Pests and Diseases Archives - Page 4 of 6

Identification of the fungal pathogen causing dry-berry and development of tools for rapid identification

Post author:Abby Clayton-Gearing
Post published:June 29, 2022
Post comments:0 Comments

Dry-berry, a disease of raspberry and blackberry, whereby immature green berries are killed, was first described in British Columbia, Canada in the 1950’s. The pathogen was named Rhizoctonia rubi, and we have made significant progress in reexamining the identity of the pathogen with molecular methods and determining its fungicide sensitivity. We characterized DNA sequences of 14 dry-berry fungal isolates and determined that the fungal pathogen causing dry-berry disease is a novel species of Monilinia, not a Rhizoctonia species as previously thought. This has major implications on the types of fungicides that will best manage the disease. Using these DNA sequences, we are now developing PCR-based tools to rapidly confirm dry-berry disease in less than a day.

New Opportunities for Control of Bindweed in Blackberries

Post author:Abby Clayton-Gearing
Post published:May 2, 2022
Post comments:0 Comments

The objectives of this project were to determine: 1) whether the herbicide Quinclorac can be used to control or suppress bindweed in blackberries without impacting crop performance; and 2) whether a biological control of bindweed, the gall-forming mite Aceria malherbae, can be established in berry fields and used in concert with herbicides to enhance bindweed control. Quinclorac was applied 30 days before harvest, after harvest, and near the first frost in the fall to both EY and AY blackberries, raspberries, and blackberry and raspberry transplants. Quinclorac provided 80 to 90% control of bindweed and did not harm caneberries.

Fungal Populations in PNW cranberries as it Relates to Fruit Rot

Post author:Abby Clayton-Gearing
Post published:October 14, 2021
Post comments:0 Comments

Nitrogen levels in grape must that are either too high or too low can cause sensory and economic issues in the production of fine wine. The amount of available nitrogen during fermentation is key to the healthy formation and reproduction of yeast, and completion of the process to dryness. The major yeast strain that dominates healthy alcoholic fermentation, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, typically produces one molecule of urea, glutamate, and proline from the metabolism of the amino arginine.

Organic Management of Raspberry Root Rot

Post author:Abby Clayton-Gearing
Post published:October 14, 2021
Post comments:0 Comments

There is increased interest among growers to explore organic options for controlling raspberry root rot. Beginning fall 1999, a 3-year study was conducted at WSU Vancouver Research and Extension Unit (VREU) looking at Trichoderma, Gliocladium and manure as possible components of an integrated program for disease control. Untreated control plots and Ridomil applied plots were compared with the organic options. In 2002, a new study was established at this site to further investigate options for controlling root rot organically. These two studies have been carried out on our commercial field of ‘Meeker’ that was established in 1997 on raised beds with drip irrigation.

Biological Control of Spider Mites in Washington Viticulture

Post author:Abby Clayton-Gearing
Post published:August 15, 2021
Post comments:0 Comments

Eliminating the need for season-long vineyard spray control can save growers up to $100 per acre annually in miticide costs (average miticide application cost of $35 per acre). With an estimated 55,000 acres of wine grapes in the state today, reducing miticide applications from three to one can save the industry about $3.5 million annually in pesticide costs, and increase sustainability by building biodiversity and employing integrated pest management (IPM) in vineyards.