destructive fungal infection impacting the roots and crowns of fruit-bearing trees, leading to rot and potential tree death
Effective management of Phytophthora root and crown rots in fruit trees in Ohio involves a combination of cultural practices, resistant tree species selection, and chemical controls.
Cultural Practices:
Water management is critical to prevent Phytophthora diseases since they thrive in overly wet soils. Planting trees on raised beds (6” to 10”) can help improve drainage and avoid deep planting, reducing the risk of root rot[1].
Physical separation of trees by severing root connections between healthy and infected trees can also reduce underground disease spread. This can be achieved by trenching using a vibratory plow at about 5 feet deep to create a buffer zone before removing diseased trees[3].
Improving soil drainage and avoiding prolonged soil saturation by managing irrigation and planting sites carefully is essential in preventing Phytophthora diseases[1][3].
Resistant Tree Species:
While specific resistant fruit tree species against Phytophthora in Ohio are not detailed in the search results, choosing rootstocks and tree varieties known for disease resistance is a recommended approach in Integrated Pest Management (IPM) practices, often advised by local extension services[5]. Consulting Ohio State University Extension or similar local resources is advisable for current recommendations on resistant cultivars for fruit trees[5].
Chemical Control Methods:
The use of preventive and curative fungicides targeted at oomycete pathogens like Phytophthora is effective. Fungicides such as phosphonates (phosphites) and metalaxyl are commonly used to protect roots and crowns from infection, although not explicitly listed in the retrieved results, they are standard in integrated disease management[4].
Regular protectant fungicide sprays applied preventively and rotated with systemic fungicides can help control related foliar fungal diseases and may help reduce inoculum pressure in adjacent environments[4].
Disinfecting tools and equipment during pruning or handling trees can help avoid mechanical spread of the pathogen[1][4].
Summary:
| Aspect | Recommendations for Ohio Fruit Trees | |-------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------| | Cultural Practices | Raised bed planting, good drainage, sever root contacts between trees by trenching | | Resistant Species | Use Phytophthora-resistant rootstocks and cultivars (check local OSU Extension) | | Chemical Control | Preventive and curative fungicide applications; phosphonates, metalaxyl; rotate fungicides |
For precise fungicide recommendations and resistant varieties in Ohio fruit production, Ohio State University Extension resources are highly recommended since they provide region-specific guidance and diagnostics support[5].
This fact sheet was originally published in 2008 by Wayne F. Wilcox from the New York State Agricultural Experiment Station, Cornell University Extension. For the most current fungicide recommendations, commercial growers are referred to Bulletin 506, Midwest Fruit Pest Management Guide.
Soil management practices, such as creating raised beds for better drainage and improving soil structure, can help prevent Phytophthora root and crown rots in fruit trees. In the realm of pest management science, choosing resistant tree species and employing appropriate chemical controls, including preventive and curative fungicides like phosphonates and metalaxyl, are vital in effectively managing Phytophthora diseases. Regular health-and-wellness checks on the fruit trees, including the monitoring of medical-conditions like root and crown rots, are essential for early detection and effective treatment.
