Determination of Bean Root Rot Potential in Vegetable Production Fields of Wisconsin’s Central Sands. K. M. Kobriger, Research Assistant, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706. D. J. Hagedorn, Professor, Department of Plant Pathology, University of Wisconsin, Madison 53706. Plant Dis. 67:177-178. Accepted for publication 2 July 1982. Copyright 1983 American Phytopathological Society. DOI: 10.1094/PD-67-177.

A greenhouse bioassay was developed to determine the bean root rot potential of central Wisconsin vegetable-production fields. Greenhouse and field disease severities were shown to be highly and positively correlated during 3 yr of testing in 83 commercial snap bean fields. As field and greenhouse disease severity indices increased, there was a corresponding trend toward decreased yields. This bioassay can be used by growers as part of an integrated program for bean root rot control by estimating the risk factors of fields.