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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Fort Pierce, Florida » U.S. Horticultural Research Laboratory » Subtropical Plant Pathology Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #209071

Title: Efficacy of MidasTM for Control of Nematodes, Pathogens and Weeds in Ornamental Cockscomb (Celosia argentea) Production in Florida

Author
item Burelle, Nancy
item Rosskopf, Erin

Submitted to: American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 3/15/2007
Publication Date: 6/1/2007
Citation: Burelle, N.K., Rosskopf, E.N. 2007. Efficacy of MidasTM for Control of Nematodes, Pathogens and Weeds in Ornamental Cockscomb (Celosia argentea) Production in Florida . American Phytopathological Society Annual Meeting.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: MidasTM (iodomethane:chloropicrin, 50:50) was evaluated for control of root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita), pathogens, and weeds in Celosia argentea in a cut-flower production field in Florida. Midas (224 kg/ha) was compared to methyl bromide:chloropicrin (MeBr, 98:2, 224 kg/ha), and an untreated control. Nematodes, pathogens and weeds were evaluated throughout the season. At 97 DAP nematodes were extracted from roots which were evaluated for galling and disease. Pythium and Fusarium cfu were enumerated on selective media. Midas reduced populations of nematodes in soil compared to the control post-fumigation. At 40 DAP soil nematodes rebounded and were evenly distributed among treatments. At 97 DAP both Midas and MeBr reduced root-knot nematodes in roots and galling, and increased root weight compared to the control, with Midas having higher root weights than MeBr. Stem diameter and height were lowest in the control, while incidence of wilted and stunted plants, and number of Fusarium and Pythium cfu were highest in the control with no differences between fumigants. Number of marketable stems was higher in fumigant treatments than the control. Weed counts and weights were highest in the untreated check throughout the season with no difference between MeBr and Midas. Midas provided nematode, weed and disease control, and Celosia yields comparable to MeBr.