- Author: Ben Faber
UC Ag Experts Talk: Understanding effective citrus spray
application through computer simulations
Date: August 21, 2019
Time: 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Contact: Petr Kosina (pkosina@ucanr.edu)
Sponsor: UC Ag Experts Talk
Location: webinar
Event Details
Register in advance for the webinar at https://ucanr.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ch4h2OIIRdG5uNEyUYv3qQ
Pending: 1 DPR hour of 'Other' CE units and 1 CCA hour of IPM CE units
Note: This webinar has no fee.
Sufficient spray deposition or coverage throughout target tree canopies is an ultimate goal of citrus pesticide application. Yet, how to achieve this goal is usually a challenge to growers or applicators under varying field conditions. Dr. Peter Ako Larbi, UCCE assistant specialist for the spray technology will explore this challenge and use computer simulated data to explain how different techniques may be used to optimize deposition for improved pest control. One hour CEU by California DPR (other) and CCA (pest management) is pending.
Event Reminder
- Author: Ben Faber
- Author: Elizabeth Grafton-Cardwell
- Author: Barbara Alonso
The summer issue of Citrograph has just been released, and our outreach project has been featured. Written by Sara García-Figuera, the article discusses our approach for educating citrus stakeholders, researchers, media and the general public about the nationwide technologies being developed to combat the devastating citrus disease – huanglongbing (HLB). Read more about all the tools available to growers and the general public at http://www.citrusresearch.org/uncategorized/citrograph-summer-2019/#more-8369 (pages 28-30)
/span>- Author: Ben Faber
Nick Sakovich, Emeritus Farm Advisor
Dry Root Rot has menaced growers in Ventura County for many years. In the ‘50's and ‘60's it seemed most prevalent on older orange trees. A few years after the wet winter of 1968-69, dry root rot became an increasing problem among citrus trees of all ages. At that time, most of the damaged trees were on sweet rootstock (susceptible to Phytophthora), and growing in fine-textured soils or soils with poor drainage. A few years after another wet winter/spring (of 1983), dry root rot again reared its ugly head, but this time predominately on young lemons.
The disease is caused by the fungus, Fusarium solani. This fungus is most likely present in all citrus soils in California. It is a weak pathogen in that by itself it will not attack a healthy tree. However, experiments conducted in the early 1980's by Dr. Gary Bender, showed that when seedlings were girdled, root invasion occurred. In the field, the fungus can infect trees once gophers have girdled the roots or crown. A Phytophthora infection will also predispose trees to Fusarium, as will asphyxiation. Therefore, the mere presence of the fungus in the orchard soil will not lead to the disease.
Description
Fusarium is a soil borne fungus that invades the root system. Once infected, the entire root will turn reddish-purple to grayish-black. This is in contrast to a Phytophthora infection which, in many cases, will attack only the feeder roots, but when larger roots are infected, only the inner bark is decayed and it does not discolor the wood. In addition, when observing the cross section of a dry root rot infected trunk, a grayishbrown discoloration in the wood tissue can be observed.
Dry root rot is a root disease, but symptoms of the root decline are seen above ground. They are similar to any of the root and crown disorders such as Phytophthora root rot, oak root rot fungus (Armillaria) and gophers. The trees lack vigor, leaves begin to turn yellow and eventually drop (especially in hot weather) causing twig dieback. Finally, the foliage will become so sparse that one will be able to see through the canopy of the tree. A period of two to three years may pass from the time of invasion until noticeable wilt. Many times, the tree will collapse in the summer, after a period of prolonged heat. In the case of dry root rot, the collapse is so rapid that the tree dies with all the leaves still on the tree. When looking for symptoms of dry root rot, keep an eye out for symptoms of other maladies as well — Phytophthora, oak root rot fungus and gophers being the most prevalent.
As mentioned previously, in order for Fusarium to infect a tree, there must be a predisposing factor such as girdling from gopher feeding. However, since many trees collapse from dry root rot without any apparent predisposing factor, there are obviously other factors which we have yet to identify. Therefore, in 1998, a grower survey was developed, along with intensive soil and leaf sampling, to attempt to identify as many new predisposing factors as possible. They might be elements in the soil, either deficiencies or excesses, or specific cultural practices such as irrigation patterns or fertilizer practices. Twenty orchards were identified from which 20 soil and 20 leaf samples were taken in diseased areas and another 20 soil and 20 leaf samples were taken from adjacent healthy areas. The owners or managers of the properties were given a questionnaire to complete regarding a variety of cultural operations. The objective was to identify those factors that would correlate well to trees becoming infected with dry root rot.
Survey Results
Soil analysis - The following laboratory procedures were conducted to see if there was any correlation between the disease and either deficiencies or toxicities of these elements or
conditions: sodium, boron, salt level, pH and soil type (sand, loam, clay). For these elements or conditions, no correlation was found. It would appear that for our sampling sites, these conditions, whether favorable or not (toxic or deficient), did not play a major role in predisposing the tree to dry root rot.
Leaf analysis - The following elements were analyzed for their concentration within the leaf: nitrogen, potassium, phosphate, manganese, magnesium and zinc. Of these, three correlations were found. Zinc and manganese levels were substantially higher in diseased trees. The third correlation showed a potassium deficiency in diseased trees. However, we do not believe that dry root rot is caused by elevated levels of zinc or manganese, or by potassium deficiency, but rather are a result of the disease. Unfortunately, it seems that we have still not identified any elements in leaf analysis that truly correlates and points to a predisposing factor for disease development.
Grower survey - The grower survey included questions on planting site (location, wind, previous crop, fumigation etc.), trees (source, type, rootstock, etc.), and cultural practices (irrigation, fertilization, gophers, history of Phytophthora, water quality, etc). Through statistical analysis it was found that the healthy and diseased sites were significantly different with reference to three conditions or situations: 1.) The presence of Phytophthora in an orchard will increase the chance of those trees succumbing to dry root rot. 2.) Orchards that have been fumigated have a less likely chance of succumbing to dry root rot. 3.) Balled vs. Container Plants -- growers were asked if their trees were balled or container
grown nursery plants. Healthy sites were significantly more likely to have been planted with balled trees (73% vs 33%). The results of this analysis were not strong, but rather they
suggest that there is a relationship between the disease and the type of tree planted - balled or container grown - and suggesting in favor of a balled tree for a healthy orchard.
Control Measures – What Works and What Does Not
Early experiments conducted by Menge, Ohr and Sakovich showed that the following circumstances or operations do not influence the incidence of this disease: fungicidal treatments, wounding the tap root at time of planting, sandy versus clay textured soils, spring versus fall planting and soil mounding.
- In choosing your nursery tree, the choice of rootstock is not important in that, as far as we know, all rootstocks are susceptible to this disease. However, since Phytophthora is a major component in dry root rot development, choosing a rootstock like sweet orange would certainly put those trees in a high risk category. We recommend that growers use Phytophthora resistant rootstocks like C35 or Citrumelo.
- According to the survey, it would be advantageous to fumigate before planting. Methyl bromide, although expensive, is the best fumigant as it is a complete biocide. If one chooses not to fumigate, the alternative would be a number of fungicide/nematicide applications to the newly planted trees. Generally speaking, this may work well with trees planted on a rootstock like Citrumelo or C35.
Phytophthora. Publications written in the 1970's, and again noted by our survey, showed that Phytophthora is a major culprit in the dry root rot complex. To control dry root rot, it is essential that the Phytophthora, when present, be controlled. This can be accomplished by fungicidal treatments, and by the proper application and timing of irrigation water. Overwatering creates a favorable environment for the multiplication of the Phytophthora fungus.
Gophers. It is well known that gopher damage provides entry points for Fusarium. Controlling gophers is an important factor in reducing the potential of infection by Fusarium.
Control
We presently have no direct control for dry root rot. To control the disease, we must control the predisposing factors such as gophers, Phytophthora, poor drainage and over-watering. If the predisposing factor(s) cannot be identified for a given diseased orchard, it will indeed be difficult to control the disease. Two things are certain though: 1.) There are no chemicals to date which will control this disease; and 2.) Presently, there are no rootstocks resistant to the disease.
Hear the latest on DRR with Akif Eskalen – a Webinar, July 24
https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=30658
- Author: Ben Faber
According to the latest USDA Foreign Agricultural Service GAIN Report (Global Agricultural Information Network), the European Union is still a major citrus producing area. EU citrus production is concentrated in the Mediterranean region. Spain and Italy represent the leading EU citrus producers, followed by Greece, Portugal, and Cyprus. For MY (October/September) 2018/19, Post expects overall citrus production to grow mainly in Spain due to favorable weather conditions. The quality of the fruit is forecast to be excellent and EU domestic consumption of citrus may stay flat in 2018/19.
EU lemon production is forecast to grow 10 percent and is stable compared with previous estimates. The overall growth is due to the strong production rise expected in Spain, the largest lemon EU producer. According to the latest data from the Spanish Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries, and Food (MAPA), Spain's 2018/19 lemon production is forecast at 1.1 million MT, an increase of 19 percent compared to the previous year. Favorable weather conditions resulted in good flowering and fruit setting. In addition, in recent years Spain has increased its total planted area for lemons. Fruit quality is forecast to be excellent. ‘Fino' lemon is expected to increase by 14 percent due to the entry of new plantations over the last years. ‘Verna' lemon is expected to rebound; increasing by 90 percent as production of ‘Verna' lemon in the previous season was shorter than normal levels. Spain will continue to consolidate its leading commercial position in Europe with quality and phytosanitary guarantees. Following Argentina, Spain is the second largest lemon producer in the world but the first global exporter of lemons for fresh consumption. Spanish lemon production is concentrated in the regions of Murcia and Valencia, and the Provinces of Malaga and Almeria in Andalusia. ‘Fino' and ‘Verna' are the leading lemon varieties grown in Spain, accounting for 70 and 30 percent of the total production, respectively. The ‘Fino' variety is predominantly used for processing.
So far, Asian Citrus Psyllid and HLB are not a problem in the lemon producing areas of Spain and Italy. Read more about the citrus industry in the European Union – oranges, grapefruit, mandarins, fresh, processed, policy, export issues, MRLs and tariffs. Fascinating stuff and the potential impacts it has on California growers and production.
And what about what's going on in the Moroccan citrus world, right next door to Spain?
- Author: Ben Faber
Citrus Dry Root Rot
This impressive tree collapse is most noticeable after rainy season and the first heat waves after the rains
Citrus Dry Root Rot (July 24, 2019 from 3-4 pm)
Dr. Akif Eskalen, Plant Pathologist, UC Cooperative Extension Specialist, will discuss the symptoms, biology and management of citrus dry root rot. More information to come. One DPR CE unit (other) and one CCA CE unit (IPM) are pending.
Register in advance for the webinars by clicking on the event links above.
And if you missed it
Recording of the Management of Weeds in Citrus Orchards webinar is now available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/DU5bpRnq8DI
Dr. Travis Bean, assistant weed science specialist in UCCE, discussed the importance of weed management in citrus, tree age and variety considerations, scouting and weed identification, cultural and mechanical practices, and pre- and post-emergence herbicides.
Upcoming topics:
- Spray technology for tree crops (August)
- California Red Scale (September)
- Avocado diseases II. (October)
- Use of Plant Growth Regulators in Avocado (December)
Register in advance for the webinars by clicking on the event links above.
Are there Continuing Education units?
When the subject discusses pest or disease management, continuing education units will be requested from DPR (1 unit per session). Participants will pre-register, participate in the webinar and be awarded the unit. The sessions will be recorded and hosted on this web site for future study. However, continuing education units will be awarded only to the participants who attend the live version of the webinar.
Who is involved?
This webinar series is brought to you by Ben Faber (UC ANR Ventura Advisor) and Dr. Beth Grafton-Cardwell (Depart of Entomology UC Riverside Extension Specialist) with the technical support of Petr Kosina (UC IPM Contect Development Supervisor) and Cheryl Reynolds (UC IPM Interactive Learning Developer).