Author
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Mazzola, Mark |
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Submitted to: Phytopathology
Publication Type: Abstract Only Publication Acceptance Date: 7/28/2011 Publication Date: 8/1/2011 Citation: Mazzola, M. 2011. Advances in Brassicaceae seed meal formulation and application for replant disease control in organic apple orchards. Phytopathology. 101:S117. Interpretive Summary: Technical Abstract: Brassicaceae seed meals when used independently do not provide uniform and sufficient control of the pathogen complex that incites apple replant disease. Trials were established at multiple sites to evaluate the efficacy of seed meal formulations for control of this disease in organic production systems. When amendments were applied approximately one month prior to planting and tarped with a virtually impermeable film, a Brassica juncea/Sinapis alba seed meal formulation significantly improved apple tree growth and suppressed the target pathogen complex at two (STM and Tukey) of the three orchard sites. At the third site (SR), seed meal amendment resulted in significant phytotoxicity and approximately 40% tree death. Application of the seed meal formulation in the autumn prior to planting at SR orchard resulted in tree growth that was equivalent to that attained in response to pre-plant soil fumigation. The seed meal formulation reduced in-row weed coverage by approximately 85% at the STM orchard and weed suppression was evident at the end of the growing season. These preliminary data indicate that the seed meal formulation may be as or more effective than Telone-C17 fumigation for control of replant disease, but that plant back periods and seasonal application requirements will vary with soil type. |
