Crop Rotations for Prevention of Phytophthora capsici Infection in Solanaceous and Cucurbit Crops Presentation Created by, Michelle Infante Agricultural Agent Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County 1200 North Delsea Drive Clayton, NJ

Crop Rotation : Planting different type crops in succession in the same field. Rotating crops helps to: –utilize nutrients in the soil –control disease organisms –control weed species –control nematode populations – control insect populations

Solanceous Crops Family: Solanaceae –Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Tomato Pepper Eggplant Tobacco Michelle Infante, Agricultural Agent Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County

Cucurbit Crops Family: Cucurbitaceae Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici –Squash –Cucumbers –Pumpkins –Melons

Grower Reasons for Lack of Using Crop Rotations Limited Land Resources Farm Specializes in a Few Crops Limited Markets for Alternative Crops Unfamiliarity with Plant Families and Disease Susceptibility

Crop Rotation Plan to reduce Phytophthora capsici Plant non-susceptible crops for 3-5 years Plant winter cover crops to increase soil organic matter Plant summer cover crops rather than leaving field fallow

Plant Families Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Family: Fabaceae (Leguminosae) “The Bean and Pea Family” Beans Peas Clovers Vetches

Plant Families Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Family: Brassicaceae (Cruciferae) “The Cole Crops” Greens: Collards, Kale, Mustards Cauliflower Turnip Broccoli Cabbage Radish

Plant Families Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Family:Apiaceae (Umbelliferae) Carrots Celery Florence Fennel Parsley Cilantro Parsnip

Plant Families Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Family: Alliaceae (Amaryllidaceae) Onions Garlic Leeks Shallots Scallions Chives

Plant Families Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Family: Asteraceae (Compositae) Lettuces Dandelion Jerusalem Artichoke Endive/Escarole Globe Artichoke

Plant Families Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Family: Chenopodiaceae Spinach Swiss Chard Beets

Plant Families Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Family: Poaceae (Gramineae) FOR HARVEST OR GREEN MANURE “ The Cereals” –Rye –Wheat –Corn –Sudangrass –Sorghum

Other Plants Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Medicinal Herbs Purple Cone Flower St. John’s Wort Chamomile Yarrow Golden Seal

Other Plants Not Susceptible to Phytophthora capsici Culinary Herbs Basil Oregano Mint Thyme Sage

Additional Tools to Control Phytophthora capsici FIELD WATER MANAGEMENT –Irrigation –Raised Beds –Field Water Flow –Swails at Field Ends –Cultivate to the Swail

Additional Tools to Control Phytophthora capsici CHEMICAL CONTROLS - FUNGICIDES –Soil fumigation –Soil Applied Fungicides –Foliar Applied Fungicides

Additional Tools to Control Phytophthora capsici PRACTICE GOOD SANITATION –Clean Equipment –Work Contaminated Field Last –Do Not Work Contaminated Areas –Remove Infected Plants

Additional Tools to Control Phytophthora capsici ENHANCE SOIL HEALTH –Increase Organic Matter green manure off-farm supplements –Stay Off Wet Fields –Break up hard pans –Eliminate fumigation if possible

Summary: Controlling Phytophthora capsici Use proper crop rotations Practice good water management Utilize fungicides correctly Practice good sanitation Enhance Soil Health

CONCLUSIONS Crop rotation can help to control Phytophthora capsici Rotations must be used with other tools to be successful Know susceptible and non-susceptible crops to plan rotations Rotating crops will show more benefits than just controlling Phytophthora capsici Michelle Infante, Agricultural Agent Rutgers Cooperative Extension of Gloucester County