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ARS Home » Pacific West Area » Salinas, California » Crop Improvement and Protection Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #381172
Research Project: Management of Pathogens for Strawberry and Vegetable Production Systems

Location: Crop Improvement and Protection Research

Title: Best practices for reducing risk of soilborne disease through cover cropping

Author
item Henry, Peter

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Other
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/15/2021
Publication Date: 1/15/2021
Citation: Henry, P.M. 2021. Best practices for reducing risk of soilborne disease through cover cropping. Annual Strawberry Production Research Meeting, January 15, 2021 (virtual).

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Cover cropping can improve soil quality by increasing soil organic matter, elevating microbial activity, and augmenting nutrient and water retention. However, if the cover crop is a host for soilborne pathogens, then its cultivation could lead to an increased risk of disease. Here, new research is presented on the ability for cover crops to host Macrophomina phaseolina and impact soil populations of this pathogen. Known risks associated with cover cropping and their impact on populations of Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. fragariae and Verticillium dahliae are also reviewed. Cereals are not good hosts for any of these pathogens and are therefore recommended as an inexpensive option for winter cover cropping after strawberry production.