Studies evaluate control options for ornamental plant diseases

Botrytis blight, Phytophthora and Pythium root rot, Thielaviopsis black root rot, downy mildew and powdery mildew are diseases commonly encountered by ornamental plant growers. Mich. St. Univ. plant pathologist Mary Hausbeck and research technician Blair Harlan have done evaluation trials on the effectiveness of labeled and unlabeled products for controlling these diseases. Their studies provide insight on symptoms to look for, how to avoid the diseases, suggested production methods to reduce incidence along with chemical trial results.