management in horticultural trade journals. PROJECT MODIFICATIONS: An unexpected discovery occurred when evaluating the lineages of which cultivars succumbed to scab. This allowed us to identify different races of the fungus, and resulted in the first report of scab on a M. floribunda selection that was once considered immune to the disease. The presence of scab on this cultivar suggests the presence of race 7 in North America. Follow up on this work by me resulted in the discovery of scab on Malus floribunda 821, the source of the Vf gene used for the breeding of scab-resistant apples for over 60 years, and the identification of a new race of the fungus. This finding has potentially a major impact on organic and low imput growers that rely on the scab resistance that is conferred by the Vf gene. Current work is underway to evaluate the host specificity of the first new race reported in North America since 1968, and to provide management options to sustainable and organic growers using these varieties.

Impacts
We have employed a test that has not been used in the field of phytopathology, but has demonstrated great promise in the medical community. We established concordance between this newer test, and the slower measurement of radial growth. This new test provides reliablity, rapidity, low cost, and standardization of screening. In using this, and the standard measurement of radial growth, resistance to at least one class of fungicide was found in three of the six locations tested. Dodine resistance was found at three of the six locations studied. Surprisingly, one site was established in 1997, and had never been sprayed with dodine. This finding suggests that resistance to dodine may be conserved in the population of V. inaequalis in this area, and that it is stable. DMI and MBC resistance was detected at two of six sites. The absence of strobilurin- resistant isolates is encouraging for Indiana growers, as it suggests an absence of both resistance, and cross-resistance to DMIs. This suggests that growers can safely continue using strobilurins without yet worrying about resistance. Overall, the findings indicate that Indiana growers are not having major issues with resistance, but that problems exist in isolated orchards. The resistance level in the DMI fungicides should continue to be monitored, and growers would be well advised to practice proper fungicide rotation to ensure continued use.

Publications

  • Deford, R. Cox, K., and Beckerman, J. 2007. A rapid method for identifying fungicide resistance. Phytopathology 97:S27.
  • Deford, R. and Beckerman, J. 2007. The detection of resistance in Venturia inaequalis, the causal agent of apple scab, in Indiana. Phytopathology 97:S27.
  • Beckerman, J. and Ruhl, G. 2007. Phytophthora citricola causes a stem canker in black walnut (Juglans nigra). Online. Plant Health Progress: doi:10.1094/PHP-2007-0420-01-BR.


Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06

Outputs
In Indiana, apples suffer from three serious diseases: Scab, fire blight, and bitter rot. Of these three diseases, only scab and fire blight can damage or kill a tree, bitter rot is a postharvest problem affecting fruit. Unfortunately, consumers are of two conflicting mindsets: They desire blemish-free fruit of extremely susceptible varieties, and they want this fruit produced without pesticides. This project will determine if the fungicides being used to produce apples in Indiana are effective in controlling the diseases they are intended for, and to develop alternative, low-input, or organically acceptable spray regimes for growers to include in their pesticide rotations. My primary goal is to develop effective management strategies that reduce the need for chemical management for apple scab, bitter rot, and fire blight. To this end, this project focuses on the following three objectives. 1. Determining the incidence of fungicide resistance of the fungi Venturia inaequalis and Colletotrichum spp., and 2. Determining the incidence of antibiotic resistance of the bacterium Erwinia amylovora in Indiana orchards, and 3. Using this information in conjunction with pesticide trials focusing on newer and organically-acceptable chemistries to develop more effective, lower input or organic programs for the management of Indianas most important apple diseases. Studies will done in both field and laboratory. Experimental plots (15-20 trees per row, with 2 blocks of 10 rows) of Golden and Red Delicious apple have been established to evaluate biological pesticides and low input fungicide rotations to effectively manage scab, fire blight, sooty blotch and flyspeck. This orchard has been in existence for over ten years, and has high levels of endemic inoculum to facilitate the evaluations of the proposed diseases. Corresponding orchards of ornamental crabapple trees will include: Spring Snow (scab susceptible, rust and fire blight resistant), Klehms Bechtold Select (scab and rust susceptible, fire blight resistant), Molten Lava (scab and rust resistant, fire blight susceptible), and Firecracker (scab, rust, and fire blight resistant). Crabapple has served as a useful laboratory model for screening biological pesticides for control of fire blight. Various PCR techniques will be used to isolate and identify the diseases.

Impacts
Over 100 isolates of V. inaequalis were isolated across the state of Indiana, and central Ohio. The isolates were tested against the following fungicides: Dodine, Myclobutanil, and Trifloxystrobin. To date, obvious resistance has been found to dodine, even in orchards that never received a dodine treatment. About 25 cultures of Colletotrichum were isolated. These are currently being tested for fungicide resistance, and DNA analysis to speciate. To date, we have identified widespread resistance to Thiophanate methyl within the Colletotrichum population we have tested. Other fungicide tests are ongoing. Rootstocks and scionwood has been located, and grafts of desired apples will be produced this winter, to outplant to Meigs Farm this spring.

Publications

  • No publications reported this period