Poster: Biology & Disease Mgmt: Chemical Control
233-P
Fungicide efficacy for the control of pomegranate diseases in Florida
A. KC (1), G. Vallad (2) (1) University of Florida, U.S.A.; (2) University of Florida, U.S.A.
A statewide survey identified six economically important pathogens of Pomegranate (Punica granatum) in Florida. Anthracnose fruit rot and leaf spot, Botryosphaeria shoot blight and stem canker, and Pilidiella fruit rot were commonly observed throughout the growing season resulting in more than 80% fruit loss. Field trials conducted at two different locations in Central Florida evaluated Cabrio, Switch, Scala, Penncozeb, and Luna Experience for disease control on pomegranate. Fungicides were applied beginning in Early-March when > 5 % flower buds were visible and reapplied every two weeks until the end of growing season in August. Disease severity was rated based on the Horsfall-Barratt scale, and values were used to calculate area under disease progress curves. Significant differences were observed between the treatments at both locations (P < 0.001). Cabrio, Luna Experience, and Penncozeb reduced the disease severity by 87, 84, and 67 % respectively; while Switch and Scala reduced by 53 and 39% respectively compared to untreated control. Follow-up field studies are planned for 2016 to establish effective usage patterns.