Foliar Disease in Fresh-Market Tomato Grown in Differing Bed Strategies and Fungicide Spray Programs

A 3-year field study in central Maryland evaluated foliar disease in fresh-market tomato grown using combinations of four bed strategies and three fungicide programs. Bed strategies included uncovered beds with or without a composted dairy manure amendment or beds covered with black polyethylene or hairy vetch mulch. Fungicide programs included no fungicide, weekly fungicide, or fungicide applications scheduled according to the TOMCAST disease predictor. In plots with hairy vetch-covered beds, early blight caused by Alternaria solani, Septoria leaf spot caused by Septoria lycopersici, and defoliation were lower versus uncovered beds each year. Early blight and defoliation were lower in beds covered with vetch versus polyethylene mulch in 2 of 3 years. Disease severity, defoliation, and marketable yield were similar for the weekly and TOMCAST fungicide programs, with 40 to 50% fewer sprays using TOMCAST. Marketable yield was similar among bed strategies except for higher yields in covered versus uncovered and unamended beds in a relatively wet year and lower yields in vetch versus polyethylene beds in a dry year.

Download Full-text

Factors Associated with Foliar Disease of Staked Fresh Market Tomatoes Grown Under Differing Bed Strategies

Plant Disease ◽

10.1094/pdis.2002.86.4.356 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 86 (4) ◽

pp. 356-361 ◽

Cited By ~ 23

Author(s):

Douglas J. Mills ◽

C. Benjamin Coffman ◽

John R. Teasdale ◽

Kathryne L. Everts ◽

James D. Anderson

Keyword(s):

Early Blight ◽

Bare Soil ◽

Dairy Manure ◽

Hairy Vetch ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Foliar Disease ◽

Factors Associated ◽

Splash Dispersal ◽

Disease Reduction ◽

One Year

The use of mulch or compost to reduce foliar disease in fresh market tomato could reduce fungicide use. Between 1997 and 1999, foliar disease was monitored in tomatoes grown in beds with bare soil, black polyethylene, composted dairy manure, or hairy vetch. Early blight was reduced in plots with vetch compared with bare soil or compost in all years and compared with polyethylene cover in 1 year. Early blight was reduced in plots with polyethylene versus compost and bare soil in 1 and 2 years, respectively. Septoria leaf spot was reduced in plots with vetch versus other bed strategies in 1998 and bare soil or compost in 1999. This disease was reduced in plots with polyethylene versus bare soil or compost in 1998 and 1999. Soil coverage of tomato leaflets and soil particle dispersal were reduced in plots with polyethylene or vetch versus bare soil or compost in both years that these variables were assessed. Sensor wetness duration was reduced in plots with polyethylene or vetch versus bare soil or compost in one of two years. These findings suggest that foliar disease reduction in mulch was associated with reduced splash dispersal and, in one year, reduced leaf wetness.

Download Full-text

015 Evaluation of Fungicides for Use with TOM-CAST on Fresh-market Tomatoes in Northern New Jersey

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.34.3.443c ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 443C-443

Author(s):

M.H. Maletta ◽

W.P. Cowgill ◽

S.A. Johnston

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Early Blight ◽

Total Yield ◽

Weekly Schedule ◽

Copper Hydroxide ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Mature Fruit ◽

Forecast System ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

Foliar Disease

A research trial evaluation of fungicides and fungicide combinations in conjunction with weekly or TOM-CAST (an early blight forecast system) spray schedules was conducted in 1998. Fungicide regimens were: Quadris (alternating with Bravo Weatherstik); Bravo Weatherstik; Manzate followed by Bravo Weatherstik; Champ; Champ and Bravo; Nu-Cop; NuCop and Bravo The weekly schedule resulted in 15 fungicide applications; the TOM-CAST schedule required five applications. Foliar disease was rated weekly. Mature fruit were harvested weekly to obtain total and marketable yields. All fungicide treatments reduced foliar disease compared to the untreated control. Quadris alternating with Bravo Weatherstik on a weekly or TOM-CAST schedule provided better disease control than any other material on either schedule. There were no significant differences in disease control among the other materials applied weekly. Disease control achieved with the TOM-CAST schedule was somewhat less than with the weekly schedule for all materials. Quadris/Bravo or Bravo provided the best control and Champ or Nu-Cop alone provided the least control on the TOM-CAST schedule. Total yield was not affected by fungicide or schedule. Marketable yield was reduced by weekly applications of copper fungicides compared to most other treatments. Chemical names used: tetrachloroisophtalonitrile (chlorothalonil); [methyl (E)-2-{2-[6-(2-cyanophenoxy) pyrimidin-4-yloxy]phenyl}-3-methoxyacrylate (asoxystrobin); copper hydroxide; manganese ethylene bisdithiocarbamate and zinc.

Download Full-text

169 Progress in the Development of a Sustainable Production System for Fresh-market Tomatoes

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.34.3.471c ◽

1999 ◽

Vol 34 (3) ◽

pp. 471C-471 ◽

Cited By ~ 1

Author(s):

D.J. Mills ◽

C.B. Coffman ◽

J.R. Teasdale ◽

J.D. Anderson ◽

K.L. Everts

Keyword(s):

Disease Management ◽

Early Blight ◽

Production Systems ◽

Hairy Vetch ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Foliar Disease ◽

Black Plastic ◽

Marketable Fruit ◽

Blight Disease ◽

Farm Inputs

In the production of fresh-market vegetables, off-farm inputs, such as, plastic, nitrogen fertilizer, fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides are routinely used. One aim of the sustainable agriculture program at the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center is to develop systems that reduce these inputs. We have completed the second year of a study designed to examine foliar disease progress, foliar disease management, and marketable fruit yield in staked fresh-market tomatoes grown in low- and high-input production systems. Specifically, four culture practices (black plastic mulch, hairy vetch mulch, dairy manure compost, and bare ground) were compared in conjunction with three foliar disease management treatments (no fungicide, weekly fungicide, and a foliar disease forecasting model, TOMCAST). Within all culture practices, use of the TOMCAST model reduced fungicide input nearly 50%, compared with the weekly fungicide treatment, without compromising productivity or disease management. With regard to disease level, a significant reduction of early blight disease severity within the hairy vetch mulch was observed in 1997 in relation to the other culture practices. Early blight disease severity within the black plastic and hairy vetch mulches was significantly less than that observed in the bare ground and compost treatments in 1998. In addition, despite a 50 % reduction in synthetic nitrogen input, the hairy vetch mulch generated yields of marketable fruit comparable to or greater than the other culture practices. It appears that low-input, sustainable, production systems can be developed that reduce the dependence on off-farm inputs of plastic, nitrogen fertilizer, and pesticides, yet generate competitive yields.

Download Full-text

METHYL BROMIDE ALTERNATIVES IN FRESH MARKET TOMATO PRODUCTION

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.31.5.759a ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 31 (5) ◽

pp. 759a-759

Author(s):

Christopher L. Ray ◽

Sandra B. Wilson ◽

Kathy H. Brock ◽

Bruce A. Fortnum ◽

Dennis R. Decoteau

Keyword(s):

Methyl Bromide ◽

Control Strategies ◽

Agricultural Practices ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

Tomato Production ◽

Methyl Bromide Alternatives ◽

Environmentally Sound ◽

Chemical Pesticides ◽

Polyethylene Mulch

Pest management is of primary importance to the vegetable industry in our nation. In recent years producers have undergone much scrutiny concerning their pest control strategies, which often include the use of chemical pesticides. Due to the detrimental effects of many fumigants, growers are being forced to incorporate more environmentally sound agricultural practices while still producing a healthy, marketable commodity. The effects of three different fumigants and reflective mulches on plant growth and development were studied in field-grown, staked tomatoes. Methyl bromide, Telone II, or Telone C-17 were used in fumigation of plots. The establishment of mulch color was done via applications of exterior enamel paint, white or red in color, to the surface of black polyethylene mulch. With the exception of total marketable yields, no interactions existed between mulch color and fumigant. Red mulch and Telone II treatments resulted in the highest total marketable yield. Telone II application increased early marketable yield. White mulch color increased preharvest yield and black mulch color decreased early marketable yield. Low initial populations of nematodes may be the cause for lack of response due to fumigation.

Download Full-text

Marketable Yields of Fresh-market Tomatoes Grown in Plastic and Hairy Vetch Mulches

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.37.6.878 ◽

2002 ◽

Vol 37 (6) ◽

pp. 878-881 ◽

Cited By ~ 13

Author(s):

Aref A. Abdul-Baki ◽

John R. Teasdale ◽

Robert W. Goth ◽

Kathleen G. Haynes

Keyword(s):

Cover Crops ◽

Early Blight ◽

Agricultural Research ◽

Conventional Tillage ◽

Hairy Vetch ◽

Plastic Mulch ◽

Fresh Market ◽

No Till ◽

Nitrogen Inputs ◽

Tomato Genotypes

The use of mulches in vegetable production is undergoing a radical change away from high-input, nonrenewable resources, such as plastic, to the use of high-residue organic mulches from cover crops. The purpose of this study was to compare the marketable yield of various fresh-market tomato genotypes when grown under plastic and hairy vetch mulches. In 1996 and 1997, 12 fresh-market tomato genotypes were evaluated for yield on the North Farm of the Beltsville Agricultural Research Center (BARC), MD in a randomized split-plot design. Tomatoes were grown in conventional tillage plastic mulch (PM) and no-till hairy vetch mulch (HVM). Early blight, caused by Alternaria solani Sor., developed naturally in the plots both years and was recorded over time. All 12 genotypes were susceptible to early blight. Area under the disease progress curve (AUDPC) was calculated for each plot. AUDPC was similar both years. However, the year × mulch and year × mulch × genotype interactions were significant for AUDPC. Adjusting yields for AUDPC had a minimal effect on the data. Overall, yields were similar in PM and HVM both before and after adjusting for AUDPC. However, the mulch × genotype interaction was significant. The yield of eight of the genotypes was significantly higher in the HVM than in the PM system both years, ranging from 12% to 57% higher in 1996 and 10% to 48% higher in 1997. There was no yield difference for one genotype in HVM as compared to PM. The yield in the remaining three genotypes was either higher under HVM than PM or there was no difference. As yields from the HVM system are greater than or equal to yields in the PM system, soil compaction is reduced and nitrogen inputs are lower. The no-till HVM system is at least as good, and often better, than the conventional tillage PM system.

Download Full-text

Nitrogen Requirements of Fresh-market Tomatoes on Hairy Vetch and Black Polyethylene Mulch

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.32.2.217 ◽

1997 ◽

Vol 32 (2) ◽

pp. 217-221 ◽

Cited By ~ 36

Author(s):

Aref A. Abdul-Baki ◽

John R. Teasdale ◽

Ronald F. Korcak

Keyword(s):

Above Ground Biomass ◽

Fertilizer N ◽

Hairy Vetch ◽

Fresh Market ◽

N Content ◽

Ground Biomass ◽

Leaf N Content ◽

N Rates ◽

Polyethylene Mulch ◽

Leaf N

A 3-year experiment was conducted to determine the optimum fertilizer N requirements of fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) `Sunbeam' grown on a hairy vetch (Vicia villosa Roth.) or black polyethylene mulch. In 1993 and 1994, four rates of fertilizer N (0, 56, 112, and 168 kg·ha-1) as water-soluble NH4NO3 were applied in 14 equal applications through the trickle irrigation system starting 1 week after planting. Four additional rates (224, 280, 336, and 392 kg·ha-1) were applied in 1995 to assess the plant response to supra-optimal levels of N. Hairy vetch produced 3.3–4.5 t·ha-1 of above-ground biomass and a total N content of 126–169 kg·ha-1 in the above-ground biomass. Leaf N content at 7 weeks after transplanting of tomatoes correlated positively with yield from black polyethylene but did not correlate with yield from the hairy vetch plots where leaf N content was optimal at all N rates. Predicted tomato yields were higher for the hairy vetch than for the black polyethylene treatment at all applied N rates in all years. Tomatoes grown in black polyethylene required N at 130 to 144 kg·ha-1 to achieve yields equivalent to those grown following unfertilized hairy vetch. Tomato yield increased in response to applied N in both mulches in all 3 years; optimum N rates of 89 and 190 kg·ha-1 in hairy vetch and black polyethylene, respectively, were predicted by a linear plateau model, and 124 and 295 kg·ha-1 by a quadratic plateau model. The linear plateau model is recommended because it would allow less N to become available for runoff and leaching.

Download Full-text

Early Blight Forecasting Systems: Evaluation, Modification, and Validation for Use in Fresh-market Tomato Production in Northern New Jersey

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.40.1.85 ◽

2005 ◽

Vol 40 (1) ◽

pp. 85-93 ◽

Cited By ~ 3

Author(s):

W.P. Cowgill ◽

M.H. Maletta ◽

T. Manning ◽

W.H. Tietjen ◽

S.A. Johnston ◽

...

Keyword(s):

New Jersey ◽

Early Blight ◽

Weather Data ◽

Bacterial Disease ◽

Weekly Schedule ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Foliar Disease ◽

Fungicide Application ◽

Untreated Check ◽

Disease Rating

Research trials, conducted from 1991 to 1998, evaluated early blight forecasting systems for use in fresh-market tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) production in northern New Jersey. Initial trials focused on determining which of three forecast systems—NJ-FAST, CU-FAST, TOM-CAST—would optimize fungicide use. The TOM-CAST system generated fungicide application schedules that reduced foliar disease rating compared to the untreated check and, in 1 year, controlled diseases as well as a weekly schedule with 3 rather than 14 applications. TOM-CAST was easier to use than NJ-FAST or CU-FAST because it required fewer weather data inputs and simpler forecast calculations. Subsequent trials evaluated and defined thresholds for using TOM-CAST in northern New Jersey and evaluated the efficacy of several fungicides with TOM-CAST. Of the six TOM-CAST modifications evaluated, TOM-CAST beginning fungicide applications at 25 cumulative dew severity values (dew SV) and reapplying fungicide at 15 or 25 cumulative dew SV reduced disease rating as much as a weekly schedule in 1995 and 1996 and with fewer applications. After 5 years of trials, decision thresholds for using TOM-CAST in northern New Jersey were chosen and this new version of the forecast system designated NJ-TOM-CAST. It was verified in 1997 and 1998 and shown to generate fungicide application schedules that reduced foliar disease rating compared to the untreated check in both years and as much as the weekly schedule in one year. From 1995 through 1998, the conservative TOM-CAST schedules, TOM-CAST 25-15 or NJ-TOM-CAST, required on average 6 fungicide applications per year compared to weekly schedules that required on average 15 applications per year. In 1996, marketable yield was increased with TOM-CAST scheduled treatment compared to the untreated check and was the same as or greater than yield with weekly treatment. In the other 3 years, fungicide applications, whether applied on a calendar-based or TOM-CAST-based schedule, did not increase marketable yields compared to the untreated check. Fungicides shown to be effective when used with NJ-TOM-CAST schedules included both low cost and new chemistry materials. Copper fungicides, some of which are allowed in organic crop production, did not consistently control fungal diseases when applied on the NJ-TOM-CAST schedule. Applying fungicides on the NJ-TOM-CAST schedule instead of calendar-based schedules did not increase bacterial disease severity. Powdery mildew damage was more severe with NJ-TOM-CAST-scheduled applications than weekly applications in 1 year, affirming the importance of disease monitoring in the field when using NJ-TOM-CAST. By 2000, through a cooperative effort of Rutgers Cooperative Extension and SkyBit, Inc. (Boalsburg, Pa.), a commercial weather service, NJ-TOM-CAST was available to northern New Jersey tomato growers by subscription.

Download Full-text

103 Tomato Cultivation using Black Polyethylene or Hairy Vetch Mulches and Various Foliar Disease Management Systems: Effect on Subsequent Quality of Fresh-cut Slices

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.35.3.406c ◽

2000 ◽

Vol 35 (3) ◽

pp. 406C-406

Author(s):

Ji Heun Hong ◽

Douglas J. Mills ◽

C. Benjamin Coffman ◽

James D. Anderson ◽

Mary J. Camp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Disease Management ◽

Tomato Fruit ◽

Chilling Injury ◽

Soluble Solids ◽

Management Systems ◽

Hairy Vetch ◽

Foliar Disease ◽

Fresh Cut ◽

Polyethylene Mulch

Experiments were conducted to compare changes in quality of slices of red tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill., cv. Sunbeam) fruit from plants grown using black polyethylene or hairy vetch mulches under various foliar disease management systems including: no fungicide applications (NF), a disease forecasting model (Tom-Cast), and weekly fungicide applications (WF), during storage at 5 °C under a modified atmosphere. In this study, we used the fourth uniform slice from the stem end and analyzed for firmness, soluble solids content (SSC), titratable acidity (TA), pH, electrolyte leakage, molds, yeasts and occurrence of water-soaked areas. With both NF and Tom-Cast fungicide treatments, slices from tomato fruit grown with hairy vetch mulch showed greater firmness than those from tomato fruit grown with black polyethylene mulch after 12 d of storage. Ethylene production of slices from tomato fruit grown using hairy vetch mulch under Tom-Cast was about 1.5- and 5-fold higher than that of slices from tomato fruit grown under the WF and NF fungicide treatments after 12 d, respectively. Within each fungicide treatment, slices from tomato fruit grown using hairy vetch mulch showed less chilling injury (water-soaked areas) than those from tomatoes grown using black polyethylene mulch. The percentage of water-soaked areas for slices from tomato fruit grown using black polyethylene mulch under NF was over 7-fold that of slices from tomato fruit grown using hairy vetch under Tom-Cast. These results suggest that, under our conditions, fruit from plants grown using hairy vetch mulch may be more suitable for fresh-cut slices than those grown using black polyethylene mulch.

Download Full-text

Disease Forecasting on Stake Cultured Tomatoes: Defining Decision Thresholds for Use of TOM-CAST in Northern New Jersey

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.31.4.676c ◽

1996 ◽

Vol 31 (4) ◽

pp. 676c-676

Author(s):

M.H. Maletta ◽

W.P. Cowgill ◽

W. Tietjen ◽

S.A. Johnston ◽

P. Nitzsche

Keyword(s):

Disease Control ◽

Untreated Control ◽

Early Blight ◽

Total Yield ◽

Cost Savings ◽

Weather Data ◽

Marketable Yield ◽

Potential Cost ◽

Foliar Disease ◽

Ground Station

Fourteen different fungicide schedules for early blight control, including eight variations of TOM-CAST, were evaluated at the Snyder Research and Extension Farm, Pittstown, N.J. Weather data was collected with Sensor Instruments Field Monitors. All calendar-based schedules—weekly, biweekly, grower simulation—reduced foliar disease compared to the untreated control. All forecast generated schedules—TOM-CAST variations, FAST and CUFAST—reduced foliar disease compared to the untreated control. Several of the forecast schedules resulted in disease ratings not significantly different from those following calendar based schedules or from each other. The fourteen different schedules required as many as sixteen to as few as four fungicide applications. Disease control schedule did not affect total yield, marketable yield and postharvest losses. Disease control with a TOM-CAST generated schedule based on weather data from an electronic meteorological service was not different from disease control obtained with a TOM-CAST schedule based on ground station weather data. Potential cost savings of as much as $295 per acre resulting from reduced fungicide schedules were estimated. Chemical name used: tetrachloroisophtalonitrile (chlorothalonil).

Download Full-text

002 HAIRY VETCH COVER CROP PROVIDES ALL THE NITROGEN REQUIRED BY THE TOMATO CROP

HortScience ◽

10.21273/hortsci.29.5.427b ◽

1994 ◽

Vol 29 (5) ◽

pp. 427b-427

Author(s):

Aref A. Abdul-Baki ◽

John R. Teasdale

Keyword(s):

Chlorophyll Content ◽

Cover Crop ◽

Hairy Vetch ◽

Fresh Weight ◽

Fresh Market ◽

Tomato Crop ◽

Nitrogen Treatment ◽

Nitrogen Treatments ◽

High Yields ◽

Polyethylene Mulch

Nitrogen requirements by fresh-market field tomatoes (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill.) were determined on plants grown in a hairy vetch mulch (HVM) or in black polyethylene mulch (BPM). Nitrogen treatments were 0, 56, 112, and 168 kg/ha delivered weekly through the trickle system. Yields in BPM increased significantly with higher applications of nitrogen from 54 to 91 tons/ha and chlorophyll content of fully expanded leaves increased from 7.8 to 11.3 OD664 per 100 mg fresh weight. In contrast, neither yield nor chlorophyll content of leaves increased significantly by adding nitrogen. The 0 nitrogen treatment in HVM yielded 89 ton/ha and chlorophyll content was 13.5 OD664 making it equivalent to those in BPM that had received 168 kg nitrogen/ha. The results suggest that hairy vetch can provide all the nitrogen required by the subsequent tomato crop and produces high yields and vigorous plants.

Download Full-text