IPM ANNUAL REPORT 18

Transcription

1 IPM ANNUAL REPORT 18

2 About IPM Integrated pest management (IPM) is a sustainable approach to managing insect, pathogens, and weed pests through a coordinated decision-making/ action-taking process. The goal of IPM is to mitigate pest damage while protecting human health, environmental quality, and economic viability. The MU IPM program is partially funded by a federal grant. It is multidisciplinary and involves a large team of scientists and extension specialists. From the Director Since 1980, the University of Missouri IPM program has served the agriculture, horticulture, and urban pest management sectors in educating Missouri s citizens on responsible and sustainable pest management methods. An interlinked community of state faculty specialists, regional extension specialists, and MU IPM staff strive to deliver timely updates of ongoing and potential pest problems, and the research-based approaches to controlling them. Allied programs include the Pesticide Safety Education Program, MU Soil & Plant Testing Lab, MU Plant Diagnostic Clinic, SCN Nematode Diagnostics, Master Gardeners, Healthy Yards for Clear Streams, and the Missouri Strip Trial Program. As evidenced in this annual update, MU state and regional specialists are engaged in an array of research programs that aren t just a reaction to current problems, but also will help proactively manage and plan for future pest threats. Various outreach programs, including scouting schools, training events, workshops and the Missouri IPM website are designed to keep you apprised of important pest management issues in the state, and the appropriate tactics in which to manage these problems. We hope you enjoy this 2018 update of our observations and activities, and look forward to serving you again in Lee Miller Associate Professor Division of Plant Sciences SPONSORED BY: United States Department of Agriculture National Institute of Food and Agriculture Editor Lee Miller Writer Linda Geist Design Jared Fogue Cover photo Kevin Rice Table of Contents Plant Diagnostic Clinic... 4 Field Crop Pathology... 5 Horticulture... 8 Entomology... 9 Weed Science Weather IPM 2018

3 Plant Diagnostic Clinic Sample diagnosis In 2018, the MU PDC received a total of 426 samples which includes physical samples, walk-in samples (samples not charged) and digital images submitted by for plant disease diagnosis, insect, weed and plant identification. Disease diagnosis accounted for 81% of the total sample processed and the month of June marked the peak of submission with 95 samples. Sample category Samples submitted to the clinic were categorized into different crop types such as field crops, turf, ornamentals, vegetables and fruits. Ornamentals were the largest sample category with 40%, followed by field crops (23%) and turf (22%) (Figure 1). Percentage distribution of samples submitted for disease diagnosis by sample category Agronomic crops Soybeans were submitted most often into the Clinic in 2018 with 50 samples, followed by corn (22), wheat (3), bean (2) and forage crops (2). The 2018 drought condition in Missouri delayed planting and disease emergence early in the season. Predominantly, physiological disorders, chemical damage and nutrient deficiencies were observed on corn and soybean early in the season. The hot and dry condition increased the incidence of late season diseases in soybean. Anthracnose stem blight, charcoal rot, pod and stem blight and soybean sudden death syndrome were the prevalent diseases observed. Diseases diagnosed on corn include gray leaf spot detected in one sample from Polk County, northern corn leaf blight from one sample in Lafayette County, and southern corn rust from Jasper County. Corn stalk rot caused by various fungi was also observed. Ornamentals Winter injury, chemical injury and heat stress were the major issues diagnosed on ornamental plants in The extreme heat condition in Missouri in the past year left many trees with leaf scorching, a symptom similar with to bacterial leaf scorch, a disease caused by the bacteria Xylella fastidiosa. Despite the excessive drought, some disease issues such as anthracnose, the aforementioned bacterial leaf scorch, powdery mildew, canker and dieback were observed. Turfgrass Of the 74 turfgrass samples submitted for analysis, 37 were out-of-state from Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky and Illinois. Turfgrass species submitted for diagnosis include creeping bentgrass, fescue, zoysia and Kentucky bluegrass. Most samples were from creeping bentgrass putting greens, which like other cool season species endured a difficult spring with the 2nd coldest April on record followed by the warmest May June on record. This weather anomaly, and resultant lack of spring, didn t allow for adequate root development prior to the summer stress period. On tall fescue lawns, several instances of gray leaf spot were observed in the St Louis and Columbia area. Gray leaf spot occurs late season (August September), and has not been typical in recent years. The disease can be problematic since it can spreads very quickly by spores, fungicide resistant populations are known, and management practices differ from brown patch, a more regular disease issue on tall fescue. Fruits and Vegetables Fruits and vegetables submitted to the clinic were diagnosed with several issues like abiotic stress, chemical injury and diseases. Chemical injury reported on okra, tomato and potato in some cases occurred from herbicide used in close proximity or herbicide carryover in manure/ compost. Foliar and fruit rot diseases were diagnosed on pumpkin, cucumber, cabbage, pepper and tomato. Root rot disease caused by Fusarium and Phytophthora species were reported on tomato, watermelon, blueberry and raspberry samples that were submitted to the clinic. Charcoal rot caused by Macrophomina phaseolina on soybean Fusarium fruit rot on pumpkin 4 IPM 2018

4 Field Crop Pathology Summer Scouting Schools In the summer of 2018, the MU Field Crop Plant Pathology program began Summer Scouting Schools at five locations in each of the four quadrants of the state: two in the Southeast, one in the Northeast, one in the Northwest, and one in the Southwest. Over 100 farmers, cooperators, Extension specialists, and other stakeholders participated in the Summer Scouting Schools. As part of these interactive schools, participants were tested on their ability to identify a series of common soybean and corn diseases impacting production in Missouri and their management. The scouting school participants applied their knowledge in the field where they were asked to identify the diseases they observed and determine how best to manage them. In addition to hands-on demonstrations, attendees were trained on the basics of fungicide resistance management, the potential impacts of resistant fungal pathogens on production, and which pathogens are at the highest risk of developing resistance. Knowing if and when to spray fungicides saves money and reduces concerns about fungicide resistance, says MU Extension plant pathologist Kaitlyn Bissonnette. Prior to the scouting schools, more than 50% of attendees indicated they had no knowledge or were not very knowledgeable about fungicide resistant pathogens in Missouri field crops. Following the scouting school, 90% of attendees responded that they were somewhat or very knowledgeable about fungicide resistance. Bissonnette says fungicide resistant isolates of the Frogeye leaf spot (FLS) pathogen have been verified in parts of Missouri. FLS, which can reduce yield by up to 35 percent, is one disease that can benefit from a fungicide treatment. It generally appears in the middle of the growing season. FLS can be anywhere in the soybean canopy, but infection begins in newer leaves. The fungus that causes FLS survives on infected seed and soybean residue and favors warm, humid weather. Crop rotation and resistant varieties can help to minimize disease. If applying a fungicide to control FLS, Bissonnette recommends using one with multiple modes of action. Before you spray, know if your soybean variety has resistance to FLS and scout for the disease. When looking to apply a fungicide, preventative is always better than curative, she says. Not all soybean diseases require a fungicide application, says Bissonnette. Farmers should check weather patterns and the disease-resistance level of their varieties when making fungicide application decisions. Regular scouting of the field, starting at the edges and walking to the interior areas, provides early detection of pests. Know your diseases. An integrated pest management system that includes crop rotation and the use of resistant varieties is always the best approach. Summer Scouting Schools in the four quadrants of the state attract growers, Extension specialists, farmer cooperators, and other stakeholders to learn about field crop diseases and fungicide resistance management. 6 IP M 2 018

5 Entomology Horticulture Japanese beetles Elderberry Elderberry is a high value crop grown and processed into products for niche markets. With the increasing production of elderberry, disease symptoms are becoming more prevalent. MU Extension Pomologist, Michele Warmund, has teamed up with Plant Pathologist, Jeanne Mihail to identify fungi that harm the growth of plants and restrict fruit yields. The first studies were conducted on early season diseases. The first disease typically found in Missouri elderberry plantings causes cane dieback and kills young foliage. Working with a local elderberry producer, Warmund and Mihail isolated the fungus Phoma and found that no fruit production occurred on infected elderberry shoots. After screening multiple cultivars, it was discovered that Scotia plants were less susceptible to fungal infect than other cultivars. This discovery indicates that it may be possible to develop new elderberry cultivars with improved resistance to infection by Phoma. Until then, this disease can be managed with timely applications of fungicide. A second common disease, elderberry rust was also studied. The fungus, Puccinia sambuci requires elderberry plants and sedge (Carex) to complete its life cycle. In early April, rust spores land on elderberry plants and produce pustules on leaves, stems, and developing flowers. Later, another type of spore from the fungus develops travels to sedge plants where it resides from late summer and throughout fall and winter until elderberry plants are re-infected in the spring. Warmund and Mihail found that as few as six rust pustules on an elderberry plant can cause fruit loss. A full description of the disease with control recommendations is now available on-line to help growers limit the spread of this disease in their elderberry plantings. University of Missouri Extension field crops entomologist Kevin Rice hopes his research on Japanese beetles will take a bite out of their buffet. Japanese beetles cause large economic losses for the agricultural community. Adult beetles typically feed on silks and tassels in corn and foliage on soybean. They also damage the foliage and fruit of more than 400 flower, shrub and tree species. Currently, pyrethroids are the best knockdown control measure for them, says Rice. The beetles move quickly from nearby woods, fields and lawns to re-infest an area, so multiple applications might be necessary. Rice and his team of MU graduate students are researching the use of nets containing pyrethroids to control Japanese beetles. They place nets and pheromone lures around field borders. Previous researchers found that beetles pick up a toxic dose within three seconds. The nets remain effective throughout the growing season and are unlikely to attract pollinators. Cane dieback and foliar necrosis caused by Phoma on an elderberry plant. When japanese beetles are in peak season, Rice recommends chemical control when economic thresholds are reached. Bags and traps are far less effective and may attract more beetles. Dicamba Michele Warmund began a program with MU Extension faculty and students to evaluate dicamba and 2,4-D damage to 34 different horticultural crops to better understand plant symptoms and crop loss associated with off-target drift of herbicides. Educational programs focusing on injury assessment and residue testing were given at multi-state conferences and to Extension faculty to help producers. During the past year, Warmund partnered with MU faculty and producers to identify key fungal pathogens on elderberry plants. Interest in growing elderberry 8 IP M It s not a silver bullet, but it s a bullet. Traps catch about 75 percent of beetles and can actually attract more beetles than they capture, according to the USDA publication Managing the Japanese Beetle: A Homeowner s Handbook (bit.ly/2kjscdo). If you use traps, place them away from plants and on the borders of yards or fields. surged in the past few years due to the potential for high economic returns for producers and increased consumer interest in health-promoting food products. As commercial growers expand their acreage and plantings mature, diseases that limit plant growth and crop yield have become prevalent in some fields. Warmund works to identify disease thresholds and control strategies to provide sound recommendations to producers. It is imperative that growers have access to this type of information to maintain plant health and to prevent overuse of fungicides, says Warmund. His research is in the preliminary stages and he does not recommend nets yet. He says homeowners and farmers should continue to monitor lawns and fields. Apply chemicals in a timely manner according to label instructions. Faculty and students, including Michele Warmund (right) evaluated dicamba damage on 34 horticultural crops. The adult Japanese beetle is a little less than half an inch long and has a shiny, metallic-green body with bronze-colored outer wings. The beetle has six tufts of white hair under the edges of its wings. Japanese beetles produce one generation each year and can burrow up to 12 inches below soil in the winter to survive.

6 Weed Science Dicamba During the past year, MU weed scientist Kevin Bradley advised growers, retailers, crop consultants and others on the most appropriate methods for the management and mitigation of the state s most problematic weed species in agronomic crops and forages. However, Bradley devoted the largest percentage of his efforts in 2018 to the many issues associated with off-target movement of dicamba. Mandy Bish recently joined MU Extension as a weed specialist. She assists state weed scientist Kevin Bradley in addressing concerns regarding off-target dicamba movement. She assisted in the development of the Synthetic Auxin Herbicide Applicator Training Program for Missouri pesticide applicators and design of research projects aimed at understanding the role of weather in movement of dicamba herbicide. Herbicide Injury App University of Missouri Extension introduced a new mobile app to identify herbicide injury at its annual Pest Management Field Day on July 10. MU Extension weed specialist Mandy Bish says Herbicide Injury ID lets users send photos of injured plants to MU Extension for preliminary diagnosis and feedback. Users can also scroll through a library of more than 200 photos to look for similar types of damage. When the app launches, users can choose from four options: diagnose injury, search by herbicide, view sites of action, or send photos and detailed descriptions to MU for diagnosis. Bish says the app is not limited to corn and soybeans. It includes photos of some ornamentals, cucurbits, tomatoes and trees. It will continue to be expanded. 10 IP M This involved numerous consultations with the Missouri Department of Agriculture and United States Environmental Protection Agency, training of more than 3,000 Missouri pesticide applicators on the proper use and application of dicamba, and a variety of on-farm visits to diagnose and provide recommendations pertaining to the off-target movement of dicamba. Weather Missouri Extension Drought Impact Reporter & Missouri Drought Impacts Map She also played a role in the launch of the Temperature Inversion Potential Sensing (TIPS) website. This site alerts pesticide applicators that a weather event known as temperature inversion is occurring. Inversions produce unfavorable conditions for pesticide applications. The project represents an ongoing collaborative effort between two MU Extension groups: the Missouri Climate Center and Mizzou Weed Science. Download the Herbicide Injury ID app from the Apple App Store or Google Play on any mobile device. iphone ipad:itunes.apple.com/us/app/ id Android play.google.com/store/apps/ details?id=doit.herbicideinjury In 2018, the Missouri Climate Center partnered with representatives of the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS) and National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) to develop an online survey for reporting drought impacts in Missouri. The Missouri Climate Center requested the survey be similar to the National Drought Impact reporter tool, but shorter in length. The survey was activated on July 6, 2018 and called the Missouri Extension Drought Impact Reporter, (left). The tool was timely, with an intensifying drought affecting the Show-Me state during the summer of By the end August, Missourians submitted more than 400 impact reports, including over 100 pictures. Additionally, the NDMC developed a Drought Conditions and Impacts Map for Missouri, (right). The information was critical for assessing drought severity in Missouri and used extensively by decision makers at the state and national level, including the authors of the U.S. Drought Monitor map. To access the latest version of the drought impact reporter survey and drought impact map, please go to Missouri Climate Center, and click on the respective links.

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