November - A 2007 Perspective On Diseases

By Steven Koike

“VEGETABLE growing technology is constantly changing,” said Arden Sherf in 1980. His insightful statement rings true today, as 27 years later there are significant changes in technology involving management of vegetable diseases. With recently developed molecular methods, researchers identify genetic sequences and genes of vegetables and the pathogens that afflict them. Such information contributes to a greater depth of understanding of the pathogens attacking our crops.

Change also involves new fungicides that are developed and deployed against pathogens. New products feature novel chemistry, high efficacy at extremely low doses, and less disruption to the environment.

Some things have remained constant since 1980. Emphasis on integrated management, which employs resistant cultivars, fungicides, and other tools, is still a priority today. In 27 years, the pathogens have not gone away. Even now our list of tough targets remains the same as Arden’s list, as we struggle against Fusarium, Verticillium, Phytophthora, downy and powdery mildews, mosaic viruses, and others.

Koike is a plant pathologist with University of California Cooperative Extension and is stationed in the Salinas Valley; stkoike@ucdavis.edu.