Phytophthora
Overview
Phytophthora is a genus of plant-damaging oomycetes, often referred to as water molds, that cause significant diseases in a wide range of crops across the United States and Canada. Notable species include Phytophthora infestans, responsible for late blight in potatoes and tomatoes, and Phytophthora sojae, which causes root and stem rot in soybeans.
These pathogens thrive in wet, poorly drained soils and can lead to substantial yield losses. Effective management includes crop rotation, resistant varieties, proper drainage, and fungicide applications. The economic impact is profound, with millions of dollars lost annually due to reduced yields and increased management costs.
To treat Phytophthora, especially Phytophthora blight, two recommended products available from FBN are Chlorothalonil 6.0lb Value Pick and Fortuna™ 75 WDG Fungicide.
Photo Credit: William M. Brown Jr., Bugwood.org
