Lexington, Kentucky
May 20, 2009
Recent rains have delayed burley
tobacco planting and provided ideal conditions for target spot
development in greenhouses across the state. To combat this
fungal disease, growers can use the fungicide Quadris in
greenhouses for the first time, said Kenny Seebold, extension
plant pathologist with the
University of Kentucky College of Agriculture.
This past week, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture and
Syngenta, Quadris’ manufacturer, gave approval for a 24c special
local need label for the fungicide. Burley growers can make one
application of Quadris in the greenhouse between now and the end
of July. This application will count toward their seasonal limit
of four to five applications.
In recent weeks, growers were using a fungicide with mancozeb to
suppress and prevent the disease, but the disease became too
severe and widespread for it to work effectively. Since Quadris
received approval for the 24c label, many farmers have used it
and think it could be helping with target spot.
“The farmers I’ve spoken with think it is doing something to
combat the disease,” Seebold said. “In the float beds I’ve seen,
new plant growth is responding to something but I’m not sure if
it’s due to Quadris, the past few days of good weather or a
combination of the two.”
Growers, who use Quadris in the greenhouse, must have a copy of
the 24c label on hand. They can get a copy of the label through
their fungicide dealer or their county extension office.
Seebold said growers, who set plants with target spot in the
field, may want to follow up with another application of Quadris
in about five to six weeks after transplanting.
In addition to Quadris, growers should continue to manage their
young plants in the greenhouse by providing them with good
ventilation and adequate fertility to help control the disease
and dry the plants. They may also want to follow up the Quadris
application with a mancozeb fungicide.
For application rates and other information on Quadris and
target spot, contact the local extension office.
UK College of Agriculture, through its land-grant mission,
reaches across the commonwealth with teaching, research and
extension to enhance the lives of Kentuckians.
By Katie Pratt |
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